Need to sell your house fast in Hawaii
Competitive cash offers: There’s no need to sort through dozens of We Buy Houses Hawaii websites. Our team of experts understands the local market, and we work with one of the largest cash buyer networks in the nation to ensure you get the best offer possible through HomeLight’s Simple Sale Hawaii platform.
No repairs or roadblocks: We specialize in helping Hawaii sellers move quickly, even if a house needs repairs or you’re going through a difficult situation such as divorce, death in the family, or financial troubles.
Simple and fast: Get the cash you need to move on to your next chapter without the stress of showings, negotiations, or waiting months to close.
Sell My House Fast in Hawaii
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How to Sell My House Fast in Hawaii: Cash Offer Options
- Published on
- 13 min read
- Richard Haddad Executive EditorCloseRichard Haddad Executive Editor
Richard Haddad is the executive editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.
Hawaii has a diverse and complex property market, more so than possibly any other place in the U.S. As a homeowner navigating this market, it can feel overwhelming, especially if you find yourself needing to sell your house fast.
We understand that every circumstance is unique, and timing can be critical. From exploring the option of a cash offer for your Hawaii home to hiring a top real estate agent in the state, our guide will provide you with essential insights and tools to help speed up your home-selling process.
Why you might need to sell your Hawaii house fast
There are a variety of circumstances that may lead you to consider a swift house sale. Here are some common reasons that Hawaii homeowners might face:
- Job relocation: You’ve landed a new job on another island or the mainland and need to sell your house quickly to make the move smoother.
- Financial distress: You’re facing financial difficulties, and selling your home and moving to a more affordable location could provide the needed cash.
- Divorce settlement: As part of a divorce, you may need to sell the home to distribute the assets equitably.
- Inherited property: You’ve inherited a house in Hawaii, but live elsewhere or don’t wish to manage it.
- Downsizing: Your current home is larger than you need, and selling allows you to move into a smaller, more manageable property.
- Health issues: A change in health status could necessitate a quick move to a more suitable mainland location or closer to family.
- No longer want to be a landlord: If you have troublesome tenants or you’re tired of managing a vacation rental property, selling the house may be your best move.
If any of these situations resonate with you, then let’s look at one of the most effective options for a fast home sale in Hawaii: receiving a no-obligation all-cash offer for your home.
Option 1: Request a cash offer for your Hawaii home
In the shifting landscape of the Hawaii property market, selling your house can often take longer than you’d like, which can complicate your plans when you’re in a hurry. If you’re looking for a swift solution, consider a cash offer for your house.
Modern online platforms like HomeLight’s Simple Sale connect Hawaii homeowners with a network of pre-approved cash buyers, simplifying the selling process and enabling a quick sale.
Simple Sale allows you to maintain control over your move-out date and potentially close the sale in as few as 10 days. To explore this option, provide some basic online information about your Hawaii property and your preferred selling timeline. You’ll receive a no-obligation all-cash offer in 24 hours.
The process of a cash offer in Hawaii
A cash sale in Hawaii streamlines the usual lengthy house-selling process. In this scenario, the buyer is ready with the funds to purchase your home outright, bypassing the need for a mortgage approval. They evaluate your home’s condition and market value against the backdrop of the Hawaiian property landscape, then make an offer. Upon acceptance, the absence of lender approvals or inspections means you can wrap up the sale swiftly.
Let’s look at the three straightforward steps in the Simple Sale process:
Who else buys houses for cash in Hawaii?
Throughout the Hawaiian Islands, there are numerous established house-buying companies and investor groups that provide cash offers for homes. Here are a few examples:
- We Buy Your House Hawaii (Throughout Hawaii)
- DA House LLC (Throughout Hawaii)
- House Buyers Hawaii (Oahu)
- We Buy Houses Hawaii (Oahu)
- Oahu Home Buyers (Oahu)
- Maui Home Buyers (Maui)
- Hui Home Buyers (Maui)
- Kauai Cash Home Buyers (Kauai)
You can find additional cash-for-home companies through an internet search, but you’ll want to thoroughly research and vet each business. Alternatively, you can simplify this process with HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform, which connects you directly to the largest network of trusted cash buyers in the U.S.
Pros and cons of selling to a Hawaii house-buying company
Let’s take a look at some of the potential advantages and disadvantages of selling your home to a Hawaii house-buying company.
Pros
- Sell fast: Within the complicated Hawaiian market, cash-buying companies can typically close deals much faster than traditional sales.
- Skip repairs: Selling as-is allows you to bypass potentially costly repairs or renovations.
- Easy process: These companies streamline the process, reducing the usual home-selling complexities.
- No staging or showings: Forget the hassle of staging your home or organizing open houses.
- Flexible move-out dates: You can typically select a move-out date that suits your schedule.
- No financing delays: Cash purchases eliminate the waiting period associated with mortgage approvals.
- Reduced or no closing fees: Many house-buying companies cover the closing costs.
- Sale is guaranteed: Once the offer is accepted, the sale is almost always certain. A cash sale removes contingencies that can delay or cancel a transaction.
- Can be a foreclosure solution: If you’re facing foreclosure, a quick sale can help salvage your situation.
- Less work than a FSBO sale: You avoid the extensive paperwork and effort of a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) transaction.
- Peace of mind: With a reputable company, you can enjoy a worry-free, fast sale.
Cons
- Lower offers: House-buying companies typically offer less than market value for your Hawaii home.
- Less competition for your home: Without traditional buyer competition, you don’t have the opportunity to spark a bidding war that could drive up your selling price.
- You give up control: The house-buying company dictates the terms, limiting your control over the sale.
- No negotiations: Unlike traditional home sales, there’s typically no room for negotiating the offer.
- Can face hidden fees: Some companies may include hidden fees, so always scrutinize the agreement.
- Not all companies are reputable: Do thorough research to avoid unscrupulous operators.
- A potential risk for scams: Beware of fraudsters posing as cash-buying companies.
Josh Jerman and Rich Wu are part of a top-performing team of real estate agents in Maui that work with over 65% more single-family homes than average agents in their market. For homeowners balancing these pros and cons, Jerman advises sellers to tilt the scale toward retaining proceeds.
“House-buying companies are typically looking to purchase below market value, and they’re looking for a deal,” he says. “It may not be in your best interest to work with a buyer like that without first going to the open market, hiring an experienced and knowledgeable Realtor who has good marketing reach, and testing things out on a broader scale.”
Wu agrees, suggesting that — with such a large investment — there is wisdom in consulting with an agent before you commit to a cash-for-homes company.
Option 2: Hire a top Hawaii real estate agent
A seasoned agent, well-versed in the ebbs and flows of the Hawaiian housing market, can guide you toward a quick and successful sale. They handle myriad details, from staging your home to negotiating the best deal, potentially increasing your net profit, even under tight timelines.
Let’s take a quick look at current market dynamics in Hawaii, the advantages of selling with a real estate professional, and how you can find a top-rated real estate agent in your local area.
How fast are homes selling in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, the median days on market (DOM) — the time from listing a home to having a signed contract — varies a great deal depending on the location of your home, its condition, and your listing price. Among all the islands, the DOM can range from 17 to 116 days. In the coveted Oahu market, for example, homes are going under contract in about 17 days, while on the Big Island and Kauai, the DOM is ranging from 67-76 days. In the tricky Maui market, the DOM is running from 90-116 days.
However, when making moving plans, sellers should also take into account the additional 44 days a mortgage-backed buyer typically needs to close on a purchase loan.
“The directional shift in several market indicators — the modest pullback in median sales price, the slightly longer days on market, and the dip in the percent of original list price received — affirm the transition from last year’s intense buyer competition to a moderating environment in some areas,” Fran Villarmia-Kahawai, president of the Honolulu Board of Realtors said in a June press release. “Market headwinds that persist are low inventory and shifting affordability as average mortgage rates remain elevated from recent years.”
Benefits of selling with a top Hawaii agent
Working with a top real estate agent in Hawaii brings a plethora of benefits that can contribute significantly to a speedy home sale. With their expert knowledge of the local market dynamics and seasoned negotiation skills, they can expedite the selling process in the Aloha State.
- Ability to sell for more: A skilled agent can help maximize your profits by accurately gauging the market and properly preparing and positioning your home.
- Can generate a speedy sale: Leveraging their extensive network and marketing skills, an experienced agent can reach more potential buyers quickly.
- Accurate, effective pricing: With deep knowledge of the Hawaii market, top agents ensure your home is priced right to sell fast and retain proceeds.
- Professional negotiation skills: Expert agents can swiftly navigate and negotiate favorable terms to close deals faster.
- Expert partner by your side: A top agent can guide you through the fast-paced selling process, reducing your stress.
- Will know what to fix and not fix: An agent’s experience allows them to recommend necessary improvements that could expedite the sale without wasting time on unnecessary repairs.
- Elevated marketing: Through professional photography and targeted marketing, your home can quickly reach a wider pool of potential buyers.
- Contract savviness: Expert agents can navigate complex contracts quickly, ensuring a seamless transaction.
- Can manage documents and disclosures: Experienced agents handle the paperwork, helping avoid delays associated with misfiled or incomplete documents.
- Network of skilled professionals: An agent’s network can include home-stagers, photographers, and contractors, all ready to get your house ready for sale fast.
“Much like you would consult with a doctor when you have medical issues, there are benefits to working with a Realtor when it comes time to sell your home,” Jerman says. “A Realtor typically yields a higher sales price and more of a profit to a seller, and also allows the process to be handled in a way that is smoother and more efficient for a seller.”
Jerman also suggests you select an agent with the right kind of experience. “You want to engage a broker who has seen what can go wrong in a transaction and who can anticipate what issues might come up — one who can proactively resolve those issues prior to them happening.”
How to find a top Hawaii real estate agent
Securing the ideal real estate agent in Hawaii is a crucial step for a fast and smooth home sale. HomeLight’s Agent Match platform is here to assist. By analyzing over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews, we can pair you with top-rated agents well-versed in Hawaii’s unique market dynamics. Whether you’re buying or selling, HomeLight’s goal is to connect you with the best real estate professional for your specific needs.
Expert agent tips to help sell your Hawaii house fast
Fast home sales in Hawaii hinge on strategic moves and targeted approaches. Here are some insider tips from top real estate agents to help you sell your home quickly:
- Price it right: Overpricing can lead to a longer time on the Hawaii market, especially in locations like Maui. A seasoned agent can help price your home competitively.
- Enhance your online listing: “Buyers who don’t live in Hawaii are frequently purchasing properties here,” says Jerman. “So to sell a home quickly, it’s important to have excellent marketing material and information about a property that can be reviewed remotely, including video and virtual tours.”
- Invest in curb appeal: “What comes along with good marketing is a clean house,” Wu says. “And that’s not just the interior. Improve your landscaping. Make sure that your lawn has a fresh mow and that the landscaping has recently been done. As we know, the first impression is everything.”
- Consider home staging: “Staging or virtual staging could be another option,” Wu suggests for a faster sale. “The potential that the space can yield is important. Again, you want to hone in on the first impression.”
- Highlight sustainability: Buyers in Hawaii are environmentally conscious. If your home boasts energy-efficient features or solar panels, make sure to highlight these in your listing.
- Focus on ocean views: If your property offers ocean views, make sure this is front and center in your listing. In Hawaii, ocean views can significantly increase property value and prompt a quick offer.
- Showcase outdoor living: Hawaiian life revolves around the outdoors. Highlight patios, decks, pools, or any other outdoor amenities you have, especially those that offer shade and a place to relax.
- Accommodate remote workers: With the rise of remote work, staging a comfortable home office space can attract a larger pool of potential buyers.
- Market location and lifestyle: Jerman says Hawaii is about more than just beautiful homes. Promote nearby amenities like beaches, hiking trails, or local dining spots, and sell the lifestyle, not just the property.
- Make your home vacation-ready: If your property could double as a vacation home or rental, ensure this potential is highlighted, as it can be a huge selling point for potential investors.
- Embrace the tropical vibe: Related to the vacation home attraction, Hawaiian homes that resonate with the island’s tropical vibe can attract buyers, especially investors.
With so many off-island home shoppers, Jerman sums it up this way: “In order to sell a home quickly, it’s important to have high-quality photography, video, and virtual tours of the property, including excellent copywriting that draws the consumer in and gets them excited about the property.”
Pro marketing tip
A lot of buyers are looking for short-term vacation rental homes. A top agent will know how to target these buyers. “There are only certain zoned areas that allow vacation rentals,” Wu says. “We’ll be able to make the process more efficient so buyers are not just spitballing and then just shooting in the dark as far as ‘Is this place going to allow vacation rentals?’”
Ready to sell your Hawaii house fast?
Ready to sell your Hawaiian house fast? Whether you’re considering a cash offer or collaborating with a top real estate agent, it’s important to choose the best option for your unique situation.
- If you need to sell urgently, obtaining a cash offer through a platform like HomeLight’s Simple Sale can be the perfect solution, offering a quick, convenient transaction.
- Alternatively, partnering with an experienced Hawaii real estate agent can help ensure your home is marketed effectively and priced to spark a quick sale and higher proceeds. HomeLight can connect you with top-rated agents in your local market.
If you’re torn between a cash offer or hiring an agent, why not consider both? Comparing a cash offer from Simple Sale with an agent’s market perspective ensures you get the best of both worlds.
Equipped with knowledge, resources, and options, you’re well-prepared to navigate your fast home sale in the Aloha State.
Header Image Source: (Brian Garrity / Unsplash)