Christine Rae

Staging Industry Visionary, Innovator, Entrepreneur, Environmental Advocate, Author, Speaker, Trainer and Mentor

Christine Rae, Founder and President of the Certified Staging Professionals (CSP®) International Business Training Academy, is known as the leading expert, trendsetter and powerhouse authority on shaping the future through real estate staging industry vision, innovation and focused intensity.

As an internationally recognized trainer in the professional staging industry, Christine Rae has been providing ground–breaking staging programs and services since 2001 after a 32-year career in executive business management. In less than a decade, she has personally developed leading-edge curriculum and proprietary tools, then instructed and empowered more than 3,000 entrepreneurs to start and grow their own successful professional staging businesses.

In her role as President and CEO for CSP® International, Christine has steered the company to the top of the excellence chart for the staging industry. The CSP® International Academy is known as a successful incubator for ‘would be’ entrepreneurs with a decorating flair who desire control over their own destiny through building successful, profitable businesses of their own.

CSP® International provides a safe haven for learning, support, knowledge, best practices and leading market trends. Graduates from the Academy benefit from a reputation of excellence, helping them gain credibility and recognition as they brand, market and develop their own business to successful levels.

Christine is recognized as the world’s leading authority on staging from her global experience, as well as through her work in developing standards, examinations, professionalism and trend forecasting.

The Room Ready Handbook™, Sellers Edge™ DVD, Agents Edge™ DVD and the Staging Safe™ Color palettes are some of the proprietary tools that Christine developed to streamline processes for CSP® stagers. Further, she has negotiated powerful strategic alliances with major brand providers on behalf of the CSP® network to ensure quality service, leverage credibility and provide savings to staging clients everywhere. Recently, Christine’s vision led her to partner with prestigious Robert Allan® fabrics to develop a professional stagers line of luxury linens.

Christine developed and trademarked EcoStaging®. She is an Industry Expert Blogger for REALTOR® magazine, a regular contributor to Real Estate Magazine and is the Green Staging Expert for HomeGain®. She has been a featured speaker and keynote for many industry events including six Stagers Expos, Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), Sydney Australia Real Estate event and expert speaker at the California Association of Realtors (CAR) convention speaking about real estate staging trends.

Currently six US colleges across North America endorse the program. Her book, Home Staging for Dummies®, has also been selected as the textbook on staging at several colleges in Canada. She continues to travel internationally and personally teach all levels of CSP® staging training.

Christine’s success stems from her work ethic, desire for excellence, integrity and integral goodness. In a very competitive industry, what sets CSP® apart are the differentiators and the driving force to be of service and value to the student. From the outset, CSP® International core values, mission, “pay it forward” philosophy and their apprenticeship program have been the catalyst for the myriad of distinguishing factors which set CSP® apart from other training programs.

Christine has worked with the first staging reality TV show guru Ann Maurice, known as TV’s House Doctor, and many CSP® graduates were selected for their expertise to appear on popular HGTV real estate shows. She was recently certified to facilitate Michael E. Gerber’s “Dreaming Room” event, was interviewed by Michael and had a guest appearance on The Michael E Gerber Show. She also has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX television affiliates.

View Videos – Including Christine’s Television Interview with Michael Gerber – HERE!

Accomplishments, Awards and Credentials

Always on the lookout for the next opportunity to raise the profile of the staging industry, Christine’s capacity to take on new ventures has led to many notable accomplishments.
Her list of “first in the industry” is without precedent and has led to the professional development of standards and ethics in a still-emerging industry now considered by CNN “the number one career choice”.

Christine and her unique signature CSP® Real Estate Staging Business Program is accredited through RESA; since 2004, she has received awards, accolades, and recognition —including Innovator of the Year. In January 2012, she was the first ever recipient honored with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement award from RESA for her work and contributions to the industry.

Christine’s other credentials include IRIS (Interior Redesign Industry Specialist), CDCI (Certified Dewey Color Instructor), CHMS (Certified Home Marketing Specialist), CIM (Certified in Management) and P. Mgr (Professional Manager), Past Canadian Vice President of RESA (Real Estate Staging Association), Past Affiliate Member of Women’s Council of Realtors and Interior Design Society.

A strong woman who has forged her own road and made lemonade from lemons, Christine believes in paying it forward. She is an active volunteer and supporter of the One Drop Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Women to Women International, KIVA and MarketersForGood.org. READ MORE…

She has also been a member and supporter of many industry associations development over the past ten years and is a founding charter member of the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA).

Christine’s Story In Her Own Words

Looking back on my working life, I realize I have always been in sales, had a prosperity consciousness and MOST of the time a positive attitude. Maybe it comes from my British heritage, my hardworking mother, the fact I am a first born child AND a Scorpio… whatever it is which drives me in unique ways, it took almost a lifetime for me to acknowledge and own my unique skill sets.

As a young mum back in the 70’s who wanted a bit of adventure outside of the home, I had a number of business ventures (party plan, commission sales, etc.). I did so to be able to control my time, earn some money and have a work interest in my life while still being a full-time mum.

In the 80’s, when I became a single mum, I needed to have a secure income so I accepted a role as a salesperson – steady hours, consistent minimum salary and commission based on results.
Over time, I earned a senior management role managing a ten million dollar operation.

Since then, I have successfully started and built a real estate staging business before anyone recognized the potential of professional staging. Proudly, I’ve gone on to grow the most successful school for real estate staging in the world with thousands of graduates, empowering their success, creating new economies and a sustainable business which continues to lead the industry and grow exponentially through the students and licensing opportunities.

-Christine Rae

In Print…

SOLD (CelebrityPress) The word SOLD has a vibrant ring for most of us. It is a pivotal word in the world of Real Estate, and one that generally pervades our entire economic existence. Selling grew out of bartering or exchanging, which grew out of the specialization of duties or chores that allowed us to enjoy equitable fruits of each others' labor. This system of task specialization enabled us to survive and thrive, and we have never lost our desire to barter, buy or sell ‘anything under the sun’ – especially property. In this vein, this book shares the acquired expertise, proven methods and secrets of the experts who have experienced big success in real estate transactions. Regardless of whether you are an experienced salesperson, new to sales, or you wish to review the most contemporary concepts in today’s real estate market, the ideas that you can learn when you read them will be worth their weight in gold. In a manner of speaking, you will be SOLD!

Trendsetters (CelebrityPress) Christine received a Best Sellers Award in 2011. By definition, a Trendsetter is not a follower. So, what is a Trendsetter? Is it a leader? Leadership can mean leading in thought, word or deed, or some combination of all three. In business, thought has no future if bounded by inaction – commonly referred to as ‘analysis paralysis’ – so thought and deed are invariably intertwined. Now add ‘word’ – the ability to communicate powerfully – and now exists the trifecta needed for successful leadership. And the stage is set for TrendSetting. Discover how to emulate trailblazing TrendSetters through this book as you learn the stages of thought, word and deed in action. May you lead the way through your business.

Home Staging for Dummies® (Wiley Publishing) “With my many years in the Real Estate Industry, reading "Home Staging for Dummies" was a refreshing and easy read. This is a MUST read for anyone interested in selling or investing in real estate. I much enjoyed the ease and layout, along with the photo examples. This is an essential resource for all those considering to sell their property and for those investing and expecting great appraisals. De-personalizing a home may seem difficult, but as explained in this book, will help you achieve your ultimate goal of selling. Understanding the potential buyers is key to any successful sale. Many resources offered throughout to help the reader further. For all our realtor clients, may I suggest you offer a copy of this book to your sellers, after reading it yourself you will totally understand the value. Thank you to authors Christine and Jan for sharing their knowledge and experience, this will certainly be a resource I will endorse.” - Michelle Sharpe, Director of Canada, www.Obeo.com “Home Staging for Dummies” is a brilliantly written guide which explains the benefits of home staging in addition to giving real solutions to homeowners who are embarking on the process of selling property. This practical guide is so easy to read and understand that you will be able to apply the principals on your own; or if you don’t have the time or the creativity to do it the book provides you with every resource needed, in order to get the professional assistance to get the job done. The Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) is proud to FULLY endorse Home Staging for Dummies. - Shell Brodnax, President/CEO, RESA, www.realestatestagingassociation.com

The Only Business Book You’ll Ever Need (CelebrityPress) We are well-advised to pursue success in business with purpose and direction. Business spans a wide range of skills, of which marketing is the most dominant. This book covers the skills necessary to become successful - whether you are selling products, services, or a derivative of both. These subjects are covered by business icons that make this book a must-read. By avoiding potential mistakes as taught by the wisdom in these pages, you can shorten your journey and move toward your goals more quickly than you can do your own. This may truly be... "The Only Business Book You'll Ever Need."

Nothing But Net (CelebrityPress) Step Up to a Whole New Level of Success! Sometimes we all feel stuck personally and professionally. We struggle to find solutions, but they seem almost impossible to come by. Well, just open up the pages of this book and you’ll find them. That’s because we’ve brought together the world’s leading speakers, trainers and entrepreneurs to reveal their life-changing secrets-secrets that empower you to profit when times are tough and triumph over challenges that seem insurmountable. These are the experts who have built their careers on enabling their clients to become healthier, wealthier and wiser.

Staging Standard Magazine

Editor & Writer Certified Staging Professionals® Staging Industry

Click HERE to view a sampling of articles and blog posts Christine has written for well-known sites and publications like www.Realtor.com, www.eRenovate.com, and www.Homeagain.com.

In the Words of Others

“Christine Rae is a visionary with the commitment and inner motivation to build an empire. During the years I known her, I have watched her grow CSP from a simple idea to a multi-national association and training program that reflects her high standards and attention to detail. She is tough but fair and always two steps ahead of rest, which makes her an inspiration to all those that have had the pleasure of both knowing and working with her.” – Laurey Fawcett, Architectural Account Executive, Sherwin Williams Paints Canada

“Solid and confidently resilient, Christine has always demonstrated the ability to recognize, attract, engage and inspire exceptional talent. She is an extremely strong leader who has taken an idea and developed that into a hugely successful venture. I am proud to know Christine and recommend her services often. Above all skill, she is kind and highly supportive. It is my pleasure to provide this accolade.” – April Monteiro, Regional Manager, Manpower

For more testimonials and recommendations of peers and students, visit Christine’s Profile on Linked In

When not traveling the world teaching, Christine lives in Canada’s Niagara Region. She shares her life with “the Dutch Accountant” Ary, has a son Lee and grandson Lucas and an adorable Yorkshire woofie named “Timmy”.

“We are at the beginning of one of the greatest periods of opportunity ever in human history. While there has always been opportunity, the sea of changes we’ve experienced over the past few years have unearthed possibilities unlike anything ever seen before — particularly for the budding entrepreneur.” – Darren Hardy of Success Magazine

Ask Christine

Need to Sell Your House Faster?
Have a Home Staging Question?
Christine frequently answers questions just like these!
Click HERE to view questions Christine has answered for others just like you!

   

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I am new to the Home Staging business. I had originally taken another Home Staging course and received their certification. However, my experience was very disappointing…

I had heard great things about the organization by alumni as well as have had great discussions and assistance from Liz and Linda. They have always been there to answer any and all my questions, they are polite and super efficient…

I HAVE RECOMMENDED THIS COURSE IN THE PAST. THIS WAS A REFRESHER AND IT WAS A VERY POSITIVE EXPERIENCE FOR ME. IT WAS GREAT TO SEE NEW PEOPLE STARTING THE JOURNEY AND IT WAS EXCELLENT TO REVISIT THE MATERIAL (YOU RETAIN THE MATERIAL MUCH EASIER WHEN YOU GO THROUGH IT THE SECOND …

I don’t know where to start. It was a fantastic class; it was such a pleasure to meet Christine and Lynelle…It was a lot of information in 3 days! I am happy and thrilled that I took this class – Thanks to everbody for their help!! Sincerely, Mira B. Mississauga, ON