Real estate staging is a growing industry and one that offers lucrative opportunities to those who are interested in entering the field. Stagers help home sellers by making their properties more attractive to potential buyers. This often involves everything from rearranging furniture to bringing in a licensed electrician to create a certain look in the space. 

To become a successful stager, there are certain steps you need to take. Here’s what you need to know before starting your career as a real estate stager.

Sign Up for Courses

Relevant knowledge is the first building block to any successful career. To this end, it’s best to take classes related to real estate staging if you want to have a chance in your chosen career. 

Taking courses is how you’ll get a better understanding of the industry, picking up tips for creating inviting spaces. Plus, most courses will provide you with a certificate upon completion which will add to your credibility.

Gain Experience

Along with the theoretical knowledge gained from classes, you want to gain real-world experience as well. To do this, you should start by offering to stage homes for friends and family. This will give you the chance to hone your skills without any pressure from clients or expectations of payment. 

Once you become more confident in your abilities, reach out to real estate agents and offer to stage a home for free as a way to showcase your talents and get your name out there. 

Build Your Portfolio

A portfolio is key to your success as a real estate stager. This should include images of homes you’ve staged before, and any certification or courses you have taken related to the industry. 

But it’s no longer enough to have a binder full of pictures these days, so take things a step further by creating a website. With a personal website, you can include images of your work, glowing reviews from past clients, and even any upcoming classes or events that you’re participating in. Plus, having an online presence will make it easy for potential clients to find you. 

Create a Network

Networking is an important part of any career, and real estate staging is no exception. You should join local associations that are related to the field, attend industry events, and reach out to other professionals in the area so you can start building relationships. These kinds of connections often lead to opportunities for collaboration with established stagers. 

Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools out there, so it’s important to make sure that your network knows who you are and what you can do. 

Real estate staging is a great career choice for those who are passionate about interior design and decorating. By signing up for courses, gaining experience, building your portfolio, and creating a network, you can be on your way to becoming an in-demand stager.