Frequently asked questions
Relocating, whether a senior loved one or military family, can feel overwhelming.
At Aloha Senior 411, we’re here to simplify that journey — and answer your most common questions with clarity. Below are some of the questions we hear most often, along with honest answers to guide you forward. Please Note: AlohaSenior411 does not handle rentals or housing placement. We're here to connect you with trusted senior services, as well as home repair and sale resources.
What exactly does Aloha Senior 411 do?
We provide an all-inclusive service that helps seniors and military families downsize, relocate, and prepare their homes for sale. That includes sorting and packing, junk removal, small home repairs, painting, staging, listing, and selling the property — all coordinated under one roof.
How is your service different from a traditional real estate agent?
While real estate agents focus solely on selling the home, we handle the entire transition process. We do what most agents can’t — clean-outs, donations, minor renovations, and staging — all tailored to seniors and families in transition. We save our clients time, stress, and often 30–40% savings in combined service costs.
Do you work with families living off-island?
Yes, we regularly assist adult children and caregivers who live on the mainland or abroad. We’ll communicate clearly and consistently throughout the process, so you always feel informed — even from thousands of miles away.
What if we don’t have the money upfront for home repairs or moving services?
No problem. Many of our services can be deferred and paid out of escrow at closing, helping families avoid financial strain during a sensitive time. This means we can improve the home’s market value — without asking you to pay for everything right away.
What happens to the belongings that are left behind?
We work with families to pack up and ship keepsakes. Everything else is sorted: Some valuables can be sold, items in good condition are donated, and anything not usable is disposed of responsibly. We take great care in honoring your family’s wishes. But, we also try to donate to charities and not add to our landfill.
How long does the process usually take?
Every situation is unique, but most transitions take 90 to 120 days from planning to closing. It really depends on how fast the owners can get out of the house and we can get in. We can move quickly if needed, but ideally, we try to get the home looking it's best, so that we can maximize the sales price.
Can you help us find a senior living facility or care home?
Yes. We partner with local care consultants to help identify the right living situation based on health, budget, and personal preferences. Whether staying on Oʻahu or moving to the mainland, we’ll help find the right next step.
How do we get started?
It all starts with a call, (808) 734-7355 or visit AlohaSenior411.com to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll schedule a time to sit and take the time to understand your needs, discuss a timeline, and build a customized plan.
How do you help Military and their families
Oahu has several military bases and personnel. Wisely, many opt to take their housing allowance and buy into a home, instead of renting or living on base. Once they move, whether it is by orders or if they were renting out, after leaving for a new location and now feel it is time to sell, we go in and get the home ready to put it on the market for them, relieving them of having to come back and prepare the home to sell.
Still Have Questions? Let’s Talk.
At Aloha Senior 411, we know this isn’t just about real estate — it’s about people, memories, and new beginnings. Let us take the burden off your shoulders and guide you through this chapter with aloha.
📞 Call (808) 734-7355
🌐 Visit AlohaSenior411.com
💌 Email: [email protected]
Fees and Contract FAQ
“What is your listing commission; percentage or flat fee?”
At Aloha Senior 411, our listing commission typically ranges between 1.5% and 2.5% of the final sales price, depending on the home’s value and the level of preparation involved. This competitive rate reflects the hands-on work we do—from clearing and repairs to staging and marketing.
What truly sets us apart is the value we add. After completing improvements, we often help increase the home’s market value by $50,000 to $90,000—providing a higher return for our clients and helping them move forward with greater financial peace of mind.
Do you also cover the buyer’s agent commission as part of your package?
As of August 2024, real estate commission rules have changed. The key takeaway: commissions are now fully negotiable—and must be transparently disclosed to both the buyer and seller.
Here’s what that means for you:
If a buyer agrees to pay a certain price for your home but is also expected to pay their agent’s 2%–2.5% commission out-of-pocket, they may either walk away or reduce their offer by that amount.
Buyers who are financing their purchase cannot roll that commission into their mortgage, making it even less appealing.
A more effective strategy is to have the seller pay the buyer’s agent’s commission from escrow. This allows the buyer to finance the full purchase price, keeps offers stronger, and can reduce tax consequences for both parties.
We help guide you through these new rules to make sure your home stays attractive to qualified buyers—without leaving money on the table.
Which services—decluttering, repairs, staging, marketing—are included?
Aloha Senior 411 is a collaborative partnership of trusted contractors and service providers. We work together to offer our clients more affordable rates and to manage all the logistics—ensuring that every job is completed efficiently and on time.
Our real estate service fees are kept separate from contractor costs, giving homeowners greater clarity and control. This approach allows clients to:
Minimize stress by having all services coordinated through one point of contact
Pay contractor fees from escrow at closing, making it easier to manage out-of-pocket expenses
Potentially reduce tax liability, since these costs may be deducted from the final sales proceeds
We simplify the process so our clients can focus on their next chapter—not the hassles of home preparation.
Which expenses are deferred to closing and paid from escrow?
We’ve partnered with a network of trusted contractors and service providers—all sharing a common goal: to support our Kūpuna with care and dignity.
Any upfront fees go directly toward purchasing the materials needed to complete the work. In many cases, our partners generously defer their labor costs until the home is sold, allowing families to move forward with minimal financial burden.
This approach not only reduces out-of-pocket expenses during a difficult time, but also relieves heirs and family members of the stress and financial strain often involved in preparing a home for sale.
What happens if the property doesn’t sell—do I still owe anything?
Aloha Senior 411 is a collaboration of experienced service providers working together to enhance the home’s market appeal and maximize its value.
Our shared goal is to prepare the property for a successful sale. However, if unforeseen circumstances prevent the home from selling, a price adjustment may be necessary to align with current market conditions.
If the homeowner chooses not to proceed with a recommended pricing strategy and the home does not sell, they will be responsible for covering the costs of services rendered, including cleaning, repairs, upgrades, and staging.
How do your sales prices/net proceeds compare with standard agents in Honolulu?
The goal of Aloha Senior 411 is to help homeowners maximize their profit from the sale of their property, so they can move forward into the next phase of life with greater financial stability and peace of mind.
Our clients’ homes are prepared to compete with others on the market that have been fully renovated, professionally cleaned, and staged to enhance buyer appeal. These comparable homes typically require significant time, effort, and investment to get market-ready.
What sets us apart is the value we deliver through time and cost savings—coordinating all necessary preparations efficiently and affordably, so you can get top dollar for your home with less stress and fewer out-of-pocket expenses.
Seamless Senior Transitions in Hawaii
At Aloha Senior 411, we specialize in helping seniors make smooth transitions to new living arrangements across the picturesque landscapes of Hawaii. Rely on our expertise and local knowledge.