One of the perks of my job is that I get to spend time with energetic, motivated home staging professionals. Many are just getting started, full of energy, full of life & excited to begin a great new adventure. In our conversations, I am often asked for “quick hitting” advice which can put into action immediately. Here is some of the advice I provided:
DO go overboard with service. It’s almost impossible to go “too far” when it comes to serving your clients. Do everything you can to provide value—the extra effort will pay off when they recommend you to a friends and family member!
DO look for opportunities to partner with other professionals. A few key partnerships with realtors and agents can make all the difference. Invest time to create mutually beneficial relationships!
DO get involved with your local community. Giving back to the local community is the right thing to do—and also good business. The relationships you build and the visibility you achieve can be very valuable. Whether you work with a favorite charity, support local schools, or involved in other ways, make community service a priority!
DO have a plan. You need a long-term strategic plan if you expect to be successful. I have spoken and teach about this extensively —for now, let me just remind you that operating a business without a plan is like embarking on a long journey without a map. Don’t do it!
DO invest in your education. As a home stager, YOU are your most valuable asset. Your abilities and your knowledge will determine the ultimate success of your business. So never stop learning!
DON’T get personal. You may have a strong sense of style, but when it comes to staging property, remember neutral is always best. Your job as a stager is to emphasize the positives and possibilities of the property which buyers aspire to own.
DON’T overdo it. A common “rookie” mistake for stagers involves trying too hard. Don’t fill the house with furniture, lights, and accent pieces. Clean, neutral, and subtle are best. KISS it..Keep it Simple Stager
DON’T leave anything to chance. As a home stager, the last thing you want is an unexpected problem at the last moment before a showing. Don’t rely on vendors, real estate agents, home owners, or anyone else—it’s your job to have the space looking great, and you need to stay on top of the details. That doesn’t mean do all of the work by yourself—it just means that you follow up with your team and ensure that the job is done properly!
DON’T buy accessories with the intent of returning them later. Some stagers and realtors have begun buying accessories from stores, using them to stage the home, and then returning them later. Not only is this unethical, but now stores have begun changing their return policies as a result, means we all suffer for the wrongs of others. Work locally but please Think Global!
Questions or comments? Would you like to learn more? Please get in touch with me today!
