Dear Accredited Staging Professional Masters® (ASPM®), Accredited Staging Professionals® (ASP®), and International Association of Home Staging Professional® (IAHSP®) Members:

We are writing this letter to share some insights into an issue that has been raised regarding a sister industry, and the fears that are being spread by other associations regarding how this issue impacts us as ASP Home Stagers and the Home Staging industry in general.

As your professional Association, IAHSP stays on top of and monitors legislation and other newsworthy issues of concern.  As always, we have the best interests of our membership and ASP & ASPMs at heart.  Our IAHSP Association truly serves the Home Staging industry and our membership of ASPM & ASP Home Stagers. Other associations that do not have a membership based in consistent standards are attempting to position themselves as "advocates" for our industry, when in reality, they are chasing issues that have nothing to do with Home Staging, and creating fear and concern in the minds of their members and colleagues.

This is of great concern to us because we want to make sure that our members know that any issues that could potentially impact our businesses as ASPM & ASP Home Stagers, would be shared with you by IAHSP.  This issue discussed in this position paper is not of concern, and you will understand that better when you read through the information we have prepared for you.

The reasons this document has been prepared for you is because of the amount of misinformation and fear that has been perpetuated by other associations, and we want you to be informed.  It is one thing to be knowledgeable about potential legal issues or situation and it is another thing entirely to knowingly drag Home Stagers into an issue that is not about us at all.  We find that to be irresponsible and do not want our ASPM and ASPs to be misled.

The issue discussed in this document is not the precursor to any sort of regulation of Home Staging.  Those that understand our roots are part of the real estate industry and not decorating and design will see clearly that this is not our battle.  IAHSP sees that and understands the industry we serve.  IAHSP, as your professional Home Staging association, hopes that you appreciate our ability to separate the two as it is evident other associations are not able to do this. And we hope you trust that when and if the day comes that Home Staging is regulated by outside entities, IAHSP would be leading the way as the only association that for a decade has set standards of education, ethics and excellence in its membership.

Click here for the Myths and Facts about the Proposed Legislation document

Thank you for your continued support of IAHSP.

We are here to serve you!

Barb Schwarz, Founder & Chairwoman of the Board, IAHSP® International 

Jennie Norris, President, IAHSP® International

and  

Your entire IAHSP® International Board