From pricing and preparation to disclosures, offers and closing, understand the decisions that can shape your result.
Start with closed comparable sales, then study current competing listings, pending activity, property condition and buyer expectations. An asking price is a marketing decision—not a guarantee of final value.
Compare square footage, layout, lot utility, renovations, parking, outdoor space and location. Reconcile major differences instead of relying on a simple price-per-square-foot average.
Prioritize cleaning, decluttering, paint, lighting, landscaping, minor repairs and professional presentation when justified. Evaluate larger renovations against cost, time, permitting and likely buyer response.
Prepare a written scope, budget, contractor timeline and contingency before authorizing work. Document improvements and keep invoices and permits organized.
Compass Concierge may help eligible sellers pay for qualifying pre-sale work such as staging, painting, flooring, landscaping, cleaning and certain repairs, with payment deferred under program terms.
It is not free renovation work. Costs must be repaid, and depending on the agreement, repayment can be triggered by a sale, listing termination or a specified time limit. Fees, interest, eligibility and available services may vary.
How to evaluate it: compare the estimated improvement budget with the expected benefit, time required, repayment terms and alternatives. No program can guarantee a higher sale price.
Program details and availability are controlled by Compass and its financing partners. Review the applicable agreement and disclosures before participating.
California sellers commonly need to address statutory disclosures, known material facts and property-specific issues. Requirements depend on the transaction and property type. Organize prior reports, permits, warranties, insurance claims and repair records early.
For condos, request HOA documents and investigate reserves, budgets, litigation, assessments, insurance and transfer requirements. For tenant-occupied properties, seek advice on local rules and possession timelines.
Coordinate accurate photography, floor plans where appropriate, listing copy, showing access and marketing channels. Verify representations about room counts, square footage, permits and improvements; do not market unpermitted space as approved living area without appropriate clarification.
Review financing, proof of funds, appraisal risk, contingency periods, deposit, possession terms, buyer requests and closing schedule. The strongest offer on paper is not always the most executable one.
Once under contract, monitor deadlines, inspection requests, lender and title updates, HOA delivery and the final walkthrough. Document changes in writing through the appropriate transaction forms.
Estimate mortgage payoff, negotiated brokerage compensation, title and escrow charges, transfer taxes, prorations, repairs, concessions and any applicable program repayment. Capital gains taxes and withholding require separate advice from a tax professional.
Not automatically. Compare the cost, timeline, permit requirements and likely buyer response. Targeted cosmetic work can be more efficient than a major remodel, but each property is different.
Potentially, but disclosure and valuation issues may arise. Collect available records and consult appropriate professionals about the property's actual condition and legal status.
Review required HOA documents, insurance, reserves, assessments and any transfer restrictions early. Delays obtaining complete documents can affect the transaction.
No. It is an optional program subject to eligibility and contract terms. Compare costs and repayment obligations against your specific selling strategy.
Ideally before scheduling photography or contractors. A planning conversation can identify inspection, disclosure, repair and timing issues while you still have options.
Share your address, condition and preferred moving date to discuss a practical sale plan.
Explore how sale price, outstanding mortgage balance, commissions, and closing expenses affect your estimated proceeds. These are planning inputs—not a settlement statement or a quote.
Planning estimate only. Excludes capital gains taxes, transfer taxes, property tax prorations, assessments, variable escrow/title charges, and other unentered costs. Commission is negotiable and not set by law.