What to Look for, What to Avoid when Hiring a Home Stager

Do It Yourself ~ DYI, Home Staging, Home Staging Tips, HopeDesigns.ca, Professional

Has the time come to hire a home staging company? Are you ready to make this big decision, but unsure of which professional will offer the right blend of design know-how and experience?
While there are a lot of questions to answer, once you know what to look for, as well as what to avoid, you should be able to hire the right home stager without delay.
What to Look for
Rather than guess, hoping that you end up working with the right person, you should only consider home stagers that offer the following:
1. Many years of experience. Let’s face it: the longer somebody works as a home stager the better chance they have of being able to help you. This is not to say that professionals who are “new” to the industry have nothing to offer, however, you are better off relying on somebody with experience.
2. Accolades and awards. Our very own Lori Howard, for example, has been appointed as a Mentor for The Canadian Staging Professionals. Why is this such a big deal? Consider this: only 17 mentors throughout the world have received this honour.
3. Affiliations. When you find a home staging company with multiple high quality affiliations you can be rest assured they know what they are doing. Hope Designs, for example, is affiliated with the following organizations:
• International Staging and Redesign Professionals
• Certified Staging Professionals
• Real Estate Staging Association
• Professional Stagers Network Association
What to Avoid
Now that you know what to look for in a home stager, let’s talk about some of the things you should avoid:
1. Don’t hire somebody who uses a “cookie cutter” approach. Remember, what worked for another home may not necessarily work for your property.
2. Home staging companies that don’t have any real home staging experience. There is more to staging a home than being a good interior designer. Does the company have access to the right furniture and accessories? Will they be able to get the items your home needs, when it needs them?
3. Lack of references. The best home stagers have no problem sharing references and testimonials. If you ask for these and the company declines your request, it is time to move on.
With so many questions to answer, you may begin to wonder if hiring a home stager is really in your best interest. Don’t let this thought cross your mind. There are a lot of questions to answer and details to consider, but exercising a little bit of patience will have you on the right track soon enough.
For a better idea of what a professional home stager brings to the process, contact us to discuss your situation. We are more than happy to explain the finer details, allowing you to make an informed and confident decision.