How Much Does It Cost To Sell A House In Honolulu, Hawaii?

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Honolulu, one of the first questions that probably comes to mind is:
“How much will it actually cost me to sell?”

It’s a fair question, and one that surprises many homeowners when they realize how many moving parts there are. But don’t worry; as someone who has helped Oʻahu families buy and sell homes for more than 20 years, I’m going to walk you through exactly what to expect.

My name is Cherise and I am the founder of TLC Realty Hawaii where guiding our clients with Tender Loving Care is what we strive for.

Selling your home in paradise can be exciting, especially when you’ve built years of memories there, but it’s important to know all the costs before you list so you can plan ahead and keep more of your equity.

Understanding The True Cost of Selling a Home in Honolulu

Selling a home in Hawaiʻi isn’t just about setting a price and finding a buyer.
There are fees, commissions, taxes, and preparation costs that come with every sale.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s typically involved:

Real estate commission
Escrow and title fees
Repairs and home prep costs
Staging and photography
Possible concessions to the buyer
State and county taxes

Let’s break these down step by step so you know where every dollar goes.

1. Real Estate Commission Fees

This is the largest expense for most sellers.
In Hawaiʻi, the average commission is around 5-6% of the home’s sale price, which is split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent.

Example:

If your home sells for $1,000,000, total commissions might be about $50,000–$60,000.
That amount is usually deducted from the proceeds at closing.

Why It’s Worth It

Your agent handles all the marketing, negotiations, and legal paperwork.
Professional pricing and exposure often lead to higher sale prices.
Experienced agents (like us at TLC Realty HI 😊) have deep knowledge of the Honolulu market and access to qualified buyers.

✅ Pro Tip: Commissions are negotiable! Ask what’s included before you decide.

2. Escrow and Title Fees

In Hawaiʻi, escrow companies act as neutral third parties handling funds and documents during the sale.
Both buyer and seller usually split these fees.

Typical Costs:

Escrow Fee: $600 – $3,000+
Title Insurance: $400 – $3,000+ (depends on property value)

These ensure that ownership transfers cleanly and legally, no old liens, disputes, or title issues.

3. Preparing Your Home To Sell

Before your home hits the market, you’ll want to make it shine. 🌺

Common Preparation Costs:

Item	Typical Cost Range
Deep Cleaning	$300-$1,000+
Landscaping Touch-Up	$200-$2,000+
Minor Repairs	$500-$2,000+
Painting (Interior or Exterior)	$1,000-$15,000+
Professional Staging	$1,500-$5,000+
Professional Photos & Video	$300-$700

Not every seller chooses to stage, but presentation matters.
Homes that look move-in ready attract more offers, and often sell faster.

🛑 Fun Fact: According to the National Association of REALTORS®, staged homes sell 73% faster and for up to 10% more than non-staged homes.

4. Seller Closing Costs in Honolulu

Beyond commissions and escrow, sellers in Hawaiʻi have additional closing costs that can add up to roughly 1–3% of your sale price.

Here’s what’s typically included:

Conveyance Tax: Hawaii Department of Taxation charges a Conveyance Tax when ownership transfers.
- For example, on a $1,000,000 home, it’s about $600-$3,000 depending on exemptions.
Recording Fees: Around $50-$250.
Document Preparation & Notary Fees: Around $150-$300+.
Prorated Property Taxes: Sellers pay their share of the annual property tax up until closing.
Condo or HOA Fees: Some associations charge a resale or transfer fee ($100-$500).

5. Repairs and Buyer Concessions

After the buyer’s inspection, you might be asked to make repairs or offer credits.

Common Repairs in Hawaiʻi Homes

Roof or gutter repairs (especially in older island homes)
Termite treatment or fumigation
Air conditioning maintenance
Plumbing or electrical updates

If you’re selling an older property, plan a small contingency budget, around 1–2% of the home’s value, just in case.

✅ Pro Tip: Fix small issues before listing. Buyers see a well-maintained home as a sign of care, which builds confidence (and stronger offers).

6. Moving Costs

Even after closing, there are a few final expenses, like moving!

Local Move: $1,000-$5,000
Off-Island Shipping (to the Mainland): $5,000-$10,000+ depending on furniture size and distance

If you’re relocating off-island, I can connect you with reputable local movers who specialize in long-distance relocations.

🛑 Fun Fact: Did you know it costs about $2,000-$3,000+ just to ship a car from Honolulu to California? Keep that in mind if you’re relocating!

Pros vs Cons: Selling a Home in Honolulu

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Strong buyer demand and fast-moving market	High closing costs compared to mainland
Potential for high appreciation	Limited inventory means more competition
Year-round selling season (no snow delays!)	Buyers expect move-in ready condition
Access to military and international buyers	Some buyers may request pricey upgrades

Do you love researching Hawaii Real Estate? You sure do sound like it if you’re here! Here’s an in-depth article we wrote about How To Buy Your First Home On Oahu.

7. Taxes on the Sale of Your Honolulu Home

If you’ve owned your home for several years, you might be wondering about capital gains taxes.

Here’s the good news:
If it was your primary residence, the IRS allows most homeowners to exclude up to $250,000 of profit (or $500,000 for married couples) from federal taxes.

However, non-residents or investors may owe HARPTA (Hawaii Real Property Tax Act) or FIRPTA (Federal Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act) withholding taxes.

Local Seller Tip:

Talk with your CPA before selling to understand what you’ll owe and how to minimize your tax liability in regards to IRS Capital Gains on Home Sales

8. Should You Sell Your Home “As-Is”?

In some cases, you might choose to sell “as-is”, meaning you won’t make any repairs before closing.

This can save time, but may reduce the number of potential buyers or the final sale price.

As-Is Sale Pros vs Cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Faster closing timeline	May attract lower offers
No repair or upgrade costs	Fewer qualified buyers
Less stress managing contractors	Buyers may assume problems

If you’re selling an older home or one you’ve inherited, an “as-is” sale can still work well, especially in Honolulu’s high-demand market.

9. Hidden Costs Many Sellers Forget

Even experienced homeowners can overlook a few smaller details that sneak up during closing week:

Final utility bills (electric, water, trash)
Professional cleaning before turning over the keys
Termite inspection certificates (required for most loans)
Courier or overnight document fees for off-island signings

✅ Pro Tip: Create a checklist and set aside around $2,000–$5,000 in your budget for these miscellaneous items. It’s always better to have a cushion.

10. Calculating Your Total Net Proceeds

Here’s a quick way to estimate what you’ll actually walk away with after selling your home.

Example Calculation

Let’s say your home sells for $1,000,000.

Cost Item	Estimated Amount
Real Estate Commissions (6%)	$60,000
Escrow & Title Fees	$7,000
Conveyance & Closing Taxes	$3,000
Repairs, Staging, Cleaning	$3,000
Miscellaneous / Moving	$5,000
Estimated Net Proceeds	≈ $922,000

These numbers will vary, but this gives you a ballpark for planning your next move.

🧭 What Sellers Can Do To Maximize Profit

Time the market wisely.
Spring and early summer tend to attract the most active buyers.
Price strategically.
Homes priced correctly in the first 10 days generate more offers.
Invest in curb appeal.
Fresh paint, trimmed landscaping, and clean entryways make a huge difference.
Work with a local expert.
An experienced Honolulu real estate broker understands neighborhood trends, buyer psychology, and pricing nuances that mainland agents often miss.

🛑 Fun Fact: On average, homes sold by experienced agents in Honolulu sell for 7% more than For-Sale-By-Owner listings!

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling in Honolulu

Do I have to pay all the closing costs?

Usually, sellers pay their share (around 1-3%), while buyers handle their own. It’s all negotiable, though!

Can I sell my home if I still have a mortgage?

Yes! Your loan balance will be paid off from your sale proceeds at closing.

How long does it take to sell a home in Honolulu?

Well-priced homes often sell within 30–45 days, but it can vary depending on price and condition.

What’s the best month to sell in Hawaii?

The market is active year-round, but April through July tends to see the highest demand.

Final Thoughts: Selling With Tender Loving Care ❤️

Selling a home is more than just a financial transaction, it’s letting go of a place filled with memories, laughter, and milestones.

At TLC Realty HI (Tender Loving Care Realty), I believe every client deserves patience, transparency, and true aloha throughout their journey.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Honolulu or anywhere on Oʻahu, let’s talk about what your property is really worth and how to position it for the best results.

👉 Call Cherise Antoque-Tilton today at TLC Realty HI at 808-852-2555 for a free, no-obligation home value consultation.

Your next chapter starts with a conversation, and I’d love to help you make it happen. 🌺

TLC Realty