Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties' Nichole Story Delivers Significant Return through Staging, Design Services

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nichole Story of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties recently helped one of her seller clients realize a substantial return on investment through her interior design, staging and refreshment services. After evaluating the property condition, architecture and neighborhood, Story implemented a comprehensive six-week reimagining process for the home, which is located at 517 Poppy Avenue in Newport Beach and closed for $3.1 million.

“This was a unique home in a niche market,” noted Story, a 20-year veteran of the local market. “It was worth the long hours because the seller ultimately netted approximately 18 times his investment into the refresh. To say that he was happy with the outcome would be an understatement. Plus, the eventual buyer had already seen the home before the reimagining. The fact that they changed their mind about it made it that much sweeter.”

Story, who studied at the Interior Designer’s Institute, said that she also recently helped a seller close a transaction for approximately $80,000 over the original asking price. “In this case, the buyer’s agent told me that the staging concept I developed for the listing was directly responsible for the higher sale price, so it was especially rewarding,” Story added.

Numerous studies show that staged homes attain a higher sale price and a shorter market time compared to non-staged properties. “I love design and staging because I get to use both the analytical, sales-oriented side of my brain, as well as my more creative side. I have lots of ideas and I usually have a vision for a property as soon as I see it, but I would never try to force that on a client or make changes that are not aligned with the neighborhood,” Story explained.

Instead, Story draws from her experience in real estate and knowledge of design to help her clients make strategic decisions that deliver the maximum possible return. “Working with the house is the game plan, not going against it,” Story said. “One thing my listings have in common is there is always hidden value and a way to simply enhance what they already have to offer.”

As a result of her extensive track record of success in the Orange County market, Story was a featured agent on HGTV’s House Hunters. She successfully navigated a variety of market cycles since her entry into real estate in 2005, a factor that allows her to provide her clients with a valuable insight into local property values and negotiating strategies, along with reliable guidance on how to select a financing option that is aligned with their circumstances and goals.

“Real estate has been the perfect career choice for me because I love the idea that I can make a positive impact on the lives of my clients, and it’s fun to help them envision what a home can look like,” added Story. “The chance to be a part of a transaction is really meaningful and I truly believe that houses can end up feeling like a part of the family. They keep us safe and hold our memories, from special occasions and homecomings to heartfelt goodbyes.”

Story also provides staging and design services to her fellow agents, teaches an online home staging course and mentors junior agents. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, tennis, entertaining and researching the latest interior design trends.

To contact Nichole Story or learn about the financing options that could potentially allow for your home to be staged with no fees required until the closing of the transaction, call 949-375-9981, email [e-mail], or visit www.bhhscal.com.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties proudly supports 2,500 sales associates in 42 offices spanning San Luis Obispo to San Diego. In 2024, our expert agents assisted in more than 6,700 client transactions for over $11.4 billion in sales volume.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a wholly owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., and a member of HSF Affiliates, LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. For more information, visit www.bhhscalifornia.com. To learn about career opportunities, visit www.bhhscalifornia.com/careers.