IAHSP EU Conference and Awards 2022

By Sasha Barker

The IAHSP®’s European Home Staging Conference and Expo is just around the corner, and we are here to fill you in on those all-important details! You really won’t want to miss out on what is set to be a brilliant weekend for the Home Staging industry.

Beautiful Lisbon, Portugal

This year, the conference will be held in Lisbon’s Pestana Palace Hotel on the 28^th and 29^th of May 2022.

THE FUTURE IS NOW

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The IAHSP® Europe has lined up 7 top industry professionals to share their insights over the course of the weekend. Attendees will have access to inspiring talks on success, time management, design principles and even warehouse logistics, just to name a few! On the second day, there will be a specialist course on Senior Staging, reviewing Home Staging solutions for more mature adults.

Senior Staging Specialist Designation from IAHSP

The full schedule (subject to change), which will include lunches and coffee breaks, can be found here. Everything you need to know about what is best for your staging business will be at your fingertips, and you’ll also be surrounded by like minded individuals with a passion for Home Staging – the perfect opportunity to network and build connections. There will be opportunities to meet our sponsors and discuss their products and services throughout the conference.

On the evening of the 28^th, the 2^nd annual European Home Staging Awards will take place. This is a wonderful occasion for everybody to come together and celebrate our successes as Home Stagers from all over Europe. It is a black-tie event with a Gala Dinner, not to mention the afterparty where we can all let our hair down!

We are looking forward to seeing you all there and are confident it will be a fun, fulfilling weekend. You can find more information on our guest speakers and buy your tickets for the conference here.

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Are Real Estate Agents Allowed to Own a Home Staging Business?

by Jennie Norris, Chairwoman for The International Association of Home Staging Professionals® (IAHSP®)

The Home Staging Industry is growing and is the perfect partner with the Real Estate Industry!  In fact, Home Staging is a REAL ESTATE TOOL – not decorating or design.  Yes, there are crossover elements with our sister industries:  Interior Design, Home Decorating, Professional Organizing and even Feng Shui.  However, at its core, Home Staging is a Real Estate Service – because the goal of Staging is to help a property SELL at the best price and in the fastest time!  Our sister industries have different goals – none of them focus on SELLING a HOUSE as the primary goal of their business.

Now – Real Estate Agents – can you own and operate a Home Staging Business?  The answer is YES! 

The industry is a free market industry.  There are no rules from the REALTOR® side that say you cannot have a business in Home Staging, and don’t let anyone tell you differently.  A Home Stager serves the real estate industry, so if you did decide to ADD Staging as a business option for your overall income, you would have two businesses – one where you work with Buyers and Sellers of properties, and the other where you help make those properties look great for photos, showings to help them sell faster and for the best price!   

In FACT, the Home Staging industry was STARTED by a REALTOR® – who saw the need to help houses look better for Buyers.  In 1972, the phrase, “Staging” was coined by Barb Schwarz, The Creator of Home Staging®.  As a REALTOR® she knew houses would sell faster if Sellers were willing to do some basic things to prepare their houses for sale.  The industry has evolved greatly since then, but its birth was rooted in Real Estate!

Your first step is to set up a professional Home Staging Business and to do that you need to understand HOW to make that happen.

First, get some education.  Earn an approved Industry Accreditation or Designation.  Go to www.iahsp.com to see the list of approved courses and make your determination about which one is best for you.  Courses are comparably priced, and there are options for live, in person courses, live webinar courses, and self-paced courses.   IAHSP®, the International Association of Home Staging Professionals®, has approved courses listed on their site.  Our membership is comprised of industry professionals that have education in the industry, which sets us apart from other associations that do not have the same membership standards.  INVEST in your education from the start so you do not struggle and guess at how to be successful.

A quality course will teach you the ins-and-outs of owning a business from marketing, pricing, strategic growth and what to do for various industry services from consultations, hands-on Staging, and vacant property staging.  Staging is not just adding a few plants and towels to a property.  It is a process and when done properly and professionally can be lucrative for a business owner who understands the potential from the start.

RESOURCES:

There are resources available to Home Staging Industry Professionals including rental resources, discounts on purchases from retailers and the ability to establish wholesale accounts.  The Training Company you choose and the Home Staging Association you belong to should provide industry resources and discounts to you.  Not all Home Stagers have huge warehouses and invest in inventory.  There are many very successful Home Stagers that run businesses utilizing 3^rd party industry resources for the furniture and décor needed to Stage properties.  You can also focus on consultations and hands-on Stagings where you use the Seller’s things only – that is a large market segment and one that does not require acquisition of any inventory.  Again, how you grow your business and the services you decide to provide are up to you.

HOW DO YOU MINIMIZE CONCERNS?

You would essentially be working with your colleagues/competitors.  This can present a sticky situation if you are in an area where competition and possible distrust exists.

You bring up the concerns your potential clients will have about you being BOTH an active Real Estate Agent or REALTOR® and a Professional Home Stager – before they do.

Top Concerns:

• Will you steal my client? The trust factor with this relationship is key.  Let your prospective colleague clients know that their clients will never know you are a REALTOR® when you are working with them in Stager mode.
• What if my client finds out you are a REALTOR®? You need to let your colleague client know that if their Seller figures out you are a REALTOR® and asks you to take on the listing, you will decline.  That shows integrity.
• What about Leads? If a lead comes to you from the Staging work you did in the house, and the potential client does not have a listing agent selected, you will pass that lead on to the colleague client that brought you in as the Stager (or refer the lead at an agreed %).  See, if you had not Staged that house for the listing agent colleague client, that person that needs a REALTOR® to sell their house would never have found you.  That shows ultimate integrity.

 

Is it WISE to DIVERSIFY in Business?  YES.

Depending on your market and your financial goals, having more than one income stream is wise.  There are many agents that focus solely on Real Estate. Taught to put all their eggs in one basket, it is sink or swim for their success.  There are also many that diversify and are licensed appraisers, lenders, title reps, business coaches, trainers – they have other sources of income outside the industry.  It is your life and your financial goals are yours – and doing what is necessary to reach those goals is your decision.  Home Staging provides you with another option for income.  You do need to have an “eye” for placement, understand spatial arrangement, color, industry trends, so getting education is key.

 

BOTTOM LINE:  If you want to have a Home Staging Business and you’re a REALTOR® you CAN do both.  Depending on where your passion lies, you will most likely end up gravitating towards one as your primary business.   As the saying goes, “Do what you love and you will never WORK a day in your life!”

Scott Hansen – Keynote Speaker for IAHSP 2018 Conference & EXPO Saturday, Oct 20th Session!

We are excited to have SCOTT HANSEN, Best Selling Author, Speaker, and Business Coach joining us for our SATURDAY, Oct 20th Conference Session as our KEYNOTE SPEAKER!  He will challenge, inspire and educate us about what it takes to increase our business success on all levels!  Go to www.iahspconexpo.com to learn more and reserve your seat at the Home Staging Industry’s most anticipated event of the year!!

In addition – we have the SCOTT BROTHERS joining us Friday, Oct. 19th as our FEATURED KEYNOTE SPEAKERS!! . . . and you will earn your LUXURY HOME STAGING DESIGNATION!  We are your GETAWAY with a TAKEAWAY!!

Advanced Stager Training Workshop

Join us for the event hosted by IAHSP in collaboration with HSRA and RAVE Staging & Design.

SPACE IS LIMITED!  Join industry colleagues for an intensive, collaborative workshop where open discussions will take place intended to help move your business forward!  Tickets are on sale now.   There are qualifications for attendance that you must meet.

Don’t Drop the Ball! IAHSP 2018 Conference & EXPO Super Early Bird Price ends tomorrow!

When the ball drops in Times Square, prices go UP for the 2018 IAHSP Conference & EXPO!  Get your ticket NOW and save $$!  

There is still room for our VIP section where you get preferred seating, first in line for the Meet & Greet with the Scott Brothers, priority Registration and some extra goodies that general attendees will not receive!!  Space is limited!!  Get your ticket now to lock in your VIP spot!

Go to www.iahspconexpo.com to register!

 

On the 4th Day Before Christmas, IAHSP Gave to me . . .

On the 4th Day Before Christmas IAHSP Gave to Me – The Best Seller – “Dream Home” by Jonathan & Drew Scott!   All attendees of the 2018 IAHSP Conference & EXPO will receive this book and be able to get it PERSONALLY SIGNED by the Scott Brothers during their Meet & Greet – Book Signing!

On the 5th Day Before Christmas IAHSP Gave to Me . . .

On the 5th Day Before Christmas IAHSP Gave to Me – 23 Amazing Speakers ready to share their expertise with YOU at our 2018 IAHSP Conference & EXPO – Oct 18-20, 2018 in Charlotte, NC!  Here are a few more!

Lakeitha Smith, the Founder of L-Suite Netwërk and L-Design Wërks. L-Suite Netwërk is a small business web based platform that allows small business owners, entrepreneurs and freelancers to perform multi-faceted business functions all in one place. L-Design Wërks is a Houston based design studio that specializes in residential interior design and decorating.

Lakeitha is a Certified Staging Professional (C.S.P.) a Texas Real Estate Commission Instructor and the former 2016-2017 RESA – Houston Chapter President. Lakeitha prides herself on being both an educator and leader in the Houston community.

KAT has worked for over a decade with major new home builders in the greater Houston area. as a close out specialist. No Model homes? No Problem!

Ground breaking results through the magic of ASP staging, for these close out communities was extremely successful and profitable.

This opportunity helped KAT gain an in-depth understanding on how to strategically market not only the space but to the lifestyles they represent to get amazing results for all her happy staging clients!

Kat’s passion energy and undying attention to detail has helped her parlay her builder experience into her staging business arming her with inside knowledge of the new home builder process. Everything from getting in the door to getting the business.

In 3 short years building her company, “Ta Da Staging by KAT,” she has been honored as an award winning company, being recognized with the “Best of Houzz Service 2017, having taught over 15 realtor CE classes “Stage it to Sell” in 2017 and is super excited to have recently earned her ASPM (accredited staging professional master) designation.

On the 6th Day Before Christmas IAHSP Gave to Me . . .

On the 6th Day Before Christmas IAHSP Gave to Me – 23 Awesome Speakers sharing at the 2018 IAHSP Conference & EXPO in Charlotte – Oct 18-20, 2018!  Here’s a look at a few more!

Jennie Norris is the Chairwoman for IAHSP® International, President & CEO of Stagedhomes.com, and Owner & Principal Home Stager for Sensational Home Staging. She is a Certified ASP® and ASPM® Course Trainer and as a professional speaker, she presents the Accredited Staging Professional® (ASP®) Course on behalf of Stagedhomes.com throughout North America. Jennie has been featured in national and local television segments, publications, and radio. She is the only two‐time Winner of the Staging Award of Excellence and was the first recipient of the IAHSP® Staging Spirit Award.

She launched the first Home Staging company in the Sacramento region and now owns and operates a successful Home Staging company in Denver.Having personally Staged over 4,300 houses for sale since 2002 she has educated thousands of Realtors, Stagers and Sellers about Home Staging, and has helped mentor Home Staging colleagues as a Business Coach and Trainer. She and her team Stage properties throughout the greater Denver region, from modest to multi-million dollar properties.

Jennie is the President of the Denver IAHSP® Regional Chapter, and is the co‐author of “Marketing Made Simple: The Key to Succeeding in Business.” She is also a professional blogger, author, and social media networking expert. Jennie earned her B.A. from UCLA.

Naheed Oberfeld is a Success Strategist who works with passionate and driven business owners and Professionals who are respected experts in their field. She helps them achieve greater financial success by showing them how to effortlessly attract their ideal clients, confidently charge the true value of their products and services, overcome debilitating boom and bust cycles, and shed patterns of procrastination and stress.

With 15 years of experience in the corporate world, including fortune 100 companies, Naheed left the Finance industry to embark upon her passion; empowering others to create financially rewarding businesses without stress and struggle. She works with clients from all over the world helping them to overcome their personal and professional blocks to achieve a happier and more abundant life.

As a seasoned speaker and top Real Estate producer, Barb Schwarz has logged thousands of hours on the platform.  Over one million REALTORS® have attended her various programs.  Her wonderful gift for speaking and her ability to educate, motivate and entertain was recognized by the National Speakers Association when they awarded her the coveted designation of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), earned by less than 250 speakers worldwide.  Barb is a leader, innovator, and a truly gifted speaker who shares the wisdom of her personal triumphs.

In 1999, Barb founded the International Association of Home Staging Professionals®, and in 2005 launched the IAHSP® Foundation, a non-profit organization, so that association members could give back to their communities. She remains active in IAHSP® as part of the International Board and these days enjoys spending time with her husband, Kirk, growing a spectacular garden, and her fur babies, Happy, Whidbey and Bo.

 

On the 7th Day Before Christmas IAHSP Gave to Me . . .

On the 7th Day Before Christmas IAHSP Gave to Me – 23 Awesome Speakers sharing at the 2018 IAHSP Conference & EXPO in Charlotte – Oct 18-20, 2018!  Here’s a look at a few more!

Catherine Lewis Brown loves being self-employed! If she can help other entrepreneurs to live their dream of doing what they love, and get paid for doing it, she’s ALL IN!

Catherine is the founder of The Successful Stager Training Academy, and the owner of Ready to List Staging in Toronto. Her programs, tools and resources have all been created to inspire, motivate and empower women in the growth of their business, but especially, stagers! She is the founder of The Certified Successful Stager training program and the Just for Stagers Member’s Lounge. She is also the owner of the Just for Stagers Facebook group, which is a thriving hub for stagers around the globe.

Carrie Little is an active licensed Real Estate Broker in Illinois.  As a licensee she has the privilege of training for Midwest Real Estate Data, one of the largest MLS’ in the U.S.  She is actively involved in her local board and prides herself with the ability to motivate agents to “figure out how to, figure it out.”

As a C.E. Instructor and trainer, she has educated agents, locally and internationally.  Carrie was an early adopter of Social Media which allows her to integrate technology into her training making it practical for every real estate audience.  She’s produced television programming, worked for one of the largest Commercial Real Estate holders in the world and is driven to motivate others to reach their professional goals, personal goals, and real estate dreams.  She is an author, blogger, certified paralegal, holds a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.S. in Digital Marketing and Analytics.

Karen B. Mendenhall, had been practicing real estate in the Charlotte region as a career for more than 15 years before opening a home staging company. Stage It! was established in 2005 and is Charlotte’s premiere accredited, home staging company. Making houses out shine the competition is her passion.

Karen says she has a “furniture moving” disease.  She needs to see pieces in different places before she decides which location is best for the camera, the traffic flow, and the use of the space. Staging is the only cure for my ailment. Having been personally trained by the Creator of Home Staging, Barb Schwarz, Karen is forever grateful to her for sharing all of her knowledge and expertise while at the same time caring enough to make sure she succeeded. The Stage It! Team has now staged more than 1000 properties!

Karen holds a degree in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; is a licensed agent in North and South Carolina; is a Lifetime Accredited Staging Professional Master; and, is an official ASP course instructor for Stagedhomes.com

On the 8th Day Before Christmas, IAHSP Gave to me . . .

On the 8th Day Before Christmas, IAHSP gave to me . . . 23 AMAZING industry Speakers coming to share with YOU at the 2018 IAHSP Conference & EXPO – Oct 18-20, 2018 in Charlotte, NC!  Here is a look at a few more!

Sandra Holmes is Accredited Staging Professional Master® (ASPM®), IAHSP Board Member, Executive Vice President with Stagedhomes.com, and the President of Home Staging Concepts, the Premiere Home Staging Company in South Florida. Sandra and her team have staged over $1 Billion dollars in real estate since she created her business in 2005. She continues her education in real estate and in the staging industry to keep current with the trends of today’s market.

Sandra currently serves Director of Fundraising for Worldwide Staging Service Week® and is the Director of Affiliate & Vendor Relations for IAHSP. She was also the Founder of the South Florida International Association of Home Staging Professionals Chapter and has held various board positions. Sandra believes that continuing education is the key to success in the staging industry. Sandra’s philosophy is that together we can do more!

Recognized amongst Staging and Design aficionados for his engaging personality and his limitless devotion to the Home Staging industry, Kevin Htain– Lifetime Master Accredited Staging Professional, has become an iconic figure in the Staging industry for creating emotionally magnetizing spaces that sell. Identity Home Staging specializes in Staging Homes for Real Estate, Interior Design, as well as Home Builder’s Consultations. Identity Home Staging is recognized as the first and only LIFETIME ASPM Staging Team in Southern CA, South of San Francisco! Since 2005, Identity Home has successfully Staged over 1 Billion square feet (over $575 million dollars worth) of real estate in Southern California and Nevada. Kevin and his Team’s Staging work is also regularly featured on HGTV’s #1 rated show, “Flip Or Flop.” Staging for Tarek and Christina El Moussa has been a wonderfully enriching experience for Kevin’s entire Team. Be sure to check out their work on HGTV on Thursday’s!

In 2014 Kevin was selected amongst his peers as “West Coast Home Stager of the Year.” In 2015 Kevin was awarded “The Barb Schwarz Staging Excellence ASPM Stager of the Year.” Both honors have been received with humility and humbleness.

Face it, we are living in an immediate gratification world and clients that can go shopping in their jammies. The result is either a house filled with things they don’t know how to use or a room desperately in need of suggestions. JoAnne Lenart-Weary is the Original One Day Decorator. She has been offering the service long before HGTV turned the concept into a decorating niche. One Day Decorating blends the art of arrangement (what many call redesign) using what they already have with color, retail shopping and window treatments to create a room that rocks in hours…not weeks. This highly lucrative service can build your bottom line. JoAnne doubled her income in 1 year with the simple addition of this service. Learn how to transform a room quickly, select a color palette, shop smart and most of all, make money.

JoAnne Lenart-Weary is a Professional Interior Decorator, Color Authority and Staging Expert. As a 40+ year industry veteran, she has had the pleasure of creating beautiful rooms in 29 states and 3 countries. This experience has led to appearances on HGTV, WJET-TV ABC, Good Morning Atlanta and other regional TV stations.