Home Stager says you don't need training to stage homes

hi, Cathy:
I saw some familiar names in the comments section... You were spot on, and were our other A/R friends.

Thing is: I think it was apparent to every one that this was written by some one plugging their own business, and then being commented on by themselves or people instructed to do so.  It happened to one of my A/R blogs about a similar group.  I had questioned their integrity as a whole because they recommended calling a Home Stagers to find out pricing and service info by pretending to be a seller.

Any ways, after a few months, some unregistered persons started posting about what a wonderful course this group offered, and started putting down other courses.  I had to lock the blog down 'cause it got a little ugly. Too bad for them - it's frozen on A/R for all of Google to find now!

Thanks for sharing - it was... Shall I say, "Funny"?

Cathy, I thought the response you left was excellent.

Scary! I just got an e-mail from a "national" trainer offering to partner with stagers to sell their training courses. Then you make a commission on the sale...... I would rather spend my time building MY business than someones training course :)

Cathy - I thought your response was great.  There was another Stager in my area for about a year and she had not gone through any training.  She continually went around town saying that accreditation was not necessary and that there were no industry standards.  As a matter of fact her AR profile says the same thing. 

 At one point we were both at the same realtor expo, I had gone up to introduce myself and meet her.  Over the course of the conversation, I had mentioned about becoming accredited and that I could forward her info about the course I took. She blanketly said that she didn't need it, she knew everything there was to know.  Interesting thought - I can't soak up enough education and here was someone who didn't need any. 

I don't think she is in business anymore.  It does go to show that there needs to be more education to the public about what professional standards are.  I am glad that you brought this to our attention.  Thanks!

Ulterior motives are often found if you look deep enough.  But the reality is that the comments are educating more than her post.  THANKS for taking the time to give a terrific response and for sharing with all of us.  Good post.

Interesting - thanks for pointing out the article Cathy.

I just saw this post and I will add my 2 cents for what it is worth.  If people could just stage without training or some careful thought to a project, then every home  on the multiple listing service would be clean, decluttered, purposefully arranged and show gorgeous photos. 

On a personal note I staged a couple homes before going to some hands on training and that training inspired me with a heightened level of confidence.  Things have not been the same since.  I have gone on to stage every listing, every home I manage, every apt I lease.  I have staged one bedroom apts, one bedroom lake cottage, several 2-3 bedroom bungalows clear to upper range executive homes.   Every property for sale or rent or lease needs to be staged to market at its best.  I have a read a few of the self-help books looking to glean ideas, but the best refresher training is the hands-on gathering with other stagers!  Two heads are better than one when it comes to creativity.  My strengths are in my humble opinion  are overall flow, theme and balance.  I have teamed up with a lady who used to own  her own drapery shop and she does amazing things with windows.  Another is very particular about the exact placement of art.  Thus, a team of stagers is even better than one or two.  

Cathy, I think this is a touchy subject, because so much of this business is based on talent that cannot be taught.  I completely agree that standards of professionalism are what should bond us together regardless of training or background.  People should spend their energy on supporting a person's individual path, and not trashing viable options.  Training and education are vital!  That's exactly why I constantly keep current with local association meetings and events.