By Maria Stokes
As a professional home staging company, one of the questions we receive is, “Do you offer virtual staging?” It’s a fair question, given the increasing popularity of virtual staging in the property industry.
Virtual staging, for those unfamiliar, involves digitally placing furniture and decor into photos of an empty property, creating a vision of what the space could look like once furnished. This technique has its place, especially in today’s digital world where first impressions are often made online. However, there’s more to the story…
The Appeal of Virtual Staging
Virtual staging is undeniably an innovative tool. With the majority of potential buyers starting their property search online, attractive images are crucial for capturing interest. Virtual staging allows estate agents and sellers to present a property in its best light with minimal cost and effort. It’s quick, can be tailored to specific styles that resonate with the target market, and can even overcome minor flaws in the property by drawing the viewer’s attention to beautifully arranged furniture and decor.
For budget-conscious sellers, virtual staging can seem like a cost-effective alternative to physical staging. After all, why go through the expense and hassle of bringing in actual furniture when you can achieve a similar effect with a few clicks?
The Reality of In-Person Showings
While virtual staging can help create an attractive online listing, it has its limitations—particularly when it comes to in-person viewings. The images might draw potential buyers to the property, but what happens when they step through the door and are greeted by an empty, echoing space?
The truth is, buying a home is an emotional experience. When a potential buyer walks into a property, they’re not just evaluating the walls, floors, and square footage—they’re imagining themselves living there. They’re picturing where their kids might play, how their furniture might fit, and what it would be like to host a dinner party in the dining room. Empty rooms can feel cold and uninviting, making it difficult for buyers to form that emotional connection.
This is where physical staging shines. By thoughtfully placing furniture, artwork, and accessories, staging helps buyers visualise the lifestyle a property can offer. It showcases the potential of each room, making it easier for buyers to see how they could use the space. A well-staged home feels warm, welcoming, and lived-in, which can make all the difference when it comes to swaying a buyer’s decision.
Why Staging Works
The benefits of physical staging are well-documented. According to the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), staged homes sell faster and for more money than their non-staged counterparts. This is because staging helps to:
Maximise Space: Proper furniture placement can make a room feel larger and more functional. It helps to define spaces in open-plan homes, giving each area a clear purpose.
Highlight Key Features: Staging draws attention to a home’s best attributes, whether it’s a stunning fireplace, large windows, or unique architectural details. It also helps to downplay less desirable aspects, such as awkward room layouts or lack of natural light.
Appeal to a Broader Audience: Professional stagers know how to create a neutral, yet stylish, environment that appeals to a wide range of buyers. The goal is to help buyers see themselves living in the space, which can be hard to do if the home is filled with the seller’s personal items or completely empty.
Create an Emotional Connection: As mentioned earlier, buying a home is an emotional decision. Staging helps to create an inviting atmosphere that resonates with buyers on a deeper level. It’s about selling a lifestyle, not just a property.
Our Focus: Quality Property Staging
At House of Arden, we understand the value of both virtual and physical staging. Virtual staging can be a great tool for online listings, and we recognise that it might be a service we consider offering in the future. We understand that budgets can be stretched, especially in today’s market, and we’re always exploring ways to meet the needs of our clients.
However, at the moment, our focus remains on providing high-quality physical staging services. We believe that the true power of staging lies in its ability to transform a space and create that all-important emotional connection during in-person showings. Our team of professional stagers is skilled at turning empty or cluttered spaces into beautifully curated environments that highlight a home’s full potential.
We work closely with our clients to ensure that each property is staged to appeal to its target market, whether that means a modern, minimalist look or a cosy, traditional style. Our goal is to make each home feel inviting and ready for potential buyers to imagine their future there.
The Future of Staging
As the property market continues to evolve, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve. While we’re currently concentrating on physical staging, we’re keeping a close eye on trends and technologies, including virtual staging. We may introduce virtual staging as a service in the future, as we understand that every property and seller has unique needs.
In the meantime, we’re dedicated to helping our clients make the most of their property listings with expert staging services that deliver results. We believe in the power of creating spaces that buyers can fall in love with—not just online, but in person.
If you’re considering selling your home and want to learn more about how staging can help, we’d love to chat. Reach out to us on 0121 405 9767 or email info@houseofarden.com and let’s discuss how we can make your property shine.
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