Halifax Real Estate Home Staging

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved friend, Common Sense

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:42:27 -0600

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.

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

Two Important Approaches to Selling Real Estate That Will Sell Homes.

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:15:26 -0500

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"

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

Why would I take business away from other stagers?

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 16:53:09 -0600

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.

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

"Do Your Own Home Staging" is available now - with you in it!

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 16:45:32 -0600

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)

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

I found a solution! Supplement your income and still do what you love!

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:23:35 -0600

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.

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

When blogging, is there an expectation to respond to comments?

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 22:06:34 -0500

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?

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

Personally, I want to start an evolution! Let's all tell the truth!

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 22:41:00 -0500

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?

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

What is staging a suggestion and what is cheesy?

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:23:17 -0500

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?

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

Communicate eye to eye with clients

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:54:29 -0500

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?

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

Staging safe colors

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Mon, 12 May 2008 10:40:43 -0500

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:

AUTUMNAL MOONGLOW (A0675)

BEACHCOMBER (A1788)

BELLCOURT CASTLE (A0865)

BLUE SURF (A1451)

BURGUNDY (A0300)

COCONUT (A0834)

DAYDREAM (A0604)

DEEP ONYX (A2015)

ELDORADO TAN (A0662)

FRENCH SILVER (A1955)

GENTLE SPIRIT (A0239)

INDIAN PAINTING (A1739)

IVORY BEIGE (A0661)

LIGHT TAUPE (A1726)

MISTY GLEN (A0892)

MOONLIGHT SONATA (A0149)

MOONSCAPE (A0101)

MUSHROOM CAP (A0739)

NOSTALGIC TALE (A0605)

PEACH COLONNADE (A0722)

RUSSIAN WHITE (A0737)

SOFT KISS (A0540)

STONE HARBOR (A1775)

TAFFY PULL (A0576)

TUMBLEWEED TRAIL (A1846)

WEDDING WHITE (A0071)

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

Investing in Home Staging - Makes cents!

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:48:50 -0500

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

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

FREE Personalization for Home Staging and Real Estate Professionals.

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:08:16 -0500

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.

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

Is Carpet Dead? What to recommend?

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 15:25:26 -0500

I was asked by a client yesterday who was making some big changes to her home, what to do about flooring. Should she change the carpet on the stairs to follow throughout the lower floor or go with laminate as was already installed upstairs?

Because I'm not an advocate of laminate flooring for various reasons and didn't want to give her a personal opinion, I did some research and fell upon this article. Some very good information to help in a somewhat confusing decision.

Personal Opinion:

Having to deal with this question a year prior when preparing to sell my own house, I had to research because my 3 year old son was getting a lot of sniffles and found out that carpet is actually better for allergies. In contrast to the popular assumption, carpet fibres trap dust and such and prevents it from being airborne, making it better for those sensitive to dust.

As well, I've had many feedback comments that laminate flooring sounds cheap under foot and creates more noise on a second floor that I hesitate to recommend it.

That being said, if you can afford hardwood flooring and a thick sound barrier between floors go for it, it is a sound investment.

If you can't, I believe the best case scenerio when costs is a primary concern to stay with carpet.

Tina Parker
UpStageHomeReDesign.ca

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

How the generation gap will affect the real estate industry

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:59:19 -0500

I've been doing a lot of research lately about the generational gap between the Baby Boomers and Generation X'ers and how it can impact the real estate industry.

Basically, when the majority of Baby Boomers want to sell their house to either downsize or liquidate their retirement fund - their home, it is predicted that there will be a shortfall of potential buyers for two reasons.

The typical Generation X'ers are more apt to buy an urban location over suburban neighborhoods where Baby Boomers have built.
There aren't enough Generation X'ers to purchase all the houses and the market is having to rely on immigrants to make up the shortfall, a complicated issue I'll avoid here.

As a Home Stager, I predict staging will be a necessity in selling real estate to compete for those potential buyers if you want your property to sell.

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

How the generation gap will affect the real estate industry

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:07:12 -0500

I've been doing a lot of research lately about the generational gap between the Baby Boomers and Generation X'ers and how it can impact the real estate industry.

The typical Generation X'ers are more apt to buy an urban location over suburban neighborhoods where Baby Boomers have built.
There aren't enough Generation X'ers to purchase all the houses and the market is having to rely on immigrants to make up the shortfall, a complicated issue I'll avoid here.

As a Home Stager, I predict staging will be a necessity in selling real estate to compete for those potential buyers if you want your property to sell.

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

Clients looking through closets and cupboards - A great indicator!

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:17:36 -0600

The horror of it! People going through your closets and cupboards!~ For me this is the most daunting part of selling my house. It feels like such an invasion of privacy.

Believe it or not, potential clients feel the same way. If the house feels like they are intruding on someone else's private space they are less likely to be comfortable enough to open closet and cupboard doors, which is what you want to have happen.

Allowing buyers to look through your cupboards, drawers and closets is a good sign they are interested in buying the home. They are mentally moving in and checking out whether or not there is sufficient storage space for their family. This is a great way to allow them to develop a bond with the property and increase the probability of selling the home.

BIG TIP:- pack as much as you can to show just how much storage space there is available which is difficult to determine if closets, cupboards and drawers are jammed packed.

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

Your SECOND chance to make a first impression!

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 16:20:22 -0600

I think it's time to drop an old cliche in today's real estate industry:

"You only have one chance to make a first impression"

I believe you have TWO when selling a home.

The first of first impressions happen when you put your house on the market before considering today's market expectations.
The second chance happens when a professional home stager is called in to let you know what the new expectations are and get your home ready for both new photos to put on the Internet and a wider spectrum of potential home buyers.

There are so many stories across the continent being shared on how a property has been on the market for X number of months and sold shortly after being staged.

The new cliche in the Real Estate Industry should be:

"Get your second chance to make a first impression, hire a stager."

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

Your first impression is NOT curb appeal!

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 14:16:15 -0600

I know I am not the only one to make this connection but do feel it needs to be screamed from the rooftops for all to be made aware of:

YOUR PHOTOS ARE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION!

I agree that curb appeal is an important impression you don't want to neglect but if you don't get people interested enough to drive by then it doesn't matter that you've freshened up the paint or mowed the lawn.

If you haven't heard yet, close to 90%of people interested in selling or buying properties look to the Internet before calling a real estate agent! That means your photos are more important than ever to entice someone to consider putting your property on their list to call upon.

What makes a good photo? Well, I'm a professional home stager and not a professional photographer but I can tell you this, every picture, room, painting, landscape etc, needs a focal point, continuity and composition. Do whatever it takes to consider those three important components and you will produce a nice photo to post on the Internet.

Of course you know I'm going to recommend hiring a professional home stager, okay - me, to set up the house so that you maximize your opportunity to capture the attention of any and all potential home buyers. Also find access to a wide angle lens or camera if you currently don't have one.

Tina Parker, CSP
902.229.5799
UpStage Home ReDesign

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

Creative? You have value too!

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:43:00 -0600

Have you ever wondered how people charge the money they deserve? Looked at the prices they demand and wonder why you can't do the same although you provide an equivalent service? Me too. I am going to be 42 in a couple of months and finally realize the fact that I am good at what I do. I was born with a talent for design and creativity in whatever industry I desire to partake in. Why is it I feel I am boasting? Why don't I feel comfortable telling people that I am good at something?

My new motto is Home Staging: Where home decor meets Target Marketing. Both industries I know very well and am well educated in, but somehow still feel like I can't "brag". Is this a "woman" thing or a Tina feels insecure thing?"

We live in a society that values tangible items, products, things, intelligence as we know to be producing something. What does that leave for intangible things?

I bring this up because I happen to know that I am not alone in feeling like I can't value what God has given me naturally; something that can't be learned. I am gifted with creativity and I need to start appreciating it so I can get paid the money I deserve. I for so many years have given my creative services for next to nothing because I myself didn't respect the value of my gift... how can I expect anyone else?

Its then I am reminded of that saying, "you teach people how you want to be treated"

Amen.

And so the lessons continue, - so this is why I am reminded that "Life is a journey and not a destination".

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

ASS U ME - We all know the saying... A lesson learned - again.

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:52:50 -0600

I just recently finished a double vacancy staging job that took much longer than I quoted (anticipated) and unexpected rental conditions caused by lack of experience in quoting on a vacancy staging. For example, I quoted my client furniture rental on a weekly basis because my supplier did.

It wasn't until the furniture was delivered and I went to the office to sign off on the bill did I find out the billing was monthly and as a percentage of weekly rates, ie. 52 weeks/12 months.). I'm confused and I am told the weekly figure is multiplied by 4.33 to come up with a monthly rate. ???

Back to ASS U ME ing; I decided to fore-go the quote and bill my clients the same way I was. I assumed they would excuse such a horrible mistake just because they are a company.

My corporate client understood the situation but would also understand how a homeowner would be upset should they receive a similar invoice, it wouldn't be fair to them so it is not fair to the company. After admitting that I ASSUMED a corporation would accommodate such an error and I took responsibility for my mistakes, I was lucky the CEO understood so we split the added expenses because she was decent enough to recognize that mistakes happen but I should also learn from my mistakes. (You should always pay from your mistakes, its the only way to learn)

The lesson I learned? Always accept your mistakes as lessons and don't let a customer, under any conditions, know of your errors. Eat the cost of the mistake and bill them what you quoted, period.

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

WARNING! Painting with RED!

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:17:47 -0600

So I decided to paint my dining room red... I thought "they make it look so easy on television" but because red is a translucent color, it is a very complicated color to paint a room with.

If you decide to embark on this adventure and I use the nice term "adventure" loosely, you should be made aware of the proper way to paint with red.

Make sure you buy the best primer and have it tinted. You will require at least two coats of primer.
Make sure you get good quality paint and be prepared to put on at LEAST three coats, maybe four. (I have five on mine)
If is important you wait 24 hours between coats. (When I was told this I thought the suggestion was a little over kill but it really doesn't cure properly before the 24 hours, seriously!)
When you start a wall, make sure you have time to finish the whole wall at once. You can't paint part of the wall and go for a coffee break. (or like in my my case, a beer break) it will leave a mark where you started again.
You MUST paint on wet paint. Meaning, don't let it dry and expect to start again on dry paint, again, it will leave a line.
MOST IMPORTANT TIP: You need to respect the rule of being exceptionally careful of the paint for, get this, 30 DAYS! It really does not cure properly before 30 days!

I found out the hard way when I put my dining room back together. I leaned a spare chair against the wall and after only a couple of days, the chair stuck to the wall. I had to pull the chair off the wall taking off paint approximately three inches long.

I have a beautiful deep cranberry red dining room with a glaring white spot right in the middle of it. Now if you knew how neurotic I was about details, you will know that my next project is an unplanned installation of a chair rail.

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

I feel so honoured! I've been MEME'd

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 18:50:03 -0600

Ever since joining AR in November 2006, I noticed everyone around me was getting MEMEd and well, it kinda felt like I was back in Junior High School always wanting to be part of the cool crowd. I was never clear what being "MEME'd" was but felt like I wanted to be a part of it.

WELL NOW... Matthew Rosov MEME'd me!!! It's like... "they like me, they really really like me!"

I actually feel like I won something, like an award or something! Never having won anything before because I never played sports, it feels great!

I've never really done anthing too exciting except maybe when I was young I used to go "skinny dipping," now I just "chunky dunk." Long story short, my childhood was spent learning how to cope with parents who skipped parenting class 101.

Surviving that allowed me to develop integrity, pride, perseverence, flexibility in a character I've come to respect and well I won't go so far as to say love because I'm not near 50 yet! But since turning 41 I have never felt more liberated and happy as I do right now! I highly recommend it!

I am happily married to my soul-mate whom I married just 6 years ago, have two fabulous boys aged 4 1/2 and 3 and live in our dream home. Sound to good to be true? I think so too, but I'll enjoy the ride while I can; it will be our turn for another of life's challenges before you know it!

I have a work and education history that compete's with Forest Gump and most days feel as though he will always be way smarter than I. Ironically, many of my past experiences in marketing, home improvement, relationship marketing strategies, graphic and website design combines very well into my passion for Home Staging.

I started UpStage Home ReDesign in Halifax, Nova Scotia in April 2006 and absolutely love working hard, sweating, swearing and see the results of such hard work at the end of the day. Much like how I spend a full day with my boys and giving them a kiss goodnight at the end of the day. Very rewarding!

My most recent achievement was spending last summer preparing a workbook for my clients as a valued added service but have been selling it online. As a result of getting some very valuable input from Karen Otto in Texas, I am very proud of how it's come together and sales are consistently increasing, yeah! (Guilty- shameless plug)

That's enough rambling, I could talk about my self all night - I am just so damned interesting!

Have a happy and safe holidays!

Here are the three people I have chosen: Karen Otto, Veronica Harbert, Ralph Roberts

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

Make your listing photos effective

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 19:43:58 -0500

According to traditional methods of preparing a home for sale, decor is not "really that important."

That being the case, what is supposed to be the point of this photo found on MLS?

It doesn't show anything but the decor.

If you are going to place a photo of a bedroom on the internet, place one that is effective.

Sell lifestyle or a feeling a potential buyer can relate to when you can't get a picture of the whole bedroom and it's features.

This bedroom was prepared professionally buy a stager, a world of difference.

Staging doesn't distract buyers from the important issues in buying a home but rather gives them the opportunity to see its potential.

I believe buyer's are smart enough to know the difference.

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

A Staging Tip/Rule you should use if you don't aready.

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 11:36:17 -0500

Have you ever walked into a room and weren't sure why but it felt closed in. Sunlight is not the issue, furniture is to scale and is not a dark color, so why does it feel this way?

Furniture arrangement can make a world of difference. Stand in the doorway to view the room as a whole and remove anything taller than three feet from your peripheral vision. Ahhh... that feels better. A rule I have is to keep heavy or dark items low in the room and especially away from the entrance.

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799

Need Advice: Can a stager call an agent with concerns of a property listing?

Tina Parker, UpStage Home ReDesign(.ca) (UpStage Home ReDesign) — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 20:18:13 -0500

I recently posted a blog showing a prime example of a property on MLS if nothing is done to prepare it for sale and why calling a stager is a necessary part of the property selling process.

I am a professionally trained property marketing strategist, (stager) with a combined 20 years of design and marketing and can't decide how I should approach real estate agents when they clearly need a stager to contact their clients.

REALTORS: How would you react to contact from a stager you've never met calling you about one of your listings?

Stagers: Have you tried this, what was the response?

Homeowners: How would you react to advice given to improve your listing?

ADDED: Photos in the previous blog:

Tina Parker, CSP
UpStage Home ReDesign (.ca)
902-229-5799