Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Home Staging?
A: Staging is the proven process of preparing a house for sale regardless of price, location and condition to secure the most money in the shortest time. Certified Staging Professionals™ use a unique Room Ready Handbook ™ and Staging Safe Colors™ to prepare a house for sale. This is completed before using lifestyle selling techniques to arrange furnishings creating a positive impact on buyers the minute they walk through the door.
Q: Is the Home Staging Course offered on line as well?
A: The CSP™ Home Staging Course is not offered online. We do not believe the online method is an effective way to learn home staging. As a training provider we have a responsibility to our students to give them
the best training possible. Although, it would be very easy and very
profitable for us to put our course online, we feel those who take our
training will have a better understanding, gain more confidence and have
better success in the home staging industry if they attend a classroom
setting with a qualified successful instructor who owns and operates their
own home staging business.
With classroom learning through the Certified Staging Professionals™ course,
participants also get an opportunity to practice what they have learned and
stage a property on the third day of class. This gives the participants
before and after photographs for their staging portfolio, of work they
actually participated in!
Q: Why does staging work? Surely the buyer knows when this service has been applied
A: Staging works because it eliminates any negative distractions a buyer may fixate on, such as old flooring (87% of homeowners recently polled preferred hardwood) family photos – stops the buyer seeing their family in that house. Not staging can actually work against you, as educated buyers prefer to have their agents show them only staged listings.
Q: What is the difference between a Redecorating/Redesign consultant and a Certified Staging Professional™?
A: Interior decorating, which label it has, is personal taste; it concentrates on making the owner feel at home. A Certified Staging Professional™, who specializes in staging, has been trained in interior design/décor as it applies to the process of selling a house. CSP™'s have unique tools and process’s to ensure the recommendations they provide are sound, confidential and cost effective. CSP™ are taught how to use lifestyle selling techniques to make sure their work appeals to the most potential buyers; the staging objective is to make the buyer feel at home – not a guest in yours!
Q. As a homeowner I am confused! There seem to be so many different designations how do I know which one to choose? My agent said it doesn’t matter anyway– she has a friend in the office that can help me.
A. Understandably; the industry is not regulated – so look for a designation which imposes its own regulatory standards. Holds its graduates to a code of conduct which reflects how you want to do business. Evaluate who the stager trained with – is it someone who has actually built a staging business – not just sold their own houses or decorates, someone who knows the industry. You need someone who has studied and knows the real estate industry from a staging point of view. Agents often are well meaning by thinking they can offer help like this, however the industry has changed tremendously – to be sure you have the most competitive edge – hire a professional.
Q. If all the graduates are just starting their business does that mean they are just learning the skills? How will I know who to choose?
A. Good question! Most people who graduate from the CSP™ program have previous life and work experiences which have prepared them for work in this industry. For example – many interior designers, decorators, professional organisers, people who have worked in retail merchandising – all have the skill sets – they take the CSP™ program for the resources and support.
Q: The CSP™ Course is a significant amount of money. How do I justify the cost?
A: First, think of it as an investment, in your new venture. Where else can you start a business for the price of a specialised coffee a day? A franchise would be a larger investment and you wouldn’t have as much support.
All businesses begin with an initial investment. The investment for tuition, of the CSP™ staging course, could be significant to some, especially if you are thinking the instruction is similar to something you could take at community college – however it's not. This is a turn-key business solution - a tried and true method of conducting business in a rapidly expanding marketplace. It's 30 hrs of instruction as well as immeasurable benefits after class. If you received nothing else other than tuition it would equate to $55 hr; less than you will make when you get paid for your staging work. The investment is quickly recouped once you start billing for your services. Also when you do start a business the training fee is a deductible expense.
If you want to start a Staging business with confidence and experience then the program and designation of an Certified Staging Professional™, is for you! Check our student testimonials here
In addition to having the support of others in the same industry, you begin your business with solid principles and guidelines. Many students have said one of the benefits they didn’t factor in, but sure are glad to receive -is the network. It is great to know others who are at the same place in life and business growth - who understand completely what you are going through and are there for you.
Q: What can a participant expect to gain from the experience of taking our course?
A:Our students gain:
Confidence; understanding; Process; Marketing; Designation;Experience; Portfolio; Network; Web Presence; Clients; Support and More.
Q: Why should I choose CSP™ vs. others offering Staging Courses?
A:The final choice has to be yours; listen to your intuition- consider all your options, if you have any questions or concerns we are here to help - or we can provide you with credible references.
Certified Staging Professionals™ has a team of seasoned professionals working together to help our graduates grow their business. The CSP™ program has been developed from grass roots experience – not just selling houses, and not only in one area. Importantly the CSP™ program delivers AFTER the program so much more than you can imagine – resources, support, answers, branding, marketing and work! The list goes on.
Q: Once I complete my training, how long before I can actually begin staging homes on my own?
A:Everyone has a different starting point; it depends on what industry background you have , what business experience you have and how ready you are to talk to people. In terms of knowledge -Immediately. Ability, confidence, contacts etc are all at your own discretion. This course is designed to provide you with the knowledge, tools and support to begin your Staging Business - you have to bring the rest!
We do have a service to bring you instant marketing material - you can order ahead of class and we will do our best to have them ready when you come to class. CSP™ offers wonderful general but personalized brochures and business cards providing all the information you need to promote your business TODAY! Great to use in the interim - while you are deciding on the branding and imaging you want your company to have.
Q: What kind of income can I expect to make as a CSP™?
A: Ahhh! the perennial question. This will depend on your local market and your ability to capture the business. Consultation fees can range from $50-500. Bidding on consultations and pairing up with REALTORS® in your area will ensure success. Some Stagers find they need to hire other CSP™'s to help the overload. Pricing models and income potential is discussed in the program.
Q: I don't see a course near me. Will you be coming to teach the staging course in this area?
A:Please send an email with your inquiry to Christine, and include your State, Province or preferred location; new locations are being reviewed daily. If we can't help you, with your permission we will be most happy to refer you to another program nearer to you. Most people are anxious to get started so are willing to travel to take the program.
Q: Do I need to take training to become a Professional Stager?
A:Any one can say they can do the work of a professional stager. Only a graduate of our program can officially call themselves Certified Staging Professional™. There are some who try to make people believe you do not need credentials to do the business; I think it is short sighted to say this and I believe it is up to the individual to make the choice which is good for them. As the industry grows and develops, the profession will expand and those with credentials are more likely to be chosen for work assignments by the public.
People take the program for many reasons; skill sets, knowledge, process, network, visibility and the designation. All of this will give you an advantage over your competition.
Q: Why should I take CSP™'s training?
A:It is a proven system to secure business; it's more than a course it's a business and life program which provides clear direction to build a successful staging business.
Many Interior Designers, Decorators, Professional Organizers, Entrepreneurs, Real Estate Agents/Brokers and many other talented people from different walks of life have been trained in the art of staging by Christine Rae. The CSP™ Course incorporates Christine Rae's knowledge in decorating, staging, real estate and business. We trust it's life changing for you!
We know successful people building amazing businesses' internationally. All it takes is commitment, courage, dedication, belief and the CSP™ programme.
If you have a question which is not answered here please do ask Christine: christine@stagingtraining.com
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Are you looking to start a career or business in home staging?
Researching Your Options is Crucial
Before you begin your research ask yourself:
What do I need to learn from a staging program?
List your strengths, your weaknesses, and what you feel would make you more confident to go into the business world as a stager. Do you want to own your own staging company? Do you want to work for another staging company? Where do you see yourself two years from now?
Be sure to consider if the following are important to you:
1. A designation - in the staging industry this is used to brand a specific organization, it can indicate you are committed to self education and believe in being the best you can be. Some argue this is not valuable because that the staging industry is not regulated. You need to decide if this is something that is important to you. Could it be important to the clients that will hire you?
Questions to ask: Do you earn a designation upon completion? Is it earned or just passed out for participation? If earned, how? Is there testing? How is the designation branded? What advertising does the organization do to make the designation recognized? What message does your designation say to the public?
A) CSP™ graduates earn a designation upon completion of a test in which the graduate must achieve a 75% or higher to receive a certification. The CSP™ designation is branded across North America. We advertise in the following mediums: internet, newspaper, magazine, our own CSP™ Diva in the House radio show, Staging Standard glossy staging magazine, television, networking, tradeshows, cross promotions with large corporations and more. When you see our logo, it shouts “higher education” and gives the message of a professional who has access to tools and support in the staging industry.
2. Who is the trainer? - What is their background? What makes them a good teacher? Do they have their own staging business? Do they have training experience? Were they trained by another home staging trainer? You can research most trainers’ backgrounds on the staging programs websites.
Questions to ask: Can I speak directly to the trainer? What is their background prior to training your program? Have they ever owned their own staging business? Are they currently working in the field?
A) CSP™ instructors all operate their own successful staging businesses. Their backgrounds vary. You can research them on the directory. They are always willing to speak to prospective CSP™ members.
3. General Staging Process - There are different staging models for different training companies. If you need help in this area, be sure to add this to your list of what is important to you. Even if you think you know all about staging, or you have an existing staging background, you will be pleasantly surprised with some staging programs, how much more you will learn.
Questions to ask: What we will learn from your staging curriculum? How much time is spent on the staging process? After class, if I have questions do you have a support system in place?
A) The plethora of information you learn from the CSP™ staging training program is immeasurable. There is a chart on our website at www.stagingtraining.com where you can see many (not all) of the topics covered in the three day program. The after class support far exceeds any other staging program. Upon completion of the program you will gain access to a password protected resource centre which includes an online forum, where many of the alumni, staff and instructors answer questions which may arise as you continue to develop your business.
4. Marketing Strategies - Are you confident in marketing yourself and your new business? If not, then marketing is a necessary step to running a successful staging company. How much marketing do you need to learn from your staging training program?
Questions to ask: How much time is spent on learning marketing? What is addressed in your marketing curriculum? How does your organization help their graduates with marketing after the program?
A) CSP™ has a wonderful advanced marketing program called CSP™ M.O.R.E. This program includes teleclasses, and includes modules to guide you through the set up of your business, from tips on choosing a business name to advanced workshops on creating media press kits. Modules 1-3 are included in your registration fee. IN FACT – we send you the first Module as soon as you register for class, so you get started right away!
5. Hands-on learning or online learning? - How do you learn best? From a book? From doing? From listening? This is one of the most important questions you will need to ask yourself before beginning your research. For Example: If you learn best by hands-on, do not take an online program just because it is cheaper, you will find you will not finish, or it will take you a long time to finish and the investment was more costly then you thought, as it will cost you time you could have been out staging already! Choose a staging program that teaches the way you learn best!
A) CSP™ is a hands-on-experience, and the first 30 hours includes in class and field experience. We believe to fully study home staging you need to have hands-on guidance, feedback and experience in order to interpret and apply skills successfully in the marketplace. An apprenticeship program is also available after class.
6. Industry tools and resources - Do you like to create your own tools, or do you like the wheel to be invented before you get there? Some staging programs will have the tools you need already developed. You only need to customize them to your company image.
Questions to ask: What industry tools do you have to provide us? What do we get Free with the training? Do you have a suggested list of industry tools we will need to get started? Are there other tools and opportunities available to us that are exclusive to being a graduate of your program?
A) Our whole program focuses on making it easy for you to get started earning a profit in your business. We have turn-key marketing tools, such as business cards & brochures, Build-A-Marketing Portfolio in a weekend, Press kit Package, Real Estate Presentation folders, our exclusive CSP™ Room Ready Handbook™ for consultations, ready to use PowerPoint presentations and more!
We recognize not everyone wants to use the turn-key solutions we have to offer, some people want to move slowly into their business, and would rather wait to develop many of the marketing tools themselves, while others want to get started FAST and start earning a return on their course investment immediately. This is why our program has two entry levels.
The Staging Standard – 30 hr instruction, hands-on training and one membership level.
The Fast Track – 30 hr instruction, hands-on training and membership level PLUS marketing and staging tools. See link below for a detailed list.
7. Staging Organization Membership - Many staging programs offer an annual membership after the initial class program. You need to decide if this is important to you. As member of an organization there are opportunities and feature benefits to being part of a larger group.
Questions to ask: Do you have an annual membership fee? What do you receive as a member? What is the annual rate?
A) Yes, your first year is included with registration. As a member you have access to the CSP™ Resource Centre where you will always have access to updated staging tools and industry information, the forum, a four page web profile listing on our directory, where you can manage your marketing message and contact details 24/7, calculate your individual statistics and more! Your membership also entitles you to access any of the Preferred Pricing Partner Programs CSP™ secures for members. The business insurance program in Canada alone saves you more than $500 per year!
8. Bulk Advertising Opportunities - Is receiving discounts for advertising opportunities important to you? Stretching your marketing dollars can make the difference when first starting your business.
Questions to ask: Do you have any bulk advertising opportunities?
A) As an organization, CSP™ is always looking at ways we can offer delegates bulk advertising specials. One of the membership favourites is the ability to send your very own Staging Standard Magazine personalized with your message on the inside cover to all you clients!! Details shared in class.
9. How much are you willing to invest in your education? - You need to weigh what you will learn by how much you need to invest. Be careful not to sacrifice valuable learning for cheaper programs. Do they have continuing programs? Some programs allow you to revisit their program as a refresher anytime at no charge to you. . .is this something you would want?
Questions to ask: How much is your program? Do you offer refresher programs as the industry changes, to keep graduates informed? Will you send me an information package?
A) CSP™ is 30 hrs of instruction + invaluable benefits equates to $65 hr which is less than you will make when you get paid for staging work and that includes membership to CSP™ and RESA. The investment is quickly recouped once you start billing for your services. Also if you do start a business, the training fee is a deductible expense.
We encourage CSP™ alumni to attend a refresher class at least once a year, compliments of Christine Rae and CSP™. (Min. food charge may apply).
We hope that by the time you receive this email and had time to review the information you will be ready to register (here). If you did not receive the information, here is the link to the course details, including registration options.
http://www.stagingtraining.com/Information/FreeInformation.html
10. Ask Graduates of the program: - Do not take it from those paid to sell the programs. Ask those who have graduated from the program for their feedback. Most staging programs have a directory of stagers online at your disposal. Call them up. Here is a tip. Call people you can tell have utilized the programs features. For example: filled out their directory pages, have photographs and before and after. They will be the most educated because they have worked the program.
Questions to ask: Did the course meet your expectations? What is it you like best about the program? When did you take the program? Do they offer support after the class? Did you take any other staging programs? Do you recommend the program to someone wanting to get started in the staging industry?
A) We hope this info answers most of the research questions you have and with comparison research of the other training providers out there, you find CSP™ staging training IS the leading staging program offered and you’re ready to register. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
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