Thinking about creating buzz for your Kentfield home without going fully public yet? You’re not alone. Many Marin sellers want privacy while they fine-tune pricing, staging, and timing for maximum impact. In this guide, you’ll learn how Compass Coming Soon and Compass Private Exclusive options work, what rules you must confirm locally, and a simple plan to build demand, then launch strong on the MLS. Let’s dive in.
Compass Coming Soon, in plain English
Compass Coming Soon is a short pre-marketing window that lets you signal a property is on the way without committing to a full public listing. You generate early attention while you complete preparation like staging, photography, or repairs. Showings and offers may be limited or prohibited during this period depending on local MLS rules, so you need to confirm specifics before you start.
What it does
- Builds awareness and lines up interest before the listing goes live.
- Gives you time to perfect presentation and pricing with real feedback.
- Allows targeted communication to buyer agents who already work Kentfield and Marin.
What it is not
- It is not a full public listing on the MLS with broad syndication.
- It is not a one-size-fits-all program. Rules vary by MLS.
- It is not a way to market publicly outside the MLS if local rules prohibit it.
Compass Private Exclusive, defined
A Private Exclusive is an off-market approach where your home is shared quietly within Compass and select agent networks, rather than entered into the public MLS. You control who sees the property and when. Showings can be by appointment only, with qualified buyers, based on your instructions and local rules.
Why go private
- Privacy for your household, especially if you prefer limited public exposure.
- Control over timing and access while you prepare for a larger launch.
- Targeted outreach to qualified buyers more likely to appreciate Kentfield value.
Why Kentfield sellers choose pre-marketing
Kentfield is a small, high-value pocket of Marin where privacy and presentation matter. Pre-marketing can help you build concentrated demand, then convert interest into competitive offers when you go public. A short, well-run window often strengthens your launch.
Benefits at a glance:
- Controlled exposure and timing so you can stage and finalize details.
- Early interest that can lead to a strong opening weekend when you go active.
- Time to refine photography, video, floor plans, and pricing without pressure.
- Targeted outreach through Compass and top Marin buyer-agent networks.
Key tradeoffs to weigh
- Reduced reach while you are not on the MLS may limit competition.
- Fewer public comps if you remain off-market too long can complicate appraisals.
- Some MLSs limit showings or offers during Coming Soon, which can frustrate buyers.
- Perception risk if the listing lingers in pre-market too long.
- Compliance risk if you accidentally trigger public marketing without following local rules.
Know the rules in Marin
Nationally, the Clear Cooperation principle requires that once you publicly market a listing, your broker must submit it to the MLS within a short window, often one business day. Local MLSs set detailed rules for how Coming Soon and off-market options must be handled. In Kentfield, you and your agent must verify the exact rules that apply to your property.
Ask your agent and local MLS the following:
- Is Coming Soon permitted and what is the maximum duration?
- Are showings allowed while in Coming Soon status, and under what conditions?
- Can you accept offers during Coming Soon or a Private Exclusive?
- Who can see Coming Soon listings — agents only, or also the public?
- If you sell off-market, must the sale be reported to the MLS after closing, and when?
Always follow fair housing laws and required disclosures. Pre-listing visibility does not change your legal obligations.
A simple timeline that works
Your timing should balance privacy with momentum. Choose a path that fits your goals and local rules.
- Short pre-market: 3 to 7 days. Creates quick buzz, then you go live on the MLS.
- Standard pre-market: 7 to 14 days. Allows curated previews and staging finishes.
- Extended pre-market: Over 14 days. Use with caution because you risk losing buyer urgency and you may hit MLS limits.
Set a firm go-active date and stick to it unless market feedback suggests a strategic adjustment.
Your preparation checklist
Clarify objectives and approvals:
- Define your goals: privacy, timing, and the type of demand you want to build.
- Get written consent for any Coming Soon or Private Exclusive steps.
- Align on success metrics such as inquiries, qualified showings, and launch date.
Button up compliance and disclosures:
- Prepare required California disclosures so they are ready at the proper time.
- Confirm in writing how Clear Cooperation and local MLS rules apply to your plan.
Tighten presentation:
- Complete staging, minor repairs, and deep cleaning.
- Schedule professional photography, video, and floor plans.
- Draft polished marketing copy with neighborhood highlights.
Plan access and privacy:
- Decide who may preview and under what screening rules.
- Require pre-approval letters or proof of funds for private showings.
- Set privacy boundaries such as no open houses and limited exterior photos, if desired.
Smart outreach in Kentfield
Targeted communication is the point of Coming Soon and Private Exclusives. Focus on agents and buyers most active in Kentfield and greater Marin.
- Start with Compass agent channels if permitted by local rules.
- Reach buyer agents who frequently transact in Marin and San Rafael.
- Use relocation and lifestyle buyer lists appropriate to your price point.
- Track all interest and feedback so you can refine staging and pricing.
- Avoid public internet posts if local rules prohibit public marketing before MLS entry.
Going live on the MLS
Your public launch should feel crisp and complete. Everything from photos to showing schedules should work in harmony.
- Pick a go-active date that aligns with buyer traffic patterns and agent availability.
- Ensure all media, copy, and disclosures are final.
- Notify every prospect who engaged during pre-marketing.
- If permitted, schedule early tours or a first open weekend to capture momentum.
Avoid common pitfalls
A thoughtful plan keeps you compliant and effective.
- Respect fair housing laws in all outreach and language.
- Do not publicly advertise if it will trigger an MLS submission you are not ready for.
- Keep written records of instructions, marketing steps, and communications.
- Avoid long pre-market periods that sap urgency or exceed MLS limits.
- If your MLS restricts offers during Coming Soon, make that clear in writing.
Work with a local advisor you trust
Pre-marketing only works when it pairs great presentation with precise execution. In Kentfield and Marin, you want a boutique, detail-driven strategy backed by strong distribution. You also need a clear understanding of local rules so you protect your timeline and price strategy.
As a Compass-affiliated, neighborhood-focused advisor with deep Bay Area roots, Aimee blends meticulous staging discipline with targeted outreach and early-access strategy. You get the polish of a boutique presentation and the reach of Compass channels. Ready to map a clean pre-market plan and a powerful public launch? Connect with Aimee Labagh Tenente.
FAQs
Can I accept an offer while my Kentfield home is in Coming Soon status?
- It depends on your local MLS and brokerage rules, so confirm with your agent and get your instructions in writing.
Will using Coming Soon reduce the number of buyers who see my home?
- Yes, exposure is limited during pre-marketing, which can protect privacy and build targeted demand but may reduce overall competition.
Does a long off-market period affect appraisal or comps in Marin?
- If you stay off-market too long, appraisers may have fewer visible active comps, so discuss timing and appraisal strategy with your agent and lender.
Will public real estate sites display my Coming Soon listing?
- Syndication policies vary by MLS and portal, so if you want privacy, instruct your agent to avoid public syndication until you are ready to go live.
Is a Compass Private Exclusive the same as a pocket listing?
- They are similar in that exposure is restricted compared to an MLS listing, but brokerage platforms formalize internal marketing and still require full compliance with rules and fair housing laws.
How long should I keep my Kentfield listing in pre-marketing?
- Short windows of about one to two weeks are common to build interest without losing momentum, but always follow your MLS’s maximum duration rules.
