As a real estate broker or agent, you want to make sure that every single one of your properties looks as attractive as possible to prospective buyers. You know that staging a home can be a great way to achieve this, but it can be expensive to hire a professional stager to furnish the property, or sometimes there are just reasons that traditional staging is not a great option for a property. That's where virtual staging services come in. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the differences between some of the top virtual staging companies, including pricing, turnaround time, and how the actual staging process works.
When it comes to virtual staging services, you'll find that there are dozens of options to choose from. However, there are a few companies that stand out as the top in the industry. One such company is Luxury Staging Pro. With turnaround times as little as 24 hours and competitive pricing, LSP is a perfect option for real estate professionals on a budget. Their virtually staged images look incredibly realistic and they have a wide variety of furnishings to choose from. Other top virtual staging companies include PadStyler, BoxBrownie, Spotless Agency, and Virtually Staging Properties. Each company has its strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to look into them all before making a decision.
So, how does virtual staging actually work? First, you’ll need to take pictures of the empty property. The photos do not have to be taken specifically for virtual staging-- the photos your photographer already took are perfect for virtual staging. You will then send them to the virtual staging company of your choice, along with a floor plan of the property (if it's available. If not, it's no big deal). Depending on the service you're using, you can email the photos, send via DropBox, or upload onto the virtual staging service's website.
From there, the virtual staging service will select furnishings and decorations from their inventory of 3D models and add them to your images. Once the virtual staging has been completed, the company will send you the finished product for upload to the MLS or for printing on brochures. Usually, revisions are included in the cost of the staging, so if you want furniture swapped, or an emphasis on a different style or color this is a great time to tell your virtual staging service you're working with.
Of course, cost is always a consideration when it comes to virtual staging. Virtual staging companies charge per image, and the cost can range from $25 to $100 per image. It can sound like a lot, but compare it with the cost of traditional staging and it's a true bargain. It’s also important to consider how fast you need your images to be returned to you, as turnaround time can also impact pricing. Some companies also offer bundle packages that can help you save money if you need to stage multiple properties, or would like to establish an ongoing relationship.
Once your virtual staging is complete, the next step is to upload it to the MLS. Luckily, this is an easy process. Simply upload the images to your MLS listing, and they will be displayed alongside the other property photos. This allows potential buyers to see what the property would look like furnished, which can make a huge difference in how attractive the property appears to them.
Virtual staging is a great option for real estate brokers and agents who want to make their properties look as attractive as possible to prospective buyers. However not all virtual staging companies are created equal. When choosing a company, it’s important to consider the pricing, turnaround time, and the quality of the work they produce. By doing your research and selecting a reputable company, you’ll be improving your chances of selling your property faster and at a higher price.
