Stagers: Certified, accredited and waving a magic wand...

I feel compelled to yap a bit more on my blog from yesterday. First, keep in mind that what I have to say is just my opinion based on my observations. But after yesterday's insightful comments from Kristal Kraft, and Geri Sonkin I was inspired to do some more sleuthing to back up my comments.

First... yes, there are organizations that accredit, certify or wave some sort of magic wand and turn people into "staging professionals" with some alphabetic mambo jumbo acronym they can put on a business card. Acronyms such as:

IRIS: interior redesign industry specialists
ASP: accredited staging professional
CSP: certified staging professionals
RESPD: real estate staging professional designation
PHS: professional home stager
HSE: home staging expert
CRS: certified redesign consultant
CPHSD: certified professional home stager designation (gold, silver or bronze)

Typically all the "student" needs to do is pay a fee ($200 to $3,000) and sit in a hotel conference room anywhere from 3 days to a week and listen to an "pro". Sometimes there is trainings in the field... but again it is a very short exposure to the realities of getting a home ready for its sale.

This is not to say that some very talented people have completed these trainings... and are very capable and do a GREAT JOB at staging. My concern is that the "schools" attract many in, only to release these people as "professional graduates" out into the real estate industry with the false belief that they really are prepared to do what it takes to truely help a realtor and their seller best prepare a property for sale.

That is why I said a professional looking website; a sharp portfolio of work they have completed and testimonials from satisfied clients is a good litmus test for ability. Alphabet soup after their name means nothing at this point because there really are no industry standards or boards to accredit the teachers or the schools. There is an old expression... "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." It may piss some people off that I write that, but I believe there is little truth to that old expression. Just be informed and be aware.

Well that's enought for now... CRAIG SCHILLER C.F.S.

PS: As for the designation "CFS" following my name... well, those are my initials.