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
Home Staging Atlanta - Kathy Nielsen - 678 522 8392
RESA Professional Stager of the Year - Southern Region 2011
Whether your home is vacant or occupied, this Atlanta Georgia Home Stager, Kathy Nielsen, understands what it takes to sell a home quickly. Her homes have graced the pages of several publications, appeared in TV commercials as well as on HGTV's hit program Sleep On it.
With years of experience and a massive inventory - Kathy makes the perfect choice.
Home Staging Website: Home Staging Atlanta
Before and After Pictures: Atlanta Home Staging Portfolio:
Email: Kathy@HomeStagingAtlanta.com
Blog: Atlanta Home Staging
- Kitchen Transformations
- Short on Space? Keep it Simple
- Tips on Selling Your Home From a Professional Stager
- Curtains. Should they stay or go?
- How to dress up your coffee table and end tables when selling
- Quick tips for table settings
- How will buyers remember your home?
- Atlanta Home Staging Consultations - Check out what the homeowner did
- Atlanta Loft Gets Home Staged
- How to ensure your home appeals to a broad base of prospective buyers
Kathy as always very true and helpful. I have found that testimonials and referrals have been a huge part of my business. Unfortunately my website is old and will not be updated until January, that has probably hurt my business a bit so the portfolio is KEY
Have a great Christmas season!
Phyllis Pafumi