Thanks for everyone who participated for the Carnival. There are very few stagers that I know blogs so it was a challenge to try to find pockets of communities who are willing to participate. Additionally it was quite a challenge since my work life suddenly got really crazy! Well, there is always first time for everything! So here it goes…

From consumers’ perspective

Jane May presents A Diamond in the Rough, Part II posted at Rich Dad Says, saying, “Pictures included.” This I found a great post from the perspective of a home owner. Although the word “staging” was not mentioned, but you can see a great transformations from the before and after photos. It is also a great reminder to remind ourselves as stagers what kind of financial issues homesellers may encounter when they sell their homes.

Realtors’ Corner
Cindy Lin @ Staged4more presents Top 10 Ugly Listing Photo “Trends” That Need to Go With 2006 posted at Home Staging Tips + More (!) These photos are actual photos that I lifted from the current MLS when I first wrote the posts. Hard to believe, isn’t it?

Kimberly Wester presents Real Estate Blog - Step by Step: Introducing Staging to your Clients posted at active rain. Kimberly’s great blog shares important insights on when, where, how to convince the sellers to go for staging that will maximize their return on a great investment.

Thinking about becoming a stager?
Craig Schiller presents DO YOUR HOMEWORK… before you sign up for home staging classes. posted at HOME STAGING, Rants & Ravings, saying, “Home staging is a growing industry attracting more and more people. I wanted to create a resource for those who are intersted in becoming home stagers, that would be complete, comprehensive and not biased by corporate jargon.”

Sheron Cardin presents Real Estate Blog - Home Stager’s are the Merchandiser’s of Previously Owned Homes! posted at active rain. Many consumers and other real estate industry professionals still don’t understand what stagers do and many still have misconceptions of what it is. (I met a car salesman who explained it as taking all your furniture out and put someone else’s in. And of course, I didn’t buy my car from him.) Sheron puts a great spin on this great profession in her article.

Business tips for current stagers
Sheron Cardin presents Real Estate Blog - Never Judge a Book by Its’ Cover. posted at active rain. It reminds us existing stagers that never under-estimate the potentials of any jobs, no matter how seemingly big or small it is.

Maureen presents Real Estate Blog - My Secret Crush - Quick Books Pro - SSSSSH don’t tell anyone posted at active rain. It is very important to keep good books when you run your own business. This is a great reminder and a great post about a wonderful tool.

Mini continue ed for stagers
Judy Kincaid presents Real Estate Blog - De-clutter, De-personalize, and Neutralize—Are these terms sabotaging our efforts? posted at active rain, saying, “This is my first blog carnival and I am so excited!” Judy’s blog reminds us the power of words and we unintentionally let our consumers feel unease about an already stressful process.

Maureen presents Real Estate Blog - ROY G BIV - Is he a friend of yours??? posted at active rain that touches on color wheels and sharing her favorite staging colors.

Last but not least, Val Allocco presents Real Estate Blog - The HGTV “Dream House” and Home Staging posted at active rain, saying, “If you look at the pictures above from the Kitchen and Media Room, you will notice that the rooms are designed to appeal to everyone. The designers use warm colors and various textures to make each room cozy and inviting.” This is a great post on how the Dream House uses the principles of home staging.

SUBMIT FOR THE NEXT EDITION HERE

Popularity: 4% [?]

Many people call or email me and asked “How do I become a Stager?” or specifically “which school is better?” There are also debates if training is needed? But if you are thinking about investing that couple thousand dollars into a staging program, in my opinion, when it comes to choosing your staging education, there are several factors you should consider: (more…)

Popularity: 3% [?]

For some reason I get these a lot, probably because I serve as the San Francisco chapter president for International Association of Home Staging Professionals.I received another one yesterday. This was a fairly common question, so I figure I should post and de-mythify some of the misconception about interior design vs. staging. Let me know if you agree or disagree with me or not! (more…)

Popularity: 3% [?]