Relocating 2 Oahu

Problems with Finding Money for the Down Payment?

A VA Loan May Be the Answer.

For those who qualify for the Department of Veterans Affairs' no-down-payment loan, finding the money for a down payment isn't an obstacle.

This loan, unlike other zero-down loans, has no restrictions on income, debt ratios, savings or credit scores.

For 2006, the VA loan limit in Hawaii is $625,000.

Traditionally, when obtaining a loan with less than 20% for a down payment, the borrower must pay for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).  Instead, with the VA loans, the borrowers must pay what is called a "funding fee."

Currently, this fee is equal to 2.15% of the amount being borrowed, and is generally rolled over into the mortgage.

Not sure if you qualify? Click here.

Applying for a Mortgage

In the process of buying a home, there are certain things you need to have for ready and available when you apply for a mortgage. We've created a starting list for you to use. Click here to see the list.

Buying vs. Renting: How Much Are You Worth?

If you're trying to understand the advantages of buying versus renting, we want you to understand the advantages of buying. Buying could make up to a 400% difference in your net worth over time. Click here to read more.

Two More Retailer's to Oahu

As the title of this site describes its purpose quite well, Relocating-2-Oahu, lately it seems like the focus has been on new mainland retail stores and groceries companies moving to Oahu.

Walgreens is planning to open its first Oahu location at the Pearl Kai shopping center early next year. Wallgreens is one of the nations largest drug store chains with 5000 stores across the U.S. Click here for details as reported in Pacific Business News.

One more retailer is actively searching for Oahu property. Mainland based, Target, Corp. is searching for at least one site. A few months back, it was rumored that Target was actively seeking three sites on Oahu. Click here for more on this from Pacific Business News.

Regardless of the number of sites or the recent flurry of announcements about mainland-based companies wanting to open up on Oahu. All of this is good news and demonstrates the viability of Hawaii's economy now and in the future.

For people considering moving to Oahu, this interest in retail activity is a good thing. Yes, it puts pressure on local retailers, however it also add products and price points, not currently available.

Hawaii's First Full-Line Nordstrom Department Store Breaks Ground

The first full-line Nordstrom department store broke ground for construction today on Kapiolani Blvd., mauka (mountain side) of Ala Moana Shopping Center.

The store is targeting a 2008 opening date and will be approximately 200,000 square feet. Nordstrom's are known for their legendary customer service and this will be a welcome addition to the Hawaii retail mix. Click here for more details from Pacific Business News.

Whole Foods Announces Honolulu Store

Whole Foods Market has announced they will be opening a store at Ward Centers on Oahu. This will make a nice addition to this area as lots of condominiums are being built and other redevelopment is taking place in this area.

The Ward Centers area has developed into a destination for shopping, dining, and recreation with new stores, restaurants, and theaters over the last few years.

Whole Foods is known for their selection of natural and organic selections and this Hawaii store is planned to be 67,000 square feet, occupying two floors. Most Whole Food stores average just 32,000 square feet. Additionally, Whole Foods was ranked 15th in FORTUNE magazine's Best Companies to Work For List. Whole Foods has been on the list for the last nine years.

Click here to read the full article on Whole Foods coming to Honolulu.

Hiking on Oahu

In addition to the beaches of Oahu, many people consider the tropical forest as the place they dream about when considering moving to Oahu.

Na Ala Hele” is the State of Hawaii Trail and Access Program. It is administered by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife - Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Click here for information on some great hiking trails on Oahu.

Driving Tour Map

If you are thinking about relocating or moving to Oahu, you might want to look at this map (click here). It provides a driving tour of Oahu starting in Waikiki, crossing the island and traveling up the Windward coast to the North shore of Oahu. The return is via central Oahu, past Pearl Harbor, downtown Honolulu and back to Waikiki. The map is a pdf file and printable.

Frommers Update

Click here for an update from Frommer's (dated 12/16/05), on what's new in Waikiki and Honolulu on Oahu. There are some updates on restaurants and hotels with lots of links. Some of this is more for the tourist--however isn't that how many of us decide to relocate here?

We start as tourists, then get the tropical or Hawaiian fever and decide we want to live here.

Oahu Beach Directory

Many people when considering a move to a tropical island in the middle of the Pacific ocean are interested in the beaches and other water sports.

Click this link for information on good beaches for ocean swimming.

For an overall look at Oahu beaches, this link will allow you to learn about most of the beaches on Oahu. There are photos and pretty good information about each beach. Additionally, here is a link for a daily surf report.

Finally, this site also has a link to something called the Lifeguard's Guide to Oahu's Popular Guarded Beaches...With Emphasis on Beach and Ocean Safety.

All good stuff for someone thinking of relocating to Oahu.