What is Neuro-Staging?

Neuro-Staging is a method that uses principles of psychology and neuroscience to arrange a home so buyers emotionally connect with the space.

Can I stay in my home while ittt is staged?

Yes — Aligned Home Staging specializes in occupied home staging, designed for sellers who are still living in their home.

What areas do you serve?

Erica primarily serves Bexley and the greater Columbus, Ohio area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is home staging?

Simply put, home staging is visual marketing for residential real estate. The process of preparing a home for sale so that its first impression is strong and compels potential buyers to learn more. The average home buyer looks for homes online first and spends only 7 seconds looking at a listing photo before scrolling on to the next.

The goal of Home Staging is not to make a house look “perfect” or even “pretty” – it’s to make it marketable. Staging highlights the strengths of the property and the fixed assets, like flooring, cabinets, windows, and views. When staged well, these fixed assets will shine in marketing photos and during house tours.

What is the difference between home staging and interior design?

People often call me a “designer,” but that’s not what I do. Interior designers focus on creating a personalized, customized space that feeds the homeowners' spirit.

Home Staging, on the other hand, focuses on making a house appeal to a wide range of potential buyers by focusing on the fixed assets - things like flooring, windows, fireplaces, views, etc. This allows potential buyers to better imagine themselves living in the space and to make their own emotional connection to it.

Can’t I just Google “how to stage my house” and do it myself?

For sure. A “Google Staging” is better than no staging at all. And your house will likely sell too.

However, what if you could have made a bit of effort and sold for $5k, $10k, or $20k more? Wouldn’t you at least want to consider it? I specialize in home staging consultations that make your home as marketable as possible while keeping your timeline and budget in mind. You’ll have a detailed and customized priority list of no-cost and low-cost changes that will do much more than that Googled list to increase your return on investment.

How long does staging take?

The answer to this varies depending on your timeframe and budget. We start with a 2-hour staging consultation. Once that step is complete, you will have everything you need to move forward and take action on the Top 10 Priority List. If that list feels overwhelming or you just don’t have the capacity to take care of it on your own, I do provide additional services to help you get it done.

What if my furniture isn’t “magazine quality”? I think I’d be embarrassed for you to come to my house.

I’ve been a single mom for over a decade. I live in the real world. I have a house full of “well-loved” furniture that has seen teens and pets and their messes. My goal will always be to leave you in a better position than where you started, using what you already have. I am an expert in making things work.

If you do have a budget that allows for purchasing and/or renting additional items, I can help with that, too. If not, I can absolutely help you use what you have to make a strong market entrance.

Isn’t staging expensive? Where are the hidden costs?

A 2-hour staging consultation is an incredibly cost-effective alternative to a full, hands-on, bring-in-new-furniture staging. During a consultation, I provide action items for you to complete to improve how your home shows in photos and in person. It’s perfect for folks who like to DIY or who might have a bit more time until their house enters the market. And, if you decide you’d like a bit more help, I have additional services available.

How do I get started?

The first step is reaching out!

Contact me, and we’ll schedule a consultation. At the end of our time together, you’ll have all the information you need to take educated, empowered steps toward making your home market-ready.

How do I prepare for a staging consultation?

This is the easy part – don’t do anything outside your normal routine. Sometimes folks think that they should pre-pack some of their things before the Staging Consultation. Don’t do this! I will start by using what you already have to market your home visually, so please don’t pre-pack. You just never know what I might end up suggesting and how some of your items might be useful.

Why should I stage in a seller’s market? Buyer’s market?

Buyer’s market or Seller’s market - a home’s listing photos are the first chance to make a great impression. Take a look at other homes on the market and ask yourself, “do you want to look like everybody else or do you want to stand out?”

In a Seller’s market, homes sell quickly and often for over asking price. Competition is high for the few homes that are on the market and sellers often receive multiple offers. As a home seller, you’re in the enviable position of knowing that you will probably sell quickly and for a great price. And you also have an opportunity to present at its best what is likely your largest asset and investment. Why leave potential money on the table?

In a Buyer’s market, homes stay on the market longer and sellers often offer reduced prices with multiple concessions. When you have lots of competition, it makes sense to present your home as a “must-see” listing. People are still buying, but they need to get excited enough by a house to make an offer. Staging is designed to create that excitement!

I’m a Real Estate Agent, and I have good taste. Why shouldn’t I stage my own listings?

Each party in the home-selling process has specific roles and responsibilities. The Homeowner decides to sell, sets the timeframe and budget, and controls the property's condition. The Real Estate Agent is responsible for marketing the house, hiring the photographer, and negotiating the contract.

Aligned Home Staging also plays a role. I am an expert in visual marketing for homes. I am responsible for providing advice, suggestions, and a step-by-step staging plan tailored to your client’s home and based on their timeframe and budget. And, I share your goal of selling your client’s home for as much money as possible and as quickly as possible so the home sellers can move on to their next chapter.

I can also help you protect and preserve your relationship with your clients, especially when tough conversations are needed about things like paint color, “well-loved” furniture, odors, and so on. Let me take care of those issues for you so you can focus on what you do best!