Ellie Mayes — Owner and Lead Stager at UpStaging Designs

Ellie uses a unique combination of skills and expertise in visual merchandising, interior design, buyer psychology, and real estate trends to stage homes that sell quickly for top dollar.

Recognized by her peers as a home stager who understands all sides of the buying and selling process, Ellie has grown UpStaging Designs exponentially through referrals and word of mouth.

She is an accredited professional with knowledge, training, and experience in staging, color selections, photo styling, renovations, and marketing. Realtors throughout the Triangle trust UpStaging Designs to partner with their seller clients to help them prepare and market their listings and unlock a home's highest value.

Ellie is also a licensed Realtor and partners with her husband, Chris, in the boutique firm, UpMarket Realty, specializing in real estate sales, investments and property management. Ellie and Chris invest in real estate through rehabs and both short and long term rentals and love DIY projects around their own home. In 2022, they achieved “Super Host” status with Airbnb just 5 months into short term property management! They've lived in Cary, NC since 1995 and are the proud parents of Ben, his wife Julia, and Silas.

Ellie Mayes owns and operates UpStaging Designs and UpMarket Realty in Cary NC. She loves helping homeowners and realtors stage homes to sell.
 

Accreditations

Master Accredited Staging Professional (MASP)

Certified Color Expert (CCE)

Occupied Consultation Specialist (OCS)

Staging Design Professional (SDP)

RESA Certified Staging Advocate (CSA)

Broker in Charge (BIC)

Super Host (AirBNB)

Memberships

International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP)

Real Estate Staging Association (RESA)

RESA Raleigh Durham Chapter

Triangle MLS (TMLS)

Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors (RRAR)

NC Association of Realtors (NCAR)

National Association of Realtors (NAR)

Upshot Ventures LLC carries General Liability and Errors & Omissions Insurance


Meet Ellie Mayes: Realtor, Stager, Airbnb Investor

Ellie was recently on the Design Time video podcast by Floorily. Watch and learn more!

Testimonials

 
When you have a very nice home that you are proud of, your initial reactions to a stagers recommendations are challenging. Ellie skillfully explained the strategy of staging and the art of allowing a buyer to see themselves living in your home. We are absolutely convinced that implementing Ellie’s recommendations played a very important part in selling our home in 5 days for significantly higher than asking price.
— Ken Paul, Homeowner
 
I was a believer after sitting through one of Ellie’s consultations. She will be a part of my listing process from now on! The first home she staged for me had two showings, got offers from each, and was under contract in three days. She helped us go above and beyond the competition.
— Lindsay, Realtor