The Magic (and Muscle) of Staging 342 Harmar St.

ListingsStaging
Written By Emily Askin

You’ve seen the "Active" status on the MLS and maybe even scrolled through the 1,800 square feet of this gorgeous Polish Hill gem. But what you didn’t see was the U-Haul van, the two strong helpers I brought in for the heavy lifting, and the creative chaos that happens before the photographer arrives.

We’re going behind the scenes of my latest listing at 342 Harmar St.

The Behind-the-Scenes Hustle

Staging isn't just about placing a vase of flowers; it’s a full-on workout! To get 342 Harmar ready for its debut:

  • Drove the Van: I personally piloted the staging van to get every piece of furniture to the site.

  • The Heavy Lifting: I’m big on supporting the local community, so I brought in two strong local helpers to wrangle the big pieces while we worked our staging magic.

  • The Creative Eye: This 1915 Colonial has beautiful proportions, high ceilings, and an open main level. I spent time experimenting with layouts to highlight the natural flow of the space and make each room feel intentional.

Why Staging Actually Matters

You might ask, "Emily, is it worth the effort?" The answer is a resounding yes. Here is why I pour my heart into it:

  1. Personalization: Every home has a soul. By choosing specific textures and layouts, I show buyers how they can live in the 1,800 square feet.

  2. Highlighting Upgrades: 342 Harmar St. has major system upgrades, like a new roof (2024) and updated sewer laterals. Staging helps draw the eye to the quality of the finishes, like the updated hardwood flooring and the spa-like primary ensuite with its glass enclosed shower and soaking tub.

  3. The "Wow" Factor: Most buyers first discover a home online. My goal is to make them stop scrolling and think, “We need to see this one."

Transform Your Listing

When you list with me, you don't just get a sign in the yard. You get my van-driving, furniture-hauling, creative-eye-having expertise included as part of my service.

Whether it's a "move-in ready" city home like this one or a project waiting to happen, I make sure it looks its absolute best before the world sees it.

342 Harmar St is currently Active for $459,000.
It’s a 3-bedroom, 3-bath city gem with a huge rear deck and private backyard. A rare find for Polish Hill!

Check it out!
Emily Askin

Emily Askin is a real estate agent with Compass in Pittsburgh's East End. She works with buyers and sellers across Highland Park, Squirrel Hill, Point Breeze, Regent Square, Shadyside, and Friendship, and she is known for pricing old houses right and being honest about what a home is actually worth.

Before real estate, she spent years renovating and investing in property, which is why she reads a house the way a serious buyer does - the roof, the sewer line, the original woodwork worth saving, the flip-grade kitchen that will cost you later. She treats every sale as both a financial decision and a life decision, and she works it that way from pricing through closing.

She works with people relocating to Pittsburgh and with sellers trading up to their next house. She is also the agent design-minded buyers call when they want someone who can tell good bones from a fresh coat of paint.

https://www.emilyaskin.com
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