VIRTUALLY STAGED TO SELL

For today's discussion, let's ask Co-op and West End specialist Krystian Thomas for his perspective on virtual staging.

Virtual Staging is a marketing tool that I employ as needed to increase the online visibility and showing requests for properties that are empty or may need some sprucing up. After having the property professionally photographed, I select a few key photos and send them to my virtual staging contact. They meticulously stage each image to the style and colour palette that I request, and we use these images in our MLS, social media and print marketing.

I work with a lot of senior homeowners and Power of Attorney/Probate sales and for these properties, virtual staging often makes the most sense. These homes tend to be empty and may not show well, especially online. These sellers may also have more conservative budgets and choose not to physically stage the property. In the past, I've listed empty homes without virtual staging and had successful sales, but starting in 2024 when I went independent, I made the decision to virtually stage all empty homes that I list. I include this service as a part of my listing services and the expense is not passed on to the client. My clients and I have been very pleased with the results.

AI can do a lot of things, but it does not replace the skill and critical thinking of a talented human. Case in point, I once asked a photographer to virtually stage the photos for me, not knowing that they used an AI app to do it, and the photos were unusable. AI staged the same room differently from every angle, down to the details of a fruit bowl on the counter in one shot, and that same counter bare in another. It was clear to me that paying for professionals to do the work was worth it and the only way for me to conduct business. And to elaborate on the capabilities of a professional, I've listed properties that were missing flooring, or had a dated piece of furniture and drapes that didn't show well.  We were able to add the flooring, and switch out the bed and window treatments virtually, allowing the properties to shine and for buyer's to see their true potential.

Like I've said, virtual staging offers us an opportunity to showcase the potential of a property through print and online media and this drives traffic into the home. However, the property is still empty and so there is a limitation to the benefits of this method. On the other hand, Real Staging re-creates a homey feeling and gives people a tangible experience they would not have had in an empty space and the impact is significant. I always discuss these options with my sellers and refer them to my preferred vendors, but ultimately it is their choice.

Curious about your property's potential? Send us your questions or complete a contact form and we'll be in touch!