Selling Honolulu real estate in today’s market can be a very stressful experience. Not only will you have competition from foreclosed properties, short sales, and high inventory, but prices are fluctuating rapidly. This is a challenging period for appraisers to find home values which will be relevant several months in the future.

If you want or need to sell your Honolulu real estate investment now, here are some suggestions to help you through the process.

• Get a thorough Market Analysis from an experienced Realtor® of both your own home and your neighborhood.  You want to have a good idea of what you can expect for a listing price and a final sales price.  If the numbers don’t meet your expectations, you may decide to wait for a better time to sell.
• Interview at least 3 Realtors® for the position of your representative in the marketing and sale of your property.  Ask 1)  how long they have been selling Honolulu real estate, 2) for references, 3) for a presentation of what tools she or he will use to market your home to the public, and 4) for a commitment to communicate regularly with you on buyer feedback, showings, and web inquiries on your home.
• Be ready for the public.  Once your property is listed and advertised, you can expect buyers.  Remember, you only have one chance to make a good impression.  Do those repairs before you list, and discuss with the Hawaii Realtor® you choose whether remodeling projects should be completed before you open your home to Honolulu buyers, both online and in person.
• Take yourself out of the home.  It is hard for buyers to see themselves in a home with photos and momentos of the present owner in view.  You’ll be moving anyway.  Pack up those family pictures and awards and replace with neutral plants or Hawaiiana decorations (in moderation).  Also, if at all possible, leave during showings.  You want prospective buyers to feel comfortable as they look around, and not be self-conscious because you are there.
• And – most importantly – be flexible.  If your Realtor® tells you something will help a sale, listen and be open to suggestions.  This includes decorating ideas, price reductions, and repairs.  That is one of the main reasons why you hire a Realtor® – for her knowledge and expertise in selling Honolulu real estate.

Studies show that home sellers who use a real estate agent to represent them generally get a better price than those who try to sell the home themselves. This is as true in Honolulu as on the mainland.  Real estate agents add objectivity to an inherently emotional transaction, and have more experience than you in dealing with buyers looking for a “deal” in today’s market.

Call or email me to get started with that Market Analysis of your Honolulu home.