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From Bare Rooms to Dream Homes
the monthly hale FEBRUARY 2025
THE POWER OF STAGING
Life is all about first impressions, and selling a home is no different. Staging is the ultimate tool to ensure that potential buyers fall head over heels when they step through the door. Staging isn’t about fancy tricks or unrealistic setups; it’s about showcasing a home’s best features and helping buyers envision their lives there. It’s a
practical, results-driven approach that can make all the difference. Let’s take a look! First Impressions Are Everything Buyers form opinions about a home almost instantly. Whether they’re stepping inside for a tour or scrolling through an online listing, a well-staged home grabs their attention and makes a strong first impression. Empty rooms or cluttered spaces can leave buyers feeling unsure or uninspired. Staging fills those gaps by showing off the home’s potential and helping buyers feel a connection to the space. Making the Most of Every Space Not every buyer can visualize using an empty or oddly shaped room. Staging helps solve this problem by showing practical and appealing ways to use the space. That small, awkward corner? It becomes
Before
Before
After
Putting the kayaks and bikes in storage allowed us to set up an outdoor oasis that extended the living space of the home. Buyers can now envision themselves having friends over to grill and have a glass of wine together.
a cozy reading nook. A smaller bedroom? It’s a perfectly staged home office. When buyers see how a space can work for them, it’s easier for them to picture themselves living there. Standing Out in the Market The market is competitive, and online photos are often the first way buyers see a home. Staged homes tend to photograph much better, making them stand out among other listings. A staged home can attract more interest and potentially more offers.
After
This condo in Waikiki was a fun project we did! Homes look larger and more spacious when they are staged. Most would think a vacant home would appear bigger, but actually, a staged home looks larger and more spacious. These photos show the difference between a vacant home and a fully staged home.
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WHAT OUR C
"I can’t say enough about the incredi had with Jason and Sachi at the Mitc went above and beyond to help me re sell it in record time (less than a month! perfect new place to call home. From sta made every part of the process seamless, to detail and dedication were exceptional. J guided me through each step, managed all and ensured everything was perfectly aligne outcome. I’m beyond grateful for their hard and genuine commitment. If you’re looking truly cares and consistently delivers amazin Mitchell Group will be there for you every st 5.0 We have a 5.0 rating on Google*
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This home was one of our favorite homes to work on. We pulled up 50-year-old carpet to reveal gorgeous, original wood floors. We loved the original vaulted ceilings and wood beams and wanted to showcase the beautiful architecture of the home. Mindful renovations that preserve the beauty of Hawaiian homes and carefully modernize them for today's local families are our goal. We really felt this home was special, and we took care to preserve the unique qualities with mindful updates that will last for generations to come.
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Shifting Focus to the Positives Every home has its quirks, but staging helps highlight its strengths while downplaying any less-than- ideal features. A well-arranged living room can make a small space feel open, while thoughtful decor can add warmth to an older kitchen. The goal isn’t to hide flaws but to create an inviting atmosphere where buyers see the potential rather than the imperfections. Remember: Staging isn’t about creating a picture- perfect version of a home — it’s about helping buyers see the possibilities. It allows them to connect with the space and imagine their future there. For us at The Mitchell Group, it’s a great way to make the selling process smoother, faster, and more successful.
POSITIVE MOMENTUM MARKS OAHU
The Oahu housing market ended 2024 on a strong note, with Dec homes and condos. Despite these positive trends, affordability ch
DECEMBER 2024 PERFORMANCE Sales Surge
· Single-family homes: 228 units sold, up 25.3% from December 2023. · Condos: 323 units sold, marking an 18.8% year-over-year increase. Time to Sell · Single-family homes: Median days on the market rose slightly from 18 to 20. · Condos: Median days on the market increased from 26 to 36.
After -Sachi Mitchell
Price Growth · Single-family homes: Median price rose 5.8% to $1,054,500. · Condos: Median price climbed 5.9% to a record $540,000. · High-end condos ($500,000+): Sales grew 30.5%. · Lower-priced condos (under $500,000): Sales increased by 6.1%. 2024 MARKET HIGHLIGHTS Sales Activity · Overall transactions: Up 1.7%. · Single-family homes: Sales increased by 9.1%. · Condos: Sales declined by 2.5%. · Total sales for the year: 2,793 single-family homes and 4,459 condos. Above Asking Price Trends · Single-family homes: 29% sold above asking price, unchanged from 2023. · Condos: Only 16% sold above the asking price, down from 21% the previous year.
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Our clients are often living in their homes while they're selling them. In these cases, we use their existing furniture for staging; we can still make big changes to their home in order to attract as many buyers as possible. In this case, we added a larger rug, art, plants, curtains, and lighting to transform the space.
Staging tip: Larger rugs make the room look larger. Can you see the difference in these photos?
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TAKE A BREAK
CLIENTS ARE SAYING
Chocolate Dream Equality Groundhog Grammy King Lincoln Pizza Roses Super Bowl Valentine Women
ible experience I chell Group! They ent out my home, !), and find the art to finish, they and their attention Jason and Sachi the complexities, ed for the best d work, expertise, for a team that ng results, the tep of the way."
Text your answers to Sachi at 808.286.7633 . The first person to text with the correct answers gets a $5 Starbucks gift card.
The referral of your friends and family is the greatest compliment you can give us. Mahalo for your trust!
Ginger-Glazed Mahi Mahi
—Jennifer Scott
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
U’S HOUSING MARKET IN 2024
INGREDIENTS • 3 tbsp honey • 3 tbsp soy sauce • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp grated fresh ginger root • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 4 (6-oz) mahi mahi fillets • Salt and pepper to taste • 2 tbsp vegetable oil • Cooked brown rice, for serving. DIRECTIONS 1. In a shallow bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, ginger, and garlic. 2. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 25 minutes. 3. Add vegetable oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove fish fillets and add to skillet, reserving marinade. Fry fish for 4–5 minutes on each side, turning only once, until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove fillets to a serving platter and keep warm. 4. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Simmer over medium heat until reduced to a glaze. Spoon glaze over fish and serve over brown rice.
cember showing significant increases in sales for both single-family hallenges continue to influence market dynamics and buyer behavior.
Rising Costs Monthly condo fees saw sharp increases over the last two years: · Studios: +28%.
SINGLE-FAMILY MARKET
· 1-bedroom units: +17%. · 2-bedroom units: +18%. · 3+ bedroom units: +23%.
Inventory Levels Rise · Single-family homes: Active listings increased to 675 (+12.5% from 2023). · Condos: Active listings reached 1,928 (+56.2% year-over-year). MARKET CHALLENGES AND INSIGHTS Affordability Issues · Elevated mortgage rates. · Increasing homeownership costs, including maintenance fees and insurance. Buyer Behavior · Rising costs and economic pressures continue to shape purchasing decisions While 2024 showed strong momentum in sales and price growth, especially for single- family homes, affordability concerns remain a major obstacle for many buyers. Oahu’s market resilience reflects its appeal, but addressing cost challenges will be crucial for long-term stability.
$1,054,500
228 CLOSED SALES 25.3% MEDIAN SINGLE-FAMILY PRICE
CONDO/ TOWNHOUSE MARKET
MEDIAN CONDO PRICE $540,000
323 CLOSED SALES
18.8%
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808.824.4088
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Small Touches, Big Results 2 What Our Clients Are Saying Positive Momentum Marks Oahu’s Housing Market in 2024 3 Ginger-Glazed Mahi Mahi 4 Spruce Up Your Scrubbers
CLEANING CLEVERLY
SIMPLE STEPS TO SPARKLE
As we work to fit everything into our hectic daily schedules, even the simplest and most apparent tasks can slip through the cracks. For example, we rely on common cleaning
give yours a deep clean every 6–12 months by thoroughly cleaning all removable parts with dish soap and water.
Worries in Your Wood
tools and appliances to maintain order in our lives, but do we pay attention to how we treat them? Household staples like cutting boards and sponges aren’t magical devices that keep our homes clean without their own maintenance and care. Here are three ways to keep cleaning tools, well, clean. The Battle Against Bacteria Even if your home-cleaning regimen is extensive enough to make Martha Stewart blush, you may unwittingly turn your home into a haven for bacteria without realizing it. Your sponges and scrubbers do a lot to keep your space spotless and hygienic, so they should be treated with the same consideration. They should be washed at least weekly, and the most thorough method is in your
If you do most of your meal prep on your trusty wooden cutting board, look carefully at its current condition. If you notice deep cuts and crevices from repeated visits by your knives, it’s time for a replacement. These cuts and uneven surfaces can harbor bacteria that regular washings with soap and water can’t reach. Think of it like the difference between simply brushing your teeth and giving them a good flossing. Your superficially cleaned teeth may look nice, but what lives between them could lead to serious health issues if left unchecked.
Classy Cloth Care The small, square cloth is a household cleaning enthusiast’s greatest friend, but it’s often the most
neglected. Since there’s no point in wiping anything down with dirty rags, toss them in your washing machine on a normal cycle with your regular detergent. If your cleaning rags have really seen better days, add a cup of bleach.
dishwasher — run them on the hottest cycle for the longest time possible on the top rack. And speaking of dishwashers, be sure to
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