April 19, 2009
Contact: Marcyne Touchton
Tel: 704.905.6343
Email: marcyne@iahsp.com
HOW TOP REAL ESTATE AGENTS ARE SURVIVING
Top Performing Real Estate Agents Turn to Home Staging
La Quinta, CA - IN THE WORLD OF REAL ESTATE - IT IS NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL. Real estate agents across the US report taking on part-time jobs in retail and food and beverage to make ends meet. The industry is shrinking as professionals allow their licenses to lapse and move into other fields. The National Association of Realtors (NAR®) announced that they have lost 10% real estate agents nationwide from 1.37 million two years ago to 1.24 million, according to Charles McMillan quoted in The Times. Additionally, real estate companies that were once fierce competitors are merging to stay afloat, such as Cottingham-Chalk and Bissell-Hayes in the Charlotte, NC market.
During the 2008 National Association of REALTORS® annual convention in Las Vegas, top ten realtors who were interviewed all revealed one core commonality: they all used Home Staging as part of their marketing. Statistically, a Staged home sells in 34 days versus the 174 days of a non-staged home, according to Stagedhomes.com.
Barb Schwarz, who is the Creator of Home Staging®, CEO of StagedHomes.com, and Chairwoman of The International Association of Home Staging Professionals® (IAHSP.com), reminds real estate agents, “This is not a bad economy. Talk to anyone who sold real estate in the late 80’s when the interest rate was 18%!” Barb was a featured speaker at NAR®’s annual convention in Las Vegas. “Now, it is more important than ever to distinguish yourself from others. Home Staging can help you retain listings, get new listings, and help you stand apart from your competitors."
Real estate agents who use home Staging as a part of their listing presentation, signal homeowners that they are aware of current trends in their industry. Many top-producing real estate agents will even pay for the initial Home Staging consultation for their clients. A consultation is when the Home Stager comes to the homeowner’s home and writes up a comprehensive list of what needs to be done in order for the house to be deemed as “Staged®.” Some real estate agents will reimburse their client for their initial consultation once the home closes. Some real estate agents even pay for all or part of the actual Staging services if there is a big commission at stake.
Because current market conditions are not business as usual, some homeowners are even calling Home Stagers FIRST (before hiring a real estate agent). In the past, it was the real estate agent who brought Staging to the table as a way to market; now, however, homeowners recognize that it is a buyer’s market and differentiating their property becomes a priority. This role reversal will benefit real estate agents that are in a position to earn leads (instead of just give them.) This trend reinforces why real estate agents should make a connection with an Accredited Staging Professional® (ASP) to survive (and thrive) in these trying economic times.
Real estate agents can earn the ASP® designation after completing a two day course offered around the US and Canada or through online courses found at www.Stagedhomes.com. Agents can also visit the official website for the International Association for Home Staging Professionals at www.IAHSP.com or www.StagedHomes.com to find a local ASP.
About StagedHomes.com
The Staged Homes Program is a dynamic program that has been developed to assist property owners in presenting their homes for sale in the best possible way, by employing the unique skills of an Accredited Staging Professional® (ASP). These Home Staging Professionals are responsible for using a proven set of guidelines to help you prepare your home, both inside and out, to meet predefined standards that allow a property to be designated as a "Staged Home" In the past nine years, Stagedhomes.com has graduated thousands of students from the ASP courses, and helped Home Staging entrepreneurs set up and manage successful Home Staging businesses. Graduates earn the only Accreditation offered for Home Staging, and are certified with the ASP Designation.
About The Creator of Home Staging - Barb Schwarz
- The Creator Of Home Staging®
- Creator of The Accredited Staging Professional® Course
- Best Selling Home Staging and Real Estate Author
- Award-Winning Professional Speaker
- Professional Real Estate Broker
- CEO of Stagedhomes.com
- Founder and Chairwoman of IAHSP, The International Association of Home Staging Professionals, www.iahsp.com
- Barb Schwarz pioneered the "Staged To Live"® concept. She has traveled the country extensively from 1985 to present, spreading the mission of Home Staging to millions.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME STAGING PROFESSIONALS
Currently, IAHSP serves approximately 125 local chapters and supports more than 2,400 members. Since 2001 The International Association of Home Staging Professionals has been dedicated to fostering a stronger professional environment. The goals of IAHSP leadership include building its member knowledge base, creating business opportunities, fostering a sense of community within the Stager profession, and increasing the designation’s identity in the industry. IAHSP International also focuses on industry marketing, research, and the continuing education of its members. Earning the Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) designation and ASP Masters designation are major goals within the Staging industry. IAHSP serves its members by providing support, network opportunities, business to business partnerships and new skills and techniques to each Home Staging Professional within the association.
If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Barb Schwarz, the Creator of Home Staging®, please call the IAHSP's Director of Communications / Public Relations: Marcyne Touchton at 704.905.6343 or email her at Marcyne@iahsp.com.
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