FAQs

Primary bedroom staged by Encore, Los Altos

FAQs. Questions,
answered

Clear answers for agents and homeowners before we stage.

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Getting started

Is home staging worth it?

In the National Association of Realtors 2025 Profile of Home Staging, 83% of buyers’ agents said staging makes it easier for buyers to picture a property as their future home. Staged rooms also photograph better for the online listing, where most buyers see a home first.

What areas do you serve?

From compact ADUs to expansive luxury estates, we provide home staging throughout the Greater Bay Area:

Silicon Valley & Santa Clara County: Serving cities and towns across the tech corridor

San Mateo County: Covering all incorporated cities and Peninsula communities

San Francisco & Marin County: Serving SF and north through Marin to Novato

The East Bay: Comprehensive coverage across Alameda and Contra Costa counties

Taking on a destination project? We have staged exceptional homes outside the Bay Area, including Carmel and Santa Barbara. Reach out today to discuss your project!

How should we prepare the home?

Clear out personal items and clutter, finish small repairs and have the home cleaned before install day. Our team brings the furniture, art and accessories, and your designer will point out anything else during the walkthrough.

Timing

When does the staging period officially begin?

The staging contract term begins on the day staging is fully completed. If installation starts Monday and finishes Tuesday, day one is Tuesday.

How long does installation take, and when should we schedule photography?

Installation timelines depend on the size of the home and the season:

Under 2,000 sq ft: Typically completed in one day. During peak season, we allocate up to two days to ensure every detail is refined and photo-ready.

Photography Schedule: Book starting on Day 2 (Day 3 in peak season).

2,001+ sq ft: Installations take two to three days.

Photography Schedule: Book starting on Day 3 (or the morning following completion).

How long is the staging term?

Our standard staging agreement is 60 days, beginning the day installation is completed.

If your listing needs additional market time beyond the initial 60 days, month-to-month extensions are available. As your term nears completion, our team will proactively check in with you to either confirm a monthly extension or schedule de-staging (which requires 3 business days’ notice).

Design and furniture

What furniture styles do you keep in stock?

With inventory across two warehouses, we can stage to match any property:

Transitional & Contemporary: Our primary styles, curated to maximize buyer appeal across a wide variety of floor plans.

Architectural Specialties: Tailored schemes including minimalist modern and mid-century designs specifically curated for Eichler homes.

The Hybrid Advantage: We blend professional interior design expertise with model-home styling insights gained from collaborating with national homebuilders.

Need a custom design direction? Reach out today to discuss your listing.

Do you stage occupied homes?

Yes, on a case-by-case basis. Because occupied staging involves blending your day-to-day living with market presentation, we evaluate each property to ensure we can achieve the best possible outcome for your listing.

Our process begins with an in-home or virtual consultation (via FaceTime or video) to assess:

Project Scope & Layout: Determining which of your existing furnishings work well and which pieces should be edited, rearranged, or stored.

Supplemental Styling: Identifying where our curated furniture, accent pieces, art, and soft furnishings can elevate the space.

Compatibility & Timeline: Establishing a practical plan that keeps the home show-ready while accommodating your family’s routine until the property sells.

Reach out to schedule an initial consultation to see if your occupied listing is a good fit.

What if something is damaged during installation or removal?

We treat every home with utmost care, using floor runners and padded protection throughout the process. In the rare event of accidental damage caused by our team, we take complete responsibility. We will promptly coordinate repairs through our licensed, trusted handyman or fully reimburse you should you prefer to use your own contractor.

Pricing and booking

How can I request pricing for my property?

Start with our instant estimator for an immediate ballpark range, then select a time for a tailored design walkthrough. Following the consultation, you’ll receive your finalized, property-specific proposal.

How far in advance should we book?

As early as possible! Our calendar fills up quickly, and booking ahead ensures you lock in your preferred date while giving us ample time to curate the best design for your space.

Who pays for staging?

Either the seller or the listing agent can book staging, and we work with both. You can pay upfront before install with no added fee, or pay at closing: nothing is due now, and the balance plus 10% is paid at close of escrow.

Can you stage only some rooms?

Yes. Partial staging furnishes the key rooms only, and it also suits homes where the seller is still living. It is quoted after the designer walkthrough.

Marketing support

Do you provide MLS photography?

We focus on staging, and we happily refer top real estate photographers, including specialists who use AI enhancement for lifestyle marketing.

Do you include social media content?

For our return clients, we offer up to three complimentary reels: a teaser or install day reel, an informal walkthrough tour, and a post-sale celebration reel before destaging.

Do you sponsor broker tours or twilight tours?

For our return clients, yes. Choose a sponsored broker tour or an evening twilight tour. We coordinate with your launch calendar and provide complimentary appetizers, beverages and supplies.

Still have questions?

Send us a message and our team will get right back to you by email, text, or phone. You’ll always reach a real person—no bots or automated call centers.

Need numbers faster? Get an instant staging quote here.