Staging your home to sell

Manhattan | Brooklyn

Peter Comitini

Corcoran Group

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

BEFORE & AFTER

How does staging work?

Which room would you pay more for?

Placing the right-sized and styled furniture in an empty space transforms it, making it feel larger and more inviting. By adding scale and purpose, it helps buyers imagine how they can use the space and what it would be like to live there. Whether it's virtually staged or done in person, the impact is the same. Use the slider to compare the before and after images of this room, and see how staging can turn an empty space into a home.

 

Pull the puck to the right or left to reveal the room. ▼

Staging is to selling your home, what being well dressed is to a job interview.

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Staging works for sellers

Tailored staging solutions

Professional staging offers a curated, managed process that ensures every aspect of your home’s presentation is thoughtfully designed. First impressions are crucial, with buyers forming opinions within moments of entering a home. Staging helps create an inviting lived experience that showcases your home’s potential in the best possible light.

That said, staging can be a significant expense. For a vacant one-bedroom apartment, basic staging—including furniture rentals, accessories, painting, and cleaning—can start at $10,000 and increase for larger or luxury properties. If costs are a concern, Corcoran’s RealVitalize™ program can help sellers prepare their homes without upfront financial strain.

For those who prefer a more budget-conscious approach, there are alternatives to full staging. Small updates like rearranging furniture, adding accessories, or applying a fresh coat of paint can make a noticeable difference. Combining DIY efforts with selective professional help can often strike the right balance. We’re here to guide you in focusing on improvements that will have the greatest impact.

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First impressions count

Look your best

Solid preparation is key to a successful home sale. Staging your home is like dressing well for a job interview—it helps buyers envision themselves in the space. Staging highlights your home’s best features and makes it stand out in photos, which are often the first step in attracting a buyer’s interest.

Research shows that staged homes tend to sell faster and at higher prices. While staging is an investment, the potential payoff can make it worthwhile, depending on your home and market conditions. If you’re unsure, we can help evaluate the best approach for your property.

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Options

Vacant home?

  • We work with professional organizers and stagers who can manage the entire process for you—from painting and furniture rentals to selecting the perfect towels and toothbrushes.
  • If you prefer a more hands-on approach, we’re happy to share recommendations on the essential steps to prepare your home for the market. In some cases, an organizer may be more beneficial than a decorator, a little decluttering goes a long way. We can help.
  • If full staging isn’t feasible, we offer virtual staging to showcase your home’s potential in listing photos, even if the apartment is empty.
  • Virtual staging involves adding photorealistic digital furnishings to your listing photos, a service we provide at no additional cost. While this can create a strong first impression online, it’s worth noting that buyers may still encounter an empty apartment in person. For many, this moment becomes a critical decision point. Ensuring your home looks its best at every stage can make all the difference.
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Preparation

Deep clean and declutter

  • Pack up the clutter. A clean, uncluttered home allows buyers to focus on the space itself. Personal items, collectibles, and excess furniture should go into storage. Think of it as an opportunity to prepare for your move while presenting a neutral, inviting space.
  • Make your home sparking clean. Consider hiring a professional crew to ensure every corner is deep cleaned and spotless—from the kitchen and bathrooms to windows and floors. If you have a yard, rake the leaves and tidy outdoor spaces to make a strong impression.
  • Fresh paint works wonders. A fresh coat of paint instantly refreshes your home’s appearance and signals to buyers that it’s well-maintained. Focus on high-traffic areas and rooms that haven’t been painted recently.
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Fitting your needs and budget

Find the right balance

Staging isn’t always about going all-in with a professional service. Depending on your property and budget, a mix of DIY and targeted professional help can deliver excellent results. From decluttering and deep cleaning to small updates like painting and accessorizing, every effort adds value.

We’re here to help you determine where to focus your energy and resources to make your home as marketable as possible. Whether it’s full-service staging, virtual staging, or a personalized approach, we’ll work with you to ensure your home stands out in a competitive marketplace.

New Developments

The new skyline

Why are these more expensive and complex purchases so popular in NYC real estate? Explore some of the essential factors to consider when buying a new development, and browse every listing on the market.

 

New Developments

Corcoran's RealVitalize covers upfront costs for improvements and professional staging, with repayment at closing—no hidden fees, markups, or surprises.

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Corcoran's RealVitalize

Help getting your home ready

Homes using the RealVitalize™ program consistently sell at or above list price.*

RealVitalize™ is a great option that is available to Peter's exclusive listing clients who want to maximize their sale price, but don't want to pay the upfront costs of staging and home preparation. RealVitalize™ pays for the services, and is repaid at the closing table at the time of sale, without hidden fees, charges, or markups. The results are remarkable—most homes using the RealVitalize program sell at or above list price*. RealVitalize™ lets you make the needed improvements and repairs to prep your home for sale. Use it to refresh the tilework in the bath, or update the kitchen, or anything else in home improvement. We'd love to tell you more about the program details based upon your particular needs.

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Corcoran's RealVitalize

Here's how we can help:

  • In-House: Do it yourself staging consultation1
  • Home Organizers: When clutter needs to be tamed 2
  • Virtual Staging: Digital solution for listing photos only1
  • Lite Staging: In-house experts with your existing possessions2
  • Professional Staging: Reccomended for higer-priced listings. Full service design with furniture rental2
  • RealVitalize: Helps make it possible. Pay for work at the closing.2
    1. Home Renovations
    2. Flooring and Carpentry
    3. Cleaning and Handyman Services
    4. Electrical and Plumbing
    5. Landscaping and Curb Appeal
    6. Most non-structural improvements
    7. And more

1 Included 2Seller paid. *Based on program data from Aug 2019 - Jan 2021.

Instant Home Valuation

What’s your home worth?

Instantly receive an estimate with our free home valuation tool. For an even more accurate and personalized assessment, we can refine the estimate based on your property’s unique features. Whether you're planning to sell or just want to stay informed, start here to uncover your home's true potential. Ready for expert advice? Contact Peter for a comprehensive Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).

This property estimate is based on an automated valuation model (AVM) that utilizes public data and trends to estimate the current selling value of your home. It serves solely for informational purposes and is not an appraisal. Prior to making any significant decisions, you should consult with your trusted licensed real estate broker or licensed appraiser. We provide a complimentary on-site home market evaluation for homeowners considering the sale of their property

Seller's Guide

Maximum impact by design

A buyer's first impression is made within seconds, whether viewing your home online or stepping through the door. These moments shape how they perceive its value. We can help curate this experience to make your home stand out, increasing its appeal and helping it sell better.

Sell your home

Work with Peter Comitini 

"For two decades, I've guided clients through the ins and outs of NYC real estate by offering boutique service, customized marketing, and the expertise to get your deal done. Learn more by exploring my site and book a call below to begin your journey"

—Peter Comitini

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Book a call with me today