First and foremost, I think it critically important to stress that accreditations/certifications, while can be helpful, are not a requirement of a GOOD STAGER.
With that said, I do think that there are things the home seller, agent, investor, and builder should consider when making their decision.
Here are a few tips when selecting a home stager:
Review their portfolio. It's likely that you've heard or read this recommendation before. So, I'll be a bit more specific in terms of what you should be looking for:
- Style - The goal of a "good" stager is to ensure the style of the furniture and accessories are in line with the style of the home. When reviewing a stagers portfolio, check to see if the style compliments the home or instead is in conflict.
- Scale - This applies to the furniture as well as the accessories. Specifically, you want to ensure the stager has the capability of designing the space/rooms with the right scale items.
- Quantity of items used - Is there a good balance of furniture and accessories used?
Can they meet your expectations? Within our industry, there are three distinct staging services. Before I get into them, I'd first like to recognize Kate Hartfor having created these standards. For more information please see her blog titled: Creating a Standard in the Staging Industry:
Here are the three and a little detail behind each: SIMPLE: Vignette staging; light furniture (if any at all) no rugs, limited art. STANDARD: Key Room staging (LR, DR, Kitchen, FR, Entrance) and includes furniture and accessories: SELECT: More of a model home look. If they only provide SIMPLE/vignette-like staging and you instead are expecting a more completed look, then it's best to keep searching.
Experience: How many homes have they staged and at what price point are the homes?
Testimonials: Testimonials can speak volumes to the quality of work and the work ethic of the individual you're considering using. Ensure you ask for references as well.
I hope you find this list helpful.
Kathy
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About the Author: Kathy Nielsen, a RESA 2010 Home Stager of the Year Finalists is a nationally recognized leader within the home staging industry, offers affordable home staging solutions to help sell your home more quickly. Kathy can be reached via email at info@homestagingatlanta.com or by phone at 678 522 8392. Their Atlanta Home Staging services offer a variety of options to accommodate all budgets. To view examples of their before and after pictures, visit their portfolio at Home Staging Atlanta Gallery.
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