RESA Convention Archives - HSR Home Staging Certification Training
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The Hot Tips I Learned at RESACON

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I had more fun at the last RESA Convention than any other time!  I also learned a thing or two and shared it in the quick Facebook Live video below...enjoy!

 

I kicked off the RESA Convention by treating all of my HSR and CCE Grads to a Happy Hour reception in a private party loft suite.  Boy those ladies can drink their wine:-)!

Here's a fun video of that event...​

 

Finally, I asked people to share some of their RESA Convention Lessons Learned and here they are:


Kelly Harbal

Have an accountability partner, focus on long term goals for your business and profit first

Learned inside tips on different e-design programs. Tips on how to use the platforms.


Theresa Ceglio

Know Thy Numbers! 2 ways to grow your profit is to grow your income or reduce your expenses, preferably do both!

Debbie Boggs - Are You Profitable


Jodi Copeland

I learned to become more visible, use 30-60 second videos on all platforms. And put my logo on a t-shirt and stage it in a master closet, place my logo on wine bottle labels, water bottles...

“Drive Awareness and Sales with Content Branding Videos” by Johnathan Miller and Shari Auldridge.


Susan Thompson

Lamps & lampshades are difficult to store & transport. Trying to match up the lampshades is even harder when the base is stored on a different shelf. One tip was to remove the shade, harp & finial from one lamp and only the shade from the matching lamp and store those two shades together, (hopefully they nest). Then when it comes time to find the matching lamps you will be able to locate the other lamp much easier.

Bringing the Mojo: Everyday Staging Hacks, Tricks and Tips


Cindy gasior

Guidance on how to increase my profit by analyzing my inventory investment, budgeting, setting aside a portion of my cash inflow for operating. I have a tendency to over reinvest my profits - these formulas will give me the structure I need for discipline and then larger profits. I also found very helpful the concept of adjusting my pricing according to my inventory supply and project demands. Of course - Vern Yip's reminders about design measurements and ratios in addition to his color trend forecast was wonderful

Profit first Ryan Marsh Vern Yip


Debbie Marchica

The financial responsibilities of having a business. I had attended a business class that was offered free of charge by the State of California": Equalization Board, a week before the convention. The presentation at RESA by David of Synergy Staging on the business portion was even better.

The Business of Staging


Karen Gray Plaisted

Carry a box of Crayola crayons in your tool bag to touch up nicks and scratches on frames etc. If you have old books that you have read but can use in your stagings spray paint them white with chalk paint, two coats will do! A video of 30 seconds to a minute of what you do will help drive traffic to you. Have a GoPro with you. If you spend money on video production use on various platforms. Edit and reuse make the most of the money you spent

From Bring on the Mojo presented by Carol Clark From Driving Awareness and Sales by Jonathan Miller and Shari Auldridge


Audra Slinkey

Indeed.com is a great place to post your job listing for free to attract and hire good assistants. It also pre-screens them by making them answer a series of canned questions.

Veteran 6+ Year Home Stager Interactive Group Session - Comment by Michelle Minch

For those of you who missed the RESA Convention and want to see a quick video of some of the hot tips I learned…here’s a Facebook Live video I created about that event.

RESA Convention Party

RESA-Convention-party-new

I love a good party don't you?  

As a HUGE "THANK YOU" to all my clients, I'm hosting a RESA Convention Networking Party in a private, loft suite at the M Resort for anyone who has purchased any one of my training products (HSR or CCE).  
Here's the party details:
When:  Thursday, July 26th from 4pm-6pm (right before RESA Convention kicks off)
Where:  At MResort in a Private Loft Suite (sign-up below to get emailed the room number)
Who:  All of my past and present clients (HSR, CCE)
Why:  Because I'm so grateful to all my clients and members!

RESA Networking Party Sign-Up...

Please sign-in so I can email you the Loft Suite Number when I get it from the hotel on Thursday, July 26th.  Party will be from 3-6pm and drinks are on me!

Check out the loft suites on the left side of the building!

If you're going to the RESA Convention and you're a client of mine, please fill out the form below so I can quickly email you my Loft Suite Number when I get it:

RESA Networking Party Sign-Up...

Please sign-in so I can email you the Loft Suite Number when I get it from the hotel on Thursday, July 26th.  Party will be from 3-6pm and drinks are on me!

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The HSR training provided us with all of the information and tools we needed to make a successful start to our business. Thank you Audra!!

Melissa Hagen & Sara Jeffrey - The Staging Company

Audra has sincere passion and dedication to the staging industry as demonstrated through her training. I chose to embark on this journey with Audra as a trainer because I like her realist approach to business, her positive attitude, and attention to detail in her training materials. Education and learning is a necessity for me as I am curious by nature. Audra far exceeded my expectations as I learned more through her course then I could have anticipated. Thank you, Audra.

Amy Beers - House of Sheldon

I've been staging properties for the last 3 years and have always wanted to go deeper in this business. Until now, I didn't feel I had enough training to turn my love of redesign into a real business. HSR has given me the training, the forms and the confidence to move forward. I can't wait to see what is ahead!

Susan Daddono

Very updated and clean/bright and love that we can customize it!

Andrea T Turner - Decor By Redesign

I absolutely loved your training. I feel very confident about staging now and feel your training has equipped me to be successful. You have given so many wonderful and useful business advice as well. Loved taking your class!!

Kelly Rhee - Pink Diamond Staging & Design

Audra's program is fully extensive, with a plethora of real-life examples to learn from. She doesn't hold back on any industry secrets and really shows examples of great staging and explains road blocks, and pitfalls to avoid. She really covers everything and makes it fun and easy to follow.

Jenine Porvin - Modern Desert Interiors

I can not say enough good things about this training. I know a lot of people say that and it's so very true. Can't even imagine how many hours Audra has put into this EXCELLENT training. Definitely worth the price! I would have NEVER had the confidence before to make my dream come true. Now I can honestly say I do and more than I ever thought I could. Thanks Audra for this AWESOME training and the confidence to be able to follow my dream.

Andrea McAtee - McAtee Staging & Redesign

I just completed the HSR training which is by far the best certification program out there!!! I researched a lot of the staging training companies, and you will not receive all of the knowledge that Audra shares in any other program. You get so much information and resources that it is mind blowing. I can't wait to get my business up and running!!

Cristy Smith - Elan Staging & Redesign

This training was so much more then I ever imagined it would be! The information on how to market and brand my business was real eye opening for me.

Caryn Irwin - Staging & Design Caryn

I have been staging for over a year and I learned so much more than I ever knew about the business side of staging. I also learned about working in a more professional way with my clients. I was good at staging before, now I am going to be GREAT!

Tricia Bass - Tricia Bass Beautiful Homes

The HSR training is amazing! Lots of valuable information has been covered. very organized in terms of the flow of the material. Moreover, having all the forms and instruction is a treasure to an organized business kick off ! Audra, I am thankful to you for all you have done over the past years to give Home Staging a national and global reputation and credit that it deserves.

Atusa Darani - Atusa & Company

The HSR training has been phenomenal! The thorough and easy-to-follow videos, readings, and handouts have helped me feel very prepared to launch my staging and redesign business, even with very little prior staging/styling background. Well worth it!

Brooke Craig - Brooke Craig Interiors

Going through the HSR certification training has been a total game changer. I have gained so much knowledge, not just about staging but how to run your business. The staging part I had down pat. However, I know now that my business would have suffered on the marketing (web design, presentations, bold, etc) end had it not been for HSR.

Amy C. Scarborough - Happy Is The After

I just completed my training! I must say, this training was very informative, very information packed, and very helpful. You would be hard pressed to find a comprehensive step by step guide to setting up your own business anywhere like this! Guys, this is your business wrapped in a bow! Can't get any simpler than that! Thank you Audra 1000 times over!

Jacqueline Tillery - JST Real Estate Interiors

I have been in the home staging industry for almost 10 years and until recently I didn't think having formal training was necessary. Audra provided me with invaluable advice in terms of marketing strategies and alternative revenue streams! I cannot wait to implement what I've learned and grow my business! Thank You Home Staging Resource!

Jessice Lynn Smith - Spotlight Staging & Design

HSR training is comprehensive, professional and not for the faint of heart. This program not only trains you on the fun design side but takes you into a realistic, functional marketing program that will make your business not only successful but optimal for resale down the road. Thanks for all the information and all the possibilities that await me.

Mary Redwine - Rain Tree Staging & Design

Audra, (and team ) I would like to thank you but words will not convey. I have always worked in a creative businesses and bought /refurbished many homes. I am always the go to friend for design advice and I too pour over local real estate, yet I had never thought of staging ( vacant's ) . After starting this course I can see the need in my area and I am hopeful that with your amazing training and CAN DO ATTITUDE I can make it work... thank you....

Dana Denton - A Bungalow Design

I can't say enough good things about HSR training. Its a pleasure to have joined such a complete program. So much material is at your finger tips to make even a beginner like me succeed.

Charlotte Bullock - Bullock Design and Staging

HSR's certification training exceeded my expectations, it is a very complete training and covers everything, the business part, marketing and the staging/redesign part. I feel way more confident now. Honestly, before I started the training I had no idea how to begin my business! Now I feel confident and have no doubts that I will be successful! Thanks Audra!

Flor Lydna - Transformations Home Staging

HSR's training and certification program was exactly what I needed to help me turn my design hobby into a business. Audra's wealth of knowledge and experience is invaluable, and I am so glad I chose this program to jump start my home staging business.

Elizabeth Pollard - EP Home Staging

Amazingly helpful! It was easy to follow the program, and Audra was delightful to listen to. I highly recommend this training for anyone with a passion for design and home staging.

Christine & Paula - Design Sisters Home Staging & Redesign

The HSR program was extremely comprehensive. Audra provides everything imaginable to set the foundation for a successful staging and design career. Her expertise in business, marketing, and the digital world makes this program stand out.

Julie Martin - Haven Staging & Design

Wow! The certification is very in depth, way more than I was thinking. I will have to say "I really got my money's worth"!! You (Audra) cover every little thing. I'm very pleased with everything. My husband is also! He brags about me every chance he gets. We are really looking forward to starting up our own business together. I hope to be able to employ my two grown sons and my husband one day. I t may just be sooner than we think! That would be my dream come true! A BIG THANK YOU Audra! You are awesome!

Carol Church - Decorating Chick, LLC

Audra's HSR program is amazing! It's very detailed and is something I wish I had found years ago if I weren't to afraid to follow my passion. I took my time getting through the material but remembering my "why" pushed me past my fear. Now, as an HSR grad, I am confident I have the tools to be successful...I'm ready! Thanks Audra.

Chanell Miller - A.L.O.F Home Interiors

I am incredibly thankful for Audra and Home Staging Resource. I knew HSR was the right choice after watching the introduction video and learning about the program. HSR is not just a home staging training. When taking the course through HSR, you will learn smart home staging and redesign strategies and tips, you'll gain a wealth of knowledge on how to structure your business properly, and you'll learn how to implement marketing strategies that work for long term success. After taking the training and as I move into my new career as a home stager and redesigner, I feel excited, confident, and empowered in my ability to build and grow my business so I may share my passion and love for design with my clients.

Elizabeth Anne Shea - Gardenia Home Design

I really enjoyed the HSR training. I learned so much and gained confidence in my decision to follow my design passion. Audra and her video tutorials were entertaining, packed with information and kept me focused on each lesson. I cant wait to get started with my new business. The resources available thru HSR are invaluable and worth every penny!

Lucy C Maehl

Audra's HSR program is amazing! It's very detailed and is something I wish I had found years ago if I weren't to afraid to follow my passion. I took my time getting through the material but remembering my "why" pushed me past my fear. Now, as an HSR grad, I am confident I have the tools to be successful...I'm ready! Thanks Audra.

Kara Whisler - Midwest Mod Interiors

Taking the HSR certification training was a great boost for my business! There are so many ins and outs to this industry, and as Audra says, why reinvent the wheel? I'd rather focus on delivering results for my clients than being bogged down with administrative setup tasks. Thanks Audra!

Rachel Jennifer - Rachel Jennifer Interiors

I had previously purchased training through another company and was still struggling on how to fill in some holes that I did not have information on. Then I found HSR. It covered EVERYTHING that I needed to know and answered questions that I did not even know I had. Audra's training was extensive and thorough with no subject left untouched. Her passion for helping home stagers is obvious and the ongoing support available is amazing! Now I feel that I have everything I need to transform my business in to the dream I have had for so long!

Diane Mayo - Creative Interiors

Why Go to RESA Convention?

In less than 6 months the industries hottest event will be here...RESA Convention!  I get the question a lot as it draws near, "Audra, why should I go to RESA Convention?"  There are a ton of reasons why this event is different than anything else out there but on a very personal level...RESACon changes businesses!

Here's a quick video on what to expect and why RESA Convention is so important to your business...

#1

RESA Convention Will Inspire You

You can't help but feel motivated and inspired by the line up of speakers!  You will meet people who have overcome incredible odds to create successful businesses.  You will meet people exactly in the position you are in as accountability partners for growth.  EVERYONE WALKS AWAY INSPIRED!

#2

RESA Convention Will Boost Your Sales

You have many workshops to choose from and many of them are about building your business and marketing so those who attend invariably do better the next year. 

Expect your productivity to sky rocket from the combination of inspiration, connection and knowledge at RESA Convention! #RESACON Inpired

Click to Tweet

#3

RESA Convention Will Connect You to Valuable Industry Partners

The RESA Convention is tied to the Las Vegas Market, so many of their sponsors are vendors you will want for your business!

#4

You Will Make Amazing Friendships

Home stagers are the best people to meet and work with!  We are not each other's competition but we are advocates in a growing industry where working together we can quadruple the business for everyone!

Every year I take a group photo with everyone who has taken one of my courses at RESACon...

Look at this good looking group of HSR Grads & Staging Mentors!

#5

Vegas Baby!

The hotel is spectacular and you can pamper yourself at the pool or spa.  The rooms are luxurious and if you've never been to Vegas...you don't know what you're missing!  Vegas is fun!

Bonus Reason

Preparty and Drinks on Me!

We filled the bar with over 50 HSR peeps, so I had to take a selfie:)

Right before the RESA Convention, I have a "drinks on me" networking event for all those folks who have taken my staging or color training courses!

Yes, unlimited drinks on me for all my members, so COME THIRSTY MY FRIENDS:-)

If you are a professional home stager, then you will NOT want to miss this event!  Here’s an impromptu (yes my hair looks terrible) video I created on why you should go to RESA Convention…

And the Staging Winners Are…

We had so much fun in Las Vegas last month at the RESA Convention last month!   We had amazing speakers (Sabrina Soto), the coolest group of vendors (Ashley Furniture, Cort, Surya, Paragon), the largest attendance of home stagers of any Convention and the most competitive awards grouping I've ever seen!  Our industry is hot and when we get together...amazing things happen. 

Here are just a few of the many highlights from that event...

#1

The HSR Happy Hour (Pre-Party)

We filled the bar with over 50 HSR peeps, so I had to take a selfie:)

Who doesn't love a good happy hour?  Before the Convention began, I treated all my HSR Members, Grads and Staging Mentors to free drinks at the Center Bar in the casino and it was a great way for stagers to meet, network and connect before the big event.

#2

My Certified Color Expert (CCE) Training Won

I got to thank my amazing members for inspiring me every day!

For the third time I've been privileged to win the "RESA Most Innovative Product and Service of the Year Award"!  I was blown away since the competition this year was fierce and there were so many great finalists.

I'm very proud of this training because I believe Color Consultations are becoming more essential and I'm excited to help stagers and designers create a market for this service (much like I did when staging was brand new).

I also spoke on the subject of choosing "Ideal Color Schemes" and am doing a FREE live webinar on color, so sign-up by clicking on the image below if you LOVE color.

 

#3

Lots of HSR Grads Won Awards Too!

Just a few of the many HSR staging winners!

Victoria (www.VictoriaStaging.com), Audra Slinkey, Emily and Yvette (www.orchidinteriorsllc.com), Arti (www.studiortdesign.com), Cynthia (www.transitionshomestagingtulsa.com), Monica (www.preferredstaging.com), and Laurie (www.roomswithimpact.com)

In every category there were many HSR Grad award winning finalists!  The body of work was better than I've ever seen in the history of staging awards!  Over the next few months, I'm going to be sharing these incredible photos on this blog and on the NAR staging blog. 

Seeing is believing, and when you see these incredibly talented stagers work their magic...it will give you goosebumps!

HSR Alumni Kristine (www.elitestagingandredesign.com) and Birgit (www.birgitanich.com)

Orlando won the Kathy Neilson Award for everything he does for the staging industry!

I shared a bit about Orlando (www.thehomestagingguy.com) in a prior blog post about "How to Get a Staging Job", because he is also one of my wonderful staging mentors, is State President of RESA for Florida and regularly jumps into my live, training webinars in the HSR Members Area to motivate and comment...I love this guy!

 

#4

Sabrina Soto Had an Incredible Story

Don't you love a good story?  Sabrina Soto was an incredible speaker and we had an hour long "chat" question and answer session that inspired, illuminated and motivated all of us.  She's as down to earth as you would think, very kind, genuine and had some excellent insights on trends in the industry.  She even gave us a little "HGTV gossip":).

Hurray, I even got to take a picture with her!

#5

I Got to Meet so Many Wonderful HSR People in Person!

Look at this good looking group of HSR Grads & Staging Mentors!

My staging and design certification training is online, so while I get to talk and email HSR members daily...I don't get to see them in person (unless they come to a San Diego RESA event).  The RESA Convention allowed us to pre-party, celebrate the industry and get to know each other better.

 The Staging Industry is FILLED with the most AMAZING group of people!

 

#6

AND...I Got to Share All of This With My Two Beautiful Sisters!

I was so blessed to have both my sisters fly out and support me at the convention!

My REAL Sisters got to meet my "Staging Sisters"... How cool is that?!

Corrine, Suzanne and Me

So...save up your pennies and make sure to attend next years, RESA Convention with me if you are a home stager! 

If you're not a home stager but thinking about it, then watch my free video about the industry, "Is Staging for You?"

 

Here are some of my favorite highlights from the RESA Convention…

Real Estate Staging Convention 2017

I'm super excited to be a featured speaker at this year's Real Estate Staging Convention.  

Staging is hot, hot, hot right now and this convention which puts together all these amazing stagers in one place...promises to be unforgettable!  I will be blogging more about this event as it gets closer but you can get the BEST PRICE by signing up now:

This year I'm speaking on a topic very near to my heart and that is on COLOR....

"6-Steps to Picking the Best Color Schemes for Clients"

Do you love color? Do you offer color consultations but struggle with knowing where to start when it comes to specifying the RIGHT paint colors for your clients? You are not alone. Having a process for picking the right paint colors is the first step in building credibility with clients!

In this information packed class, you will learn how to:

  • How adding a "Color Consultation" service will grow your design business exponentially!
  • Audra's top paint colors for staging in action
  • Color trends to follow, ones to avoid and how to incorporate them into your designs
  • 7 mistakes Color Consultants make and how to avoid them
  • How to hone in and identify your client's goals
  • How to recognize color problems by understanding color rules
  • How to communicate and market your color services easily and affordably

I hope to see you at the January, 2017 RESA Convention but if you can't make it, make sure to join me on our next free webinar event:

I’m so excited to be a featured speaker at this year’s RESA Convention alongside other fantastic speakers like the incredibly talented Sabrina Soto!  Staging is so hot right now, so I hope you will do your best to make this incredible event.

7 Reasons to Start a Home Staging Career

7 Reasons to Start a Home Staging Career

 

I just got back from Las Vegas and the RESA Convention and my ears are buzzing with all the excitement and enthusiasm from home stagers across the globe.  I’ve been doing staging training for almost 10 years now and I can truly say there has never been a better time to start a home staging career than now!  Here are my 7 quick reasons why this is the best time to start a home staging career but I’ll have more to report on the RESA Convention in coming blogs:

1. Home Stagers are Busier Than Ever!

Yep, the general consensus from the over 350 professional stagers at the RESA Convention is that they are BUSY.  Their phones are ringing and they are staging and doing redesign like crazy.  This isn’t too surprising because of the next handful of reasons but to say that 2014 was a good year for starting a home staging career, as well as staging statistically is an understatement.

 

2. The “Body of Work” is Better Than Ever!

When you look at the RESA Industry Awards and the amazing work these stagers do every day, you will truly become a believer in the benefits of staging.  Michelle Minch, a Los Angeles Stager and 2006 Home Staging Resource Graduate, was the overall winner in 2015 for her gorgeous vacant work which is sampled below:

 

Michelle Minch of Moving Mountains Design

Michelle Minch of Moving Mountains Design

 

 

When stagers do amazing work, real estate agents, home sellers, home builders and everyone else take notice.  The listing photographs stand out and these homes get the best price!

Michelle Minch of Moving Mountains Design

Michelle Minch of Moving Mountains Design

 

3.  The Redesign Side of the Staging Business is Booming

When I started the Home Staging Resource almost 10 years ago I knew that I needed to add Redesign training as well…great staging turns into move-in redesign.  I was the only staging trainer at the time (and even currently I believe) who incorporates both certification in staging and redesign into the training business model which is essential.   According to a recent Houzz Survey of 6,500 home professionals over 90% expect their business to grow!

 

4.  2014 Statistics on Home Staging are Better Than Ever

Those of you familiar with my blog know that we polled over 350 home stagers and 3500 homes sold worldwide and asked them (and their agents) two critical questions:  Are professionally staged homes selling for  more than not professionally staged homes?  At what percentage increase on average are they selling higher?  While the responses varied, on average the homes that were professionally staged in 2014 sold for 10% more than the homes that were not professionally staged.

 

2014 Home Staging Stats

 

 5.  Home Staging and Redesign Training Has Never Been Better!

The training for staging and redesign has never been better!  In fact, did you know that almost every one of the staging award finalists in the US categories (and some in the Canadian) are part of my Staging Mentors program?  We now have so many wonderful, generous mentors I don’t even list them all on the site.  The Staging Mentors program which is the third package in the HSR Certification training won for most Innovative Product or Service of the Year in 2015 at the RESA Conference! 

Here’s a picture of me hugging my award at the Conference…

best staging training

Not only has my training improved over the years, but I know that others have as well because we keep each other sharp and motivated.  Most of all, we love to see our students succeed!  I love what beautiful Kristi Barnett is doing in her psychological staging and tricky space trainings!  Here’s a photo of us on the red carpet:

 

Kristie Barnett and Audra Slinkey - Staging Trainers

Kristie Barnett and Audra Slinkey – Staging Trainers

 

6.  Stagers are the Best, Most Generous and Fun People in the World

Okay, here’s where I may be a bit biased but I have to say that home stagers as a whole, are a very fun, hard working, innovative, kind group of people with hearts of gold!  There is an enormous amount of respect we give to each other and our clients.  Stagers are fueled by their passion in design and their perfectionist personalities.  Here’s a photo from the RESA Conference of some of the HSR Grads over the last 10 years who I’ve had the honor and privilege to be a part of their training.  As you can see, we are still having fun up on stage chit chatting…

 

Grads of the Home Staging Resource at RESACon

Grads of the Home Staging Resource at RESACon

 

 

Here’s another of some of the gals who missed the photo up on stage:

Look at these gorgeous women!

Look at these gorgeous women!

 

And another fun photo of our yearly HSR networking event where I buy drinks for all my grads prior to the conference.  Even the bartender commented on what a nice, fun and cool group of people we are:

2015-1 002

 

 

 7. HGTV…Need I say More?

I would be a fool if I didn’t acknowledge that the rise and popularity of HGTV and websites like Houzz give people motivation to put beauty into their homes and buyers a “vision” of what they want to see in their next home.  The professional home stager is the person who makes that vision a reality!

So if you’re sitting on the fence and wondering if 2015 is your year to have a home staging career…just do it! I’ve never heard anyone have regrets going into this incredible industry but I do hear people regret not getting into it sooner or getting the right guidance.

 

XOXO – Happy Staging!

Audra Slinkey
Audra-Slinkey

 

Hope to hear from you!
1-888-563-9271

2014-11 Audra-Slinkey-Staging-Mentors-Most-Innovator-Product-or-Service-of-the-Year_edited-1Audra-Slinkeyinnovator

Not all professional stagers are equal! Our HSR Certification training was the first and one of the only staging and redesign training programs that has been third-party, accredited by the Real Estate Staging Association, so invest in the best!

Ready to Become a Successful Home Stager and Redesigner?

 

 

Websites for Stagers

CustomTheme

When I spoke at the RESA Convention on “Blinging Your Brand” I got so many questions from stagers who have a great eye, know what they want their brand to look like BUT just don’t have the technical/computer skills to pull it altogether.  I also had to critically look at the website themes we offered and make some big changes, so….I’m so excited to introduce our new Custom Theme!

Here’s a five minute video that shows you how cool this Custom Theme is:

 


 

Now available in our Package Two which includes hosting and your website!

2014 Home Staging Convention

Five Lessons Learned From the 2014 RESA Convention

 

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Can you believe all the Home Staging Resource members who attended the 2014 RESA Convention?  There were over 60 of us and boy did we have a blast! Every year I speak at the RESA Conference and learn so much that I add to our HSR Certification training.  I love that online training provides me a “real time” educational avenue to provide critical information to the hundreds of HSR Members across the world!

Over the next few weeks I’m going to be sharing some of the things I learned at RESA, as well the success stories I got to hear firsthand from this incredible group of women.  Make sure to stay tuned by signing up to the right for our blog.  I also am spending a ton of time adding what I learned from the RESA Conference to my HSR training area, so everyone can benefit from the takeaways which is the beauty of online training.

Here are some of the 2014 lessons I learned by our incredible line-up of speakers:

Lesson Number One – Your contract is your “paper courage” said Kimberley Seldon on day one, so when a client wants to do it differently…you refer to your contract and make no exceptions.

My Training Takeaway –  I’m going back through our example contracts that we provide in the training using Kimberley’s mantra and making them stronger and more steadfast.

Me and my good friend Shell Brodnax (the amazing woman who always makes the RESA convention a success)

Me and my good friend Shell Brodnax (the amazing woman who always makes the RESA convention a success)

Lesson Number Two – Steven Aaron spoke eloquently on the need for stagers to “do a better job articulating confidently your value!”  Give real estate agents an easy way to recommend you to their clients.

My Training Takeaway – Add to the training “Realtor Partner Plan” and “Realtor Presentations”  a page/slide on how the stager makes the agent look awesome.

 

Me and Kristine Ginsberg the winner of the US Stager of the Year and an HSR Member

Me and Kristine Ginsberg the winner of the US Stager of the Year and an HSR Member

Lesson Number Three – Katie Lance (a social media guru) spoke on what’s important in social media for 2014 for stagers and how you can easily connect to clients using some of the new social media technology.

My Training Takeaway – Completely redoing my social media and networking section to reflect the 2014 trends, add the tips and tricks of connecting with clients and being a “good stalker” which will make it easy for HSR members to make agent partnerships.

 

Me and Lori Murphy, Ululani Poepoe and Valerie Monkarsh the new HSR stagers nominated for Rising Star category

Me and Lori Murphy, Ululani Poepoe and Valerie Monkarsh the new HSR stagers nominated for Rising Star category

Lesson Number Four – Shell Brodnax was one of my favorite speakers and spoke about “Reining in your fears – stop focusing on what could go wrong and focus on what’s right!”

My Training Takeaway – Add more information and video in my Week Two Marketing section that helps stagers connect easily with their propects and clients, so the “fear factor” never comes into play.  I also am pushing the Staging Mentor program since is an easy way to take the fear away by working at a home and with clients under a Mentors guidance.

 

Me and my sister and mother who come and just enjoy the convention with me.

Me and my sister and mother who come and just enjoy the convention with me.

 

Lesson Number Five – Matthew Finlason spoke on the psychology of staging stating that, “it’s not about pretty rooms but about SELLING homes!”  He also emphasized understanding the “buyer demographic” and creating a lifestyle design plan that fits.

My Training Takeaway – Expand on my six buyer demographic Internet research steps and add a “Buyer Demographic Profile” form to that section.

 

5 Reasons to Start a Staging Business in 2014

What are your gifts?

What are your gifts?

What is it that you love to do and are passionate about?  Chances are if you love it, you are truly gifted at it.   Do you get goosebumps when you walk into a book store and head to the interior design section?  Do you anxiously wait for your design magazines to come in the mail or get “geeked up” over organizing your closet?  Do you notice every design detail when you walk into a friends house and then subconsciously rearrange the space in your mind? If you answered “yes” to any of these seemingly absurd questions then you definitely have what I call the “design sickness” and the good news is there’s never been a better time to explore the possibility of creating a business doing it.  There is nothing more exciting then doing what you love and getting paid for it!

Here are five reasons (with statistics) why starting a staging and redesign business is a practical and perfect idea for 2014:

  • Home Values Are On The Rise – What a roller coaster it has been but now in almost every area of the country, home values are going up.  What does this mean for stagers?  It means there is value in the sale of the home, so staging becomes a “windfall” of sorts for sellers who really want to get all they can out of selling their most prized possession.  (The median price of a house in the United States is $197,100 which is up over 10% from last year’s median price of $176,800 according to the National Association of Realtors NAR) (According to the National Association of Realtors, almost 20% more home sold over 2012 numbers:  5,160,000 homes in 2013 vs. 4,660,000 in 2012)
  • Remodeling Is On The Rise – What happens when people start to take an interest in their homes?  They look for critical expertise from a home stylist, color expert and designer! (In an HGTV Magazine reader poll over 25% of readers underwent a big renovation, like a new kitchen or bath in 2013)  (In a 2013 Houzz survey of over 100,000 people over 53% plan a renovation in the next couple years, think it’s a good time and plan to hire professional help)
  • Home Staging Was Specifically Listed As A “Best Career for 2013 and Beyond” – In an article by career guru, Marty Nemko, staging was listed as a best job and fastest growing career for the future. (Link to Article)
  • Sellers Are Now Staging Savvy – With the rise of HGTV, Pinterest and Houzz the average seller understands the value of professional, design advice for both living and selling!
  • Agents Are Now Staging Savvy – It’s taken home stagers years to educate the real estate industry of the benefits of staging and now home stagers have become a de rigueur part of preparing a home for sale.

The most famous real estate agent of all time, Barbara Corcoran is speaking at our Staging Convention in a couple weeks, so it’s incredibly encouraging to see how our work over the years in educating the public on staging has Barbara as a huge supporter and advocate!

 

Timing is everything and building a business is a luxury but the biggest regret I hear our member stagers say is that they wish they started earlier.

 

Here are just a few quotes from our members I thought was worth posting to encourage others that a new year, can mean so much to you…or it can pass you by.

MindyQuote

 

I am happy to say I am very busy….I have two jobs going and another that I will continue after the first of the year…..
I’m loving every minute… Thank you for checking in and thank you especially for providing me with the tools to make my dream happen.    I will continue to read and re-read you course and continue to learn from you and my other fellow-ette stagers…
 Sincerely,
 Linda Chauvin
 Savvy Home Staging & Redesign, LLC
504-915-4169
Mandeville, LA  70448
I’m very glad I decided to get my certification and go into the home staging field.  I LOVE staging homes and it doesn’t seem like work at all.  I also LOVE getting great results for people and seeing their homes sell quickly!
Joy Carr
Staging With Joy
Flowery Branch, Georgia

Before deciding to invest in a Home Staging training course I’d done quite an exhausting search to find the course that would best suit my needs, budget and one that would give me the tools I needed to buid my business and my confidence.  I have found all of that and more with the Home Staging Resource.  I do know a quite few stagers and they have all said they wished they had trained with HSR instead.  All of the materials you need are included with HSR, where they had to pay extra for just about everything that HSR provides.  So glad I made the decision to go with the Home Staging Resource!

Kind regards,
Susan Thompson
Ready-Set-Stage, LLC

Click Here to see what your story can be…

 

Home Staging Excellence

Staging Awards

The nominees have been announced for the RESA Home Staging Industry Awards 2014 and I’m so proud and impressed with every one of those amazing staging and redesigners!  If you haven’t checked out each of their entry pages and viewed their transformations, make sure you do that at http://homestagingindustryawards.com.   Each one of these individuals works tirelessly to perfect their craft and in doing so elevate our industry.

I’m particularly proud of the fact that half of the US nominees in the Pro-USA category and the Rising Star category are HSR grads or HSR Staging Mentors!

I wanted to personally congratulate each one of them below because they each have inspired me through the years, are incredibly talented and generous to the industry and are wonderful people…you ladies rock!

Congratulations to…

 

  • Name: Kristine Ginsberg
  • Company: Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC
  • City: Morris Plains
  • State/Province: NJ
  • Designations: Graduate of Home Staging Resource, ASHSR (American Society of Home Stagers and Redesigners), NCJAR (North Central Jersey Association of Realtors)
  • Memberships: RESA (Real Estate Staging Association), ASHSR (American Society of Home Stagers and Redesigners), NCJAR (North Central Jersey Association of Realtors), Active Rain Network
  • Website: http://www.elitestagingandredesignmorriscountynewjersey.com/

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  • Name: Donna Dazzo
  • Company: Designed To Appeal
  • City: New York
  • State/Province: NY
  • Designations: Graduate of Home Staging Resource program and Staging Diva program
  • Memberships: RESA NY Chapter
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    • Name: Michelle Minch
    • Company: Moving Mountains Design
    • City: Pasadena
    • State/Province: CA
    • Designations: RESA-PRO, HSR
    • Memberships: RESA National, RESA San Gabriel Valley Chapter
    • Website: http://MovingMountainsDesign.com

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    • Name: Lori KimPolk
    • Company: Premiere Home Staging
    • City: Roseville
    • State/Province: CA
    • Designations: ASP. CSP, RESA-PRO, RESA Membership Chair, RESA Board Member 2012/2013
    • Memberships: RESA, PCAR, SACRESN

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    • Name: Maureen Bray
    • Company: Room Solutions Staging LLC
    • City: Portland
    • State/Province: OR
    • Designations: CSP, ASP
    • Memberships: RESA, Active Rain Real Estate Network
    • Website: http://www.RoomSolutions.com

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    • Name: Valerie Monkarsh
    • Company: The Closing Stage
    • City: Los Angeles
    • State/Province: CA
    • Designations: Vacant Property Specialist, HSR
    • Memberships: RESA, HSR
    • Website: www.theclosingstage.com line_blue

      • Name: Lori Murphy
      • Company: Element One Home Staging & Redesign
      • City: Dublin
      • State/Province: OH
      • Designations: Certified Professional Stager
      • Memberships: RESA, ASHSR, HSR
      • Website: www.ElementOneHomeStaging.com line_blue

        • Name: Ululani Poepoe
        • Company: UP Staging & Design, LLC
        • City: Kea’au
        • State/Province: HI
        • Designations: Realtor
        • Memberships: RESA Member, ASHSR Member
        • Website: www.UPstagingDesign.com

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      • Name: Luci Terhune
      • Company: Bungalow Home Staging & Redesign
      • City: Nutley
      • State/Province: NJ
      • Designations: HSR RESA PRO CPCNR CIR
      • Memberships: RESA HSR
      • Website: www.Bungalowhomestagers.com

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      • Name: Natalya Price
      • Company: Nj Staged 2 Sell
      • City: Summit
      • State/Province: NJ
      • Designations: Home Stager & Property Stylist, Realtor
      • Memberships: ASHSR, RESA, HSR, NJAR, B.I.G.
      • Website: www.njstaged2sell.com