How to market your home staging services to real estate agents

By Kerry Derwent-Robb

Providing real estating staging services to agencies is your best bet or reaping numerous home staging jobs from one source.

The key factor is getting in the door. A cold call is not always your best bet. Everyone is busy, and you can imagine how many products and services the real estate agents and brokers face every day.

So begin by contacting real estate agents or real estate brokers you know or have been referred to you by friends or family. Or send a preliminary letter explaining your services, and let them know you'll call soon.

Once you get to speak to an agent or broker, explain your services, and request the opportunity to do a 10 minute presentation at their next meeting. Some agencies will have weekly meetings; some will only hold them once a month.

Once you have been confirmed to do a presentation, it's great to have good attendance. Having the broker mention your presence to the agents ahead of time might help bring in those who are looking for real estate staging services.

Once there, hand out your flyers and business card, and if you're referring them to your website, make sure you have testimonials and "before and after" photos to demonstrate that you're in demand and establish your reputation.

Real estate staging promotional checklist

• Contact agents you know or have been referred to by friends or family
  
• Send promotional material to sales offices and follow up
  
• Attend tradeshows
  
• Contact the broker directly
  
• Ask an agent to take you to a agent-only open house
  
• Go to open houses in your area
  
• Network functions