Comments on: “Uncertified” Nebraska home stager helps clients sell fast

By: Staging Success Spotlight on Katie Mines | Staging Diva Dispatch

Staging Success Spotlight on Katie Mines | Staging Diva Dispatch — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:59:37 +0000

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By: Donna Ross

Donna Ross — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:14:47 +0000

Hearty congratulations to you Katie! What a great result. It’s exactly what staging is all about.

On the issue of certification I 100% agree with Debra. Personally I don’t think there will ever be any genuine ‘certification’ or ‘accreditation’ for home stagers. I don’t see a need to be honest. What’s to regulate/certify?

There are no structual changes being made. No financial advice is offered. If we are going to certify home stagers then we might as well do the same for personal stylists in the fashion industry.

As Debra rightly points out there are professions like the one mentioned that I’m sure home owners feel require a higher level of accountability – and yet that hasn’t happened.

I’d say if you really want to get serious about having a certain level of training/qualification and that you need it to get business, then investing in an accredited Interior Design course is the only way to go.

No certification carries any weight if it is given by the organisation who provides your training. Like a sheer curtain hanging at a window – it’s there for decoration only.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m 100% for operating and presenting myself and my brand as a professional business person should. That’s why I did Debra’s course.

By: Debra Gould, The Staging Diva

Debra Gould, The Staging Diva — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:52:31 +0000

Gary and Debbie, thanks for sharing your experience. Helps to have others who are worried, realize it’s not necessary. Personally, I think it would be great if home inspectors had to be certified because of the nature of the work they do. Since that’s not regulated either, who knows when home stagers will be. And Gary, thanks for your kind words about the Staging Diva training you received!

By: Debbie Fiskum, The Home Decor Genie!

Debbie Fiskum, The Home Decor Genie! — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:05:19 +0000

Right On! There are many organizations out here that would like to have us believe that there are “credentials” for the home staging industry and that home stagers should be “certified”. I hope that doesn’t happen, because that usually means we pay some organization money every year to give you credentials and put you on a list. Just because someone has letters behind their name doesn’t mean that they will do a good job. Referrals are the best credentials!!

By: Gary Baugher

Gary Baugher — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:50:08 +0000

Debra, I am so glad this topic has come to the table. I remember starting my staging business 3 years ago and thinking , who will hire me ? will they ask for credentials ? are you certified ? Not once have any of these questions surfaced. I am a firm believer that your portfollio speaks for itself. In fact, my first consultation and portfollio included pictures of my own home. I landed the job and it was a true testimonial , home sold first showing after being listed for months. My own talents and the continued support from Six Elements are the true factors to my success. I don’t know about other stagers out there, but I have looked at other portfollios of so called CERTIFIED folks in my area. Some appear a little scary. You either have talent and an eye or you don’t . Some things just can’t be taught.

Gary Baugher Nashville, TN.