Thinking about selling your Boca Raton condo but not sure which updates are worth it or how to pay for them upfront? You are not alone. Many owners want a polished, turnkey presentation but prefer to keep cash free until closing. This is where Compass Concierge can help you prepare strategically, move faster, and present your home at its best without out-of-pocket costs before the sale.
In this guide, you will learn what Compass Concierge is, how it works for Boca condos, which improvements deliver the most impact, and what to know about association approvals, permits, timelines, and repayment. You will also get a practical checklist and the exact questions to ask before you start. Let’s dive in.
What Compass Concierge covers
Compass Concierge is a listing service that advances the cost of eligible pre-sale improvements so you do not pay upfront. You repay the total at closing from your sale proceeds. Eligibility and terms are set by Compass and may vary by market and property.
- Typical eligible services include staging, painting, flooring, lighting and hardware upgrades, minor kitchen and bath refreshes, decluttering, and professional photography and virtual tours.
- Your Compass agent coordinates approved vendors, timelines, and quality control.
- You repay the Concierge amount at closing. There are no monthly payments during the project.
For current program details and FAQs, review the official Compass Concierge information on the Compass website through this overview of the Compass Concierge program.
Why Concierge fits Boca condo sellers
Boca Raton condo buyers expect bright, well-staged spaces, cohesive finishes, and smooth showing logistics. Association rules, elevator access, and building schedules can slow traditional prep. Concierge helps you streamline work with vetted vendors and a clear scope that respects building policies.
If you own in Mizner Tower, Mizner Grand, Mizner Village, or a nearby downtown high-rise, the right pre-list updates can showcase views, natural light, and indoor-outdoor living. With Concierge, you focus your budget on high-impact, low-permit items that photograph beautifully and resonate with out-of-state buyers who often rely on online presentation.
High-impact updates for Boca condos
Target improvements that deliver a strong first impression without heavy permitting or long lead times.
- Fresh interior paint in neutral, coastal tones
- Modern lighting, bathroom and cabinet hardware, and mirrors
- Waterproof or tile flooring with a light palette that brightens rooms
- Minor kitchen refreshes, such as cabinet refacing or new countertops
- Decluttering and full staging that frames views, lanais, and open-concept living
- Professional photography and virtual tours to maximize online exposure
Results vary by building and price point, but clean lines, neutral finishes, and curated staging often reduce days on market and support stronger offers. Avoid over-improving beyond nearby comps within your building.
Association rules to confirm first
Every building has its own procedures. Before you commit to any scope, request and review your association’s governing documents and confirm work rules with the manager.
- Declaration of Condominium, bylaws, and rules and regulations
- Architectural or alteration approval procedures for interior changes
- Insurance and licensing requirements for contractors
- Work hours, elevator reservations, and use of common areas for deliveries
- Any pending or scheduled special assessments, recertification timelines, or major building projects
Florida’s Condominium Act outlines key buyer-seller disclosures and the resale certificate, often called an estoppel. It can reveal assessments, litigation, or rule changes that influence your plan. Learn more in the Florida Condominium Act, Chapter 718.
Permits, scope, and building schedules
Most cosmetic updates can proceed with minimal permitting, but anything involving electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or structural elements will need permits and sometimes board approval. Exterior or balcony changes usually require association approval and may be restricted.
- Ask your agent to help verify permit needs before you finalize your scope.
- Time work around elevator access windows, move-in and move-out rules, and contractor work hours.
- If your building is within city limits, different requirements may apply than in unincorporated Palm Beach County.
When in doubt, simplify your scope to high-visibility updates that do not touch structural or common elements.
Coastal and hurricane readiness
Many Boca Raton buyers value hurricane-resilient features, including impact windows and doors or approved shutters. Installing impact windows is a larger project that requires building-level coordination and approvals, and it may not be an ideal Concierge item unless already permitted and pre-approved. Focus your budget on presentation-driven updates first, then adjust your pricing strategy to reflect existing storm protections.
If your building is in a FEMA flood zone, buyers may request information about insurance, reserves, or recent assessments that relate to flood mitigation. You can check flood status by address through the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
Budget, repayment, and ROI
Concierge is not free. You repay the full amount from your sale proceeds at closing. Request a written estimate, itemized scope, and clear repayment terms before you begin.
- Ask whether any fees or interest apply for your property and market.
- Confirm if the brokerage records a security interest or lien, or if repayment is handled only at closing.
- Clarify what happens if your sale does not close or is delayed.
- Keep receipts and itemization for your CPA. Some improvements may qualify as capital improvements for tax basis purposes. Tax treatment varies, so consult a professional.
The best returns generally come from paint, lighting and hardware updates, flooring replacements, staging, and professional visuals. Results depend on quality, timing, comparable sales, and building conditions.
A realistic timeline to list
Your exact schedule depends on association approvals and scope, but here is a typical pre-list sequence for Boca condos.
- Initial consult and written estimate: 3 to 7 days
- Approvals and contracting: 1 to 3 weeks, longer if board approvals or permits are needed
- Project work: 1 to 3 weeks for cosmetic projects, several weeks for larger refreshes
- Staging and photography: within days after work completion
- Go-live date: once visuals and marketing assets are complete
Plan for 2 to 8 weeks before listing, depending on approvals, elevator reservations, and vendor lead times.
Step-by-step plan for your Boca condo
- Get pricing clarity
- Ask your listing agent for a Comparable Market Presentation focused on your building and line. Use the data to define your target price range and identify which updates will matter.
- Gather association documents early
- Request your governing documents, financials, and reserve study if available. Order the resale certificate or estoppel so you have full visibility into assessments and rule updates.
- Approve the Concierge plan
- Ask for a written scope, vendor list, and schedule. Confirm who manages HOA approvals and permits, and how change orders are handled.
- Verify permits and insurance
- Confirm contractor licensing and required certificates of insurance. Get warranties for workmanship and materials in writing.
- Focus on high-impact updates
- Paint, lighting, flooring, hardware, minor kitchen and bath refreshes, and full staging. Avoid structural work unless already approved.
- Stage, shoot, and launch
- Schedule staging immediately after work. Book professional photos and virtual tour. Confirm your final Concierge invoice and repayment mechanics for the closing statement.
Smart questions to ask your agent
- Which services are eligible for my unit under Concierge, and which are not?
- Are there any fees or interest with this Concierge proposal?
- Who will manage the association approvals, elevator reservations, and permits, and what is the expected timeline?
- What happens to Concierge costs if the property does not sell or the buyer cancels?
- Will Compass record any security interest or lien, or is repayment handled only at closing?
- Can you share local Boca condo examples where similar Concierge work improved the outcome?
How we guide your Concierge project
You want a refined, low-stress process that delivers a polished result. Our team pairs Compass Concierge with hands-on project management, building-level expertise, and professional marketing that speaks to luxury buyers.
- Building expertise across downtown Boca, including Mizner Tower, Mizner Grand, and Mizner Village
- Renovation planning focused on ROI and buyer psychology
- Vendor management, staging, photography, and lifestyle marketing
- Compass platform reach that amplifies your listing across digital channels
We collaborate with your association and approved vendors to keep the plan compliant and on schedule, then launch with visuals that highlight views, light, and the Boca lifestyle.
Ready to prep your condo with confidence and list for a premium presentation? Connect with the team that blends white-glove service with renovation expertise. Reach out to Hall Luxury Homes Group to Request a Concierge Consultation.
FAQs
What is Compass Concierge repayment and when is it due?
- You repay the total Concierge costs from your net sale proceeds at closing, with no monthly payments during the prep period.
Which Boca Raton condo updates usually qualify for Concierge?
- Cosmetic projects with strong visual impact such as paint, lighting, flooring, hardware, minor kitchen and bath refreshes, staging, and professional photography typically qualify.
Do I need HOA approval before starting Concierge work in my condo?
- Often yes. Review your governing documents and confirm approval procedures with the manager before work begins, including elevator reservations and contractor rules.
How long does a typical Concierge project take for a Boca condo?
- Plan for 2 to 8 weeks before listing, depending on HOA approvals, elevator access, vendor lead times, and the scope of cosmetic updates.
What if my building has a pending special assessment during my sale?
- Disclose it early, price accordingly, and time your improvements around the building’s schedule to avoid conflicts and buyer surprises.
How do I check if my Boca condo is in a FEMA flood zone?