The Real Estate Staging Association, is the only 501(c)(6) tax-exempt non-profit trade association in the home staging industry. The purpose of RESA is dedicated to improving business conditions of our members and the industry as a whole, rather than for the benefit and profit of an individual owner(s). Our association survives and thrives because of the RESA Members themselves, and we could not do what we do at RESA HQ without the help of the 250 industry leaders who volunteer their time all over the USA and Canada to move the RESA mission forward. At RESA HQ we are privileged to work with RESA members to grow their local chapters, and their businesses at large.
Get To Know The RESA Minneapolis Area Chapter Secretary & Owner of KLHome Staging – Kelly Harbal
1. How long have you been staging – and what inspired you to start staging?
I have always had a passion for housing even at a very early age. My passion grew through my background in Architectural Drafting and Design, and my previous career as a Kitchen Designer. I love all aspects of houses from the inside out.
2. Did you take training specific for your home staging business?
Yes, I trained through Staging Diva, HSR, and Staging Studio so triple certified. I wanted to make sure I have as much knowledge about the industry as I could from the start.
4. How long have you been involved with RESA?
I joined my Local RESA Minneapolis Area Chapter in my first year of staging.
5. Why did you choose to volunteer your time for RESA?
It has helped guide me in the process of building my business and I want to be a resource for stagers in the business and newcomers.
6. What is the most rewarding thing about being involved with your local chapter?
The connection with other stagers and having others to talk to about the industry. Especially at the startup of my business when deciding how to operate, and guidance when you are established.
7. What do you want your chapter to be known for?
Truly supporting one another even though we are competition, in the end, we all gain from helping each other out.
8. What is your goal for your chapter in 2020 and how do you plan to accomplish that?
Create unity in the group, and retain the members we have.
9. What has been the most challenging thing you have navigated in this industry?
Honestly, pricing. However, my accountability partner and I have used the RESA information to help navigate how to price in our markets.
10. What is the best piece of advice you have received in regards to operating a staging business?
Start with training. It will get you on the path you need to be on.
11. What is your favorite way to celebrate a win in business?
Taking the crew out for lunch!
12. What are 3 things you would recommend to those just starting in business?
1. Create a Business Plan
2. Training to become Certified
3. Join your local chapter
13. When you hear the RESA vision “an industry where high standards are well-established and practiced universally, and the use of professional staging is standard practice when selling real estate.
I am glad we are setting the industry standards as this is a growing industry and I feel it will keep expanding. I love that we are setting the standard now for what’s to come.
We look forward to seeing how the RESA Minneapolis Area Chapter grows in 2020! If you are in the home staging or real estate industry and would like to connect with your local RESA chapter, you can find a list of all of our active chapters here. No chapter in your area? We would love to talk to you about the possibility of a RESA chapter near you – reach out to Vanessa@RESA-HQ.org for more details.
Learn more about Kelly’s staging business here.
Felicia has a background in production design and studied at Academy Of Art University where she had a focus in Motion Pictures And Television. In her free time you can find her reading about the latest marketing trends or hanging out with her husband in Disneyland.
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