In an often-hot seller’s market like Toronto’s, some skeptics say, “Homes in Toronto can often sell themselves.” While supply and demand often favours sellers in highly desirable areas, selling your home isn’t just about finding a buyer – it’s about maximizing the sale.

A well-presented and staged property will sell faster and for more money, ensuring you’re not leaving any money on the table.   

Staging is a powerful yet often under-utilized marketing tool during the home selling process in Toronto.

At Nested Real Estate, we approach staging strategically. Our staging is driven by years of in-depth neighbourhood knowledge, and understanding of what buyers want. We don’t just do it because it looks great (which it does), we do it because home staging adds more dollars to your bottom line. We create a seamless connection between your target buyer and your home. Buyers need to envision themselves living in the space, and that’s only possible when the home is presented in its best light.  

We’ve refined our staging process to a science, and today, we’re sharing our top five tips for a quicker and hugely profitable sale. Whether you’re preparing to list your west-end Toronto home or just curious about how staging works, these tips will help you understand the magic behind this proven strategy.  

Before we dive in, have you signed up for the West End Scoop? Get the latest real estate news, neighbourhood insights, design inspo, and more! Subscribe here. 

1) Identify your target market

The first step in any successful marketing plan is understanding who your potential buyers are. Staging works the same way! Is your home ideal for young professionals, a growing family, or an empty nester looking to simplify their lifestyle? By pinpointing your audience, we can tailor the staging to resonate with their preferences and needs.  

For example, families might appreciate a cozy play area or a usable and well-laid out backyard, while young professionals could be drawn to a stylish home office setup. It’s all about making buyers feel an emotional connection to the space. When they walk through the door, they should immediately think, “I can definitely see myself living here.”   

 Learn more about the buyers who might be interested in your home. Here are some more articles you might like: 

• How to Help Your Home Stand Out for Buyers
• Are You Truly Maximizing Your Home Sale?
• Will My House Sell Faster if it’s Staged?

2) Declutter like never before 

When it comes to selling your home, less is always more. Buyers want to see the potential of the space—not your personal belongings. Start by donating and getting rid of anything your family may have outgrown or no longer uses. Next comes removing older and oversized furniture to create an open, airy feel. Decluttering doesn’t end with what’s visible—closets, cupboards, and storage spaces should also be organized and reduced by 30–40% to showcase their full potential.   

Remember that every square foot of free space represents value to a buyer. Highlighting functional storage areas and spacious layouts can make a big difference for a family who’s struggled with limited storage before. Bonus tip? Rent a storage unit to temporarily house excess furniture and belongings—it’s an investment that always pays off.  

A tidy home goes a long way when selling. Learn more about decluttering your home right here. 

3) Painting is a key component

Few things transform a home as effectively as a fresh coat of paint. Neutral colours like whites, beiges, and soft greys appeal to the broadest audience, creating a clean and modern aesthetic. The smell of fresh paint also signals to buyers that the home is well-maintained and move-in ready.  

However, boring is never a good look (online and in person), so we always add a good dose of personality with some feature walls. Whether you choose a bold paint colour or trendy wallpaper, it’s an effortless way to create visual interest and elevate the space. Your staging consultant should be able to recommend colours that seamlessly complement the overall staging plan and inventory that they plan to use.  

  Selling your home under specific circumstances? These posts might apply to you: 

• Can I Sell My House Without a Realtor in Toronto?
• Should You Sell Your House During a Divorce?
• How Long Does It Take A Power of Attorney To Sell a Home in Ontario?

4) Bring in the rugs

Rugs are one of the most underrated tools in staging. They not only define spaces but also make rooms look bigger, add warmth, texture, and personality to a home. In open-concept layouts, rugs can be particularly effective in creating distinct zones, such as separating the dining area from the living room.  

When using multiple rugs in the same space, aim for complementary colours and patterns to maintain cohesion. The right rug can anchor a room, making the furniture arrangement feel intentional and polished. Plus, they’re a great way to introduce pops of colour or pattern without overwhelming the design.  

5) Accent with real greenery

Plants and flowers are the finishing touch that brings a staged home to life. Real greenery adds warmth, vibrancy, and a sense of ‘real life’ that fake plants just can’t replicate. A vase of fresh flowers on the dining table, a lush potted plant in the living room, or a small herb garden on the kitchen counter creates an inviting atmosphere that buyers will remember.  

While artificial plants can still work in low-maintenance setups, we always recommend incorporating real greenery into key areas of the home. It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate the overall aesthetic. 

  At Nested, we’re proud to speed up the selling process for our clients. Read about how we do it and blow our sellers away right here.

Why Nested Staging Works?

At Nested, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter home staging. Our approach to staging is highly-researched and incredibly unique. As part of our tailored selling strategy, we carefully analyze your unique property to figure out the level of staging that will earn the greatest return. All our efforts—from preparation to staging to marketing—are streamlined to work together and produce premium results. 

For more staging tips or to find out more about our secret staging and how we can transform your house to sell for more money, let’s connect. You can also reach out to us directly at 416-909-1602 or email us at hello@getnested.ca. 

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