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Virtual Staging vs. Traditional Staging: What You Need to Know

By
Real Estate Agent with Better Living Real Estate, LLC 9152684

Finding the Right Fit for Your Home Sale

 

Introduction

 

When you’re getting ready to sell your home, one big decision looms: Should you choose virtual staging or traditional staging? Both options can put your space in the best light, but each comes with its own set of benefits and costs. 

 

Whether you're aiming for a quick sale or hoping to maximize your investment, understanding the difference between these two methods will help you make a more informed choice. 

 

Understanding Traditional Staging

 

Traditional staging involves bringing in actual furniture, décor, and other elements to create an inviting environment. It can make your home feel lived-in and cozy. Imagine walking into a space that feels just right—warm hues, perfectly arranged sofas, and even those little decorative bowls that catch the eye. Who wouldn’t want that as a buyer? 

 

However, it’s essential to consider the costs involved. Hiring professional stagers can be pricey. You’re not just paying for the furniture but also for the professionals’ time and expertise. Still, if your home has a lot of character or unique features, traditional staging could highlight those elements beautifully.

 

The Case for Virtual Staging

 

On the flip side, virtual staging is a fantastic, innovative solution that’s gaining traction. Instead of hauling in furniture, this method uses computer-generated images to furnish your home digitally. If you’ve got an empty space that feels lifeless, virtual staging can turn it into a warm haven with just a few clicks. 

 

Moreover, the cost-effectiveness of virtual staging can be a game-changer. Typically, it’s far cheaper than traditional staging. Plus, you can easily update those images, adapt them for different listings, or try out various styles to see what works best. It’s like having countless showings with very little effort. 

 

When to Choose Each Method

 

So, when should you opt for traditional staging over virtual? If your home is already packed with charm—or if you’re selling in a competitive market—traditional staging might be your best bet. Potential buyers appreciate seeing actual furnishings, which can help them visualize the space.

 

Conversely, if you’re selling a vacant property or trying to catch the attention of out-of-state buyers, virtual staging could be your secret weapon. It's both quick and visually striking, making it easier for buyers to envision themselves in your home.

 

A Personal Touch

 

Having worked with many sellers, one story comes to mind. A client had a lovely but empty property that struggled to attract buyers. After opting for virtual staging, we transformed the cold, empty rooms into modern, inviting spaces. Not only did they receive multiple offers, but the home sold for above the asking price. That’s the power of staging—whether virtual or traditional. 

 

Conclusion: Make the Choice that's Right for You

 

In the end, choosing between virtual and traditional staging hinges on your needs, budget, and type of property. Both methods can be dependable and effective when done correctly. Whichever option you choose, remember that the goal is to showcase your home so buyers can see its full potential. 

 

So, ready to elevate your home-selling experience? Contact Decora Photography today to learn more about how stunning visuals can make a world of difference. 

 

Follow me to learn more about impactful real estate media and how it can elevate your sales journey.

 

Posted by

 

Lew Corcoran
Licensed Massachusetts Real Estate Agent
Certified Listing Expert
Certified Real Estate Negotiator
RESA Certified Home Stager
Professional Real Estate Photographer
FAA Licensed Drone Pilot

Director, National Board of Directors,
Real Estate Staging Association (RESA)



Better Living Real Estate, LLC

15 Wall Street, #9157
Foxborough, MA 02035
O: (888) 877-8300
D: (508) 258-9658

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Comments(10)

Show All Comments Sort:
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Lew Corcoran good to know there are choices when it comes to stagging.  

May 20, 2025 08:25 AM
Lew Corcoran

Thanks for your comment, George Souto! It’s great to remember that there are many options to showcase a home’s best features—staging choices can really make a difference. Glad you found the post helpful!

May 20, 2025 09:59 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is good information to share with home sellers and their agents.

Have a great day!

May 20, 2025 08:51 AM
Lew Corcoran

Thank you, Roy Kelley, for your encouraging comment! I'm glad you found the information helpful, and I hope you have a wonderful day too!

May 20, 2025 09:59 AM
GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Thanks for sharing and enjoy your Taco Tuesday and have a productive week! Bill

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

May 20, 2025 09:13 AM
Lew Corcoran

Thanks so much, GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore! I appreciate the kind words, and I hope you have a fantastic Taco Tuesday and a truly productive week as well. Enjoy and take care!

May 20, 2025 10:00 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX
Semi Retired Real Estate Agent

Good morning, Lew Corcoran - I really like your blog post a lot. I am also a strong believer in doing a cost/benefit analysis to make the right decisions. 

Traditional staging never worked in my area because what Professional Stagers were charging, and the steps it took, including getting people's own furniture and decor out and pay for storage is not something my Sellers would agree to and I would not pay for it on their behalf. When it came to Professional Photography, I had no problem paying for it as part of my marketing expenses. 

Virtual Staging as you described sounds like the perfect solution. Sellers will like the word "cheaper" and seeing the results quicker than it takes to go the old Traditional Way. Decora Photographing is something I would gladly pay!

May 20, 2025 09:40 AM
Lew Corcoran

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment, Patricia Feager! It’s inspiring to hear how you’ve adapted staging strategies to fit your market and priorities. I’m glad the post resonated with you, and I appreciate you sharing your valuable insights!

May 20, 2025 10:01 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Hi Lew... the good news is that there are options. I've used both these options and I've also worked closely with stagers using what sellers already had in their homes.

May 20, 2025 09:46 AM
Lew Corcoran

Thanks for sharing, Nina Hollander, Broker! It’s great to hear you’ve been able to tailor staging approaches based on what works best for each situation. Your flexibility and experience really highlight the importance of finding the right fit for every home.

May 20, 2025 10:02 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good afternoon Lew,

You present both sides well. It does depend on the budget, needs and type of property. Its nice to have choices. I personally don't like virtual staging as I've had buyers walk into a house after seeing it on line staged and are not enthusiastic about the home, in fact turned off.

May 20, 2025 02:13 PM
Lew Corcoran

Thank you for sharing your honest perspective, Dorie Dillard Austin TX—I really appreciate your insights and the real-world experience you bring to the conversation. It’s always valuable to hear different viewpoints!

May 21, 2025 12:42 PM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Lew, staging with furniture has been pretty costly here in Denver, so many sellers opt for virtual.   Wonder how many states have rules you have to show both the vacant room along with the virtually staged room?

May 20, 2025 04:21 PM
Lew Corcoran

Thank you for sharing your experience, Joan Cox—I appreciate hearing how staging options vary by location and the considerations sellers face. It’s always interesting to learn about different regional practices and regulations!

Here in Massachusetts, virtual staging, where furniture and other items are digitally added to a photo, is allowed as long as it's clearly disclosed and the modifications don't significantly alter the property's appearance.

The disclosure is typically made within the photo description field and in the public remarks section. The disclosure should clearly state that a photo has been virtually staged.

May 21, 2025 12:48 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Lew- you presented this beautifully. When I was staging, virtual staging was just being introduced, and it was expensive. Traditional staging of vacant property is expensive as well. When I staged it could be anywhere from $3500-5,000 +.  In the Sellers market we just had where homes sold almost immediately, the seller would have still been obligated to the 2 or 3 month minimum. 

 

 

May 20, 2025 06:59 PM
Lew Corcoran

Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your valuable experience, Kathy Streib—I really appreciate your insights on how staging costs and market conditions influence the process. It’s always helpful to hear real-world perspectives!

May 21, 2025 12:50 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Lew - alternate marketing solutions in a real agent's toolbox can lead to excellent results.  

May 21, 2025 03:12 AM
Lew Corcoran

Thank you for highlighting the importance of offering multiple marketing options, Michael Jacobs. It's all about giving consumers the choices that best align with their unique preferences and needs. I completely agree that providing alternatives empowers clients and leads to better results!

May 21, 2025 12:52 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I dabbled with virtual staging for my last listing, and I like how it turned out, so I am sure that I will do it for my next vacant listing as well, haha.

May 21, 2025 05:49 AM
Lew Corcoran

That’s fantastic to hear, Brian England—glad virtual staging worked well for you! It’s great to see how experimenting with different tools can lead to positive results for your listings.

May 21, 2025 12:52 PM