You know your Pittsburgh home needs work before it sells—maybe it's the roof, water heater, or that basement that seeps after every rain. But you don't have $10,000 sitting around to fix it, and you're worried an as-is listing will scare off buyers. Here's the solution: Compass Concierge is a 0% interest home improvement program that fronts up to $25,000 for repairs, staging, and upgrades when you list with me, Burton Frey and the John Marzullo Team.
You don't pay anything upfront, and the loan gets repaid at closing from your sale proceeds. This means you can fix what needs fixing, present a move-in-ready home that commands top dollar, and never write a check.
Let’s run through a true past success story. Mrs. Homeowner had the wheels in motion to relocate to Florida and enjoy her retirement. Funding this new chapter relied on the sale of her beloved but dated home. After a price analysis done by our team for a potential sale, we identified that with a few strategic upgrades, we could net a sale profit comparable to the competition in her neighborhood. Vendors were scheduled and compensated with Compass Concierge funds and after adding modern appliances, a fresh interior paint job and new kitchen and bath fixtures, two lucky buyers agreed with our chosen list price. The loan was seamlessly repaid at closing without interest and Mrs. Homeowner happily took her proceeds and delivered a beautifully updated home to the new owners.
Why Do Pittsburgh Buyers Avoid 'As-Is' Listings?
In 2026, Pittsburgh home buyers want move-in-ready properties. When they see as-is in a listing, they read it as code for a problem house. Even if your home is structurally sound, that label creates immediate skepticism.
I've watched buyers walk through homes with minor cosmetic issues—dated paint, worn carpet, a cracked porch slab—and mentally deduct $20,000 from what they're willing to offer. Meanwhile, the actual fix might cost $5,000. That gap is money left on the table because the home wasn't presentation-ready.
The psychological impact is real. Buyers assume if you didn't fix visible problems, there must be hidden ones too. Fair or not, that's today's market reality in Pittsburgh. An as-is sale isn't your only option—it's actually the worst option for maximizing your sale price.
What Is Compass Concierge and How Does It Work?
Compass Concierge is a home improvement financing program exclusive to Compass Real Estate sellers. When you list your Pittsburgh home with our team, you can access up to $25,000 at 0% interest to make repairs and improvements before your home goes on the market.
Here's exactly how it works:
- List your home off-market with Burton Frey and the John Marzullo Team – This initiates the process and keeps your home quiet while we prepare it for launch.
- Apply for Compass Concierge – The approval process is faster than you'd expect. Most homeowners qualify within days, and you'll know your available amount based on your home's value and equity.
- Identify the highest-impact repairs with our team – We don't fix everything. We focus on what buyers notice first and what adds the most value: curb appeal, functioning systems, and presentation.
- We manage the entire project – You're not calling contractors or scheduling work. We handle vendor selection, scheduling, and quality control. You just watch your home transform. Or maybe you have a favorite contractor who you trust, if they are licensed and insured then they’re welcome to take on the job.
- Your home launches globally with professional marketing – Once work is complete, we photograph, list, and market your property. It hits the market looking sharp and priced to reflect its true value.
- Repay the loan from your sale proceeds at closing – There's no separate repayment. The amount comes directly from closing, so you never write a check.
What Can Compass Concierge Cover?
This isn't just patching drywall. Compass Concierge covers a wide range of improvements that make your Pittsburgh home more competitive:
- Essential repairs: roof work, water heater replacement, HVAC service, electrical upgrades, plumbing fixes, foundation or basement waterproofing
- Cosmetic updates: interior and exterior painting, flooring replacement, kitchen or bathroom updates
- Curb appeal: landscaping, pressure washing, porch or deck repairs, new garage doors
- Staging and presentation: professional staging rental, decluttering services, storage for excess furniture, appliance upgrades
- Temporary housing: if work is extensive and you need to move out during repairs
We work with you to prioritize what matters most. If your basement leaks and your paint is tired, we fix both. If your kitchen is functional but outdated, we might recommend fresh paint and new hardware instead of a full remodel. The goal is maximum return for every dollar spent.
Who Qualifies for Compass Concierge in Pittsburgh?
Qualification is simpler than traditional home equity loans or refinancing. You don't need perfect credit or a debt-to-income ratio review. The program evaluates your home's market value and your available equity.
Most Pittsburgh homeowners with moderate equity qualify for some level of funding. The process is quick—usually within a few days—and approval amounts are based on realistic market value, not inflated appraisals.
If you're unsure whether your home qualifies, just ask. We'll run the numbers before you commit to anything.
Why You Don't Want to Manage This Yourself
Let's be honest: coordinating contractors is a nightmare. You don't know which Pittsburgh roofers show up on time or which painters cut corners. You don't have time to get three bids, check references, and babysit every job.
That's why project management is built into Compass Concierge. We have established relationships with reliable vendors across Pittsburgh. We know who does quality work at fair prices. We schedule everything, oversee progress, and make sure the work gets done right.
You're not a construction site manager. You're someone trying to sell a house and move on with your life. This service removes that burden completely.
Real Example: How Compass Concierge Changes the Math
Let's look at a typical Pittsburgh scenario. You have a 3-bedroom home in Brookline worth $225,000 in current condition. It needs a new roof ($8,000), basement waterproofing ($4,500), interior paint ($3,000), and professional staging ($2,500). Total investment: $18,000.
| Sell As-Is | Fix It to List It |
| Expected sale price: $225,000 | Expected sale price: $255,000 |
| Your upfront investment: $0 | Your upfront investment: $0 (Compass Concierge) |
| Repayment at closing: $0 | Repayment at closing: $18,000 |
| Net to you (after 6% commission): $211,500 | Net to you (after 6% commission + $18k): $221,700 |
| Additional profit by fixing first: $10,200 | |
You invest nothing upfront, and you walk away with an extra $10,200. That's the power of presenting a finished product instead of a project.
This Service Is Exclusive to Compass—Here's Why That Matters
Not every brokerage offers this. Compass Concierge is a proprietary program available only when you list with a Compass agent. It's backed by Compass's capital, not a third-party lender, which is why approvals are fast and there are no hidden fees.
When you work with Burton Frey and the John Marzullo Team, you're not just getting access to the program—you're getting a team that knows how to use it strategically. We don't throw money at problems. We diagnose what buyers care about, recommend smart fixes, and manage execution so your home sells faster and for more.
Common Questions About Compass Concierge
Is there interest or hidden fees?
No. It's 0% interest, and there are no origination fees, processing fees, or prepayment penalties. You repay exactly what was spent on your home.
What if my home doesn't sell?
That's extremely rare when a home is properly prepared and priced. But if your listing expires without a sale, we'd discuss options including re-listing or other arrangements. The team's job is to get your home sold.
Can I choose my own contractors?
In some cases, yes. If you have a trusted vendor, we can evaluate whether they meet program standards. But most clients prefer our vetted network because we've already done the vetting.
How long does the approval process take?
Most approvals happen within a few days. Once approved, we move straight into project planning.
Ready to Sell Your Pittsburgh Home Without the Upfront Cost?
If you're looking at your home thinking, I know it needs work, but I don't have the money, Compass Concierge is your answer. You don't pay out of pocket, you don't manage contractors, and you don't settle for an as-is discount.
Contact Burton Frey at the John Marzullo Team to discuss how Compass Concierge can transform your home sale. Let's get your house fixed, listed, and sold—without you writing a single check.
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: o: 412.307.7394 | m: 412.534.3402
Instagram: burtonfrey
6425 Living Place, Pittsburgh PA 15206
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