Oahu Real Estate Tips, Part 3

What to Know When Buying an Oahu House (or Condo)

Know What’s Going On In Your Prospective Oahu Neighborhood

     A lot is happening in Hawaii these days, and that goes double for Oahu. By that we mean the development and construction explosion that seems to have no end in sight. Those who are unfamiliar with Honolulu assume that this is mainly occurring around already crowded areas, like Waikiki and Downtown Honolulu. But they’re wrong.

Oahu Real Estate Development - Where's It Happening?

     As any local will tell you, development is going on all over Oahu, adding houses and especially condos to area that have never seen them before. Kapolei is now old news, compared to the other real estate projects going on in other Leeward areas. And you should research it when narrowing down the Oahu neighborhoods you’re looking into for a house, or condo.

     The impact of these new developments will have far reaching consequences, like traffic. Your commute might double in the next 10 years, if you’re still going to be working here in Hawaii. It also might mean that the view you once had will be blocked for good by new buildings that exist only on paper right now. You can find more than a few Oahu homeowners who saw their real estate values drop after their Million Dollar View was lost to a new apartment building. It happens.

Oahu Local Issues - How Will They Affect Your Home?

     Look into the rail issue as well. If it does go in, which isn’t a sure thing by the way, your home could go up in value if it’s near a station. That’s what usually happens when major public transportation springs up. However, there also will be a period, possibly a few years, where you will be living in a major construction site with all the problems and inconveniences that go with it. Are you ready for that?

     Other local issues can affect your happiness in a home. Kailua, for example, is currently involved in a showdown over Bed & Breakfasts. If Kailua approves them, you may find yourself surrounded by them. That means all the comings and goings of tourists might be part of your daily life. Can you live with that?

     This article couldn’t possibly cover all the issues facing different Oahu towns and neighborhoods. Nor can we anticipate what might come down the line next. The idea to take away as a prospective Oahu homeowner is that you must go beyond the typical research when looking over Hawaii homes. We have unique conditions and cases, if only from being an Island.

     Something as simple as doing a Google search under your prospective neighborhood is a good way to start. After all, buying an Oahu home is a big step. You want to have all the information and data possible.

Let me help you find your new Oahu home. Contact me now and we'll get started looking for your new Hawaii home!