Words Randall Nang, Real Estate Advisor, Engel & Volkers Vancouver Island
When Kal Dlay and Sharon Rai founded Victoria-based home staging service and furniture store Avenue One in 2018, their inspiration came from personal experience. After buying, renovating and reselling homes, they realized staging was key to securing top dollar. “People loved envisioning themselves living there. That’s when we knew we had a business model,” says Dlay.
Home staging is more than arranging furniture – it can be a vital part of a home marketing strategy. Like professional photography, virtual tours and floor plans, staging highlights a home’s best features. “It turns a house into a home,” explains Dlay. “We create inviting spaces that help buyers connect emotionally, which drives offers.”
Statistics back this up. The Real Estate Staging Association reports that staged homes sell 73% faster than non-staged ones. The Canadian Real Estate Association suggests well-staged homes can boost a property’s perceived value by six to 20%.
Avenue One’s process starts with understanding the target buyer. “One of the first questions we ask a realtor is, ‘Who is your buyer? What’s the price point?’” says Dlay.
Staging isn’t just for luxury homes: every property, from a $500,000 condo to a $6 million estate, can benefit by helping buyers visualize themselves living in a residence whether it is occupied or vacant.
“We often hear buyers say: ‘I can’t fit a sofa here,’ but with the right furniture, we show them how. It’s about maximizing space and highlighting functionality,” adds Dlay.
Staging also enhances a listing’s online presence. “Better photos lead to more clicks, more showings, and ultimately more offers,” Dlay emphasizes, especially in competitive markets like the Saanich Peninsula, where first impressions are often made online.
While staging costs vary based on a property’s size and needs, sellers can view it as an investment. “Expect anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the level of furnishing,” say Dlay. Budget permitting, the promise of a faster sale and higher offer price can make it more than worthwhile.
For lived-in homes, blending a homeowner’s furniture with new pieces can make all the difference. “It’s about reimagining spaces, not displacing people or their character,” explains Rai.
Staging even offers post-sale perks for sellers and buyers, with some loving the staged look so much they purchase the furniture.
In real estate, where first impressions matter, staging is arguably among the most effective marketing tools to consider.
As Dlay puts it: “We’re not just staging homes; we’re helping people fall in love with them.”
