When you decide to hire a home stager to decorate your property to sell faster and for more money, you need to make sure you’re investing in the right person. After all, you’re trusting someone with the sale of your largest asset–your home–so you have to be careful to put that trust in an experienced professional.

Having operated a successful home staging business since 2002, and having trained over 4,000 people worldwide about how to become a home stager, Staging Diva^® Debra Gould is well aware of what a homeowner or real estate agent needs to look for when selecting an expert home stager. Here are the five biggest mistakes Gould says that homeowners make when looking for a home staging professional:

1. Focusing on price

The last thing you should be focused on is how much the home stager is charging. Saving a few hundred dollars in fees and getting bad advice will cost you thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars. You have a budget in mind, of course, but you stand to make a huge profit from effective home staging. That’s why you should consider hiring a home stager as an investment in the sale of your largest asset. For optimal results, invest in the highest quality stager you can find.

Professional home stagers expect to earn anywhere from $250 to $500 for the initial consultation. Beware of anyone willing to work for significantly less for doing work that you stand to make anywhere from $10,000 to $70,000 in profit from.

Rates will vary depending on your geographic location and the stager’s experience, but you shouldn’t hire someone just because he or she charges a ridiculously low rate. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for.

2. Looking for credentials

Another common mistake is to look for “credentials,” since none exist in the home staging field. There is no governing body or official organization ruling over the home staging industry. There are no official home staging accreditations or certifications in this completely unlicensed field. The letters you see after some home stagers’ names simply come from a particular home staging training company that pushes them as part of their marketing strategy. Instead of relying on unofficial credentials, look at testimonials from past clients, before and after photos, and real estate knowledge.

3. Hiring someone without looking at a website or portfolio

It is recommended that you work only with home stagers who have a presence on the Web. Because you’re hiring a professional in a visual field, you want to see how they express themselves through their biggest marketing piece: their website. As an alternative to building their own websites, many graduates of the Staging Diva Home Staging Training Program list their businesses in the Staging Diva Directory of Home Stagers at www.stagingdivadirectoryofhomestagers.com. These listings are like mini-websites, allowing potential clients to view online portfolios and learn more about home staging businesses in their area.

A professional portfolio full of before and after photos is a must. How else will you know what kind of results you can expect from a real estate stager? Because some companies provide ready-made portfolios to home stagers as part of their training programs, it’s important to ask questions about the photos that are presented as a home stager’s own work. If the stager can’t provide details about the property or you’ve seen the same shots on another stager’s website from the same “school” or training program, this should raise a red flag.

If you can’t find a particular home stager’s website or any online proof of their existence, you have to question how serious they are about their business. Alternatively, if they have a very unprofessional website, you have to wonder whether they’ll be capable of staging your home the way you expect from a professional.

4. Not looking for references or a proven track record

Read through the testimonials you’ll find on most home stagers’ websites. If there are none available (or they only provide initials and not full names), contact the stager and ask if they have any references. You shouldn’t hire someone to stage your property without hearing about others’ experiences with them.

Every stager has to start somewhere. If they haven’t staged a client’s home yet, they should at least be able to tell you about the many homes of their own that they’ve bought, staged and sold, and be able to provide the names of real estate agents they’ve worked with when selling these homes. The idea is to look for practical experience.

5. Neglecting to hire someone with real knowledge of the real estate market

You’re not looking for someone who just knows how to decorate. Make sure the home stager knows the local housing market. A home stager is as much a part of the real estate industry as a real estate agent, and they should have a good grasp of the market they’re in. If a stager doesn’t know how much homes usually sell for and how long they typically sit on the market, you should look for another stager in the area.

Because there isn’t an independent organization or association monitoring whether or not a home stager is operating professionally and providing a high-quality service, it’s buyer beware. If you avoid these five common mistakes as you search for the perfect expert home stager for your needs, you should be pleased with the professional you choose.

Happy “House Stager” Hunting!

Written by internationally recognized home staging expert Debra Gould, The Staging Diva^®, www.stagingdiva.com. © Copyright Six Elements Inc. Used with permission.

Internationally recognized home staging expert Debra Gould is president of Six Elements and creator of the Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program with over 4,000 students worldwide. Gould is the author of four home staging guides and offers a Directory of Home Stagers to help homeowners and real estate agents locate home stagers who will decorate homes to sell quickly and for top dollar. To learn more, visit www.stagingdivadirectoryofhomestagers.com

Ready to Sell Your House Faster and For More?

Get a home staging consultation today.  For in person consultations or staging, call for a custom quote. 

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Considering selling your 1980’s home? Want to modernize it to attract younger buyers without breaking the bank? It’s crucial to identify updates that yield a return on investment. Consult with your realtor on worthwhile upgrades.

On one home staging project, I revitalized an ’80s home by painting the interior, updating the carpet, lighting, master bath countertop, and some hardware. I swapped out older furniture for trendy rental pieces, added modern art, and introduced vibrant colors.

The outcome? A rejuvenated, contemporary space that resonated with younger families. It sold on its first day at the full asking price! Which version would you choose?

Are You Ready to Stage Your Home?

Let’s get your house looking like one that buyers will love. Call today for a consultation.

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Every initial inquiry about home staging usually begins with, “What’s the cost?”

Likewise, if you offer a service or product, you’ve likely been asked the same.

While the cost of home staging might catch some off guard, it’s essential to consider its value. Thinking it’s “too expensive” is relative. Compared to the price drop on your home? It’s a wise investment!

“Home staging is more expensive than I expected.” More expensive compared to what? Not your first price reduction. 

I completely understand the instinct to seek the best deal possible. A recent client expressed that the staging costs exceeded her expectations, but she chose to proceed. She recalled instances where investing a bit more yielded significant returns and satisfaction.

She’s insightful! She hoped for a specific selling price, yet a realtor confided that, given its present state, her home might fall short by $20K. Homes that don’t outshine the competition often linger on the market, frequently leading to reductions of around $10K. This protraction not only causes stress but also escalates costs, including mortgages and utilities.

The outcome? After staging, her home attracted two offers above the asking price within a day and 15 offers in a week, finally selling at a price $30K beyond her initial expectation!

Her investment in staging yielded a return 30 times its cost. Rather than potentially losing $20K, she sold rapidly, netting an extra $30K. So, is staging an expense you can overlook?

Consider another scenario: After staging a client’s home, it was snapped up on its very first day on the market at the full asking price. Although they didn’t secure an amount above their initial price due to maintenance and repair needs, the swift sale spared them the hassle of countless showings and the stress associated with it. Moreover, they saved a considerable sum on monthly maintenance costs.

“Home staging is too expensive. That belief is going to cost you.”

In another case, I staged a home that had been on the market several years without selling. In the beginning, the owner did not want to spend money on staging and tried to sell it vacant. No luck. They had numerous price reductions. After a year or more they decided to stage with a lower priced staging service that did minimal staging in some of the rooms. No luck. Finally, two years later they contacted me. After doing a professional staging job, the house sold in 6 weeks. That was actually very fast considering the home had been on the market for years and had the stigma of “what is wrong with that house that it has not sold yet”. Think of all the money and time this seller lost in trying to save a little on home staging costs.

How much are you prepared to shave off your sales price for a cut-rate staging service, or by skipping staging altogether?

Is the immediate savings on staging worth the potential loss in your final sale price? What truly matters: a short-term saving or a quicker, more profitable sale in the long run?

Ready to drop your expensive belief?

Get your online home staging consultation or staging service today. For in person consultations or staging, call for a custom quote.

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Interested in becoming a home stager? I recommend the Staging Diva Home Staging Training program!

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Here is the crazy story of how I started Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

You never know when inspiration will hit. The question is, will you take action and do something about it?

My  inspiration came in a surprising way, from one of those silly “Facebook” quizzes. You know, one of those games that tell you who you were in a past life or what your handwriting says about you etc. One day I played “What is your true profession”. The answer was “Designer”. Whoa! This made me take a step back and think.

I had been working as a wildlife biologist for 25 years at the time, but back in 1980 had gone to school and gotten a B.A. in Interior Design. It was a passion I always had, but after getting my degree decided to pursue traveling and other interests. Life got in the way and I never did alot with it besides a few jobs, designing my own homes or helping friends.

Later, I pursued another degree in wildlife biology because I love animals and the outdoors, and took another path. Although I enjoyed it, I missed being involved in creative work. Working for the government did not encourage or inspire much creative thinking!

Over time, creative pursuits such as dance, music and art took on more importance in my life. Thoughts of starting another business (I already had a Bed and Breakfast) were in the back of my mind without a real idea of what it would be, just that I wanted something that would bring more fulfillment to my life.

When I got “Designer” as the answer to my true profession, I thought about that path not taken and wondered how my life would have turned out if I had chosen that path years ago. I do not know if it would have been the wiser choice, or if everything I had done was just preparing me for that path now, but something about that quiz totally spurred me to action! Why not now?

And so my business, Northern Lights Home Staging and Design was born on 11-20-2015.

And while I still worked as a wildlife biologist until December 2018 when I retired,  and continued to operate my B&B, I was thrilled to have this new adventure in my life and so glad I took action!!

My business started off focused on home staging, and evolved into adding Interior Design. With  my experience running a Bed and Breakfast, I added  vacation rental design and staging. I became more fascinated with color, and became a certified color strategist and added color consultations. That evolved into learning Edesign and adding online home staging, Interior design and color consulting.

On my first day of retirement from being a wildlife biologist on January 1, 2019,  I discovered fractal art and started creating my own art. Soon I created stores for my art and home decor on Society 6, and Pixels.com. Both stores include art a wide variety art and home decor products.

That evolved into creating wearable art on Le Galeriste.  

In each case, inspiration hit, I took action and I am amazed now at all twists and turns, new adventures in creativity and life that have evolved in less than 5 years from an idea inspired by a simple Facebook quiz.

Sometimes you just never know where your path will lead.

What inspires you and have you taken action?

Whether it is to start a new business, change your existing business, start a new path or hobby… I hope inspiration finds you and you jump in with both feet

Looking to boost your home’s sale price by over $10,000? The right paint color can make all the difference. On the flip side, the wrong choice might cost you. Picking the perfect shade can be daunting, and you’re not alone in the struggle; nearly half of all paint purchases stem from color missteps. Don’t let mistakes drain your wallet!

Discover the best choices for a profitable home sale in my complimentary guide, “Top Paint Colors for a Speedy and Profitable Home Sale”. Claim your copy now.

Top Paint Colors for a Speedy and Profitable Home Sale

Get Your Color Consultation for a Fast and Profitable Sale

The right hue can elevate your home’s appeal and its sale price. But the key isn’t just knowing which colors boost value; it’s integrating them harmoniously with your home’s existing finishes. Let me assist you in making the best choice with a tailored color consultation.

Leveraging a blend of art and science, my approach as Alaska’s sole certified color strategist, goes beyond typical color consultations.

I use precise color data, aided by a spectrometer, to ensure your color choices are spot-on from the start.

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Other People’s Successes

We had an excellent experience working with Mary Ann! We contacted Northern Lights Home Staging and Design through Houzz and before our first meeting she had already started working on color ideas for our home addition. Ms. Benoit spent time before and after our consultation working on colors and design with us, communicating via email, so that in addition to our “official” consultation, she gave us a good deal of her professional time. Mary Ann Benoit is easy to work with and down-to-earth. Our anxiety about working with a design professional was put to rest within the first 5 minutes of our consultation, allowing us to to be open about our preferences and ideas while remaining open to hers. We highly recommend Northern Lights Home Staging and Design both for professional knowledge and results, and for being a pleasure to work with. S. Lambert- Eagle River, AK

 

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We were extremely happy with the color consultation service provided by Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. She was absolutely able to resolve our color issues for our exterior painting project for our home. The color options she provided made it so easy for us to decide what to choose. She gave us several options to choose from. After the first round of options we wanted to make some changes and that was such a simple process. Mary Ann made it easy for us to make our final selections.I would highly advise anyone in need of a color consultation to use Mary Ann. Her professionalism and knowledge are top notch. She made the chore of picking house colors seem so easy! Jason Bressler, Anchorage.

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Take the Quiz

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Find out more about the best training class on color available, the Four Pillars of Color!.

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Ready to put your home on the market? Assemble a top-notch team to ensure a smooth and profitable sale. Your squad should include an expert home stager, a skilled real estate photographer, and a Realtor who excels in marketing and truly champions your interests.

Wondering how to pick the perfect team? Begin with your home stager. I recommend taking the initiative as a seller to make this selection. Choose the best in the business! For insights on why this matters, check out my blog post titled Why Hire a Professional Home Stager to find out more.

Considering selling your home? Proper home staging can significantly boost your final asking price. In fact, effective staging not only recovers its cost but often yields a profit! Additionally, you might be eligible to deduct staging expenses as advertising costs from your home sale taxes.

However, a word of caution: avoid Realtors offering staging services unless they’re professionally trained. Ineffective staging won’t produce the desired effect. An exceptional Realtor will likely suggest, and perhaps even cover, the cost of a professional home staging consultation.

Exercise caution if your Realtor offers to choose and fund the staging. While it sounds enticing and can lure clients, many just opt for the most affordable stager. Some might even inflate this cost for you. Remember, cheaper options can result in an unappealing presentation, leading to prolonged market time, several price cuts, and mounting monthly expenses.

Often, Realtors request “light staging” or “minor fluffing,” a minimalistic approach to make a property appear staged on a budget. This strategy, which might involve sparse furniture or sporadic décor, isn’t effective. Instead of a charming home, it renders the property peculiar both online and offline.

Your best bet? Personally hire a top-tier stager. This investment, done correctly, offers maximum returns.

For tips on hiring the best home stager, refer to my article, “Five Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Hiring a Home Stager. 

Learn More About Home Staging

Get Your Home Staging Consultation Today

Secure your online or in-person home staging consultation or service today. Click the images for more information. For comprehensive staging services, please call for a custom quote.

Learn to Sell Fast, For More and With Less Stress

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There Will Only Ever Be One of You

There is only one of you in all the world. There will only ever be one. You are here to do what you alone are meant to do for the world in your unique way. Are you doing it?

One thing I have learned over the last year is that there is a reason I am here. That is to do what I am meant to do in my unique way, because no one else can do it like me.  

It is funny. I was doing a home staging job the other day and the client asked what made me special. It effortlessly came out of my mouth, “Because I am the only one in the universe that can do things uniquely as I do them. I am what makes me special”.

This was not meant to toot my own horn. It just is the way of the world for all of us.

It is just that some of us recognize and celebrate it, and others are still learning the lesson.

We owe it to the universe and those around us to be our authentic selves. Otherwise, we are depriving others of what we were meant to give them as we try to fit in and be someone else instead.

In many ways, this last year was the best year of my life.

Yes, really.

Why? Because it was a year of learning and transformation.

Instead of dwelling on all that was wrong in the world, I decided to learn and grow and make the most of the time I unexpectedly had.

Times were hard in many ways, but I also learned how to deal with those hard times in a different way.

As things are getting back to normal in some ways, I feel differently.

It is like I am in the eye of the storm where all is calm while everything around me seems chaotic as others are trying to get back to “normal” Maybe “normal” wasn’t so great. Is that the place you want to go?

I feel the way I do is because of a program I went through and continue to do, called TCP (Transformational Coaching Program). The program helps you transform from the inside out, and helps you to BE the person you want to be, so you can DO the things you need to HAVE the life you were meant to have.

It helps you get in alignment with what makes you unique and why it matters.

Are you intrigued? Is the little voice in the back of your mind saying “I don’t have time or money for that right now” because you are busy DOING all the things you think are important?

Believe me, I get it. I am the ultimate DOER. I felt the same way.

 I took the program anyway, and am so glad I did.

It is easy to go on for years without changing our lives for the better. For me it was always the struggle between the short-term pain versus the long-term gain. You can always convince yourself you will start tomorrow.

Imagine yourself thinner, healthier, happier, wealthier, and more peaceful. Living a life filled with abundance without worrying all the time about money or accomplishing all the things. If you were fully convinced it would work for you, you would do it, wouldn’t you?

There is only one of you in all the world. There will only ever be one. You are here to do what you alone are meant to do for the world in your unique way. Are you doing it?

Get Aligned With Who You Were Meant to BE

I joined TCP to increase my income for my Interior Design/Home Staging business.

Although my focus was business, the program instead provided incredible value to my health and well-being.

I changed my habits and lost weight and quit smoking. I started to make self care my priority. I stopped DOING my way through life and learned how to BE the person I want to be. I released a lot of stress and anger and learned how to do things differently. I noticed a huge difference in my feeling of peace and well being.

I then took a TCP business class which helped me become more aware and aligned with what makes me unique and how to make that the focus of my business. This shaped my philosophy of “Aligned Design”, which aligns art, science and energy to create your perfect space.  

Even though this business class was all about making more income for my business, the more I learned, the less important money became to me and the more important creating expansion in others lives and being of service became. Ultimately, that increased my business and income, and I was more aligned with what I was meant to be doing so was having more fun!

The programs are run by Jim Fortin and his amazing team of coaches. It includes a private Facebook group where there is onoing coaching and community, weekly content such as workbooks, videos and audios with homework, followed by weekly Facebook lives with Jim and the coaches on a wide variety of topics from health to business. We worked on things like clarity, vision, sub-conscious values, habits, self-integrity, responsibility, commitment, choices, relationships You could also ask for coaching on any topic in the FB group or do a “hot seat” on one of the live calls. The community of people in the group from all over the world is extremely positive and supportive.  

Try it for Yourself

Are you ready for a change?

Don’t take my word for it, try it for yourself. Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning I may get paid a small amount for referring you at no additional cost to you.

Get on the Waitlist for the next TCP Program. I think this is the best training I have ever invested in. It made a huge difference for me. I hope it can make a difference for you too.

Check out Jim Fortin’s Podcast. This is how I started and it’s free.

Listen to this podcast episode- Why Your Bad Habits are So Hard To Break. This one really helped me to change some of my eating habits and lose weight, even before joining the program.

This is a great episode too. How the Law of Attraction Repels Money and Abundance you Want.

Listen to the Master Thought Formula, which is amazing!

Create Your Perfect Space to Support Your Journey

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Selling your home? It can be very stressful. Or not.

Regardless of the circumstances, these tips can make selling your home a reason to celebrate rather than a reason to get stressed out.

It doesn’t matter if it is a buyers market or a seller’s market.

It doesn’t matter if you are moving because it is a great opportunity or because you are being forced to.

Selling doesn’t have to be stressful.

Who wants to be ready at a moment’s notice to leave a let a realtor show the house to total strangers?

Who wants to lay awake at night wondering how long it will take, if you will get the price you want or have to take a lot of price reductions?

Who want’s to keep things clean and put away, ALWAYS.

I know, the cat just threw up a fur ball, there are toys everywhere and you have other things to worry about.

https://northernlightsstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Copy-of-What-is-your-Global-Interior-Design-Style_-2.mp4

But guess what? It does not have to be so bad if you have a good plan, a good team to help you and you are prepared before you list. Then, it should be smooth sailing. A fast sale for the price you want is something to celebrate, not stress over.

Tips for a Stress-Free Sale Before You List

Stage It

I am sure you know by now that this is a no-brainer. Invest a little. Make a lot.

A stager can help you with all the rest of these tips as well. The fastest way to reduce stress is to be prepared and sell fast for a great price! Let them handle making the appeal to buyers while you get things packed and ready to move.

De-Clutter and Create Space

Your stager can recommend what things to keep out for staging and what to pack up.

• Get rid of things you don’t use and are not moving to your next home.
• Have a garage sale now, NOT after your house is listed. If you do it after listing it gives buyers the sense you are in a hurry to sell and they may make a lower offer.
• Start packing things up for the move and put them in storage. Do not store it in your garage. That space is a selling point buyers are looking for. Let them see it….not a bunch of boxes.
• Donate the things you don’t want and can’t sell to charity.

Create Curb Appeal and Outdoor Living Space

Your stager can recommend what things should be done to the exterior and yard to improve curb appeal.

Typically, this involves doing your yard work, trimming, trees and shrubs, putting everything away, a new welcome mat, and some flowers or art near the door.

Create outdoor living spaces with chairs, tables, and a BBQ grill in a beautiful spot in the yard or on the deck to show the possibilities.

Tips for Stress-Free Sale After You List

• For all showings, keep all lights on so it is light and bright
• Open all the curtains and let the light in.
• Keep the toilet seats down
• Turn off the TV
• Make sure all beds are made, toys put away
• Remove evidence of pets.
• Bathrooms should have only clean towels and all personal items should be out of view and stored in baskets.
• Remove your valuables from sight.
• Create baskets or boxes for daily clutter and toys so you have a place to easily
• Let there be Light- Home Staging by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
• Turn off the TV.
• Open windows for fresh air
• Make sure all dishes are done or in the dishwasher.

These tips should help you sell fast and for more, so you can rest easy, sell without too much stress and move on to your next adventure.

Sell Your House Faster and For More

 

 

 

 

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If you are like most people selling your home in a seller’s market, where there are few houses for sale and lots of buyers, you would think spending money on home staging is a dumb idea.

After all, why spend money on staging when you can reasonably expect it will sell quickly. Why spend money on fixing things or remodeling? Why spend money on painting, or even cleaning?

I see it all the time. I live in a small town that has limited housing, so it is always a seller’s market. I am amazed sometimes at the listing photos I see online.

I get it. What you are really saying is why spend any money at all if you do not have to. You do have holding costs like mortgage and utilities after all and will have to pay your realtor and closing costs.

“That is an interesting belief that will cost you.”

Think about it. The supply of houses is limited. People are looking to buy. They want the best house they can get for the money. If there are five houses for sale, and they all look just OK, including yours, you will likely still sell quickly but at what price? About the same as everyone else with a similar OK house.

What if your house looks amazing compared to the other similar homes? Everyone is going to want it. What will happen? Can you say bidding war?

What do I mean when I say amazing? Your house is clean, repaired, beautifully staged and move in ready. You have professional photos showing it off online. Everyone will want it and they all know everyone else will want it too!

OK, I hear your gears grinding from here…. but how much will it cost me to do all that compared to how much more I will get on my home sale? I am glad you asked.

In my experience, if people spend .5 to 1% of the home’s value on getting their home ready for market, which includes the painting, repairs, cleaning, and staging, they often get 10-20% more on their home sale.

For example, I recently staged a home in a seller’s market. The realtor was concerned that the seller would be lucky to get 20K less than they wanted to list for in the house’s current condition.   The owner knew they needed to move their things out and get it cleaned. They were not considering doing much more. The realtor suggested home staging.

We started with a consultation in which I recommended painting over some colors I knew would not be appealing to buyers, installing some missing lights, removing most of the existing furniture and personal items , having it cleaned,  having the yard work done and for me to stage it. I believe the maintenance and painting probably cost them about $500.  The consultation, staging and accessory rentals cost about $1500. So, the owner spent about $2000 to prepare it for market.

So, what happened? After I staged the home, the seller received 2 over asking price offers within 24 hours and 15 offers in 7 days.  They sold the house for 30K over asking price! So not only did they make up for the 20K the realtor thought they could not get to meet their asking price, but they also made an additional 30K. That is 50K more than expected, because they spent 2K on preparing and staging.

Note this was a small house, so costs to prepare or stage and prepare larger houses can vary quite a bit based on the size and what they need. At the same time, larger houses have a much higher sales price and greater opportunity for the seller to make even more on the sale.

Spending money on home staging is kind of like going on a diet. You have to put up with a little short-term pain of spending some money up front to get the big pay-off in the end. Or instead, maybe I should say home staging is like going on a healthy diet….you know it is the right thing to do to get a return of perfect health, and with home staging to get the return of your best sales price. It is simply hard to get started!

So, are you going to hang out eating cookies all day or do what is good for you?

So Are You Going to Eat Cookies All Day?

Get your online home staging consultation or staging service today. Click on the pictures to learn more. For in person consultations or staging, call for a custom quote

Become a Home Stager

Interested in becoming a home stager? I recommend the Staging Diva Home Staging Training program!

Today I was asked “How have you changed since the pandemic began? Are you more self-aware? Have you shed your cocoon and blossomed into the person and business owner that you never knew existed within you?”

Interesting question. Why yes, I have. How about you?

We are all in the same storm but it in different boats.

From my perspective, this pandemic has separated people into two groups. Those that have figured out ways to thrive or at least remain positive, and those who have not.                   

I am in the first boat. I could have easily been in the second boat though if I had made a few different choices.

One big choice is the set of your sail.

We have all been affected in different ways. Some of us have been sick or lost loved ones. Some have lost our jobs, or businesses or wonder if we will in the future. Many of us have taken a big financial hit. Some have kids and struggle with what is happening with schools, how work with kids at home and making sure they are still getting an education, or how to keep them safe. The scenarios are endless.

There is not much we can control, except the most important thing.

OUR THOUGHTS

We can choose those and how we will respond to all that is happening around us. The thoughts affect how we feel. We can live in endless fear and worry, which changes nothing but how we feel.

 Or not.

One thing that has helped me through this is a the Transformational Coaching Program called TCP that I took in March. It is a three month program that had an amazing impact on my life, which I described in Four Courses that Changed my Life and Lose Weight, Quit Smoking, Get Healthy and Peaceful Without Pain.

In those articles I focused on some of the most obvious physical changes that others could see such as weight loss and quitting smoking. But the biggest transformation was the way it affected my thinking, and how I  deal with adversity. I learned to control my thoughts, and thus my emotions and habits and other ways of BEING. It gave me an amazing sense of peace and well being in the middle of this storm.

I tell you about it because the program opens twice a year, and it opens up September 14.

Here is a testimonial I created when I took the program.

https://northernlightsstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/maryann_benoit_tcp_testimonial.mp4

My testimonial of the TCP program.  The internal changes in the way I think are more important than the outward, visible changes that resulted.

TCP was so great, I went on to take the TCP business program and will be doing TCP again.   I hear from many people that retake the program, each time is a new experience for growth, because you are a different person each time.

The TCP program is open now for 3 days only!.

Sign up here. 

There is also a BE DO HAVE Free Training going on right now that is amazing. It has started already but replays are available here.

I think this is the best training I have ever invested in. It made a huge difference for me which is why I am sharing. I hope it can make a difference for you too.

Also, check out Jim Fortin’s Podcast. This is how I started and it’s free,

Ways to Work With Me

I specialize in helping you create a colorful and happy home that tells your story. I can work with you in person or online and assist you with design and color consultations so you can do the work yourself, or I can help you implement it all. My most popular package is a design/color consultation. Check out all my Edesign packages here.

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