Written by 65 Degrees Magazine
It started with something simple: paint—still one of the best investments you can make in home improvement or preparing a property for sale.
But in 2019, when Compass Concierge launched, everything changed for the Bambace Peterson Team. Business partners and brother/sister-in-law duo Dana Bambace and Mark Peterson saw an opportunity to elevate how they presented listings.
“We used to have regular conversations with sellers about whether to stage or not,” Dana recalls. “But starting in 2019, Compass Concierge gave us a powerful tool that transformed the way we worked. At first, we’d make a few small updates, but now in 2025, buyers want move-in ready homes. Especially in a second home market like Carmel or Pebble Beach—buyers are purchasing a lifestyle. They want to enjoy the home immediately, not spend time managing remodels and contractors. Now, we always stage homes to help buyers envision how they’ll live and enjoy the space from day one.”
Compass Concierge offers sellers a short-term line of credit repaid at closing. Over the past six years, the Bambace Peterson Team has represented approximately 140 listings, with more than half of those sellers taking advantage of the Compass Concierge program. With that experience, the team knows where improvements have the highest return.
Improvement funds can cover more than 100 potential items—from essential upgrades like sewer lateral replacements or roof repairs to solving logistical challenges like coordinating the distribution of heirloom furniture across the country.
“We’re not trying to do everything—we’re focused on eliminating the biggest objections,” Mark explains. “By making smart, upfront improvements, we shift the buyer’s perception. What once looked like a full renovation becomes a manageable update. Now, they see a bathroom they might remodel later, not the burden of tackling the bathroom, kitchen, and floors all at once.”
The value goes beyond upgrades. “It’s a true advantage for our clients,” Dana adds. “They trust us to make the right calls—because we know what buyers respond to.”
“It’s never a one-size-fits-all approach,” Mark explains. “We assess the home, propose a budget, list out each potential improvement with costs and timelines, and provide an updated estimated sale price if those upgrades are made.”
When the scope expands to kitchen or bathroom remodels, Dana’s eye for design takes center stage. “I love seeing how everything changes with the right finishes—pulling together marble, tile, and fixtures to create something beautiful.”
Still, the results aren’t just about Dana and Mark. “This all works because of our team,” Mark emphasizes. “The Bambace Peterson Team, our vendors and trusted partners go above and beyond to make our clients' homes shine—and do it on time.”
“Time is the last luxury,” Mark says. “And we’re giving it back to both sellers and buyers by delivering a home that’s ready to be enjoyed.”
As for paint? There’s no single answer. “It depends on the home and the design story we’re creating,” Dana notes. “But don’t confuse ‘refresh’ with ‘cheap.’ This isn’t a DIY whitewash. We’re in a luxury market. How a house feels matters.”
She concludes, “Be prepared to invest. When you do, the market will reward you—with a faster sale and a better price.”
