We all know that first impressions are important in every aspect of life, and this is especially true when it comes to real estate. A potential buyer's first glimpse of a property can make or break their interest. That's where virtual staging comes in. The power of virtual staging is that it can transform an empty, lifeless space into a dream home that potential buyers can envision themselves living in.
By using advanced 3D technology, virtual staging can create a fully furnished and decorated interior without the need for physical furniture. This not only saves time and money for home builders, real estate agents and home sellers, but it also allows potential buyers to see the true possibilities of a space, giving them a better understanding of how it could fit their lifestyle. As a custom home builder, we take photos of our homes before our homeowners move in. We like using virtual staging for our website to showcase these homes, so our future clients can see the full picture of our custom homes.
In this article, we'll explore the benefits of virtual staging and how it can help turn empty spaces into dream homes.
Benefits of Virtual Staging
Virtual staging offers numerous benefits for both sellers and buyers. For sellers, virtual staging can save time and money by eliminating the need to physically stage a property. Traditional home staging can be costly, with furniture rental fees, moving costs, and other expenses adding up quickly. We only have our homes physically staged when we showcase a home for the Parade of Homes (Minnesota's big month-long house tours that are held in the Spring and Fall). It is very costly to have the home staged, but it has to be done for this tour. We always love the photos better when the home is staged, so that got us thinking about virtual staging for our other homes.
Virtual staging can also eliminate the possibility of damage to the property during the staging process. For buyers, virtual staging can provide a better sense of how a space can be utilized. With virtual staging, potential buyers can see how a room can be furnished and decorated to fit their lifestyle. This can streamline the buying process, as buyers can quickly determine if a property meets their needs without needing to visit in person.
Another benefit of virtual staging is that it can help properties stand out in a crowded market. With so many properties available for sale, it can be difficult for a property to grab a potential buyer's attention. Virtual staging can help a property stand out by showcasing its potential and making it more visually appealing.
How Virtual Staging Works
Virtual staging uses advanced 3D technology to create realistic, fully furnished interiors. The process begins with a series of high-quality photographs of the empty space. These photographs are then uploaded into virtual staging software, where a designer can begin to add furniture, decor, and other elements to the room.
The designer can choose from a wide range of furniture and decor options to create a customized look for the space. They can also adjust the lighting and other elements to create a realistic, cohesive design.
Once the design is complete, the virtual staging software can generate high-quality images of the staged space. These images can be used in a variety of marketing materials, including online listings, flyers, and brochures.
Virtual Staging vs Traditional Staging
Virtual staging offers several advantages over traditional staging. One of the biggest advantages is cost. Traditional staging can be expensive, with furniture rental fees, moving costs, and other expenses adding up quickly. Virtual staging, on the other hand, is a much more cost-effective option.
Virtual staging is also a more flexible option than traditional staging. With traditional staging, the furniture and decor are physically placed in the space, making it difficult to make changes. With virtual staging, the designer can easily make changes to the design without needing to physically move any furniture.
Virtual staging also allows for a wider range of design options. With traditional staging, the furniture and decor must be physically moved into the space, limiting the options for design. With virtual staging, the designer can choose from a wide range of furniture and decor options to create a customized look for the space.
Virtual Staging Software Options
There are several virtual staging software options available for designers and real estate agents. Some popular options and ones we have personally used include:
- **BoxBrownie**: BoxBrownie offers a wide range of virtual staging options, including furniture removal, virtual renovations, and virtual decluttering.
- **Virtual Staging Solutions**: Virtual Staging Solutions offers a variety of virtual staging options, including furniture staging, virtual renovations, and virtual landscaping.
- **PadStyler**: PadStyler offers virtual staging and virtual renovation services for real estate agents and home
sellers.
Virtual Staging Process and Timeline
The virtual staging process typically begins with a consultation between the designer and the real estate agent or seller. During this consultation, the designer will discuss the goals for the space and any specific design requests.
Next, the designer will take high-quality photographs of the empty space. These photographs will be used as the basis for the virtual staging design.
Once the design is complete, the designer will generate high-quality images of the staged space. These images can be used in a variety of marketing materials, including online listings, flyers, and brochures.
The virtual staging timeline can vary depending on the size of the space and the complexity of the design. However, virtual staging is typically a faster process than traditional staging, with designs typically completed within a few days. There have been a few times when we didn't love the first round of staging, and they let you give feedback until the space is just right.
Virtual Staging Tips for Real Estate Agents
If you're looking to incorporate virtual staging into your marketing strategy, there are several tips to keep in mind.
First, be sure to choose a high-quality virtual staging software that offers a wide range of design options. This will help you create a customized look for each space. We always go through Virtuance Photography to take our photos. They do a great job, because all they do is real estate photography.
Second, be sure to choose a virtual staging designer with experience in real estate. A designer with experience in real estate will understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the market, and will be able to create designs that appeal to potential buyers.
Finally, be sure to use virtual staging images in all of your marketing materials. Virtual staging images can help your properties stand out in a crowded market, and can give potential buyers a better sense of how a space can be utilized.
Virtual Staging Before and After Examples
Virtual staging can have a dramatic impact on the look and feel of a space. Here are a few before and after examples to showcase the power of virtual staging:
- **Living Room**: An empty living room can be transformed into a cozy, inviting space with the addition of furniture, decor, and lighting.
- **Kitchen**: A kitchen can be transformed into a sleek, modern space with the addition of updated appliances, lighting, and decor.
- **Bedroom**: An empty bedroom can be transformed into a luxurious, inviting space with the addition of a comfortable bed, lighting, and decor.
Virtual Staging Costs and ROI
Virtual staging costs can vary depending on the size of the space and the complexity of the design. However, virtual staging is typically a more cost-effective option than traditional staging, with prices ranging from $25 to $200 per image.
The ROI of virtual staging can be significant, with staged properties typically selling faster and for a higher price than unstaged properties. According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, staged properties typically sell for 17% more than unstaged properties. We use the virtually staged photos for potential clients looking to build with us, and it truly makes a difference vs using empty room images.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Virtual staging is a powerful tool for builders, renovators, designers, real estate agents and home sellers looking to showcase the potential of a space. With the ability to transform an empty, lifeless space into a dream home, virtual staging can help properties stand out in a crowded market and appeal to potential buyers. With the benefits of cost savings,
flexibility, and customization, virtual staging is a smart choice for anyone looking to sell a property quickly and efficiently.