When you walk into a home and immediately picture yourself living there, that’s no accident – it’s often the result of thoughtful, strategic staging.

Home staging isn’t just about decorating; it’s a powerful way to help buyers connect emotionally with a property. For sellers, it can make a world of difference in today’s competitive market. On a recent episode of TRREB’s Ready to Real Estate podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with professional home stager Nina Doiron to explore how staging benefits both buyers and sellers – and how it adds value at every step of the real estate journey.

Make a lasting first impression

Staging is more than aesthetics – it’s a marketing strategy. It highlights a home’s best features, minimizes distractions and creates an inviting space where buyers can imagine their lives unfolding.

“When you stage a home, you’re packaging it so it’s attractive to all buyers,” Doiron says. Staged homes often sell faster and for higher prices because they spark that instant connection. From rearranging furniture for better flow to adding warm, neutral decor that photographs beautifully, staging ensures a property stands out from the moment it hits the market.

Even small updates – such as decluttering, optimizing lighting, or refreshing key rooms – can transform a space and elevate its perceived value.

See the possibilities

For buyers, staging reveals a home’s potential. A well-staged property makes it easier to visualize how the space could work for them. Rather than focusing on the current owner’s style or imperfections, buyers are free to see the home’s strengths – and imagine their own routines, furniture and memories filling the space.

That emotional response is powerful. “When someone walks in and says, ‘I want this home and this life,’ that’s when you know you’ve created a lasting impression,” Doiron says.

Adding value with staging expertise

If you’re working with a realtor, ask about staging support early in the process. Many realtors now offer consultations or partner with staging professionals to help sellers prepare for market.

At TRREB, we offer the RESA Home Staging Designation Course, which helps realtors understand the impact of staging, speak to its value and incorporate it into their services.

“The more value you can offer your clients, the better,” Doiron says. “And staging is one of those tools that helps realtors and their clients succeed.”

The bottom line

Whether you’re preparing to sell, searching for your next home or supporting clients through the process, staging is a simple but effective way to add value. It helps homes stand out, shortens time on market, and creates that all-important emotional connection that can lead to stronger offers.

To hear more insights from Nina and learn how staging can enhance your buying or selling experience, listen to the full episode of TRREB’s Ready to Real Estate podcast at trreb.ca.