Big Changes in Real Estate: What Compass Buying Coldwell Banker & Century 21 Means for You

If you’ve been watching the headlines, you may have seen that Compass is acquiring Anywhere Real Estate — the parent company of Coldwell Banker, Century 21, Sotheby’s, Corcoran, ERA, and more. In other words, some of the biggest names in real estate are now under one roof.

So what does this mean for you as a buyer or seller?

More Consolidation, Less Variety

With so many brands owned by one company, there will likely be fewer differences in how brokerages operate. That could mean more standardized tools and marketing, but also less local flavor.

The Zillow Factor

At the same time, Zillow is tightening its rules. Homes that aren’t listed quickly on the MLS may not show up on Zillow at all. That’s a problem if your agent suggests trying a “private” or “coming soon” strategy — because if Zillow bans the listing, you could lose a huge chunk of buyer traffic.

The NAR Requirement

Most agents (myself included) are required to be members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which enforces policies like “Clear Cooperation.” That means once your home is publicly marketed, it must be entered into the MLS within one business day. While this rule is meant to create fairness, it also limits flexibility in how your listing is rolled out. Personally, I think NAR has a long way to go in adapting to today’s market.

What It Means for You

• Your listing strategy matters more than ever. Where, when, and how your home is marketed can directly affect your sale price.

• Visibility is key. Zillow, MLS, and brokerage rules all determine how many buyers will actually see your home.

• You need an agent who understands the rules and the workarounds. Navigating Compass, Zillow, NAR, and MLS policies takes more than just putting a sign in the yard.

Bottom Line

The real estate world is shifting — fast. Compass is now a giant, Zillow is calling more shots, and NAR is holding agents to strict rules. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, you’ll want an agent who’s up to speed and can guide you through the noise to make sure your home gets maximum exposure.

How Home Staging Turned a Stale Listing Into a $425,000 Win

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter more than most sellers realize. I saw this firsthand last summer when I listed a split-level property that had gone through several remodels over the years. While the home had potential, the mix of dated finishes and an empty interior made it hard for buyers to connect with.

At the seller’s request, we initially listed the home vacant. After 120 days on the market, the best verbal offer we received was $2.7 million—and that offer never went anywhere. The home simply wasn’t showing in its best light.

Finally, the seller agreed to let me step in and refresh the property. We took the home off the market and made strategic updates:

• Cleaned up the landscaping for instant curb appeal

• Added lighting to update spaces and add focal points and interest

• Swapped out mirrors, fixtures, and bathroom details to create an elevated space

• Installed new hardware for a more cohesive look and to update outdated finishes

• I staged staged the home to highlight its layout and potential

The results were immediate. The same day we re-listed the home, buyers who had previously passed on it called through their agent to make an offer. This time, the home sold for $3.125 million—a $425,000 difference from the highest verbal offer we’d had before.

Why Home Staging Works + Refreshing works

According to the National Association of Realtors, 83% of buyer’s agents say staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize a property as their future home. In fact, staged homes typically sell 88% faster and for 20% more than non-staged homes. When buyers walk into a well-staged home, they aren’t distracted by flaws—they’re inspired by possibilities.

In this case, staging didn’t just speed up the sale—it added nearly half a million dollars in value. That’s the power of combining thoughtful updates with professional home staging.

The Bottom Line

If you’re considering selling your home, don’t underestimate the impact of presentation. Small refreshes paired with staging can transform how buyers perceive your property—and dramatically affect your bottom line.

As this listing proved, a little investment upfront can yield an incredible return.

Thinking about selling your home in Orange County? Let’s talk about how staging and strategic updates can help you achieve the highest possible sale price.