With the volatility of the real estate market home sellers, investors, and selling agents are tempted to cut corners and virtually stage properties.

While it may save some marketing dollars it may be a penny wise and a pound foolish to do so. According to the National Association of Realtors, staged homes sell up to 88% faster and for up to 20% more money. Here are some things to consider if virtual staging makes sense.

Although from an online appearance it looks fairly realistic with beautiful computer generated imagery, from an in-person view it’s a total let down when buyers tour the property. Even if the images are blown up on canvas and placed on an easel in an empty room, buyers find it challenging to experience how the space would function (how liveable it is) because they can’t actually walk around the furniture for flow and feel, open dresser drawers to determine how much space they actually have from the bed or walkway, or sit by that reading nook window with a view – especially when it comes to a small room.

One goal of staging is to play up the wow factors and downplay the challenges of a home’s layout and features. Professional stagers know how to draw the eye to another area of the room that might be overlooked as buyers quickly do a walkthrough. We are also savvy with creating functional focal points in a room where there isn’t one to show its potential. Also, strategic placement of furniture in awkward spaces minimizes the buyers guessing about certain rooms. Stagers use marketing strategy as well as design to showcase a property.

Staging also creates an emotional connection to the property because buyers can see up close and personal how their belongings or new furnishings and décor in the spaces will fit and feel. It helps buyers connect a lifestyle and value with living there.

Homes come and go on the market so don’t compete – be the competition. The longer a home lingers on the market, the more price reductions (a staging investment is much less) and the less foot traffic you’ll get. Not to mention the continued costs of maintaining that home – property taxes, maintenance, utilities, etc.

There are various levels of staging so even a partial stage is beneficial rather than a complete virtual or no staging at all.

Mar

Photo by: @3dottawa