Military Move.. Buying a home..

Question

Anybody ever PCS and buy a home in Hawaii? What are the good areas to purchase? Ewa Beach has alot of good deals but the traffic patterns look awful. I'm noticing alot of foreclosures & short sales. Any experiences out there?

Answer 1

Wait until you get there and experience the drive, the areas, etc.. before purchasing a house.  With Ewa Beach there is a traffic nightmare in the morning and evenings sometimes.  It can also depend on where the AD member is going to be stationed to what areas to look at as well.  Kapolei, Waipahu/Kunia, Waipo, and Mililani are decent areas.  Along with Pearl City and Aiea.  It also can depend on what you can afford.

Answer 2

Wow, you must have a lot of money saved up!  It is expensive there!  We lived there but could barely afford life off the base, we were in housing the whole time.  Good luck.

Answer 3

Because the prices are so high, you really need to do you research on the area i.e traffic, noise, neighbors.  You might pay a high price for a place but it doesn't mean its quality.  Unless you plan on retiring or staying in hawaii for a long time I wouldn't buy a place there.  The real estate commissons would eat away any equity after you sold it in 3 or so years.  Depending on your family situation I would just stick with base housing or rent on the market.