During an era of shifts in the stock market, tariff rates and consumer confidence, Jason Saft, founder of the influential firm Staged To Sell Home, has successfully staged over $3 billion in real estate across Manhattan and Brooklyn. However, what makes Saft truly unique is his ability to recommend interior designers to his staging clients, helping talented design professionals build their portfolio with meaningful opportunities while ensuring his top-tier clients receive personalized expertise tailored to their needs after a home is sold. Saft’s actionable approach to community building makes him a well-respected leader in both the real estate and design worlds.
Gwen Donovan: With today’s fiscal uncertainties, do you approach design projects differently than in past years?
Jason Saft: It’s interesting to me that preferences are so different now compared to just ten or 15 years ago. We are living in a same-day culture with everything from a hamburger to a house available so quickly. There’s a real shift in demand; people are used to getting things done right away, pressing a button and having things delivered to their door. I’ve learned that your business will do well if you can respond quickly in a world of immediacy and instant gratification.
GD: How do you promote fellow professionals in the design community?
JS: I have many interior designer friends and love to pass their expertise along. We all take design and staging seriously. I look at it in a full sense: I want my client to have the best possible experience, and it feels good to pass the design aspect along.
“Jason and I initially connected via Instagram and later met in person at an industry event, becoming the best of friends and colleagues ever since. Through his connections and referrals, I’ve had the opportunity to work with two celebrity clients on large-scale renovation projects. At the time, I was already an established designer with a portfolio, which made it easier for him to confidently refer me to potential clients. The process has always been smooth — Jason connects us via email, and we take it from there.” — Alvin Wayne, founder and principal designer, Alvin Wayne Interiors
GD: Where do you source your interior designers?
JS: I have gotten to know the work of many design professionals from meeting them, getting to know their work and following them online. I have a list of about 20 interior designers and decide which are the best two or three who will vibe with the client, based on everything from the way they speak to their design aesthetic. I partner with people to make the best connections, something I did in my previous career as a real estate agent. It’s really a creative and professional matchmaking service.
GD: What is the most surprising thing you encounter as a home stager?
JS: What I have figured out over the past few years is that for a lot of sellers and homeowners, seeing a staged home is their first experience. So many homeowners say to me, “Is this how I could have been living?” when they see their home after we stage it.
“Jason walks the line of creating spaces that feel personal yet appeal to a broad audience. Where many staged spaces feel sterile, Jason adds just the right amount of flavor. His fresh approach helps listings stand out and sell quicker. He also introduced me to a realtor and client that turned into a perfect fit for my portfolio — a great referral for everyone involved.” — Designer Justin Charette
GD: Where is your market area and what do your clients often request?
JS: Our core focus is residential projects in New York City and Brooklyn. Especially in the metropolitan area, many buyers are looking for turnkey properties, whether they will be living there part-time or full-time.
GD: Are some staging and design projects more memorable than others?
JS: We do a wide cross-section of work. I’m drawn to estate work: downtrodden properties, some with the same owner for 50 years, who passes away. It’s a fascinating, challenging and rewarding aspect of the work I do to bring a property back, and while it also makes you think about your own mortality, it can be very grounding. To see the state of decay and disrepair in a property can be heartbreaking; I feel like we are helping to bring back the owners’ dignity (by revitalizing it). We can come in to ease the pain of family members at a scary and overwhelming time, and our website shows some of those before and after photos. This type of estate work is so much more than just a job.
“Jason is not just an exceptional stager; he’s a connector in the design community. His dedication goes far beyond staging — he builds relationships and shares his knowledge generously. I’ve personally benefited from his thoughtful introductions to homeowners through his network. Despite his busy schedule, Jason always takes time to offer thoughtful advice on all aspects of design.” — Designer Mike Rupp, founder, Mike Rupp Studio
GD: Is there anything else you’d like to mention about your business?
JS: Yes, we just won the #1 Luxury Home Stager in the United States award from Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) for the second year in a row.
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