Ultimate Guide to Virtual Staging for Real Estate: Expert Tips for Realtors

Traditional home staging can be expensive, time-consuming, and not always effective in today’s fast-paced market. This article explores how virtual staging apps are reshaping the way realtors present properties to potential buyers.

Read this blog to the end to learn more about how to use virtual staging for real estate and what the dos and don'ts are.

Understanding Virtual Staging

Virtual staging refers to using digital technology (Photoshop, Blender, or virtual staging AI) to furnish the space, enhancing its visual appeal. This eliminates the logistical challenges and physical effort involved in traditional staging methods.

Today, real estate agents face even more challenges when staging homes for sale. Many want to declutter to make rooms look better or use varying styles depending on what suits best. All of which might not be included in a traditional virtual staging app.

This is where AI comes to the rescue!

Role of AI in Virtual Staging

Traditional virtual staging was already a big step up, but artificial intelligence has taken things to a whole new level. Compared to older tools, virtual staging AI creates custom designs that look natural and real.

Here’s more on how AI enhances virtual staging for real estate professionals:

• Smarter Furnishing Suggestions

AI tools significantly reduce the time required to choose suitable furniture and layouts. A virtual staging app analyses the room’s layout, lighting, and dimensions to automatically suggest furniture and decor that suit the space. Whether you’re aiming for modern minimalistic or a cozy, warm look, virtual staging AI is here to help!

• Instant High-Quality Rendering

Speed matters in real estate. AI-powered virtual staging platforms generate high-resolution, photorealistic images in a matter of minutes. That means you can stage a property in the morning and list it by the afternoon.

• Assorted Trending Furnishing Themes

Remember when you had to settle for a limited set of staging styles? With virtual staging AI, you get access to a wide variety of trending themes, from Scandinavian simplicity to modern chic and much more.

Or if you just want to remove existing furniture, AI can do that too!

Why Realtors Are Adopting Virtual Staging

Virtual staging for real estate provides countless advantages, such as:

• Increases Buyer Engagement: Homes that are virtually staged look better in photos and get to spend 73% less time on the market. This helps your property appear attractive and clean, which eventually increases the likelihood of getting more clicks and keeping buyers interested.

• Highlights the Potential of Outdated Spaces: If a room looks outdated, virtual staging helps buyers see what it could look like with modern furniture and style. It turns a plain space into a home people can picture living in.

• Cost-Effective Alternative to Traditional Staging: With virtual staging, you get to reduce the cost of staging by more than 90%, since you don't have to pay for labor, moving furniture or even renting warehouses to store the decor.

Features to Look for in a Virtual Staging App

There are several staging platforms out there, but not all of them offer the same quality or features. As a real estate agent, here’s what you should look for when choosing the right one:

1. Realistic Rendering Quality

Realtors have found that 77% of clients seal the deal when they are presented with high-quality, staged pictures of the property.

Choose a virtual staging app that gives you sharp, realistic photos that look great in listings. Look for platforms that provide photorealistic renderings with realistic shadows and textures to maintain the credibility of your listings. If the image generated looks cheap and fake, buyers won’t take the listing seriously.

2. Multiple Furnishing Styles

Not every buyer wants the same look. A good staging app should offer a range of themes, modern, traditional, Scandinavian, farmhouse, and more. This way, you can pick a style that fits the target market for each property.

3. Quick Decluttering

Sometimes, it’s not about adding furniture, it’s about removing it. Find apps that offer decluttering or furniture removal features. These tools can digitally clear out personal items or outdated decor to give your listing a neat appeal.

4. Allows Fine Tuning

Oftentimes, small changes can alter the whole look of a space. Realtors should go for platforms that allow them to make small changes to the virtually furnished layouts. It can be about changing the position of a table, moving wall art, or changing a rug's color. This lets you tailor each room to better suit your buyers without redoing the entire staging.

5. User-Friendly Interface

Real estate agents already have enough on their plates. The ideal virtual staging AI tool should be easy to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy. A clean layout, drag-and-drop options, and clear instructions can help you get things done in no time.

6. Affordable Pricing Plans

As a realtor, your goal is to prepare listings that sell quickly without spending too much. Buying expensive virtual staging plans can work against that goal. Invest in a virtual staging app that is affordable and valuable so you can stage properties without breaking the bank.

Bonus: Effective Tips for Using Virtual Staging for Real Estate

Want to get the most out of virtual staging AI? Apply these easy tricks:

1. Take High-Quality Photos

Great virtual staging starts with good shots. Make sure the original images you upload are clear, sharp, and well-composed. Use natural lighting whenever possible, open the curtains and turn on interior lights to reduce shadows.

Moreover, always take photos in landscape orientation and aim for eye-level angles to give a natural perspective. Avoid extreme tilts or wide-angle distortion, as these can make the space difficult to virtually stage.

2. Match Styles to the Buyer, Space, and Location

When staging a property virtually, it’s not just about who might buy it. Instead, it’s also about the feel of the space and the neighborhood vibe. Think about the personality of the home and what design best complements it.

Here are a few ways to decide on the staging style:

• Target Buyer: Think about who is most likely to buy the home. Young professionals usually prefer simple, clean furniture. Families often want cozy, practical rooms that feel like a real home.

• Vibe of the Space: Let the room’s style guide you. For a modern condo, go with sleek and simple furniture. For an older home with wood features, warm or rustic furniture works better.

• Property Location: Where the home is located matters, too. A house near the beach looks great with light, casual furniture. A city apartment suits modern, sharp designs.

3. Always Disclose Virtual Staging in Listings

Be honest with buyers, and let them know when a picture has been virtually staged. Consider labelling staged images clearly or mentioning it in the listing description.

Desiome's virtual staging AI lets you add a watermark to avoid potential compliance issues, confusion, and mistrust with buyers.

Stage Smart and Sell Your Listings Today!

Virtual staging AI is transforming the way realtors market homes. It's faster, more affordable, and more appealing to buyers. With the right tools and strategies, you can showcase any property’s full potential and leave a lasting impression.

The future of real estate is here, and now you need to make the most out of it!