When I launched Times Ten Design, I had no idea just how wild and rewarding this journey would be! Running a staging business is not for the faint of heart—it’s a business that demands a significant investment in inventory, overhead, and organization. There are countless moving pieces to juggle: managing employees, coordinating trucks, maintaining and replenishing inventory, handling orders and assembly, managing trash, organizing, packing, moving, warehouse, and so much more.
As I reflect on the past 2.5 years, it’s incredible to think how far we’ve come. It feels like a whirlwind, but I’m deeply grateful for every challenge, lesson, and moment of growth along the way. In this post, I’m excited to break down some key moments and milestones from our journey so far. It’s hard to believe it’s only been 2.5 years, and I’m looking forward to everything that’s still to come!
How to Start a Home Staging Business: A Comprehensive Guide
Home staging is more than just rearranging furniture; it’s about creating an emotional connection between buyers and the homes they visit. With the real estate market consistently growing, home staging has proven to be a lucrative field, offering professionals a chance to combine creativity with business acumen. Starting your own staging business requires a blend of planning, passion, and persistence. Here’s a detailed guide to help you take the first steps in launching a successful home staging business.
1. Understand the Industry
What Really is Home Staging? It's so different from interior Design! Home staging involves preparing and presenting homes for sale in a way that appeals to the widest audience possible. Staged homes often sell faster and for higher prices, making it an essential service for sellers and real estate agents. It's the art of transforming a property to appeal to potential buyers by highlighting its best features and creating an inviting, market-ready space—unlike interior design, which tailors a home to the personal tastes and lifestyle of its occupants.
Market Demand: Research your local real estate market to understand the demand for staging services. Urban areas, growing suburbs, or regions with competitive housing markets often present the best opportunities.
Competitor Analysis: Identify existing staging businesses in your area. Analyze their services, pricing, and online presence to determine how you can differentiate yourself.
2. Develop a Business Plan
A strong business plan is the foundation of any successful venture. Your plan should include:
Business Model: Will you operate as a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation?
Target Audience: Focus on real estate agents, homeowners, and property investors.
Services Offered: Decide whether you’ll provide vacant staging, occupied staging, consultations, or rental furniture services.
Pricing Strategy: Determine pricing based on market standards, project size, and your expertise. Find out our thoughts on pricing here.
Financial Projections: Estimate startup costs, monthly expenses, and potential revenue.
3. Build Your Skills and Knowledge
While formal training isn’t required to start a staging business, it can set you apart.
Interior Design Knowledge: Understanding design principles like balance, scale, and color harmony is essential.
Staging Certifications: Consider enrolling in courses from reputable organizations such as:
We used Staging Studio to get our accreditation. We are also a part of RESA and RESA Buying Group where you can learn and use discounts for wholesale purchases.
Business Skills: Learn about marketing, accounting, and client management. Online courses or local small business workshops can be valuable resources.
4. Set Up Your Business
Register Your Business: Choose a memorable name (e.g., Times Ten Design) and register it with your state. Obtain any necessary business licenses or permits. Don't use your name so your clients don't expect you to be at every single thing. Focus on a team mentality using the word "we," whenever possible.
Insurance: Get liability insurance to protect yourself in case of property damage or other issues while working in clients’ homes. We use Travelers for our Workman's comp and Liability.
Tax ID and Bank Account: Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) and open a dedicated business bank account to keep finances separate.
5. Assemble Tools and Resources
Staging Inventory: Invest in versatile, high-quality furniture and décor items. Focus on neutral styles that appeal to a broad audience. Initially, consider renting items to save on upfront costs. Check out of favorite shops here.
Photography Equipment: Great photos of your work are essential for marketing. Invest in a good camera or hire a professional photographer.
Software ToolsUse software to streamline your operations:
Design Tools: Canva or SketchUp for creating design plans. We use the premium plan for Canva
Business Tools: QuickBooks for accounting, payroll, and invoicing
Marketing Tools: Social media scheduling tools like Buffer.
6. Build Your Brand
Logo and Branding: Create a professional logo and choose a cohesive color palette for your website and marketing materials. We use WIX for our website hosting. It's pretty easy to set up.
Website: A well-designed website is crucial. Include:
An overview of your services.
A portfolio showcasing staged homes.
Testimonials from satisfied clients.
Contact information and an inquiry form.
Social Media Presence: Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are ideal for showcasing your work. Share before-and-after photos, staging tips, and client success stories.
7. Market Your Business
Networking with Real Estate Agents: Real estate professionals are your key referral source. Attend local networking events or offer to host staging workshops to build relationships.
Online Advertising: Use Google Ads and social media advertising to reach potential clients. Target homeowners and agents in your local area.
Word of Mouth: Provide exceptional service to your early clients and ask for referrals and reviews.
Partnerships: Collaborate with furniture rental companies, photographers, and moving services for mutual referrals.
Social Media: We put a LOT of time, money, and energy into our social media accounts, especially Instagram. To enhance credibility and build trust with our audience, we also leverage Meta Verified for an added layer of authenticity.
8. Develop a Portfolio
Your portfolio is the heart of your marketing efforts. If you’re just starting:
Offer staging services at a discounted rate to build experience.
Stage a friend’s home or a model property for practice.
Highlight your unique design style and ability to maximize a property’s appeal.
9. Define Your Process
Initial Consultation: Meet with clients to understand their needs, discuss goals, and assess the property.
Proposal and Contract: Provide a detailed proposal outlining your recommendations, timeline, and costs. Use contracts to clearly define expectations and protect both parties.
Execution: Coordinate furniture delivery, arrange décor, and oversee any minor repairs or updates needed for staging.
Post-Staging: Take professional photos of the staged property for your portfolio and the client’s listing.
10. Plan for Growth
Scaling Your Business: As your business grows, consider:
Hiring assistants or partnering with other stagers.
Expanding your inventory. We also post where we shop on Amazon and LTK.
Offering additional services, such as interior redesign or virtual staging.
Staying Updated: Keep up with design trends and local real estate market changes. Continuing education and regular networking will keep your skills sharp and your business competitive.
Conclusion
Starting a home staging business is an exciting venture that blends creativity and entrepreneurship. By thoroughly understanding the market, honing your skills, and building strong relationships with clients, you can position yourself as a go-to professional in your area. With persistence and passion, your business can thrive and help homeowners achieve their selling goals while turning houses into dream homes.
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