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

$1,479,900 :: 52 W Arthur Avenue, Arcadia CA, 91007

4 beds, 2.25 baths
Home size: 1,880 sq ft
Lot Size: 8,965 sq ft
Added: 09/06/25, Last Updated: 11/07/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS25200740
Community: 605 – Arcadia
The price of this listing was last reduced on 11/7/2025 by 1%
Status: Active

This beautiful single story 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms with large lot size of 8,963 SF, nestled in the highly sought-after quiet neighborhood of City of Arcadia. Located within the award winning prestigious Arcadia Unified School District. This home features brand-new roof, brand-new interior and exterior paints, newer central air conditioning & heating unit and hardwood floors throughout. The open floor plan flows seamlessly between living, dining, kitchen and family rooms. Spacious living room boasts large picturesque windows with beautiful view of front yard and mature trees, bright and airy, and fireplace. Family room which opens to the large balcony and enchanted backyard, great for both entertaining and everyday living, has firplace. Gourmet kitchen which opens to the family room, has breakfast nook. Spacious primary bathroom features dual sinks, bathtub and separate shower. Close proximity to parks, schools, dining, shopping, transportation and Santa Anita Golf Course. This is a must see home!

Listed with DAVID LIN CalDRE: W | 626-285-8333, KO TAI 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/!

$980,000 :: 3685 Startouch Dr, Pasadena CA, 91107

4 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 2,471 sq ft
Lot Size: 12,698 sq ft
Added: 11/07/25, Last Updated: 11/07/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR25251346
Community: 645 – Pasadena (NW)
Status: Active

Positioned within the highly sought-after enclave of Upper Hastings Ranch, this expansive 12,691 square foot lot offers an extraordinary opportunity to create a custom residence in one of Pasadena’s most distinguished neighborhoods. The former residence on this parcel was lost during the recent Eaton Fire; however, this location sits on the east side of Pasadena, so you do not need to drive through the burn zone to reach the property. All debris removal has been completed through Phase I and Phase II by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offering true peace of mind for future construction and providing a pristine blank canvas for your architectural vision. The site previously featured a 2,471 square foot home with four bedrooms and three baths, presenting an ideal reference point for designing a new home that reflects your own lifestyle and aspirations. Set on a quiet cul-de-sac surrounded by refined homes and manicured landscapes, the setting has a distinct sense of privacy and serenity with no structures impeding the natural viewscape. A pool remains in place, providing a valuable starting point for a reimagined outdoor environment with terraces, gardens, and curated spaces for elegant open-air living beneath the San Gabriel Mountains. Enjoy a coveted Pasadena lifestyle just moments from local boutiques, dining, and conveniences along Sierra Madre Boulevard and Hastings Ranch Drive, with proximity to top-rated schools, verdant parks, and scenic hiking trails. With its premier setting and expansive lot, 3685 Startouch Drive invites you to create an architectural statement in one of Pasadena’s most cherished neighborhoods “” a rare opportunity to bring your dream home to life.

Listed with Ash Rizk | 626-574-2321, Coldwell Banker 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/!

$2,195,000 :: 500 Sierra Vista Avenue, Pasadena CA, 91107

3 beds, 2.75 baths
Home size: 2,599 sq ft
Lot Size: 10,703 sq ft
Added: 09/10/25, Last Updated: 11/07/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: P1-24611
Community: 648 – Pasadena (SE)
Status: Active

Located in the sought-after San Pasqual/CalTech area of Pasadena, this reimagined single-story residence embodies the timeless charm of the classic traditional architecture and a well-thought-out addition and renovation by the current owner. A manicured front yard with blooming seasonal flowers leads to the welcoming front porch and entrance hall.The formal living room, centered around a charming fireplace and framed by French doors, opens to the sunlit ‘great room,’ the true heart of the home. This open, high-ceiling space features a chef’s kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, custom cabinetry, marble counters, and a center island with a snack bar and anchored by a striking chandelier; a large dining area with beverage refrigerator and built-in desk; and a versatile gathering area designed for both intimate daily living and festive entertaining, enhanced by skylights, integrated surround sound, and double French doors invite an effortless indoor-outdoor flow to the patio, backyard, and sparkling pool.A nearby bedroom with walk-in closet and adjacent three-quarter bath is cleverly designed so that, with a hallway door, it can function as a private ensuite. On the northeast side, another bedroom with built-in bookcases enjoys views of the front yard, while the hallway full bath with vanity table and a separate laundry room with utility sink add everyday convenience.The primary suite offers a serene retreat with a charming bay window, direct access to the backyard, and a tranquil, spa-like bath designed for daily rejuvenation. This luxurious space features a double vanity topped with marble counters, a large soaking tub, and a separate shower with a frameless glass enclosure. A custom-fitted walk-in closet with built-in shelving and drawers completes this elegant suite.A detached guest house above the garage is perfect for guests, home office or a future ADU conversion! Designed for comfort and California living, this Pasadena gem harmoniously blends classic character with modern functionality–ready for its next lucky owner to enjoy and call home!!!

Listed with Janice Lee | 626-616-2789, Berkshire Hathaway Home Servic

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/!

$2,188,000 :: 182 W Wistaria Ave, Arcadia CA, 91007

3 beds, 2.75 baths
Home size: 2,689 sq ft
Lot Size: 16,218 sq ft
Added: 11/05/25, Last Updated: 11/07/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR25254527
Community: 605 – Arcadia
Status: Active

Welcome to 182 W. Wistaria, a timeless single-level traditional home that is situated on an expansive 16,219 sq. ft. lot. Blending classic elegance with modern comfort, this home offers a refined retreat designed for graceful living and effortless entertaining. This home features warm stone facades, mature landscaping and abundances of fruit trees. As you enter you are greeted with sunlit, open interiors, gleaming hardwood floors, and large picture windows showcasing stunning views of the mountain. The kitchen features generous counter space, lots of cabinetry, and a convenient built-in workstation ideal for today’s modern lifestyle. The thoughtfully designed layout features three spacious bedrooms, a dining room, formal living room and family room each with its own wood-burning fireplace. The primary suite is a serene oasis with gorgeous views of the tranquil backyard and a spa like bath that includes a deep soaking tub, a spacious walk-in shower, and dual vanities. Additional features is a resort like backyard with sparkling pool, covered gazebo, built-in BBQ area and 2 car garage with a long driveway that’s great for boats and RV parking. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own this beautiful home!

Listed with Linda Lam CalDRE: W | 626-807-6553, Coldwell Banker 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/!

$900,000 :: 2325 White Street, Pasadena CA, 91107

2 beds, 1 bath
Home size: 842 sq ft
Lot Size: 5,310 sq ft
Added: 10/04/25, Last Updated: 11/07/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: DW25236346
Community: 648 – Pasadena (SE)
The price of this listing was last reduced on 11/7/2025 by 3%
Status: Active

Welcome to this turnkey Craftsman Bungalow filled with timeless charm and modern upgrades. Sitting on a larger lot than most nearby homes, this property features a spacious open layout with original built-ins and new hardwood flooring throughout. The interior has been freshly painted with modern touches, blending classic character with updated design.

The kitchen has been beautifully updated with wood cabinetry, tile counters, a farmhouse sink, and tile backsplash. The remodeled bathroom includes porcelain hex tile flooring, a pedestal sink, and a glass shower enclosure. Upstairs, you’ll find a large finished attic with new insulation and its own AC, ideal for a guest room, office, or creative space, plus additional attic storage in the detached garage.

The home has been professionally cleaned and retested by an environmental company following the recent fires, ensuring the air quality is safe and free of harmful chemicals. The HVAC system has also been cleaned and retested for added peace of mind.

Additional highlights include ductless mini-split AC units throughout, an automatic water shutoff valve, a basement with extra storage, an updated electrical panel, tankless water heater, copper plumbing, new sewer line, exterior paint, and a freshly redone driveway. The backyard is a true standout with a vine-covered pergola, built-in brick BBQ, and pizza oven, perfect for entertaining or relaxing outdoors.

Located near Pasadena City College, Huntington Gardens, and local dining and shops, this Craftsman Bungalow combines character, comfort, and peace of mind into a rare Pasadena find. Sellers are firm on price.

Listed with Anthony Luevanos | 562-275-2563, ROA 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/!

$1,498,000 :: 852 E Howard Street, Pasadena CA, 91104

3 beds, 1.75 baths
Home size: 1,870 sq ft
Lot Size: 8,198 sq ft
Added: 10/20/25, Last Updated: 11/07/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS25240117
Community: 646 – Pasadena (NE)
The price of this listing was last reduced on 11/7/2025 by 3%
Status: Active

Stop the search! This is the meticulously upgraded Pasadena home you’ve been waiting for. Located in Normandie Heights, this three bedroom, two bathroom home boasts an ideal floor plan, including a bonus den that offers the immediate flexibility of a fourth bedroom. It’s turnkey and buzzing with fresh style! Enjoy refinished original white oak floors and a bright atmosphere thanks to new interior and exterior paint and new energy efficient double-paned wood windows. The airy layout begins with a gracious living room featuring built-in shelving and traditional fireplace, then flows into the formal dining room, complete with crown molding and a built-in china cabinet. The fully remodeled, magazine worthy kitchen showcases custom quartz countertops, artisan tile, and brand new appliances. You’ll love how the light filled rooms maximize the Southern California sunshine, thanks to the abundance of windows throughout. The den sits adjacent to the bright sunroom, creating an ideal bonus space for an office or gym. The private primary suite offers a spacious walk in closet and a beautifully updated en suite bathroom. Practicality is built in with a full basement, perfect for storage. The separate laundry room provides overhead storage. Both the front and rear yards offer a park like setting with professional landscaping, mature fruit trees, and a new wireless-controlled sprinkler system. A large 200-sq.-ft. storage shed beside the garage provides even more storage.

Best of all, the oversized lot offers fantastic room for expansion and excellent ADU potential. The drywalled two-car garage with lighting is already prepped for conversion. A new garage door and concrete driveway has been added. Don’t miss this chance to own a beautifully maintained and tastefully upgraded home located just minutes from top-rated schools, great dining, and Downtown”‹”‹”Œ”‹”‹”‹”‹”Œ”‹”‹”Œ”Œ”‹”‹”Œ”‹”‹”‹”Œ”Œ”‹”‹”‹”Œ”‹”‹”Œ”Œ”‹”‹”‹”Œ”‹”Œ”‹”‹”‹”Œ”Œ”‹ Pasadena.

Listed with KEVIN KWAN CalDRE: E | 626-272-2365, REALIV

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/!

$2,199,000 :: 1764 E Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena CA, 91104

3 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,784 sq ft
Lot Size: 8,538 sq ft
Added: 11/07/25, Last Updated: 11/07/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 25616437
Community: 646 – Pasadena (NE)
Status: Active

Set against the dramatic rise of the San Gabriel Mountains and just moments from Pasadena’s storied Bungalow Heaven, 1764 E. Orange Grove is a rare expression of early 20th-century Spanish Revival charm. Thoughtfully revived through a year-long restoration by Studio Marrant, this home is not simply updated, but reawakened: a celebration of craftsmanship, materiality, and atmosphere. A meandering path through mature rosemary and native plantings leads to the coved ceiling living room, where a newly reconstructed plaster fireplace anchors the space. Carefully restored arched wood windows, original to the 1920s construction, frame mountain silhouettes that shift in tone throughout the day, turning rose-colored at dusk. Light dances across curated vintage and custom fixtures, creating a warm, grounded serenity that carries throughout the home.The dining room flows into a kitchen inspired by European countryside sensibilities, an elevated yet effortless gathering space. Custom cabinetry and a gracious rojo alicante marble island are complemented by a suite of refined fixtures and appliances including Bertazzoni range, Fisher & Paykel refrigerator, and Rohl brass hardware. Handmade tile, honed stone, and bespoke carpentry lend the room a timeless, lived-in elegance. Two bedrooms line the main hallway, offering generous closet space. The ensuite primary bath evokes a Mediterranean retreat: a vintage Barovier & Toso pendant casts a soft glow over a deep soaking tub, surrounded by custom oak cabinetry and hand-applied concretta plaster. A second set of Pinky’s iron doors opens out to an expanded patio with ORCA pavers and custom ironwork, a place designed for slow mornings and evening aperitivo. Beyond, follow a stone pathway through citrus and pomegranate trees to raised garden beds and a detached garage with alley access, offering opportunities for a studio, ADU, or workshop.Nestled in one of Pasadena’s most beloved and architecturally rich neighborhoods, and only minutes to Woon, Millie’s, Deluxe 1717, verdant parks, and the historic charm of Old Town, this home stands as a testament to considered design and enduring craftsmanship. A soulful home to be lived in slowly — rooted in history, shaped with care, and ready for its next chapter.

Listed with Brienna Holmes CalDRE: E | 818-519-1661, 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/!

$1,349,000 :: 1202 E Lexington Street, Pasadena CA, 91104

3 beds, 1.75 baths
Home size: 1,837 sq ft
Lot Size: 8,259 sq ft
Added: 08/27/25, Last Updated: 11/07/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: P1-24854
Community: 646 – Pasadena (NE)
Status: Active

On a quiet cul-de-sac in Pasadena’s Historic Highlands, this updated 3 bedroom, 2 bath traditional home offers lush gardens, upgrades, and a separate bonus studio. Take in beautiful mountain vistas from both the front yard of this generous 8,200+ SF lot, and the interior. Natural light and leafy green views are highlights inside this home, with an easy floor plan allowing separate but contiguous private spaces: living room flows into kitchen and dining, opening to a sunny back deck. The remodeled kitchen is chef-ready with stainless steel appliances, marble subway tile backsplash and farmhouse sink with window overlooking the back yard. Bedrooms and baths are updated with nicely sized closets, including a walk-in closet in the primary suite. Outside, the home’s large private back yard boasts a velvety green lawn, an enviable fruiting avocado tree and an orchard of citrus and stone fruit trees, plus a convenient, 140SF storage shed. Finally, the spacious bonus studio (formerly the garage) with kitchen and bonus 3/4 bath offers myriad possibilities — home office, guest quarters or separate family room. With updated systems and finishes, this move-in ready home ticks the ‘location’ box; it’s situated in one of Pasadena’s most beloved pockets, surrounded by historic architecture and pride of ownership. Neighborhood highlights include Seed Bakery, Lavender & Honey coffee shop and Green & Bisque Clayhouse, to name just a few.

Listed with Teresa Fuller CalDRE: E | 626-483-0710, 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/!

$1,980,000 :: 201 las tunas Drive, Arcadia CA, 91007

5 beds, 5.5 baths
Home size: 3,718 sq ft
Lot Size: 16,070 sq ft
Added: 09/17/25, Last Updated: 11/06/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR25219621
Community: 605 – Arcadia
The price of this listing was last reduced on 11/6/2025 by 6%
Status: Active

PRICED TO SELL! Experience the pinnacle of modern luxury living with this stunning turn-key contemporary-style home nestled in a highly sought-after neighborhood of Arcadia, renowned for its prestigious schools! This magnificent 16,070 SF gated estate combines elegance, comfort, and versatility, featuring a spacious single-story luxury residence complemented by a 600 SF Guest House. This South-facing home is filled with natural sunlight spanning 3,118 SF of luxurious spaces, drawing you in with its inviting features. Inside, you’ll discover four (4) spacious bedrooms, each with its own luxurious bathroom, a separate family and living room for versatile entertaining, an enormous bonus Loft, a sophisticated library, and a private kitchenette “” ideal for culinary enthusiasts. The family room and dining area overlook Resort-Style Pool with a waterfall, creating an idyllic setting for gatherings and relaxation. The expansive Guest House offers its own entrance and an open patio at the back, providing privacy and additional space for guests, family, or your personal retreat. Located near premier golf courses like Arcadia Par3 and Santa Anita Golf Course, renowned shopping destinations such as Westfield Mall, world-class dining, exciting horse-racing at Santa Anita Race Track, and lush recreational spots like the Arboretum & Botanical Garden, this residence places everything you desire within easy reach. This home isn’t just a residence “” it’s a gateway to an inspired, enriched lifestyle. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to own this extraordinary property and start your new chapter in luxury and comfort. Act now “” your dream home awaits!

Listed with Danny Hy | 626-831-2709, 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/!

$4,450,000 :: 835 Canterbury Road, San Marino CA, 91108

4 beds, 4.75 baths
Home size: 5,071 sq ft
Lot Size: 21,576 sq ft
Added: 10/15/25, Last Updated: 11/06/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: P1-24849
Community: 655 – San Marino
Status: Active

Welcome to the W.R. Hayden House — an architectural treasure that celebrates Polynesian Mid-Century design through its masterful use of natural materials and timeless modernity. Commissioned by supermarket magnate and philanthropist W.R. Hayden, the home was designed by noted architect Robert H. Ainsworth as a bold expression of Mid-Century innovation — where walls of glass dissolve the boundary between indoors and out, extending sightlines and bathing every room in luminous natural light that dances across stone, wood, and exquisite period details.The showcase living room epitomizes California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle, opening directly to a sprawling lanai, oversized pool, and lush garden retreat. In the dining room, golden hour transforms gatherings into something magical, as broad picture windows frame the serene neighborhood beyond. Throughout the home, flexible living spaces invite connection and reflection, while Ainsworth’s signature use of natural, unfinished materials brings a profound sense of balance between the built and natural environments. The primary suite offers tranquil pool views and a spa-inspired ensuite, turning each morning into a private reverie. Three additional ensuite bedrooms ensure comfort and privacy for all. A hidden staircase reveals a second-floor retreat — an ideal space for a playroom, studio, or home office. Beyond the main residence, a 1,076-square-foot pool house echoes the home’s architectural beauty, featuring a kitchenette, changing rooms, and two baths. This versatile companion space invites effortless entertaining and relaxed living. Nestled within San Marino’s coveted Poet’s Quarter, the W.R. Hayden House embodies inspired design and effortless livability — a home where beauty and purpose coexist in perfect balance.

Listed with Evangelyn Lin | 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