Selling a Home in Waimea

Nestled between the Mauna Kea and Kohala mountains, Waimea is one of the oldest and most established communities on the Big Island of Hawaii. It sits atop Kohala, one the oldest of five volcanoes that formed the island. At 2,600 feet above sea level, the weather is cooler and less humid compared to other coastal regions of the islands. Here, you’re surrounded by stunning natural beauty with views of rolling hills, picturesque valleys, lush greenery, and breathtaking landscape. Outdoor lovers have access to hiking, biking, and water activities year-round.

Waimea is home to many exclusive, high-end residences, especially in resort communities closer to the Kohala Coast. In the town center, you’ll find single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums, where you’ll be close to a plethora of shops, restaurants, and grocery markets. Because of its cattle and ranching heritage, the surrounding area has expansive ranch-style properties on large land parcels, making it ideal for those looking for a more rural-style environment surrounded by beautiful open spaces.

Are you considering selling your slice of real estate in this exclusive area and hoping to make a great return on your investment? With the local real estate market booming, here’s what you need to know about selling a home in Waimea.

Start by cleaning your home room by room, including emptying storage spaces, steam-cleaning the carpet, and washing the floors and windows. If you don’t have the time to do this yourself, consider a professional cleaning service that can address these areas.

Remove unnecessary furniture, decoration, and personal items and store them away, such as family photographs and souvenirs. Cluttered rooms tend to look smaller, darker, and less inviting. A clean, clutter-free home will look more spacious and appealing to potential buyers. Removing personal items will also allow potential home buyers to envision the space as their own, with their style.

If there are necessary repairs, such as leaky faucets, broken fixtures, or stained walls or ceilings, you should repair them before putting your house on the market. Address all visible issues. Even though they will incur additional costs, fixing them can significantly raise the value of your home. When showing it to potential buyers, you want to present your home in the best possible condition.

Since the pandemic, more home buyers begin their home search online. Many will visually inspect the home based on the listing photos, and if they like what they see online, they’ll schedule a physical tour. This is why hiring professionals to stage and photograph your home can significantly attract potential home buyers.

Professional stagers have a keen eye for design, making the space visually appealing. They know how to arrange the furniture and decor to highlight the best parts of each room. They can improve the lighting, the perceived space, and the flow from room to room. Home staging can make your home look brighter and more spacious. A well-staged home can make it stand out from the competition in the market.

Hiring a professional to capture high-quality images of your home will also make a difference to potential home buyers who are prescreening it online. This is their first impression of your home. A professional photographer can capture and showcase the best parts and features of your home and knows how to highlight unique details and architectural styles. High-quality images are well worth the investment.

Knowing and understanding the local real estate market will help you get the maximum price when selling your home in Waimea. You can do this by looking at the most recent comparable sales, or “comps.” Comparable sales are recently sold properties similar to your home in terms of location, size, condition, and amenities. This data will help you get an estimated value of your home. A local real estate agent can assemble a list of comps for you and use the information provided to determine a fair yet competitive listing price for your home.

Another important factor to look into is the best time to sell your home. Traditionally, the best time to put your home is spring or summer. One reason is the weather, as people prefer to move their furniture and belongings when it’s sunny and warm. For families, the summer season gives their children time to switch schools between academic school years.

Keep in mind, however, that Waimea is a specialty market. The islands of Hawaii are a popular winter destination. Many newcomers come to the area to get away from colder climates. This area typically doesn’t experience extreme cold or winter conditions, and the climate is generally pleasant and temperate year-round. While the peak selling season is usually summer, home sales remain strong in Waimea going into the fall and winter months.

The most important factor in selling your home in Waimea is correctly pricing it. Home prices vary depending on location, the size of the property, the year it was built, and the condition. You can hire a professional appraiser who can estimate the value of your property through a careful inspection. You should find a certified appraiser who’s very experienced in the local market. Price your home too high, and you can deter home buyers who would otherwise be able to purchase your home. However, pricing it too low can lead to speculation on whether or not there’s something wrong with the property.

With 20 years of experience helping clients buy and sell properties in Waimea, Carrie Nicholson is one of the top real estate professionals on the Big Island. A native Hawaii resident, Carrie specializes in Waimea’s luxury real estate market as well as Hawaii’s most lucrative properties. Her unparalleled knowledge of the local market means her clients get the best services possible to meet their real estate goals. Contact Carrie today to schedule a consultation!