Thinking about using Compass Concierge to prep your Dallas home for market but unsure how long it will take? You are not alone. Sellers across the Dallas–Plano–Irving corridor want a clear, realistic plan that delivers strong buyer appeal without slowing the listing timeline. In this guide, you will see what Concierge typically covers, how long common make-ready tasks take in Dallas, and three ready-to-use schedules you can follow. Let’s dive in.
What Compass Concierge is and how it works
Compass Concierge helps you tackle pre-list improvements by fronting the cost for eligible services, with repayment typically at closing. It is designed to simplify staging, cosmetic updates, cleaning, and marketing prep so your home shines when it hits the MLS. Program details can vary by market, so always confirm local terms with your Compass agent.
Before you begin, ask your agent to confirm:
- Which services are eligible in the Dallas market.
- Whether you or your agent can choose licensed local vendors.
- How repayment works, including what happens if a sale does not close.
- Any administrative fees, project caps, or timeline expectations.
Most programs focus on cosmetic, speed-to-market work. Large structural projects or permit-heavy renovations are usually excluded.
The Dallas pre-list game plan
Focus on high-visibility updates that finish quickly. In Dallas, the most common Concierge-supported tasks include paint, flooring, lighting swaps, landscaping, staging, and professional photography.
Interior and exterior paint
- Typical timing: 2 to 4 days for small homes, 4 to 7 days for 3 to 4 bedrooms. Exterior work can take 1 to 2 weeks.
- Sequence: Complete paint before staging and photography. If installing new floors, coordinate so paint does not damage new surfaces.
- Dallas note: Summer heat and humidity can affect exterior curing. Spring and fall are usually best for outside work.
Flooring: refinish or replace
- Timing: Hardwood refinishing takes 3 to 7 days. New engineered wood or LVP install usually takes 3 to 7 days. Carpet is often 1 to 2 days.
- Sequence: Finish floors before staging and photos. Coordinate with paint to avoid scuffs.
- Dallas note: Allow 48 to 72 hours for wood product acclimation. Engineered wood and LVP are popular for Texas durability.
Lighting and minor electrical
- Timing: Whole-home fixture swaps typically take 1 to 2 days. More complex rewiring may require more time and could need permits.
- Sequence: Install lighting before staging and photography to capture the final look.
Landscaping and curb appeal
- Timing: 1 to 5 days for trimming, mulch, small plants, and power washing.
- Dallas note: Choose heat and drought-tolerant plants. In HOA communities across Park Cities, Plano, or Irving, confirm any exterior guidelines before work.
Staging, declutter, and styling
- Timing: Decluttering can be 1 to 3 days. Staging install is often 1 day for a typical single-family home.
- Options: Virtual staging is an alternative for vacant spaces. Follow MLS disclosure rules if used.
Photography, video, and floor plans
- Timing: Professional photography usually occurs in a single day. 3D tour setup often fits the same window.
- Best practice: Schedule after all visible work is complete and on a day with good light. Consider twilight shots for curb appeal.
Cleaning, touch-ups, and final walkthrough
- Timing: Deep clean and final paint touch-ups usually take 1 day.
- Sequence: Plan this immediately before staging and photos to lock in a polished look.
Two proven timelines
You can tailor these schedules to your home and scope. Build in a buffer to manage contractor schedules and material lead times.
Standard plan: 6 to 8 weeks
Best for sellers who want a comprehensive refresh with multiple trades.
- Week 0: Consultation and planning
- Walk-through with your agent and vendors, finalize scope.
- Select paint colors, flooring, fixtures, and staging style.
- Confirm HOA and any permit needs.
- Week 1: Contracting and ordering
- Approve bids and sign Concierge paperwork.
- Order materials and book vendor windows.
- Start decluttering.
- Week 2: Prep and paint
- Demo where needed and complete drywall repairs.
- Begin interior painting.
- Week 3: Flooring and lighting
- Install or refinish flooring, including acclimation time.
- Swap fixtures and complete minor electrical work.
- Week 4: Exterior and landscaping
- Power wash, mulch, plantings, and any exterior paint touch-ups.
- Week 5: Staging and deep clean
- Deep clean and final paint touch-ups.
- Install staging and style key rooms.
- Week 6: Photography and launch
- Professional photos, 3D tour, drone if appropriate.
- Listing goes live per strategy.
- Weeks 7 to 8: Buffer
- Hold time for delays or punch-list fixes.
Accelerated plan: 2 to 3 weeks
Ideal when speed matters and scope is limited to high-impact items.
- Week 0 to 1
- Concierge consult and approvals for a focused plan.
- Paint high-visibility areas, order in-stock lighting, schedule staging.
- Week 1 to 2
- Complete paint and fixture swaps.
- Landscaping touch-ups and deep clean.
- Staging install.
- Week 2 to 3
- Photography and listing launch.
Express plan: 3 to 7 days
Use when an urgent relocation or timeline requires a quick list.
- Focus on decluttering, deep cleaning, light paint touch-ups, and either virtual staging or minimal physical staging for key rooms.
- Accept that positioning is less than optimal and price accordingly with your agent.
Sequencing rules that save time
- Complete paint prep and final coats before staging and photography.
- Finish floors before staging. Allow cure and cleaning time if refinishing hardwoods.
- Install lighting before photos so the imagery reflects the final ambiance.
- Time landscaping for photo day so beds and lawn look fresh.
- Plan staging and photography during the last 2 to 3 days before launch.
Dallas timing, weather, and HOA factors
- Exterior work performs best in spring and fall. Summer heat can slow paint and stress new plantings.
- Avoid booking exterior photos during rainy stretches or peak heat.
- HOA rules in neighborhoods like Park Cities, Preston Hollow subdivisions, or Plano communities may regulate exterior paint colors, plants, or hardscape. Get approvals early when required.
- Permits for major electrical or exterior changes are handled by the city where the property is located, such as Dallas, Plano, or Irving. Start early if needed.
Quality and contractor tips
- Ask who selects contractors and whether you can approve or propose licensed local vendors.
- Request written estimates that include scope, schedule, warranties, and cleanup expectations.
- Ask how disputes or unsatisfactory work will be handled.
- Choose in-stock materials to avoid backorders. Build a 1 to 2 week buffer for scheduling.
- Right-size upgrades to the neighborhood. Use your agent’s market analysis to avoid over-improving.
Illustrative examples
These examples are editorial illustrations. Your home and scope will differ.
Example A: Dallas bungalow, 3 bedrooms
- Before: Dark paint, worn carpet, old fixtures, overgrown beds.
- Scope: Neutral interior repaint, LVP in main areas, new fixtures, front yard cleanup, staged key rooms.
- Timing: About 6 weeks from consult to photos.
Example B: Plano townhouse, vacant
- Before: Empty rooms and flat curb appeal.
- Scope: Full physical staging, potted plants, twilight photography.
- Timing: About 10 days from order to photos.
Example C: Irving relocation, urgent
- Before: Occupied and cluttered with minor scuffs.
- Scope: Declutter, targeted touch-up paint, deep clean, virtual staging for flex room.
- Timing: About 4 days.
What to confirm with your Compass agent
Before you greenlight work, confirm these items so your plan and timeline are accurate:
- Eligible services in the Dallas market.
- Whether vendors are assigned or you can choose from licensed local options.
- Repayment terms at closing and obligations if a sale does not occur.
- Any administrative fees or program caps per property.
- Expected start dates and realistic duration for each task.
Ready to list with less stress?
A clear plan can turn weeks of uncertainty into a smooth pre-list process. If you want a detailed scope, vendor coordination, and a week-by-week calendar tailored to your home in Park Cities, Preston Hollow, Lakewood, or across the Dallas–Plano–Irving corridor, reach out to our team. Start with a conversation so we can map the right path for your goals. Connect with Chris Blackman for a complimentary neighborhood consultation.
FAQs
When should I contact a Compass agent to start Concierge in Dallas?
- As early as possible. For multi-trade projects, plan 6 to 8 weeks before your target list date. For cosmetic-only plans, 1 to 3 weeks may be enough.
Which projects deliver fast buyer impact with shorter timelines?
- Neutral interior paint, decluttering and deep cleaning, modern fixture swaps, and fresh mulch with simple plantings typically offer quick, visible results.
How long does interior painting usually take for a 3 to 4 bedroom Dallas home?
- Plan 4 to 7 days for a full interior repaint, plus 24 to 48 hours for final coat cure before staging and photography.
Can Compass Concierge cover flooring replacement or refinishing?
- These are commonly supported cosmetic updates, but eligibility varies by market. Confirm your specific scope and materials with your agent.
Who selects the contractors for Concierge projects in Dallas?
- In some markets Compass provides vetted vendors. Ask whether you can approve the selection or propose your own licensed local vendors.
How does repayment work if my home does not sell or the sale falls through?
- Repayment is typically due at closing, but obligations can differ if there is no closing. Confirm the exact terms with your agent before work begins.
Do I need HOA approval for exterior changes in areas like Park Cities or Plano?
- Many HOAs regulate exterior paint, landscaping, and hardscape. Review covenants and secure approvals before starting work.
When should professional photography be scheduled relative to staging and improvements?
- Book photography after all visible work and staging are complete, ideally within the last 2 to 3 days before going live.
