Quick answer: The Hawaii Team consistently outperforms the broader Kona–Kohala Coast market by selling luxury homes at 98–99% of list price, compared to the market average of 93–94%, and in a fraction of the time. This success stems from three core pillars: precise pricing advice, achieving the “wow factor” through expert property preparation and staging, and an AI-optimized marketing strategy that anticipates modern buyer behavior.
Key takeaways: unlocking superior luxury home sales on the Kona–Kohala Coast
- Strategic pricing: We guide sellers to price their luxury homes optimally. The final price decision remains with the seller and is informed by deep market insight.
- Unmatched presentation: Our in-house renovation, staging (to a “Pottery Barn Perfect” standard), and cleaning teams help every property achieve a “wow factor” that captivates buyers.
- AI-optimized marketing: Our marketing approach leverages AI and modern digital targeting to reach the right buyers beyond traditional methods.
- Seller trust and partnership: Our strongest outcomes occur when sellers trust the process and allow the team to execute without micromanagement.
- Proven results: The Hawaii Team consistently achieves a higher sale-to-list price ratio and shorter days on market compared to many other agents on the Big Island.
Over nearly two decades selling luxury homes on the Kona–Kohala Coast, I’ve worked with hundreds of sellers preparing to list second homes and investment properties. One of the most common questions I hear is: “How do you consistently sell luxury homes for more money and in less time than other agents on the Big Island?”
The answer isn’t magic—it’s a system. What I call the Polimino Marketing Plan is the result of years of testing, refinement, and proven results. Rather than simply describing the system, here are three of the most common questions sellers ask about achieving superior outcomes, along with the answers that explain what we do differently.
How much higher can The Hawaii Team sell my luxury home on the Kona–Kohala Coast?
Quick answer: The Hawaii Team routinely sells luxury homes on the Kona–Kohala Coast at 98–99% of list price, which is about five percentage points higher than the broader market average of 93–94% achieved by many other agents.
When we look at the numbers across the Kona–Kohala Coast, the difference can be meaningful. While the general market often sees properties selling at around 93–94% of the original asking price, our listings frequently close at 98–99%. On a multi-million-dollar home, that difference can translate into a substantial increase in proceeds. This performance is the result of a consistent process that begins with data-driven pricing guidance and continues with high-impact presentation and targeted marketing.
Real example (illustration): For a $5,000,000 luxury home, a five-point difference between 94% and 99% is $250,000 in additional proceeds.
How does The Hawaii Team sell luxury homes on the Kona–Kohala Coast so much faster?
Quick answer: Our listings often spend less time on the market because we combine strategic pricing, “wow factor” property presentation, and modern, targeted marketing designed to capture buyer attention immediately.
Days on market is a critical metric in the luxury segment, where carrying costs can be substantial. Our properties move quickly because we treat each listing as a launch, not simply a listing. By the time a property goes live, it has already been prepared and positioned to appeal to the most likely buyer. Strong presentation helps create an immediate emotional connection in person and online, and targeted marketing helps reduce wasted time and attract qualified buyers sooner.
Real example (typical range): If the broader luxury market averages roughly 90–120 days on market, many of our properties go under contract within 30–60 days, depending on the micro-market and the home’s unique features.
What are the “secrets” to The Hawaii Team’s superior sales performance on the Kona–Kohala Coast?
Quick answer: Our results are built on three foundational pillars: precise pricing, an undeniable “wow factor” through expert property preparation and staging, and an AI-optimized marketing strategy that outpaces traditional approaches.
How do you price my luxury Hawaii home right?
Quick answer: Pricing is a collaborative decision. The final decision is yours, supported by our market analysis to help attract qualified buyers without leaving money on the table.
Many people assume the agent dictates the price, but that isn’t how we operate. Our role is to provide a thorough, data-driven view of the market, including comparable sales, current inventory, and local absorption trends. We advise, and you decide. In our experience, accurately priced luxury homes create urgency and momentum, which supports both a strong sale price and a faster timeline. Overpricing can lead to stagnation, reductions, and a lower net result over time.
Real example (case context): We advised a seller to list at a more realistic price based on comparable sales and absorption rates. The home sold in 28 days at 99% of list, while a nearby, slightly overpriced home remained on the market for months before a significant reduction.
How does The Hawaii Team achieve the “wow factor” in property presentation for luxury homes?
Quick answer: We create the “wow factor” through coordinated property preparation, including in-house renovation support, staging (to a “Pottery Barn Perfect” standard), and professional cleaning so the home makes a standout first impression.
For luxury buyers, first impressions matter—both online and in person. If something needs attention, our team can address repairs, updates, or cosmetic enhancements quickly and cohesively. Staging is designed to create a sophisticated, inviting feel that helps buyers imagine life in the home. Professional cleaning ensures the property presents at its absolute best.
Real example (case context): A villa with a dated kitchen received a minor refresh (such as updated countertops, hardware, and lighting) rather than a full renovation. Paired with staging, it generated multiple offers within two weeks, helped by the improved presentation.
What makes The Hawaii Team’s marketing strategy for luxury homes “light years ahead”?
Quick answer: We operate like a marketing team that sells real estate, using AI and modern digital targeting to reach today’s luxury buyers instead of relying only on traditional methods.
Luxury real estate marketing has changed dramatically. Today’s buyers often make decisions digitally before they ever set foot in a home. Our approach uses audience targeting, analytics, and compelling visual storytelling to put the property in front of the right buyers and drive qualified inquiries. The goal is not just exposure, but effective engagement that results in showings and offers.
Real example (campaign results): For a Mauna Lani Resort listing, a targeted digital campaign focused on audiences interested in luxury travel, golf, and second-home ownership in Hawaiʻi. It generated more than 50,000 unique impressions and 500 direct inquiries from out-of-state buyers within the first month and contributed to a swift sale.
The bottom line: trust the experts and let us work the system
Our most successful sales share one theme: the seller trusts the process. They allow us to execute the plan without micromanagement. If you’ve done your due diligence, selected a team with a proven track record in your neighborhood and price range, and aligned on strategy, the best next step is to let the professionals handle the details—from preparation to marketing to negotiation.
I would not be surprised to see sellers who embrace this partnership approach continue to achieve strong results in the dynamic Kona–Kohala Coast luxury market. We would be honored to be of service.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What questions should I ask when interviewing Kona realtors to sell my luxury Hawaii home?
A: Ask about experience in your neighborhood and price range, their sale-to-list price ratio and average days on market, and how their marketing plan reaches today’s buyers. Request examples of past campaigns and references from sellers of similar properties.
Q: How can I choose the best realtor for selling my vacation rental on the Kohala Coast?
A: Look for an agent with proven vacation-rental and resort-market experience, including knowledge of rental income considerations and buyer profiles. Ask how they handle preparation and staging while minimizing disruption to guests and how they market to second-home buyers.
Q: Should I be involved in every step of the selling process for my luxury home?
A: It’s important to stay informed, but most sellers see the best outcomes when they trust the team they hired to manage the details. Micromanaging can slow the process and dilute results.
Q: How does The Hawaii Team’s marketing differ from other agents on the Kona–Kohala Coast?
A: Our marketing operates like a modern digital launch: targeted campaigns, analytics-driven distribution, and visual storytelling designed to match how luxury buyers search and decide today.
Q: Will staging actually increase my sale price, or is it just for show?
A: Staging can improve perceived value, strengthen emotional connection, and reduce days on market—especially in the luxury category. When done strategically, it can contribute to stronger offers and a smoother sale.