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Military housing is provided for all service members, whether they’re living on or off base. Although, there may be some exceptions to this rule which you can discuss with a service recruiter. Otherwise, most service members will be able to find housing that fits their needs with the abundance of housing options available on Guam.
Military housing varies by rank, location and family circumstances when you’re living on base, but almost all new recruits typically start their military careers living on base. While in Basic Training, males and females live in separate quarters called barracks. As they move up in rank, they get better housing options to choose from.
Here are 5 important tips to guide you in finding the right rental home and get you settled in.
Decide if you will live on or off base. Military bases can be quite large and living on one is a lot like living in a town. Since Guam is such a small island it is convenient to live off base to enjoy the beauty the island has to offer, and also be within a close commute to work. The on-base experience is much different than living amongst the locals, it is harder to experience the local culture to the fullest extent. If you would like to live off base, the best way to find a place is to get connected with a real estate agent.
Determine your Overseas Housing Allowance. Service members who qualify to live off base are given Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) as part of their compensation. This is a monthly sum of money that takes into account the area’s cost of living as well as a service member’s pay grade and number of dependents. Basically, the housing allowance makes sure that everyone gets what they need to cover their living situation. On Guam, not all houses are qualified for military rentals; there are a certain set of requirements that a house must meet to allow you to spend your OHA. The type and the location of the home will highly depend on the Overseas Housing Allowance granted to the service member. A local real estate agent will help you find a house that meets the requirements and will help you get the most for your allowance!
Choose the area you want to live in. Living off base can be quite pleasant, and Ellen Realty has helped many military members find nice, safe homes off base. You can choose to live in central Guam (Tamuning & Agana area), where everywhere on the island is easily accessible, or you may want a quieter and more spacious place that takes advantage of the beauty of Guam. Luckily Guam is quite a small island and commuting distances are much shorter than what most people are used to in the mainland states.
Living near base is a popular choice, with the time spent commuting being an important issue to many service members. There are a few nice areas near Andersen Air Force Base (AFB) with charming homes. Some of the more popular areas are Paradise Estates, Perez Acres, Perez and Chalan La Chanch. These are just about 5 to 10 minutes from Anderson Air Force Base. Some of the more popular residential areas near Naval Base are Nimitz Hill and Chalan Binadu. These areas boast of a safe neighborhood atmosphere.
For those who prefer to live in the “more happening” area on Guam and being closer to restaurants, bars, & nightlife, the villages of Tumon and Tamuning are perfect for this. This is where many of the hotels are located, with easy access to snorkeling and other water activities in Tumon Bay. Many condos in this area have ocean views, there are also amazing beachfront condos which has unbeatable views and access to amazing beaches. This area is about 20 to 30 minutes away from both Naval Base and Anderson Air Force Base.
For people who prefer to be closer to nature and enjoy the peace and tranquility that Guam has to offer, you might want to consider the southern villages in Guam. Yona, Talofofo, Inajaran, Merizo and Umatac are surrounded by trees, hills and the ocean. The area of Ipan in Talofofo is a popular choice for many families in the service.
Opt to rent based on the length of your station on Guam. Many service members are stationed in an area for only a couple of years, which makes more sense to rent a home. Otherwise, you will have to go through the trouble of finding a buyer once you receive your new Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. Renting a home offers a lot of flexibility and predictable monthly expenses, and someone to handle repairs and maintenance.
Seek the assistance of a seasoned real estate professional. Living off base can seem like a daunting task yet it can be quite rewarding, especially if you’re new to the island. You will make your home search a more enjoyable one by seeking the assistance of a real estate agent. There are so many more benefits and conveniences to having a real estate agent to assist you in finding your home. Here are a few takeaways:
Real estate professionals have immediate access to information regarding available property in specific areas of your choice. They are also abreast of the latest trends and information that people from outside the industry would not usually know of. They will listen carefully to your wants and needs in finding the right rental property and will direct you towards achieving your goal. It saves you a lot of time and money as well, in the long run.
Real estate agents have excellent negotiation skills. It is an agent’s main responsibility to handle every situation in the client’s best interests. They are highly capable in making sure you get the property at the right rental price, in an area of your liking, and with easy access to specific amenities of your preference.
Real estate agents are very familiar with real estate laws and regulations. Contract clauses can be very confusing. A seasoned real estate agent is an expert in translating them in a manner that will benefit the client in the long run. A highly trained real estate professional will be able to find ways around specific situations that will make the transaction as smooth and painless as possible.
Ellen’s Realty has helped find nice and safe homes for many military members through the years. Their real estate agents are well trained and equipped to handle any situation pertaining to real estate transactions. Make your home search a pleasant and exciting one with Ellen’s Realty today.