Heidi Dollinger

First, slow down and get clear on what are your most important priorities are for your purchase long term, make sure you are financially ready, and then look with an open mind at the possibilities to make your decision. Partner with a real estate broker who will represent your interests and can provide guidance and support beyond the mechanics of completing a transaction.

The details matter and the right preparation can result in an exponential return. The skills and experience of your listing agent will help you make the most of your investment, but the market will set the price range and ultimately the property will sell for what a buyer is willing to pay. Take the time to talk with your agent about the current market conditions and understand what to expect. There are markets where you can be more aggressive and have more leverage, but those same tactics can cost you in other markets. Be wary of choosing a listing agent just based on them promising the highest price. Overpricing a property initially is rarely an effective tactic, and sometimes can result in ultimately selling for much less compared to listing a property at a market price to begin with.

I have worked with all types of buyers and sellers on Maui including lifestyle buyers looking to invest in vacation homes or retirement homes in Maui's resort market, local business owners, real estate investors buying and selling short-term or long-term rental properties, families moving to Maui, or moving to the mainland selling their Maui real estate assets, and owners selling unique beachfront homes and estates . I work closely with clients who have inherited property on Maui, providing clear, thoughtful guidance through what is often both an emotional and complex process. For many, this includes coordinating everything locally, especially when clients are off-island. I manage vendor relationships, property preparation, and the sale process end-to-end, while also collaborating with attorneys and financial advisors as needed. Above all, I aim to provide clarity and confidence—helping clients make informed decisions and achieve the best possible outcome based on their goals.

I recently sold a home in Kaanapali that sold quickly and for over asking price. We invested months in working with the family to help them get the property ready for sale prior to putting it on the market, and it definitely paid off. Not every home is selling so it's important to be strategic and competitive when you are selling a home on Maui.

I moved to Maui in January of 2014 from Chicago and I passed the Hawaii Real Estate Salesperson exam and became a licensed REALTOR on Maui that year. I didn't know anyone (except my husband) so I just started building my network from the ground up, and putting in a lot of hours hosting open houses and giving 100% to every opportunity to learn and grow and help my clients be successful.

I have a degree in interior design and prior to my career in real estate I worked for a high end design firm in Chicago. The skills of negotiation, presentation, project management, and client care are skills that I have continued to use and build on in my real estate career. I have a couple of designations with the National Association of Realtors - The Resort and Second Home Property Specialist designation, which means I completed a special training for selling and representing clients in the resort and second home markets. I also have a GREEN Designation, which is a special training on sustainable design, energy efficiency, and long-term resilience to protect both lifestyle and asset value.