Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca)

Evolving purchasing habits have changed through recent generations. As I see it, there are two major reasons why there has been a shift in selling real estate; people want "move-in" ready homes and "an experience."

You are no doubt aware, most families and young professionals today are trying to balance work, never ending education, busy personal lives and debt. People in our society just don't have the time they had in previous decades. Increasing pressure to do more, get more, pay more has created this shift in demand for a property ready to move in.

Consider these two examples of lifestyle. One, a family of four with two working parents and two school aged children involved in activities. The cost of living, activities and raising children in an image conscious society can put an overwhelming financial demand on a family. Time would be precious and tackling home improvements is not likely on their list of priorities. Or two, a young professional couple having only graduated recently likely burdened with post education debt repayment and trying to cope with the demands of their profession and its never ending education required to sustain it. Also, Generation Y is known for not having the skill set for doing home improvements and therefore would have to hire out to complete any projects. These two examples are common and demonstrate the desire for move-in ready homes.

The second influence on the change in real estate purchase decisions is the affect the relatively new Information Technology industry has had on the last two generations. It has created higher expectations for all things faster, better and personal. Product demand has shifted from the market place buying what is produced to telling producers what to make.

In conclusion, give your potential homebuyers a home they can live with until they can make it their own and give them an experience so they remember your home over any other.

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign and author of "Do Your Own Home Staging"

I've been asked why I would write a book that may take business away from other stagers and my initial reaction was, "how many decorating books are there?" but to tell the truth, my intent from the beginning was to inform.

By nature people like to think they can do it themselves, regardless of what it is. When it becomes abundantly clear that it isn't as easy as it looks, professionals will be called upon in droves. Besides, there are millions of people not physically able or don't have the time to do it themselves.

Until such time I think the last thing the staging industry needs is for TV viewers to apply some of what they see on TV and discredit the effectiveness of staging because of their failed attempts. It's more important to give them the proper tools they need to figure it is best to hire a professional.

July 2nd of last year I put out an opportunity for other stagers to promote themselves in a book I was writing. So for all of you who took the time to submit your tip, I want to tell you that the final product is published and available around the world but can be seen in detail on Amazon.

I want to thank everyone who jumped at the opportunity, I only wished I had thought of the idea prior to the tight deadline so that more North American stagers could be featured.

All the best,

Tina Parker

UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)

This has been my favorite community since 2006 but I haven't been here lately and I miss the connecting, support and sharing. As a result of our slowing economy I have had to seek other forms of income and still be available to respond to calls and the opportunity to do what I love best; staging.

It was a tough go but I found a solution I thought I would share with you who are seeking for a solution also. Contact me directly and I'll tell you about a new global network marketing company that even Donald Trump said was the best way to build wealth.

Email me directly: tinaparker@ns.sympatico.ca if you think I can help you too.