Selling a home in Indian Wells while you live in another state can feel like trying to play host from thousands of miles away. You want a smooth sale, top value, and zero surprises, but the distance and details make it tough. A concierge listing plan solves this by putting expert project management on the ground so you can stay hands-off and informed. In this guide, you’ll learn how a concierge approach works in Indian Wells, what it costs, and the exact steps from prep to closing. Let’s dive in.
What a concierge listing plan is
A concierge listing plan is full-service preparation and sale management led by your listing agent. You approve a scope and budget, and your agent coordinates licensed vendors, staging, marketing, showings, and closing logistics. You stay in control without being on site.
Key services typically include:
- Pre-listing inspection and punch list
- Repair coordination with licensed specialists
- Full or partial staging and furniture rental
- Professional photography, video, floor plans, and virtual tours
- Deep cleaning, pool and landscaping care
- Showings, open house, and access control
- Tenant or rental coordination, if applicable
- Closing coordination with escrow and title, including remote signing
Why this works in Indian Wells
Indian Wells is a luxury resort city with golf communities, estate homes, and resort condos. Many owners are second-home or seasonal residents. Buyers often shop during cooler months, and many will view remotely before visiting in person.
Because of this, presentation and logistics matter. Luxury staging and premium visuals help your home shine to buyers who may be browsing from afar. Pool, spa, HVAC, and irrigation systems need proactive care in the desert climate. And if your property is in an HOA or resort community, timely HOA resale packets and transfer documents keep escrow on schedule.
If your home is used as a short-term rental, a concierge plan also coordinates bookings, cleaning, and guest turnover so showings do not conflict with guests.
Your step-by-step plan
Pre-listing planning - weeks 0 to 2
- Sign the listing agreement and a concierge services addendum that defines scope, budget, and payment method.
- Share documents you already have: deed, permits, warranties, HOA rules, utility info, and any prior inspections.
- Order the HOA resale packet early. Some HOAs take days to weeks.
- Schedule a pre-listing inspection. Add pool, roof, and HVAC specialists if needed.
- Decide on repairs versus a buyer credit. Approve a clear budget in writing.
Preparation - weeks 1 to 4
- Complete agreed repairs and safety fixes. Keep receipts and permits.
- Arrange staging. For a vacant or high-end property, consider full staging.
- Book professional photography, video, drone (if permitted), and floor plans.
- Deep clean, refresh landscaping, and service pool and spa.
- Build a virtual tour to support remote showings.
Marketing and showings - weeks 1 to 12+
- Launch on the MLS with high-quality media and clear showing notes.
- Offer virtual showings and recorded walk-throughs for remote buyers.
- Manage access with smart locks or a secure lockbox. Rotate codes regularly.
- Receive weekly updates: showings log, buyer feedback, and market intel.
Offer to closing - about 30 to 45 days
- Coordinate buyer inspections, appraisal, and any agreed repairs or credits.
- Use electronic signatures or e-notary where available. Confirm title and escrow policies early.
- If you are a nonresident seller, process required California withholding forms in time for closing.
- Follow strict wiring protocols. Verify instructions by calling escrow directly.
Post-closing
- Confirm the final settlement statement and distribution of proceeds.
- Ensure all contractor invoices are settled per the agreement.
Costs and payment options
Concierge programs are flexible. Common structures include:
- Seller pays vendors directly as work is completed.
- Agent fronts approved costs and is reimbursed at closing.
- A flat concierge fee or a commission offset that recovers costs at closing.
Typical ranges vary by property and scope:
- Minor declutter or partial staging - hundreds to low thousands of dollars.
- Full luxury staging - thousands to $10,000+ depending on size and duration.
- Repairs - case by case. Set a preapproved budget and require invoices.
What matters most is clarity. Get a written plan that lists scope, vendors, timelines, and how costs are recovered. Require itemized invoices and before-and-after photos.
Legal, tax, and closing details to know
California disclosures
You must deliver required California disclosures, including the Transfer Disclosure Statement, Seller Property Questionnaire, Natural Hazard Disclosure, lead-based paint disclosure when applicable, and HOA resale documents. Your agent will help coordinate and track deadlines. For state rules and licensing standards, refer to the California Department of Real Estate.
Nonresident seller withholding in California
California may require withholding when a nonresident sells California real estate. There are rules, rates, and potential exemptions. Review the California Franchise Tax Board resources and consult your tax advisor to plan ahead.
FIRPTA for foreign sellers
FIRPTA is a federal rule that can require buyer withholding when a foreign person sells U.S. real property. See the IRS overview of FIRPTA withholding, and consult a CPA or tax attorney for guidance.
Remote signings, POA, and escrow
In California, escrow and title companies manage closings. Electronic signing and e-notary may be available, depending on your title company and lender. If you cannot sign, a properly drafted Power of Attorney can authorize a signer. Confirm acceptance requirements in advance.
Wire fraud prevention
Always verify wiring instructions by calling your escrow officer at a known phone number. Do not rely on email-only instructions. Use multi-factor verification when possible.
Local fees and HOA items
Confirm city or county transfer taxes, HOA transfer and estoppel fees, and community rules early. For local municipal information, check the City of Indian Wells website and your HOA.
Access, security, and rental coordination
Remote sales require tight access-control and planning. Here is what works well in Indian Wells:
- Smart locks or agent-managed lockboxes with unique, time-limited codes
- Temporary alarm codes with written instructions for vendors and agents
- Vendor schedules that avoid short-term rental bookings and guest conflicts
- Cleanings between showings and before open houses
- Code changes after closing
If your property has active rentals, decide who manages cancellations and refunds. Block the calendar early to avoid last-minute conflicts.
What we do for you
With luxury and resort properties, the difference is in the details. As a boutique, senior-led team, we coordinate every moving part so you do not have to.
Here is how we support out-of-state sellers in Indian Wells:
- Senior-executed planning, pricing strategy, and negotiations
- A documented concierge plan with budgets, timelines, and vendor oversight
- High-end presentation - staging guidance, premium photography, video, floor plans, and virtual tours
- Access control and showing management designed for remote ownership
- Weekly reporting with clear action items and market feedback
- Escrow and title coordination for remote signings and POA when needed
Our team pairs boutique attention with the marketing reach of Bennion Deville Homes’ LUXE program, so your property is presented and syndicated at a high standard.
Quick remote seller checklist
- Get a written concierge plan and budget
- Order HOA resale documents early
- Complete a pre-listing inspection
- Approve repairs and staging remotely
- Set up smart access and alarm instructions
- Confirm escrow’s remote signing and POA policies
- Plan for California and federal withholding with your CPA
- Use verified wiring procedures at closing
Ready to sell from out of state?
You can sell your Indian Wells home without boarding a plane. With a concierge listing plan, the right vendor team, and disciplined oversight, you stay in control while we handle the details on the ground. If you are ready to map out your sale and timeline, connect with the Mark Wise Group for a private consultation.
FAQs
Can I sell my Indian Wells home entirely remotely?
- Yes. With concierge services, vendor coordination, remote signings, and POA if needed, you can complete the sale without traveling.
How long does a remote sale in Indian Wells usually take?
- It varies by season, price, and condition. Once you accept an offer, most California escrows close in about 30 to 45 days. Pre-listing prep may add several weeks.
Who pays for concierge services and repairs in Indian Wells?
- Payment structures vary. You can pay vendors directly, have costs fronted and reimbursed at closing, or agree to a flat concierge fee. Get a written budget and itemized invoices.
What disclosures are required for Indian Wells homes in HOAs?
- Standard California disclosures apply, plus HOA resale documents and any required transfer or estoppel items. Your agent will order these early to protect timelines.
What tax withholding should an out-of-state seller expect in California?
- California may require nonresident real estate withholding. Foreign sellers may also be subject to FIRPTA. Review the California Franchise Tax Board and IRS FIRPTA guidance and consult a CPA.
How do you handle showings if my Indian Wells home is a short-term rental?
- We block the booking calendar in advance, coordinate guest turnover, schedule cleanings between showings, and maintain access control with temporary codes.
