Introduction
The real estate marketing landscape is continuously changing; evolving to offer the highest value and most effective strategies for home sellers. Virtual staging really emerged during the pandemic when traditional home staging was not recommended (or even allowed!). Realtors needed an alternative and digital staging companies began to pop up really quickly. After a few years, many less successful organizations fell off the virtual staging radar and a handful of companies began to stand out. It’s also during this second “era” of virtual staging that some companies began to specialize in Luxury Virtual Staging.
When virtual staging first began, its uses were pretty limited --mostly because the 3d rendering technology used to create models of furniture and decor were not yet far enough along technologically. Virtual staging furniture used to look really fake, and it stood out as obviously computer generated. This initially turned off thousands of brokers from using it, so virtual staging has had to dig itself out of a hole in order to have a fresh start. Over the last five years or so the software used for virtual staging has improved immensely. Virtually staged photos now look nearly indistinguishable from a home photographed with traditional staging. These changes also created space for a “luxury” virtual staging industry to emerge.
In this article, we’ll continue to trace the evolution of virtual staging from tacky and rarely used, to widespread use. We’lll discuss various sub--industries like luxury virtual staging, penthouse virtual staging and mansion virtual staging. We’ll go over the key differences between “regular” virtual staging and luxury virtual staging, along with tips to help you choose the right staging firm for your needs.
What is Luxury Virtual Staging?
Luxury Virtual Staging exists to bridge the digital staging gap that formerly stood between homes costing less than about a million USD, and homes listed for over 1MM. As we briefly mentioned above, the development of the industry was somewhat of a setback for virtual stagers eyeing the luxury home market. If early iterations of virtual staging looked bad in cheaper homes, there wasn’t a chance luxury realtors would be using it in high-end homes.
Thankfully, the 3d rendering industry quickly caught up with the needs of luxury brokers, and the unique niche of luxury virtual staging was born. It’s not always possible, or desirable, to fully stage an expensive home with furniture and decor. Traditional staging costs can add up really quickly (more on that later), and the potential for floor and wall damage from moving everything in and out is a big concern. Additionally, the area the home is located may be lacking luxury staging firms and you aren’t willing to settle. Whatever the reason, luxury virtual staging has developed to meet the very specific needs of higher-end clientele.
The central characteristics that separate “regular” virtual staging with luxury virtual staging are:
- In traditional staging you may see items from lower-end stores like IKEA, Target and Ashley. Luxury virtual stagers use luxury items from stores like Rove Concepts, Arhaus, and RH.
- If you’re a realtor selling a $350,000.00 home, it’s likely that your photography is going to cost less than a realtor selling a $1 million + home. With luxury virtual staging, we recognize that each photograph is like a work of art and its treated as such during the staging design process
- Along with photo quality, luxury virtual staging companies prioritize ultimate realism in their choice of furnishings and decor. Emphasis is placed on textures, shading and lighting to create the most photorealistic results.
- Many of the standard virtual staging firms are not based in the US, and thus their customer service leaves a lot to be desired. Luxury Virtual Staging companies are accustomed to “high-touch” clients and are happy to provide regular and ongoing support during the staging and revisions processes.
Does Luxury Virtual Staging Look Fake?
Luxury virtual staging looks so real that we field phone calls and customer inquiries every day from realtors trying to hire us because they think we are traditional stagers with “real” furniture. Even after scouring our website and looking at our before/after galleries, they still think our staging is “live.” Imagine their surprise when we tell them everything is virtual! Luxury virtual staging is nearly indistinguishable from traditional staging. It does not look fake.
Check out these examples here and you can see how photorealistic luxury virtual staging looks.
Cost Comparison
When compared with traditional luxury home staging, luxury virtual staging is an absolute bargain. High-end home staging starts in the thousands and goes up to tens of thousands of dollars (per month!). Plus, you risk damaging walls and floors during move-in, staging and move-out.
In contrast, luxury virtual staging ranges from about $39 - $75 per photo. It’s a somewhat broad range, but all luxury virtual staging companies will deliver an exceptionally high-quality product. Typically, you’ll virtually stage between 5-15 photos depending on the size of the home. So, for less than $500, you can have beautifully staged images with no concerns about damage to the home, or whether you like how it’s staged or not. Free revisions are usually included in virtual staging, which means you’ll definitely be pleased with the final result.
It’s also worth noting that home sellers really seem to love luxury virtual staging, and how they can help design the furnishings and decor to help their home really shine. They also appreciate the cost-savings over traditional home staging. With nearly 100% of potential home buyers viewing properties online first, the cost of virtual staging is negligible when compared with the increased interest it can generate.
Benefits of Luxury Virtual Staging in High-End Homes
As we’ve discussed, virtual staging has come a long way since pre-pandemic. At that time, you really wouldn’t think of staging a high-end home with only virtual furniture, but here we are just a handful of years later and virtual staging is used all the time in luxury properties. In some locations, the home may be so upscale that there isn’t a traditional stager with furnishings that are high enough quality to appropriately stage the home. In this case, luxury virtual staging is ideal because the home can be showcased with each piece hand-picked to help the property really shine online.
As an agent, introducing your clients to high-end virtual staging can go such a long way towards enhancing your reputation as a true professional with a multitude of tools in your toolbox. This means more referrals and more business headed your way.
Companies Specializing in Luxury Virtual Staging
Luxury Staging Pro is the leading high-end virtual staging firm. They were the first to focus exclusively on luxury homes, and maintain high quality standards, quick turnaround and excellent customer service. Their price is (as of 10/24) $39 per photo, plus $15 if the room needs virtual furniture removal or decluttering prior to staging.
Other higher end virtual staging companies to consider include Bella and Barion Design.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving world of real estate, the adoption of luxury virtual staging has quickly transformed from a novel idea into an essential tool for showcasing high-end homes. This innovative technology not only bridges the gap between a property’s true potential and a buyer's imagination but also positions agents as cutting-edge professionals adept at leveraging modern marketing techniques. Through the meticulous placement and selection of virtual furnishings, these digital designs elevate the allure of luxury properties by presenting them in their best light, sparking desire and eliciting emotional connections with potential buyers.
In an industry where first impressions are paramount, virtual staging offers a cost-effective, efficient, and highly customizable solution that transcends traditional limitations. Its ability to offer unparalleled flexibility allows for quick revisions, enabling agents to tailor presentations closely aligned with client feedback or market trends. By embracing companies like Luxury Staging Pro, Bella, and Barion Design, not only do agents gain access to top-tier virtual staging services but also position themselves as forward-thinking leaders in their field. As the digital frontier continues to expand, those who adeptly utilize these tools can expect not just to keep up with industry standards but to redefine them, ushering in a new era of real estate presentation that respects both the grandeur of luxury living and the sophistication of its clientele. The future of showcasing high-end properties undeniably lies within this innovative blend of technology and design, offering transformative potential for buyers, sellers, and industry professionals alike.
