Quick Answer: When selecting a luxury real estate agent on the Kona-Kohala Coast, prioritize someone who offers candid, data-driven advice, demonstrates deep expertise in specific resorts like Hualalai or Mauna Kea, and invests significantly in marketing beyond basic listings to ensure your property receives optimal exposure and strategic pricing.
Key Takeaways: Choosing Your Kona-Kohala Coast Luxury Real Estate Advisor
- Honesty Over Agreement: A top agent will challenge your assumptions with data, not simply agree with your pricing ideas, especially when listing a Mauna Lani villa.
- Value, Not Just Price: The lowest commission often means sacrificing critical marketing, negotiation skill, and local market insight for your Kukio estate.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Expect comprehensive market analysis, comparable sales data, and strategic insight, particularly for complex transactions such as selling a Kohanaiki oceanfront parcel.
- Strategic Marketing Investment: Look for an agent who commits meaningful resources to professional photography, video, and targeted outreach that reflect the true value of your Waikoloa Beach Resort property.
- Local Expertise Is Paramount: Your agent should possess in-depth knowledge of the nuances, trends, and buyer profiles specific to the Kona-Kohala Coast’s luxury communities.
Over nearly two decades selling luxury homes on the Kona-Kohala Coast, I have worked with hundreds of affluent clients, many from the mainland, considering Hawaii for a second home or vacation rental investment. One of the most common questions I hear is: What should I ask when interviewing Realtors for my luxury home on the Big Island?
The answer is not magic; it is a system. The Polimino Strategic Advisory Approach is the result of years of testing, refinement, and proven results in this unique market. Rather than simply describing the system, I will address the three most common questions clients ask when determining whether an agent is the right fit. These are real questions from luxury buyers and sellers, along with the candid answers that explain what we do differently.
Should I choose a Kona Realtor who always agrees with my pricing ideas for my Hualalai vacation rental?
Quick Answer: No. If you want an agent who always agrees with your pricing or strategy, you are looking for a “yes” person. That is not my approach to selling luxury property on the Kona-Kohala Coast.
My role, shaped by nearly 20 years in this market, is to provide clear, honest advice, even when it may not align with your initial expectations. If market data shows your Hualalai vacation rental is overpriced, or if emotion is influencing a financial decision, I will tell you directly. The luxury market on the Kona-Kohala Coast demands precision, and that sometimes means challenging assumptions with data and experience. If candid feedback about a significant investment in communities like Mauna Kea or Kukio is uncomfortable, my approach may not be the right fit.
Example: I recently advised a client who wanted to list their Mauna Lani Resort oceanfront home at $12 million. After reviewing comparable sales and absorption rates, I recommended a strategic price closer to $10.5 million to maximize net proceeds and reduce time on market. The property sold in 45 days at $10.3 million. Similar homes that launched at higher prices remained on the market for more than 180 days and ultimately sold for less after multiple price reductions. Strategic pricing matters.
Is it always best to choose the Kona Realtor with the lowest commission for my Mauna Kea condo sale?
Quick Answer: No. Choosing the lowest commission often means sacrificing marketing exposure, negotiation expertise, and overall service, which can cost more in the long run than any commission savings.
A high level of service requires meaningful investment. I allocate substantial resources to professional marketing, technology, and ongoing education to ensure every property receives maximum exposure. Luxury properties in communities like Mauna Kea and Kohanaiki require more than a basic MLS listing. They demand professional photography, cinematic video, targeted digital campaigns, and strategic negotiation.
Cutting commission often limits these tools, which can result in longer time on market or a discounted sale price. My goal is not to be the cheapest option, but to provide the greatest value for your investment.
Example: A seller in Waikoloa Beach Resort considered an agent offering a 1% lower commission with a minimal marketing plan. Our approach included drone photography, cinematic video, targeted outreach to mainland high-net-worth buyers, and strategic promotion. The home sold for 5% above asking price in 60 days. A comparable property listed with reduced marketing in the same community took more than nine months to sell and closed below its original list price. The difference in net proceeds significantly exceeded the commission difference.
Will relying on my gut feelings work better than data when selling my Kona-Kohala Coast luxury home?
Quick Answer: No. Relying solely on intuition or anecdotal advice in a luxury transaction can lead to substantial financial consequences. A data-driven approach produces better outcomes.
Every recommendation I make is grounded in market research, statistical analysis, and deep experience in the Hawaii luxury sector, particularly in communities such as Kukio and Hualalai. Clients receive detailed reports, comparable sales analysis, and strategic pricing guidance tailored to their property. The Polimino Strategic Advisory Approach focuses on understanding market dynamics, contract structure, and negotiation strategy to protect your financial interests.
Example: A buyer was emotionally attached to an oceanfront lot in Kohanaiki and prepared to offer well above recent comparable sales. Our analysis showed similar lots had sold for 15–20% less in the prior six months. Using this data, we negotiated a final price 12% below their initial offer, saving nearly $1 million while securing the property. In luxury real estate, informed decisions drive stronger outcomes.
The Bottom Line: Who Is Dan Polimino For on the Kona-Kohala Coast?
I work best with clients who value honesty, expertise, and strategy. A successful luxury transaction on the Kona-Kohala Coast is complex and requires skill, preparation, and a commitment to excellence. The Hawaii Team is dedicated to delivering that level of service.
If you are seeking a trusted advisor, a skilled negotiator, and an experienced guide through the Hawaii luxury real estate market, I invite you to connect. I am confident this strategic approach will meet and exceed expectations.
Continued strong demand for well-priced, professionally marketed luxury properties in premier communities such as Hualalai and Mauna Kea would not be surprising. We would be honored to be of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific luxury communities do you specialize in on the Big Island?
The Hawaii Team focuses on premier communities along the Kona-Kohala Coast, including Kukio, Hualalai Resort, Mauna Kea Resort, Mauna Lani Resort, Waikoloa Beach Resort, and Kohanaiki. Deep local expertise in these enclaves provides a significant advantage.
How does The Hawaii Team market luxury properties differently?
Our strategy extends beyond standard MLS exposure. We incorporate cinematic video tours, professional drone photography, targeted digital campaigns aimed at high-net-worth buyers, and strategic public relations outreach. Recent listings have generated tens of thousands of targeted impressions within the first two weeks.
How important is local expertise when selling a second home in Hawaii?
Local expertise is critical. The Kona-Kohala Coast market includes unique community regulations, micro-market trends, and buyer expectations. An experienced local advisor understands these nuances and applies them to pricing, marketing, and negotiation strategy.
What is the current outlook for luxury homes on the Kona-Kohala Coast?
While market conditions evolve, the luxury segment has shown resilience. Well-positioned properties in highly desirable communities continue to attract qualified buyers, particularly when inventory is limited within specific price tiers.
How do you handle negotiations for high-value properties?
Negotiation is always strategic and data-driven. By leveraging current market analysis, comparable sales, and buyer psychology, we position properties to maximize leverage. In a recent Kohanaiki estate sale, we negotiated an additional 3% above the initial offer by presenting overlooked comparable data and emphasizing unique property attributes.