When it comes to selecting a training program that will jump-start your new home staging practice, you want to be sure that the course will equip you with both the practical skills and sound business fundamentals needed to achieve your goals. The questions below can help guide your decision and ensure that you make the right choice.

Does the home staging training course offer hands-on training?
Our approach to teaching at The Academy of Home Staging is simple - "learn by doing." There simply is no substitute for working in a home with color, furniture, and accessories. During the course, each student participates in a home staging redesign, a step-by-step preparation of a consultation project and a vacant home bid - all on real homes - complete with furniture selections and a written proposal for the job. It is then presented to the class for feedback.

Does the instructor have demonstrated experience in home staging?
The Academy of Home Staging was founded by Kim Kapellusch, who owns Style My Space Home Design Company, located in the Santa Clarita Valley. Sought after by Realtors and homeowners alike, Kim is a former real estate agent who has more than 15 years of experience in home staging, model home design, consulting for remodel projects and investment flips, redesign, set design, and art direction. A recognized expert in the field of home staging, Kim has been featured in The Signal, Daily Breeze, and San Fernando Valley Business Journal newspapers, on public access television, SCTV, KCET, and the Jeff Eisenberg radio show.

Does the course deal with the business aspects of home staging?
The Academy of Home Staging is unique in its approach to home staging training. During the five-day course, all aspects of business startup are covered - what works and what doesn't in marketing, networking, branding, how to create ads, brochure and web content, getting and making client presentations, pricing, how to get, retain and talk to clients, insurance, contracts, proposals, phone scripts, staging design tips, color theory, space planning and more.

How is the home staging course structured?
The program offered by The Academy of Home Staging is an open forum where students learn by doing, asking questions, and completing practical exercises that encourage feedback and prompt instructor suggestions. Group presentations help students prepare for client interactions and give them the confidence necessary to obtaining work in the industry through networking among real estate professionals in their own community. Special course segments delivered by industry professionals give our students valuable firsthand experience in working with furniture reps, insurance agents, and others who provide services to home stagers.

Do the claims made by the program sound realistic?
At The Academy of Home Staging, we pride ourselves in delivering what we've promised - staging and design fundamentals, along with sound business guidance, that will enable students to launch their own successful home staging practices upon completing the training.

Is ongoing support available to graduates?
Students who complete The Academy of Home Staging are provided with 2 months of ongoing education and support and no extra cost to the student. This program includes tele-classes, coaching and group support.

What makes the course you are considering unique from others?
At The Academy of Home Staging, we don't assume our students come to us with any business, marketing or design training. Our format is informal, with opportunities to ask questions, flexible with regards to the needs of the attendees, and incorporates the expertise of guest speakers.