Ever since bursting onto the scene in 2012, Compass has taken the real estate world by storm. Powered by innovation and promise, we take pride in being a different kind of real estate company, and one that’s reimagining the industry’s future at that. As one of Compass DC’s founding teams, our mission is lofty yet meaningful: To help everyone find their place in the world. How? By building the world’s first modern real estate platform, pairing the industry’s top talent with proprietary technology to make the search and sell experience both smart and seamless. Today, we’re giving you an inside look behind the Compass advantage and how it can help you get ahead in your next home search or sale.

As you may have guessed, the Compass model is built on several main components: technology, agents, and the team who supports them. We’re breaking down the highlights for you here:

• A brokerage of unparalleled agents: As an innovative residential real estate firm, Compass empowers its agents so we have more time for the most important part of their business: Our clients.
• A tech company reinventing the space: To lead the industry requires the smartest tools built by the brightest minds across engineering, design, and strategy. Through its proprietary platform, Compass is changing how agents and clients navigate the process of finding or selling a home.
• A national network of local experts: Compass agents are trusted advisors, helping everyone from the first-time buyer to the seasoned seller make better, more informed decisions.
• A diverse team with a single vision: Bringing together the world’s sharpest, most creative professionals across real estate, engineering, business, marketing, and design.

Why Compass?

You probably already know that there are a lot of brokerages in the DC area to choose from these days (for both clients and the agents who guide them). So — why did we choose Compass as our home at the Jenn Smira Team? It’s simple: more resources at our disposal to create better value for our clients.

From the nationwide network of Compass agents to the streamlined technology platform we offer, finding the right home or selling for the best price has never been so seamless (or enjoyable). Not to mention the world-class marketing and brand services we have access to, including our own in-house agency that continually helps us position all listings in their best light. And although every team at Compass is unique in their own right, each one has been exclusively welcomed into the Compass family for a reason. We love being a part of a world-class community that continually challenges us to stay one step ahead of the best in the business today.

➤ Click here to meet our team of Compass DC agents

Compass Programs

Compass wouldn’t be the same without the exclusive lineup of programs all of our buyers and sellers have at their disposal. Read on to learn more.

1. COMPASS CONCIERGE

You may already know that when it comes to selling your home, small repairs and renovations can make a world of difference. The only problem? Finding the money you need today to pay for the alterations that will pave the way for that brighter tomorrow. Cue Concierge, your key to a seamless, stress-free selling experience where the cost of essential home improvement services is fronted — with no interest charged (ever).

So — what Exactly Is Compass Concierge? It’s the hassle-free way to sell your home faster and for a higher price with valued services like staging, flooring, painting, and beyond.

How It Works:

1. You and your agent work together to decide which services can increase your home’s value the most and set an estimated budget for the work.
2. When you’re ready to start, your Compass agent will be by your side as you engage vendors and commission work.
3. Once the transformation is complete, your home will go on the market.
4. You’ll pay for the services when one of the following happens — your home sells, you terminate your listing agreement with Compass, or 12 months pass from your Concierge start date.

Services Concierge Covers: Floor repairs, carpet cleaning & replacement, staging, deep-cleaning, decluttering, cosmetic renovations, landscaping, interior/exterior painting, HVAC, moving & storage, roofing repair, pest control, custom closet work, fencing, electrical work, seller-side inspections & evaluations, kitchen improvements, bathroom improvements, pool & tennis court services, water heating & plumbing repair, sewer lateral inspections & remediation. Don’t see your service listed? Contact us today — we cover too many to count them all!

Commonly Asked Questions

• Are there any services NOT covered by the program? Concierge was designed to help as many clients as possible. The program is intentionally flexible, developed to be used with most vendors for your convenience.
• When do I have to pay for the services? You’ll pay once one of the following happens (whichever occurs first): – Your home sells, you terminate your listing agreement with Compass, or 12 months pass from your Concierge start date.

Curious to learn more? Check out our comprehensive Concierge guide here.

And don’t just take our word for it

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Click here to see more real Concierge before & afters with your own eyes!

2. COMPASS BRIDGE LOAN SERVICES

Looking for a simple solution to bridge the gap between the home you have and the home you want? You’ve come to the right place.

Compass Bridge Loan Services provides access to competitive rates and dedicated support from well established industry lenders, with the exclusive option to get up to six months of your bridge loan payments fronted when you sell your home with a Compass agent.

What exactly is a bridge loan? A short-term loan that uses the equity from your current home to help you make an offer on a new one, without rushing to sell.

The Solution: After months of research, Compass has selected lenders that are offering competitive rates and dedicated service for Compass clients. Already working with a lender you love? No problem. This unique solution lets you choose the provider that works best for you.

Bridge Loan Advance: Work with us to sell your current home and get up to six months of your bridge loan payments and other associated costs fronted — an exclusive offering for Compass clients.

Does a bridge loan make sense for you? Answer these questions to find out.

• Is your money tied up in the equity of your current home?: If you want to move but your money is tied up in the equity of your current house, a bridge loan can help you secure funding to facilitate the transition to a new home — like for a down payment or mortgage payments. Once your current home sells, you can use the proceeds to pay the bridge loan back.
• Do you need to move within a specific timeframe?: If you’re relocating for a new job or other reason, a bridge loan can afford you the freedom to move on your own terms and secure a new house when you need to, without having to wait for your old home to sell.
• Does your home require renovations or other work?: Whether you’re using Compass Concierge to heighten your home’s value or are making improvements on your own, it may be easier to have construction work done when you’re out of the house. A bridge loan can help you move faster so you’re out of the house while those improvements are being completed.

How it works:

1. Inquire directly with a bridge loan lender to see financing options and if you qualify.
2. Apply to get pre-approved for a bridge loan with the lender of your choice, while searching with your Compass agent for your next home.
3. If approved for a bridge loan, learn more about getting the first six months of your bridge loan payments fronted via the Bridge Loan Advance by Notable, an independent lender.
4. If needed, use your approved bridge loan to strengthen your bid on a new home.
5. Move into your new home while your Compass agent works to sell your current home.
6. When your old home sells, simply use the proceeds to pay back the bridge loan and Bridge Loan Advance.

Curious to learn more about Compass Bridge Loan Services? We’re just a few clicks away.

3. COMPASS PRIVATE EXCLUSIVES

Hoping to sell your home — without giving away your privacy in the process? Private Exclusives might be the right route for you. Here’s the good news: listing your home as a private exclusive allows you to control what information is shared about you and your home, while still getting exposure to the top agents at Compass who might have interested buyers.

How? A private exclusive listing is an off-market home that can be shared by a Compass agent directly with their colleagues and their buyers. Property details aren’t disseminated widely and won’t appear on public home search websites, so you don’t have to worry about giving away any information you’d rather keep to yourself.

Here are some potential reasons Private Exclusives might work for you:

• New job or relocation
• Family changes like marriage or divorce
• Evolving financial circumstances
• Health issues
• Valuable belongings like art or furniture
• Opposition to holding open houses

No matter the reason or timing, we’re always here to help. Get in touch with us to learn more about Private Exclusives today!

A Day in the Life of a Compass DC Agent

Click here to follow along with Marc Ross — Senior Vice President of the Jenn Smira Team at Compass DC — as he goes about a day in his real estate-driven life!

Getting Started

So — you’re already sold on Compass and ready to make moves. What next? Here are some qualities to look for in an agent. Hint: At The Jenn Smira Team, we exclusively hire agents who embody this set of traits.

Market Knowledge

Really, it all comes down to common sense. When you’re selling a home, you want to make sure you get a fair price. On the other hand, when you’re buying property, you want to avoid overpaying. That’s why it’s crucial to find a DC real estate agent who knows the market like the back of their hand and can give you insight into what you should be paying or asking for your home.

Reliable References

When finding the perfect agent, why not let past clients do the talking? With that in mind, one of the best ways to ensure that you choose a good real estate agent is to solicit recommendations from people you know who have bought or sold in the area.

The Right Designation

Different DC real estate agents specialize in different transactions. A listing agent, for example, can help you sell a home, while a buyer’s agent is perhaps the better option if you’re looking to purchase property.

Communication Style

When choosing your agent, pay attention to how they communicate on the phone, in person, and via email. Remember: This person is responsible for negotiating on your behalf. If you have a hard time communicating with your agent to begin with, it’s only going to get harder as the process goes on.

Responsiveness

There’s an undeniable link between the time it takes for an agent to get back to you and their overall level of reliability. Spoiler alert: The more responsive, the better.

Honesty

In the world of real estate,  honesty is always the best policy. The right agent will lead with transparency, and be aligned with your budget, neighborhood, and home value requirements.

➤ Click here to learn more about the top traits of Compass DC agents today.

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The bottom line? Compass is more than a brokerage — it’s a vast community of accomplished agents with access to the brightest minds and most advanced tools around. Contact us today to get started and put the Compass advantage to work for you.