Home stager

Home stager Becky Fimbres says she first saw the need for professional home staging when she worked as a real estate agent. Home stagers believe that buyers decide how much they like a property by picturing their own possessions in the house. The core principle of home staging can be counterintuitive: The simplest changes bring the largest returns. Stagers also occasionally work to make vacant houses seem more livable by adding items such as furniture, throw rugs, and lamps. There are no formal requirements to work as a home stager. Many certification programs exist, but their duration and teaching methods vary. Experience, says Becky, is the best teacher. Tactful communication is essential. Most home stagers are self-employed, so they must also be adept at managing their own business. Home stagers must also build strong relationships with real estate agents, whom they rely on for referrals. Some real estate agents supplement their business by working as home stagers.