1. Faster Sale Time
2. Higher Sale Price
3. Great Listing Tool
4. Distinct Marketing Advantage over non-staged homes
5. Attracts a broader range of buyers
6. Buyers view Staged Homes as well cared for properties
7. Building Inspectors view Staged Homes as cared for properties
8. Appraisers are more likely to appraise Staged Homes at full value

In today’s market, savvy homeowners are turning to professionals to prepare their home for sale. So, just how do homeowners choose which stager is the best?

The initials after their name will tell you everything about their training in the staging industry. ASP, Accredited Staging Professional, signifies that this stager has been taught by the creator of the industry, Barb Schwarz. Barb holds the federally registered name of STAGE and invented this industry 37 years ago. The initials ASPM, is an Accredited Staging Professional Master. At present there are approximately six stagers that carry the Master logo in Illinois, including myself.

Stagers should provide you with before and after photos of their work. Testimonials should be available also, along with their own personal statistics.

Professional stagers, will walk you through their services with an open eyes and an open ears, to discover what their client is trying to achieve in the sale of their home.

Accredited stagers will provide several services that will fit the clients’ needs financially and personally. Professional stagers can do as much or as little, and should have an inventory immediately available.

Recommendations and ideas about paint, carpet, flooring, etc. should be included in their consultation. Also ideas for curb appeal is a must.

(if we can’t get the buyer in, we can’t sell the house)

In conclusion, a professional stager will not charge to come out and evaluate your property for the purpose of preparing a staging proposal.