How to Use Virtual Staging Software: Benefits and Costs
Virtual staging is an innovative marketing approach that can help grab the attention of buyers and max out the property value.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at virtual staging, its benefits, costs, and what to focus on when staging a home virtually.
But first, let’s define the concept and learn exactly what’s involved.
What Is Virtual Staging?
Virtual staging is the process of creating a realistic visualization or simulation of a home in order to increase its appeal and showcase its full potential.
Using virtual staging software, furniture can be added or removed, lighting and colors can be changed, décor updated, and even structural features like mezzanine floors, windows, and doors can be added - all through the magic of technology.
Does Virtual Staging Work?
Yes! Using virtual staging software for real estate is an innovative and highly effective marketing technique that evolved from traditional home staging.
The tried-and-tested process of redecorating, decluttering, and rearranging furniture has been around for over 50 years, and for good reason - properties that are presented better sell faster and for more money.
Virtual staging is exactly the same principle, but without all that hard work.
Here are some staggering facts from the National Association of Realtors:
- 82% of buyers said it was easier to visualize their future home when viewing a staged property
- 23% of agents said that staging a home increased the property value by up to 5%
- 22% of agents said that there’s a decreased time on the market for staged homes
How Much Does Virtual Staging Cost?
Costs can vary depending on the number of images you want and whether you hire a professional designer or do it yourself.
A basic plan from a professional starts from around $300 for 5 images. But this can increase to over $1000 for more advanced products like videos and virtual 3D tours.
A more affordable alternative is to do it yourself using virtual home staging software.
What’s the Best DIY Virtual Staging Software?
With RoomSketcher, our virtual staging app, you can create stunning hi-res 3D images at the click of a button.
Get started for free and see for yourself just how easy it is. There are different upgrade options available depending on how many images you need. Check out our price list for more information.
Virtual Staging and Floor Plans for Real Estate Agents
RoomSketcher also provides 2D and 3D Floor Plans, making it the best floor plan software for real estate agents or sellers who want multiple features. With our floor plan builder, you will have beautiful layouts to present to clients and potential home buyers.
What’s the Difference Between Home Staging and Virtual Staging?
Both have the same end goal - to make your home as attractive as possible to potential buyers.
But where home staging involves physically working on your property, virtual staging is all done using computer software.
Home staging includes tasks like cleaning, tidying, decluttering, repainting, replacing dated furniture, adding fresh flowers, and removing personal items like family photos. Basically, preparing your home for viewings.
The same jobs are done during virtual staging, only in a virtual environment. Photo-realistic 3D images and videos can then be generated and used for showcasing your property online.
For many years, this was a highly skilled job done by professional graphic designers. But today, easy-to-use software means that anyone can create stunning staged 3D images, for a fraction of the cost.
Home staging can be time-consuming, expensive, limited, and physically demanding work. Virtual staging is faster, less expensive, and allows for unlimited design alternatives and furniture arrangements.
And remember—you don’t have to choose one or the other. Both methods complement each other well, and you’ll likely want to use both when selling your home.
When to Use Virtual Staging?
Virtual staging helps buyers picture themselves in your property. Regardless of your situation, it’s always a good idea and will undoubtedly add value. But, it’s particularly useful for the following:
Modernize a dated design
If you’re stuck with a musty avocado kitchen from the ’70s, would-be buyers could be turned off.
Rather than spend time and money replacing it (with no guarantee buyers will actually like the updates), virtual staging effectively turns a negative into an exciting opportunity. You can demonstrate what’s possible and visualize several design options to spark their interest.
💡Tip:
Get three quotes from local contractors for any updates you’ve virtually staged. Include them in your sales brochure to make life easier for your buyers and bring them one step closer to realizing their dream.
Selling off-plan
A construction site complete with scaffolding and piles of rubble can look rather uninspiring. And many people see buying off-plan as a risk. After all, you can’t see the end product.
Virtual staging bridges the gap between reality and imagination. It helps the buyer picture themselves in the space and provides reassurance.
Visualize a commercial space
For business owners looking to buy or rent office space, multiple units in the same building often blend together into a bland mesh.
Virtual staging brings these vast monochrome spaces to life, helping buyers see their full potential.
Virtual Staging Benefits
Virtual staging is usually a no-brainer for anyone wanting to sell their property. Here are just some of the benefits:
- Staged homes sell for more: Studies have shown that staged properties sell for a higher dollar amount than similar unstaged properties.
- Stand out from the competition: The average buyer looks at 10 properties before deciding (and browses hundreds online). Virtual staging provides a unique selling point.
- Fast turnaround: You can generate 3D staged images for the living space in just a few days and tweak them in minutes. This allows you to modify and evolve ideas quickly.
- Affordable: Whether you use professional or do-it-yourself software, it's extremely affordable and well worth the investment.
- Flexible: With virtual staging, the sky is the limit. You can effortlessly mix and match different layouts, furniture, and design options.
What Can Be Virtually Staged in a Home for Sale?
While anything can be virtually staged, research shows the living room, primary bedroom, kitchen, and dining room are the most important areas to showcase:
Living Room
All personal items should be removed when virtually staging the living room and present a clutter-free environment. Add neutral artwork and finish by placing plants around the room.
Primary Bedroom
If the decor is themed or brightly colored, it can be replaced with neutral white and cream tones with the click of a button. You can also show off storage capacity by virtually emptying closets and drawers.
Kitchen
With the help of a virtual staging app like RoomSketcher, you can transform the kitchen into a clean, uncluttered, and efficient space. This means cropping out all those worktop gadgets and adding attractive decor like fruit bowls and flowers.
Dining Room
You want the buyer to imagine their own belongings in the space, so exclude any personal collections like plates or glassware from the dining room cabinets. Virtually place an appropriately sized dining table to ensure the room doesn’t appear too big or too small.
Virtual Staging Before and After
Check out these striking before and after images for an idea of how powerful virtual staging can be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you’re still unsure about virtual staging, here are some frequently asked questions and answers.
Research shows that virtually staging key rooms in your home results in a higher sale price and a faster sale when compared to similar unstaged properties.
A 3D virtual tour can bring uninspiring commercial real estate to life and helps potential buyers visualize their business operation in the space. This leaves a lasting impression and ensures your listing stands out from the crowd.
Using a virtual staging software like RoomSketcher you can quickly and easily create stunning 3D images of your home.
Virtually Stage Your Home or Project Today
Virtually staging doesn’t have to cost a fortune, you can do it yourself using our virtual staging app.
RoomSketcher allows you to quickly plot the space, drag and drop furniture, play with decor, and create stunning 3D images in an instant.
You don’t need a graphic design degree either. RoomSketcher is easy to use and you’ll be up to speed in no time with our in-depth online demonstrations. You can also produce 2D and 3D floor plans and virtual tours.
Find out just how easy it is!
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