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"