Let's Ask Katie - May 2025

Let’s Ask Katie

Expert Advice for all your Real Estate questions from Katie Machoskie

Hello Katie,

We are listing our home and want to test the market by going on at the highest price possible, but don’t want to scare away buyers if we end up sitting on the market too long. What’s the best way to test the market? We are serious about selling and hope to move by August. 

Joe and Jerri

Hello Joe and Jerri! 

Oh, you came to the right place with this question! Innovation and smart marketing is one of the main reasons I moved to COMPASS eight years ago. At COMPASS, we believe selling your home deserves more than a one-size-fits-all approach. By testing your price as a COMPASS Private Exclusive, and then generating early demand as a Compass Coming Soon before launching on the MLS, homeowners are able to sell their home with confidence and test pricing strategies.  

Soft Launch to and Exclusive Audience: As a COMPASS Private Exclusive, your property will be marketed to over 30,000 top agents across the country and their qualified, serious buyers (and over 400 COMPASS agents in OC). You’ll be able to evaluate offers, gather honest feedback about pricing and make adjustments before going public on the MLS and wasting precious days on the market or public price reductions that could impact its value. 

Test Your Price & Gain Insights: COMPASS will share valuable insights on who is viewing the listing, where they are from. We can use this data to refine your pricing and position the property for a stronger public launch. 

Attract Competitive Offers: You may also receive a competitive offer from a buyer who is willing to pay a premium for a less competitive process! 

Maintain Your Privacy: Your privacy is valuable. Photos and floorplans of your home are only visible to COMPASS agents and their qualified, vetted clients.