I am interested in changing careers and I have always been interested in home staging. Is anyone currently a home stager or knows someone that is that can give me the pros/cons? I have been thinking about taking a class offered by Barb Schwarz, but I have not completely decided about what I would like to do.
I do not do this, but I've thought about it.
I think the pros would be flexible working hours, potential to make nice $$.
I think the largest cons would be that everyone thinks they can do it themselves and everyone thinks their own houses look pretty good, when they couldn't all look good! LOL Kind of like everyone THINKS they've got a sense of humor?
I always thought that partnering with a realtor would be a good place to start.
Go for it! The best thing about it is that I can't imagine it would cost much at all to start up. I would start by talking to realtors-they are probably the ones who help to arrange the stagers. Take the class too-couldn't hurt. And do a thorough google search and call some to as advice-pref ones out of your area.
Am an interior designer myself and know of firms that do the full on model homes. Have run into a number of people interested in doing staging on a smaller scale as well. You can do anything you are truly passionate about. That being said, I do believe that the window for that market is very small in this economy and more so saturated. 75% of the design staff at my last job were laid off in this economy. People who are forced to sell are not able to put anything into their places. Food for thought, but don't want to be the nay sayer. If you have the passion and drive you can get some work out of it I'm sure. Good luck.
I'm one of those people who would NEED the services of a staging professional. :P
When I looked into it, it seemed like there were some flaky types out there who were just "playing" at it.
So, if you do it, I would suggest that you be as professional as possible. Return phone calls, follow up with people, etc. Think of effective, persistent, and inexpensive ways to market yourself. And it might help to call a few realtors and see if they use them - and if they do is there anything in particular they like about certain ones.
Good luck - happy staging (if you go for it!). It's such a wonderful service to provide to people, and if you have that talent you should share it with the world!
we are in a recession. This is a time when even real estate agents are having trouble holding onto their jobs. I have several friends who are now in other fields due to the current market conditions, selling only part-time/on the weekends.
That said, I would recommend meeting with several different real estate companies & really ask in-depth questions as to their method, their take on the economy, & what they would look for in a stager. From what feedback I've had, staging has been at the recommendation of the realtor....as opposed to the owner. Quite often the owner does not see a need for it!
I wish you Luck in your new career choice!
