Virtual staging and should I use it when selling my home?

This is a question I have asked myself and have had quite a few clients asking for my opinion. I will give you some pros and cons to whether you should use it for your home.

Pros of virtual staging:

Cost: Virtual staging is cost-effective ($25.00-$35.00) per photo, where as traditional staging services can cost thousands of dollars depending on the size of the home or if its a vacant or occupied home being staged.

Speed and Versatility; Using virtually staging can also be a fast alternative to traditional staging. Virtual staging pictures are produced quickly. This makes the availability for the home to be market ready faster. There is greater versatility with virtual staging than real staging by allowing you to digitally manipulate a space without the logistical constraints of physically working with furniture.

Cons of virtual staging:

Cons for using virtual staging: Key drawbacks to using virtual staging include creating unrealistic expectations.  Although programs are better than they used to be, they are still not high quality. Many times, the virtual pictures that are used for staging do not fit the correct scale of the the space, leaving a false idea on the correct size of the room

Misrepresentation: Other drawbacks are that it is creating unrealistic expectations for potential buyers disappointment. Buyers may feel “catfished” when visiting an empty home that appeared furnished online. Virtual staging can also masks flaws, such as tight awkward spaces that feel larger in photos, causing issues with buyers.

Cons of traditional staging;

Cost: Real staging is expensive, often costing thousands of dollars, which can significantly reduce net profits-margins. Staging companies have to invest $$$ to stage with up to date modern, contemporary furnishings.

Logistical inconvenience: In Real staging services, the stager has to review the home, create a design plan, pack, deliver and set up the home.  This can take up to 3-5 days. When the home sells, the stager  returns to pack, and remove the items. Staging an occupied home can be challenging for sellers who are still living in the home.

Pros for Traditional Staging: 

Costs; Although there is a higher cost involved with real staging, it can often increase sale prices by 6%to 15%(up to 20% in some cases). Staged homes often sell 3 to 30 times faster than non-staged homes and can command higher offers.

Speed and contact: Although virtual staging is faster to offer, using a professional stager,  they can still provide the service in a timely manner. Typically the stager will view the home, create a design plan, pack, deliver and set up.  This process usually takes about 1-3 days. Buyers can touch the furniture, walk through the rooms fostering an emotional connection that is difficult to replicate with virtual staging.

Summary:

The National Association of Realtors state that 82% of buyer agents say that home staging helps clients visualize a property as their own and makes it easier for them to emotionally attach to the home.

Real staging is superior to virtual staging because it creates an authentic, emotionally connection to the home. This allows buyers to experience true scale, flow, and ambiance of a home.  While virtual staging only improves online photos.

Many Realtors,  say that when touring a virtual staged home with potential buyers, they were very disappointed. They felt the rooms scale was off, they would argue that the virtual furniture would never fit into the actual rooms they were viewing.

As a homeowner, consider this when using virtual staging.  Realtors also consider this when trying to build trust with your buyers and sellers.  In reality if that home sells faster, than a virtual staged home, you have just made the buyer and sellers happy.

We have staged over 2000 homes in the last 18 years, we offer modern contemporary home staging, working with some of the top Realtors, Home Builders and homeowners,  in the Niagara area. Please give us a call and find out how you can offer this service to your clients.

Anna Topolinsky

Images Staged with Flair

905.980.4962