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Yearly Archives: 2010

Erin Delgado
By Erin Delgado 18th June 2014 0 Comments

PCSing to Hawaii? Tips for Kickstarting Your Hawaii Life

A move to a new location can bring about feelings of excitement, apprehension, enthusiasm, and at any point in time, feelings of being overwhelmed. Military moves are no stranger to those emotions. Not only could you be moving your family across the continent (or world) in a moment’s notice, but once you get orders to your next duty station, the opinions you may hear about the pros and cons of an area come rolling in.

As a military spouse, I’ve felt all of those emotions quite a few times myself. It has always taken me at least a year to feel “familiar” with a new place, and that my husband and I have created a fun, routine lifestyle for our family. Yet, even after two years here, I still know that there is more to do. In Hawaii, I am constantly discovering new activities and places to go, and I don’t think a lifetime could fulfill all there is to see here.

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Lanikai Pillbox Hike
 

Therefore, the last thing we want to do is overwhelm you with too many links, websites, or videos about moving here to the islands. Let’s keep it simple. In this blog, we’d like to highlight some valuable resources and tips to get you started on making the most of your Hawaii military life and enjoying your Oahu experience.

HAWAII LIVING

Base housing, renting, or buying? If you’re on the waiting list for base housing, your next plan might be to rent, but check your 2014 Base Allowance for Housing rate for Honolulu County, then search some of these key real estate sites. There may be properties that peak your Hawaii buying interest!

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Hawaii Home
 

Every month, we like to highlight listed properties for sale and show you how your BAH can help you afford an island condo or single family home. Take a look at the closest towns and cities surrounding Oahu’s military bases to give you an idea of where you’ll be searching. Keep in mind that the current VA Loan Limit for Honolulu County is $721,050!

  • Schofield Barracks/Wheeler Army Airfield
    • Mililani, Wahiawa

NOTE: Do not limit yourselves to these specific neighborhoods when searching for a place to live. There are families stationed at Schofield Barracks, for example, who live in Kapolei at Ko’olina. Be sure to check out the commuting distance from the house you’re looking at to the base you’re assigned to. Military families live everywhere on Oahu!

HAWAII LEARNING

It’s not uncommon to hear opinions for and against Hawaii Public Schools. For over a decade, Honolulu Magazine has published a yearly chart ranking the public schools from best to worst. Let their 2014 Hawaii Public Schools ranking chart help you come to your own conclusions. It’s a great tool to have, along with visiting the schools in person. As a reminder, families can apply for exemptions from their zoned public school to attend a public school of their choosing. We touch on the different public and private school options surrounding each of the three main bases (Schofield, MCBH, JBPHH) in our annual PCS Guides that are free to download.

HAWAII PLAYING

The best place to get started learning about the plethora of activities available for your family on the island of Oahu is at your base Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) or Community Services office. Quite simply, Hawaii’s MWRs rock!

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Hokulea at Kailua Beach
 

In fact, on June 27, 2014, our very own Realtor Relations Director and award-winning singer, Maila Gibson-Bandmann, is performing at the Leilehua Concert Series on Schofield Barracks with her musical partner, Ben Vegas!

AROUND OAHU

Oahu has loads of gorgeous beaches, and you’re bound to spend many weekends cruising the island from Honolulu to the North Shore and Haleiwa Town in search of your new favorite. Fortunately, many military bases provide great locations to first get your toes in the sand. From Hickam Beach where you can relax in the turquoise water, to Marine Corps Base Hawaii’s North Beach and Pyramid Rock where you can watch for green sea turtles and migrating humpback whales.

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Changing station at MCBH’s North Beach by artist and Navy spouse, Sarah Mathos.
 

Drive scenic Highway 72 to Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo where active duty and retired military have the opportunity to rent beach cabins, camp, or simply enjoy a day in the ocean. The Hale Koa “House of the Warrior” hotel in Honolulu is not to be missed. There, you’ll find a picturesque setting on Waikiki Beach with entertainment, dining, and pools. These spots make for wonderful retreats for the military family, especially when mom or dad is deployed and you’re eager for time to pass outside of the home.

HAWAII SHOPPING & EATS

Local businesses demonstrate their support for the military community by extending some great discounts to active duty personnel, their family members, and retirees. Here’s a brief glance at some of those businesses.

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North Shore Surf Shop
 

Finally, I saw a bumper sticker on a car the other day that read, “Not Everyone Here is on Vacation.” It gave me a chuckle, because although it’s true, it should also say, “But the Opportunity to Take a Vacation is Always Here.” In my experience, Hawaii is a magical place that opens its arms for those who are willing to see it for its natural beauty, its diversity, and its ability to make any ordinary day, extraordinary. E komo mai!

If you’re interested in seeing how your VA home loan benefits can work for you, contact us at 808-792-4251 or fill out our online application, and we’ll look forward to talking with you more about island life.

Erin Delgado
By Erin Delgado 29th May 2014 0 Comments

May 2014 Hawaii VA Loans Ambassadors: SSG Derius Outlaw & SSG Renee Outlaw

It is always a privilege to interview military personnel and veterans who are making an impact in our local community. This month proved to double that honor. In this Hawaii VA Loans Ambassador profile, we share the hard work and commitment of two soldiers who are not only excelling in their Army careers here at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, but are also married to each other, and raising three boys – all while duty calls. This Army couple exemplifies what it means to serve, and make a difference here at home, too.

Meet the Outlaws, our May 2014 Hawaii VA Loans Ambassadors.

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As the President and Vice President of Service Members Against Drunk Driving (SADD), SSG Derius Outlaw, 65th Engineer Battalion, and SSG Renee Outlaw, 130th Engineer Brigade, are determined to spread the message about making the right choice when it comes to getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. On call from 11pm – 4am on Fridays, Saturdays, and holiday weekends, a SADD volunteer will pick up service members and spouses of any branch around the island who need assistance in getting home safely as a result of too much drinking.

The Outlaws assert that the all-volunteer service is not a program to encourage drinking. Instead, it is a positive option for Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who find themselves in situations where their simple plans turn complicated. One of the key elements of utilizing the SADD program is that there are no repercussions for military members with their chain of command. Therefore, individuals can readily make the right call, and the right decision.

Let’s hear more from Derius and Renee about their involvement with the SADD program, their military life, and how being a couple in today’s Army works for their family.

How did the Service Members Against Drunk Driving program begin?

Renee: It started within our battalion in 2010. It was actually called Soldiers Against Drunk Driving, and it just kept going throughout the 130th Engineer Brigade. When it got passed along to us last May, we realized that our volunteers weren’t just picking up Soldiers; we were helping Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and their dependents. That’s when we decided to change it to Service Members Against Drunk Driving. That way we can get more volunteers around the island.

What was the catalyst for you two deciding to commit time to this cause?

Renee: Being part of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, we were looked at as being perfect candidates to run the program. It just so happens that the last three sets of leaders who ran SADD were married couples as well, so they were like “Hey, you guys should take it.”

What should service members know about using the program?

Renee: It’s a Plan B. We’re not encouraging anybody to go out and drink without a plan. It’s if you need help, and your designated driver just so happens to start drinking, and Plan A and B fail. We now have our phone number on our Chaplain’s cards, so among all the most important phone numbers you need within your unit, SADD is part of that card, and we give that card to every Soldier at in-process.

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Derius: It’s a plan for right before you get picked up by the police.

Explain how service members can utilize your program should they need assistance.

Renee: They call one of the two phone numbers available right now. We’re still working on expanding to get more phones. Right now, we’re having SADD volunteers go to events to be on standby so that people can get back to the installation or back to their homes safely if need be. That’s a second way that we are starting to implement the program now.

What are some future goals you have for the program?

Derius: As long as it’s expanding and it’s being utilized service-member-wide, that’s our main objective.

Renee: Right now we want to let other units know that SADD is there for them, too. And that people can volunteer from all over, just give me a call and say you’d like to help out.

The Outlaws & Military Life

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How were you both drawn to a career of military service?

Renee: It was a choice we made together. We met in the Marines, then we got out and started our family and realized we needed something more family oriented, so we joined the Army.

Are the Marines mad at you?

Renee (laughs): We got a little bit of heat from that, but it was a choice we made for our family. There are so many family programs in the Army that we felt that we had to take advantage of.

What was the reason for first joining the Marines?

Renee: I just wanted to be a Marine. That was it. I told my mom anything and everything I could to let me join. I was only 17 when I signed the paperwork.

How about you, Derius?

Derius: Yeah, same thing, just to be a Marine was the main reason I joined at 18.

Renee: That’s how we met. We deployed in the Marines together. I think we were in no more than a couple of months and we went to Iraq with the same unit.

You said you’ve been married nine years now?

Derius: Yep, it will be nine soon.

You guys look too young to be married nine years already.

Derius: We both just turned 30!

Renee (laughs): Don’t tell people that!

That’s going to be a direct quote.

Derius: I don’t mind!

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Can you explain more about the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club that you’re part of?

Derius: It’s a club that’s reserved for the most prestigious NCOs, E-4 and above, within the Army. You have to be recommended by someone who’s Audie Murphy from your unit or your First Sergeant, and you have to be a top performer within your unit.

What are the challenges of being a married couple in the military?

Derius: Having to balance the boys and work can be challenging, but it isn’t all that difficult. We’ve been in 12 years now, so it doesn’t seem very difficult being dual military because it’s been so long already. It just seems like the norm. I don’t know what difficult would be.

How important is support from friends and family?

Renee: That’s the basis of it. As long as we have that support, you know both of us just returned from deployment, and we had our family support and my mom came to help out. His mom has come to the island to help out when our training or anything conflicts to where neither of us can be home. That’s the key – to have our family support.

Derius: The units that I’ve been with have been willing to work with me, too.

Renee: When we see the leadership that takes care of us, and in turn, they see that we’re trying hard, we’re pushing forward, and doing great things for the Army, they help us out.

How have you enjoyed being stationed in Hawaii?

Derius: You can’t beat it.

Renee: Living in Hawaii and being able to take advantage of what people save up their whole lives to come out here for – and the military is paying us to live here! We live in Ko’olina, so we take advantage of the lagoons, the luaus, and the beaches, anything we can. We have our last couple of months here, so we’re trying.

What are some things you are going to miss?

Derius and Renee: The weather.

Renee: We’re moving to Missouri next, so we know what we’re in for – cold weather and snow!

Mahalo to our May Ambassadors, SSG Derius Outlaw and SSG Renee Outlaw, for giving us insight into the workings of the Service Member Against Drunk Driving program and for sharing details of their military life with us! They have certainly made a wonderful impact on the Hawaii community with their many contributions as Soldiers and as a family unit. Their dedication and willingness to help others truly embodies the Hawaii VA Loans spirit. Aloha and best of luck to them on their next assignment in Missouri! Hawaii will miss you.

Via Hawaii Army Weekly:

Designated drivers with the Service Members Against Drunk Driving (SADD) program are available 11 p.m.-4 a.m., Friday-Saturday and holiday weekends, to give service members and spouses a free, confidential ride back to their residence or installation should they find themselves without a designated driver after a night of too much drinking.

Call (808) 377-0549 or (808) 224-1907

To volunteer to become a SADD driver, call SSG Renee Outlaw at (818) 359-3825

 

Jim Owens
By Jim Owens 21st May 2014 0 Comments

VA Appraisal Red Flag Issues – Part II

In our first installment, Top 5 Property Red Flags on a VA Appraisal, we discussed the VA’s Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) and what property issues have been known to arise, as well as their solutions. In Part II, we will discuss some additional red flags that can occur in the VA appraisal process.

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These particular issues aren’t common in and of themselves, but when combined, do occur with relative frequency. Rarely will they prevent the loan from closing, but there is often extra work and time involved. Our goal is to make sure you’re informed and ready, should you see one of these issues affect your future VA financing timeline.

Onward we go! Don’t forget to grab a snack!

1. Private Roadway: Update! As of November 25, 2022, the VA announced that private roads and shared driveways no longer require maintenance agreements to obtain VA loan financing. Read more here.

Occasionally a property can only be accessed via a privately owned road or driveway. This is typically more common for recently built condominiums or properties located in rural areas where long driveways and non-city and county maintained roads are plentiful.

Private Road (800x532)

The VA is primarily concerned that the homeowner has continued, reliable access to the property. In order for that to be assured, the following must be documented:

  • The property must be provided with a safe and adequate pedestrian or vehicular access from a public or private street.
  • The private streets must:
  1. be protected by a permanent easement
  2. be maintained by a homeowners association or joint maintenance agreement
  3. have an all-weather surface

Solution

Depending upon the property type, there are typically two ways to solve the problem:

  1. For condos & PUDs (Planned Unit Developments), the CC&R’s (Conditions, Covenants & Restrictions) often define how the private road will be maintained. Gathering that will satisfy the condition.
  2. For single family homes with shared access to or ownership of a private road, the process may vary case by case. The typical solution is to obtain a copy of the easement & the road maintenance agreement (typically found in the title documents for the roadway parcel).

2. Legal Non-Conforming Properties

A legal non-conforming property is a property that does not conform to current zoning rules, but does remain legal in its current form. It often occurs because a property was built prior to changes in zoning and no longer complies with the current rules.

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Solution

The appraiser will often comment on this directly in the appraisal. However, there are times when the appraiser is not able to address the issue. In that case, we may need to obtain a rebuild letter (aka “burn down” letter) from the City & County. The process can take weeks, so this is not the ideal solution. Sometimes, through research, we can determine what is allowed within the zoning ordinances and make a determination and document the file that way.

Planned Unit Developments are often used as a way to allow for homes to be built without changing the zoning of surrounding areas. In that case, every home in the PUD may be legal non-conforming. The PUD organizing documents can be used to prove that the property can be rebuilt.

3. Cesspools / Septic Tanks

The VA requires that properties be connected to a public or community water and sewer disposal system whenever possible. However, that is not always possible in rural locations. In those instances, the VA will allow for individual sewage systems to be used for the property.

Solution

In order for the VA to sign off and provide a guarantee for one of these types of properties, the lender must be able to document that the individual sewage system is legal and not a public health hazard.

Here’s how to address the issue:

  • Submit a written “Public Information Request” from the Department of Health Wastewater Branch asking for a letter or some kind of documentation to show that “the existing cesspool is considered to be ‘grandfathered’ and approved for use.” We have sample letters that have worked in the past for this.

4. Catchment Water Supply Systems

Until recently, any Hawaii home using a catchment system was ineligible for VA financing. Pressure from veterans and lawmakers encouraged the DOH to revise their opinion. As of late 2013, properties using a catchment system for their water supply may now be eligible for the VA program.

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Solution

To determine eligibility, the system in question must undergo water quality testing and analysis to ensure that the water supply meets EPA standards for drinking water.

The testing analyzes four items:

  1. Turbidity
  2. E. Coli
  3. Lead
  4. Copper

There are local testing and analysis resources available. The process takes about 2-3 weeks and costs about $450.

5. New Construction

Any home built within the past 12 months and never owner occupied is considered “new construction” by the VA and has additional requirements.

New Construction (800x534)

  • The initial appraisal may be done on a model home and the final inspection will be done on the actual unit/home once the “Certificate of Occupancy” has been completed.
  • Builders must have, or must obtain, a VA Builder ID and must offer a long term warranty to the homebuyer. Note: there is a chance for exception of the warranty requirement.
  • Initial developers of a parcel may need to certify a collection of information relative to the property location, clearing and grading.

Now that you’re “in the know” about the possible issues that can arise when seeking VA financing on certain properties, you will be better prepared to face them. What we also hope you take away from reading our VA Appraisal Red Flags blog series is that our team is experienced and ready to work with you toward your goal of home ownership, come what may!

If you’re interested in learning more about your VA home loan benefits, fill out our online application. We look forward to hearing from you!

Erin Delgado
By Erin Delgado 14th May 2014 0 Comments

Hawaii VA Loans Pros Awarded Best in Real Estate Hawaii 2014

The outstanding news came this April for Hawaii VA Loans team members Jim Owens and Brenda Carr, who were awarded Honolulu Magazine’s 2014 Top Mortgage Professionals in Hawaii! According to the publication’s description of their annual “Best in Real Estate” list, both customers and colleagues were surveyed in order to determine the top 6% of licensed professionals. Congratulations to Brenda and Jim for being among Hawaii’s highest ranked mortgage pros!

This is not the first year that a Hawaii VA Loans team member has been awarded as one of Honolulu Magazine’s Top Mortgage Professionals. President Gabe Amey received the distinction in 2013!

At Hawaii VA Loans we are honored to represent the best of the best in Hawaii, and we look forward to continuing to demonstrate our passion for helping veterans become homeowners.

Brenda Carr
By Brenda Carr 29th April 2014 0 Comments

BAH Breakdown: What Can Your Housing Allowance Buy?

Aloha, military service members! Here at Hawaii VA Loans, one of our goals is to be your go-to, trustworthy resource for information on home buying and the VA loan process. In order for us to achieve that, we think it is important to break it down for you. Not in dance moves, but in data, BAH style. We’ll leave the break dancing to you – for after you sign those closing papers.

What can your BAH buy?

Let’s imagine that you have just arrived to Oahu island for your next tour of duty. Your spouse, kids, and pets have all made it safely, but oh, what a move! You’re expecting household goods soon, you have your cars coming in, and the kids need to get enrolled in school. Not to mention you have to report to work soon! Wouldn’t it be nice to find a private, spacious home in excellent condition? You know, a worry, hassle free place – perfect for enjoying the next few years of island living! This immaculate Ewa Beach home in Ocean Pointe takes the stress away from your PCS and welcomes you to Hawaii with just the perfect amount of aloha!

This three bedroom home with its calm colors and brand new stainless steel kitchen appliances is just minutes away from Laulani Village Shopping Center – a convenient distance for your grocery and household needs (or for picking up a cup of joe and grabbing a bite for lunch!). It’s also in close proximity to U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barber’s Point and a relatively short commute (~30 mins) to Wheeler Army Airfield, Schofield Barracks, Pearl Harbor/Hickam, and Fort Shafter.

Check out that extra work space just right for working from home or homework time.

The two and a half bathrooms are in tip-top shape.

The backyard space is ready to be enjoyed and ready to be made your own!

The BAH Breakdown

Where: 91-1008 Kaianae Street, Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Bases nearby: U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barber’s Point – 6.3 miles; Schofield Barracks – 14.5 miles; Joint Base Pearl Harbor/Hickam – 17.1 miles; Wheeler Army Airfield – 13.6 miles
Property type: Detached Single Family
Asking price: $660,000
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Square footage: 1,846
Schools: Ewa Beach Elementary School, Ewa Makai Middle School, Campbell High School

Rates

  • Interest rate: 4.125%
  • APR: 4.150%

Payments

  • Principal and Interest (includes VA funding fee of 2.15%) = $3,199.00
  • Insurance = $175
  • Property Tax = $164
  • HOA Fee = $82

Total estimated monthly payment = $3,620.00

The 2014 BAH Rates support the ability for many active duty ranks to afford this property.  For E-9, W-4 to W-5, O-3E, and O-4 and above, this property will be covered by your Base Allowance for Housing. The BAH rates for ranks of W-3 and O-3 fall just under this property’s total monthly payment, and could still be affordable.

Do you like what you see? For more information about this property, contact Cathy Possedi R(S), Hawai’i Life Real Estate Brokers. at (808) 728-5696.

Would you like to find out if you qualify for this purchase price? Fill out this online application or contact VA Loan Specialist, Brenda Carr at (808) 792-4247.

Gabe Amey
By Gabe Amey 15th April 2014 0 Comments

Top 5 Red Flags on a VA Appraisal

Alright! You’ve been pre-approved for a VA Loan, have scoured property listings with your agent, and have finally had an offer accepted on a home you love. You’re ready to go ahead with your VA financing! One of the steps is having a VA appraisal completed on the home. Not only will the appraiser validate the value of the property, they will also ensure that the property meets VA’s Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs).

MPRs are set in place to protect the veteran from purchasing a home of substandard quality and to ensure the VA is guaranteeing a home that does not become a money pit of repairs for the new homeowner. Essentially, MPRs have your back.

Over the years we’ve seen hundreds of VA appraisals – the good, the bad and the downright ugly. Here’s our list of the top five property issues that we’ve seen VA appraisers point out. Each of these issues needed to be addressed prior to the closing of the VA Loan.

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1. Dry Rot & Termite Damage

Dry rot is a term given to wood rot decay in which fungi inhabits the wood and essentially deteriorates the wood from the inside out. Eventually the decay can cause instability and potentially compromise the integrity of the overall structure.

All VA Loans require a termite inspection report usually completed at the end of the transaction. Often times, any evidence of termites or termite damage may be identified by the appraiser earlier in the loan process.

Solution:

If the appraiser takes a picture of the dry rot or termite damage, the area will need to be repaired by replacing the decayed wood.  Once completed, the VA appraiser will do a re-inspection to confirm the repair.

For termite damage, if termite droppings or live infestation are noted, a termite inspector will recommend whether a spot treatment or a fumigation is needed. These treatments must be completed prior to close of escrow.

2. Water Stains

Visual evidence of water stains are a cause of concern because they are indicators of potentially bigger issues and are definitely something a VA appraiser will point out on their appraisal report. Water stains may indicate the possibility of an ongoing leak which needs to be addressed.

Solution:

Anytime a water stain is mentioned on an appraisal, a licensed contractor, plumber or a home inspector will need identify the source of the water stain and indicate whether or not there is an ongoing leak.

If so, the leak must be repaired and certified via a written letter (on letterhead) by the licensed contractor, plumber or home inspector.

3. Peeling or Cracking Paint

Peeling paint may seem like a minor issue, but if the home was built prior to 1978, a VA appraiser, according to VA Lender Handbook (12.06 Hazards and Defective Conditions), must assume the conditions involves lead-based paint.

Solution:

The VA appraiser must recommend a correction and in most cases require treatment by thoroughly washing or scraping all cracking, peeling, and chipping loose paint. Then the area(s) will need to repainted with two coats of a suitable non-leaded paint.

4. Non-Permitted Improvements

UPDATED 8.3.17: As of July 10, 2017, appraisals with permit issues (as long as they meet the VA’s Minimum Property Requirements) will be issued “As is.” This means that the lack of an existing permit for an addition or improvement will not prevent a home from obtaining VA financing, and it will no longer be necessary to obtain a VA waiver for homes that were not properly permitted. However, the appraiser will not give value to the non-permitted area. Read more HERE.

Therefore, the information below does not reflect the new guidelines for non-permitted additions. Instead, go here: https://hawaiivaloans.com/new-non-permitted/.

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Unfortunately, here in Hawaii, it’s quite common for the homeowner to skip the permitting process when adding that cool sundeck, and that can pose a big problem when trying to sell that property to a VA eligible buyer.

Recently we had a situation in which the sellers had installed a wooden deck to serve as the foundation for a gazebo.  In this case, the homeowner failed to apply for a permit for the wooden deck.

Solution:

As discussed on this blog before, there are two ways to deal with non-permitted improvements:

  1. remove the non-permitted addition, or
  2. get retroactive permits

Removing the addition is usually the quicker route, just remember that the value of the home may decrease with removal of that addition.

In this particular scenario, the homeowner did just that and removed the deck and gazebo from the premises.

While removing a sundeck could be a viable option, removing a non-permitted rock wall or fourth bedroom may not be feasible. In this case, getting retroactive permits is the way to go. Make sure you factor the additional time obtaining a retroactive permit will take (approximately 4-8 weeks).

5. Safety Hazards

General issues that pose a potential safety hazard will always be cause for concern with VA appraisals.  Here are a few that we’ve recently dealt with:

Foundation & Settlement Issues

Severe cracking noticed in the foundation or in walls is an indication of possible continuing settlement.

Solution:

A licensed contractor or structural engineer would need to inspect these issues to determine if:

  1. there is indeed settlement issues present, and
  2. the cracks evidenced pose a threat to the structural integrity of the dwelling.

If any of the above is answered yes, those issues would need to be remedied prior to the lender funding the VA Loan.

Grading Issues:

In another case, a condo development was built within the slope of a hillside.

The sheer height and close proximity of the hillside was cause for concern for the VA appraiser which is why it was mentioned on the appraisal.

Solution:

The VA Department was aware of this issue and required the Veteran home buyer sign a statement acknowledging that they are aware of the potential hazard the proximity of the hillside could cause.  In addition, if any damages would occur as a result of that hillside, there may be a special assessment which will increase the monthly maintenance fee costs associated with the property.

Regardless of what the VA says on these issues, the mortgage lender still needs to be comfortable with the property. Therefore, they may make their own determination of the risk in making the loan.

Electrical Hazards: 

In this final case, the VA appraiser noted that a bathroom’s only light and ventilation came from a plugged in light stand and desk fan, connected by an extension cord running across the basin.

Solution:

In this case, the VA appraiser recommended the homeowner install a ceiling fan/light to avoid potential electrical hazards caused by the extension cord near water.

Now, after reading about all of the VA appraisal issues we’ve encountered, you may be thinking, “Are they trying to scare me?!” On the contrary, we believe a vital part of our job is to keep you informed on ALL aspects of the VA Loan process. Remember, not all of these issues occur all of the time, and they have their solutions. Our Hawaii VA Loans team is experienced and prepared to handle every aspect of the VA home buying process.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the appraisal process is part of the VA’s mission to protect you, our service men and women, from closing on a home that could be a risk to your well-being, as well as a risk to your future pocketbook.

Be sure to check out Part II of our VA Appraisal Red Flags series where we cover more property issues and their solutions. If you’re interested in seeing how you can use your VA home loan benefits, fill out our online application. We look forward to working with you!