When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in Hawaii?

What’s the worst time to list a house in Hawaii?

According to Song, the worst time to list a house in Hawaii is in the weeks and months between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. “Late November to maybe even early February, I would avoid. Again, not for weather influences, but just because of the holidays,” Song says. “Hawaii gets pretty busy, and people are occupied with the holidays, and the buying tends to be put on pause at that time.”

What seller concessions help close a sale in Hawaii?

Even with Hawaiian sellers in a strong position, choosing to offer concessions or credits can sometimes help finalize a sale — whether to offset inspection issues, assist with buyer affordability, or make your listing stand out as a better deal.

“Generally, Hawaii inventory is always pretty low, as demand is very high. We live on an island here, and there’s a lack of housing, so sellers are historically in a very good position with low inventory,” Song says. “Seller concessions are not uncommon, but sellers usually have the advantage in this market with traditionally less than five months of inventory.”

Below are typical seller concessions and credits you might consider using to make your Hawaii home sale more attractive and help finalize the deal:

• Pay a portion of the buyer’s closing expenses
• Assist with a temporary mortgage interest rate reduction
• Provide a repair credit to cover any problems discovered during the home inspection
• Cover fees for the buyer’s home inspection or appraisal
• Pay for the initial months of HOA dues, if applicable
• Take care of the commission fees for the buyer’s real estate agent
• Prepay one year’s property taxes or homeowners insurance

Insider tips to help sell your house in Hawaii

As a top-performing real estate agent in Hawaii, Song brings expert knowledge to assist home sellers in reaching their goals, regardless of timing or market challenges.

Here are some of Song’s expert recommendations to get your home sold:

1. Set the right price from day one

“First, the home needs to be priced well,” Song posits. Overpricing can lead to a stagnant listing and the need for future price drops later down the line. Using a smart pricing approach informed by recent comps (comparable sales) helps generate early interest and competitive bids.

2. Enhance both physical and online curb appeal

“Second, the property needs to look good.” Focusing on tidy landscaping, a neat exterior, and a freshly-painted entryway can boost your home’s curb appeal and create a positive first impression. Additionally, high-resolution photos and virtual tours can help your Hawaii listing capture immediate attention online.

3. Address key repairs

“Third, get any items that have been neglected or left as deferred maintenance taken care of. Handle any necessary repairs and make sure the home is showcased in the best possible light,” Song says. Even minor flaws such as dripping faucets, broken tiles, or peeling paint can make buyers worry about bigger underlying issues. Prioritize repairs that deliver a strong ROI. A trusted Hawaii agent can also advise you on which repairs to avoid.

4. Select a skilled agent

Hire a knowledgeable local agent who understands the market dynamics, pricing strategies, marketing, and negotiation. A seasoned agent will position your Hawaii property to secure a strong sale. Data from HomeLight shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for 10% more than the typical agent.

5. Remove clutter and personal items

Decluttering your home by removing excess furniture, family photos, and personal memorabilia or knick-knacks can open up living spaces and make them more inviting. Neutral, organized rooms can help buyers better envision themselves living in the home.

6. Include a home warranty

Offering a home warranty can ease buyer concerns over potential future repair expenses, especially with older properties in Hawaii. It also differentiates your listing in a competitive market.

7. Be accommodating with showings

Making your home available at various times to potential buyers can speed the selling process. Offering weekend and evening showings is especially helpful for buyers who may be visiting from the mainland or have busy work schedules.

8. Think about staging

Staging your home often results in quicker sales and higher offers, as it helps buyers understand the full potential of the space. Even partial or virtual staging can enhance your listing’s appeal.

Connect With a Top Agent to Sell Your Hawaii Home

It takes just two minutes to match clients with the best real estate agents, who will contact you and guide you through the process. To connect with an agent, simply tell us a little bit about your property and how soon you’re looking to sell.

Our data shows the top 5% of agents across the U.S. help clients sell their home for as much as 10% more than the average real estate agent.

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Answers to other Hawaii home-selling questions

What if I need a fast sale and closing in Hawaii?

While some homes in Hawaii sell more quickly than others, a fast sale is never guaranteed. If you need an expedited home sale or lack the time and resources to take on necessary repairs, you might want to consider obtaining an all-cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform.

In just a few minutes, you can fill out a brief questionnaire and get a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours. Simple Sale provides cash offers on properties in nearly any condition across Hawaii, allowing you to bypass preparations, open houses, and repairs and finalize the sale in as little as 7 days.

What is the biggest mistake Hawaii home sellers make?

According to Song, the most common pitfall that affects sellers when listing a house in Hawaii is overpricing and needing to adjust later down the road.

“I think the biggest mistake in this market is that some sellers are chasing high prices because there are a lot of cash buyers here. They believe they can achieve a price that’s higher than market value — and that’s just not realistic right now,” Song warns.

Find a top Hawaii agent for a successful sale

Determining the optimal time to sell a house in Hawaii depends on your individual timeline and goals. However, listing your property to maximize speed and profit doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right guidance, you can make well-informed choices and steer clear of common mistakes.

As parting advice, Song shares, “It’s important to understand your risk tolerance and how fast you want to sell. That will help determine the pricing strategy you should use. If you’re in an urgent situation and need to sell quickly, you’ll likely need to price your property more attractively. But if you have the luxury of time, you could test the market a bit more,” he says.

Working with a leading agent in your area ensures you have a reliable advisor by your side to support a successful home sale. Connect with a top agent today.

If you’re buying and selling a home at the same time, take advantage of HomeLight’s innovative Buy Before You Sell program. This smart approach leverages your equity and simplifies your transactions. Submit a non-contingent offer on your next home and move only once. Watch this short video for more information.

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