Starting Your Hawaii Home Buying and Hawaii VA Loan Process
It's so much easier to just be proactive in YOUR Military Move to Hawaii especially if you are going to be traveling with your family. You may also need to start on your Hawaii Home Buyer process and need more information on the Hawaii VA Loan process too. It's not easy moving across the Pacific Ocean let alone to a totally different "world" of people. But you can do it with the a little effort, motivation and a great Realtor®!
It's not just about real estate...
.......it's about the community and making your transition just a little bit easier.
In Hawaii Military Relocation | YOUR Military Move to Hawaii PART I I gave you quite a bit of information on the bases around the island of Oahu (which is Honolulu County), getting your pets ready, the diversity of Hawaii, living on an island paradise with little buildable land (therefore, smaller homes) and so forth.
In Hawaii Honolulu Military Relocation -Part II of the Series on YOUR Military Move to Hawaii we discussed options on renting, buying or living on Base Housing and gave you a chart on Honolulu County 2009 BAH so you know what to expect for your Honolulu County Housing Allowance.
Now I bring you PART III of the Series on YOUR Military Move to Hawaii
Starting Your Hawaii Home Buying and Hawaii VA Loan Process
Your "To Do" List in getting ready for your Hawaii Home Buying Process is definitely the next step to being proactive in your Hawaii Military Relocation and Buying Your Hawaii Home. What better way to get it all started so when you arrive you'll be ready to start the Hawaii VA Loan and Hawaii Real Estate Transaction Process
I guaranty that by the time you arrive we'll have it all pinpointed for the type of home and the neighborhoods you are interested in...and ready to go on our showing appointments!
Make sure and not pack all the documents you need for your loan process (you'll have to submit another LES after you arrive and go to finance. Your next monthly LES will reflect your BAH, COLA and so forth) Other documents such as current bank statements, W-2's (all should be obtainable from you're MY PAY site although if they need from two years prior best to have it handy).Now that you're set to start your Hawaii Home Buying Process you'll be able to focus on your standard "To Do" list for a Hawaii Military Relocation.
Stay tuned for PART IV of YOUR Mlitary Move to Hawaii where you'll have a easy to read list of the To Do's to get organized for your move.
Hawaii Military Relocation | YOUR Military Move to Hawaii PART I
Hawaii Honolulu Military Relocation -Part II of the Series on YOUR Military Move to Hawaii
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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs, she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com
Supporting Hawaii Local Businesses!
In Hawaii Military Relocation | YOUR Military Move to Hawaii PART I I gave you information on the being proactive in YOUR Military Move to Hawaii and Hawaii Military Relocations. You now know that there is quite a bit of difference living on an island out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and that the environment and culture are mysterious and diverse and that the homes and land sq/ft are definitely smaller than the Continental United States (the ‘mainland' we call it) so scale down on the household goods!
You also learned that the main Hawaii Military Bases are on the island of Oahu; which is Honolulu County and that you will have to get your pets ready with shots and checkups way before you leave lest they be put in quarantine for a lengthy stay.
Now we have Part II of the Series on YOUR Military Move to Hawaii.
RENTING vs. BUYING your Hawaii Home
Everyone needs a place to live in YOUR Hawaii Relocation to an island paradise. You are still wondering if you'd like to live on base, rent off base or buy a home in Hawaii. Regardless, what you decide you want to be proactive in your search for homes, condos or townhouses or contact your base Community Housing.
Renting a Hawaii Home: You can peruse the listings for rentals on www.ahrn.com which is a great place to get the criteria picked out for what you want to spend. Most likely you want to stay in your BAH range and you can check out Honolulu County 2009 BAH for your criteria. Don't forget to do a budget including your utilities and make sure that if you have a big dog that the complex (if condo/townhouse) allows for or has limitations on the size or kinds of pets. That is one big factor to consider when doing your search. Look for pet friendly buildings and rentals.
Buying a Hawaii Home: You have been Searching for Hawaii Homes and contact me to get more information on how to get started with the real estate transaction process. You have read all about the First-Time Homebuyer Credit Expands and that you will get the regular tax breaks throughout the years you are paying a mortgage and that this year you will be getting an $8,000 tax credit when you file your taxes.....as long as you close on the property BEFORE December 1, 2009. (meaning, Nov. 30 or before!) And just think....that BAH is extra money for housing and yours to invest in your own property.
No matter if you are planning on Renting or Buying a Hawaii Home during your tour of duty here you know that you will not be able to have us hold a rental or a property for sale until you get here. It's just known that with rentals it'll be first come, first served. In home buying it's the same.
In any case, you will need to see the property before making a decision.
So, Searching for Hawaii Homes for sale and searching for rentals on www.ahrn.com is the best thing to do right about now to get started. You'll get an idea on the sq/ft, the neighborhoods and the properties closest to your Hawaii Military Duty Station when you make that Hawaii Military Relocation in the near future. At least you'll be getting prepared with learning about the different neighborhoods, schools, that will be closer to your duty station and more appealing to your idea of the neighborhood you'd love to reside in.
Honolulu County Mililtary Base Housing: The following links provide you with your Base Community Housing contacts and websites to get more info on getting on the list should you decide you just want to live in base housing.
your arrival to have your name placed on a housing list or to be able to get authorization for off-base housing. Be warned that housing lists are sometimes six months or more of waiting. More on TLA here>> NEW ARRIVALS- HousingRegardless of where you decide to reside in Honolulu County you have to admit one thing.
What a life to be living and working in paradise!
Now that you've decided on your options for renting vs. buying vs, base housing you will be able to work on your "TO DO" list.
Stay tuned for Part III of the Series YOUR Military Move to Hawaii.
Also read the start of the series: Hawaii Military Relocation | YOUR Military Move to Hawaii PART I
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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs, she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com
Supporting Hawaii Local Businesses!
Your Hawaii Military Relocation and Move is only PART of making that transition across the Pacific Ocean. There are many other factors to consider such as local area neighborhoods, schools, commute to your Hawaii Military Base and more. Maybe you want to know a little more on the History of the Hawaiian Islands or Hawaii Points of Interest for things to do. You may also considering Buying a Hawaii Home while you are stationed here on the islands and you need more information.
We'll cover all of this - and more -in YOUR Military Move to Hawaii series.
Part I- Six Months Prior to "Moving Across the Pacific Ocean"
Across the Pacific Ocean to Paradise. You are moving to a tropical island in the middle of the Pacific. You already know to expect a smaller land area but that means you'll be living in smaller homes with smaller sq/ft. as well. You'll be living on Oahu with its dense communities and neighborhoods that will appear one after another. The island of Oahu IS Honolulu County with a population of almost a million people and you can read more here>> What You Didn't Know About the Hawaiian Islands
Expect a Totally Different Environment! Keep an open mind for an experience unlike any other you will have in your lifetime. With a wide variety of ethnicities and cultures from all over the world, you will certainly get to experience different foods as well as each culture and their way of living all in one place. From Historic Honolulu to Chinatown to the tourist scene in Waikiki you definitely won't be bored!
Weather and Clothing Wear! Tropical island weather means sun, rain, cooler, warmer, tropical breezes and no snow (except during extreme conditions on the top of Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii (aka Big Island). Wait until you get here to go shopping at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet where they have t-shirts, swim suits, swim shorts, sarongs, shorts, tank tops and everything you need to start your tropical island ‘wardrobe'.
SCALE DOWN on your Household Goods! If you haven't used it for at least six months and it's doesn't have the sentimental value you used to believe then put aside everything you need to have a garage sale or put in storage. Stuff is just stuff and you WILL NOT be able to fit all that ‘stuff' in a smaller home. Prices of homes go according to interior or land sq/ft regardless if it's a rental or you are going to Buy a Hawaii Home.
Getting Your Pets Ready! Hawaii is a rabies free state and our Quarantine laws are strict. You can avoid putting your pet through a long quarantine if you start the process on immunizations and checkups NOW. You can find more information in the Animal Quarantine's Hawaii Rabies Quarantine Brochure (info about pre and post arrival requirements, quarantine station procedures, policies, rules, operations and fees) and the Checklist for Hawaii Resident Pets will give you a quick look at the things you need to do NOW.
Hawaii Home Buying Means Being Proactive! Start by Searching for Hawaii Homes and take a look around the different neighborhoods and their price ranges. When you're ready to have me set you up with your own personal webpage with specific criteria and getting you prequalified with loan officer who is seasoned with Hawaii VA Home Loan Transactions. Also, the Current Hawaii Market Report will give you an update on our current market statistics.
The majority of Hawaii Military Bases are right on this island with Schofield Barracks (Army), Wheeler Army Air Field, Hickam Air Force Base, Pearl Harbor Navy Base, Honolulu Harbor Coast Guard and Kaneohe Marine Corp Air Station being the main bases for each branch of the military. Click on any of the following links for more detailed information on Honolulu County Military Bases, lodging for reservations once you arrive and other useful links.
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Honolulu County Military Bases |
Military Lodging Hawaii |
Other Useful Links:
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Oahu Public Schools, Oahu Public Schools Serving Military, Oahu Private Schools |
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Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Hawaii and Hawaii Marine Newspaper |
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Pearl Harbor Shipyard, US Navy Pacific Fleet Hawaii-Pearl Harborand Hawaii Navy News
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Following is a map with the locations of all Hawaii Honolulu Military Bases on this island.
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs, she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com
Supporting Hawaii Local Businesses!
Waikele Real Estate Market Statistics for Condos- July 2009: Let's start by comparing the Waikele Condo Townhouse sales from June to July of 2009. There were 6 properties sold in June 2009 compared to 10 for July 2009. A little bit of a hike in sales numbers. Waikele Home Sales Prices for June 2009 ranged from $310,000 (2 bedroom townhouse) to $420,00 (2 bdrm luxury townhouses w/ over 1200 sq/ft). In July of 2009 the Waikele townhouse sales prices ranged from $275,000 to $385,000. The following chart shows the current activity from July to present.
Waikele is north of Leeward Oahu and this community started as a Master Planned Community in 1991 with two townhouse complexes. Waikele has now grown to 12-townhouse complexes and 9 single family community and the Waikele Association has its own Rules and Guidelines to follow and an organized community.
Waikele Real Estate Market Statistics for Single Family Homes- July 2009: Let's start by comparing the Waikele home sales from June to July of 2009. There were 5 properties sold in June 2009 compared to 10 for July 2009. Not as many single family homes sold in Waikele for July 2009 so a bit of a drop in sales numbers. Waikele Home Sales Prices for June 2009 ranged from $520,000 to $749,00. In July of 2009 the Waikele homes sales prices ranged from $435,000 to $715,000 and the following chart shows the current activity for July to present.
The lushly landscaped community is complimented by the "Waikele Country Club" located at 94-200 Paioa Place 96797. MANY of the townhomes and communities surround the golf course and the above pictures dipict the beautiful course.
Upcoming events and news for Waikele Country Club:
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Military Special Rate (Activated millitary ID required, Mon~Wed) $40.00 excluding holidays and must be assigned to unit in Hawaii and Active Duty status. |
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Senior Special Rate (Mon~Wed) $40.00 (excluding holidays and must be 60 yrs. plus and Hawaii Resident) |
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Joint Waikele's Plyer Club |
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Waikele CC. Summer Jr. Golf Program (August 1,2009) |
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Hawaii Senior Golf Tournament (August 10th & 11th,2009) |
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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs, she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com
Supporting Hawaii Local Businesses!
What opened next door to Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani Shopping Center?
BLAZIN STEAKS!
On July 10, 2009 we had the privilege of having a wonderful franchise open their doors right next to our office. To tell you the truth, we have a great place to get a great plate lunch at an awesome price!
When *Will Szameitat, the franchise owner of this Blazin' Steaks in Mililani Shopping Center was getting the space ready for opening, we got the chance to peek in and see what was going on.
The end product of all that hard work shows the professional and clean atmosphere that a take- out restaurant should have.
Completely refurbished from head to toe, they opened their doors with a sparkling clean and shiny look to compliment their great tasting food!
At $6 per plate, this is definitely an affordable place to eat with a great selection on the menu. I personally have had ordered a plate a few times with one thing in mind. A salad, rice (I order the brown rice), and either steak or chicken (wide selection of prepared styles too!) for a quick, tasty and affordable lunch at the office.
Don't have time to cook dinner or make your lunch? This IS the place to go for a quick take out!
Call (808) 625-7808.
Blazin' Steaks in the Mililani Shopping Center (95-221 Kipapa Drive, Mililani, HI 96789) is open Monday through Saturdays from 10am to 9pm and on Sundays from 10am to 8pm.
Another great local area business that gets my thumbs up!
*Will Szameitat is also the owner of All-In Hawaii Clothing Company
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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs, she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com
Supporting Hawaii Local Businesses!
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A Hawaii Real Estate and Relocations Blog. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs your best interests are at the core of every transaction.
I was fascinated by the Hawaii Real Estate Industry back in the 70's when my mom went to Hawaii Real Estate School and passed....but never pursued a career in the real estate industry. My dad lasted two weeks in Real Estate School and quit ...claiming that "it's a whole different language and world!". 
Let me be a little transparent for a minute. My passion lies within life itself, the beliefs and values I hold in every aspect of my life transfers to my profession in the real estate industry.
In 2004 my father passed away and he was proud to see how successful I became in Hawaii Real Estate Residential Sales. The last thing he told me was, "Sal, no matter what- your life has to continue".
The passion I have for life, I carry through every transaction.
My husband used to tell me that I got too 'involved' and too 'personal', but as the years passed he saw the difference it made and now says, "That's what makes you a great real estate agent". I asked what he meant and he insisted it's because I take the time to listen to my client's needs. I have the determination to make sure every contingency in our contract is fulfilled. And then some.
This is what I do for you and allows me to sleep very well at night.
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After traveling around the world as a military dependent my parents decided to retire on the island of Oahu in 1967 (my mom is originally from Kauai) and we have been here since.
Past careers include being an Administrative Assistant for a Family Law Attorney and a Structured Supportive Living Skills Program.
My father retired after serving 22 years in the US Navy, my children's father retired from the US Air Force and my son came home in Fall of 2006 after serving on the USS Kitty Hawk in the US Navy.
I know what it's like to relocate to a different place....let alone to a totally different world across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii...Paradise. Knowing and experiencing many a Hawaii Relocation myself gives me additional expertise to assist the Military Relocating to Hawaii.
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Wife of Gary (Networking Engineer for PDC Systems Hawaii, mother of adult children, Michael, Dori and my new son in law Gerardo and proud daughter of Dorothy (who just turned 81 January 2009!)
Regardless if you're buying or selling your home your best interests are at heart.
I give you ....the "Spirit of Aloha" and a listening ear for all YOUR needs!
**Licensed Realtor Associate® in the STATE of HAWAII
Member of:
Relocating to Hawaii? With our warm climate and breathtaking scenery it's no wonder why everyone (including locals) call it "Paradise"! Hawaii is the choice of many people who prefer a tropical setting to live out their retirement years. It also becomes everyones favorite Hawaii Relocation spot when transferring to the military bases in Hawaii including the Schofield Army Base, Wheeler Army Air Field, Pearl Harbor Navy Base, Hickam AFB, or Kaneohe Marine Corp Air Station. Education, Information and a Good Realtor® is The Art of Hawaii Relocations.
Your Military Relocation to Hawaii and Purchasing Your New Home. The following information is basic but pertinent information to go over before you even pack for your transfer and before considering purchasing your Honolulu County (Oahu) home. Moving across the Pacific Ocean to such a diverse culture may be of a shock and you may want to brush up on a few tips to make your transition a smooth one.
Neighborhoods in Honolulu County and Market Report too! An insight into the different neighborhoods and what they have to offer. You will also get current market statistics in each community for which I wrote for that period.
Things to Do, History & Places to See - A three part series for a brief, condensed Points of Interest series to learn a little about our island and our so diverse and full of different cultures and ways of life.
Condo or Townhouse Living: Rules to Follow and Steps to Protect: If you are contemplating downsizing then condo / townhouse living may be an option. With maintenance fees for most associations taking care of the bulk of your homeowner's insurance (common elements), and repairs to the outside, roof, grounds and water/trash and sewere this may just be an option.
History of schools and links to Hawaii's Education System A brief look at the history of Hawaii and its school system as well as researching schools and neighborhoods suitable for your family and their Relocation to Hawaii.
Bottom line is this.
It's not easy moving across the Pacific Ocean let alone to a totally different "world" of people,
but you can do it with a little effort, motivation and a great Realtor®!
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If you're Relocating to Hawaii (regardless if it's near future or just wanting to be proactive for the future) contact me to get started with your search for Hawaii Homes for Sale!
© 2007-2009 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
Part of transitioning from the military to the civilian life was finding the right placeto live. After having gone 
through a couple realtors unsuccessfully, we found Celeste. She treated us with the ohana spirit and made us a priority. She went above and beyond any expectations that we had for her, to help us find our dreamhome. Having a thorough understanding of our wants and needs, she found us ther ight house at theright price very expediently. We love the quite neighborhoodand close access to schools for our children.If you are looking for your dream home, Celeste is the right person for you! Karen and James D.
Thank you so much for all your help. I know I could not have found a better realtor to help me with the sale! It went very smoothly and I thank you for taking care of everything. Mostof all, I also want to thank you for being my friend (not just a realtor). Not a lot of people would take their work beyond business.. Maria M./Khamseng S.
What an amazing experience! Celeste is on top of it in the real estate market. Not only did she offer expert advice and professionalism,she became a great friend. The entire 30 day escrow experience was a smooth transition an never did we wonder what was going on, Celeste kept us up to date throughout the whole thing. Thank you, Sally...we miss you! The Wheeler Family
Sally...You're the best! Thank you so much for finding us not just a house but a home we can call our own. Take care and God Bless. You'll always be our great friend. Thanks! Jorge and Bless Y.
I found Sally on the internet while my fiance was still deployed to Afghanistan. We were preparing for a military relocation to Hawaii........ Sally was amazing! She made our transition to the islands easy and painless. Not only did we find a great Realtor, we made a new friend!"
Shelly and Chris LIVE on VIDEO: A Hawaii Military Relocation Story Comes to Life
Just wanted to inform everyone in the Whole World that Sally is the most knowledgeable, sweet, soft talking, professional, and hard working Realtor I've ever come across. She knew the answer to every question my husband and I asked. We are very pleased with our new home and cant wait to move in (in a few weeks). Sally always told us to keep our cool when the bank was asking for outrageous things that not even our broker was familiar with. But, we got through that with bright flying colors. In the end we are very blessed to have found Sally and have her work as hard as she did for us. Our family is always and will forever be open to her and her family we are family now. We owe her everything for all she has done. Now our transition from Cali to Hawaii will be very smooth without any worries. Thanks a million Sally and to everyone who is reading this Im not taking any other Realtor's thunder but Sally is the BEST and I would recommend her to everyone I know. We can never thank you enough.
Dewan and Keanya
Watch their live video!
A Hawaii First Time Home Buyer - Client Testimonial in VIDEO
Our experience with "Sally" from our initial contact to contract:
For many months leading up to our Hawaii move my wife and I had a number of places that we were interested in seeing upon our arrival to rent. During one of our internet searches we came across Sally's blog about buying real estate in Hawaii and how with her help we could actually buy a house and not throw our money away in rent. We were impressed with her qualifications and most importantly we liked the fact that she really listened to our desires, cared about staying in our budget just as much as we cared, and allowed us enjoy our first weeks in Hawaii without any hassles by doing 95% of the work while constantly keeping us informed.
Thanks to Sally really understanding what we wanted from the beginning we were able to see houses that met our desires and dreams. It was not long before we walked into the house we knew would become our home! With meticulous passion for getting things right all of the paperwork and documents that it takes to buy a home, which had originally kept us hesitating to even try to purchase, was signed and filed appropriately by Sally who also took the time to make us aware of certain steps of the process that we should pay particular attention to. It was obvious from the start Sally had been getting nervous families from the mainland into the Hawaiian community for years and not only planting them into a great house but welcoming them and accepting them into the land of Paradise allowing them to grow as new members in the community.
Our house closed on the exact day Sally said it would and we know that the only reason it did was due to Sally's diligence and passion for getting people what they have always dreamed of. As first time home buyers Sally has given us something we thought we were not going to have for many years. You would be completely short changed if you don't allow Sally to assist you in your move to Hawaii. Give her a call or send an email like I did and I can assure you of an adventure like no other on the face of this planet! Never in our wildest dreams did we think we could ever own a house in Hawaii. A place where people of all countries long to visit or live. Thank you again Sally for the present you have given to our family!
Robert & Zarina
11JAN09
"Sally" was very helpful and patient with us from the get go. She always followed up with us with any updates. She also gave us additional information regarding the units, about the neighborhood and schools, etc. Kudo's to Sally!
Ron and Zeny
(From left, Ron & Zeny (clients), Sally (me), and Bryon Tucker, Loan Officer with Everygreen Home Loans)
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