Usually, we Stagers can count on this time of year to be pretty calm. I look forward to it every year as it gives me time to work on my business and set up my marketing plans for the new year.

It's also the time that I get caught up with the numerous people I have almost ignored for the past 11 months as life is a bit crazier than it use to be and my trips to Santa Rosa to see old friends and family just don't happen as much as they use to.

We'll this year - it's not the case. We have lots going on staging, design to live and StagersLIST.com has been keeping us jumping - and the best part is we are not alone.

I was talking to one of my favorite local Stagers Nancy Clearythe other day. She is a fabulous Stager right here in Walnut Creek, California.  She is not only fabulous at what she does but her spirit and enthusiasm is just wonderful.

It's the week before Christmas and she is running around like crazy staging and finishing up three other staging projects that have kept her hoping! We laugh everyone time we are on the phone together because we always end with - we really do need to get together for dinner or lunch soon - let's get a date on the calendar. We haven't set that date yet but we have really good intentions!

What this shows me is that what I have been saying all along. Staging is no longer a Nice to Have - It's a Necessity!  We know it and now the public are getting it too!

The last three phone calls I received for houses are from Homeowners - not Realtors.  They are now educated enough to know that they need to call us if they are selling - if they really want to sell.

I didn't ask Nancyif she is experiencing the same - but I bet it has some part of why she is so busy too.

It may be Christmas - but Stagers are Busy!  For good reason - the homeowners are getting educated and know that no matter what time of year it is - if they are selling they need to call a stager.