Virtual Staging: What Sellers Need To Know

Virtual Staging: What Sellers Need To Know

12.7.20 | Selling

There’s a lot that goes into a successful home sale—and often, staging is one of the most crucial steps. From more impressive showings to better listing photos, the process can provide some major benefits. While a growing number of sellers understand the value of staging, many remain unsure about how it works in the virtual realm. Fortunately, there’s never been a better time to learn about this technology than now!

If you’re preparing to sell your home, here’s what you should know about virtual staging…

Staging Basics

Many sellers believe that staging is all about upping a property’s style quotient. The truth is, there’s a lot more to it than that. Using a few basic building blocks (such as paint, furnishings, and artwork), an agent with the right expertise can pull together a beautiful, cohesive aesthetic.

A staged property should be chic enough to look contemporary, comfortable enough to feel like home, and subdued enough that it won’t turn off buyers who have their own distinct sense of style. When you find the right balance, it’s like magic.

Ultimately, staging helps you attract the largest possible number of buyers. That can mean more offers, a better price, and even a quicker sale (90 per cent faster on average, according to one RESA study).

Virtual Staging Kitchen - Before
Virtual Staging Kitchen – Before
Virtual Staging Kitchen - After
Virtual Staging Kitchen – After

What Is Virtual Staging?

While staging can come with some big advantages, embracing it fully isn’t always practical. In some cases, properties are empty when they go on the market—which can make it difficult for buyers to see their potential. In other situations, sellers don’t have enough time to go through the staging process (or it doesn’t make sense for them to do so logistically).

Then, of course, there’s the potential for health issues. The pandemic has shown us that home tours can come with some degree of risk. While the right precautions can make them safer, digital technology can also help by reducing the need to hold them in-person. And when it comes to showing properties online, virtual staging is the perfect complement!

Through the use of graphic software, it’s possible to insert pieces of furniture and decor into a living space—and even change the paint. Your real estate agent can help make that happen remotely.

When it comes to digital tools, we’re big fans of BoxBrownie.com. This online hub provides high-quality photo-enhancing and retouching services, including virtual staging. The resulting images are polished and inviting, which is important given that sub-par listing photos could mean fewer showing opportunities.

Though it’s not used for virtual staging per se, Wowzler.com can also contribute to the positive impression your home makes. This virtual-renovation company allows you to show buyers what your property could look like once the basement is finished and the kitchen cabinets are updated.

Virtual Staging Living Room - Before
Virtual Staging Living Room – Before
Virtual Staging Living Room - After
Virtual Staging Living Room – After

New Possibilities

The truth is, most homes could benefit from a handful of improvements and a few stylistic tweaks. While it’s not a replacement for the real thing, virtual staging can help buyers imagine the many possibilities of your property. Depending on your circumstances, it may be the most helpful and efficient way to start marketing.

Being open to suggestions is key. A skilled local agent can help you understand the level of styling best suited to your home—and whether going the virtual route could help you achieve your selling goals. Remember: it’s not about your personal design preferences. It’s about growing your buyer pool and (hopefully) your return!

Virtual Staging Colours - Before
Virtual Staging Colours – Before
Virtual Staging Colours - After
Virtual Staging Colours – After

When you’re ready to start the selling process, we’re here to help. Reach out to learn how we can ensure that your transition is as smooth as possible.