Virtual staging, the process of digitally furnishing and decorating properties, offers agents an innovative solution to showcase homes in their best light without the constraints and costs of changing out furniture, paint, and decor. Apps and software can seamlessly integrate a whole new look into property photos, transforming vacant or outdated spaces, sparking buyer interest, and driving sales. In this article, we delve into virtual staging, exploring top providers, benefits and downsides, and how virtual staging can revolutionize the way real estate agents market properties.
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What is virtual staging?
Virtual staging is a convenient and affordable option that uses special software to transform rooms into tastefully designed spaces.
Messy kitchens and cluttered offices can be instantly refreshed and modernized. Sparse, new-construction living rooms transform into trendy retreats. With 3D furnishings and the careful use of light sources and shadowing, virtual staging shows off properties at their best and gives homebuyers a sense of what life would be like if that house became home.
Top five virtual staging companies
While DIY virtual staging software does exist, the output tends to lack polish. Busy real estate agents generally outsource their virtual staging, opting for a professional to ensure high-quality results that accurately represent the property’s potential.
Professional stagers possess the expertise and sophisticated technology to create visually appealing and marketable spaces tailored to a specific property and its target demographic. Here are our top five virtual staging companies.
Spotless Agency
One of the best virtual stagers in the business, Spotless Agency offers a strong commitment to design, style, and attention to detail. The company’s furniture library includes pieces with different colors, textures, and fabrics. Their ability to light and edit real estate photos takes a listing from “meh” to “showstopper.” Their work demonstrates a keen understanding of design principles and an ability to effectively communicate a property’s unique selling points to potential buyers. While not the least expensive option, Spotless delivers truly quality work with a quick turnaround time.
Stuccco
Stuccco is a versatile platform that can transform spaces with digital furnishings. Clients receive personalized design recommendations, can shop curated home decor collections, and get unlimited photo revisions for free. The company stands out for its user-friendly interface, professional design expertise, and commitment to delivering visually appealing and marketable spaces.
Rooomy
Offering innovative technology, customizable design options, and 3D modeling, Rooomy is a leading virtual staging platform in the industry. Its augmented reality options create immersive virtual staging experiences. With a vast library of furniture and decor items, Rooomy offers design flexibility, enabling real estate professionals to tailor staging solutions to their specific properties and target markets.
BoxBrownie
One of the long-time providers in virtual staging, BoxBrownie is known for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. With a straightforward ordering process and competitive pricing, BoxBrownie is a solid choice for real estate professionals seeking reliable and efficient photo editing services.
Styldod
In addition to virtual staging services, Styldod also provides virtual renovation services, allowing agents to showcase a property’s potential through digital remodeling and redecorating. Its user-friendly platform, competitive pricing, and super-quick turnaround times make it a great option.
Benefits of virtual staging
In addition to the advantages listed above, virtual staging:
- Speaks to your professionalism: Expertly virtually staging a luxury property is just part of your overall brand as you highlight your ability to showcase a home to its greatest potential.
- Offers a great first impression to your listing: Virtual staging can increase the chances of an in-person viewing and heightens the potential for a sale.
- Is cost effective: Traditional staging can be expensive, stressful, and complicated. Virtual staging often costs significantly less and is certainly less strenuous than moving beds and sofas.
- Buys time: With virtual staging, agents give homeowners a bit more time to clean up and move out.
- Provides abundant decor options: Agents or virtual stagers can choose various décor styles, from modern to traditional to bohemian, in keeping with the home’s character, history, and neighborhood.
- Sparks buyers’ imaginations: Virtual staging lets buyers visualize the potential of a space and imagine what it might be like to live there.
- Creates more multichannel marketing assets: Virtually staged listing photos can be used in a variety of ways, from your MLS listing to social media to single property websites. It’s all part of your larger marketing strategy.
Potential downsides to virtual staging
To avoid creating unreasonable expectations in potential buyers, it’s vital to maintain ethical boundaries when using virtual staging tools. Because the possibilities are endless, it is easy to go above and beyond — and cross into false advertising.
For example, if a home has views of an unsightly water tower or utility pole, it’s tempting to wave a magic wand and digitally remove it. But once a buyer sees the property in person and notices an eyesore that wasn’t in any of the marketing, you lose trust and potentially lose out on a deal.
That being said, there are a variety of embellishments that are considered acceptable. If a home has a gorgeous working fireplace, light a cozy virtual fire. Adding bubbly aquamarine water to a soaker tub or greening up a winter lawn is also fine.
However, to avoid any potential issues, be sure to indicate in the listing which photos have been virtually staged. And when talking through virtual staging with clients, clarify that these images are designed to be a helpful tool that allows buyers to imagine how the home could look.
Virtual staging + Luxury Presence
Ready to elevate your luxury real estate brand to new heights? We know your virtually staged photos and compelling property description will shine on one of our single-property websites, specifically optimized for lead conversion. Schedule a demo with Luxury Presence today and discover how our suite of solutions can build and magnify your brand.
