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I'm a Stager - Should I Get My Real Estate License?

By Emily Riechel

Home Stager with Passion Decor

September 20, 2011 07:46 AM

I'm new to the staging business. Less than a year new. I'm constantly introducing myself to anyone and everyone in the industry, asking questions, getting information on how the business works. The other day, I struck up a conversation with a customer at Passion Decor who told me she was a real estate agent and a stager. She explained that she can offer her clients a better rate and they prefer it because they have to deal with less people. I thought how wonderful an idea to combine two services in one.

The question I'm asking myself is should I get my Real Estate License?

I'm not necesarily interested in selling homes as I want the knowledge that comes with the license. My question to agents is: when working with stager, is it ever an issue that they don't know about the details of real estate?

I'd love some advice from a design newbie!

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Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes - Kansas City, MO

Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area

Emily, if you get your license remember this: depending on which brokerage you work for, there are lots of fees associated with being an agent, whether you sell or not: MLS dues, board dues, desk fees, E&O insurance, key fees, continuing ed fees, NAR dues, etc etc. I use a stager who was an agent first, then does staging on the side. I have used a stager who is only a stager. Some stagers I like and some--I don't think work well at all with their clients. They don't have very good diplomatic skills when dealing with an owner.

Focus on staging...unless you want to shell out lots of money just to have a license.

Sep 20, 2011 07:56 AM

Emily Riechel

Passion Decor - San Francisco, CA

This is great information Mary! Thank you for your input:)

Sep 20, 2011 08:30 AM

Michele Cadogan 917-861-9166

Fillmore Real Estate 2990 Av U, Bklyn , NY 11229 - Brooklyn, NY

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker -

I would say yes. our photographer came to real estate just like you. After many year of taking pictures he finally got his licensed does both. With the economy being the way it is you never know where your business is going to come from. Btw if you do decide to get your licensed going after expired listing and using your staging background will be an added plus.

Sep 20, 2011 10:16 AM

Peggy Hughes/pha logistix, inc.

pha logistix inc - San Francisco, CA

SF NYC LA

Emily... the one big thing about being a stager is that you will quickly learn the Real Estate industry just by working so closely with Realtors. I don't have my real estate license for a variety of reasons, but, Mary, #1 hit the nail on the head!

Have a great 2012 and I hope to see more of you on AR!

Jan 17, 2012 09:30 AM

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Emily Riechel

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