DuPage Real Producers – Design Feature
Chicagoland Home Staging was featured in DuPage Real Producers! This feature tells the story of how Margaret Gehr and Kathy Lobkovich came together to provide staging services that are used exclusively by some of the top REALTORS in Chicagoland.
DuPage Real Producers Magazine
Margaret and Kathy make it a point to attend home staging conferences around the country every year together. In fact, they frequently spend time outside of business, socializing and even going to live music events. In February, you’ll often find them making a family vacation out of the Las Vegas World Furniture Market, with their husbands, Mike and Tim, in tow. In fact, everywhere they vacation revolves around a conference or tradeshow. These events allow them to stay ahead of industry trends.
The High Point Market in North Carolina is the biggest (2,000 exhibitors and over 125,000 annual visitors), oldest, and most important stop. Here, the industry reveals the trends and styles ahead of each season. The pair visits twice a year to buy furniture to refresh their 10,000+ square foot warehouse. “High Point Market is like the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, except much larger,” Margaret explains. “We like to go and see what’s coming up, the colors that will emerge and how to stay ahead of the curve.”
Over the years, Margaret, Kathy, and their team have won many awards. They include nominations for Top 75 People in the Real Estate Staging World and the Most Influential People in Staging. Margaret is the founding Chicago chapter President and recent Illinois State President for the Real Estate Staging Association. They’ve won the Top 10 Professional Home Staging Teams four times. The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, LUXE Magazine, MSN, and Chicago Tribune have featured their insights, helping to introduce and educate home staging’s value.
“Staging has evolved and grown in popularity, but there was a time when no one understood what it was or its benefit,” says Margaret. “Years ago, I would speak in REALTOR offices and saw myself as someone who had to teach everyone about staging, from brokers to homeowners. Now, design professionalism has risen and the types of staging has expanded. I see myself as one of the pioneers in the industry.”
We’re so honored to be able to share our story and insights into the home staging industry here in Chicago. Interested in learning how CHS helps you sell your home faster and for more money? Contact us for an instant quote!
