By Jennie Norris, IAHSP® Chairwoman, Professional Property Marketer and Home Stager, Speaker, and Author Disruption. In simple terms, disruption is a new way of doing something that already exists. The NAR Settlement and other settlements from large real estate brokerages are about DISRUPTION of the real estate process, in place to help ensure sellers AND buyers have proper representation by PROFESSIONALS educated in the process, contracts, and issues involved in selling and buying a property. I am not convinced this is a good thing. And only time will tell how it actually impacts the process. This article is about educating ourselves as affiliates of the real estate industry, as we need to stay on top of situations involving our clients. The legal ruling does not impact Stagers as far as how we do business. We are not paid commission as part of the sale. We DO want to be informed, and understand what took place, the impact to the industry we serve, and ultimately, what benefits we may experience. The multiple settlements and rulings have rippled through the industry with many offering their opinions on how it will change the process of buying a home. In a nutshell, listings in an MLS will no longer share buyer agent commissions, leaving that piece up for negotiation. In 2005, I was part of ABC's 20/20 Segment on Home Staging, and one of the other 2 features for that show were these guys from Freakonomics, who shared agents were overpaid, and did not deserve to make more than $500 for the work they do. The day after the show aired, the NAR President blasted the show for maligning agents and the real estate industry, and advocated for the commissions earned in the sale or purchase of what is, for most people. their largest asset. And here we are 19 years later - with commissions under attack, and the impact means real estate, as we have known it, will never be the same. My first thought was that buyer agents will still have a place, and they will have to write their commission into any offers they present to sellers - with sellers paying the commission, like always. If the seller does not want to pay that commission, the listing agent would negotiate an agreeable solution or sellers would reject the offer. The buyer agent would have to adjust their expectations or move on, or the buyers would have to pay for the services of the agent representing them. The offers coming in will have to consider that piece of the puzzle, whereas before, the listing agent determined the commission to the buyer's agent with "agent cooperation", and often the buyer's agent got MORE than the listing agent. I always thought was wrong. The listing agent does far more work to get the house sold, but the commission to the buyer agent was there to compel or motivate them to show that property over others, especially in a competitive market. That, to me, needed to change, and that was part of the premise for the lawsuit. Part of the lawsuit involved sellers who were FSBO - For Sale By Owner - were not getting the same showings as traditional sellers, often offering lower commission to the buyer agents. The buyer agents KNEW they would be doing more work to close the sale as FSBO people are fairly clueless about the process.  It was an issue of bias and collusion - and not equal opportunity for buyers to see ALL properties, even though the buyer agent was right - they would have to pick up the slack to close the sale, which is not fair to them when they are only being paid for one side. The defense did not do a good job defending the Realtor's work and role to justify and support the income they earn. On top of that, in separate cases, there was evidence some agents were purposely not showing certain homes to buyers if they were a certain race - they would take them to different neighborhoods, versus showing all available.  Agents were accused of racism, so that was not good. All it takes is 1 or 2 bad apples, and it spoils it for the whole bunch. NAR had not only this issue to deal with, but they also had a President accused of sexual misconduct resign, replaced by a woman who got death threats and resigned, and as a result their image has suffered greatly. Members have lost confidence in NAR, even though for over 100 years they have represented their members and the industry against government intrusion into the free market of buying and selling property. NOW - as I read and hear what others are saying, I am shifting my stance as I believe the ONLY way buyer agents will remain viable and paid well is if agents all agree to do this and unify - so sellers have to pay or else the burden falls on the buyer. The problem with that is they can again be accused of collusion.  As a result, buyer agents, as we know them, could cease to have a role, which is a regression from the equal representation for both sides of the sale/purchase. Experts share it will make buying a home more affordable for buyers, however that is not necessarily true. The Sellers benefit the most by not having to pay a commission to the buy side, but the selfish thing about that is THEY didn't pay commission to the agent that helped them buy. And now that they own a house, they don't want to pay it forward. If the seller is no longer required to pay a commission to the buyer agent, and a buyer wants to use an agent to purchase, they may have to come up with money to pay commission to their agent. This will lessen the amount of down payment they will have available to pay for a loan. Even cash buyers, who are king with offers as no loan contingency and often no appraisal requested, might have issues with affordability if they have to pay their buyer agent. This will be hardest for first-time home buyers who are starting out - and ALL of this will harm young buyers the most. They already cannot afford to get into a property with rising interest rates and how fast prices rose during Covid, and now have another hurdle to jump with financing. Lenders currently are not able to give loans to cover the commission - they can only lend on the purchase of the home which is the tangible product. They are going to have to come up with creative ways to get around that - underwriters are going to have to allow alternative funding of some sort that will not harm their approval on the major loan. A first-time homebuyer only has to put 3% down, so there are some programs with flexibility, however when faced with the choice of having to pay 2-3% to a buyer agent or use an attorney and keep most of that money to use to buy a better house or get into a house at all, a buyer will opt for the second choice. However, attorneys are not necessarily licensed real estate agents, and are not going to negotiate terms of the purchase on behalf of the buyer. An attorney is usually around $1000 to help a buyer with paperwork and those rates are probably going to increase now as the attorneys may become in more demand. Some loan programs currently have only 10% down as a new standard, but that can still be a lot of money. Production builders of new communities are offering low % down incentives to get buyers in there. When the market was hot, builders dishonored buyers AND agents - not paying any commission to agents who brought buyers to the new community - they raised the prices of their "releases" every 3 months by tens of thousands - and laughed all the way to the bank.  Now that the market is slower, they are begging people to come and purchase, and there should be some regulation on these production builders, in my opinion. For most buyers that are not selling a home to buy, the downpayment is a formidable sum to save up. If they want to buy a $500K house, they need $15K downpayment, and now they are looking at an ADDED $10-15K to pay their agent.  It will be attractive for them NOT to pay an agent to represent them, which is a huge risk for a buyer.  The problem is the buyer will not have adequate representation, and they risk getting into a home where there are issues of condition or repair that were not disclosed, were not discovered, or were not negotiated as part of the purchase, and you will have all these buyers with no legal protection or recourse, which is what Errors and Omission Insurance, required by NAR members, covers. Different states have real estate purchase agreements – they are not all uniform. In states like California, the contract favors the buyer as far as how and what the seller is required to disclose, and the potential penalties involved. In Colorado, the contract favors the seller who is supposed to disclose known issues with the house - but on the listing form they can check, "Not to my knowledge." Which in the legal world is the same as someone saying, "I don't recall" on the witness stand. It gives them an out because it is about a person's memory and recollection, versus facts. Without a way to PROVE a seller knew about something like mold or a faulty system, a buyer would rely on a home inspection to reveal issues, and the buyer agent would then negotiate terms of the purchase based on the inspection - asking sellers to address any health and safety issues.  IF a buyer has no advocate, they may not know how or what to negotiate or ask for concessions - and the listing agent is not going to just give up the seller's profit.  Interesting times for sure. A listing agent could double-end the sale - meaning get both the seller and the buyer, and possibly charge MORE commission to the Seller for handling both sides - as much as 1-1.5% more - which is great for them.  A listing agent would be smart to get another agent on their team to handle the other side of the transaction - so the buyer truly has an advocate for them, otherwise, the 1 agent becomes a "coach." All they really can do is advise because they would essentially be negotiating against themselves as the listing agent.  And as shared already, buyers can also hire an attorney to do the paperwork for them. For NAR - they are already losing members to a new association called the American Real Estate Association (AREA) started by New York-based Compass agent, Jason Haber, and Mauricio Umansky, star broker and co-founder of The Agency (from Millionaire Listing Los Angeles - married to Kendall whose sister, Kim, was a popular child actress - they are on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills). Mauricio has a lot of exposure from these shows – and as a result has a strong reach to many agents.  Jason Haber is not as well-known as far as shows and media, but he started the NAR Accountability Project in latter 2023, as part of an initiative to deal with allegations of sexual harassment from then President of NAR. The lawsuits and lack of a plan by NAR in the event they lost the ruling, made his decision to join forces with Mauricio and form another group for agents to join - an easy one. Under the new association, Umansky and the Agency’s Chris Dyson have built a nationwide listings database using the technology from Umansky’s private listings service. They are calling the platform the National Listing Service (NLS), which is now live with some listings on www.NLS.com. A national database gives access to all listings no matter where an agent works - and is an open platform for them to use which is especially helpful if you are a buyer who does not know where you want to move or an investor looking for a good deal and have not focused on one state or city yet. With all this happening, it will be a mad scramble for agents to get LISTINGS - as that is where the guaranteed income is for agents. If this situation progresses to where buyer agents are no longer getting fair compensation, this will cut the business in half for the agents out there - and ultimately put a lot of agents out of business.  Interesting times. I don't think the ruling and settlement will dramatically increase the number of houses for sale - that number is all about the interest rates right now, and sellers who have a very low rate locked in now are reluctant to sell and then have to finance a purchase at a higher mortgage rate. This impacts the homeowners who are moving up in size - young families who need more room to grow.  They use the equity from their sale to buy a bigger home - but if the interest rates are much higher - and right now they could be as much as 5-6% higher than the current rate (1% was a rate many locked in!) - it means they could be looking at a much higher monthly mortgage payment, and affordability and what they can qualify for will shift dramatically. Sellers are currently sitting - waiting for interest rates to drop - and buyers are in a holding pattern too because there is not available inventory to buy. Sellers who have a LOT of equity and can pay cash for a house purchase or only have to finance a small amount, will be the ones who sell. Right now, those are the Sellers who have been in a home for more 5-10+ years - those who had their house values double during Covid.  Boomers and older Gen-Xers who are downsizing will have ALL that equity to pay cash for a home - they are usually not sizing up.  Millennials are the ones in the sizing up phase and will have challenges with interest rates and affordability as income has not gone up in line with interest rates. Inflation and cost of living has skyrocketed in the past 3 years, we are paying far more for gas, groceries, clothing, etc. – which leaves less money to pay for a mortgage. Multi-generational families or co-op buyers will also become more popular to combine income to afford a home. For Staging - I predict it will INCREASE demand as Listing Agents will HAVE to do something MORE to get the listing over their competition - or to compete equally. Staging is one of those tools that levels the playing field or advances an agent over another. Staging will be less about the SELLER ensuring their house looks great for the target buyer, which is still important, and it will be MORE about a LISTING AGENT getting the listing - and the race to provide MORE than other agents also vying for the business. A stager’s marketing messaging needs to address the agent’s BRAND and how Staging will help elevate them over their competition, help them win more listings, and provide a valuable service to help sellers net the most in the sale. It adds VALUE to the listing agent services. I also believe more agents will be forced to cover the staging as a way to win business over agents who expect the seller to pay. In this scenario, we can help educate our agents about protecting their commission, not leaving the offer to pay for staging as an open-ended amount, and having the seller pay up front and reimbursing them at the SUCCESSFUL close up to a certain dollar amount. The KEY is education. Note that these are my views on the situation, having watched the progression of the legal battles. You may or may not agree, however only time will tell. My final thought is this is sort of sad time for real estate – being driven backwards from lawsuits by sellers who benefitted from the system – not paying commission when they purchased – and now getting out of having to pay commission to the buyer agent.  As a wife and mother to two real estate agents, this impacts us financially as well. I know how hard agents work for their pay - often going without any income for months as they work with buyers and sellers. If people took the time to really break down the income and what it covers, they would never accuse an agent of making easy money. And it will make buying a home harder for younger buyers and lower income buyers - as if the interest rates and skyrocketing prices have not done enough damage. Time will tell if these predictions come true. Jennie Norris is the Chairwoman for the IAHSP®, International Association of Home Staging Professionals, the largest home staging industry association in the world—and she’s determined to help its thousands of members of home stagers, real estate professionals, and designers across the globe to thrive in ways they never imagined. Jennie is also the president and CEO of the world’s leader in home staging training, StagedHomes® , providing quality education for real estate agents and staging pros to help them thrive and succeed in business. She has educated thousands of real estate agents and stagers around the world, and loves sharing her knowledge of the industry to help others succeed.

Your Strategic Business Plan is your Road Map for Success! IAHSP has created a thorough Business Plan Guide that takes you through the process of writing a complete business plan for your company, including step by step instructions. We have translated the Guide into multiple languages too! Don't see your preferred language? Let us know and we will create it for you! Go to the IAHSP Products Page now to purchase and download.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SCALING FOR GROWTH - PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE NOW! Why did you Start a Staging Business and/or Design Business? You started a business because you love creating beautiful spaces, you like that you get paid well for your time and talent, and you are helping others achieve success at the same time! Have you ever thought to yourself, "I love what I do, but I don't know if I can keep up this pace?" OR "I am getting lots of requests for business, but I cannot get the work done for them and have to turn them away." OR "I really want to take a vacation/day off/time to relax but I cannot leave because if I do, business will stop and so will my income!" This happens to the best of us - Staging is fun, creative, lucrative - and it is also physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. There are days, I am sure, you say, "I don't FEEL like doing it today." We have been there. Some days we do not like being the "boss" - the one who people rely on for income, that our clients call to help them. Some days we just want to be left alone. And then we remind ourselves, "Remember when you worked for someone else and were told when to be at work, what to wear, when you could go to the bathroom, when you could eat lunch, how much you were worth, and when you could take a vacation? WE DO. Like you, we realized that if we did not take some of the load off our shoulders, we would burn out, and all the effort we put in to growing a client base, growing our business services, buying items to use in staging properties - would all be for naught. We can run at that pace for a short while - but cannot sustain that pace long term because it will cause burn out and possibly impact your health. THE GOOD NEWS is: These are all NORMAL - and all part of what we call "Growing pains," for a Solopreneur. "If it is to be - it is up to me - is your motto!" What if you didn't have to be the only one? What if you were able to grow your company by adding key team members to handle the things you do not enjoy as much to keep your company running - and GROWING? This is probably the MOST Important QUESTION TO ASK AND ANSWER: If you got sick or had an emergency that took you out of your business for 2-3 weeks or more - WOULD YOUR COMPANY SURVIVE? What if you were able to put systems in place NOW to help your company grow without YOU having to be the "ONE" who does it all? For those of you whose goal is to have your business support your lifestyle, and are "all-in" for success, it is crucial that you have a business structure and plan that supports this goal. When you SCALE your business, your time is freed up so you can pursue other endeavors, travel, enjoy the success you have created for yourself. You are also providing opportunities to other people as team members or employees. All 3 of your ASPM-SCALE Instructors have achieved this - we are able to work ON our business and not IN it daily. If we want to travel, attend a business function, spend time with family, or pursue other business endeavors we have the TIME to do that! If your business relies on YOUR DAILY INVOLVEMENT to operate, your Business is running YOU - and you are not running your business. SCALING means you work ON your business and not IN it daily. IF you enjoy doing the creative and want to be out working daily, you will need to have someone running the operations, marketing and sales sides. THAT IS WHAT WE TEACH! We have LIVED it - we TEACH what we KNOW and we want to HELP YOU! The VALUE of this workshop is $15,000 - and your price is $2695.00 - and 25% off saving you $674.00. You receive RESOURCES - forms and templates you can customize - all inclusive. It comes with membership in IAHSP for a year if you are not already a member. Accredited Staging Professional MASTER-SCALE Course. This is the TOP credential for our industry, and it is for business owners who are at the point where they need to grow and Scale for Success, or remain status quo and turn business away. It is for those who want to eventually transition out of the industry and sell their company as a viable asset. In PLYMOUTH, MA - Mar 23-26 you have a unique OPPORTUNITY to learn from EXPERTS with Home Staging & Design Companies that are in the TOP 2% globally based on revenue, volume and services offered. The three instructors: Jennie Norris, Sandra Holmes and Blair Hamaty - have nearly 60 years of combined experience in growing a thriving business. INSTRUCTORS: Jennie Norris, IAHSP Chairwoman, ASP Master, Certified ASP Master-SCALE Instructor, BTS, CDE, ISC, LHS, PSCE, SMS, STRS, SSS, CEO of Sensational Home Staging - Colorado's most awarded and credentialed staging company, President & CEO of Stagedhomes.com - the world's oldest home staging training company. Since 2002, she has taught thousands of stagers and real estate agents in the US, Canada and Europe. Jennie and her staging team stage approximately 400 properties per year and to date have helped prepare over 6,700 properties and $3Billion in real estate value for sale. She is recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Real Estate and Top 100 Most Influential People in Home Staging. Sandra Holmes, ASP Master, Certified ASP Master-SCALE Instructor, BTS, CDE, ISC, LHS, PSCE, SMS, STRS, SSS, President of Luxe Home Staging & Design - South Florida's Premier Home Staging company, Stakeholder in IAHSP and Stagedhomes.com.  Sandra and her staging team have staged over $1Billion in property value since 2005 and have helped elevate the industry standards for staging luxury properties. She is recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Home Staging. Blair Hamaty, ASP Master, Certified ASP Master Instructor, BTS, CDE, ISC, LHS, PSCE, SMS, STRS, SSS, President of Setting the Space, the largest home staging, design and retail company in the US Northeast. They offer residential and commercial property staging, have multiple retail stores around the Boston area, and have provided sophisticated design services for hotels, short and mid-term rentals, and high-end clients throughout the world. He is recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Home Staging. Space is limited - we will make sure to have a seat for you! www.IAHSPSCALE.com to learn more and register! Use code ASPM25 to save 25% OFF the registration price. Payment Plans, Team Pricing, and Grants Available!

BY Ryan Serhant, SERHANT REAL ESTASTE The Era of Disruption Airbnb didn’t just provide an alternative to hotel rooms; it bulldozed through, leaving the hotel industry counting its losses. Uber didn’t politely share the roads with taxis; it raked them over the coals. Netflix shuttered video stores and threw them a farewell party, red carpet and all. And Facebook? It revolutionized everything from communication to elections. Disruption, a radical change to existing industries due to technological innovations, has defined the modern era, transforming the way we live, work, and play. Although the real estate industry has seen some disruption over the last 20 years, it functions much the same as it always has. Consider yourself warned: Monumental disruption of the real estate industry is a certainty. The size of an average financial transaction and the numerous professionals and companies earning a fee or commission on each transaction have investors chomping at the bit to take a big bite out of the pie. Real Estate Disruptors: Successes and Failures Real estate has already faced disruption. Zillow burst on the scene early on, successfully becoming the number-one tool consumers use to browse homes for sale, effectively burying REALTOR-owned portals. Zillow didn’t just leverage that advantage, it seized with a vengeance, capturing homebuyer leads and selling them back to the real estate agents who provided the juicy listing data that attracted those leads to their site in the first place. Zillow also introduced the less successful algorithm-based home valuations with the Zestimate tool, a tool that most homeowners are aware of but realize is vastly inaccurate. Disruption has occurred in the investment sector of the real estate industry, too, in the form of iBuyers such as Opendoor and Offerpad (Zillow also briefly threw their hat in this ring). iBuyers are companies that offer cash to purchase homes quickly from homeowners, usually sight unseen. These companies rolled the dice, and let’s just say it didn’t end well. They thrived for a moment in time when prices were surging, but have crashed and burned, costing them billions. Homeowners had caught on fast – the open market was their goldmine. The iBuyer proposition was more of a losing lottery ticket for them. Quick cash? Sure. But at what cost? What Does the Future Hold for Real Estate? When disruption comes from outside of the industry, it aims to put industry professionals out of business. The million-dollar question for every industry is: Is AI the job market's Grim Reaper? Well, some jobs are already being plucked by the hand of AI. Overall though, I firmly believe that AI will not replace skilled workers; instead, those workers who leverage AI will rise to the top. I guarantee that conversations and innovations are happening right now that are aiming to replace real estate agents' job functions with technological solutions, but if we as an industry act fast, we can be in the driver's seat of this revolution. Today, much of a real estate transaction takes place online. Online MLS platforms, virtual home tours, and e-signature functionality have driven the real estate industry forward and made transactions more efficient. Disruptors from outside of the industry are imagining a scenario in which nearly the entire transaction process occurs online without a dedicated real estate agent to support a consumer. (Spoiler: never going to happen!) Imagine you make your offer based on an algorithm-based valuation, the homeowner makes a counteroffer, and you negotiate a deal. How do you know if it’s a good deal? You are digitally guided through the contracts and due diligence as well as your home loan and title processes. Who do you ask about complicated provisions? You complete the transaction and pick up your key from the lockbox on move-in day. Who advocates for you if the home is left in substandard condition? Presumably, you call some sort of customer service line to speak with a licensed real estate agent (raise your hand if you want this job) who can give you advice - but who is not intimately familiar with you or your transaction. We’ve all danced with these digital processes and know it’s a frustrating tango. This often leads to phone calls with customer service, rife with even more frustration. No one wants to transact real estate this way. This is the largest and most emotionally charged financial transaction of most people’s lives. In the near future, I see developments such as land title systems moving to blockchain and digital transaction platforms becoming mainstream and streamlining the home buying and selling process to the huge advantage of consumers. But the biggest leap forward that we need to make right now, is freeing up the agent to be more present and available to their customers. Advisor vs. Algorithm: The Human Touch When dealing with finances and legalities, consumers want advisors such as real estate agents, accountants, and attorneys who are experts in their fields and who are deeply familiar with their own unique situations. As advisors, the best service that we can offer our clients is born out of easy access to us, our connections within our industries, and our impeccable follow-up and follow-through. The work of a real estate agent should entirely focus on two things: deep connection with our communities and deep knowledge of our markets. The traditional real estate business model says everything else should be delegated, and I agree in principle. The traditional model goes like this: To scale, an agent should first hire an assistant and a marketer, and build a team. That team should implement systems and automate processes using technology. The more they sell, the more people and systems they add. The problem with this model is that before you know it, this agent has become the CEO of a small business, bogged down and distracted by operations and struggling to carve out enough time to do the only things that create revenue - connecting with people and putting together deals. Consumers notice that details slip through the cracks and follow-ups are forgotten and it hurts the reputation of the agent. This isn’t good enough to ward off outsider disruption. The brokerage community must step up and support our agents to change how they work. Gone are the days when agents would agree to willingly split their commissions and pay desk fees for nothing more than the use of a logo and weekly team meetings. Broker owners have the resources and abilities to drive real change and transform our industry for the better, and we must do so, now. Rethinking the Traditional Model: Brokerage 3.0 Agents don’t want more shiny objects or seminars that promise to make them better. They’re already great. What do agents want? They want their time back. They want real, skilled human support. They need people who get things done beyond their expectations and, most importantly, whom they don’t have to manage. They want to scale their businesses without being bogged down by operations. This is where brokerages have a chance to shine. Agents are the backbone of the industry. If we can eliminate the functions of an agent’s job for which they are not uniquely qualified, we can hand them back the time to do what they do best: connect and sell. This is how we all win. We must disrupt our industry from within and use our intimate knowledge of these challenges to provide far greater value to agents and their customers than tech disruptors from outside of the industry possibly could. SERHANT & S.MPLE: Revolutionizing the Agent's Work At SERHANT., we’re doing exactly that with our newest innovation: an app aptly named S.MPLE. This easy-to-use platform allows our agents to request a task be done, track its progress in real time, and communicate with support staff through task completion. It learns an agent’s preferences for how they like things to be done, streamlining further with each use. With S.MPLE, real humans, empowered by AI, complete tasks at a level that exceeds agents’ in-house support staff in a fraction of the time. S.MPLE clears an agent’s schedule of busy work like `completing CMA’s, creating marketing, and scheduling showings so they can do what they do best - connect with their communities. SERHANT is committed to relentless innovation in pursuit of “Brokerage 3.0;” the brokerage of the future. We keep the competition on their toes. We know that to stand as industry titans in the future, we must lift our agents up and enable them to do only what they do best, supporting them in any way possible to get out from behind their screens and in front of opportunities. S.MPLE represents SERHANT’s next big push to transform how we work, a challenge that we are attacking full-force every day in pursuit of our promise to disrupt for good.

Want to MASTER Your Business Success in 2024? How do you MASTER your Business? One of the best things about our industry is the ample opportunities for continued education on a variety of topics. As people have gained experience and invested YEARS in the home staging, design and real estate industry, it is natural to want to impart that knowledge on to others who are newer. One of my favorite courses that I have developed and taught for the past 8 years is the Accredited Staging Professional MASTER Course. This is the TOP credential for our industry, and it is for business owners who are at the point where they need to grow and Scale for success, or remain status quo and turn business away. It is for those who want to eventually transition out of the industry and sell their company as a viable asset, not just sell off their items at garage sale prices. The ASP Master Course was created as an extension of the foundational ASP Home Stager course - and provided a deeper dive into what was taught in the initial education. Over time, it became CLEAR to me that industry pros needed and wanted MORE! My belief is you cannot teach what you do not know or have not personally experienced, and the developed or the ASPM Course never had a large staging company, warehouse, trucks, movers, staging team, wholesale purchases in volume, or sold a staging business. It was necessary to update and modernized it to make it RELEVANT for TODAY's staging entrepreneur. In LONDON - Nov 2-5, you have a unique OPPORTUNITY to learn from EXPERTS with Home Staging & Design Companies that are in the TOP 2% globally based on revenue, volume and services offered. The three instructors: Myself, Sandra Holmes and Blair Hamaty - have nearly 60 years of combined experience in growing a thriving business. We are teaching the ASP Master Course in LONDON Nov 2-5. The HSA-UK Forum event is on the 2nd and your ASPM Course investment INCLUDES this conference. PLUS you will be part of this historic event that is the FIRST Live ASP Master Course taught in Europe! INSTRUCTORS: Jennie Norris, IAHSP Chairwoman, ASP Master, Certified ASP Master Instructor, BTS, CDE, ISC, LHS, PSCE, SMS, STRS, SSS, CEO of Sensational Home Staging - Colorado's most awarded and credentialed staging company, President & CEO of Stagedhomes.com - the world's oldest home staging training company. Since 2002, she has taught thousands of stagers and real estate agents in the US, Canada and Europe. Jennie and her staging team stage approximately 400 properties per year and to date have helped prepare over 6,600 properties and $3Billion in real estate value for sale. She is recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Real Estate and Top 100 Most Influential People in Home Staging. Sandra Holmes, Certified ASP Master Instructor, BTS, CDE, ISC, LHS, PSCE, SMS, STRS, SSS, President of Luxe Home Staging & Design - South Florida's Premier Home Staging company, Stakeholder in IAHSP and Stagedhomes.com.  Sandra and her staging team have staged over $1Billion in property value since 2005 and have helped elevate the industry standards for staging luxury properties. She is recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Home Staging. Blair Hamaty, Certified ASP Master Instructor, BTS, CDE, ISC, LHS, PSCE, SMS, STRS, SSS, President of Setting the Space, the largest home staging, design and retail company in the US Northeast. They offer residential and commercial property staging, have multiple retail stores around the Boston area, and have provided sophisticated design services for hotels, short and mid-term rentals, and high-end clients throughout the US. He is recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Home Staging. WHAT WE COVER: Your ASPM Course is 3 Days and you must attend the HSA-UK Forum on November 2nd (registration cost is included in your ASPM Course fee) Learning from others does not mean YOU are not knowledgeable. It means you are TEACHABLE and OPEN to learning what works.  Sure - you could try and glean information and concepts by using Google or AI. . . but the internet doesn't teach you HOW to be successful - it just provides information on what others have done. My approach to learning has always been to soak it up - and get as much as I can from those I respect. There are some who collect credentials - and spend all their time in classes versus actually implementing the knowledge. I know where I need to learn and will seek out specific courses or individuals who are coaching or teaching on that topic so I can learn how to succeed in that area. When I got started in 2002, there were NO experienced people I could learn from - we were all going through the process together - and now that I have 21 years of experience, I can look back and share what to do to succeed and what to avoid - and I love sharing that knowledge with others. Why wouldn't I want someone else to shorten their success journey? There are pitfalls and mistakes made along the way that were painful and I do not want someone else to go through what I had to experience. Those entering the industry in the past 5-10 years have benefitted from all the "pioneers" who laid the groundwork for success - educating the public and potential clients all over the world so they understand WHY they need to incorporate Staging in the process of selling a property. Come JOIN US in LONDON!  Space is limited and if you want to come - we will make sure to have a seat for you! Go to www.IAHSPSCALE.com to learn more and register! Use code EU500 to save $500 OFF the registration price. Payment plans available, and your HSA-UK ticket fee is INCLUDED in your registration!

How do you MASTER your Business? One of the best things about our industry is the ample opportunities for continued education on a variety of topics. As people have gained experience and invested YEARS in the home staging, design and real estate industry, it is natural to want to impart that knowledge on to others who are newer. One of my favorite courses that I have developed and taught for the past 8 years is the Accredited Staging Professional MASTER Course. This is the TOP credential for our industry, and it is for business owners who are at the point where they need to grow and Scale for success, or remain status quo and turn business away. It is for those who want to eventually transition out of the industry and sell their company as a viable asset, not just sell off their items at garage sale prices. The ASP Master Course was created as an extension of the foundational ASP Home Stager course - and provided a deeper dive into what was taught in the initial education. Over time, it became CLEAR to me that industry pros needed and wanted MORE! My belief is you cannot teach what you do not know or have not personally experienced, and the developed or the ASPM Course never had a large staging company, warehouse, trucks, movers, staging team, wholesale purchases in volume, or sold a staging business. It was necessary to update and modernized it to make it RELEVANT for TODAY's staging entrepreneur. In LONDON - Nov 2-5, you have a unique OPPORTUNITY to learn from EXPERTS with Home Staging & Design Companies that are in the TOP 2% globally based on revenue, volume and services offered. The three instructors: Myself, Sandra Holmes and Blair Hamaty - have nearly 60 years of combined experience in growing a thriving business. We are teaching the ASP Master Course in LONDON Nov 2-5. The HSA-UK Forum event is on the 2nd and your ASPM Course investment INCLUDES this conference. PLUS you will be part of this historic event that is the FIRST Live ASP Master Course taught in Europe! INSTRUCTORS: Jennie Norris, IAHSP Chairwoman, ASP Master, Certified ASP Master Instructor, BTS, CDE, ISC, LHS, PSCE, SMS, STRS, SSS, CEO of Sensational Home Staging - Colorado's most awarded and credentialed staging company, President & CEO of Stagedhomes.com - the world's oldest home staging training company. Since 2002, she has taught thousands of stagers and real estate agents in the US, Canada and Europe. Jennie and her staging team stage approximately 400 properties per year and to date have helped prepare over 6,600 properties and $3Billion in real estate value for sale. She is recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Real Estate and Top 100 Most Influential People in Home Staging. Sandra Holmes, Certified ASP Master Instructor, BTS, CDE, ISC, LHS, PSCE, SMS, STRS, SSS, President of Luxe Home Staging & Design - South Florida's Premier Home Staging company, Stakeholder in IAHSP and Stagedhomes.com. Sandra and her staging team have staged over $1Billion in property value since 2005 and have helped elevate the industry standards for staging luxury properties. She is recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Home Staging. Blair Hamaty, Certified ASP Master Instructor, BTS, CDE, ISC, LHS, PSCE, SMS, STRS, SSS, President of Setting the Space, the largest home staging, design and retail company in the US Northeast. They offer residential and commercial property staging, have multiple retail stores around the Boston area, and have provided sophisticated design services for hotels, short and mid-term rentals, and high-end clients throughout the US. He is recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Home Staging. WHAT WE COVER: Your ASPM Course is 3 Days and you must attend the HSA-UK Forum on November 2nd (registration cost is included in your ASPM Course fee) Learning from others does not mean YOU are not knowledgeable. It means you are TEACHABLE and OPEN to learning what works. Sure - you could try and glean information and concepts by using Google or AI. . . but the internet doesn't teach you HOW to be successful - it just provides information on what others have done. My approach to learning has always been to soak it up - and get as much as I can from those I respect. There are some who collect credentials - and spend all their time in classes versus actually implementing the knowledge. I know where I need to learn and will seek out specific courses or individuals who are coaching or teaching on that topic so I can learn how to succeed in that area. When I got started in 2002, there were NO experienced people I could learn from - we were all going through the process together - and now that I have 21 years of experience, I can look back and share what to do to succeed and what to avoid - and I love sharing that knowledge with others. Why wouldn't I want someone else to shorten their success journey? There are pitfalls and mistakes made along the way that were painful and I do not want someone else to go through what I had to experience. Those entering the industry in the past 5-10 years have benefitted from all the "pioneers" who laid the groundwork for success - educating the public and potential clients all over the world so they understand WHY they need to incorporate Staging in the process of selling a property. Come JOIN US in LONDON! Space is limited and if you want to come - we will make sure to have a seat for you! Go to www.IAHSPSCALE.com to learn more and register! Use code EU500 to save $500 OFF the registration price. Payment plans available, and your HSA-UK ticket fee is INCLUDED in your registration!

WWW.IAHSPCONEXPO.COM If you haven't heard we are celebrating our 25th Anniversary in 2024 and we want to celebrate with ALL our members. We are offering a very exclusive pre-release price that ends Tuesday. January 26-28, 2024 in VEGAS at the World Market Center. ⭐️ $199 for member pricing includes 2 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 Gala dinner, conference access and breakout sessions and a tour of the Las Vagas World Market. ⭐️ $399 for non-member pricing includes 2 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 Gala dinner, conference access and breakout sessions and a tour of the Las Vagas World Market. AND one year gold membership to IAHSP. ⭐️⭐️ This price is so good, and we want to see you so bad, it's actually lower than our cost. ⭐️⭐️ Our keynote speakers and breakout speakers will be fabulous. Expect NEW faces, NEW topics, NEW experiences. It's going to be amazing because... THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE IAHSP! TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW! WWW.IAHSPCONEXPO.COM

TWO HUGE EVENTS IN 2024 Click Your Heels! It's a New TWIST! We're Celebrating... THE BIG 25... The 25th Anniversary of IAHSP®. There's No Place Like IAHSP®! Pre-Released Special $199 Member | $399 Non-Member* LAS VEGAS TICKETS ON SALE TODAY! (for a very limited time at IAHSPCONEXPO.com) *Includes 1 year Gold Membership. Dear IAHSP® Community, You asked, and we listened. Get ready for a groundbreaking year ahead as IAHSP® proudly presents not one, but TWO extraordinary events in 2024! Brace yourself for an exhilarating celebration of our 25th Anniversary that will leave you clicking your heels with joy. We've always believed that "There's No Place Like IAHSP®," and now we're taking that mantra to a whole new level. With our Pre-Released Special, you can secure your tickets for the incredible 2024 conferences at an exclusive price of $199 for members and $399 for non-members. This limited-time offer is available to you, our valued community members, for your review and immediate action. Purchase tickets at IAHSPCONEXPO.com! Conference #1: Prepare to be dazzled as we kick off the festivities at the International Market Center in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 26th to 28th, 2024. (the 28th will be a tour of the Market) We're pulling out all the stops to make this an event unlike any other. Join us for inspiring keynotes, enlightening workshops, and engaging networking opportunities, all culminating in a glamorous Design Awards Gala that will leave you breathless. Purchase tickets at IAHSPCONEXPO.com! But wait, there's more! Conference #2 will take place at the AmericasMart in Atlanta, Georgia on July 15th to 17th, 2024. (the 17th will be a tour of the Market) Building on the success of our first conference, we're shaking things up and bringing a fresh twist to this event. Expect a different lineup of speakers, workshops tailored to your needs, and another unforgettable Awards Gala that will showcase the best and brightest in our industry in a whole new approach. We can hardly contain our excitement, and we hope you feel the same way! It's all about YOU - the heart of IAHSP®, our incredible community. We are committed to delivering an exceptional experience that will exceed your expectations. Make sure to mark your calendars and secure your tickets early. Conference #1 tickets are on sale NOW, and Conference #2 tickets will be available starting October 2023. Trust us, you won't want to miss these game-changing events. Join us in 2024 as we come HOME to IAHSP®, where "There's No Place Like IAHSP®." We're honored to have you as part of our community, and we can't wait to celebrate our 25th Anniversary with you in style. Stay tuned for more updates, sneak peeks, and surprises (so MANY surprises) along the way. It's going to be an unforgettable year, and we can't wait to share it with you! Your hyped up and excited Munchkin, Amy Powers President, IAHSP® Click Your Heels 3x ... And Come HOME to IAHSP® in 2024. There's No Place Like IAHSP®.

Greetings, Home Staging Professionals! As we gear up to celebrate the 4th of July, a day that commemorates the birth of American independence, it is important to recognize and honor the diversity of our nation. The International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP) believes in fostering inclusivity and embracing the various ways different Americans celebrate this significant holiday. In this article, we will explore ideas from minorities, highlighting the unique perspectives and traditions they bring to the 4th of July. John Norris and the Norris family (including Jennie, Steven, Lauren, their newest member Twyla and more) have graciously shared their cherished 4th of July traditions with us. For them, family is at the core of their celebration. Starting their day by attending a vibrant parade, they soak in the joyous atmosphere as floats, dressed-up Uncle Sam's, and Boy Scout troops pass by. This community gathering showcases the spirit of togetherness that is emblematic of the 4th of July. Returning home, the Norris family takes the time to prepare their house for their traditional Family BBQ. They not only invite their relatives but also extend the invitation to a few friend's families, creating an inclusive and diverse gathering. The festive ambiance is complemented by mouthwatering food and heartfelt conversations, celebrating both the bonds of kinship and friendship. As the day progresses, the Norris family eagerly awaits the arrival of darkness. Positioned on the street in front of their home, they join their community in watching the mesmerizing fireworks display. The night sky bursts with colors, symbolizing the shared pride and unity felt by all Americans. Beyond the Norris family's celebration, let us explore ideas from various minorities on how they commemorate this special day: 1. Cultural Potluck: Organize a potluck where individuals from different ethnic backgrounds can bring dishes that represent their cultural heritage. This exchange of flavors and stories fosters appreciation for the diverse tapestry of our nation. 2. Community Service: Engage in community service projects, such as volunteering at local shelters or organizing events for underprivileged children. Emphasize the values of compassion and service, which are crucial aspects of American society. 3. Heritage Showcasing: Encourage individuals to display their cultural traditions through performances, dances, music, or art exhibits. This provides an opportunity for everyone to learn and appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures that contribute to the American identity. 4. Storytelling: Gather a diverse group of individuals to share their personal stories of what being an American means to them. This fosters empathy, understanding, and a deeper connection among community members. Remember, the 4th of July is not only about fireworks and barbecues, but also an occasion to reflect upon the values that define us as a nation. Embrace the diversity of America and celebrate the mosaic of cultures that contribute to its vibrancy. How do you celebrate the 4th of July with your family? We hope these ideas inspire you to create inclusive and memorable celebrations this 4th of July. May the festivities bring us closer together and deepen our appreciation for the rich tapestry of our nation. Wishing you a joyful and inclusive 4th of July! Amy Powers IAHSP President

Dear IAHSP Community, We are thrilled to share some exciting updates that highlight the growth and accomplishments within our esteemed organization, the International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP). We have recently welcomed Nikki Giovanni Watson as our new Vice President, alongside our President, Amy Powers, and Director of Operations and Chapter Development, Orlando Reyes. Together, they form a reliable force to lead IAHSP forward, ensuring our continued success in the face of upcoming challenges. Nikki's Appointment and Team Enthusiasm We are proud to announce that Nikki Giovanni Watson has graciously accepted the role of Vice President within IAHSP. Nikki's exceptional skills, experience, and dedication make her a much-needed addition to our leadership team. With her expertise in home staging, we are confident in her ability to contribute significantly to our organization's growth and impact. Nikki will be working closely with Amy Powers and Orlando Reyes, both of whom share the same enthusiasm about this announcement. Their collective excitement reflects the strong bond and commitment to excellence that we value within IAHSP. When Amy shared the news of Nikki's acceptance, our Chairwoman, Jennie Norris, couldn't contain her joy and expressed it with three simple phrases: "Love it. Love it. Love it." Nikki's Accomplishments and Commitment Becoming the Vice President of IAHSP is an important accomplishment for Nikki Giovanni Watson. This position not only embodies leadership and responsibility but also represents an opportunity to drive positive change within our industry. For Nikki, assuming this role goes far beyond a mere title; it signifies a deep commitment to making a difference, inspiring others, and contributing to the growth and development of IAHSP. Upcoming TV Show Appearances We are delighted to share another reason for celebration as Nikki Giovanni Watson gears up to appear on several new and upcoming TV shows. Her talents and expertise in home staging have garnered recognition from prominent networks, including A&E, Roku Channel, and the highly anticipated Magnolia Network. These opportunities will provide Nikki with a larger platform to showcase her creativity and passion, further solidifying IAHSP's position as a leading authority in the field of home staging. Conclusion Please join us in extending our warmest congratulations to Nikki Giovanni Watson on her appointment as Vice President of IAHSP and her upcoming TV show appearances. We are confident that with Nikki's leadership, alongside Amy Powers and Orlando Reyes, we will overcome any challenges that come our way and continue to inspire excellence within the home staging industry. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to IAHSP and its remarkable members. Together, we will shape the future of home staging. Sincerely, Amy Powers President, International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP)

Kevin Htain shares his story! As the official "homosectional" of the “homo staging industry”, I'd like to wish you all a HAPPY PRIDE! My name is Kevin Htain, representing Identity Home Staging and Design in beautiful Long Beach, CA. Pride is a celebration that extends beyond the LGBTQ+ community. It's about embracing love, joy, and being open-minded. Inclusiveness and equal rights are the cornerstones of the LGBTQ+ community. However, today, we face an alarming wave of backlash, particularly towards our trans siblings. It's time we take action and protect them from this unfounded fear and hate. Imagine living your authentic life and facing discrimination, hatred, or even violence. Tragically, LGBTQ+ murders and suicides have reached epidemic levels. This must end. But let's also talk about the power of authenticity. I've been out since I was 16, which means I've spent three decades being true to myself. Being gay isn't my sole identity, but it's an integral part of who I am. By embracing my authenticity without compromise, I've received overwhelming acceptance and respect from those I've encountered. The 30+ years I’ve been out, I’ve witnessed many wonderful strides and accomplishments that my community has helped shape. It’s a powerful feeling knowing that I have made a difference not only in my community, but worldwide by always staying true to my authentic self. Today, there's no shame in being LGBTQ+—it's something to be celebrated! As we close our Pride Month for 2023 I just wanted to tell everyone that the spirit of Pride isn’t limited to just one month of the year. We should celebrate it everyday by being your true proud self, no matter what your sexuality is. Pride has an expansive meaning - uniting people of all colors, backgrounds, cultures and genders. So, let's come together, spread love, and celebrate the diversity that makes us stronger. Happy Pride, everyone! With Kindest Regards, Kevin Htain CEO, LIFETIME Master ASPM, IAHSP Premier, ASPM BTS, ASPM SRS, ASPM ISS, IAHSP CB THANK YOU KEVIN FOR FINISHING PRIDE WITH A BANG AND A STORY OF AUTHENTICITY! Please check out these other stories shared my our most valuable asset, our members! Luis Johnathan Carl Amy

🌈📰 Celebrating Our IAHSP Member Spotlights 🌈📰 Dear IAHSP® Community, Happy Pride Month! As we come together to celebrate the vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ community, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on some incredible IAHSP® members who have graciously shared their stories with us. These inspiring individuals have shown immense courage, resilience, and pride in their journeys. We invite you to join us in honoring and uplifting their voices. These IAHSP® member spotlights remind us of the power of storytelling and the impact our diverse experiences have on shaping the world around us. By listening and learning from one another, we can foster understanding, compassion, and unity within our community. Thank you to Carl, Johnathan, Luis and Amy and all our IAHSP® members who have graciously shared their stories with us. Your openness and vulnerability create a more inclusive and supportive community, where everyone can thrive. Here are our most recent Pride Month Stories:* Member Spotlight - Amy Powers Member Spotlight - Carl Dismukes Member Spotlight - Johnathan Miller Member Spotlight - Luis Santiago Wishing you all a joyful and pride-filled month! With love and solidarity, Amy Powers President, International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP®) We will be spotlighting ALL our members throughout the year because you are the heart of IAHSP®. *Due to the sensitivity of the content, we are only sharing Pride Stories on the Members Only IAHSP page. Please JOIN IAHSP® TODAY if you are not already a member!