As you get into running your own home staging business there will be times when you are asked to stage homes that are vacant because either the owner has already moved or perhaps you will be staging houses that are model homes.

You'll need to have some furniture and accessories in order to stage houses that are vacant.

You have a couple of options:

First, you could buy what you need to buy to make the home show well and keep those items as part of your staging supplies. Keep the costs affordable as much as you can and buy items that will be the most versatile for your home staging business. Consider it part of the start-up costs that will add value to your service down the road. I personally feel that when you list rented items separately on your staging invoice it ends up looking pricey for the client on a piece-by-piece basis. My thought is that listing "accessories and furnishings" with a fee for the whole package is more effective.

Your other option is to use a furniture rental company. In this case I strongly suggest that you have the client deal directly with the company; let them be the one to sign on the dotted line. Have them rent furnishings that you have selected. If you are going to handle all the details with the furniture rental company you need to make sure you get yourself paid for the extra hassle, time, etc. Have the rental company drop off and pick up at the home you are staging.

I will continue writing articles about starting a home staging business; you can e-mail me if you have a topic you would like me to cover.

Providing furnishings is a great service for your home staging clients since most buyers have trouble picturing an empty home furnished. When you stage houses that are vacant, you're showing them how comfortable and homey it can be.

Jackie Riley has a home staging business start-up guide at http://www.homestagingsuccess.com so you can quickly and affordably start your own home staging company. Visit my site and feel free to e-mail me with questions.