Ka'ulu by Gentry uses a lottery-based sales system to give every qualified buyer a fair chance at purchasing a home. Whether you are applying for a market-priced single-family home or a reserved housing townhome, the process follows a structured timeline that begins well before construction is complete. Here is how it works from start to finish.

Why Ka'ulu Uses a Lottery System

Ka'ulu by Gentry releases homes in phases rather than all at once. Because demand typically exceeds supply in each phase, Gentry uses a lottery to determine the order in which buyers can select their homes. This keeps the process transparent and gives every qualified applicant an equal opportunity regardless of when they submitted their paperwork.

Step One: Get Pre-Qualified with an Approved Lender

Before you can enter the lottery, you need a pre-qualification letter from a project-approved lender. Gentry maintains a list of approved lenders who are familiar with the community and the specific financing requirements. Your buyer's agent can help connect you with the right lender. If you are using a VA loan, confirm that the lender handles VA financing for Ka'ulu since the community is VA-approved.

Step Two: Submit Your Application Before the Deadline

Each phase has a strict application deadline. You must submit your completed housing application, owner-occupant affidavit, and pre-qualification letter to the Ka'ulu Sales Office before the deadline. Applications can be hand-delivered to the sales center at 91-1101 Franklin D. Roosevelt Avenue in Kalaeloa. Missing the deadline means you cannot participate in that phase's lottery. Your buyer's agent should track upcoming releases so you are prepared.

Step Three: Lottery Day

On lottery day, Gentry conducts a closed lottery where applicant names are drawn randomly to establish the selection order. You must be available by phone during the lottery window, which typically runs from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If your name is drawn and you do not answer, the sales team will leave a message and you have five minutes to return the call. The entire process is recorded for transparency and validity.

Step Four: Home Selection and Deposit

When your name is called during the lottery, you choose from the available homes in that phase. You select your preferred lot and floor plan based on what remains. Once you make your selection, you must sign a reservation agreement and submit a deposit. For market-priced homes, expect an initial deposit of around two percent of the base price. Reserved housing units require a smaller deposit of approximately $1,500. If your preferred plan or lot is not available, you can be placed on a backup list.

Market vs. Reserved Housing Lottery Differences

Ka'ulu runs separate lotteries for market-priced units and HCDA reserved housing units. Market buyers can purchase single-family homes and townhomes at full market pricing. Reserved housing applicants must meet income and asset requirements set by HCDA, with eligibility capped at 140 percent of Oahu's area median income. Reserved housing townhomes also come with a five-year regulated resale period, which is shorter than the ten-year period found at most other new developments on Oahu. Both tracks require an owner-occupant commitment.

Tips for a Successful Ka'ulu Lottery Application

Register with your buyer's agent before visiting the sales office so the developer recognizes your representation from day one. Get pre-qualified early and have all documents notarized well before the deadline. Know which floor plans interest you and have a backup choice ready. Keep your phone charged and nearby on lottery day. If you do not win a spot in one phase, you can reapply for the next phase when it opens.

Ready to Enter the Next Ka'ulu Lottery?

Kristy & Austin Home Group helps buyers navigate the Ka'ulu lottery from pre-qualification through closing. We track upcoming phase releases, connect you with approved lenders, and make sure your application is complete before the deadline. Contact us to get started before the next lottery opens.

Kristy & Austin Home Group — Guiding You Home With Aloha. Talk Realty | Mililani, Hawaii | kahomegroup.com