If You Want to Sell for Top Dollar:

Why Property Staging is A Must

Raffi, Kevin+Jonathan’s black Labrador mascot, relaxing in a stylish designer chair, showcasing home staging comfort.

Professional home staging in San Francisco isn’t just recommended—it’s fundamental to your selling success. With our extensive experience in home staging in San Francisco, we’ve seen repeatedly how thoughtful and strategic staging transforms properties, connecting emotionally with buyers, and resulting in quicker sales and higher offers. Here’s exactly why home staging in San Francisco is an investment worth making, and how our tailored approach ensures your property reaches its maximum market value.

 

Home staging can accelerate the sale process by 10% to 50%. Nearly a third of all buyers said their offers were higher because of staging.

(Data from the National Association of REALTORS and HomeLight)

Consider Your Property as a Product—It Needs to Be Prepared and Presented Accordingly.

A skilled stager’s artistry can captivate the best potential buyers visually, viscerally, and emotionally. While hiring a talented stager and designer to transform your vacant home might feel like a significant expense—after all, couldn’t you just buy a couch yourself?—the reality is that expert staging is crucial for a successful sale.

More than simply arranging furniture, a professional stager thoughtfully selects and places the perfect combination of furniture, rugs, bedding, artwork, and accessories, creating a welcoming environment that harmonizes and amplifies all our preparation efforts.

More than just placing furniture, a stager thoughtfully selects and arranges the ideal combination of furniture, rugs, bedding, art, and accessories to create an inviting environment that will harmonize and amplify all our preparation efforts to date.

Staged to Sell: How the Look, Touch and Feel of Home Staging in San Francisco is Fundamental to Your Selling Success

Staged to Sell: How the Look, Touch, and Feel of Home Staging in San Francisco is Fundamental to Your Selling Success

From our extensive experience, home staging in San Francisco isn’t just another step in the selling process—it’s the difference-maker. We’ve seen it repeatedly: buyers walk into a thoughtfully staged home and immediately connect on an emotional level, visualizing their lives unfolding there. When staging creates that kind of response, offers quickly follow—and they’re usually stronger, faster, and higher.

Once we’ve set the overall design direction and preparations are underway, we’ll reach out to our trusted staging partners—some of San Francisco’s absolute best—to gather estimates and reserve a spot on their busy calendars. Each stager brings a distinct style and perspective, and after carefully assessing your home, we’ll recommend the ideal fit, so the final choice aligns seamlessly with your property’s unique character and appeal.

Yes, staging can feel like a significant upfront investment, but trust us, it consistently pays dividends. Homes staged with care don’t just sell faster—they regularly achieve significantly higher prices. Sellers who genuinely don’t benefit from staging are exceedingly rare—and even in those exceptional cases, strategic editing or subtle refinements can still dramatically enhance the emotional impact.

Staging isn’t merely an expense—it’s an investment in your home’s full potential.

Once we’ve set the overall design direction and preparations are underway, we’ll reach out to our trusted staging partners—some of San Francisco’s absolute best—to gather estimates and reserve a spot on their busy calendars. Each stager brings a distinct style and perspective, and after carefully assessing your home, we’ll recommend the ideal fit, so the final choice aligns seamlessly with your property’s unique character and appeal.

Yes, staging can feel like a significant upfront investment, but trust us, it consistently pays dividends. Homes staged with care don’t just sell faster—they regularly achieve significantly higher prices. Sellers who genuinely don’t benefit from staging are exceedingly rare—and even in those exceptional cases, strategic editing or subtle refinements can still dramatically enhance the emotional impact.

Staging isn’t merely an expense—it’s an investment in your home’s full potential.

“We think of our homes as places of warmth, familarity and love; of shared stories and memories.... There is a timeless simplicity to the pull of home.” 

— Queen Elizabeth, II

Who, of course, owned six homes in the UK. 

Staging is about creating a space buyers can imagine themselves living in—and aspire to own

And Raffi is a priceless element of our presentation.

THE PROCESS

How Staging Usually Works

Unless you’re among the rare few who can successfully self-stage (and yes, we’ve had clients who’ve done exactly that), you’ll likely benefit from hiring a professional stager. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

1. Consult Us First:

Let’s discuss which stagers our clients have used successfully and find the perfect fit for your property.

2. Stager Site Visit:

We’ll arrange quick, convenient site visits (typically 10–30 minutes) for stagers to evaluate your home. We can coordinate this step entirely for you.

3. Review Estimates:

Once estimates are in, we strongly encourage viewing properties they’ve staged previously so you can see their work in action.

4. Make Your Choice:

After choosing your stager, you’ll sign their contract and submit a deposit (usually around 80%).

5. Prepare the Property:

Ensure the home is ready and vacant before staging begins. If additional cleaning, painting, or window washing is required, ask us—we have trusted vendors who can handle these tasks without the markup some stagers add.

6. Staging in Progress:

With keys, parking permits, and any necessary building permissions secured, the staging usually takes 1–3 days. Stagers carefully protect surfaces with moving paper and pad furniture as needed.

7. Staging Complete:

Once staging is done, your home is ready for professional photography and showings. The remaining balance of the staging fee is typically due now.

8. Maintenance During Showings:

After open houses begin, stagers return periodically to refresh flowers, water plants, and make subtle furniture adjustments if needed.

9. Breakdown:

Once the sale is certain, stagers will remove everything within 1–3 days, leaving the home in broom-clean condition.

10. Final Touches:

Stagers will patch holes left from hanging art, though paint touch-ups typically aren’t included unless specifically arranged. Keys are returned, and your home is officially ready for its new owners.

Important Notes About Home Staging and Preparation

1. Staging is Worth the Investment:

Think of staging as dressing your home for its big debut—it’s an investment that consistently leads to higher offers and quicker sales. We’ll expertly coordinate styling, staging, and marketing, significantly increasing your home’s appeal and your ROI.

2. Sellers Usually Handle Staging Fees:

Traditionally, sellers pay for staging—if left to agents, the choices might lean toward budget-friendly rather than impactful. Not because we’re cheap, but because this is a seller expense. Bonus: There are typically tax benefits to covering this cost yourself.

3. Staging Contracts and Deposits:

Most staging agreements require a 60-day minimum, with about 80% of the fee due upfront to secure your staging dates. The balance is paid once staging is complete. Booking well in advance (and paying promptly) helps us secure priority scheduling during busy seasons.

4. Additional Service Fees and Markups:

Stagers may add 10–30% markups if asked to coordinate extra services like cleaning or repairs. To save you money, we’re happy to refer trusted vendors who often offer more competitive pricing.

5. Furniture is for Display Only:

Stagers’ furniture is strictly for display purposes. It looks inviting, but it’s not suitable for everyday use (yes, that might even be an air mattress under the bedding!). Raffi gets special permission, of course!

6. Extensions (More Time Needed?):

Need to extend staging beyond the initial agreement? Extensions typically cost less than the original fee, but keep in mind: if your home sells quickly, pro-rated refunds are usually not offered.

7. Partial Staging—Possible, But Not Always Cost-Effective:

While using your furniture or partially staging your home can occasionally make sense, it’s rare. Often, you won’t save much in the long run due to additional moving costs once your home sells. It’s worth carefully considering before choosing this route.

8. Love What You See? You Can Sometimes Buy It:

Occasionally, staging items are available for purchase. If something catches your eye—furniture, art, or even fixtures—just ask. We’ve had clients frequently buy staged items, especially favorite lighting fixtures, for their new homes. Many vendors and stagers even extend exclusive client discounts for these purchases.

9. Tax-Friendly Bonus:

Staging fees are often classified as advertising expenses for tax purposes, potentially helping reduce your capital gains tax. Consult your CPA for specifics, or check out IRS Publication 523 online (just Google it!) for the latest guidelines on eligible sales expenses.

Fresh yellow lilies and purple hyacinths arranged in black vases, placed on a rustic wooden table beside gardening shears, part of custom floral arrangements by Kevin add the finishing touches to home staging

The Stagers We Use.

We partner with the best stagers because we understand the immense value that thoughtful design brings—and our results consistently reflect this commitment. Staging isn’t merely about placing furniture; it’s about creating an emotional connection with buyers. We take that a step further by personally styling each property after the initial staging is complete. Our meticulous approach includes thoughtful touches like fresh cut flowers, scented candles, and high-end accessories, ensuring every home feels uniquely special and inviting.

This uncompromising level of care ensures our listings consistently stand out, attract the strongest offers, and maximize market value. For us, cutting corners isn’t an option—we always present your home at its absolute best.

San Francisco has many talented staging companies—here are a few trusted favorites who’ve consistently helped our clients succeed.

Coy and Company

Sayde Mark Designs

Birch & Tailor

JV Staging

Avetex Staging/Furniture

Visual Cues: Accentuating the Positives, or Focusing on the Negatives? 

Everyone has a critical eye to varying degrees. But with an empty space, a minor flaw can easily become a »concern« if there is nothing else to look at or that will contextualize. Contrasted to fully furnished, styled and aspirational living areas providing positive purchasing vibes. As a seller, which do you prefer?

People Will Focus on the Flaws if There is Nothing to Look at

 

Coy & Company

Luxury, high-end and in-demand, Coy & Company is the successor company to celebrated designer and stager Arthur McLaughlin who retired to Wine Country after helping so many agents and sellers with their properties. The quality is high, the outcomes are extraordinary. Being able to have a stager who can track the designs we help create without fuss or edits is worth its weight in gold. They are in demand, so if we want to use Coy and Co, we will need to book early!

Eating Areas
The Great Outdoors
Living Rooms
Living Rooms
Eating Areas
The black Labrador Retriever Raffi in the Dining Room
The main breakfast nook
Mr Raffi in the dining room
The dining room
The Dining Room
The lower area nook
The Great Outdoors
The back garden
The backyard
The patio
The back of the house
The backyard
The backyard
Living Rooms
Filtered sun in the living room
The family room
The lower level living room
The main living room
Mr Raffi by the Living Room fireplace
The living room
The lower living area
The main fireplace
The living room
The second living room
Living Rooms

Sayde Mark Designs

High-end and in-demand, Heather and Steve run Sayde Mark and they have been our go-to stagers for the past few years. The quality is high, the outcomes are strong. Being able to have a stager who can track the designs we help create is well worth the cost.

The Living Room of 646 EucalyptusA charming living room featuring the black Labrador, Raffi, seated beside a stylish coffee table and sofa.Minimalist home office setup beneath a staircase, featuring modern art pieces, a sleek desk, and a stylish chair.Lofted bedroom view overlooking a spacious living and dining area with high ceilings and modern design.Industrial style loft bedroom/officeA queen sized bed with window to back garden and new LED light overheadLiving Room picture with couch window with viewBack deck of home with furniture830 Alabama's Dining Area under a bright new chandelier830 Alabama's living and dining room areas show off its open floor planFamily room with skylights and patio144 Galewood's living roomDining room into kitchenPicture looking through bedroom windowsEntry hallway pictureThe bay window at 814 Carolina Street.The Dining AreaThe primary en suite bedroomThe primary en suite bedroom and Mr. Raffi, the big black lab
The BedroomBright and inviting bedroom with plush bedding, neutral decor, and an adjacent sitting area with a patio view.Cozy loft bedroom featuring a black Labrador Raffi lounging on the bed with vibrant art on the wallIndustrial style loft bedroom/officeAn open dining and living roomThe front bedroom with a king-sized bed and LED light overhead, wood floors below and window behindA black labrador sits, smiling, by dining table830 Alabama's second bedroom830 Alabama's lower level bedroom suite144 Galewood landing artRaffi the black labrador retriever in the living roomArched doorway between living in Dining RoomThe dining and living room at 814 CarolinaMr. Raffi, our black Labrador retriever, gets comfortable in 814 Carolina's living room.The living room at 814 Carolina.The Living Room, Dining and KitchenThe Living Room and New Lighting
The Living Room830 Alabama's lower level bedroom suiteMinimalist home office setup beneath a staircase, featuring modern art pieces, a sleek desk, and a stylish chair.Another perspective of the living room, highlighting contemporary artwork, stylish lighting, and expansive windowsBlack Labrador retriever Raffi in the living roomA dining lighting fixture and living roomThe lower bedroom with a king-sized bed and LED light overhead, carpeted floors below830 Alabama's front bedroom830 Alabama's front bedroomA black lab sits in the french door opening between living room and deckThe primary en suite bedroom144 Galewood's Den and Living Room144 Galewood's Living RoomThe dining roomKing size bed in room with sun settingA black Labrador seated in bedroomLooking to 814 Carolina's dining area and entry doorThe Dining AreaThe Living Room and LightingMr. Raffi, the big black dog, on the cough
Visit Sayde Mark’s website

JV Staging

High-end, consistent, hard-working, friendly. Women-owned team of Valerie and Jane. has helped us prepare everything from lofts, single-family houses, Victorian flats, Mutli-unit buildings, SOMA studios, large houses and more.  

Using Pablo Designs Swell pendants in an updated dining room that has been staged with dining table, chairs and art to emphasize the modernity of this listing at 475 22nd Avenue with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties.With soft Benjamin Moore paints that has been staged with a large bed, bedding, rugs and art that emphasizes the modernity and flexibility of the layout of this listing at 475 22nd Avenue with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties.Using outdoor furniture pieces, rugs, couches and table to emphasize the large yard and outdoor areas of this listing at 475 22nd Avenue with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties.Contemporary furniture staging in a sunny, mid-century space in Potrero Hill that shows off softness and airiness of space with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties. Contemporary furniture staging in a sunny, mid-century space in Potrero Hill that shows off softness and airiness of space with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties. Contemporary furniture staging in a sunny, mid-century space in Potrero Hill that shows off softness and airiness of space with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties. Contemporary furniture staging in a sunny, mid-century space in Potrero Hill that shows off softness and airiness of space with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties.
Using Pablo Designs Swell pendants in an updated dining room that has been staged with dining table, chairs and art to emphasize the modernity of this listing at 475 22nd Avenue with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties.With soft Benjamin Moore paints that has been staged with beds, bedding, rugs and art that emphasizes the modernity and flexibility of the layout of this listing at 475 22nd Avenue with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties.With soft Benjamin Moore paints that has been staged with a large bed, bedding, rugs and art that emphasizes the modernity and flexibility of the layout of this listing at 475 22nd Avenue with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties.875 Vermont - The Dining Room and KitchenContemporary furniture staging in a sunny, mid-century space in Potrero Hill that shows off softness and airiness of space with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties. Contemporary furniture staging in a sunny, mid-century space in Potrero Hill that shows off softness and airiness of space, featuring Mr. Raffi real estate icon black Labrador retriever with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties. Contemporary furniture staging in a sunny, mid-century space in Potrero Hill that shows off softness and airiness of space with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties. Contemporary furniture staging in a sunny, mid-century space in Potrero Hill that shows off softness and airiness of space, featuring Mr. Raffi real estate icon black Labrador retriever with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties. Contemporary furniture staging in a sunny, mid-century space in Potrero Hill that shows off softness and airiness of space with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties.
Mr. Raffi, the real estate Labrador Retriever icon of San Francisco real estate, sits in a family room with rich dark blue Benjamin Moore paints that has been staged with sofa, rug, and chairs and art to emphasize the modernity of this listing at 475 22nd Avenue with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties.Mr. Raffi, the real estate Labrador Retriever icon of San Francisco real estate, sits in a family room with rich dark blue Benjamin Moore paints that has been staged with beds, bedding, rugs and art emphasize the modernity and flexibility of the layout of this listing at 475 22nd Avenue with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties.Using outdoor furniture pieces, rugs, couches and table to emphasize the large yard and outdoor areas of this listing at 475 22nd Avenue with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties.875 Vermont - Raffi in the Dining Area875 Vermont - The BedroomContemporary furniture staging in a sunny, mid-century space in Potrero Hill that shows off softness and airiness of space, featuring Mr. Raffi real estate icon black Labrador retriever with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties. Contemporary furniture staging in a sunny, mid-century space in Potrero Hill that shows off softness and airiness of space with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties. Contemporary furniture staging in a sunny, mid-century space in Potrero Hill that shows off softness and airiness of space, featuring Mr. Raffi real estate icon black Labrador retriever with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties. Contemporary furniture staging in a sunny, mid-century space in Potrero Hill that shows off softness and airiness of space with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties.

Birch + Tailor

Luxury, high-end, edgy, chic, stylized, frenetic, fabulous and friendly. Chris Miniello and his team has helped us prepare properties from the start with a wide range of capabilities from houses, condos and more. Expect a curated/bespoke approach; word on the street is that the team has gone higher and higher these days 

342 Hayes, Unit 11K342 Hayes, #11K. A dramatic penthouse loft with a bright disposition, bespoke finishes with a central yet quiet location with parking and laundry in the heart of Hayes Valley. Listed with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry, Vanguard Properties, San Francisco.342 Hayes, Unit 11K342 Hayes Upper Level
342 Hayes, Unit 11K342 Hayes, #11K. A dramatic penthouse loft with a bright disposition, bespoke finishes with a central yet quiet location with parking and laundry in the heart of Hayes Valley. Listed with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry, Vanguard Properties, San Francisco.342 Hayes, Unit 11K
342 Hayes, Unit 11KRaffi in nature342 Hayes, Unit 11K342 Hayes, Unit 11K
Visit Birch + Tailor’s website

Avetex Staging/Furniture

Practical. Quality. Hard-working. Determined with better and better inventory. They are responsive and nice to work with. You can tell they have drive and determination as they have succeeded in this tough field. 

Staged dining room with bay windows and built-in cabinets and dark painted fireplace in a top-floor Victorian home in Alamo Square listed with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarryA breakfast nook with natural rattan light fixture above and patio slider door at the back of a top-floor Victorian home in Alamo Square listed with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarryClassic Eames Nelson pendant light with skylight and staged bedroom in a top-floor Victorian home in Alamo Square listed with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarryStaged dining room with bay windows and built-in cabinets and dark painted fireplace in a top-floor Victorian home in Alamo Square listed with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarryDramatic multi-arm pendant light above a comfortable couch in a staged living room with Bay Window in Alamo Square neighborhood.A long grand Victorian hallway with millwork, original wood subfloors with LED recessed lights above from Halo.Alamo Square from a drone POVDramatic views atop Upper Castro near Kite Hill home, staged with modern furniture for an updated, mid-century feel. Dramatic views from this bedroom from atop Upper Castro near Kite Hill home, staged with modern furniture for an updated, mid-century feel. Dramatic views from this bedroom from atop Upper Castro near Kite Hill home, staged with modern furniture for an updated, mid-century feel. Mr Raffi is lounging on the couch in the living room of this dramatic San Francisco Skyline View home atop Upper Castro near Kite Hill home, staged with modern furniture for an updated, mid-century feel.
Staged dining room with bay windows and built-in cabinets and dark painted fireplace in a top-floor Victorian home in Alamo Square listed with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarryClassic Eames Nelson pendant light and staged bedroom in a top-floor Victorian home in Alamo Square listed with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarryMr. Raffi, the iconic real estate labrador retriever, enjoys a sunny day while sitting on a comfortable couch in a staged living room with Bay Window in Alamo Square neighborhood.Dramatic dark pendant light and staged bedroom in a top-floor Victorian home in Alamo Square listed with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarryStaged dining room with bay windows and built-in cabinets and dark painted fireplace in a top-floor Victorian home in Alamo Square listed with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarryMr Raffi, the real estate labrador retriever, in a the sunny kitchen with a brick chimney, designer gas range and wood floors in Alamo Sqaure.Stainless appliances in the sunny kitchen with a brick chimney, designer gas range and wood floors in Alamo Sqaure.Dramatic views from this bedroom from atop Upper Castro near Kite Hill home, staged with modern furniture for an updated, mid-century feel. Dramatic views from this bedroom from atop Upper Castro near Kite Hill home, staged with modern furniture for an updated, mid-century feel. Dramatic views from this bedroom from atop Upper Castro near Kite Hill home, staged with modern furniture for an updated, mid-century feel. Mr Raffi is waiting to go out onto the deck of this dramatic San Francisco Skyline View home atop Upper Castro near Kite Hill home, staged with modern furniture for an updated, mid-century feel. Dramatic views from this bedroom from atop Upper Castro near Kite Hill home, staged with modern furniture for an updated, mid-century feel.
Dramatic dark pendant light and staged bedroom in a top-floor Victorian home in Alamo Square listed with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarryClassic Eames Nelson pendant light with skylight and staged bedroom in a top-floor Victorian home in Alamo Square listed with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarryStaged dining room with bay windows and built-in cabinets and dark painted fireplace in a top-floor Victorian home in Alamo Square listed with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarryDramatic dark pendant light and staged bedroom in a top-floor Victorian home in Alamo Square listed with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarryClassic Eames Nelson pendant light with skylight and staged bedroom in a top-floor Victorian home in Alamo Square listed with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarryA breakfast nook and concealed laundry with natural rattan light fixture above and patio slider door at the back of a top-floor Victorian home in Alamo Square listed with Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarryDramatic views atop Upper Castro near Kite Hill home, staged with modern furniture for an updated, mid-century feel. Mr Raffi is waiting to go out onto the deck of this dramatic San Francisco Skyline View home atop Upper Castro near Kite Hill home, staged with modern furniture for an updated, mid-century feel. Dramatic views from this bedroom from atop Upper Castro near Kite Hill home, staged with modern furniture for an updated, mid-century feel. Dramatic views atop Upper Castro near Kite Hill home, staged with modern furniture for an updated, mid-century feel. Mr Raffi is waiting to go out onto the deck of this dramatic San Francisco Skyline View home atop Upper Castro near Kite Hill home, staged with modern furniture for an updated, mid-century feel.

The Right Look, Touch and Feel. 

Setting The Stage for Success

Data About Staging

Multiple studies confirm home staging is a worthwhile investment that consistently delivers measurable returns:

•  According to Bankrate.com, sellers who invested just 1% of their home’s value into staging saw returns ranging from 5% to 15%.

•  Data from the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) (2020) revealed that 85% of professionally staged homes received offers 5% to 23% above list price.

• Similarly, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that 23% of buyers’ agents noted staging increased offer amounts by 1% to 5%.

• A 2021/22 report by SFGate confirms homes in San Francisco that are professionally staged consistently sell faster and for higher prices, especially in competitive urban markets.

• The adage “time is money” applies here as well. According to HomeAdvisor, professionally staged homes spend between 33% and 50% less time on the market—translating directly into savings and significantly less stress for sellers.

Raffi, Kevin+Jonathan’s elegant black Labrador, perched regally on a classic tufted wingback chair.
Black Labrador mascot Raffi in a chic mid-century seat, highlighting the tasteful staging approach of Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry.
Raffi, Kevin+Jonathan’s black Labrador mascot, relaxing in a stylish designer chair, showcasing home staging comfort.

Tried and True: Harrowing Stories of Staging and Non-Staging

We are hand’s on agents for sure when it comes to property preparation and presentation as we are always looking out for our clients’ interests. Sometimes you can only do so much and sometimes what you do can mean so much

A REFORMED SELLER SEES THE LIGHT

“One thing I learned is that there is absolutely no value in using your own furniture to stage a property. I should have listened to you guys sooner.”

— Seller, who eventually sold his property after we advised him to stage in the beginning but didn't. If he had, he would have probably sold for more and done it sooner.

 

MIRANDA PRIESTLY WOULD BE PROUD — WHEN THE STAGERS NEED A REALITY CHECK, K+J ARE THERE

Even the best stagers can have an ‘off-day,‘ which is why we’re always there to make sure those moments are few and far between.

One of our most memorable sales, setting a high-water mark for Noe Valley, was nearly derailed when our trusted staging partners unexpectedly strayed from their typically chic, sophisticated aesthetic. We had just two days left in a meticulous two-month preparation process before Vanguard Properties' acclaimed photographer was scheduled for the crucial marketing shoot.

It was a firm deadline. No exceptions.

After handing over the keys on day one, we returned later to find something dramatically off-brand: the home had transformed into something resembling a ”New Mexico sunset pueblo jamboree,“ lacking both chairs and right angles. The staging wasn’t just unusual—it was unrecognizable and could have spelled disaster.

With polite yet firm urgency, we addressed the situation with our staging partners. There was no room for compromise; we had 24 hours to get things right before missing a critical weekend of open houses—one attended by the eventual buyers.

The sellers, initially inclined toward micromanaging, later admitted they would've panicked had they seen the staging after day one. However, they trusted us implicitly, knowing we would handle the situation—and handle it we did.

By the following morning, four large trucks and a dedicated crew of fifty were hard at work, swiftly restoring the property’s aesthetic brilliance. Within hours, the home had been utterly transformed into a breathtaking showcase. Aside from a single carefully chosen piece, the entire staging had been replaced. The result? Stunning.

Right on schedule, our photographer arrived, we layered in our signature finishing touches—fresh flowers, thoughtful accessories—and Raffi starred in the property's video walkthrough. We launched precisely as planned, greeted by a wildly successful weekend of open houses, with one seasoned agent remarking it was the "best he’d seen in 40 years."

And the sales results? Exceptional.

Seven competitive offers rolled in, with the winning bid surpassing the sellers' expectations by $300,000—and even topping a neighbor's pre-emptive offer by $200,000. Moreover, this extraordinary staging experience introduced us to four additional sets of buyers who subsequently became happy homeowners.

Because when staging gets complicated, we get results.

Clients Who Listened To Us, Saw An Over $700,000 gain in the Property in 2 years

“From the beginning stages of brainstorming ideas, to the execution and final sale, Kevin and Jonathan were with us every step of the way. They knew exactly what needed to be done and who to talk to, whether it be design, painting, hiring contractors or staging. They had a wealth of resources, all extremely skilled and competitively priced. I travel all over the country for work and Kevin and Jonathan will actively help you manage your property during the construction process. Kevin himself did work at our place (changing our shower head) and also met me at different stores to pick materials multiple times.”

— Sellers (twice) Lower Haight/Duboce

(And don’t forget the right smell, marketing, and overall ambiance) 

Under His Eye - Raffi watches the staging go in

Who’s the Right Stager For Your Property?

We try to match the right budget, stager and property. 

Ask us to be your matchmaker

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Hello Again.

We’re Kevin Ho and Jonathan McNarry of Vanguard Properties in San Francisco, California. Partners in life and business, we bring over 14 years of expertise in the Bay Area’s competitive and ever-evolving residential real estate market. Alongside our 14+ year-old black Labrador, Raffi—our beloved career-change Guide Dog for the Blind—we’ve built a thriving business that’s consistently ranked among San Francisco’s top 50 realtors for the past decade.

We truly love what we do. Representing both buyers and sellers, our work goes beyond transactions to focus on building relationships. Many of our clients return to us time and again or refer us to their friends and family. We believe that by working together, you’ll make confident, informed decisions in one of life’s most important areas: where and how you live.

This website is just the beginning. From meticulous property preparation to expert negotiation and lasting connections, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to start your success story—we can’t wait to meet you and help you achieve your real estate goals.

ACCESSIBILITY ON THIS SITE

At Kevin+Jonathan, we are dedicated to improving access to opportunities for everyone. This commitment extends to our website, ensuring inclusivity for individuals with disabilities, impairments, or other limitations.

We’ve integrated a range of accessibility tools and features to enhance your experience. Our efforts are guided by the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level, which provide clear standards for making web content accessible to people with a variety of disabilities. These measures help ensure our site is usable by individuals with blindness, motor impairments, visual impairments, cognitive disabilities, and more.

Learn more about these initiatives and the tools we employ through our partner, AccessiBe.

If you encounter any content or functionality on this website that is inaccessible to you, please reach out to Kevin Ho directly at (415) 875-7408 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT, any day of the week. Kevin will personally assist you in accessing the information you need.

We’re committed to making our site—and the real estate market—accessible for all. Thank you for your patience and feedback as we continually improve.

TERMS + CONDITIONS

Real estate is ever-changing—just like the people and communities it revolves around. Its dynamic nature makes it as complex and surprising as it is rewarding. While the insights and information shared on this site are believed to be accurate and up-to-date, they cannot be guaranteed. Market conditions in San Francisco, California, and beyond can shift unexpectedly—sometimes with the tap of a tweet or the smallest ripple from an external event.

In San Francisco, a variety of factors can affect real estate values and performance without warning. These include tax regulations, rent control laws, lending standards, zoning rules, and even unforeseen events like pandemics or natural disasters. Staying informed is essential—so keep your wits about you and stay connected with us.

Kevin is a licensed California attorney but dedicates 99.9% of his time to real estate. His legal background provides valuable depth to our guidance, but he will not be acting as your attorney in any capacity. For specialized advice on taxes, legal matters, or other areas, we strongly recommend consulting qualified professionals. If you need a referral, we’d be happy to connect you with trusted experts in our network.

Your real estate success depends on informed decision-making, and we’re here to help you navigate the process with clarity, confidence, and expertise. Let’s work together to make your real estate goals a reality.

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Kevin K. Ho: DRE 01875957 / SBN 233408

Jonathan B. McNarry: DRE 01747295

Vanguard Properties: DRE 01486075

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Kevin K. Ho, Esq. + Jonathan B. McNarry

San Francisco Real Estate Experts | Buyers + Sellers | Top Producers | Top 1%

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+1-415.215.4393 (Jonathan)

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