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Pamela Punzalan

How to Maximize the Equity in Your Home. A Compass Concierge Success Study.



In October 2023, I was approached by a seller eager to sell their investment property in North Torrance. The property was tenant occupied, and the situation was far from straightforward. The tenants had been given a 90-day notice to vacate in June, but by October, they showed no signs of moving out. Compounding the issue, the tenants were also behind on their mortgage payments, adding financial strain to an already challenging situation.


As the months progressed, the tenant eventually moved out in early December. However, the situation took another turn when the tenant's son remained in the property, effectively becoming a squatter. This unexpected twist required careful navigation, and I advised my clients on their legal options to address the squatter situation. Fortunately, by mid-December, the squatter vacated the property, albeit leaving behind a mess of abandoned belongings and a filthy home.


Condition of property prior to improvements

With the property finally vacated, my focus shifted to helping the sellers maximize their equity through strategic upgrades. Here's how we transformed the property:


Step 1: Assessing Needs and Budget

We began by evaluating the property's systems to determine if any repairs or replacements were necessary. Our goal was to identify upgrades that would maximize the sales price while staying within budget.


Design Board
Step 2: Strategic Planning and Design

I provided design services for all approved enhancements, specifying materials and selecting color schemes that would appeal to potential buyers. Staying within budget was a priority, ensuring that every dollar spent contributed to increasing the property's value.


Step 3: Project Management

Managing the improvement projects was a critical step. I coordinated with vetted vendors, facilitated property access, and regularly checked in to ensure work was performed on schedule and to the highest standards.


Step 4: Constant Communication

Throughout the process, I maintained constant communication with the sellers, keeping them informed about the project's status and addressing any concerns promptly.


Step 5: Staging and Marketing

Once the upgrades were completed, I recommended professional staging and photography to showcase the property's best features. We also invested in professionally printed marketing materials and ran digital ads to reach a broad audience.



The premarket value of the home was in the low $900,000s. After over two months of upgrades, I suggested a list price of $1,099,000, slightly below market value to attract more buyers. The strategy worked brilliantly. We hosted two public open houses, drawing more than 200 groups of visitors.





In just six days on the market, the sellers received 13 offers, with the highest being $161,000 over the list price. The sellers had invested $75,000 in upgrades, $40,000 of which was funded through Compass Concierge. Ultimately, the property sold for $315,000 more than its pre-upgrade value, a 320% ROI and a testament to the power of strategic planning and execution.


This success story underscores the importance of expert guidance and a well-thought-out plan when selling your home. By addressing challenges head-on and making smart investments, the sellers were able to achieve a remarkable return on their investment.


For more information about Compass Concierge, click here.

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