Archive for Articles Featuring Home Stagers
The key word for selling real estate in 2012 is CHALLENGING. No one, including the experts, can predict how the market will fare in the next 12 months. While the health of the economy and regional markets, and location and size of properties are outside the control of agents and sellers, three factors are discretionary and must be expertly managed to ensure a successful sale:
- PRICE
- PRESENTATION
- CONDITION
Increasingly, savvy real estate agents are realizing that having professional home stagers on their teams is the best way to increase their marketing effectiveness and success. When staged listings sell faster and for more than the comps that are not staged, agents and their real estate companies benefit from higher commissions, reduced marketing expenses, increased profitability, increased client satisfaction and increased referrals. Success breeds success.
In addition, collaborating with a home staging expert, who can handle a staging project from consultation through to completion, frees up an agent’s time to focus on what they do best – list and sell properties and find homes for their buyers. For the home seller, agent and real estate company, professional home staging is a win-win-win marketing strategy. Unfortunately, some real estate agents still do not appreciate the value and necessity of professional home staging. But in 2012, staging is no longer optional, according to real estate guru, Barbara Corcoran.
Here’s what real estate agents say about staging - Out vs In.
|
OUT
|
IN
|
| “Staging costs too much” |
“Staging is a short-term, high yield investment.” |
| “Staging wastes too much time.” |
“Staging saves time by reducing days on the market.” |
| “Staging is fluffing.” |
“Staging is savvy marketing.” |
| “My listings always sell… eventually.” |
“My listings sell higher and faster than the competition.” |
| “Why would I pay for a consultation?” |
“Investing in consultations helps me sell listings.” |
| “I won’t offend my seller by suggesting staging.” |
“I win listings by having a pro stager on my team.” |
| “I do my own staging.” |
“I focus on listing and selling.” |
| “Staging is just for vacants.” |
“All properties benefit from some degree of staging.” |
| “What’s a stager?” |
“My staging pro is an indispensable member of my team.” |
As president of Ingenuity & Pizzazz, Inc., I have collaborated with agents and sellers on the staging and sale of over $600 million in real estate. It is such a pleasure to work with savvy real estate agents, who embrace the “IN” attitude.
Staging isn’t just for homes anymore. When the PBS show “Ideas In Action” with Jim Glassman came to Dallas to interview His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the SMU campus the producers had to scramble. The room was big, orange and empty. Producer Sydney White realized a stager would be the ideal professional for the job because stagers are used to working quickly and have excellent resources. Holly Bellomy, owner of Dallas Real Estate Staging and Dallas RESA Vice President, was tapped for the assignment. (more…)
Sandy Sullivan, the heroine of my eighth novel, BEST STAGED PLANS, is hoping to downsize and move on to the next chapter of her life. Since she’s a professional home stager, getting rid of her own house should be easy, but her husband is dragging his feet and their twenty-something-year-old son has returned home to turn the basement into his “bat cave.” (more…)
June 8th, 2011 (Long Island, NY) – Cathy Hobbs, CSP Instructor was announced monday as a HGTV Design Star finalist, and it comes as no shock to Certified Staging Professionals; as they boast of only hiring the best of the best in the industry.
Certified Staging Professionals hires their instructors based on staging talent, business savvy in the trenches, and adult education experience. With 100 hours worth of training starting in January of 2011, between running her own successful staging business in NY (and an out of country unexpected, unexplained, absence – until now!) Cathy Hobbs was formally certified to teach the world acclaimed Real Estate Staging Program just this month.
“As much as we pride ourselves on choosing qualified instructors, they also choose us” says Christine Rae, President and CEO of CSP International Business Training Academy. “Many of our instructors are successful when they come to us; they want to be associated with training recognized for its quality curriculum and brand significance.”
“With some 6000 people applying for 12 coveted slots on Season 6 of Design Star. I was thrilled to have been selected! It is an exciting season, with lots of twists and turns! The staging skills I learned through CSP absolutely were part of my “tool kit”. Be sure to watch as I try to earn my own show on HGTV!” says Cathy Hobbs founder of the interior design and home staging firm apherea based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
In addition to running her growing business, Cathy Hobbs has nearly two decades of experience as an on-air television news correspondent and continues to make regular television appearances. She has worked in some of the top television markets in the country and is currently in her 12th year as an on-air television reporter and anchor at a top affiliate station in New York City, where she has developed a strong fan base. Cathy has been nominated for nineteen Emmy awards, and is a five-time Emmy award winner. In 2003, she took one of the Emmy awards top honors, earning the coveted award for Outstanding General Assignment and Live Reporter for the entire New York City region.
Certified Staging Professionals is the leading staging training company in North America and Australia. Founded in 2005 by internationally- acclaimed staging expert, Christine Rae. The CSPI Academy delivers comprehensive training programs in staging, redesign, green science and marketing, and provides unparalleled after-training support to real estate professionals, stagers, professional organizers, decorators and entrepreneurs.
2011 March Madness Spring Cleaning charity drive benefiting the SafeHaven Women’s Shelter of Tarrant County and the Genesis Women’s Shelter of greater Dallas, supporting victims of domestic violence coming out of crisis situations.
In our efforts to continue to giveback to our community, during the months on March and April we partnered with 6 real estate agencies located throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, who collected gently used household items from the DFW community. They opened their doors to community residents, and other real estate agencies and businesses to be the drop off location in their area. In addition, two local moving companies were so generous and eager to donate their services to help us collect and deliver donations. (more…)
February 2nd, 2011 (Minneapolis, MN) – Real Estate Staging Association® (RESA®) has awarded Certified Staging Professionals® the RESA® Accreditation™.
In any industry choosing the best service or product can be difficult for the consumer. Consumers look for symbols of excellence, proof they will have a good experience and value for money. RESA’s Accreditation process does this for the staging training industry; it sets the standards for staging training.
“We have always known we have a leading staging training program, one which grows with the staging industry, however, being older than the trade association it wasn’t until this year we felt we should get this stamp of approval from RESA” explains Christine Rae, President and founder of Certified Staging Professionals course. “Similar to our CSP International Masters of Real Estate Staging, stagers apply to show proof of experience, excellence, the RESA Accreditation of the CSP Program is proof to potential staging students, the staging program exceeds high industry standards set by the staging trade association; RESA.”
“The application process was grueling; it took weeks to compile the necessary proof of enriched course content, viable finances, excellent reputation, office procedures, trainers experience and more!” says Angela Brooks, Director of Marketing & National Accounts for CSP International Academy. “As much as it is hard work, it is comforting to know all staging training programs will need to go through this process.”
“The program follows the guidelines set forth of the US Department of Education’s accrediting agencies process. RESA® reviews not only the actual training providers books and methods of teaching, they also review their administrative policies as well has insuring the companies are fiscally sound.” Says Shell Brodnax, President of RESA. Certified Staging Professionals was formally accredited by the Real Estate Staging Association® (RESA®) on January 25th during the annual RESA Convention in Las Vegas.
The Certified Staging Professional Program was founded in 2005 and now boast thousands of graduates, who have earned the CSP designation by passing an intensive course curriculum including 2 exams of which graduates must achieve a 75% or higher grade.
Certified Staging Professionals (www.stagingtraining.com) is the leading staging training company in North America and Australia. Founded in 2005 by internationally- acclaimed staging expert, and author Christine Rae. The CSP International Business Training Academy delivers comprehensive training programs in staging, redesign, green science and marketing, and provides unparalleled after-training support to real estate professionals, stagers, professional organizers, decorators and entrepreneurs.
The Real Estate Staging Association is the member run trade organization for professional stagers in North America. RESA provides support services and educational resources for professional stagers in addition to providing vital information regarding the benefits of staging to REALTORS® and consumers. For more information on staging or to hire a professional stager, information on education or future sponsorship opportunities or RESA® Accreditation™ contact Shell Brodnax, visit the RESA Web site at www.RealEstateStagingAssociation.com or call 800-201-8687
“Home Staging Trends in North America
and Industry Outlook for 2010″
Certified Staging Professionals Release:
Home Staging Trend Report
As the professional home staging industry gains respect as an essential and integrated component of the international real estate industry at large, the demand for valid industry performance statistics has also increased. However, the reality is that home staging statistics for “days on market” and “contract versus listing” prices vary significantly due to differences in regional real estate markets. In 2009, the Canadian real estate market fared much better than the U.S. market, which suffered an extraordinary decline because of the banking crisis and recession. Furthermore, regional differences can also be significant. However, the common fact remains that irrespective of location and/or market conditions, professionally staged properties sell faster and for more money than comparable properties, which are not staged.
CSP International™ believes it is important to acknowledge these differences, while still providing an overview of value to the 2009 Home Staging Industry in North America. In this report we feature several specific key areas of Canada and the U.S., as well as highlight the market differences and local trends in home staging. We have consulted with home staging experts and real estate professionals to share their valuable perspective on 2009 and their outlook for 2010.
Sneak Peak….Industry Outlook for 2010
Charleston, South Carolina
“The Charleston, South Carolina market, while not hard hit by economic downturns, seems to be rebounding in 2010, at least in the average or below average price ranges. Higher home values are still languishing on the market, particularly in the secondary/seasonal home communities.”
New York City, NY
“While we are seeing a trend of buyers returning to the market, these buyers are demanding and getting best value. Realistic pricing is still paramount but never before have presentation and condition been so important.”
Toronto, ON
“…This method of marketing has created multiple offers on properties and has resulted in selling prices as much as 115% over asking. An example of this is thirteen offers on one property I staged at the end of January 2010, which was listed at $645,000 and sold for $755,000.”
Directory of Stagers with Local Statistics
Some CSPs are already compiling their staging success statistics. For their contact information, please refer to the Directory at the end of this report. This resource tool and statistical data from CSPs will also enable CSP International Academy to analyze regional, national and international statistics for future reports.
DOWNLOAD
“2009 Home Staging Trends in North America
with Industry Outlook for 2010″ REPORT Today!
Nicole Wexler of Turquoise Decor LLC, out of Redmond, Washington has been featured in the Redmond Reporter. Nicole is a member of RESA, and was named Stager of the Month in February 2010.
To read the article click here:
Setting the stage for success: Redmond woman helps spruce up homes, offices with ‘one-day redesigns’
Gail Alexander, CEO of Setting the Stage, LLC out of Bothell Washington has been featured in the Summer 2009 Edition of From House to Home. Gail is an active member of RESA serving at the Washington State President.
To read the article click here: Gail Alexander From House to Home Summer 2009
