For any of you who don't know, Brunswick Naval Air Station, or BNAS, is scheduled to close beginning in 2009. I could get into a very long discussion of my feelings regarding the closure, but that won't help anything. So rather than grumbling, I've started looking for ways to help those who are going to be affected by the closure. Keep in mind that these are military people who aren't easily upset. As military families they have been through the fire! As the wife of a former Army guy, I've been through that same fire! We're moving in 2 weeks? Okay... Our children will be in a new school for the 3rd time this year? Been there.... You're going first and I have to stay here and sell the house? Done that.. My point is that these families are very resilient, but this base closure has them worried. In talking with the many military families who bought homes when they were assigned to BNAS, I've noticed that the common theme seem to be concerns that they're not going to be able to sell their homes when the big "pullout" begins. I do reassure them that the closure is going to happen gradually over several years, that we have people moving into the area all the time, and that houses that are priced at market value are selling quickly. But, understandably, people still have concerns. So for those of you who are concerned, let me introduce you to HAP!
HAP stands for "Homeowners Assistance Program"... you know how the military loves it's acronyms! HAP is a program created by the Department of Defense and run by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. It is designed to help people who face a financial loss in selling their homes due to a base realignment or closure. How does it help? Well, if you try everything and your house does not sell, the government will acquire your house. Basically you must first place your home on the market and try to sell it. You can use a Realtor, try to sell it yourself, whatever makes you happy. But you must try to sell it for the best price possible! If you can't sell it, then HAP steps in. Now as with any government program, there are certain requirements to meet, forms to have with you, and papers to fill out. My recommendation is that you visit their website http://hap.usace.army.mil/. This will give you a general idea of what the program is about and how to make sure you follow the proper steps in order to take advantage of it. Once you have a general idea, give The Hershey Home Team a call! We'd be more than happy to explain the program, go over the required paperwork, and help you get the ball rolling. We don't want to see you leave...you are a valued member of our community. But if you must go, give us a call and we'll make it as painless as possible! And aways remember, we'll manage your rental too! HAP HAP HOORAY!
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Maine Real Estate Broker specializing in residential properties in MidCoast Maine. Emphasis on waterfront homes, vacation and investment properties, military relocation, and first time home buyers.
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Hello Barbara,
Good reassurance for those relocating that must sell their home. You will be a good resource for these people.
Cynthia: I think that most people will be able to sell their home without assistance, but this will definitely come in handy if they can't! Thanks for stopping by!
Barbara, This is a real prblem and I love to see your compassion showing. As an old Army guy myself, I can surely relate. Jerry
Jerry: An old Army guy, huh? Then I don't have to tell you what it's like to move as soon as you've hung the last set of curtains in the new house! lol During my husband's career in the Army we moved on average every 2 years! But luckily it was never a result of a base closure. So, like you, I do feel for these families! Hopefully we can make use of every program out there to make it a happy ending for all involved! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hi Again! Yup, spent 26 years in the Army and generally it was a great career. I loved the excitement and yes, the 29 moves that it gave us! All served to round out a family's experience getting to know the world. But then, I am Sagittarius and when I married Sam, I told her she would need to keep her bags packed! Boy, did that turn out to be the truth.
Anyway, everyone will survive their Brunswick experience. It is said, "Everything will be OK in the end, and if it's not OK, that just means it's not yet the end." Jerry
Jerry: 29 times? Wow...you have us beat! We did 22 years...and I include myself even though I was "just" a dependent...and relocated about 11 times. And you're right....my kids have been places and seen things that their friends have only read about. So it was a great experience for all of us!
I LOVE that quote! Mind if I borrow it? I'm sure it will make a lot of people feel better! And Thanks for all the resources you've directed me to...your help is greatly appreciated!
Hi Barbara, Borrow away as long as I can call you my friend?
I always said that military kids were either going to be no darned good or world beaters. Seems the kids were either able to cope with the constant change or they weren't. Those that could are tremendous citizens. Those that couldn't are . . . . . ! Oh Yes, and By the Way, MOST military kids are of the coping kind. Few of the others. Jerry
Deal! I never turn down a chance to have a new friend!
I agree! I think military kids are quite confident and adjust easily to new situations...they pretty much have to! But I think it will serve them well later in life! We've been retired for 3 years...in Maine for 5..and my kids are already getting itchy feet. But I'm never moving again, so they'll have to satisfy their wanderlust during their college years! My daughter is actually looking at a college in your neck of the woods for a Marine Biology major. And of course I have to preview it with her....:) So maybe I'll see you in 2 years! Have a great night!
Hi Barbara, Lots of great Marine Biology schools here. I will look forward to meeting you in Hawaii in a couple of years. Aloha, Jerry