u/Fit-Media5060

I live in a VHCOL area (Oahu) where most homes are $650K+. Right now, the only thing I can comfortably afford with today’s interest rates is an older 1BR condo from the 1980s, which runs around $300–400K.

I’d really like to get at least a 2BR, but those are typically around $550K, which is difficult for me to afford at current rates.

I’m a veteran and eligible for a VA loan. Based on my research, I may be able to make a 2BR work if I find a property with an assumable VA mortgage at a much lower interest rate. The issue is that I’m not sure how realistic this strategy is, or whether a realtor would take me seriously as a buyer.

My finances are:

• $130K in cash savings, projected to be around $170K by the end of the year
• $140K annual salary

• ⁠No loans, credit score is in the 800s
• credit cards are paid off every month

• Single income earner
• In my 30s
• Veteran / VA loan eligible

I have a good amount saved and feel financially stable, but I’m concerned that the $550K price point will make realtors think I’m not a serious buyer because I’m relying on an assumable mortgage to make the numbers work.

Would you consider someone in my financial position a serious buyer?

We have a hermann's tortoise that we need to rehome since my mom can't take care of him anymore and we're looking for an organization to surrender it to. We were supposed to surrender him to a sanctuary in California but they had some setbacks and can't take him anymore.

He's about 6-7 years old, probably weighs around 5lbs and is a very loving tortoise. We live in New Jesey and already have a shipping box from redlineshipping.

As much as we want to keep him, he deserves to have a better quality of life. We prefer a sactuary that have an outdoor space big enough so he can roam around and dig as he want. Any recommendations is appreciated!