Getting your Frontenac home market-ready can feel like a second full-time job, and the upfront costs add up fast. If you’re aiming for a polished presentation without writing big checks before you sell, you’re not alone. Many luxury sellers want strategic updates, faster timelines, and a stress-reduced process. This guide shows you how Compass Concierge can help you fund and coordinate the right prep work now, then repay from your sale proceeds later, so you list with confidence and impact. Let’s dive in.
What Compass Concierge is
Compass Concierge is a seller offering that helps you complete cosmetic improvements and presentation services before you list, without paying out of pocket upfront. The goal is simple: create a move-in ready impression, accelerate time to market, and position your home for stronger offers.
Eligible projects typically include painting, staging, lighting and fixture upgrades, deep cleaning, flooring refinishing or replacement, landscaping and curb appeal, minor repairs, decluttering and organization, and professional photography. Major structural remodels are generally outside the scope.
Availability, eligible items, and spending limits can vary by market and by agent agreement. Before enrolling, review the written Concierge agreement with your Compass agent so you understand the exact terms for Frontenac.
How the program works
1) Consultation and walk-through
Your agent conducts a thorough walk-through, aligns on goals, and reviews comparable sales. Together, you’ll identify high-impact updates and a budget envelope that fits your timeline.
2) Scope and approvals
Your agent collaborates with the Concierge coordinator to produce a written scope and budget. You approve the plan and sign the Concierge authorization so approved work can be scheduled and funded.
3) Vendor selection and scheduling
Your agent sources vendors, often from preferred lists familiar with luxury inventory, or approves your preferred vendors. Work is scheduled to finish before photography and video. If any item may require a permit, it is coordinated in advance.
4) Execution and quality control
Vendors complete the work. Your agent and the Concierge coordinator do a final walk-through, address punch-list items, and schedule staging, cleaning, and photography.
5) Listing, showings, and offers
With premium visuals and a refreshed presentation, your home goes live. Your agent manages showings and offers.
6) Repayment at closing
According to the Concierge agreement, approved invoices are repaid from your sale proceeds at closing. Program details such as any administrative fees, security instruments, limits, and timing vary by market, so confirm specifics with your agent.
Vendor coordination checklist
- Verify vendor licensing, insurance, and references
- Confirm written estimates, timelines, and warranties for each trade
- Reserve staging inventory early, especially in spring and fall
- Schedule photography only after staging and final cleaning
- Confirm permits in advance for any electrical, plumbing, or structural items through St. Louis County when applicable
- Keep change orders in writing and within the approved budget
- Maintain a shared schedule among you, your agent, and vendors to avoid conflicts
High-impact projects for Frontenac listings
In Frontenac’s luxury market, buyers expect premium finishes and immaculate presentation. The following projects often deliver strong visual impact and buyer confidence.
Professional staging
- Timeline: 1 to 5 days for planning and installation; 1 to 2 days for removal.
- Why it matters: Full or partial staging sized to luxury spaces showcases scale, flow, and lifestyle. Staging should be complete before photography.
Interior paint (neutral refresh)
- Timeline: 2 to 10 days depending on size and scope.
- Why it matters: A consistent, neutral palette elevates photos and helps buyers focus on architecture and finish quality.
Lighting and fixture upgrades
- Timeline: 1 to 3 days for most swap-outs; minor electrical work may require more time.
- Why it matters: Upgraded pendants, chandeliers, and layered lighting create a high-finish look throughout key spaces.
Flooring updates
- Timeline: Hardwood refinishing often takes 3 to 7 days; carpet replacement 1 to 2 days.
- Why it matters: Fresh floors remove buyer objections and dramatically improve photography.
Kitchen and bath cosmetic refreshes
- Timeline: 3 to 21 days depending on the mix of hardware, lighting, resurfacing, and caulk or grout work.
- Why it matters: Focused cosmetic updates can modernize the feel without a full remodel.
Landscaping and curb appeal
- Timeline: 1 to 10 days based on scope.
- Why it matters: Luxury buyers notice entry sequence, lawn and beds, and front lighting. A crisp exterior sets the tone before the front door opens.
Deep cleaning, decluttering, and organization
- Timeline: 1 to 3 days.
- Why it matters: Low-cost, high-impact steps that are essential before photos and showings.
Minor repairs
- Timeline: 1 to 5 days.
- Why it matters: Fixing trim, doors, faucets, and obvious defects reduces negotiation points and improves inspection outcomes.
Budgets, repayment, and what to confirm
Every project is customized, but these national-level ranges offer a starting point. Local pricing in Frontenac can be higher, especially for larger homes or specialty finishes.
- Partial staging or small refresh: roughly $1,000 to $5,000
- Full staging for a luxury home: often $5,000 to $30,000+ depending on size and duration
- Interior painting: a few thousand up to $10,000 to $20,000+ based on size and finishes
- Landscaping refresh: approximately $1,000 to $10,000+ depending on scope
- Lighting upgrades: hundreds to several thousand based on fixtures and electrical work
With Concierge, approved invoices are typically paid to vendors by Compass and then repaid by you at closing from sale proceeds. Because terms vary by market, confirm in writing:
- Any administrative or processing fees
- Whether a lien or other security instrument is used
- How change orders are approved and billed
- The maximum allowable budget for your property
- Whether interest applies if closing is delayed
- What happens if the listing is withdrawn or a sale falls through
Review the Concierge agreement with your agent so you understand timing, documentation, and impact on net proceeds.
Frontenac-specific considerations
Market expectations
Frontenac buyers often expect premium finishes, landscaped grounds, and a cohesive interior presentation. Strong photography and curated staging are especially influential for this segment.
Permits and code
Frontenac is within St. Louis County. Cosmetic work like paint and staging typically does not require permits. Electrical, plumbing, structural changes, and some exterior or hardscape work may need permits through the St. Louis County Building Division. Confirm requirements before scheduling regulated work.
Vendor supply and scheduling
Spring and fall are peak seasons for landscaping and staging rentals, which can affect turnaround times. For larger estates, staging may require custom inventory with additional lead time. Build a modest buffer into your schedule.
Property features to highlight
Frontenac’s mature trees, outdoor living areas, and long drive approaches reward attention to entry lighting, patio staging, and front walk presentation. Align your plan to showcase year-round livability.
Example Concierge project plans
Plan A: Small refresh
- Scope: Declutter and deep clean; touch-up paint in the entry, main living room, and a primary suite; replace worn carpet in key areas; professional photos.
- Timeline: About 1 to 2 weeks from approval to photography.
- Impact: Cleaner, brighter photos and a faster path to show-ready condition with minimal spend.
Plan B: Mid-level luxury prep
- Scope: Whole-house neutral paint; full staging for main living areas, primary suite, and select secondary rooms; lighting upgrades in the kitchen and entry; landscaping refresh; deep cleaning.
- Timeline: About 2 to 4 weeks from approval to photography.
- Impact: Stronger first impressions, alignment with higher comps, and fewer cosmetic objections during negotiations.
Plan C: High-end polish
- Scope: Full staging with high-end inventory and accessories; custom lighting and updated hardware; targeted kitchen and bath cosmetic work like resurfacing, regrout, and caulk; landscaping accents or light hardscape; coordinated final clean and photography.
- Timeline: About 3 to 6+ weeks depending on custom orders and scope.
- Impact: Magazine-quality presentation designed to compete at the top of the market.
Risks, safeguards, and staying in control
Concierge is designed to simplify prep, but a few safeguards help you stay on budget and on schedule:
- Confirm responsibilities if your property does not close. Ask how vendor invoices are handled if a listing is withdrawn or the sale falls through.
- Keep all change orders in writing with clear cost and timeline impacts.
- Verify vendor warranties and clarify who manages any remedial work before closing.
- Review how repayment will appear on your closing statement and how it affects net proceeds.
- Maintain a single project schedule shared by you, your agent, and vendors so photography and launch dates stay on track.
Make your Frontenac sale seamless
If you want a polished listing without paying cash upfront, Compass Concierge can be a practical, high-impact path to market. You focus on your next move while your agent manages scope, vendors, and timing. Ready to talk through a tailored plan for your home? Let’s connect with Meggin Martin.
FAQs
Who qualifies for Compass Concierge in Frontenac?
- Typically, sellers who list with a Compass agent are eligible; exact criteria, budgets, and timelines vary by market and are defined in the Concierge agreement.
What improvements does Compass Concierge usually cover?
- Cosmetic and presentation-focused items such as paint, staging, lighting, deep cleaning, flooring refresh, landscaping, minor repairs, decluttering, and professional photography.
Will I owe anything if my house doesn’t sell?
- It depends on your written Concierge agreement; ask your agent how vendor invoices are handled if the listing is withdrawn or a sale falls through.
Who selects and manages the vendors for my project?
- Your agent and the Concierge coordinator typically source and manage preferred vendors, and you can request approval for your own vendors when appropriate.
How long does prep work take before going live?
- Most projects range from about 1 to 6 weeks depending on scope, vendor availability, and whether custom orders or permits are involved.
How is Concierge repaid at closing?
- Concierge-approved invoices are commonly repaid from your sale proceeds at closing; confirm any fees, security instruments, or timing in your agreement.
Can I choose my own vendors for certain tasks?
- Often yes, as long as they meet program requirements for licensing and insurance and are approved by your agent and Concierge coordinator.
Are there spending limits for my property?
- Most markets have maximum budgets per property; your agent will confirm the allowable spend and approval process in Frontenac.
