Hawaiʻi Island Seller Guide · Part 6 of 10
06
Prepare
A well-prepared property photographs better, shows better, and sells for more. This part lays out a timeline of preparation, from early planning through launch week, with checkboxes you can work through.
Preparation timeline
Work through it, week by week
Check items off as you complete them. These are prompts, not a fixed prescription; we will tailor the list to your property and timeline.
Early planning
- Declutter and begin clearing out rooms you no longer use
- Make the repairs and improvements you decided on in Part 2
- Schedule contractors for any work that needs lead time
- Start the deep clean, inside and out
- Confirm the photography date with your photographer
Several weeks before launch
- Finish repairs and touch-up painting
- Refresh landscaping, trim, and the entryway
- Clean windows, lānai, and outdoor living spaces
- Stage key rooms; remove personal items that distract
- Prepare any documents buyers or the listing will reference
Final two weeks
- Final deep clean, including floors and surfaces
- Set the thermostat, open blinds, and brighten every room
- Have the property ready for showings at any time
- Confirm the listing details and photography plan
- Review the property one last time with fresh eyes
Launch week
- Photography day
- Final walk-through of the property before photos
- Confirm listing goes live as planned
- Prepare for the first showings
- Schedule the first review of how the launch is going
Photography day
Ready for the camera
The listing photos are the first showing, for almost every buyer. Set the photo date and time (make sure it's not a trash pickup day), and finish these items before the photographer arrives.
The county doesn't offer curbside pickup, but many homeowners here use a private service, and those run on their own schedules, so check yours before setting the date.
Exterior
- Lawn mowed and edges trimmed
- Entryway swept and welcoming
- Cars and clutter out of frame
- Outdoor furniture arranged
- Mailbox and house numbers clean
Interior
- Every room tidy and decluttered
- Beds made, towels staged
- Lights on, blinds open
- Counters cleared, sinks clean
- Personal items and valuables put away
Logistics
- Confirm photographer arrival
- Access arranged for the property
- Pets out or secured
- Water features on, pool clean
- Final walk-through before photos
A note on virtual staging
Virtual staging can help a buyer understand a vacant or difficult room, but it does not replace preparing the actual property, and it must be disclosed. Under Hawaiʻi Information Service MLS rules, virtually staged photos must be labeled "virtually staged" in the public remarks or caption, and a non-staged image must appear immediately before or after the virtually staged photo. We will handle the MLS details so the listing stays compliant.