Does Home Staging Really Work for Pasadena Real Estate Sellers

Posted on February 26, 2010 by irina
Filed Under: Luxury Homes, Preparing Your Home for Sale, Sellers

Home staging is always on the mind of my Pasadena real estate home sellers. And, today, I had an opportunity to interview Michelle Minch. Michelle is a local Pasadena home stager who has been recently honored by her fellow home stagers across the country as the Home Stager of the Year for 2010!

The question posed to Michelle was: Does home staging really work? See what she has to say:

Do you have any questions about the real estate market locally or nationally, staging or the process of buying or selling a home? If so, give me a shout at 626-629-8439. I will be putting a bunch of videos up over the next few months addressing as many questions as I can.

Additional Reading: Preparing Your Pasadena Home for Sale

UPDATE: Good Morning America had Gary Keller, author of the real estate best seller “Shift”, on their program. The question posed was “If you had to sell your house today, how do you do it?”

Gary makes a couple of pretty poignant points and home staging is at the top of the list of things home sellers should do to help sell their home faster.

This is a “GOODBYE/BUY” market. If a seller wants to sell their home and say “good bye” to it, the buyer is going to have to perceive it as a “GOOD BUY”! PRICE gets you interest. STAGING it, gets you OFFERS! by Gary Keller

I couldn’t agree more. Take a look at the clip below for more home seller tips that will help you sell your home fast and for more dollars. However, sellers beware, I strongly disagree with tip #5. Home sellers should try to avoid being at showings and open houses. In my experience, that always backfires and too much information is shared which might make negotiating the best possible price more difficult.

For fun, let’s take a look at some of the more expensive Pasadena Area Luxury Homes for Sale:

If you are thinking of selling your home and would like a free consultation on what can be done to make your home more attractive to buyers, please give me a call at 626-629-8439.

PasadenaViews Real Estate Team Inc.

Pasadena Real Estate Agents

Pasadena, California

(626)629-VIEW (8439)

Other Local Properties

$1,050,000 :: 2666 San Marcos Drive, Pasadena CA, 91107

2 beds, 1 bath
Home size: 1,077 sq ft
Lot Size: 5,720 sq ft
Added: 09/26/25, Last Updated: 10/13/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: IV25226296
Community: 648 – Pasadena (SE)
The price of this listing was last reduced on 10/13/2025 by 5%
Status: Active

Step into timeless elegance with this beautifully preserved Spanish Revival, nestled in one of Pasadena’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Built in 1925, this residence showcases pride of ownership and a rare blend of original character with thoughtful restoration.

Inside, you’ll find restored quarter-sawn oak hardwood floors that flow throughout the home, complemented by wood doors and casings carefully stripped of paint to reveal their rich natural beauty. Vintage details abound””from wrought iron sconces and classic door hardware to charming push-button light switches””all enhancing the home’s authentic character.

The formal dining room is a showpiece, featuring a French door that open to a private side patio, perfect for al fresco dining. A highlight of the home is the restored fireplace adorned with Batchelder tile and intricate plasterwork, offering a warm focal point for the living space.

Practical upgrades include a newly installed central HVAC system, offering modern comfort while preserving historic charm.

The spacious backyard is a blank canvas, ready to be transformed into your dream garden, entertainment area, or tranquil retreat.

This property is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Pasadena’s architectural history while enjoying the comfort and charm of a lovingly maintained home.

Listed with CRYSTAL COLEMAN | 951-801-0924, NEST REAL ESTATE

Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!

$1,195,000 :: 491 Mercedes Avenue, Pasadena CA, 91107

3 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,534 sq ft
Lot Size: 6,800 sq ft
Added: 09/15/25, Last Updated: 10/13/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: P1-24113
Community: 646 – Pasadena (NE)
The price of this listing was last reduced on 10/13/2025 by 6%
Status: Active

Charming Pasadena Home – As-Is Sale!This inviting home features classic touches such as crown molding, wainscoting, and a wood-burning fireplace, complemented by hardwood flooring throughout most of the living areas.The dining room and bedrooms are enhanced with wood shutters, while ceiling fans in every room and newer HVAC with heating and cooling provide year-round comfort. The primary bedroom includes a walk-in closet, and the home is equipped with vinyl windows for efficiency.Appliances including refrigerator, stove, washer, and dryer are included (no warranty), along with convenient garage shelving for extra storage. A double-wide driveway ensures ample parking.This property presents an excellent opportunity for a buyer seeking character, functionality, and value in the heart of Pasadena.

Listed with James Bonaccorso | 626-755-3223, Bona Corso & Associates

Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!

$1,299,900 :: 1496 Las Lunas Street, Pasadena CA, 91106

3 beds, 1.5 baths
Home size: 1,605 sq ft
Lot Size: 6,003 sq ft
Added: 08/26/25, Last Updated: 10/13/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: P1-23838
Community: 646 – Pasadena (NE)
The price of this listing was last reduced on 10/13/2025 by 7%
Status: Active

This Pasadena Craftsman home sits on a quiet, tree-lined street with beautiful views of the San Gabriel Mountains, best enjoyed from the spacious front porch or upstairs windows. Inside, a large fireplace anchors the living room, flowing into a separate dining room, a bright eat-in kitchen, and a convenient laundry room. Classic details like pocket doors, hardwood floors, and wainscoting add timeless charm throughout the home, while modern upgrades such as ductless heating and air conditioning, updated appliances, and an EV charger provide for year round comfort. The peaceful backyard provides the perfect spot to relax, entertain, or garden. With close proximity to Old Town Pasadena, the South Lake shopping district, and major transportation, this home combines historic character with modern amenities–an opportunity to own a truly special piece of Pasadena.

Listed with Matthew Helganz | 626-354-2813, Meridian Capital Realty

Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!

$1,298,000 :: 2629 Meguiar Drive, Pasadena CA, 91107

3 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,680 sq ft
Lot Size: 7,131 sq ft
Added: 07/08/25, Last Updated: 10/13/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR25151566
Community: 646 – Pasadena (NE)
The price of this listing was last reduced on 10/13/2025 by 4%
Status: Active

Seller Motivated!!! Rare Find: Smart, Energy-Efficient Home with Stunning Mountain Views and Ultimate Privacy; Now Priced to Sell

Experience privacy and everyday luxury powered by smart, energy-efficient living and framed by breathtaking mountain views. Step inside and feel the ease of smart, energy-efficient living with solar panels that cut your utility costs, a smart thermostat that keeps the climate just right, and upgraded attic insulation helps maintain year-round comfort while lowering energy use. Add in a tankless water heater and EV charger, and this home is built for the way you live now.

Set back from the street, the home is accessed via a private driveway offering a peaceful sense of retreat and total privacy. Inside, the vaulted ceilings and open layout create a bright, airy atmosphere that flows effortlessly into the heart of the home. Whether you’re preparing meals, hosting friends, or enjoying quiet evenings, every space is designed for comfort and connection.

Step outside to your patio, resurfaced swimming pool, and landscaped backyard, where weekend barbecues, morning coffee, or sunset lounging become part of your daily rhythm. Just steps from the pool, a bonus room offers flexible space for a home office, gym, guest suite, or creative studio; whatever your lifestyle calls for.

This home isn’t just a place to live, it’s a place to thrive. With smart upgrades, energy-efficient systems, and a setting that feels like a private escape, it’s a rare find in today’s market especially at this newly reduced price!

Schedule your private tour today and discover the comfort, convenience, and clarity this home offers.

Listed with Pushpalatha Nagaraj | 626-833-5206, COMPASS

Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!

$1,039,000 :: 1413 Ozmun Ct Ct, South Pasadena CA, 91030

2 beds, 1 bath
Home size: 888 sq ft
Lot Size: 3,607 sq ft
Added: 08/22/25, Last Updated: 10/13/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: PW25189744
Community: 658 – So. Pasadena
The price of this listing was last reduced on 10/13/2025 by 1%
Status: Active

Back on Market “” No Fault of Seller!

Your second chance to own a rare piece of South Pasadena history has arrived. Nestled on a peaceful cul-de-sac, this charming vintage residence offers timeless character and endless potential for the discerning buyer.

Inside, you’ll find original hardwood floors, classic windows, and custom built-ins that showcase the craftsmanship of a bygone era. The home’s spacious basement adds a unique bonus “” perfect for a creative studio or extra family storage. An additional driveway on the side provides convenient access and extra parking “” a rare feature in this historic neighborhood.

Whether you’re inspired to restore its historic charm, reimagine the layout, or redevelop the property entirely, the possibilities are as exciting as the location itself.

Located within the award-winning South Pasadena school district, and just moments from shops, cafÃ©s, parks, and Metro access, this property offers the perfect blend of character, community, and convenience.

Listed with Tammy Phan Vo | 714-397-4368, Lifetime Realty Inc

Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!

$2,788,000 :: 400 Vaquero Road, Arcadia CA, 91007

3 beds, 2.5 baths
Home size: 2,700 sq ft
Lot Size: 17,533 sq ft
Added: 09/01/25, Last Updated: 10/13/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: GD25188495
Community: 605 – Arcadia
Status: Active

Located on one of the most desirable streets in the Lower Rancho neighborhood, directly behind the L.A. County Arboretum where majestic peacocks roam freely, this timeless ranch home offers the epitome of indoor/outdoor Southern California living.

Originally the personal residence of nationally-honored Landscape Architect Bob Eriksson, FASLA, the property showcases thoughtfully designed gardens and elegant living spaces. Set back from the street and framed by mature trees, the home features a charming brick front porch, large double-hung windows, and custom shutters.

Inside, the foyer with paneled door and leaded glass windows opens to a welcoming living room with fireplace, which flows seamlessly to the skylit formal dining room and expansive beamed family room. A wall of glass and arched French doors highlight garden views, extending to the breakfast room and kitchen. The kitchen and adjacent wet bar include custom cabinetry, stone counters, and garden vistas, with convenient access to the mud/laundry room.

The bedroom wing offers 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths (2 en-suite). The spacious primary suite features a tray ceiling, sitting area, wood-paneled closets, and French doors opening to the garden. The second en-suite bedroom enjoys its own private deck, perfect for morning coffee or quiet retreat.

The rear yard unfolds across two levels with brick patios, signature concrete steps, an 8-jet in-ground spa, hillside dining deck, and a curated collection of specimen trees including a grove of eight mature Redwoods, a producing Avocado, Japanese Maple, California Sycamore, Carrotwoods, and more.

Beautifully maintained and sensitively updated with a new tile roof, refinished hardwood floors, fresh paint, and new carpet, this move-in ready home is a rare offering in a coveted location””perfect for everyday living and gracious entertaining.

Listed with Kristin Roche | 626-622-9697, Huntington Group

Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!

$1,149,000 :: 1070 Marengo Avenue Ave N, Pasadena CA, 91103

4 beds, 3.75 baths
Home size: 2,107 sq ft
Lot Size: 7,101 sq ft
Added: 09/26/25, Last Updated: 10/13/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR25236747
Community: 645 – Pasadena (NW)
Status: Active

If every house tells a story, what tales the Emma M. Black House would tell! Designed by famed architects Greene and Greene, this 1903 character filled home is a testament to craftsmanship, pride of ownership, and Southern California living. Moved from its original location on Pasadena’s Madison Avenue in 1999, this property is at home in the Garfield Heights Historic District and offers both style and functionality. The 3-bedroom/ 4-bathroom main house greets you with a welcoming porch, gleaming hardwood floors, and lovely period windows that bathe the home in natural light. The three upstairs bedrooms offer amazing views of the San Gabriel mountains and surrounding picturesque neighborhood, with the primary and secondary bedrooms having their own full ensuite bathrooms and the third its own private balcony overlooking the canopy of Oak and Deodar Cedar trees. Amazingly, the home features a roughly 800-square basement, a rare find that invites customization in catering to an array of lifestyle needs. The modern convenience of two washer-dryer hookups on both the first and second floors blends beautifully with more charming aspects like the peekaboo windows in the walk-in closets, pocket doors between the living room and family room and the built-ins adorning the cozy kitchen. The sweet one-bedroom/ one-bathroom cottage with kitchenette awaits rejuvenation, offering the opportunity to reimagine an existing space to suit your own personal invention and taste. With a deep, private lot allowing plenty of parking, and a 2-car garage perfect for storage or enjoying hobbies, this beautifully landscaped home is a true one of a kind Pasadena treasure.

Listed with Justin Smith | 626-222-2010, Berkshire Hathaway HomeService

Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!

$1,349,000 :: 627 E Villa Street, Pasadena CA, 91101

3 beds, 2.5 baths
Home size: 1,730 sq ft
Lot Size: 4,679 sq ft
Added: 08/23/25, Last Updated: 10/12/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: TR25193821
Community: 646 – Pasadena (NE)
The price of this listing was last reduced on 10/12/2025 by 2%
Status: Active

Welcome to this beautifully reimagined Craftsman-style home in a charming Pasadena neighborhood. Completely renovated from the ground up, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence offers 1,730 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space with a desirable first-floor primary suite.

Blending the beautiful charm of a Craftsman with the confidence of a newly built home, no detail was overlooked in the renovation””essentially taken down to the studs, this home now features all-new electrical wiring, panel, recessed lighting, and timeless fixtures; complete re-piping; new central air and heat with ducting; and a tankless water heater. Every window has been replaced, and the interior and exterior showcase fresh paint, new luxury vinyl plank flooring, and a brand-new roof.

The chef’s kitchen and open living areas create a seamless blend of modern comfort and classic character. Upstairs, two additional bedrooms and a full bath provide flexibility for family, guests, or a home office.

The 4,677 sq. ft. lot has been fully landscaped and hardscaped, offering beautiful outdoor living spaces framed by a newly constructed block and wrought-iron fence for curb appeal and privacy. A detached two-car garage, freshly painted with a new door and roof, provides parking, storage, or the potential for conversion into an ADU for passive income or multi-generational living.

This turnkey property perfectly balances historic Pasadena charm with today’s most sought-after upgrades””truly a rare find.

Listed with CarmenLuz Vizcaino CalDRE: E | 909-536-6701, Keller Williams Empire Estates

Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!

$5,280,000 :: 1327 S 2nd Avenue, Arcadia CA, 91006

6 beds, 6.5 baths
Home size: 8,667 sq ft
Lot Size: 20,631 sq ft
Added: 03/25/25, Last Updated: 10/12/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR25058351
Community: 605 – Arcadia
The price of this listing was last reduced on 10/12/2025 by 5%
Status: Active

Welcome to this exquisite custom-built estate, a masterpiece of elegance and comfort nestled in one of Arcadia’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Designed by renowned architect Robert Tong and completed in 2020, this breathtaking residence offers 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and 8,667 square feet of refined living space on a private, gated 0.47-acre lot.

Step into the grand foyer, where soaring ceilings and two dazzling chandeliers set the stage for an extraordinary living experience. The spacious first floor features two stunning living rooms, a chef’s kitchen, a separate wok kitchen, a gorgeous dining room, a dedicated home office, a home theater, and a game room with a custom double glass-door wine cellar. A first-floor master suite, along with two additional bedrooms, ensures effortless living.

A private elevator whisks you upstairs to an open and airy second level, where two versatile loft spaces lead to an opulent primary suite and two additional bedrooms, each designed for comfort and privacy.

Step outside to your resort-style backyard, featuring a custom-designed swimming pool, a heated spa, and an elegant outdoor dining area, all surrounded by lush landscaping and ample space for gatherings.

Ideally located within the award-winning Arcadia Unified School District, this home is just moments from Westfield Shopping Mall, Santa Anita Park, golf courses, and fine dining. Experience the perfect blend of exclusivity and convenience in this extraordinary estate.

Schedule your private tour today and step into the luxury lifestyle you deserve!

Listed with Chen Diao CalDRE: S | 812-650-2982, Pinnacle Real Estate Group

Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!

$4,500,000 :: 1327 S Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena CA, 91106

5 beds, 4.25 baths
Home size: 5,502 sq ft
Lot Size: 19,951 sq ft
Added: 09/09/25, Last Updated: 10/11/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: P1-24037
Community: 648 – Pasadena (SE)
The price of this listing was last reduced on 10/11/2025 by 6%
Status: Active

Welcome to 1327 S Oak Knoll Ave-an iconic Pasadena Craftsman brimming with timeless beauty. During nearly 40 years here, the current owners meticulously restored this architectural treasure while creating a lifetime of priceless memories. Now it’s time for the torch to be passed and a new chapter to be written within its proud walls. Built in 1912 and designed by the celebrated Heineman Brothers, the home rests on lush, private grounds in one of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods. The expansive front porch looks out to a sprawling front lawn, perfect for games of catch and completely shielded from the street by tall privacy hedges. Inside, a grand foyer introduces the home’s rich character. Original quarter-sawn oak floors, intricate wood accents, and an abundance of natural light create an exceptional environment for everyday life. The expansive living room features extensive use of exotic Koa wood and includes a rare inglenook with a stunning Batchelder fireplace. There is no better place for evening storytime on a rainy day. Nearby, the formal dining room with beautiful built-ins offers a treasured setting for special meals with those you love most. A butler’s pantry connects to the well-appointed kitchen with ample room for teaching a new generation Grandma’s secret recipes. Just beyond, a breakfast nook adds peaceful garden views to your quick but precious mornings together, before the busy day takes shape. Completing the main level, find a window-wrapped family room, radiant orangerie, and a convenient office. When it’s time to unwind, a beautifully crafted stairway leads to the home’s five bedrooms. The primary suite includes two walk-in closets and a sitting room with tree views. Two additional en suites are bright and spacious while the final two bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bath. Exceptionally private and spacious, the backyard is ideal for parties, entertaining, and play. An expansive deck with a built-in grill overlooks the grassy yard, sparkling pool, and jacuzzi-the perfect setup for joyful summer parties and graduation celebrations alike. Resting in one of Pasadena’s most exclusive communities and masterfully updated to honor its rich history, 1327 Oak Knoll Ave offers peace, beauty, and room to live your best life.

Listed with Evangelyn Lin CalDRE: S | 626-807-6581, eXp Realty of California, Inc.

Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!

(626) 629-8439

The question posed to Michelle was: Does home staging really work? See what she has to say:

(626)629-VIEW (8439)

Other Local Properties