June 8th, 2011 (Long Island, NY) – Cathy Hobbs, CSP Instructor was announced monday as an HGTV Design Star finalist, and it comes as no shock to Certified Staging Professional; as they boast of only hiring the best of the best in the industry.
Certified Staging Professional hires their instructors based on staging talent, business savvy in the trenches, and adult education experience. With 100 hours worth of training starting in January of 2011, between running her own successful staging business in NY (and an out of country unexpected, unexplained, absence – until now!) Cathy Hobbs was formally certified to teach the world acclaimed Real Estate Staging Program just this month.
“As much as we pride ourselves on choosing qualified instructors, they also choose us” says Christine Rae, President and CEO of CSP International™ Business Training Academy. “Many of our instructors are successful when they come to us; they want to be associated with training recognized for its quality curriculum and brand significance.”
“With some 6000 people applying for 12 coveted slots on Season 6 of Design Star. I was thrilled to have been selected! It is an exciting season, with lots of twists and turns! The staging skills I learned through CSP absolutely were part of my “tool kit”. Be sure to watch as I try to earn my own show on HGTV!” says Cathy Hobbs founder of the interior design and home staging firm apherea based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
In addition to running her growing business, Cathy Hobbs has nearly two decades of experience as an on-air television news correspondent and continues to make regular television appearances. She has worked in some of the top television markets in the country and is currently in her 12th year as an on-air television reporter and anchor at a top affiliate station in New York City, where she has developed a strong fan base. Cathy has been nominated for nineteen Emmy awards, and is a five-time Emmy award winner. In 2003, she took one of the Emmy awards top honors, earning the coveted award for Outstanding General Assignment and Live Reporter for the entire New York City region.
Certified Staging Professional is the leading staging training company in North America and Australia. Founded in 2005 by internationally- acclaimed staging expert, Christine Rae. The CSPI Academy delivers comprehensive training programs in staging, redesign, green science and marketing, and provides unparalleled after-training support to real estate professionals, stagers, professional organizers, decorators and entrepreneurs.
Cathy Hobbs, CSP
Age: 42
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Check out Cathy’s Designs >>> View |
CSP Staging Instructor, Cathy Hobbs interview by RESA President Shell Brodnax
Is Staging Certification Necessary?
The home staging industry is unregulated and there is no “governing and regulating association”. Don’t let this alarm or dissuade you from pursing your dream. The Home Inspection industry is non- regulated also, in fact many industries are rooted in non-regulation. What it means is simply anyone can say they are a stager and anyone can provide a training course, online or in person………….. without ever having staged a home! Shocking isn’t it? We believe as a new business starting out you need as much ammunition and information as possible to position you as an expert instead of a newbie. Certification for a stager is as vital as a license is to a real estate agent.
HIGH PRAISE
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Yesterday I was listening to and reviewing some of the information from the “FastTrack Business Package”, it occurred to me how much thought went into putting this package together. I felt I needed to say Thank You to you and your Team. All the information taught in the class and provided in this package has given me the confidence I need to start this new chapter in my life.
Cynthia Delve
CCSP Victoria, BC -
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!!
Mira B.
Mississauga, ON -
The first house I staged sold over asking last night!! Put on the market at $339K and sold 9 days later for 400K! The happiness I feel is so indescribable!! I just want to thank you so much for BEING CHRISTINE RAE! I don’t think I could ever have done this without your guidance and amazing program! CAN’T WAIT FOR MORE PROJECTS! The real estate agent wants to work with me too !! WOOHOO!
Yzabelle Sanico
CCSP