Sell Your Maui Home
for Maximum Value.

Pricing a Maui property correctly requires far more than a national algorithm like Zillow's Zestimate — which routinely misses Maui values by 10–25% in both directions. Katrina prepares a full Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that examines:

• Recent closed sales of truly comparable properties (same community, condition, view, floor plan)
• Active listings you will compete against the day you list
• Current absorption rate and days-on-market trends in your specific neighborhood
• Leasehold vs. fee simple status and its market impact
• View, floor, and finishes premiums that only a local expert can accurately assess

The goal is a price that generates competitive buyer interest in the first 14 days — not a price that flatters you now but forces a reduction later.

Time on market in Maui varies significantly by price point and community. Correctly priced properties in desirable areas like Wailea, Ka'anapali, and Kihei often receive offers within the first two to four weeks. Luxury properties above $3M may take 60–120 days to find the right buyer from a more limited global pool.

Once an offer is accepted, Hawaii escrow typically takes 30–45 days to close — though cash transactions can close faster. The total timeline from listing to closing commonly ranges from 45 to 90 days for well-priced properties.

Overpriced properties — the #1 mistake sellers make — can sit for months, accumulate stigma, and ultimately sell for less than a correctly-priced listing would have achieved on day one.

In Hawaii, typical real estate commission is negotiated between the seller and the listing agent. This commission is traditionally shared between the listing agent and the buyer's agent.

Beyond commission, common seller closing costs in Hawaii include:

• Hawaii Conveyance Tax — a state excise tax on the sales price, ranging from $0.10 to $1.25 per $100 depending on price
• Escrow fee — typically split between buyer and seller
• Title insurance — owner's policy typically paid by seller in Hawaii
• HARPTA withholding — 7.25% of sales price withheld at closing for non-Hawaii-resident sellers (applied against your tax liability)
• HOA transfer fees — if applicable to your community
• Proration of property taxes — adjusted at closing based on your payment status

Katrina will provide a detailed estimated net proceeds sheet before you list, so you know exactly what to expect at closing.

In Maui's competitive market — especially for luxury properties — presentation is everything. Buyers forming first impressions from online photos will scroll past a cluttered, poorly lit listing in seconds, regardless of the underlying quality of the property.

Katrina's recommendation depends on your property's current condition and price point:

• Occupied homes: Katrina provides a detailed staging consultation to declutter, neutralize, and optimize your home's presentation without major cost
• Vacant homes: Professional staging is strongly recommended for properties above $800K — the ROI in final sale price typically far exceeds the staging cost
• Luxury properties: Full professional staging, landscaping refresh, and pre-listing repairs are standard practice and expected by buyers in the $2M+ market

Katrina coordinates with trusted Maui staging professionals and can provide referrals and guidance at every budget level.

FSBO (For Sale By Owner) is an understandable instinct — but in Maui's complex market, it almost always results in lower net proceeds, longer time on market, and significantly more stress. Here's why:

• Pricing risk: Without access to professional MLS data and local expertise, FSBO sellers consistently over- or under-price — both of which cost money
• Marketing reach: FSBO listings have no access to MLS, luxury networks, or the targeted digital advertising that reaches serious buyers
• Negotiation disadvantage: You'll be negotiating against experienced buyer's agents whose sole job is to reduce your price
• Legal exposure: Hawaii's disclosure requirements are complex. Missing a required disclosure can result in post-closing legal action against you personally
• Transaction management: Escrow, title, inspections, and contingency management require professional coordination — mistakes can kill deals at the worst moment

Studies consistently show that FSBO sellers net 5–10% less than agent-represented sellers — often wiping out the commission savings they were trying to preserve.

With the right pricing, presentation, and marketing, homes in Maui's supply-constrained market do sell — the question is always at what price and on what timeline. If a listing isn't generating offers, it's almost always a pricing signal from the market, not a marketing problem.

Katrina's approach if activity slows:

• Weekly showing and market activity review with transparent feedback
• Active agent network outreach to identify qualified buyers who may not have seen the listing
• Honest pricing conversation backed by fresh market data
• Presentation refresh recommendations if market feedback identifies condition concerns

Katrina's commitment is to keep you informed, adjust strategy proactively, and never leave you in the dark about where your listing stands.

Maui's real estate market is more year-round than most mainland markets, driven by a constant stream of mainland and international buyers who don't follow conventional seasonal patterns. That said, there are historically stronger and softer windows:

• January–April: Strong season — snowbirds, winter-escaping mainland buyers, and post-holiday resolution buyers are active
• May–August: Solid activity; summer visitors often make purchase decisions during their trips
• September–November: Slightly softer but less seller competition — your listing stands out more
• December: Slower activity overall, but motivated year-end buyers and tax-driven transactions create opportunities

The honest answer is: the best time to list is when your home is ready to show at its best. A well-prepared listing in October will outperform a poorly prepared listing in January every time. Let Katrina help you time it right for your specific property and goals.

There are over 1,000 licensed agents on Maui. Here's why sellers choose Katrina — and refer their friends and family afterward:

• She lives it. Deep Maui roots and community relationships give her access to off-market buyers and inside knowledge no relocating agent can replicate.
• She's obsessed with marketing. Professional photography, drone video, global syndication, and targeted digital advertising are standard — not upsells.
• She knows the numbers. Katrina's pricing process is data-driven, hyperlocal, and honest — she will not inflate your price to win a listing.
• Coldwell Banker's global reach. Your listing reaches qualified buyers across 40+ countries through one of the world's most recognized real estate brands.
• She communicates. You'll never wonder what's happening with your listing. Weekly updates, honest feedback, and proactive strategy adjustments are guaranteed.
• She's genuinely aloha. Real estate is personal. Katrina treats every client like family — with patience, transparency, and heart.

Schedule a no-pressure listing consultation with Katrina today →