What does a home stager do all day?

Home stagers prepare houses and apartments for sale by emphasizing their best features. If a client is still living on the premises, the home stager may remove or rearrange furniture, clean and de-clutter, make small repairs, paint and otherwise make a dwelling as appealing as possible to a potential seller. In empty homes, a stager may add furnishings and décor. The home stager’s goal is to help an owner sell their property quickly for maximum value.

What kind of cash are we talking about here?

Home stagers usually charge an initial consultation fee, then offer a few cost options for staging. Earnings vary according to projects, but an established home stager can expect to earn about $150 and up for an initial consultation, and $500 to several thousand dollars for a staging.

What do you have to do to get this job?

A course or two to learn the essentials is a good start. The Real Estate Staging Association offers a list of recommended training providers at its Web site (realestatestagingassociation.com). You’ll need a business Web site with photos of your work. And get to know realtors in your area and make them familiar with your work.

OK, tell me the bad part.

It takes time to build a home staging business and make a steady income, so this field is best for those who can afford to work part time to start. Even established home stagers may run into difficult clients who question their fees or design decisions.

What’s the upside?

This is a fun and creative field, and one that’s growing as homeowners and realtors look for ways to sell properties in a tight market. Each project is a creative challenge that will appeal to those with strong design and problem-solving skills.