Virtual Staging for Real Estate: Software, Strategies, and Sales Boosting Tips

Real estate is a constantly evolving field, and if you want to continue to grow your business, you need to evolve, too. You should constantly add new tools and strategies to your real estate marketing arsenal to remain competitive.

Virtual staging in real estate has taken off in recent years (partly because you couldn’t look at homes in person for a portion of 2020), and many buyers now see it as a necessity rather than a nice-to-have during the home-buying process.

According to a National Association of Realtors report, 77% of buyer’s agents said that virtually staged photos helped their clients visualize the property better than an empty room would have done.

In this post, we’ll look at the various benefits of virtual staging compared to more traditional methods, along with how flexibility and speed in virtual staging can effectively meet your buyers’ needs while offering creative opportunities for presenting properties attractively.

What Is Virtual Staging in Real Estate?

Virtual staging is the process of digitally furnishing and decorating a property to show its full potential to prospective buyers. Instead of physically moving furniture and decor into a space, virtual staging relies on high-resolution photos and advanced virtual staging software to create realistic, visually appealing designs tailored to the property.

This innovative approach allows real estate professionals to showcase a home’s potential while eliminating the logistical challenges of traditional staging. Virtual staging can transform empty rooms, update outdated spaces, and even demonstrate multiple design possibilities for the same space.

How Much Does Virtual Staging Cost?

Virtual staging typically starts at $16-29 per image, with most properties requiring 5-10 photos for complete coverage. Meanwhile, traditional staging can cost $2,000-6,000 per month per property—and that’s before factoring in transport, labor, storage, and insurance costs. While premium virtual staging might reach $50 per image for luxury properties, it still represents just 10% of traditional staging costs. Savings mean more room in your marketing budget to focus on other strategies that drive leads, like targeted social media campaigns, professional photography, or virtual tours.

Advantages of Virtual Home Staging

Virtual staging isn’t just a trend; it’s a full-blown game-changer for real estate agents looking to increase sales and stand out in a crowded market. If you’re not already using virtual staging real estate tools, here’s what you’re missing:

Faster Turnaround for Fast-Paced Markets

Time kills deals. With virtual staging, you’ll have stunning photos ready in 24–48 hours—no need to wait for furniture rentals or decorators. This speed allows you to list properties faster and keeps you ahead in competitive markets.

Online Listings That Actually Convert

Over 90% of buyers start their home search online, and virtually staged photos give your listings the “wow” factor they need to stand out. They’re proven to increase clicks, views, and inquiries, making them a must-have for your real estate virtual staging strategy.

Customization for Every Buyer

Different buyers have different visions. Virtual staging lets you target buyer demographics with tailored designs. Want to attract first-time buyers? Go modern and minimalist. Selling to a luxury client? Stage with high-end furnishings. You can even virtually renovate outdated spaces or showcase multiple layouts for the same room.

Marketing That Works Harder

Those virtually staged images aren’t just for your MLS listing. Use them everywhere—social media ads, email campaigns, and even print marketing. Add in features like virtual outdoor staging or 3D tours, and you’ll have buyers hooked before they even step foot in the home.

Virtual staging is the ultimate tool for realtors looking to boost sales and growth—all without breaking the bank or wasting time.

Affordable Virtual Staging Software and Services

Virtual staging has quickly become one of the most cost-effective ways to showcase properties and grab buyer attention online. Compared to traditional staging, which can cost thousands of dollars, virtual staging offers an affordable alternative with fast turnaround times and exceptional customization options. Whether you’re a top producer with luxury listings or a new agent looking to stretch your budget, there’s a solution for you.

Styldod: Budget-Friendly and Fast

If you’re looking for an affordable option to stage listings quickly, Styldod is a great choice. Starting at $16 per image, Styldod allows you to upload photos and choose from a variety of design templates. Final images are delivered in less than 48 hours, making it an excellent option for agents who need fast results without breaking the bank.

PhotoUp: Virtual Staging with Extras

PhotoUp combines virtual staging with additional features like virtual tours, making it a versatile option for agents. Starting at $19 per image, it’s a little pricier than Styldod but offers more flexibility for those looking to expand their property marketing efforts beyond static images.

Stucco: Premium Customization

For agents with high-end listings, Stuccco provides fully customized virtual staging starting at $29 per image. This platform shines when it comes to creating premium, tailored designs that reflect the lifestyle of your target buyers. If you’re staging luxury homes or want that extra level of polish, Stuccco is worth the investment.

BoxBrownie: Versatile and Reliable

BoxBrownie is one of the most versatile virtual staging platforms, offering services like virtual renovations and furniture removal in addition to staging. At $24 per image, it’s a middle-ground option for agents who need a variety of services at competitive pricing. With fast delivery and a range of design options, BoxBrownie is a reliable choice for any listing.

Key Takeaway: Virtual staging is a great way to showcase a home’s potential to buyers. By exploring multiple options, you’ll be able to find the perfect virtual staging service that aligns with your needs while staying within budget constraints. Remember, understanding your target audience’s preferences is key when picking the right platform – so choose the service that makes the most for your business objectives.

Comparing the Options

Whether you’re staging one property or an entire portfolio, these platforms offer scalable solutions to fit your needs. For agents focused on affordability and speed, Styldod and PhotoUp are excellent choices. If customization is your priority, Stuccco delivers premium designs, while BoxBrownie balances versatility with competitive pricing. Adding virtual staging to your marketing strategy has never been easier—or more affordable.

How to Virtually Stage a House

Virtual staging can transform your real estate marketing strategy when done right. Here’s how to get started quickly and effectively:

1. Start with High-Quality Photos

Quality is everything in virtual staging. Use a professional camera or hire a photographer to capture well-lit, high-resolution images. Focus on clean, decluttered spaces that give designers plenty to work with. Wide-angle shots are ideal for showing the full scope of a room.

Quick Tip: Shoot during daylight hours and avoid heavy shadows to make the space feel bright and inviting.

2. Choose the Right Virtual Staging Software or Service

Not all virtual staging software is created equal. Look for platforms that align with your needs. For quick, budget-friendly options, check out Styldod or PhotoUp. For more customization, you might prefer Stuccco or BoxBrownie. Check out our full review of top virtual staging software to learn more.

3. Match the Design to Your Target Audience

Virtual staging isn’t one-size-fits-all. Tailor designs to the buyer demographic:

• First-time buyers: Go for modern and minimalist.
• Families: Showcase practical layouts like playrooms or large dining spaces.
• Luxury buyers: Include upscale furnishings and decor to highlight premium features.

4. Highlight Key Selling Features

Use virtual staging to draw attention to standout elements like open floor plans, fireplaces, or outdoor spaces. You can also “update” older rooms with modern finishes to help buyers see the property’s potential. Incorporate lifestyle elements like a cozy reading nook in the living room or an outdoor dining setup on the patio to evoke warmth and comfort among prospective buyers.

5. Integrate Staged Photos into Your Marketing Efforts

Once your images are ready, use them everywhere:

• MLS Listings: Virtually staged photos grab attention immediately.
• Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook love eye-catching visuals.
• Email Campaigns: Include staged photos to elevate your newsletter content.
• Virtual Tours: Pair staged photos with interactive tours for a comprehensive buyer experience.

Pro Tip: Show before-and-after comparisons to emphasize the transformation and help buyers visualize possibilities.

6. Showcase Versatility

Buyers love homes that offer flexibility. Use virtual staging to highlight multi-purpose spaces:

• Turn an empty bedroom into a guest room/home office hybrid.
• Show how a basement can double as a gym or entertainment area.
• Highlight outdoor potential with patios, fire pits, or cozy seating areas.

The goal is to help buyers visualize how they can customize the space to fit their needs.

7. Stay Transparent

Always disclose when photos are virtually staged. Add a small note in your listing or a watermark on the image. Buyers will appreciate the honesty, and it builds trust.

With these steps, you can implement virtual staging for real estate effectively, turning empty spaces into dream homes that sell faster.

Boosting Sales through Virtual Home Staging

Studies show that well-staged homes (even if done virtually) generate much buyer interest and raise selling prices. In a 2018 survey about home staging, 68% of effectively staged homes sold for 9% higher than other listings.

Increased Buyer Interest from Virtually Staged Properties

Virtually staged homes provide a more engaging experience for potential buyers, allowing them to visualize the home’s potential more quickly. If you have images tailored to suit prospective buyers’ preferences, it will be easier for them to imagine themselves living in the property.

As a result, real estate agents can expect more inquiries and showings when using virtual staging techniques compared to relying solely on empty room photos.

Even better, with the rise of rapid home offers, sight unseen, nearly 50% of potential buyers have said that they would buy a home based solely on a virtual tour.

Higher Selling Prices Due To Effective Presentation

A well-presented property is likely to attract higher offers from interested parties. Virtual staging helps showcase a home’s best features while minimizing flaws or imperfections in physical furniture arrangements. By presenting each space as realistic and visually appealing, agents can generate lots of demand among potential buyers willing to pay top dollar for their dream home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Virtual Home Staging

Is Virtual Staging Legal?

Yes, virtual staging is completely legal, but it must be used ethically and transparently. Real estate agents must clearly disclose that images are virtually staged in their listings and should never use virtual staging to hide structural defects or damage. Only cosmetic elements like furniture, decor, and paint colors should be modified, while keeping the original architectural features intact.

Does Virtual Staging Help Sell Properties Faster?

Absolutely. Virtual staging can speed up the sales process significantly. Staged homes, whether physically or virtually staged, sell 33% to 50% faster than non-staged homes. Why? Because buyers can immediately visualize the potential of the space. Pairing virtually staged images with tools like virtual tours can further enhance buyer engagement and lead to faster offers.

Which Properties Benefit Most from Virtual Staging?

Virtually any property can benefit from virtual staging, but it’s especially effective for:

• Vacant Homes: Transform empty spaces into inviting environments.
• Outdated Interiors: Replace dated furniture with modern styles.
• Luxury Listings: Showcase high-end finishes and premium decor.
• Multi-Use Spaces: Highlight flexibility with staged home offices, playrooms, or dual-purpose rooms.