When it comes to real estate finance, understanding your options is critical to maximizing your investment. For military veterans and active-duty members, one such option is the 3-2-1 VA Buydown, a relatively under-explored but potent tool for saving money in the short-term. One effective strategy to ease into homeownership is the 3-2-1 VA buydown mortgage, […]
VA Loan Assumption: How It Works (Fees, Eligibility, Entitlement) VA loans are assumable with servicer/VA approval. This guide covers who can assume, what it costs, how long it takes, and how sellers protect their entitlement and get a release of liability, without hard-coding rates that go staleVA home loan assumption, also known as a VA […]
When searching for a home in paradise, one of the biggest questions buyers ask is: “Are mortgage rates in Hawaii different from the rest of the U.S.?” The short answer is yes and no. While Hawaii mortgage rates often move in step with national trends, several unique factors—like property type, loan program, and even non-warrantable […]
Your Guide to VA approved condos in Hawai’i To use a VA loan on a Hawaiʻi condo, the project (not just the unit) must be VA-approved. Start with a VA approved condo lookup to create your own approved VA condo list. If the project isn’t listed, your lender can coordinate the VA condo approval process […]
VA home loans are one of the most valuable benefits offered to U.S. service members and veterans, thanks to features like no down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and competitive interest rates. However, there are situations in which VA financing isn’t available or isn’t the best fit—for example, when a borrower has already used […]
VA loan limits in Hawaiʻi for 2025 are higher than most states, but they work differently than many borrowers expect. If you have full VA entitlement, there’s technically no VA loan limit—only lender guidelines. If you have remaining entitlement (due to another active VA loan or a previous default), county loan limits still matter. This […]
Hawaii’s high cost of living and rising interest rates have made it increasingly difficult for families and service members to buy homes. One way to lower monthly payments in paradise is to assume an existing VA mortgage. A VA assumable loan allows a buyer to take over the seller’s mortgage and keep the original interest […]
A home equity loan lets you borrow against your home’s equity, providing a lump sum with fixed interest rates and set loan term. Homeowners typically use it for large expenses like home renovations, debt consolidation or other major purchases. When used wisely, your home’s value can be a powerful financial tool. Whether you’re planning a […]
The average home value in Hawaii is $858,569. Before buying a house in Hawaii, save for a down payment, choose the best financing option and get a home inspection. Click here to read the full article.
New Home Purchase Mortgage Applications Surge 22.2% YoY Demand for new homes remains robust, as reflected in the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Builder Application Survey – showing 22% year-over-year increase in mortgage applications for new home purchases, marking the 11th consecutive annual rise. As some experts note, the ongoing shortage of existing homes for sale […]
Elias Halvorson’s continued goal is to help members, veterans, and their families find stability and success in higher education. Although 2022 was an extremely difficult year in the mortgage industry, Elias has actually increased the scholarship amount. This year we are pleased to announce we will be helping six members of the Hawaii military Ohana […]
For years, those who have bravely served our country have been able to leverage a unique benefit that helps them and their families get a foothold in the housing market. VA Home Loans, one of the best VA loan benefits for military members, such as National Guard, provide incredible opportunities, especially here in Hawaii, where […]
