We all have something in mind when we’re figuring out where to live on Oahu. Whether our dream place includes a big yard, across from the beach, a room with an ocean view, or something that allows four cars or three pets, 15 minutes from work, 10 minutes near your parents who babysit your kids, near great dining choice, whenever people look for housing on Oahu, the two major factors affecting where to live is cost and time on the road (traffic)….
You may have heard that we’re building a Rail transit system from Kapolei to Honolulu. This construction project is adding to the traffic issues during pre-and post- work rush hour if you live West of Honolulu along the H1 freeway. Meaning, the commute from Kapolei or Ewa Beach to Honolulu can be an hour if you travel during the 7-8 AM before school starts. If you can have flexible arrangements with work, then many people opt to live in the new or nearly new construction communities in Ewa Beach and Kapolei.
You can also live in a place that has contra-flow traffic patterns. For example, some people who work at Schofield Barracks have expressed a desire to live in Waikiki.
You will want to let us know when you need to report to work and we can help figure out the time on the road if you don’t have a work mate who lives in the same area you wish to live.
You also need to stay abreast of any road closures (including highways) for marathons or watermain breaks.
You’ll quickly find that the traffic report becomes one of your Alerts!
Freeway closed due to Honolulu Marathon
Here’s some traffic reporting links for you to use:
Live Traffic http://khon2.com/live-traffic/
Traffic Hawaii News Now http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/category/313923/traffic
Traffic Staradvertiser http://www.staradvertiser.com/traffic/
The other factor besides Traffic, is housing payment. Whether you rent or pay a mortgage, your budget will determine your options. A good realtor can help you identify some locations. Call us and we can also recommend some great loan officers and mortgage brokers who can tell you what you can afford comfortably or at your max limit. There are so many programs today that include downpayment assistance, 1% FHA, 100% VA financing, or 100% USDA Rural financing.
We host financing workshops to teach people how to improve credit scores, prepare for buying a home, and making the home buying process easier.
Message me if you’re interested in attending any of our workshops.
🙂 Ronda
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