SELLER'S COURSE
Here’s What You Need to Know About Selling Your Home on the Big Island
SELLER'S COURSE
Here’s What You Need to Know About Selling Your Home on the Big Island
|
|
|
Seller's Course
Savvy Seller Course Intro
Module 1: Choosing Your Agent
Module 2: Marketing in Today's World
Module 3: Supercharging Traditional Marketing
Module 4: Compensation Commissions
Module 5: Savvy Negotiations
Module 6: The Importance of Communications
Module 7: Savvy Sellers Goals and Priorities
Module 8: Getting Clarity
Module 9: How to Prepare for a Great Sale
Module 10: Do's and Don'ts When Selling Your Home
Module 11: Should Sellers Offer Buyer Compensation
Module 12: The Buyer Representation Agreement
Module 13: The Listing Agreement
Module 14: The Purchase Agreement
Module 15: Which Offer Should You Choose
Exclusive Big Island Market Updates
Selling your home on the Big Island is a big step, and it’s completely natural to have questions along the way. With the right guidance, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
I’m here to help you understand what’s really happening in your local market so you can make confident, well-informed decisions when the time is right for you.
With my monthly market updates, you’ll stay connected to what matters most—recent sales, pricing trends, and how homes in your neighborhood are performing. It’s a simple way to stay informed and feel prepared, whether you’re planning to sell soon or just keeping an eye on the market.
Exclusive Big Island Market Updates
Selling your home on the Big Island is a big step, and it’s completely natural to have questions along the way. With the right guidance, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
I’m here to help you understand what’s really happening in your local market so you can make confident, well-informed decisions when the time is right for you.
With my monthly market updates, you’ll stay connected to what matters most—recent sales, pricing trends, and how homes in your neighborhood are performing. It’s a simple way to stay informed and feel prepared, whether you’re planning to sell soon or just keeping an eye on the market.
Want to stay in the know with what’s happening on the Big Island?
Get local market updates, tips, and insights—delivered straight to your inbox.
Want to stay in the know with what’s happening on the Big Island?
Get local market updates, tips, and insights—delivered straight to your inbox.
market Updates
Thinking About Selling Your Big Island Home?
Selling your home can feel like a big step—and it’s completely normal to have questions along the way.
Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or getting closer to making a move, having the right information can make all the difference. This guide was created to walk you through what to expect, so you can feel confident, prepared, and supported every step of the way.
Inside, you’ll find simple, practical insights to help you navigate the selling process and make the best decisions for your home and your timing.
DOWNLOAD TO ACCESS:
Download Your Big Island Seller Book
Thinking About Selling Your Big Island Home?
Selling your home can feel like a big step—and it’s completely normal to have questions along the way.
Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or getting closer to making a move, having the right information can make all the difference. This guide was created to walk you through what to expect, so you can feel confident, prepared, and supported every step of the way.
Inside, you’ll find simple, practical insights to help you navigate the selling process and make the best decisions for your home and your timing.
DOWNLOAD TO ACCESS:
Download Your Big Island Seller Book
Spring is here!
The Spring Real Estate Market is thriving, and we are seeing a significant increase in demand for homes in Voorhees, especially from millennials.
In fact, the current absorption rate in our area is only 3 months, which means that if no more homes come on the market, we will only be able to sustain the current demand for up to 3 months.
This is great news for anyone considering selling their home, as the high demand can lead to a boost in your bottom line.
If you are thinking about selling your home, now is the perfect time to do so. To get started, it's essential to focus on your curb appeal, which can significantly impact the value of your property. That's why we've put together a helpful checklist to help you get started.
Friendly reminder: Before you make a repair, be sure to check with a real estate agent to make sure it is worth your return on investment. Feel free to Book A Call with me if you have any questions or want a free consultation!
Are you a little behind on your spring cleaning? Grab a copy of the Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist that was featured last month.
Preparing for a possible move this winter? Click below to check out our moving checklist to get your whole house ready for the next home!
What’s Happening in Kona & Across the Big Island?
From farmers markets and cultural events to local festivals and community gatherings, each Big Island district offers something unique. Stay connected to what’s happening in Kona and surrounding communities, as well as island-wide events.
Spring is here!
The Spring Real Estate Market is thriving, and we are seeing a significant increase in demand for homes in Voorhees, especially from millennials.
In fact, the current absorption rate in our area is only 3 months, which means that if no more homes come on the market, we will only be able to sustain the current demand for up to 3 months.
This is great news for anyone considering selling their home, as the high demand can lead to a boost in your bottom line.
If you are thinking about selling your home, now is the perfect time to do so. To get started, it's essential to focus on your curb appeal, which can significantly impact the value of your property. That's why we've put together a helpful checklist to help you get started.
Friendly reminder: Before you make a repair, be sure to check with a real estate agent to make sure it is worth your return on investment. Feel free to Book A Call with me if you have any questions or want a free consultation!
Are you a little behind on your spring cleaning? Grab a copy of the Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist that was featured last month.
Preparing for a possible move in Hawai'i? Click below to check out our moving checklist to get your whole house ready for the next home!
What’s Happening in Kona & Across the Big Island?
From farmers markets and cultural events to local festivals and community gatherings, each Big Island district offers something unique. Stay connected to what’s happening in Kona and surrounding communities, as well as island-wide events.
BIG ISLAND HAWAII STATS & LOCAL INFO
Click Here for the Census Data.
Click Here for the Big Island Hawaii.
BIG ISLAND HAWAII STATS & LOCAL INFO
Click Here for the Census Data.
Click Here for the Big Island Hawaii.
DOWNLOAD TO ACCESS:
30 Day Plan to Prepare Your Home for Sale
DOWNLOAD TO ACCESS:
The Complete Guide to Selling A Home
DOWNLOAD TO ACCESS:
30 Day Plan to Prepare Your Home for Sale
DOWNLOAD TO ACCESS:
The Complete Guide to Selling A Home
market Updates
buying new construction? buyer beware
Local market update
NAR's Commission Settlement:
Understanding Buyer's Agent Compensation
National Market Update
Buyer Tips
Community Videos
3 best sandwich Shops
Best Burrito in Brentwood
Best Hot Dogs in Brentwood
MJ's Cafe in brentwood
Welcome to Your Big Island Seller Course
If you’re thinking about selling your home on the Big Island—or you’ve already decided but still have a few questions—you’re in the right place.
Selling a home is a big step, and it’s completely normal to want clarity around the process, pricing, and what to expect along the way. This course was created to give you a simple, step-by-step understanding so you can move forward with confidence.
Inside, we’ll walk through everything from preparing your home and pricing it right, to marketing, timelines, and navigating offers—so you can make the best decisions for your home and your goals.
Take your time, explore each step, and know that I’m here to help whenever you’re ready.
Julie Wettstein | Realtor & Broker RB- 21086
Island Homes by Scuba Julie
Brokered by Real Broker
RB- 23337
Welcome to Your Big Island Seller Course
If you’re thinking about selling your home on the Big Island—or you’ve already decided but still have a few questions—you’re in the right place.
Selling a home is a big step, and it’s completely normal to want clarity around the process, pricing, and what to expect along the way. This course was created to give you a simple, step-by-step understanding so you can move forward with confidence.
Inside, we’ll walk through everything from preparing your home and pricing it right, to marketing, timelines, and navigating offers—so you can make the best decisions for your home and your goals.
Take your time, explore each step, and know that I’m here to help whenever you’re ready.
Julie Wettstein | Realtor & Broker RB- 21086
Island Homes by Scuba Julie
Brokered by Real Broker
RB- 23337
Welcome To The Virtual Seller Course Library
Learn the latest and most up to date marketing and sales tactics
to sell your home for top dollar.
The Pre-Market Quiz
"Will your home pass the test before going to market?"
Learn how to sell your home for top dollar right now
You may need to make a few changes before selling
Pre-Market Timelines
"Let's talk about the timelines before listing a home with us."
What you should expect when getting your home ready to sell
How to maximize the return on your investment
Timing
"How quickly will my home sell? This is a common question we get."
Learn about the market climate and absorption rates
The market climate will determine how quickly your home will sell
Marketing Your Home
"The importance of marketing your home properly."
Digital marketing exposes your property to the masses
Negotiation will be key in selling you home
Pricing your home is not as easy as checking Zillow
Home Valuation
"How do you determine what your house is worth?"
Pricing your home right
Factors to consider are size, condition, location, marketing, and negotiating
Underpricing and overpricing your home will cause you to lose money
Is Zillow Accurate?
"Should I use Zillow as an accurate evaluation of my home’s value?"
Zillow is an algorithm based on public data
Zillow has never seen the inside of your home and it’s a computer
Zillow comes up with the value based upon what your neighbors are selling for
What to Disclose?
To disclose or not to disclose
This is vital to ensure that you are safe during and after the sale
Over-disclosure is better than under-disclosure
Receiving Offers
"How do you know if you should accept the offer you just got?"
What if you don't receive the amount of offers you were hoping for?
What happens if we have more than one offer?
Good Time to Sell?
"Are we heading into a recession and is now a good time to buy and sell?"
If you're fearful of selling due to a recession, you may want to think again
Remember, it's all relative
Negotiations
"How to negotiate like a master to make sure you get the most out of your home?"
How to get top dollar when selling
Walking away with the most amount of money in your pocket
Inspections?!
"Should you get inspections done prior to listing my home?"
The advantages of having inspections done prior to listing
Saves you time and money
Curb Appeal
How to make a good first impression
How to get maximum exposure and top dollar
There are simple tricks that can save you money and maximize the return on your investment at the same time
Should I Take the First Offer?
NO NO NO!
The goal is for your home to be seen by the masses
Then, to get the highest and best price and terms for your home
What Are Contingencies?
"When a buyer has made an offer on a home and the seller has accepted it but the final sale is contingent on certain criteria being met."
This criteria, or contingencies, typically fall under four major categories: appraisal, loan approval, inspections and reports & disclosures
Contingency Timeframes
"Now we're in contract prior to contingencies being removed. Now we're in business."
The buyer now will secure their loan, have their inspections on the property, and review all of the reports and disclosures
WANT TO GET A FREE CUSTOM MARKET PROPOSAL?
Go to the next page to request a custom market proposal for your specific home
Welcome To The Virtual Seller Course Library
Learn the latest and most up to date marketing and sales tactics
to sell your home for top dollar.
The Pre-Market Quiz
"Will your home pass the test before going to market?"
Learn how to sell your home for top dollar right now
You may need to make a few changes before selling
Pre-Market Timelines
"Let's talk about the timelines before listing a home with us."
What you should expect when getting your home ready to sell
How to maximize the return on your investment
Timing
"How quickly will my home sell? This is a common question we get."
Learn about the market climate and absorption rates
The market climate will determine how quickly your home will sell
Marketing Your Home
"The importance of marketing your home properly."
Digital marketing exposes your property to the masses
Negotiation will be key in selling you home
Pricing your home is not as easy as checking Zillow
Home Valuation
"How do you determine what your house is worth?"
Pricing your home right
Factors to consider are size, condition, location, marketing, and negotiating
Underpricing and overpricing your home will cause you to lose money
Is Zillow Accurate?
"Should I use Zillow as an accurate evaluation of my home’s value?"
Zillow is an algorithm based on public data
Zillow has never seen the inside of your home and it’s a computer
Zillow comes up with the value based upon what your neighbors are selling for
What to Disclose?
To disclose or not to disclose
This is vital to ensure that you are safe during and after the sale
Over-disclosure is better than under-disclosure
Receiving Offers
"How do you know if you should accept the offer you just got?"
What if you don't receive the amount of offers you were hoping for?
What happens if we have more than one offer?
Good Time to Sell?
"Are we heading into a recession and is now a good time to buy and sell?"
If you're fearful of selling due to a recession, you may want to think again
Remember, it's all relative
Negotiations
"How to negotiate like a master to make sure you get the most out of your home?"
How to get top dollar when selling
Walking away with the most amount of money in your pocket
Inspections?!
"Should you get inspections done prior to listing my home?"
The advantages of having inspections done prior to listing
Saves you time and money
Curb Appeal
How to make a good first impression
How to get maximum exposure and top dollar
There are simple tricks that can save you money and maximize the return on your investment at the same time
Should I Take the First Offer?
NO NO NO!
The goal is for your home to be seen by the masses
Then, to get the highest and best price and terms for your home
What Are Contingencies?
"When a buyer has made an offer on a home and the seller has accepted it but the final sale is contingent on certain criteria being met."
This criteria, or contingencies, typically fall under four major categories: appraisal, loan approval, inspections and reports & disclosures
Contingency Timeframes
"Now we're in contract prior to contingencies being removed. Now we're in business."
The buyer now will secure their loan, have their inspections on the property, and review all of the reports and disclosures
WANT TO GET A FREE CUSTOM MARKET PROPOSAL?
Go to the next page to request a custom market proposal for your specific home
Community Videos
Julie Wettstein | Realtor & Broker
RB- 21086
Dive into Hawaii Real Estate with Julie as your guide!
Julie is not your average real estate specialist. With 30 years of experience, she's a seasoned professional who thrives on making her clients' dreams a reality. Her favorite part of being a real estate agent? Seeing the sheer joy on her clients' faces when she helps them find their perfect Dream Home. Born and raised in a small ranching community in Southwestern Wyoming, Julie's values of community, loyalty, and family run deep. She's a country girl at heart, and her roots have shaped her into the dedicated and trustworthy professional she is today. Married to her high school sweetheart, Julie is a proud mother of three beautiful daughters and a doting grandmother to an adorably cute granddaughter. An animal lover at heart, she shares her island life with two dogs who are just as enamored with the ocean as the rest of her family. Julie's love for the ocean led her and her family to Hawaii, where they relocated to the Big Island in 2011. An avid scuba diver, she spends as much time as possible underwater, capturing the beauty of the underwater world through her photography. Her passion for photography extends to capturing the unique animals and landscapes of the ocean, always on the lookout for the biggest and smallest of creatures. Having navigated the complexities of relocation herself, Julie understands the challenges that come with moving, whether it's across an ocean or within the same town. She's adept at helping her clients through every step of the process, making the transition as smooth as possible. Julie loves meeting new people and takes great pleasure in helping them find their perfect place to call home. If you're seeking an exceptional person to help you find the home of your dreams, Julie is the one to call. She can't wait to help you make your vision a reality.
Julie Wettstein | Realtor & Broker
RB-21086
Dive into Hawaii Real Estate with Julie as your guide!
Julie is not your average real estate specialist. With 30 years of experience, she's a seasoned professional who thrives on making her clients' dreams a reality. Her favorite part of being a real estate agent? Seeing the sheer joy on her clients' faces when she helps them find their perfect Dream Home. Born and raised in a small ranching community in Southwestern Wyoming, Julie's values of community, loyalty, and family run deep. She's a country girl at heart, and her roots have shaped her into the dedicated and trustworthy professional she is today. Married to her high school sweetheart, Julie is a proud mother of three beautiful daughters and a doting grandmother to an adorably cute granddaughter. An animal lover at heart, she shares her island life with two dogs who are just as enamored with the ocean as the rest of her family. Julie's love for the ocean led her and her family to Hawaii, where they relocated to the Big Island in 2011. An avid scuba diver, she spends as much time as possible underwater, capturing the beauty of the underwater world through her photography. Her passion for photography extends to capturing the unique animals and landscapes of the ocean, always on the lookout for the biggest and smallest of creatures. Having navigated the complexities of relocation herself, Julie understands the challenges that come with moving, whether it's across an ocean or within the same town. She's adept at helping her clients through every step of the process, making the transition as smooth as possible. Julie loves meeting new people and takes great pleasure in helping them find their perfect place to call home. If you're seeking an exceptional person to help you find the home of your dreams, Julie is the one to call. She can't wait to help you make your vision a reality.
SUPPORT OUR SMALL BUSINESSES
Top 5 Things To Do In Brentwood
Top Tacos in Brentwood
41 Sand Creek Rd C, Brentwood
335 Oak St, Brentwood
Visit our blogs for more real estate tips, home tips, and local information!
What Are the Biggest Mistakes Second-Home Buyers Make on the Big Island of Hawaii?
If you’re thinking about buying a second home on the Big Island, you’re probably excited… and maybe a little unsure about getting it right.
That’s normal.
Most buyers don’t make bad decisions because they’re careless.
They just don’t know what to look for yet.
Here are the biggest mistakes I see… and how to avoid them.
1. Choosing Location Based Only on Price
This is the most common one.
A property in Hilo or Puna might look like a great deal compared to Kona or Waikoloa.
But…
The experience of living there is completely different.
Weather
Lifestyle
Accessibility
Rental demand
All change depending on location.
The cheaper property isn’t always the better fit.
2. Not Understanding Rental Rules
A lot of second-home buyers assume:
“I’ll just rent it when I’m not there.”
But on the Big Island:
Not all areas allow short-term rentals
Some communities have strict HOA rules
Zoning matters
Buying the wrong property can limit your options.
3. Underestimating the Total Cost
Purchase price is only part of the picture.
Buyers often overlook:
HOA fees
Insurance
Property taxes
Maintenance and management
These add up quickly.
4. Not Thinking Long-Term
Many buyers focus on the next 1–2 years.
But second homes work best when you think:
5–10+ years
Future retirement
Lifestyle over time
The buyers who are happiest usually have a long-term plan.
5. Trying to Manage Everything Remotely Alone
If you’re off-island, this matters.
Without local support:
Maintenance becomes harder
Issues take longer to resolve
The property can feel like a burden
Having the right local team changes everything.
6. Assuming All Areas of the Island Are the Same
The Big Island is incredibly diverse.
Kona, Waikoloa, Hilo, Puna… they are not interchangeable.
Each area has:
Different climate
Different community feel
Different buyer demand
This is why choosing the right area comes first.
7. Waiting for the “Perfect Time”
A lot of buyers wait for:
Lower rates
Lower prices
The “perfect” market
The reality?
The perfect time rarely shows up.
And when conditions improve, competition usually increases.
Real Buyer Scenario
A mainland buyer almost purchased in a lower-cost area without realizing:
It didn’t fit how they planned to use the home
It had limitations on rental use
It didn’t match their long-term goals
They paused, reassessed, and ended up in Waikoloa instead.
It was a better fit for:
Lifestyle
Ease of ownership
Long-term plans
That one decision made all the difference.
How to Avoid These Mistakes
It comes down to a few simple things:
Get clear on how you’ll use the home
Understand location differences
Look at total cost… not just price
Think long-term
When you do that, the right property becomes much easier to recognize.
FAQ
What’s the biggest mistake buyers make?
Choosing based on price instead of lifestyle and long-term fit.
Is it risky to buy a second home in Hawaii?
It can be if you don’t understand the market. With the right guidance, it’s very manageable.
Do I need someone local to help?
If you’re off-island, it makes the process much smoother.
Next Steps
If you’re considering a second home on the Big Island, the goal isn’t to rush…
It’s to make the right decision the first time.
Julie Wettstein is a trusted real estate broker specializing in buying and selling homes on the Big Island of Hawaii, with a focus on helping off-island sellers, second-home owners, and real estate investors navigate the unique Hawaii market with confidence.
With over 30 years of real estate experience, Julie provides expert guidance on pricing strategy, marketing exposure, negotiation, and the complexities of selling property in Hawaii—including HARPTA, FIRPTA, short-term rental regulations, and island-specific property considerations.
Known for her concierge-level service and strong negotiation skills, Julie helps clients maximize value while removing stress from the selling process—whether they are on-island or managing their property remotely.
If you’re thinking about selling your home on the Big Island of Hawaii or want a clear strategy to get top dollar in today’s market, Julie is a trusted resource for expert advice and results-driven marketing.
Julie Wettstein, Broker RB-21086
Island Homes by Scuba Julie
Big Island, Hawaii
(808) 345-6934
BigIslandDreamHomes.com
[email protected]
What people are saying
"She gets it all together, you really don't have to think. She really gets to know her clients before she starts showing properties. And she knows the market amaizingly..."
- Kim
"From start to finish, she was
professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer questions or provide guidance."
We had a fantastic experience working with Julie Wettstein on the sale of our home in Kailua Kona. Julie made the process smooth
and stress-free, and her attention to detail really showed. She went above and beyond to make sure everything was handled
properly, and we truly appreciated her dedication. We highly recommend Julie to anyone looking to buy or sell in Kona-she's
excellent at what she does!
- Andra W.
"She has an eye for detail, and years of experience in the business."
Julie is a wealth of knowledge and pours her whole heart into every sale! Julie has been my agent on more than one personal
purchase and sale over the past 10 years. As a mortgage lender, I work with many realtors. What sets Julie apart is that she truly
cares about every buyer and seller, and about every home she touches. She helped us negotiate a great price (top of our
budget at the time) on our dream home. Julie staged a condo I was selling so beautifully, it went under contract in just a few
days! If you want someone who goes above and beyond to
help you get a home bought or sold, pick Julie! With her, you are not just a number, but a friend.
- April N.
"She was very transparent and extremely communicative throughout the process."
This was our first time working with Julie and we were impressed. Discussing our wants, needs, and desires in a new home, Julie
delivered !!!! She was very transparent and extremely communicative throughout the home buying process and helped us
navigate working with the sellers. We highly recommend Julie for your home buying/selling process. She truly cares about her
clients and we plan to hire her in the future.
- Matt M.
What people are saying
"She gets it all together, you really don't have to think. She really gets to know her clients before she starts showing properties. And she knows the market amaizingly..."
- Kim
"From start to finish, she was
professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer questions or provide guidance."
We had a fantastic experience working with Julie Wettstein on the sale of our home in Kailua Kona. Julie made the process smooth
and stress-free, and her attention to detail really showed. She went above and beyond to make sure everything was handled
properly, and we truly appreciated her dedication. We highly recommend Julie to anyone looking to buy or sell in Kona-she's
excellent at what she does!
- Andra W.
"She has an eye for detail, and years of experience in the business."
Julie is a wealth of knowledge and pours her whole heart into every sale! Julie has been my agent on more than one personal
purchase and sale over the past 10 years. As a mortgage lender, I work with many realtors. What sets Julie apart is that she truly
cares about every buyer and seller, and about every home she touches. She helped us negotiate a great price (top of our
budget at the time) on our dream home. Julie staged a condo I was selling so beautifully, it went under contract in just a few
days! If you want someone who goes above and beyond to
help you get a home bought or sold, pick Julie! With her, you are not just a number, but a friend.
- April N.
"She was very transparent and extremely communicative throughout the process."
This was our first time working with Julie and we were impressed. Discussing our wants, needs, and desires in a new home, Julie
delivered !!!! She was very transparent and extremely communicative throughout the home buying process and helped us
navigate working with the sellers. We highly recommend Julie for your home buying/selling process. She truly cares about her
clients and we plan to hire her in the future.
- Matt M.
Want to be sure you don't miss out on any local tips & local real estate market updates?
Have them delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe to the monthly digital newsletter below!
Want to be sure you don't miss out on any local tips & local real estate market updates?
Have them delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe to the monthly digital newsletter below!
Julie Wettstein, Island Homes by Scuba Julie, brokered by Real Broker
RB-21086 | RB-23337
808.345.6934
BigIslandDreamHomes.com
Island Homes by Scuba Julie | Copyright © 2026 | All Rights Reserved
Privacy Policy | Terms & Condition | Disclosure