Considering all the hidden costs of a traditional home sale in Maui? Discover if working with a real estate agent truly makes sense for your unique situation and property in our latest insights from Maui Home Buyers!
Listing with a real estate agent in Maui isn’t always the best solution for every homeowner. When you consider the expenses, timeline, and personal effort involved, you might find our alternative approach is better aligned with your needs. As a family-owned business focused on problem-solving, we work with both on-island and off-island homeowners to provide solutions when traditional listings don’t make sense. Below, we outline five significant costs you should anticipate if you choose the conventional selling route.
Repairs
When selling your Maui home traditionally, repairs are practically inevitable. Those small maintenance issues around your property can quickly add up to significant expenses. For homes needing major repairs, these costs escalate dramatically. Even after listing and receiving an offer, your buyer will conduct an inspection. If everything passes inspection, great! However, buyers frequently return with newly discovered issues, requesting either a price reduction or demanding you complete these repairs before closing. At Maui Home Buyers, we purchase properties as-is, eliminating this stress entirely.
Professional Cleaning
When listing your home on the MLS in Maui, presentation is everything. Even for meticulously clean homeowners, this often means hiring professional cleaning services. You might need carpet cleaners, exterior power washing, or tile restoration specialists. Even if you handle the cleaning yourself, the time investment is substantial—and your time is incredibly valuable. Our goal at Maui Home Buyers is to provide a quicker, easier solution so you can focus on what’s truly important to you, without worrying about preparing your home for constant showings.
Marketing Fees
Marketing quality varies dramatically among real estate agents in Maui. While some offer comprehensive marketing packages included in their commission, others provide only basic services. You’ve seen the difference in listings—some feature professional staging and photography that make spaces appear larger, while others show poorly lit smartphone photos highlighting unmade beds and clutter. Premium listings that attract serious buyers often come with additional costs. If you decide to list your Maui property, ensure you understand exactly what’s included. Between exclusive listing fees, signage, and promotional materials, you could face numerous unexpected expenses that strain your budget.
Commissions
In certain situations, a Maui real estate agent can be worth their 6% commission fee. However, for many properties, this substantial cost doesn’t deliver proportional value. Six percent of your final sale price represents a significant amount of money that comes directly from your equity. Before signing a listing agreement with a Maui agent, carefully analyze whether they can secure enough additional value to justify this expense. As a family-owned business with deep roots in Maui and Oahu, we at Maui Home Buyers understand that everyone has different circumstances—whether you’re facing foreclosure, divorce, probate, or simply want to avoid endless strangers touring your home, a direct sale might be the perfect solution.
Closing Costs
When selling with a real estate agent in Maui, homeowners typically spend 1-3% of their final sale price on closing costs. These include recording fees, settlement fees, title searches, surveys, and potential pre-payment penalties—all due at the closing table. Working with Maui Home Buyers, many of these costs can be eliminated entirely, allowing you to keep more of your equity while enjoying a faster, more dependable selling process tailored to your specific needs.