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:

The way properties are being sold has changed but changing the mindset of those selling can be a tough one.

The analogy of selling your car has been made because many people relate to it.  Take the garbage and personal items out of it, clean the interior, the carpet and give it a great wax job and you've increased the asking price and its chances of selling quicker as apposed to selling it as is.  Makes sense.

So why are many people still saying, "why should I spend money on a house I'm selling?" when getting their property listed.

If a paint job costing $500 can make a $10,000 price difference in the market value of your home, would you invest?  If using the latest successful marketing technique to increase your home's property value and help sell it quicker, would you do it? 

Home staging has proven to do just that, so the next time you consider selling your home, consider calling in a professional who can suggest where to best place your investment dollars to meet today's market expectations.

Tina Parker
UpStage Home ReDesign

I've decided to give a special deal to professionals in the real estate industry until the end of April.

I will provide a custom personalized cover for the Get Ready To Sell Workbook to those professionals who want to give clients value added service and your contact information for future reference.

FREE: visit the website: Get Ready To Sell to find out more about the workbook and to order yours today. 

Special applies to the Point2Agent purchase option to be mailed to you. (Does not include Ebook)

(The bottom portion of the cover will be white and include your logo, picture and contact information.)

Unpaid recommendation ;-)
Karen Otto, Collin County, Plano, TX Home Stager

I can personally say this book is a valuable resource and very user friendly, I should know, it's the book that was chosen for the Home Staging CE course I am teaching for Realtors and sellers at Collin County Community College in Plano, TX. The course is designed to help them understand the value and benefits of home staging and why it is such a necessary part of a RE transaction.

Tina Parker, CSP and owner of Upstage Home Redesign has created a valuable resource based on experience, for Realtors, Home Stagers and home sellers in her book, "Get Ready to Sell". I highly recommend it!

UPDATE: Response to questions:

Is this something Realtors would give to sellers or something a stager would hand out?

Both.  I sell them to realtors as a gift upon signing of a contract and a slightly different version for stagers.  I've made some changes to the content so that the client will still require a professional if they want the professional results.  This is the version I give to my clients here as a value added product and they are always so pleased with receiving it.

Where did you get this?  Interesting concept. 

I created it for myself and found that clients really appreciate it so I sell it to help others develop their business.

Usually what happens is an agent's client will see how much work there is and usually call in a professional, otherwise if they're creative enough and want to work hard the info is there for them to use.