Home Staging Glossary by Staging Diva

There are several associations claiming to be "the voice of the home staging industry." It's important to know that none of these organizations are completely independent (and therefore unbiased) associations in the home staging field. All are tied in some way to a particular training company (because they are owned by them, or their owners hold executive positions within the organization) or they are tied to a group of training companies (because they pay to be endorsed by the association). When determining which one to join, look carefully at the benefits you'll get for the amount paid. Don't automatically assume that membership will give you instant credibility since home staging is a completely unregulated field and there are many associations. Some stagers enjoy association membership because of the connection with fellow home stagers or other benefits. Others, don't belong to any staging associations and have built very successful home staging businesses without that.

When a home stager visits a client’s home to provide advice for staging the property to sell. For tips on how to improve your home staging consultations, see this article: New tool for home stagers makes staging consultations easier.

Established in 2004, Staging Diva® is one of the most recognized and respected names in home staging today. Created by real estate staging expert Debra Gould, the Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program teaches HGTV fans and others how to use their decorating talent to grow a successful home staging business. There are many Staging Diva products and services available to help new and established home stagers alike. Staging Diva is a registered trademark of Six Elements Inc.

A monthly group coaching call hosted by home staging expert Debra Gould where Staging Diva Graduates get a chance to work through challenges with fellow grads and the Staging Diva herself. Learn more about Staging Diva Dialog.

A highly trafficked directory of home stagers made up entirely of Staging Diva Graduates who pay a fee to have their business listed there. A full or "Profile" listing can act as a home stager's website as it contains three sets of before and after photos, contact details and sales copy. "Mini" listings are also available as a less expensive option but both options help to improve a stager's page rank. Homeowners and real estate agents search the directory to find a professional home stager in their area. Learn more about how to join the Staging Diva Directory of Home Stagers.

Someone who has completed all five of the Staging Diva home staging courses is considered a Staging Diva Graduate. Graduates are eligible to participate in exclusive programs including monthly Staging Diva Dialog calls, Staging Diva Network and the Staging Diva Directory of Home Stagers.

An online forum (discussion group) exclusive to Staging Diva Graduates where they congregate to share triumphs, solve problems and combat feelings of isolation that often come with being a home-based entrepreneur. Questions are answered by home staging expert Debra Gould as well as fellow Staging Diva Graduates. Discussion topics are all organized in a searchable database. Learn more about this discussion group for home stagers.

Someone who has ordered one, two, three or four Staging Diva home staging courses. A Staging Diva Student becomes a Graduate after all five courses in the Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program are completed. Read student comments about the Staging Diva program.

A photograph or image that is rented or sold to third parties for their own use. Some stock photos are royalty free and therefore available without a fee. As professional home stagers, we should not be using stock photos of house interiors or exteriors as this amounts to little more than a fake portfolio which misleads potential clients. If caught using stock images, you will have trouble regaining your credibility. Clients want to know what YOU can do, not see photos of someone else's work. Instead, stagers must build their own portfolios using photos of projects they've actually worked on. Learn more about how to build your home staging portfolio.