What a timely blog written by Connie Tebyani called "Got....Interns?"
I just finished teaching my 3rd Home Staging class at Collin College in Plano, TX this week and it was the smallest class yet. It was actually really nice and intimate and I have been very busy these last two weeks with work and school starting for my kids, so the class size was a welcome respite from the hectic nature of this past month.
The last day of the class I talk about vacant properties and how important it is to stage them. I've written on this topic several times and you can read these two blogs, "Vacants... a growing market" and "Redemption for the soul less. Staging SAVES your vacant property from the no sale graveyard" to get an idea of my feelings about them.
After reading Connie's blog this week and also my staging partner putting the suggestion out there, I decided to open up an offer to those in my class the last night to come and help out at a vacant property I happened to be staging the next day. This was perfect timing and the class was so small, I felt comfortable offering this. This would not be a paying job for them but a learning, hands - on experience.
I asked that if they voluntarily chose to come and assist, to sign a waiver and a small contract stipulating things like they assume their own risk (not that staging is high risk but you never know), hold harmless the various individuals and companies involved, won't release the name or address of the owner/house, and although they won't be paid, they may take before and after photos for print portfolio use only (no web).
One student took me up on the offer and she showed up and did an awesome job!
Her name is Myrna, and she's a mighty talented woman. She had brought some photos to class the last night and showed us some work she's done to her own house. I was duly impressed. She turned out to be an ideal student assistant and I plan on using her again when I need help. While the job was a little more hectic than I like, (many contractors still working in the property and we had to work around them) it turned out great.
Below are some photos of work in the property that Myrna assisted Home Star Staging on.
Bedroom 1 Before
Bedroom 1 After
Bathroom Before
Bathroom After
I have to say it was a wonderful experience and I received an email from Myrna this morning that brought me to tears. Without going into the details essentially she realized that my mission in both my personal and professional life is to help others without judgment, without competition or ill intent. I honestly have a passion to educate others not only on the benefits of home staging but how we can all be of service to one another. In this case the student taught the teacher how important one life can be to another.
Thank you Connie for your timely blog, and thank you Myrna for inspiring me to be a better teacher.
Proudly serving, Collin County and North Dallas, Students , Realtors, Developers, Sellers & Investors, Home Star Staging is here for you Texas!
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