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Virtual Staging...What a Novel Idea!

Reblogger
Services for Real Estate Pros with Bonicelli Design

This is for all my agents that have vacant "bank owned" homes, this is an excellent feature.  Thank you Deb for telling us about this service right here in Atlanta!

Original content by Debe Maxwell, CRS 228209

Virtual Staging...What a Novel Idea!

Before StagingWhat's in it for you?  A quicker sale than listing/selling an unfurnished, vacant property!
 
Some sellers simply cannot afford to furnish their vacant properties and some buyers simply cannot 'mentally picture' furnishings in a vacant home.  Innovative agents are now turning to virtual staging.  

This process uses computer technology to add furniture and decoraor items to photos of vacant listings.  The cost is approximately $250 for a few photos and the images are quite impressive.  One company, Virtually Staging Properties, has nearly 1,000 photos of items which they strategically place, via computer, into YOUR photos of the vacant rooms!  


After StagingThe husband and wife team who own the business (located in Atlanta) are both professional stagers so, their finished 'product' is expertly presented.  They also deliver 8 x 10 photos to you for use in the home to demonstrate what that specific room will look like with furnishings in that particular room.

There are other companies who do this--including www.VirualStagingSolutions.com and OBEO tours (www.OBEO.com) which offer such luxuries as textured walls, furnishings, countertops, etc.  This affordable solution to those sellers who cannot or will not hire that recommended stager is a viable alternative to the traditional staging.

 *NOTE:  This is certainly NOT a replacement for a local, professional stager, just an option if you or your sellers can't or won't hire someone to physically provide this service.


**Also of note, when listing these properties, don't forget your COE rules--disclose that" the photos are representative of staging; the property is currently vacant."  (Use your own wording but, be sure that you don't post the photos of the furnished property as this is deceptive practice).

Check out the virtual staging websites and see what new technology lies ahead for YOUR vacant listings!

Debe in Charlotte   

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Comments (5)

Bob Davis
Brush Real Estate - Escondido, CA

Interesting concept...what sort of feedback do you get from buyers after they have seen the real situation in the homes?

Oct 16, 2009 04:03 AM
Lori Bonicelli
Bonicelli Design - Marietta, GA

Positive.  If you think about it, it is the EXACT same thing that new developers do.  I see it all the time with condos.   What was happening with a lot of bank owned properties is that you try and get in their to take some pics before the "owner" leaves and you end up snapping shots of bad furniture placement an not so great furniture.  The house will be empty anyway when people start to look at it.  Setting up easels at the listing, like a gallery, with big print outs of the rooms works beautifully. Also, people find themselves going room to room to see the "artists rendition".  Remember you are not selling the sellers furniture just the house.  These designs also help out buyers who in the future want to decorate the space themselves....  and even copy some of the ideas they see!  

Deb, I am sending your blog around to all of my agents!  We have lots of empty homes.

Oct 16, 2009 04:16 AM
Lori Bonicelli
Bonicelli Design - Marietta, GA

Just to be clear, I would not use the pictures on the MLS.  Just as examples once people have arrived at the property (especially during an open house or caravan) as a way to spur interest and keep clients moving through the home and give them something to remember other than... (hardwoods, mouldings, etcc)

Oct 16, 2009 04:40 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Lori!  I agree--buyers realize that the furniture doesn't come with the home but, some of them do need an idea of how to stage a home. This is a great idea for getting online exposure rather than have the vacant photos--just disclose, disclose, disclose!

Thanks so much for the re-blog!  Check out the article that NAR wrote about it too!

Oct 16, 2009 01:44 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Here's the link: http://virtuallystagingproperties.com/pdfs/remagarticle.pdf

It's a great article that also explains disclosure!

Oct 16, 2009 01:46 PM