“We had some initial concerns as we needed to sell our home while living out of state. We’d been in communication with Michelle for a couple years until market conditions were…”
C. L.Seller living out of state · via Google
Staging & presentation · Certified stager
Help buyers picture themselves at home.
Staging isn’t about making a house look like a magazine. It’s about showing off the space, the light and the flow, so buyers can see their own life there.
Staging with Michelle
Your home, at its best
As a certified stager, I help homeowners make the most of what they already have. Often that means moving furniture you own, editing shelves and counters, adding light and opening up a room so it feels bigger. Sometimes a little staging makes all the difference. For empty homes, I help with physical and virtual staging so buyers can picture how the space could look and feel.
Staged homes photograph better, and the photos are where most buyers decide whether to come see a house in person.
- Room-by-room staging advice
- Working with the furniture you own
- Help with empty and vacant homes
- Getting ready for photo day
What staging covers
Small changes, big difference
Layout and flow
Arranging furniture so rooms feel open and their purpose is clear, especially living rooms, basements and bonus spaces.
Light
Opening blinds, updating bulbs and adding lamps so rooms feel bright in person and in photos.
Editing
Clearing counters, shelves and closets so buyers notice the house, not the things in it. It’s a head start on packing, too.
Finishing touches
Fresh towels, simple bedding, a plant or two and a welcoming front door.
Vacant homes
Empty rooms can feel smaller and harder to read. A few well-chosen pieces show buyers how a room lives.
Curb appeal
Trimmed shrubs, fresh mulch, a swept walk and a clean front door make a strong first impression.
How it works
Ready for its close-up
- 01
Walk-through
We tour the house together and decide which rooms matter most.
- 02
Staging plan
A simple list for each room: what to move, remove, add and fix.
- 03
Staging day
I help put it together, using your furniture where we can and my own pieces where we can’t.
- 04
Photos and showings
Your home is ready for professional photos and its first showing.
From a client
“She really put our home in the best of arrangements.”
“Michelle also came over to stage our home using some items from her personal collection along with her staging items. She really put our home in the best of arrangements to make the house ‘pop’ for potential buyers.”
A seller, on Michelle’s Compass profile
Client reviews
In my clients’ words
“Michelle worked with us for over a year, getting our house ready for sale in May of 2019. She was responsive in communications, prepared for all of our meetings and meticulous in…”
Charlotte and ShaneSeller · via Compass
“Michelle was amazing! We are so grateful we found her. She was with us every step of the way. Not only did she sell our house for over asking price but she helped us with so many…”
Burke homeownerSeller · via Zillow
“Michelle was our agent for both the rental and sale of our condo in Springfield. Her deep knowledge of the local market helped us so we only had it on the market for a brief…”
Natasha P.Landlord and seller · via Compass
“Working with Michelle Gordon from Compass Real Estate was an outstanding experience from start to finish.”
Lisa D.Seller · via Google
“Michelle Gordon is the consummate full time real estate professional. I have been a licensed Realtor in Colorado for 27 years and Michelle listed and sold my brother’s home in…”
Roger H.Seller’s brother · via Zillow
“Michelle sold my house in Dec 2020. She was awesome, two thumbs up without a doubt. Very knowledgeable about making the house look good without breaking the bank.”
Jenny F.Seller · via Google
“Michelle was fantastic throughout the entire process. Extremely personable and low-pressure, which was well-suited to my particular situation.”
Marc S.Seller · via Zillow
“Michelle is an excellent agent! She listed my place in March and we were under contract in less than 2 days, at $75K over asking price!”
Kevin W.Seller · via Google
“My husband and I cannot recommend Michelle highly enough. She is a true professional and extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of real estate transactions.”
AshleyBuyer and seller · via Compass
“We have been working with Michelle for 7 years! In fact we were one of her first clients. Through the years Michelle has assisted us with renting a home, buying our first home…”
Christina B.Renter, buyer and seller · via Google
“I researched real estate professionals online and found Michelle. She created a marketing plan to sell my townhouse and reviewed this plan with me.”
Springfield homeownerTownhouse seller · via Zillow
“I can’t say enough about Michelle Gordon. She is outstanding and is on top of her game! She helped me buy and sell my condo.”
Andrea L.Condo buyer and seller · via Google
“My husband and I recently sold our home with Michelle. We had considered selling it ourselves, and are extremely glad we reconsidered.”
Jen W.Seller · via Google
“Michelle Gordon and Janice Buckley have been exceptionally attentive through the whole process. Helped us with organizing and transporting to Quinn’s.”
Christopher F.Seller, after moving away · via Google
Questions
Staging Questions
What does a certified stager do?
I help you arrange furniture, light and décor so each room feels open and its purpose is clear. Often that means moving and editing what you already own, and sometimes adding a few pieces to fill gaps.
Do I need to move out to stage my home?
No. Most of the homes I help stage are lived in. We’ll focus on the rooms buyers care about most and keep the house livable while it’s on the market.
What about an empty house?
Empty rooms can feel smaller and harder to read. A few pieces, like a sofa and rug in the living room or a bed in the primary bedroom, help buyers picture how the space works.
When should staging happen?
After repairs and painting, and before professional photos. Photos are where most buyers first see your home, so we want it ready for that day.
Let’s talk
Getting ready to list?
Let’s walk through your home and talk about what would help it show its best. Or call or text me at 703-489-1627.
Fix, update or leave alone?
How I help sellers decide what’s worth doing before they list.
Preparing to Sell