An obituary printed in the London Times:

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common, Sense, who has been with us for many years.

No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Why the early bird gets the worm;
Life isn't always fair; and Maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn)
and reliable strategies (adults,
not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly
when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations
were set in place: Reports of a 6-year-old boy
charged with sexual harassment for kissing a
classmate; Teens suspended from school for
using mouthwash after lunch; A teacher fired
for reprimanding an unruly student, which only
worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked
teachers for doing the job that they themselves
had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.
It declined even further when schools were required
to get parental consent to administer sunscreen
or an Aspirin to a student; but could not inform
parents when a student became pregnant and
wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches
became businesses; and criminals received better
treatment than their victims. Common Sense took
a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from
a burglar in your own home and the burglar could
sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after
a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of
coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and
was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents,
Truth and Trust; by his wife, Discretion; by his daughter,
Responsibility and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers: I Know My Rights
I Want It Now Someone Else Is To Blame I am a Victim.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized
he was gone.

In breaking news, we have just learned of the sudden
passing of Common Sense's twin sister Common Courtesy
who died earlier today. We've also just learned that
"It's All about Me" has been charged with criminal negligence
in her death. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.

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.

I haven't been a loyalAR contributor lately like I have in the past because I've been preoccupied with the complications of life, loving two youngins', a husband, company and house too big to clean (which you know any house is too big to clean when you're busy and unmotivated to use precious time cleaning toilets).

That said, when there is a blog written, is there an expectation to respond to comments or is it assumed that the contribution is appreciated?

Any time I post a blog I read and appreciate any and all contributions and comments even though I don't always say so in my blog. 

Is this okay?  How do you feel?

Yes, the first rule to staging a home to sell is to de-clutter.  But not all of us are selling and well, every day living is a state of mind.

I am a professional Home Stager and when I first visit a client's home I know their apprehension is what I am going to think about the state of their home.  Many of them don't believe me when I say that everyone lives with clutter.  This is a normal state.  Sure there may be 2% of the population who live in a "staged" home for real but the majority live like everyone else. 

Why do I bring this up?  Because I want to start an evolution that will allow homeowners feel comfortable.  I want people to feel comfortable when other come into their home when it's unprepared for visitors.  How horrifying, heh?!  I still freak out when I hear the doorbell ring without my expecting someone to arrive.

I'll start. Here is my confession.  My house is a mess.  Always.  I'm like a dog chasing its tail- clean one room, move to the other and by the time I get to the next, the first one is a mess.  Why on earth would I put my kids' needs ahead of keeping the house in top notch condition?

The opportunity to have fun will not wait but housework will!  I can't tell you how many good times was had because I let go and allowed it to happen.  I'm tempted to place a sign at my entrance that says: "I play with my children, can you tell?"

I know many people who reluctantly admit they clean their home when they know someone is coming over but act like they live like that on a daily basis.  But to be honest, I purposefully invite people over just so I get caught up on my chores because a messy house gets on my nerves.

Now I tell my friends, "Don't clean up before I visit, it will only compel me to clean up before you visit"  Please, can't we all be honest, embrace the clutter and relax.  Our home no longer defines who we are like in previous generations!  Let's work together and not clean up!

Yes, cleanliness is important but clutter is forgivable!  If we all work togther we can have fun, relax about our clutter and won't we all be happier?

In just reading Karen Otto's blog about the games she plays while staging I've come to wonder where the line is.  I love Karen's idea of setting up a game complete with root beer.  I myself am going to put her idea into my bag of tricks.

Here's my question: Where do you draw the line?  Setting a table complete with linen and wine glasses or just a typical dinner.  A breakfast tray set on the bottom of the bed?  Bed linen turned down?  Socks on the floor next to the bed?  Just kidding, but really, what is staging a suggestion and what is cheesy?

When I visited the doctor the other day I was reminded of a pet peeve of mine that can be offensive to clients.  Given that our industry is very personal, it is very important to have eye contact when talking to them.  Have you ever sought the advice of someone who was responding by looking up or having their eyes closed?  What is that all about?

Having eye contact tells the person to whom you are speaking that you are listening and you care about who you are talking to.  Otherwise I can tell you it looks like you are being bothered by the question.  If I was paranoid I suppose I could wonder if I was bothering him with a question but it was a doctor's appointment, aren't they supposed to care?

I was just updating my choice for a staging safe color chart that I use for easy reference in a consultation and thought I would share some of my favorites.  I would appreciate to know some of your favorites; perhaps they may be more effective.  I purposely chose this product line because it is available worldwide.

ICI Dulux paint colors: