How to Sell Your Hawaii Home for the Most Money (From Someone Who's Done It Thousands of Times)
I've sold more homes on Oahu than 99% of agents in Hawaii. That's not a boast — it's just a fact that I think matters when you're deciding who to trust with what might be your largest financial asset.
Over the years, I've noticed that sellers who get the most money for their homes consistently do a handful of things right. And sellers who leave money on the table consistently make the same avoidable mistakes. Here's what I've learned.
Price It Right From Day One
This is the most important decision you'll make. Overprice your home and it sits. Buyers notice a property that's been on the market for 60 days and start wondering what's wrong with it. You end up reducing the price anyway, but by now you've lost momentum, and buyers expect an even bigger discount.
My pricing strategy is counterintuitive but battle-tested: I'd rather list your home slightly below market value than above it. Why? Because a properly priced listing in Hawaii gets multiple offers, and multiple offers drive the price up. I've consistently gotten sellers more than asking price this way — not by luck, but by creating competitive pressure.
Presentation Is Non-Negotiable
Hawaii real estate attracts buyers from all over the world, many of whom are making purchase decisions based on online photos and virtual tours. Your photos need to be exceptional. I use professional photographers for every listing — no exceptions. If your home needs staging, we stage it. If there are small repairs that will show poorly in photos or an inspection, we address them before going to market.
The goal is to create a listing that stops a buyer scrolling Zillow at 11pm and makes them think "I need to see this." That's the listing that gets showings. Showings get offers.
Market Your Home Everywhere
I market listings across hundreds of websites — not just the MLS and Zillow. I specifically target mainland buyers, because a significant percentage of Oahu buyers are relocating from California, the Pacific Northwest, Texas, and New York. If your home is only being marketed to people already on the island, you're missing half your potential buyer pool.
Social media, targeted digital advertising, my network of agent relationships — every tool goes to work for your listing.
The Commission Conversation
I list homes for 2% on the listing side — lower than most full-service agents in Hawaii. But I want to be clear about something: the commission you offer to buyer's agents matters enormously. A motivated buyer's agent will bring their qualified buyers to your listing. A poorly compensated buyer's agent will show your home last, if at all. Don't save on the wrong end.
Ready to talk about your home? Call me at