Pros and Cons of Virtual Staging
Pros and Cons of Virtual Staging
Pros and Cons of Virtual Staging
Pros and Cons of Virtual Staging

What are the Pros and Cons of using Virtual Staging over Conventional Staging?

To stage a house means to get it set up a house for the market, so it sells quicker, attracts more buyers or investors, and adds more value than a comparable property that has not been staged. There are two ways to stage a property: conventional staging and virtual staging. Traditional staging involves a variety of tasks besides the usual decluttering and neutralizing the property. Nowadays, a professional and experienced stager should consider providing updated and cost-effective repairs. Also, renting furniture and other accessories might be needed for a specific time. Conventional staging requires more time, effort, and money for the property to look great on the market.

In recent years, technology has been providing options for convenience to investors and sellers. Virtual staging allows the seller to provide excellent interior and exterior designs faster and has changed real estate forever. It was considered one of the most popular marketing tools deployed by real estate professionals because it provides not just the original features of a property, but also its potential features.

Virtual Staging Costs Lesser Than Conventional Staging

As mentioned, conventional staging involves different types of activities other than the usual decluttering and renovation of the property. Virtual staging can be done with software to edit photos that costs less than physically renovating a house and renting furniture to conceptualize the property. Virtually staging the property could cost $500 to $750 for around 10 staged photos whereas, conventional staging costs around $1,500 to $2,000 plus a monthly rental fee after the initial fee.

Virtual Staging Can be Done in a Fairly Short Time Frame

Since everything can be done online, there is no need for the buyers and sellers to visit the property. Virtual staging can provide concepts and interior designs in two to three days. It saves time even if the house is still fully furnished because there is no need to take out all the furniture to stage it. Sellers take photos of the rooms they want to be staged and submit them to the virtual staging company, and they will remove the furniture digitally. It is convenient when sellers and agents don’t have enough time to remove everything before the photographer arrives.

Virtual Staging Untapped Opportunities

In virtual staging, opportunities are unlimited to present the property’s true potential because this tool is dynamic. It gives a fresher perspective to real estate and can cater to different designs and concepts. It also gives owners the flexibility to change the room’s ambiance and functions according to their tastes and the room’s purpose. 

Not all Buyers are Convinced with Virtual Staging

Some people are not fond of digital manipulation because they feel deceived when they did not see what was advertised when they visit the property. Even with all the advantages mentioned above, other people see virtual staging as fake and dishonest. Maintaining the buyer’s and investor’s trust is very important. Agents and sellers just need to inform their prospective buyers that the photos they have posted were virtually staged and make them clearly understand the purpose of having it.

Virtual Staging Could Set Up Unrealistic Expectations of the Space

Sellers need to keep in mind not to take everything too far, especially changing the flooring. For example, changing or adding crown molding where there is none can get you in trouble with false advertising. Most of the virtual staging companies ensure the property’s realistic look is maintained, and they do an excellent job of making the interior design look nice without compromising the spacing. 

Virtual or Conventional staging? Either way, both strategies are powerful if used correctly. It would always depend on the market you are getting in. 

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