Virtual staging is growing in popularity with Realtors across the globe because it's a fraction of the cost of traditional staging and just as effective.
With growing interest comes increased skepticism on the ins and outs of virtual staging.
We looked at the most common myths about virtual staging and discussed each one in detail below:
1) Virtual staging is illegal
This is a common misconception that most Realtors have when it comes to virtually staging their listing photos. Virtual staging is not illegal and, when done correctly, does not misrepresent the property in any way.
The truth is no laws or regulations are preventing you from using virtual staging on your property listings. Virtual staging is a commonly used practice across the globe.
However, to avoid any misrepresentation between yourself and a potential buyer, disclosing when virtual staging has been used is strongly recommended.
2) Virtual staging doesn't help sell houses
With 92% of properties initially found online, and 81% of people preferring when the property is staged, it is hard to argue against using virtual staging on your listing.
Virtual staging is one way to help increase exposure and visibility for your home while also providing an excellent experience for buyers when they come across your listing online.
A great way to utilize the virtually staged photos beyond the online listing is to print them out and prop them up in the house. This way, when there is a showing or open house, buyers can continue to visualize their dream home!
3) Virtual staging is only helpful for houses with a large square footage
Virtual staging is used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that attracts potential buyers! Regardless of the room or house size, virtual staging can be beneficial. Both furniture and décor are used when staging - so even if the house is small, adequately placed and coordinated décor can create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
Staging a smaller house also helps potential buyers visualize their furniture in the space. Virtually staging allows the realtor to maximize the space available and select appropriate furniture to showcase the listing in the best possible way.
4) Virtual staging requires professional photos
The truth is that most real estate agents are more than capable of taking decent-quality photographs themselves. While professional photos are recommended, they are not required. Indoor image enhancements are typically recommended for all non-professional images to turn them into professional-looking, eye-catching photos!
Whether you're hiring a professional or DIY'ing with your smartphone for your listing photos, check out our blog post on taking the best pictures for virtual staging.
5) Virtual staging is expensive
Virtual staging gives the same results as physical staging but at a fraction of the cost.
Virtual staging can be considered an investment as it’s been proven that staged homes sell quicker AND faster than non-staged homes -leaving Realtors with more time and more money in their pockets.
The great news is that Virtual Restaging will beat any competitor's price, ensuring you are getting the best deal.
6) Virtual staging looks fake
If the wrong virtual staging partner is chosen, then yes, the virtual staging can look fake and do more harm than good to your listing! However, with advanced software and a team of interior designers, virtual staging is complimentary to your listing photos and helps enhance your property.
Virtual Restaging uses the highest-grade software and photorealistic furniture to ensure that all virtual staging edits look realistic and are guaranteed to attract attention!
7) Virtual staging is only for residential real estate
Commercial real estate benefits just as much as residential real estate when it comes to virtual staging. Like how virtual staging helps potential buyers visualize their dream home, virtual staging commercial properties can also help future tenants visualize a white-box space as their own! Commercial virtual staging can be tailored to office fit-outs, retail stores, or warehouse expansions.
8) Virtual staging is only for luxury homes
Virtual staging has been used for years by real estate professionals across all price ranges, from apartments to luxury homes. The goal is to create an overall feel or mood that makes people envision themselves living in their dream home, regardless of size.
Traditional staging, and the associated cost, may have been reserved for luxury homes. Still, the low cost of virtual staging allows all Realtors to enhance their listing photos at any price point.
9) Virtual staging only works for vacant listings
Virtual staging is typically used for vacant listings, but that doesn't mean it can't help you replace your outdated furniture with the latest trends! Virtual staging homes with existing furniture is commonly called virtual restaging - removing the existing staging and replacing it with new furniture in any style you want.
10) Virtual staging is only for selling houses
Realtors most commonly use virtual staging to enhance listing photos and attract buyers' interest. However, a great alternative use of virtual staging is home redecoration. Virtual staging can be used for visualizing new home décor and styles without committing to purchasing large, expensive pieces of furniture.
Next time you want to adjust the feng shui of your home, give virtual staging a try!
To learn more about how virtual staging can benefit you, check out the Ultimate Guide to Virtual Staging for 2022. The guide will teach you how to use virtual staging to generate more potential buyers, close deals faster, and sell for a higher price.