Can You Buy a Home in Hawaii Using Your BAH? A Guide for Military Buyers on O‘ahu
If you’re PCSing to Oʻahu, one of the first financial decisions you’ll face is this: Should you use your BAH to buy a home in Hawaiʻi — or rent? With high home prices, strong rental demand, and frequent military transfers, buying a home on Oʻahu requires more than just loan approval. It requires strategy. As […]
The Benefits of Buying a Home with a VA Loan: What Active Duty, Veterans, and Disabled Veterans Should Know
The Benefits of Buying a Home with a VA Loan: What Active Duty, Veterans, and Disabled Veterans Should Know For those who have served our country—whether you’re active duty, retired, or a veteran—the VA loan is one of the most valuable homebuying benefits available. Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this program makes […]
Military PCS to Hawaii: What Service Members Should Know Before Buying a Home
What Most Service Members Aren’t Told About a PCS to Hawai‘i An insider’s guide — with all the reasons you’ll end up loving it here. Military PCS orders to Hawai‘i is one of the most requested assignments in the military — and once you’re here, it’s easy to understand why. The culture, the beaches, some […]
What Military Families Should Know Before House-Hunting on O‘ahu
Military orders to Hawai’i are exciting — but can also be overwhelming. Once the PCS date is set, most families jump straight into looking at homes, neighborhoods, and BAH charts… and that’s when the surprises start rolling in. After 20 years in the Coast Guard and helping countless service members relocate to Hawai‘i, I’ve seen […]
Military PCS FAQ: Buying a Home in Hawaiʻi
Military relocations add an extra layer of complexity to buying a home—especially in a market like Hawaiʻi. Below are some of the most common questions service members and their families ask when PCSing to Oʻahu and considering whether to rent or buy. When Does PCS Season Typically Start in Hawaiʻi? PCS activity in Hawaiʻi usually […]
VA Loan Assumptions: What I’ve Learned From Closing 4 of Them
As a retired Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer turned Realtor®, I’ve had the opportunity to guide clients through all kinds of transactions. One of the most unique (and often misunderstood) is the VA loan assumption. While many agents may never touch one, I’ve successfully closed four — two representing sellers and two representing buyers. And […]
Should I Buy a Home in Hawaii with My BAH?
Receiving Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders to Hawaii is an exciting opportunity, and many military members consider purchasing a home instead of renting. One of the most common questions I get is: Should I use my Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to help pay for a mortgage? As with any real estate decision, there’s […]