February 19, 2024
"A picture is worth a thousand words." Truer words have never been spoken – at least when it comes to real estate marketing.
Selling a property often comes down to, well, aesthetics. Sure, many other things matter, too, but we all know that potential buyers most often form their first impression based on online listings. This is why high-quality images paired with effective staging are so crucial – they help potential buyers visualise the space as their future home and, perhaps more importantly, see themselves in their future home.
But in this day and age, traditional staging doesn't cut it anymore. The world is becoming increasingly digital and tech-driven, and so, to succeed in this cut-throat business, you must adapt. This is where virtual staging comes in.
To cut to the chase: great photos and effective staging matter because they help capture the best things about a property. In other words, they highlight its best features, which is essential if you want to stand out in a crowded market.
But while taking great pictures takes some skill, it's certainly easier to accomplish than 'effectively' staging a property. This is because traditional staging often takes quite a bit of time, investment, and can also be logistically complicated, depending on the property.
Enter virtual staging. Cost-effective, quick to do, and re-do as many times as necessary depending on buyer's preferences, modern virtual staging blows its traditional counterpart out of the water. While it does require some initial investment, virtual staging is more affordable than traditional staging since there's no need to physically furnish a home to make it more appealing.
To maximise the look of the property with virtual staging, follow these simple steps.
Start with high-resolution photos of the empty property. They should be clear and sharp as this provides the best foundation for virtual staging. Needless to say, you want to make sure you're photographing the space in good lighting and from multiple angles.
Selecting a reputable virtual staging provider is crucial. Companies like TriStar, a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) provider, are a popular option because they have expertise in CAD technology, meaning they can produce detailed and lifelike photos from drawings and 3D rendered images, which can make your property look incredibly inviting to potential buyers.
When looking for software, look for providers with a strong portfolio and good reviews to ensure high-quality outcomes.
It's really important to tailor the staging style to your target market. For instance, if you're selling a luxury home, opt for elegant and sophisticated furniture. For a modern condo, it's best to choose sleek, contemporary pieces.
You can also re-do a property based on individual customer's preferences.
Naturally, you want to use virtual staging to emphasise the property's best features. So, if a room has a great view, arrange the furniture to draw attention to the windows. As for spacious areas, highlight them by keeping the staging minimal yet stylish.
Always remember: effective virtual staging means guiding the buyer's eye to the property's strengths.
To really amp up the experience for potential buyers, combine virtual staging with 3D virtual tours. Immersive experience is always a plus because it allows customers to explore the property in detail.
Also, a well-staged virtual tour can create a strong emotional connection, encouraging buyers to take the next step.
Finally, don't forget to use social media platforms to showcase your virtually staged properties. Eye-catching images and videos can attract a wider audience and generate more interest. You can also use targeted ads to reach potential buyers based on their location, interests, and demographics.
