HOW IT WORKS

From first look to list day

Every home has a story waiting to be told. Our process is designed to find yours — and make sure buyers feel it the moment they walk through the door.

Living room with teal accent wall, framed black-and-white art, deer head decor, orange sofa, potted plants, and a window with white curtains.
Person sitting outdoors looking at their smartphone, with a blurred background of trees or bushes.

We visit the home in person and see it the way a buyer will — with fresh eyes and no attachment. We assess each room for flow, light, proportion, and emotional impact. We identify what to keep, what to move, what to remove, and where a few well-placed pieces could change everything. You'll leave this appointment with a clear picture of what the home can become.

Typically 60 – 90 minutes on-site

Step 1

We start with a conversation. You share your timeline, your goals, and what you love about the home you're preparing to leave. We listen for what makes it worth buying — the light in the morning, the way the rooms connect, the details that don't show up in a floor plan. This call is free, no-pressure, and usually about 20 minutes.

Complimentary — no commitment required

Step 2

THE WALKTHROUGH

THE DISCOVERY CALL

A white desk with a white computer keyboard, three gold binder clips, a cup of coffee, a closed light green notebook, a gold clipboard with a blank white sheet, a gold ruler, and a dark green notebook labeled "TO REMEMBER." There is a large green plant leaf on the right side of the desk.
Black Mercedes-Benz van with Merit's Pine logo parked near a coastal landscape with a lighthouse, rocky shoreline, and houses, on a sunny day.

This is the transformation. We arrive with everything needed and work room by room — arranging, layering, editing — until the home feels like the best version of itself. We're focused on creating the kind of spaces that stop a buyer mid-scroll and make them want to see it in person. Most installs are completed in a single day.

You don't need to be there — just come home to the reveal

Step 3

Within a few days, we deliver a tailored staging proposal — outlining our recommended approach, the rooms we'll stage, what rental inventory (if any) we'll bring in, and your investment. We keep it clear and honest. No surprises, no upselling. Just a focused plan built around your specific home and timeline.

Delivered within 2 – 3 business days

Step 4

INSTALL DAY

YOUR STAGING PROPOSAL

Work With Us

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Merit + Pine is based in Southern Maine and serves the greater Portland area, the Lakes Region, and surrounding communities. If you're unsure whether your property falls within our service area, reach out and we'll let you know.

  • The first step is a simple inquiry. Share your property address, your timeline, and a little about what you're hoping to accomplish. We'll follow up to schedule a consultation and walk you through the right approach for your home.

  • Most staging is transactional -- furniture in, furniture out. Merit + Pine approaches each home as a story waiting to be told. We work with intention, focusing on the details that create a genuine emotional response: the vignette on a nightstand, the feeling of standing in a doorway and knowing you're already home. Our work is rooted in Maine and shaped by a belief that great staging isn't decoration -- it's memory making.

  • Absolutely. Occupied staging is one of our most popular services. We work with what you have, edit where needed, and layer in pieces that bring the space into focus. The goal is always the same: a home that photographs beautifully and feels immediately livable.

  • We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs. Pricing varies based on the size of the home, the scope of work, and whether the property is occupied or vacant. As a general reference point, consultations start at a flat rate, and full staging is typically quoted per room or as a whole-home package. We keep our pricing transparent and will always walk you through exactly what's included before any work begins. The best way to get an accurate number is to reach out for a consultation -- we'll assess the space and give you a clear, no-surprise quote.

  • Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.