Virtual staging: have you used it?

Question

Virtual staging is a method of placing furniture in an image to make a room appear furnished. Example:

Have you used virtual staging? If so, what is your favorite software to use? Did it help you rent/sell the property faster?

Paul Burke · Answer

@Nathan Gesner!

We often use VS for apartments that have floor plans that are a bit odd and find they are very helpful. I think for the average renter, they can't tell a property that is actually staged vs. virtually staged. In that way, it's much more cost-effective and produces strong results.

Melanie Thomas · Answer

I have tried Boxbrownie in the past. I did not find that it helped rent homes faster in my market. Really cool though!

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I find it helpful with sales. Rentals go so fast that it's not important.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I've used boxbrownie and a couple others. It's getting cheaper and easier!

Janice R. · Answer

I used virtual staging for our rental last year.  I used BoxBrownie.com - easy, quick and affordable.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Those are good points. When I use a virtually staged photo, it actually says "Virtual image" on the picture, we state there are virtually staged images in the public comments, and I include a picture of the room as it actually is without the staging so viewers can see reality vs. virtual.

Tyler Elliott · Answer

@Nathan Gesner I believe you nailed it on the head with your last statement. Rentals go so fast. VS probably makes more sense when selling, due to the higher margins. Whereas I don't know if it will make up for the cost of software when only renting.

Brian Malavsky · Answer

Oh good idea! I think that would help a lot. I could see the story of virtual staging or not also be dependent on asset class, price point, and market norms as well.

Brian Malavsky · Answer

My wife is an agent and adamantly opposes virtual staging for a few different reasons.

1. The last thing you want is a buyer having expectations of how a home is going to look and then be disappointed when they walk in bc the listing photos present the home differently than it actually is.

2. Though VS is getting better and better there is always some goofy angles and perspectives that distort dimensions of rooms and what actually fits in the space.

3. Many buyers can’t visualize the potential for an open space and a vacant house can seem cold/not homey. Minimalistic yet tasteful staging allows the buyer to see themselves living in the home. It also gives them perspective on whether or not their own furniture would fit in the space.4. Minor cosmetic defects stick out like a sore thumb on completely vacant houses. I’m not talking about hanging a picture over a hole in the wall but let’s say small chips in paint on the baseboards might seem like a way bigger deal to a buyer in a vacant home than it would be to a buyer in a staged home.

Just our thoughts on the matter and would love to hear other agent’s opinions!

Cheers!

Virtual staging: have you used it?

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