Ellen Rae Spaces

Ellen Rae Spaces is an occupied home staging company led by owner and lead stager Ellen Spann. Since 2020, Ellen and her daughters have specialized in occupied listings across Central Virginia, working directly with sellers and their existing furnishings to prepare homes for listing photos and showings. Ellen is certified through Home Staging Resources (HSR) and is an active member of the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), keeping her practice aligned with current industry standards. Their focus is practical, seller-friendly staging that highlights a home’s best features, helps reduce time on market, and supports a smoother move.

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Customer Experience: What to Expect When Working With Ellen Rae Spaces

Every project starts with a thorough, in-person consultation with Ellen. She conducts a full walkthrough to evaluate each space, document needs, and align on timeline and goals to build a clear pre-listing plan. After the walkthrough, Ellen conducts a second pass to photo-document each space. Those images and notes become a customized pre-listing report that outlines the seller’s prep tasks, any workarounds for living in the home, what the staging team will bring on staging day, and how each room will be presented. The report creates shared expectations, keeps communication clear, and gives sellers a step-by-step plan to follow.

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Because the team specializes in occupied homes, empathy and problem-solving are central to the process. Ellen recognizes the real-world pressures sellers face, including overwhelm, tight timelines, kids, and pets, and she meets them where they are. The aim is to reduce clutter, neutralize personal cues, and make space for buyers to picture themselves in the home. The team often overlays existing rooms with light, neutral elements and small accessories to create a welcoming, photo-ready look without over-decorating. Most projects are staged within a day when sellers complete the prep outlined in the report. Ellen remains available throughout for questions, and she coaches clients on how to “live while staged” so the home shows like the photos.

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“I personally do every consultation so the plan fits your home, your timeline, and your life.”
— Ellen Spann, Owner and Lead Stager

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Home Staging Tips for RVA Homeowners

• Start with a consultation: A room-by-room walkthrough and photo documentation leads to a clear pre-listing plan that defines your tasks, the stager’s tasks, and the timeline.
• Voice your stressors early: Share constraints up front, including special needs, pets, tight timelines, or spaces that cannot change. It helps tailor the plan to your reality.
• Think marketing, not decorating: Remove personal items so buyers focus on the asset. Neutral elements can be added for warmth without drawing attention to your life story.
• Pre-pack what’s personal: Family photos, collections, and extra décor should be boxed. You’ll need to pack them for the move anyway, and it opens up visual space now.
• Dial in curb appeal: Fresh mulch and tidy plant beds matter. Keep front porches simple with minimal furniture and add a healthy potted plant by the front door to invite buyers in.
• Simplify the entry: Remove shoe racks, wall hooks, and catch-all items. An uncluttered entry sets the tone for the rest of the showing.
• Clear and clean the kitchen: Empty counters except for one or two purposeful items like a fruit bowl. Put everyday appliances away and prioritize a deep clean.
• Neutralize bedrooms: Aim for calm and bright. Side tables should hold only a lamp or maybe a small plant. White or light bed covers help unify and lift the space in photos.
• Detail the bathrooms: Schedule a professional clean before photos and keep it up during showings. Store personal toiletries and keep counters and shower areas clear.
• Tuck away pet and kid items: Bins and baskets make quick work of toys, beds, and bowls before photos and showings so rooms feel open and versatile.
• Use your photos as a guide: After staging day, take snapshots of each room. Recreate that look before showings so visitors see what drew them in online.

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Bottom line: Ellen Rae Spaces brings calm and clarity to occupied staging. The process is rooted in consultation, clear communication, and industry standards to help RVA homeowners present their properties at their best.

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Profile credit: Insights provided by Ellen Spann, Owner and Lead Stager, Ellen Rae Spaces.

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Photo credits for portfolio photos:
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Tour Virginia Homes

John Hancock Photography

Aqua Tree Designs

Mathew Oswald

Sara Eastman

Mick Anders

Ryan Deneff

Mindy Ballard

Kara Michael Photography

HDBros

AKTV Media