Launching the RESA® Accredited Staging Business Program™: Elevate Your Home Staging Business
The Real Estate Staging Association® (RESA®) is proud to introduce the RESA® Accredited Staging Business Program™, a first-of-its-kind initiative for professional home stagers. This program sets the standard for ethical, professional, and legally compliant home staging businesses.
By becoming a RESA® Accredited Staging Business™, you’ll join an elite group of staging companies committed to excellence, helping you stand out in a competitive market and safeguard your business for long-term success.
Apply to be a RESA® Accredited Staging Business™
Why Choose RESA® Accreditation for Your Home Staging Business?
1. Showcase Your Professionalism
RESA® Accreditation establishes your business as a trusted leader in the home staging industry, ensuring you meet the highest standards of quality, ethics, and accountability.
2. Protect Your Business from Legal and Financial Risks
Accreditation requires compliance with essential legal and operational practices, including proper insurance, labor law adherence, and clear contracts, giving you peace of mind while you grow.
3. Boost Your Operational Excellence
By meeting rigorous accreditation standards, you ensure your business runs efficiently, ethically, and professionally—setting the foundation for continued success.
4. Gain a Competitive Edge
Distinguish yourself as a RESA® Accredited Staging Business™ to stand out from unaccredited competitors in a growing and competitive home staging market.
5. Exclusive Membership Savings for Your Team
Add your W2 employees as RESA® members under your company for only $99 each—saving $91 off individual membership rates.
Benefits of Becoming a RESA® Accredited Staging Business™
1. Legal and Financial Security
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Proof of proper insurance (Business Owners Policy and Professional Liability) protects your business.
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Compliance with contracts, refund policies, and privacy policies reduces the risk of disputes with clients and vendors.
2. Ethical and Transparent Practices
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Accreditation requires your business to be free from legal judgments and ethics complaints, reinforcing your professional credibility.
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Honest advertising practices set clear expectations for clients and reflect your integrity.
3. Operational Compliance
4. Professional Recognition
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Use the RESA® Accredited badge on your website, email signature, and marketing materials to demonstrate your status as a trusted, professional staging business.
Accreditation Requirements: Are You Ready to Qualify?
To become a RESA® Accredited Staging Business™, you must provide documentation that proves your commitment to professional excellence. Requirements include:
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Provide proof of Business Owners Policy- $2,000,000.00/$4,000,000.00 and Professional Liability $100,000.00 (Upload Rider)
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Provide proof of Current Business Structure: Sole Proprietor Business License/LLC/CORP/Partnership (Upload document)
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Certify the business has established procedures to determine 1099 vs. W2 worker classifications and comply with federal and state labor laws.
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Provide proof of WC Insurance for w-2 employees.(Upload document and have a NA Option)
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Certify a business (not personal) checking account. (Check you certify)
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Certifying the business requires signed contracts for all staging/styling projects. . (Check you certify)
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Certify there are no legal judgements or pending lawsuits for the staging business. (Check you certify)
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Certify the business owner and any employees are free from any RESA® Ethics Complaint Determinations (Check you certify)
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Certify the business has a Privacy Policy on Website (Give URL)
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Certify you have a refund and Credit Card Policy (Check you certify)
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Certify that you abide by the RESA® Proof of Advertising Policy: Advertising and marketing of staging services must be truthful and honest. A business may not deceive potential clients with false or deceptive claims. (Check you certify)
Why Accreditation Matters to Your Staging Clients
When clients choose a RESA® Accredited Staging Business™, they can expect:
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Professional Integrity: Accredited stagers follow ethical practices, including clear contracts, honest marketing, and transparent pricing.
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Legal Safeguards: Comprehensive insurance coverage protects both the client and their property.
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Ethical Business Practices: RESA® Accredited Staging Businesses meet rigorous standards, ensuring quality service and reliability.
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Trust and Accountability: Accreditation signals a clean ethical record and professional accountability, providing peace of mind to clients.
Accreditation Fees
Becoming a RESA® Accredited Staging Business™ is simple and affordable:
Accreditation renews annually to ensure you continue to meet RESA®'s high standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RESA® Accredited Staging Business Program™?
The RESA® Accredited Staging Business Program™ is designed to recognize professional home staging companies that meet rigorous standards for ethics, legal compliance, and operational excellence.
Why Should I Become Accredited?
Accreditation establishes your business as a trusted, ethical, and professional staging company, setting you apart in a competitive market while protecting your business from potential risks.
How Long Does Accreditation Last?
RESA® Accreditation is renewed annually to ensure businesses continue to meet the program’s high standards.
Why do I need a privacy policy on my staging business website?
If your website collects any personal information, such as names, emails, phone numbers, or addresses, a privacy policy is required to inform visitors how their data is used and stored. This is essential for legal compliance and building trust with potential clients.
What types of information might my website collect that requires a privacy policy?
Your website may collect information through contact forms, quote requests, newsletter sign-ups, or online bookings. Additionally, if you use tools like Google Analytics, cookies, or social media pixels, you must disclose this tracking activity in your privacy policy.
Does offering online payments mean I need a privacy policy?
Yes. If you process payments for consultations, services, or products, a privacy policy is necessary to outline how payment information is handled securely, even if you use a third-party platform like PayPal or Stripe.
If I use email marketing, do I need a privacy policy?
Absolutely. If you collect email addresses for newsletters, promotions, or other communications, you must inform users how their information will be used and provide options for opting out.
What if I use third-party services like scheduling tools or embedded social media content?
If you embed tools like Calendly for scheduling or display social media feeds and YouTube videos, these third-party platforms may collect user data. A privacy policy informs visitors of this and ensures compliance with data privacy laws.
What laws require me to have a privacy policy?
Depending on where your clients are located, you may need to comply with laws like GDPR (Europe), CCPA (California), or other data protection regulations. Even if you're not based in these regions, collecting data from users in these areas still requires compliance.
How does having a privacy policy benefit my staging business?
A privacy policy builds trust with your clients by showing that you handle their personal information responsibly. It also protects your business from legal issues related to data privacy and demonstrates professionalism.
Is a privacy policy required if my website is hosted on platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix?
Yes. While these platforms have their own security measures, you are responsible for informing your website visitors how their data is collected, stored, and used.
If I only use my website for informational purposes, do I still need a privacy policy?
If your website does not collect any personal information or use tracking tools, a privacy policy may not be required. However, if there is any form of data collection, including cookies, a privacy policy is necessary.
Take the First Step Toward Excellence
Be among the first to join the RESA® Accredited Staging Business Program™ and set the standard for professionalism in the home staging industry. Apply today to elevate your business, protect your operations, and showcase your commitment to quality and ethics.