Let me pose a scenario...
Is virtual staging a home and using the pictures to grab the attention of potential buyers any different than if the seller took pictures with a fully furnished house and then moved and left an empty house to sell? In the latter of the two, the pictures would show a fully furnished house but once buyers went to view the house, it would be empty. How does that differ from virtual staging I know that there have been a few other posts on this topic, but I just wanted to see what everyone thought about the scenario mentioned above. My opinion is that they are the same.
As a professional stager, we are creating a picture, but in the case Virtual Staging, it is just a virtual picture. We want potential buyers to be able to see themselves living in the home. The norm is to do this as they are touring the home in person. Virtual staging is actually doing the same thing, just in a different capacity and in an earlier step in the buying/viewing process.
When house hunting, the first thing I am drawn to are the pictures. I typically skip right over any listings that don't have pictures. Don't you do the same? If we, as professional stagers, can help get people in the door, we are doing our job, but as I said earlier, just in a different capacity.
Granted, I get it. Nothing can take the place of physically staging a home. The house may not sell as fast if the house is in total chaos, is dated or is falling apart. But, maybe, just maybe we can make them fall in love with the house before they even see it. Hopefully the photos can create a lasting impression and showcase the homes potential and beauty. Even as they view the house, the virtual staging photos may remain in their mind, even if subconsciously, and they can see and feel the potential. To ensure this happens, I highly recommend printing out 8x10 images of the virtual staging and having them on display to remind buyers of the potential.
I think virtual staging is pretty cutting edge and I am all for it. Our job is to appeal to the largest number of potential buyers and with the Internet being a huge tool for potential buyers, why wouldn't we make the photos look the best that we can? More often than not, the pictures on the internet are the first impression, so let's grab them while we can.
Just my two cents.
Here are links to some other posts on this topic:
http://activerain.com/blogsview/901654/How-Do-You-Feel-About-Virtual-Vacant-Staging
http://activerain.com/blogsview/54602/Virtual-Home-Staging-Really
http://activerain.com/blogsview/924443/Virtual-Staging-What-A-Concept
http://activerain.com/blogsview/841804/When-Youve-Just-Got-to-See-It
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on my "scenario".
Marybeth Barrett
Bringing new life to your decor and more.
Comments(4)