How to Start a Home Staging Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
Starting a Home Staging Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re a real estate agent or have an interest in interior design, have you ever thought about starting your own home staging side hustle? I did, and let me tell you — it’s been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made! Sure, launching the business took some upfront investments, but the potential payoff made it completely worth it. In this post, I’ll walk you through how I got my home staging company up and running. These steps worked for me, and they can work for you too if you want to be your own boss in this lucrative field.
Choose a Business Structure
The first big choice I faced was how to legally form my business. I could be a sole proprietor, partner up, or become an official LLC. For me, an LLC provided the right mix of tax benefits, legal protections, and credibility with clients. Consulting a lawyer and accountant helped me make the best decision for my goals. Don’t skip this step — the right structure matters.
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Develop a Business Plan
Every new biz needs a roadmap — that’s where the business plan comes in. My plan mapped out the company’s mission, target market, competitive landscape, services, startup costs, operations, and predicted financials. It took time to put together, but proved my concept was viable. The exercise also forced me to analyze every angle of the venture. Even if you don’t need funding, write a plan. You’ll thank yourself later.
Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits
While home staging itself doesn’t require special licensing, I still needed some typical business permits based on my location. Don’t forget this step! Check with your local government office early on to find out exactly what legal docs you’ll need as a home stager or designer in your area.
Secure Funding
Launching a small business takes capital. I estimated my startup costs, explored funding options, and settled on an affordable small business loan. The loan covered my website, equipment, inventory, marketing materials, training, and more. Many successful stagers bootstrap their biz and then reinvest earnings. Do what works for your situation.
Stage Your Own Home
Want portfolio samples ASAP? Stage your own place! I treated my home like a real client project, using my budget to decorate and seriously upgrade each room. Professional photos of the finished spaces went straight onto my website — instant credibility! Staging your home shows you’ve got the skills clients want.
Develop Your Skills
Home staging requires an array of expertise — interior design principles, space editing, client service, project management, and marketing finesse. I invested in training programs, certifications, photography lessons, and mentorships with seasoned stagers. Constantly build your design, business, and real estate knowledge.
Create a Website and Marketing Materials
To spread the word about my new venture, I built a professional website to showcase my services, portfolio, and credentials. I also claimed my business name on social platforms and created marketing materials like business cards and brochures. Ask real estate offices if you can give presentations too — it’s an amazing way to connect with potential clients.
Invest in Insurance
Don’t skip business insurance — it protects you if the unthinkable happens! I obtained general liability insurance right away in case of property damage or injuries on a job. As my business grew, I added other policies too like errors & omissions and commercial auto. Shop around for the best rates and coverage.
Furnish Your Staging Toolkit
Building my home staging equipment and inventory was an exciting step! I started with basic tools like a camera, measuring tape, furniture dolly, and lighting kits. Then I gradually amassed neutral furniture, stylish accents, art, throws, plants, and accessories to elevate any space. Keep items organized and easy to transport.
Find Clients and Stage Homes!
This was my favorite part — finally staging real homes! I connected with local real estate agents and pitched my services. Many now regularly hire me to prep homes before listing. I’ve also started working directly with homeowners. Offering discounts at first scored me portfolio samples fast. I deliver premium service and quality — and business is booming!
It does take dedication, know-how, and patience to get a home staging company up and running. But the rewards make it so worthwhile. With the right game plan and tenacious follow-through, you can grow a thriving biz too. Just take it step-by-step. Before you know it, you’ll be a sought-after pro! I believe in you — now go start that home staging side hustle!
Need a Home Staging Business Plan?
Create a custom business plan with financial projections and market research in minutes with ProAI’s business plan generator.
Home Staging Financial Forecasts
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the startup costs for a home staging business?
The startup costs for a home staging business can range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more. This includes initial investments in basic staging tools and equipment, furniture and decorative inventory, a website and branding, licenses and insurance, and any required training courses. Many home stagers bootstrap their business initially and then reinvest earnings to grow their inventory and offerings.
What skills do I need to be a home stager?
Home stagers require a blend of interior design skills, business/project management abilities, and marketing know-how. Useful skills include principles of design and editing spaces, selecting furnishing and décor, accenting for buyers, photography and visual presentation, organization, customer service, self-promotion, and real estate trend knowledge. Proper training is key.
How much do home stagers charge?
Home stagers typically charge $200 to $600 per room staged, based on local market rates and the scope of services provided. Itemized fees may include consultation, furniture rental, accessory styling, project management, photography, and installation/breakdown. Additional fees apply for storage, maintenance, or extensive renovations. Established stagers can earn $50,000 annually or more.
What should I include in my home staging business plan?
A strong home staging business plan covers your company overview, target market and competitive analysis, services and offerings, startup funding needs, operations plan, marketing strategy, and financial projections. It helps prove the viability of your idea to secure loans or investors. The discipline of writing a plan also forces you to think through every aspect of launching your business.
How do I furnish inventory for staging homes?
As a new home stager, concentrate first on amassing versatile furniture pieces and decorative items that update spaces easily, play well together across styles, and store compactly. Shop sales and consignment stores, network with other designers, repurpose your own dated furniture, and buy higher-quality signature pieces as profitable investments over time.
