Oahu Home Buyer Tips Archives -

FAQ About Moving to Oahu

April 6, 2016 by Maureen Fukumoto Leave a Comment

If you’re considering a move to Oahu there are some key questions that we get asked a lot in the real estate business. In are some questions that you should be asking that you may not realize are important when moving to the islands.

#1. Is it better to rent or buy?

This all depends on how long you’re planning to live here. If you’re planning on staying for at least five years than buying would be the best option. Renting is just as expensive as buying but if you’re only living here for about a year it probably would be best to rent. It would cost you more money in selling costs and you may lose some equity by owning a home for such a short. Of time. But if you’re planning on staying a while, having that mortgage payment be just as much is rent can actually pay you back in equity over those few years. More on Renting or Buying…

#2. Can I bring my pets?

This is something that a lot of newbies to why don’t realize. Hawaii has some of the strictest quarantine requirements in the country. You may be required to quarantine your pet for 90 days but if you plan it right you can have a five day release or immediate release but be sure to understand all of Hawaii’s rules about pet quarantine when you move to the island. More about Pets on the Island…

#3. Buy your favorites when you see them.

Have a favor coffee creamer, toothpaste or wine? Because just about everything needs to be shipped over from the mainland we run out of a lot of things so when you find one of your favorite products it’s best to stock up on a few items because it could be a while before you see them again.

#4. Is the traffic really that bad?

Yes. Oahu traffic can be extremely tough. According to a recent article by the Huffington Post that stated the average Honolulu resident will sit in traffic jams for 58 hours annually. However, by choosing a home on the North Shore or in the center of the island such as Mililani and similar towns you can avoid a lot of the traffic, especially if you don’t travel to Honolulu and Waikiki that often. More on Oahu Traffic…

#5. I’ve heard there’s been power outages. Is this true?

Power outages are not uncommon on Oahu. Consistent Internet connections and power outages are frequent you want to make sure that you have a backup energy source of possible.

#6. Will my allergies get better?

Actually, the islands have what’s called “Vog”, which blows over from the big Island and wreaks havoc on people sinuses. However, you may not be allergic to the certain allergens in the air but there will be different pollens that you might not be used to. More on Oahu Weather…

#7. Will I miss the mainland?

That really all depends on you. I know when I moved here over 30 years ago I didn’t look back and I certainly don’t miss it now. There is a different pace of life on the island and a lot of people get Island fever where they feel they can’t drive far enough on a vacation. But, I feel I’m on vacation all the time and love the ambience and atmosphere that Oahu brings. It’s not for everyone but it’s definitely something everyone should try at least once.

Do you have a question you can add to this list? Do you have questions about moving to Oahu that a reputable local real estate agent can answer? Feel free to add your comment below or contact our office today and get started on your move to Oahu.

Hawaii made one of the top ten states for first time home buyers.

July 9, 2015 by Maureen Fukumoto Leave a Comment

Hawaii made one of the top ten states for first time home buyers!

A recent article by MSN magazine stated that how Hawaii came in as #6 as one of the best states for first-time homebuyers.

According to the article, “Hawaii had a 52.8% increase in first-time homebuyers from 2003 to 2013. It also has a lower foreclosure rate at .03%.”

Hawaiians however, have a limited options when it comes to programs in buying a first home. The state although does offer a mortgage credit certificate that can reduce the federal income tax homeowners owe.

Listing prices in Hawaii follow below home values making it more likely that a home purchase will be a good deal. Even though Hawaii can be expensive when it comes to condominiums and houses, causing the median home price to generate a payment of around $2100 a month for a 30 year mortgage, the programs and the sale price to medium home value is better. The median sale price for a home in Hawaii is $453,000 while the median home value is $537,000.

Even though we may not have a lot of state run programs for buying a first home, the mortgage credit certificate is a good incentive, especially for those that have not had the chance to purchase a home yet and are considering the tax benefits to homeownership.

We want our first-time homebuyers to be comfortable and satisfied with their home purchase long after the closing and knowing that they are getting a good deal and a good value on their home could be the incentive they need to make the jump into homeownership.

If you’re considering buying a home on Oahu please feel free to browse my website for more tips for first-time homebuyers, mortgage information, where to live on Oahu and for the absolute best service in buyer representation.

Homes Near Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield

June 23, 2015 by Maureen Fukumoto Leave a Comment

Homes Near Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield

Many military relocation families choose not to live in some the more expensive places on O’ahu, which makes Waipio Acres, Mililani and Wahiawa such popular choices. They’re located in the center of the island with easy access along highway H2 to the airfield and the barracks. Just south of Mililani is Waipio, , which is closer to Honolulu and Waikiki and about 5 to 10 minutes to the airfield.

Prices are also a lot more affordable in these smaller towns and most of the military personnel and households choose to live in one of these four communities: Whitmore Village, Wahiawa, Waipio Acres, Mililani or Waipio.

Highway H2 starts down at Pearl City and runs up to the airfield and then changes the highway 80 and then Highway 99 or the part of the Kamehameha Hwy. This for makes for an easy commute north or south through the island.

Wahiawa is located just north of the airfield, west of the barracks and borders the Wahiawa Reservoir. Homes are primarily single-family houses with one or two story layouts built in the 1960s through the 1990s. Home prices can range anywhere from $200,000-$700,000 with the average price being between $400,000 and $550,000. There are a limited number of townhome/condominiums which could started about $250,000.

Homes in Mililani are a little bit more expensive but there are more options. There are several townhomes and condominium communities throughout Mililani as it is a larger city. Home prices start at about $200,000 for a decent town home or condominium and can’t range as high as $2 million for larger estates. However, remember, this is in the center of the island so there are no waterfront or beachfront homes, which can drastically reduce the price. There are several beautiful neighborhoods throughout this community as well as golf courses, parks and great schools. This is probably one of the more popular places of military families call home.

The closer you get to Honolulu and H1 the more expensive the homes will be however, many of them it may be waterfront or have beautiful beach views. If you’re interested in learning more about the homes near the Schofield Barracks where the Wheeler Army field please contact us at any time. We specialize in military relocations can help you find the right loan and relocation package for you.

Image by The U.S. Army

Beachfront Homes for Sale in Punaluu

June 16, 2015 by Maureen Fukumoto Leave a Comment

Punaluu is about 20 miles for 15 minutes from downtown Honolulu. Here is located on the eastern shores of Oahu. Punaluu has some of the most beautiful black sand beaches in all of Hawaii. A fringing reef extends off the shoreline and there are several beaches in Punaluu as well as numerous beachfront and oceanfront properties.

Because of the constant volcanic activity, there are numerous colors of sand all over the Hawaiian Islands. Located on the South Eastern Kau coast, the Punaluu black sand Beach is one of the most famous black sand beaches in all of Hawaii. Although, because of this, swimming is not ideal however, there is a picnic area and many parks.

The Punaluu Bakery Shop and Visitors Center is one of the most popular places in the area. This fabulous bakery features a wine sweetbread, Ka’u Coffee, bakery treats, ice cream, lunches and fresh salads. To go with the theme of the area, the black sandbox is one of the most popular items featuring 3 24-oz loaves of their delicious sweetbread in traditional, Taro root and Guava. But, you can’t miss checking out the Hawaiian style pineapple coconut fruitcake. a traditional favorite with pineapple, coconut and academia.

If you’re looking to buy a home along the beach, this is an ideal location as most of the homes are right along the Kamehameha Hwy and the coastline. Home started about $300,000 and luxury estates can range as high as $3 million. The average price for a home or condominium along the beach is between $500,000 and $900,000. If you’re looking to be right on the beach, Punaluu is a great location. These homes were built anywhere from the 1960s and 70s to over the last 10 years and offer a variety of custom designs, layouts and lot sizes. most of the lots to do stretch out to the beach and homeowners either have black sand or white sandy beaches out front of their home.

For more information on the homes and real estate or beachfront property in Punaluu browse the listings on my website or contact me anytime for a customized list of homes that meet your search criteria and price.

Images by Lisa & Anissa Wood Flickr

What Can $500K Buy You on Oahu?

May 7, 2015 by Maureen Fukumoto Leave a Comment

It’s no surprise that Hawaii is an expensive place to live in the $500,000 mark is on the low end of affordable housing in this area. Many homes are well over $1 million but the $500,000 range is not unheard of. Depending on what you’re looking for, how much work you are willing to put in or the size of the property will all determine that $500,000 range. Currently, as of the publishing of this post there are 146 properties for sale in the entire island price from $500,000-$550,000.

The lowest priced home in this range is $510,000 for a 1600 ft.², three bedroom and three bath townhouse or condo in Kaneohe located at Windward Estates. However, choosing a condominium or townhomes means you will have additional fees in homeowners dues, but you will have the added benefit of potential amenities such as in this case, residents enjoy a hot tub, swimming pool, tennis courts and beautiful green space with pond. These homes are located at the foothills of the mountains with beautiful views of the surrounding area.

At the top end of this price range at $550,000 are quite a few properties. There are easily 20 to 25 properties listed at $550,000 and will vary depending on the size and the condition. Many of these homes are three, four, and even five-bedroom homes, but understand that a five bedroom home in this price range will probably need a little bit of work.

Located up along the Kamehameha Hwy in smaller towns such as Hauula, $550,000 may actually buy you an oceanfront home, but lot size and room size could be limited.

If you’re looking for a condo or high rise apartment, they are available in Honolulu and Waikiki for around $535,000. These homes are going to be less than 1000 ft.² on average and usually feature two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Whether you are looking for a single-family house, oceanfront property or a condominium on the beach, $500,000 is actually quite doable on Oahu. Call me to view any of these homes between the $500,000 and $550,000 range.

Oceanfront Homes in Haleiwa and Waialua Oahu

March 30, 2015 by Maureen Fukumoto Leave a Comment

Oceanfront Homes in Haleiwa and Waialua Oahu – Homes on the Beach in North Oahu

Haleiwa and Waialua are both on the northwestern edge of Oahu. They are smaller communities with laid back lifestyles and beautiful ocean breezes. Many locals prefer to live here or those looking for a quieter pace than the big city of Honolulu or Waikiki.

Haleiwa actually stretches as far north as Kawela Bay close to Turtle Bay and the North Shore as as far inland as the Sacred Falls State Park and almost to the Schofield Barracks. However, most of the residential properties are located from Waialua Bay north along the coastline. Right in town the oceanfront homes are along Pikai St between the Kaiaka Bay Beach Park and the Haleiwa Army Beach. This small section of road is home to about 23 properties priced $430,000 to about $2 million depending on condition and size. All have waterfront access right on the beach in the beautiful little bay. From there, a little north along the Kamehameha Hwy is Papailoa Road. These oceanfront homes offer larger lots priced from $1 million to over $5 million. Each home again offers oceanfront access and beach front views. A little farther north on a small jetty is the rocky beachfront along Pohaku Loa Way. These homes are similar to those just south priced from $2 million but there are no sandy beached along these oceanfront homes. Just around the bend along the highway are homes with larger lots stretching from the highway to the sandy beach priced around $2 million to $4 million. These homes go all the way to the Northshore so there are plenty of beautiful oceanfront and beachfront options here.

To the south is the small town of Waialua. This village reaches to the tip of Oahu and includes the Dillingham Airfield and south along Kaukonoahua Road. These homes overlook Mokuleia Bay right on the sandy beaches. Homes along Crozier Dr and Au Street are right on the water priced from $300,000 to over $1.5 million. These tend to be smaller homes but most will have some private if not all public access right to the beach. Towards the end of Crozier Dr the homes are a bit pricier around $600K to $1 million.

If you’re looking for the perfect oceanfront home on Oahu I suggest Waialua and Haleiwa; both beautiful coastal towns with lots to offer and amazing beachfront property.

Images by Aaron Warren, Darren Thompson & Mike Nash Flickr

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