Being a professional home stager is a profession that takes some creativity, understanding of decorating or home accessories, some inventory of decorating items; and the ability to work with realtors, home sellers and homeowners alike.
If you’re looking to start a home staging business, get out your checklist, grab some cute throw pillows, and settle in for some great information up front.
Owned by Teri Allen Desert Home Staging and Online Staging Pro. Her small business offers not only personal consultation and staging services but also online services Teri stops by today to share her tips for starting a home staging business from home.
What does a home stager actually do?
I was in a phone consultation last night for an hour looking at my client’s photos and searching online for furniture I thought she would like. I helped her decide on options that would work with her space and preferences. He was completely on the hook before our call and when it was over he knew exactly what he wanted and what to do next. He was so excited that he didn’t want to hang up.
I am working with him on the phone as he lives out of the area. He liked the work I did for his sister who has a house locally and wanted to work with me. Like my online staging consultation, decorating consultations can be easily done over the phone with photos and internet access. It works for specific DIY clients who need help and advice but can do the work themselves.
Onsite services vary but typically, it’s a consultation format where I spend a few hours with the homeowner advising and mentoring them, or I do the full design, purchase, install and furnishing.
What do you need to start a home decorating/staging service?
If a person already has a cell phone, computer and internet access, all it takes to start your own home decorating service with an investment of probably less than $100 is:
- Natural talent and passion for decorating
- Enjoys shopping for furniture and decor and knows the best places to find things at great prices
- Ability to work decisively and quickly
- Not afraid of hard work and long hours
- Friendly, service minded, gets along and works well with clients and vendors
- A camera or good quality smartphone before and after shots
- Basic business ability, computer skills, can budget money and time
- A domain name that is location specific (to rank organically in local search results) and a basic website
- The ability to market and sell their services and the initiative to figure out how to do it cheaply on their own
- Ability to do a good job, earn repeat business and build a good reputation and referral base through online platforms like Yelp, Hauz and Pinterest.
- A toolbox full of basic tools, picture hanging hardware, scissors, touch-up sticks and more.
- Lots of reusable shopping bags
They do not need:
- a lot of money
- employees
- an advantage
- the truck
- equipment or
- Professional design experience
How Much Do Home Stagers Make?
I charge hourly, $100 for design ($300 flat for initial consultation) and $50 for buy-through or flat fee. The client pays for all purchases in advance or we use their credit card. I outsource all vendors, delivery and labor and sometimes charge a cost to the client with a small markup.
I really think this is a huge untapped market of “home decorating services” that cater to the needs and budget of the middle class or average home owner (or apartment dweller).
Yesterday I met a Canadian couple who had just bought a second home and didn’t have the time or interest to furnish it. They had an interior designer for their original home but here in the desert, they wanted an affordable and fast service that could furnish and decorate their new home in two weeks. I got a call a little while ago from a woman who is buying a condo who wants help furnishing and decorating it
A call earlier from a woman buying a condo who wanted help decorating and furnishing it
Where can you learn more about becoming a home stager?
There is no official home staging certificate. The obvious skills you’ll need to get started include organization, a great eye for design, and color and photography skills won’t hurt either. Your credibility will come from the quality of your work. There are some great resources and courses available online today to help you brush up on your skills and the latest styles
- QC Design School Offers highly regarded courses in a variety of design areas including home staging. Payment plans available.
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