Advice for Stagers, Decorators, and Real Estate Pros

Let’s not pretend the economy hasn’t thrown a wrench into many of our plans lately. Clients are cautious, deals are slower, and the usual confidence in the market has taken a hit. But here’s the thing: this is not the first time we’ve seen this—and it won’t be the last.

Over the past 25 years of working in the home staging industry, I’ve seen plenty of ups and downs. And the pattern is always the same. Those who pause and pull back, struggle. Those who adjust, learn, and move forward—those are the ones who come out stronger.  This isn’t about scrambling or hustling harder. It’s about being strategic and making choices to support long-term success, no matter the market.  Here’s what I know works, see if it will for you.

1. Understand that Uncertainty Creates Opportunity

When the market is soft, property takes longer to sell, and buyers are more selective. That’s not bad news for you. That’s your cue to step up.

For stagers and decorators, this is when your expertise becomes even more valuable. Properties need to show better than ever. Sellers want to know their property stands out. Bring that edge.

For agents, showing that you’ve got a professional team—including a trained stager—gives you leverage. Sellers want results, not promises.

Pricing gets you in the game, Staging gets the offer. A strong presentation gets them the outcome they want. In uncertainty, people look for certainty. You can be that.

2. Lead with Confidence, Not Panic

People take their cues from you. If you sound unsure, they will be too. But if you lead with calm assurance, they’ll follow.

I don’t mean putting on a brave face or ignoring reality. I mean being honest, grounded, and future focused. Clients appreciate it when you acknowledge the challenges but follow up with what’s possible.  If your business slows, don’t let fear take over. Ask: what can I do differently? Where’s the gap I can fill?

3. Sharpen Your Messaging

When money is tight, people don’t stop spending—but they do become more thoughtful about how they spend.

You need to be clear about the value you bring. Not just what you do, but why it matters right now.

For example:

• A stager isn’t just making a space look nice. You’re helping a property sell faster and closer to asking price—at a time when every dollar counts.
• A real estate agent isn’t just listing homes. You’re offering strategy, network, and guidance that saves clients from costly mistakes.

Update your website, email communications, and social media to reflect that clarity. Don’t assume people know the value. Spell it out.

4. Reconnect and Build Referrals

You don’t need thousands of leads. You need the right few.

Now’s the time to reconnect with past clients, agents, and collaborators. Not with a sales pitch—just a genuine check-in.

“How are you doing in this market?” goes a long way. It opens the door. And if you’ve provided value before, people remember. Relationships are the most underutilized sales strategy in any business.

Referrals still matter, especially in slower markets. Stay top of mind with handwritten notes, quick updates, and thoughtful touches. It’s not always about chasing leads—it’s about being remembered when they need help.

5. Diversify Your Services (Smartly)

Economic slowdowns are not the time to reinvent your business from scratch—but they are a good time to add complementary services that meet current needs.

Some ideas:

• Remote staging consults for clients outside your region.
• Occupied staging refresh packages for sellers trying to save money but still show well.
• Styling services or micro-renos for homeowners staying put longer.
• Explore niche markets which are flourishing in your area.

Think about the skills you already have. How can you apply them in a way that fits what people are looking for now?

6. Keep an Eye on Economic Shifts- like Tariffs

It’s not just mortgage rates and local trends shaping real estate right now—global policies like tariffs are starting to make their presence felt, especially in Canada.  Tariffs on building materials, furniture, and imported goods can raise the cost of home improvement, renovations, and staging inventory. That affects everyone from homeowners trying to prep for sale, to stagers/decorators sourcing accessories, stagers replenishing inventory and furniture rental packages.

What does that mean for you?

Clients may delay listings or scale back spending. The cost of goods may quietly rise. Real estate agents might see longer decision cycles from buyers. The smart move is to anticipate it. Get ahead of it…

• Build flexible service packages.
• Keep close tabs on supplier pricing, and your own profit margins.

Helping your clients make smarter choices during these shifts positions you as a trusted advisor, not just a service provider. And that’s exactly who they’ll keep coming back to.

7. Invest in Yourself and Your Business

When business is slower, use that time to sharpen your edge. That might mean updating your portfolio, refreshing your branding, or finally learning that software you’ve been meaning to try.

It also means looking at education. And no, this isn’t where I pitch a course—but I will say this: professional credibility stands out in uncertain markets. Clients want to know they’re hiring someone who’s trained, experienced, and up to date.

Whether it’s through CSP International™ or elsewhere, now is the time to invest in whatever will help you show up stronger.

8. Stay Visible, Even When It’s Quiet

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make when things slow down is disappearing.

They think, “Nobody’s hiring right now, so why bother?” But the truth is, consistency is everything. The people who market only when they’re busy… tend to stay stuck in a feast-or-famine cycle.

Post regularly. Send your newsletter. Share your work. Give value freely. Keep showing up.  People may not be buying today—but when they are ready, they’ll remember who stayed in front of them. Remember March 2020,..the Pandemic? So many people “wah-ed oh the sky is falling” – when the result was the best year ever for stagers and real estate agents.

9. Charge What You’re Worth

It’s tempting to lower your prices when things are slow. And while offering options or tiered packages can be helpful, don’t undervalue yourself just to get the job.

Discounting sends the wrong message. It implies your service isn’t worth what you were charging before—and that hurts your positioning long term & the industry. Instead, show the value. Break it down. Explain what clients are really getting—and why that matters, especially now. People will spend on what they believe will help them. Make sure you’re presenting yourself in a way that reflects the real outcome of your work.

10. Think Like a Business Owner, Not Just a Creative

Creative professionals—stagers, decorators, even many agents—often default to thinking about the work itself. But running a business during uncertain times means stepping back and looking at the big picture and tighten your operations:

Ask yourself:

• Where are my leads coming from? What’s my client experience like?  Where is my time going?  What can I streamline or automate?
• Review your receivables—are clients paying on time?
• Clarify your invoices and payment terms.
• Automate your invoicing, if possible, to save time and reduce missed payments.
• Strong systems build stronger businesses. The more you streamline now, the more resilient you’ll be when things shift again.

When you take the time to treat your business like a business—not just a service—you’ll start making decisions that bring more stability and growth.

11. Focus on What You Can Control

You can’t change interest rates. You can’t predict the market. You can’t force clients to say yes.  But you can control how you show up. You can control your professionalism, your consistency, your effort, your follow-through. You can stay calm when others panic. You can keep learning when others stop. You can keep planting seeds.

The seeds you plant now might not bloom tomorrow. But they will bloom.  This market may not be easy—but it isn’t hopeless. The professionals who will thrive are the ones willing to adapt, stay consistent, and lead with value.  You don’t need to panic. You need to focus.

And remember, you are not alone. Thousands of professionals have navigated markets like this before—and come out better on the other side. I know, because I’ve worked with them. I’ve trained them. I’ve been them.

If you stay proactive, lean into your strengths, and keep your standards high, you won’t just survive a downturn—you’ll position yourself for your best growth yet.

Are you ready to rewrite your story and build a career that lasts? Click here to learn more about CSP International Staging Training and take the first step toward your dream career today.