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Advise Requested, Please

I have a friend interested in becoming a stager. She's not currently in the business but she has a degree in interior design. On-line, she's found ASP and ISHP. What do staging professionals suggest? She lives in Washington State. I told her I'd contact the pros at AR to get some advise...If you have thoughts, please share. Thank you!

Take And Give Good Care,

Emily Cross

Posted by Emily Cross on 01/11/2008 04:49 PM

Comments (13)

13 Comments on Advise Requested, Please

JAN

2008

Emily - I recently attempted to contact all of the training companies I could find to bring them in on our glossary project. I counted over 40 of them. (obviously I did not get in touch with all of them) There are about 5 major training companies, and about 5 up and coming that could give the top 5 a run for their money. Some of the founder of these companies can be found right here on AR.

My suggestion is that you look into the 'Rate you Staging Training' group and read what the students themselves have to say. Take a look at all of the coinciding websites, talk to a few of the students if you can, and get a good feel for what your friend expects and/or needs from the course. All are not created equal, to say the least.

Also, contact the Real Estate Staging Association and see what they say. There is a lot of research to be done, because there are a lot of options. No one company is the clear winner, but a few are rising to the top. Craig Schiller has a list of companies compiled on his other blog that may help as well.

Sorry I have no links up - I am not on my computer and I am in a hurry....

Good Luck!

Emily: I went through the Staged Homes training (ASP, IAHSP), and it was a very good course to take. There was a day of hands on staging at a house that is on the market. We also covered how to start up and market the business. Overall, a very well rounded course. You or your friend can contact me if you have any questions! www.kfmstaging.com

Kristina

Because there are SOOOO many Redesign / Staging courses out there, you need to do your homework. When I looked for mine (3 years ago), I went with IRIS. They have over 900 members and 3 day and 5 day courses. I took mine from Victoria at the National Redesign Institute in Missouri and found it invaluable. I got more out of than I expected. And have been very happy with my decision. Also, with being here on AR and seeing all of the graduate's work...there mustbe many many great places to get certified because of their photo's! Good luck!

Emily- Since your friend is more formally trained in interior design, she may not necessarily need a Full-on Home Staging course. BTW--There is no official national certification in this business. Only what each staging school self-declares as their own designation. No national governing body overlooks or writes official lines of study or guidelines for the Home Staging field. RESA has emerged as a central source and influence overall and I believe RESA is generally supportive of the courses which have been around for a while.

I would recommend your friend look for information that will teach her the backstage side of the staging business if she is not experienced with running a business....otherwise, the design stuff will bore her to death I fear. Her ID education far surpasses the basics of layout, flow, color and design. There is a difference between staging and interior design, yet, the two go together well. Creativity goes a long way in this field and if she has a good eye, and understands the goal of what we do for homeowners, than she will only need a bit of direction. AR professional Stagers provide so much experience and knowledge, I would have her take her time and explore AR before committing to any further expense. Regards-Kathleen G

Thanks to all of you! I am Emily's friend!

I have experience with staging as I did this with my own house a few years ago. We had a 2 hour open house, and had 8 offers and the bidding went $22,000 over asking. So, I think I did pretty well! LOL

It seems people like to see the "accredited" or certification to show that you belong.

I did my interior decorating diploma many years ago, so I think it would be good for me to have a refresher.

I appreciate all of your responses!

Thank you,

Natascha

JAN

2008

Wow! Thanks to all of you who helped direct my friend. I'm so glad I posed the question - I learned A LOT about your industry and have spent time on many of your websites learning more and more. The Rain quite simply ROCKS! Thank you so much for your help, imput, advise and direction. Much appreciated!

Welcome, Natascha! I received my training through IRIS, and the week I spent in training was one of the most fun in my life. Sandy Dixon is only twenty minutes away from me, so it was kind of a no-brainer. There were only five in the class, and we worked on three houses. It was a great way to get started on a portfolio. I continue to have a close friendship and business relationship with two of the other students. My advice: talk to as many stagers as you can!!!

Whatever you do, base your decision on how much the training company offers in terms of HOW TO RUN YOUR STAGING BUSINESS. That is 85% of what you need to stay up and running as a stager.

Emily, I could not agree more with what Paula wrote. If you determine that training is needed, make sure you do your research and make sure they teach you how to run the business.

JAN

2008

I live in central, upstate Ny and am interested in staging/redesign. I have been trying to research this career choice ( my eyes are beginning to bug out from computer screen) but am finding that I will have to do some form of traveling/hotel stays to get to courses. Which adds to the cost of the program (already on a tight budget) I also find teleconferencing options or strictly distance learning. Does anyone know of courses offered right here in Rochester?

Plus I had contacted someone who said that they were self-taught, but with the age that we are in the letters after my name will carry more weight!

Please advise

Emily and Gail - I have noticed many people mention the ASP training, which does hold a great deal of credibility, and seems to be great training. Traveling may not be an option for all of us though. This is why we chose to go through HSR (Home Staging Resource)

This training program is done from your own home, is very much focused on marketing, and business structure. It's a 21 day program that you take at your own pace, and Audra (founder and teacher) is very accessible for any questions you may have. This was the second training we acquired, as the first one we tried was very disappointing. Good luck, contact me if you'd like any more info.

Emily,

My training was through I.R.I.S. I was very pleased with it and loved being in a small class atmosphere. I think working with others and doing the actual staging jobs while in class is very valuable. It gives great validation of what you are doing. Place great emphasis on the business aspects of staging. AR is a great place to learn.

Good Luck,

Debbie

JAN

2008

I decided with HSR, and I am loving it! Has great start up info as well as all the forms...which is a huge savings in time and effort trying to create them myself.

I highly recommend it!

Natascha

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