In Part I of this series, I suggested you make a checklist of what's important to you about the neighborhood where you live, so you can rank pluses and minuses when you look at homes in different locations. Hawaii Kai offers you such diversity of prices, amenities, and styles, that you will be like a "kid in a candy store" if you haven't narrowed down your wants & needs before starting to look.
Here are some ideas from my years of showing prospective buyers around Hawaii Kai:
1. Schools: Hawaii Kai has public high school and elementary school, and middle school is not far away on the highway toward Honolulu. If you prefer private school, you should check the distance and commute.
2. Crime rate: Hawaii Kai prides itself on being neighborly and having great community spirit. But check for yourself. Visit www.bestplaces.net which rates locations on violent and property crimes.
3. Commute: Hawaii Kai is at the east end of the island of Oahu, but traffic can get heavy on the one highway (Kalanianaole) during commute hours. If this is a concern, drive it one day at the time you'd be going to work.
4. Property taxes and Association Fees: I can tell you which neighborhoods have HOA fees and how much. Property tax assessments have risen the last few years to make up for the rapid real estate price appreciation on the island. Honolulu County offers a homeowner's exemption which increases with age, so you can save some money on your property taxes as an owner-occupant.
In the next instalment, I'll get specific about amenities and developments. Contact me for my Relocation Package or request any of my Neighborhood Reports.
Barbara Abe, REALTOR
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
808-226-2537
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