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Connie Nedergaard, Founder of the Professional Property Stager Learning Institute, has been a leader in the real estate property staging industry for over 20 years. Her mission is to equip aspiring and experienced Property Stagers with the knowledge, training, and business strategies needed to thrive in this fast-growing field.
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The journey began in 2000 with the creation of Staged N Sold® and the exclusive Three-Level Service Plan©, a system Connie developed to help real estate professionals and home sellers understand what it takes to become market-ready. The success of these strategies sparked widespread interest, with realtors, stagers, and business owners eager to learn how she achieved such rapid growth in a then-emerging industry.
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The overwhelming demand for her expertise led to the launch of the Professional Property Stager Certification (PPS®)—a structured, results-driven training program that provides comprehensive education, hands-on experience, and proven business strategies for success in the staging industry. Since its inception, thousands of students have completed the PPS® Certification, gaining the skills and confidence needed to build thriving staging businesses.
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In addition to our staging certifications, we provide real estate professionals in the U.S. with exclusive training programs that qualify for continuing education (CE) credit hours in multiple states. Realtors in Canada can also access our courses to enhance their expertise in property staging, though CE credits are not available in Canadian provinces.
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With a strong foundation in both staging and real estate, Connie Nedergaard and the PPS Learning Institute continue to set the standard for excellence, ensuring that every student receives top-tier training, industry insights, and the tools needed for long-term success.
About Us
🚀 The Five Essential Rules for Success
A Personal Message from Connie Nedergaard
Success isn’t just about talent—it’s about strategy, persistence, and learning from those who’ve paved the way. These five fundamental rules have shaped my journey in the property staging industry, leading to the creation of the PPS® Certification Program, a system that has helped thousands of stagers build profitable businesses.
1. Know That You Don’t Know!
When I first started staging in 2000, there was no roadmap, no established industry leaders, and no clear guidelines for success. I had to learn everything from the ground up—from staging owner-occupied homes and investment properties to working with the largest property management company in the U.S., staging multi-unit amenities across Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky to increase lease numbers and property value.
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Property staging remains a relatively young industry, and continuous learning is key. I sought out every resource available, earning multiple certifications, including:
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✔Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) & Master ASP
✔ ASP Course Trainer for Canada
✔ Canadian Staging Professional (CSP) & CSP Elite Instructor Certification
✔ Live Green, Live Smart Facilitator (LGLS)
I learned from every course, every experience, and every expert, absorbing knowledge that would later shape the PPS® Certification. My philosophy? Stay curious, ask questions, and success will follow.
2. Know Who the Experts Are
Success leaves clues. The top professionals in any industry stand out for a reason—they’ve mastered their craft, built credibility, and gained trust. Instead of reinventing the wheel, I studied what made these experts successful and used that knowledge to refine the PPS® system.
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By leveraging proven strategies and tools, you too can establish yourself as the go-to expert in property staging. The PPS® processes provide a structured, repeatable formula that gives you credibility and authority in the industry.
​​​3. Identify Common Patterns of Success
After training with and teaching at multiple staging academies, I noticed a major gap—many students finished their courses without a clear plan to turn their skills into a profitable business. I saw the need to bridge that gap and develop a comprehensive business model that didn't just teach staging but also provided the blueprint for long-term success.
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For over two decades, Certified Professional Property Stagers® have been using the PPS® business model, techniques, and formulas to run thriving, scalable businesses. By identifying what worked (and what didn’t), we created a system that ensures our graduates don’t just learn staging—they master the business of staging.
​4. Keep What Works—Eliminate the Rest
Not every idea or strategy is worth keeping. The key to success is refining what works and cutting what doesn’t. That’s exactly how the PPS® model was built—by focusing only on effective, profitable, and proven strategies.
Our program isn’t about theory—it’s about results. Every tool, system, and process inside PPS® has been tested and optimized to help property stagers succeed faster and more efficiently.
5. Repetition Leads to Mastery
Mastery comes through repetition. The more you apply what you’ve learned, the better you become—and the more opportunities you unlock.
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For over 25 years, the PPS® Certification Program has helped thousands of graduates build and scale successful home staging businesses. Through consistent application of proven techniques, our stagers master the art of transforming spaces, increasing property value, and positioning themselves as industry leaders. The PPS® system isn't just about learning—it’s about applying, refining, and mastering the skills that lead to long-term success.
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🚀 Ready to Start Your Journey?
The Professional Property Stager Learning Institute was built on these five success principles—and now, they can be yours. Whether you're just starting or looking to elevate your business, the path is clear. Learn from the best. Take action. Master your craft.
💡 Your future in home staging starts now.