Case Study: East Hampton

Every seller wants to sell their home quickly and for the highest price possible. It’s no secret that I believe staging and styling properties is the best way to achieve this, but I am frequently met with skeptics who do not believe it makes a difference and is worth the cost. The National Association of Realtors releases an annual report on home staging with useful data, but I find it extremely helpful to illustrate the benefits with specific case studies.

This beautiful home in Amagansett in East Hampton, NY was listed for sale in November 2023 for $11,995,000. It went into contract within 3 months, by the first week of January 2024 and sold in April 2024 for $11,200,000, 6.6% below the asking price.

A mere four months later in August 2024, it was relisted for $19,950,000 – $8,750,000 more than it had just sold for – and went into contract immediately.

So what changed in only four months that would warrant a 78% increase in price?? Very straightforward cosmetic changes for the most part: new paint, wall paper, light fixtures, window treatments, kitchen countertops + backsplash, an exterior power wash, landscaping and of course updated furnishings throughout.

New paint, lighting and furnishings.

Fireplace update, new paint, lighting, window treatments.

New countertops, backsplash, lighting, painted island.

Window treatments, chairs.

Wallpaper, window treatments, furnishings.

Fireplace mantle, paint, lighting, window treatments.

Paint, cabinet door knobs + glass, light.

Fireplace mantle update, carpet removal, lighting, paint, window treatments.

Paint, lighting, window treatment.

Paint, light, window treatment.

Wall paper, lighting.

Paint, picture frame moldings, lighting, window treatments.

Paint, light, removal of carpet, window treatment.

This is not to say this wasn’t an undertaking, but all of these changes are cosmetic and cost only a small fraction of what the seller earned in profit on this sale. This goes to show how much the design and details really matter when selling a property — actual value increases but perceived value goes up quite significantly with elevated and in-the-moment aesthetic updates. The photography here also takes a more editorial approach than run of the mill real estate photos, which makes buyers perusing online feel like they are looking at a magazine. The fresh flowers, branches and fruit add lovely lived in, organic elements and the subtle accents and accessories invite interest and imagination. Would be owners envision themselves living in such a beautifully designed space and offers at the asking price, if not more, are often on the tips of those buyers’ tongues.

I’m told this seller was an interior designer, which makes sense, but since most sellers are not, this is of course where staging comes in! My co-founder Vanessa (who is an interior designer) and I started Loudon Staging because we feel so passionately about professionally prepping a property for sale with the goal of achieving a higher sales price and a faster transaction. The proof is right here in these pictures – and the resulting sales price.