What do you do for a living?
I am a professional home stager and owner of a real estate staging and consulting company located in Texas.
How would you describe what you do?
I help turn house hunters into home buyers. Home staging at its core is a marketing tool to help prepare a home (and a home seller) for sale. Just like any product on the market would be positioned and packaged prior to being put on a shelf home staging does the same for a house for sale.
For this staging project the home seller’s furniture was moved from one area of the home to another to create a more appealing family room. The eyes of a home stager see spaces in ways that attract offers, not incite objections! House was under contract in 27 days during the holiday seaso
What does your work entail?
Although some TV shows have often shown the home staging industry in a glamorous and exciting light, there are a lot of physical and emotional demands and challenges involved in the day to day operations of a home staging business. Home staging involves more than most people realize. This is first and foremost a business, not a hobby . From developing business and marketing plans, operating policies and procedures, networking, meeting with clients, contracts and then the actual work, a home staging business has many demands. My clients are two fold. Those who sell real estate; Realtors, investors and home builders and those who have a house to sell; home owners.
To meet the needs and budgets of my clients I offer a variety of home staging services for both occupied residences and vacant homes for sale. From meeting and consulting directly with and providing on the spot recommendations to home sellers through verbal “walk and talk” consultations for the “do-it-yourself” (DIY) type to providing furniture and accessory rental for a vacant property whose owner I may only have contact with by phone and emails the day to day operations of home staging business can vary greatly.
What’s a typical work week like?
Being the owner of a small business, I handle the day to day operations of the business as well as the work itself. After taking care of the business; billing, responding to emails and calls, marketing, making sure schedules are being met, setting up networking meetings and other common responsibilities most small businesses must do I typically meet with up 8 home sellers a week. These meetings average about 3 hours each including travel, time at the property and any follow up contact. Some of those initial appointments turn into additional staging work as the homes approach their listing dates and others result in only the initial meeting and staging service provided being all that was necessary to get them on their way to preparing the home for sale.
How did you get started?
This is actually something I’ve done since I was a child. I’ve always enjoyed home design, space planning and furniture placement for optimal “feel and appeal”. My mom would take a trip to see her family once a summer and she’d come home to our house being rearranged. As my own kids got older and my father passed away very suddenly I realized life was too short not to venture out and endeavor to do something I loved. I wanted to do something that fulfilled me creatively and professionally but also give me a quality of life and time for my family’s needs. Starting a small business was what I decided to do and having a degree in Marketing and doing some research I found that home staging would be the perfect fit for my creative and intellectual skill set, love of real estate and marketing.
What do you like about what you do?
I’m a people person! I love meeting with clients in their homes. I like knowing why they bought the house and understanding why they’re selling. In a short time frame I can formulate a plan and an approach to help not only a prospective buyer see the house as one they may want to buy but the seller to understand the reasons why it needs to be done. Home selling (and buying) is an emotional process and what I love about my job is that I’m helping my clients maximize the return on their investment and get the most from their home sale so they can move on and fulfill their dreams or new chapters in their lives. There is nothing offensive or hurtful about what I do and although there have been times that the conversations are difficult, a seller needs to know what can be done to improve the marketability of their home for a quick and profitable sale.
What do you dislike?
The business of running the business. Billing, paperwork, marketing, web presence, contracts, inventory management, etc. there is a lot more involved than just showing up and making a house look nice.
How do you make money/or how are you compensated?
I am paid according to the service provided. I offer a range of services from hourly rates billed for consulting to bids by the job depending on the scope of work.
How much money do Home Stagers make?
Nationally the average home stager’s billable hourly rate could range anywhere from $25-$150+ per hour. Now does that mean they make that per every hour of a 40 hour work week? Not exactly. Billable hours are the ones you are actually working and being paid for, not the time you take running the business or accounting for operating expenses.
The salaries/revenues vary greatly across the country. I’ll put a range considering starting out part time staging could be $5000/year to full blown staging companies six figures or more when they have the whole shebang – furniture rental, huge warehousing etc.
How much money did/do you make starting out as a Home Stager?
For this project the home had been listed for a few months prior to staging. Once staged, with some rental props and accessories from Home Star Staging, the first showing after staging an offer was received
A better question is how much money I invested to start my home staging business. I was not making money when I first started out. Before anything else, I invested in a home staging course when I first considered this as a career option. I would encourage anyone who is interested in starting a home staging business to do their homework when it comes to home staging training courses. While I enjoyed the class itself the business side of learning how to run a home staging company was a bit inadequate. However over the course of several years and the “stager’s school of hard knocks” I managed to survive and thrive.
My passion and belief in this business and the knowledge that this is a must have service for anyone selling a home has driven me when a paycheck for a long time did not. Currently I’m a course trainer for a company that is staging business intensive focused for anyone serious about starting a home staging business; www.StagingandRedesign.com learning from a working home stager in your market is often a key for some to understanding how to run a successful home staging business.
Initially any money I made as a home stager went right back into my business. I’ve built an inventory of accessories and props for use in staging projects that need items to enhance the home as I offer this service to my clients. For the first 3 years I did not actually “make” money but reinvested it into my business. Although I never took a loan for the business it is not uncommon for those considering operating a small business to do so when starting out.
What education, schooling, or skills are needed to do this?
I have a BA in marketing which has been invaluable. Having a passion for home design and real estate is a must. Knowing how to run a small business is also key and the staging industry is unique in its operating procedures. Having professional procedures and policies in place is important for running a successful home staging business. While there are many home staging training companies out there, not all are created equally. I value my education and training and continue to invest each year on a variety of subjects from; social networking information, SEO optimization, to creative marketing ideas. I’m always looking for new ways to showcase and share my service and skills. Knowing how to stage is one thing, knowing how to run a successful home staging business is quite another.
What is most challenging about what you do?
I still continue to see a lack of education and knowledge about what home stagers do and the importance of the service we provide. In some ways this may be attributed to home stagers themselves, especially those who are not in it for the aspect of running a business but more interested in having a “hobby”. I’m running a business first, and home staging is my business. When someone claims to “love to decorate” and goes in and “stages” a home unsuccessfully for free or almost free, it sets up the precedent that the staging service didn’t work or isn’t valuable.
In some markets home staging is non existent in others fully utilized but I see home staging becoming an industry standard for all residential real estate sales when done correctly and valued by the industry and the stager themselves. Until the real estate industry as a whole sees the benefit and need for a professional home stager as part of the process for listing a home, we continue to be seen as a small cottage industry that has not quite made the mark or the impression that we’re here to stay. Educating our clients is vital to the success of our industry.
What is most rewarding?
For this project the home had been unsuccessfully listed for 6 months prior to a new Realtor who understood the value of staging was brought in. After consulting with the owner, furniture was purchased to be moved to their new house and they opted for a rental prop package with Home Star Staging. The first weekend after listing this time around multiple offers were received and they finally accepted one over asking price!
Knowing that I’m helping people get the most equity out of their home investment and seeing the light bulb go off in the eyes of my clients. When they understand the need and process of why home staging works and they get it, the end result of a quick sale for the best price is inevitable and everyone is happy; home seller, Realtor and home stager. It’s a team effort and when the team wins we all do.
It’s one of the reasons I also teach a home staging class at Collin College in Plano,TX for anyone interested in knowing how and why to stage. It’s that important of a marketing tool that anyone in the business of selling a home needs to understand and I’m willing to share!
What advice would you offer someone considering this career?
If you need a consistent income to maintain your lifestyle and pay bills then I would suggest starting slow. Don’t quit your day job if you need a steady income. Seriously. As with any start up, understand that you will not be seeing a regular paycheck on a consistent basis. Many successful home stagers have started slowly but you need to set realistic expectations. Do your homework about the home staging industry, there are many online resources and staging forums for you to investigate and they’re free. Here are few websites with some great blogs on staging to check out: www.activerain.com | www.energizedseller.com | www.stagingandredesign.com
Take an appropriate home staging training course, get some free information from your local Small Business Development Center. If your area has a local RESA Chapter; www.RealEstateStagingAssociation.com attend a meeting and talk to local home stagers.
How much time off do you get/take?
I create my own schedule and can be flexible to the needs of my clients as well as my family. It’s one of the benefits of being a small business owner. Although I do work weekends in the busy season, I take at least 4 weeks off a year at different times. But when I’m not working, I am also not getting paid and need to account for that in my operating expenses and billable hours.
What is a common misconception people have about what you do?
That anyone can do this. Also that I go in and decorate the home to make it look pretty. In many cases I’m actually “un decorating”. I take a much different approach to my business in that I come from the marketing perspective of the buyer demographic pool that will be looking at the home and how to position and stage the property to appeal to a specific buyer. I research my target market. Cast a wide net yes, but hook the ones you know are in the market for this particular type, style, location and price point of property.
What are your goals/dreams for the future?
I’d love to be able to open a unique décor and up-cycled home resource store. Junking, antiquing and repurposing found items are some of my other passions. I love affordable design that makes people happy in their homes while not adding more landfill. I’d love to travel in an old restored RV and do my “picking”, meet folks across the country and just enjoy the view. I’d also of course like to be able to support my family and their dreams and provide a quality of service to my clients that can help support them and their families as they move forward.
What else would you like people to know about your job/career?
That I absolutely love what I do and wouldn’t trade it for any other profession! If you find your passion in life in what you do each day you’ve found your life’s purpose and when you’re in sync with that, it’s a blessing to wake up each day and work with the people you get to. The journey is the reward.
Hi Karen,
Thank you for this insightful article!
I am an interior design student here in the Austin area with a love for space planning and on the prowl for an internship with a registered interior designer or architect. Like you, I tested my creative skills as a kid by rearranging furniture in my home. Naturally, this sent my father into hysterics to find his possessions suddenly misplaced. I haven’t learned from his scowls because I still do it. Only now with a legitimate excuse!
I was wondering if I could borrow some of your insight into the staging business. Do you know if there are any interior designers or architects who hire interns for staging homes or is the process a bit different?
Again, thank you so much for you post! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
–Melanie
Hi Melani,
There are design and staging companies who hire interns. I would give some local businesses a call and see how they work with interns. I see lots of interior designs companies starting to add staging services to their offerings. best wishes on your career and thanks for reading the interview!
Karen
Hi Karen,
I live in North Dallas (ZIP Code 75287), and I have seen your vehicle, and enjoy your website. I have a certification in home staging, however, I have not jumped into starting my own business. I was wondering if you ever hire part-time help. I would love to talk to you if you have a need. We could meet somewhere in the vicinity and discuss. ( Corner Bakery or Starbucks ? )
I’m happy to give you further contact information if this is something you might consider talking to me about.
Thank you,
Karen
Thank you for this article ! Just like you I have loved anything to do with homes since I was a child . I love refurbishing old things to make them come back to life and I love putting or moving furniture in rooms to make the room look it’s best . I live in Arkansas and have been rolling the idea around in my mind of starting a staging business here along with getting my real estate license but after reading your article I have decided to stop letting my fear get in my way and to follow my passion ! If I’m ever down your way I would love to stop by and meet you in person . Good luck with your future and again thanks for the advice .
I have been a professional home stager for 9 years. The original home staging company where I got certified taught a course on staging to real estate agents for licensure renewal credits. The agents tell their sellers that they can stage their homes. Organizers and designers also say they do staging. The public reads articles that say that all they have to do is declutter and remove personal photos so they don’t hire professional stagers. When they don’t know what to do they post pictures on
facebook and the whole community chimes in. I try to educate the public about the staging process to no avail. I love what I do but it has become a small part time business. Any suggestions?
I don’t worry about anyone else who is staging their own listings or other stagers in my market. The real competition is actually the limitations we set and not staying th course and being persistent and consistent. If you can exhibit value and a ROI for the service you provide to ONE agent and they use you for all their listings, the word will get out. It’s still a matter of educating many local markets and while the staging industry has made strides in awareness there is still a long way to go. I used to regularly teach one hour staging classes (no MCE) to real estate offices and have some of my best referrals from these classes. Best wishes on continued success Gail!
Hi Karen!
I am a Spanish architect with commercial knowledge. I am trying to start home stage business here. My idea is to offer my services to some real state agency so I can work with them . One of my question is about the atrezzo or low cost accessories you put like pictures, candles, plants , cushions, theses things, do you buy them , use them in a flat, and after you take them again for another client? or you buy these accessories for each client and the client after keeps the objects? How does it work? Could you help me ? thank you!!
Hi Elvira, we rent the accessories that we purchase for our inventory. I do sell them from the houses sometimes but we don’t purchase for the client although I do give those that need it (occupied home owners mainly) shopping lists of items to purchase should they need it for staging.
Hi Casey!
I live in Atlanta GA. USA I’m interested in getting involve in the business of staging. Nevertheless, I want to know what kind of advice would you recommend in term of personal safety to protect your life and avoiding physical hurt when visiting a stranger home( customer) for the first time. you never know what kind of crazy people you may run into.
Hi Estela, thankfully I’ve never had an issue but I always have the name, address and phone number of who I’m meeting with left with my husband. I also keep my phone on me at all times in a vacant property situation. I work mainly by referral so most all of my clients are sellers of Realtors I work with but it is good to have a plan in place for sure!
Hello Karen,
I’m interested in taking classes for home staging and wanted your input as to where to begin? What is the best school / courses that are available in the Charlotte, North Carolina area?
Thank You,
Judith
There are many online courses you can take and only a handful of “live classroom”. I recommended http://www.StagingandRedesign.com in this interview as I have taken it and can endorse it to be a great one if you’re serious about the business of home staging. I apologize I didn’t get a notification on the comment to this message earlier and I hope this hellps!
Hi- I’ve been working for a home stager for a short time and due to r death of her husband she is considering selling her existing business of 8 years to me. I have extensive experience in running businesses and a passion for design but not much actual staging experience. I also don’t quite know about how to valuate the business. It is making money already, has a huge inventory and very little competition but there are problems as well. Would you be able to have a phone chat with me and answer some of my questions about buying and making a successful,scalable business? Thanks! 541-601-4201
Hi Savana, This question is a lot more involved than most and since I’ve never sold the business would be out of my area of expertise to help you on that end, you need someone to look over the financials of this company before considering purchasing. I would recommend you reach out to a small business development center in your local area (they are generally free to you in your county) and they could steer you in the right direction or give you a referral for a business counselor/attorney. Making money is one thing but profitability is another as we know. Warehousing and extensive inventory are some of the biggest expenses for home staging businesses so it’s best to do a thorough analysis before taking the plunge. Good luck!
Great article, Karen! I really appreciated your honesty and insights.
Glad it was useful to you Kim! thanks for reading!
Karen,
This is a fantastic article. I am also starting my own home staging business and couldn’t be more excited. I appreciate the business aspect of home staging as I managed a home based business in the past. Your insight for this profession is very helpful and inspiring, and you also prove the fact that it isn’t a hobby but a professional business. Thanks again!
Hi Pam,
Thanks so much for your feedback on this interview. It was my hope to help others who are interested in the staging industry. I wish you much success in your business. You may want to look for a RESA Chapter in your area (if there is one) and connect and network with fellow stagers.
Congratulations Karen !!! I like very much your article . I am a Real Estate manager in Spain. I am really interesting in home staging. Thank you for your blog post.
Neus
Hi Neus, thanks so much for your feedback on the interview. I appreciate it! Glad it was helpful to you and wishing you much success in Spain!
Karen,
I really enjoyed reading this article! It was exactly what I was looking for, as I am hoping to start my own home staging AND refurbished furniture business. We are very alike. As a child, I too was always moving furniture around and just recently came to the realization that redesign and home staging may be my calling, as I have had a lot of trouble trying to figure out what kind of career I would like to pursue. I came across an ad for a month long home staging class at a local vocational school nearby and it was as though a light bulb flashed in my brain saying “This Is For You!” I have always loved home design and I am practically obsessed with searching craigslist and other sites for great finds! I am a 24 year old natural born entrepreneur but have never owned my own business. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations you could give, as far as where I should go get the training I need to become a successful home stager and business owner. There are so many websites offering training materials, all at different price levels. I live in Oklahoma City. Thanks Karen!
Hi Casey! You are exactly who this article is intended for! I’m so glad it was helpful to you.
Getting into any business can be difficult but home staging, being relatively a new industry has many challenges that aren’t known until you actually get into the business. Please check out the company mentioned in the interview with the link Staging and Redesign.com . It is a class for those interested in starting a home staging business, not just having a hobby.
Currently there are no RESA Chapters in OK (but we’d love to get one started!)however RESA is an international association of home staging professionals who offer support, continuing education and want to advance professionalism and ethics in our industry. It is open to anyone. We meet once a month in the Dallas area and if you are of course welcome to attend our meetups! (Google: RESA Dallas Chapter Meetup for more info) Please feel free to contact me via email or by phone from my website. I’d be happy to speak to you further. Best wishes! Karen
Karen,
This is a wonderful article! You covered so many aspects of a home staging business. I particularly enjoy your thorough explanation of home staging as a business rather than a hobby.
You do wonderful work. I enjoy your photos and your thoughtful blog posts.
Penny
Thank you Peggy for your thoughtful reply! I so appreciate your comments!