Home staging is one of the most powerful tools for selling your property quickly and for top dollar. This proven method creates a warm and inviting space that buyers can’t get enough of. While traditional home staging is effective, it is also costly, time-consuming, and inconvenient. Sellers and realtors alike are turning to a more cost-effective alternative: virtual home staging.

Virtual staging offers a fast, convenient, and affordable answer to traditional home staging. Instead of using physical furniture and decor, it utilizes digital images to create stunning spaces. While the cost of virtual staging can vary depending on the number of rooms and services chosen, it is far more affordable than traditional methods. In this article, we will discuss the cost of virtual staging so you can choose the best option to meet your needs. We will also explain how the process works, the impact it can make on your property, and whether it is worth the cost.

How Much Does Virtual Home Staging Cost?

To better understand the cost of virtual home staging, it’s important to first discuss how it works. The virtual staging process uses advanced technology to transform a property with digital images. Using a photo, the client can choose which pieces they want to insert to match the desired theme. Unlike traditional staging, there are seemingly endless options for indoor and outdoor spaces. Additionally, virtual staging services go beyond furniture and decor; clients can change the wall color, add or remove walls, update landscaping, and enhance curb appeal. There’s no denying that virtual staging is transforming the real estate market, benefitting the agent, seller, and buyer.

Along with the many options it provides, virtual staging is a popular option due to its affordability. Staging a home or property ranges from around $70 to $350+, depending on multiple factors like the number of photos and the company you use. Clients can choose from a variety of virtual staging services, including item removal, floor change, exterior and interior wall change, day to dusk, and more.

According to The National Association of Realtors, the most important rooms for home staging are the living room -47%, the primary bedroom – 43%, and the kitchen – 35%. What is the cost for those seeking to focus on staging only a few main rooms instead of the whole house?

At Virtual HomeZen, our virtual staging is only $39 per image, with an expedited 24-hour turnaround. That means if you want to focus solely on the most impactful spaces in your home, it will only cost $117 if you use one photo per room. Compare that to traditional home staging, which can range from $600 to over $4,000, and the savings are clear! According to Statista, a typical home is around 2,273 square feet, which can quickly become costly to stage. Virtual staging allows you to create cost-effective custom images tailored to your target buyer to make your property stand out.

How are Virtual Staging Costs Calculated?

Virtual staging costs can vary by company, which can be confusing for the client. While it may seem like all services are similar, there are multiple factors that determine each price point. To better understand how financially beneficial virtual staging is, we must explore the process of creating these hyper-realistic images.

Software – One of the driving factors affecting the cost of virtual staging is the software used to develop the images. While some companies choose to use free software to keep costs low, the results can appear grainy and unrealistic. High-quality virtual staging software can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands, depending on the complexity of the coding. While they are more costly, they provide superior results. Companies like Virtual HomeZen use cutting-edge technology to create a more immersive and realistic experience while maintaining cost efficiency.

Up-To-Date Designs – One of the reasons virtual home staging is so popular is the ability to use the latest trends. To accomplish this, the company must employ knowledgeable designers with the expertise to create impactful, high-quality images. The top virtual staging companies offer a wide range of furniture, decor, and additional services to match any theme and attract a wide range of potential buyers.

Large Inventory – To maximize the benefits virtual staging offers, a company must have a large inventory of furniture for the client to choose from. Stocking a wide selection of 3D model decor and furniture allows for greater flexibility and customization to greater showcase the property’s potential. A company with a wide variety allows the client to stage each space with their target buyer in mind. They can choose multiple images with different decor and themes to reach a larger audience. On the other hand, if a company has limited inventory, its services may cost less, but the end result will be less realistic and dynamic. Always consider the quality and availability of the inventory when choosing a virtual staging company, and keep this factor in mind when comparing prices.

Along with the above considerations, here are a few other expenses that can help with understanding pricing for virtual staging services.

Extra Services – Some virtual staging companies offer additional services like 3D architectural rendering, 360 virtual staging, image enhancement, and more. These services offer an excellent opportunity to showcase the beauty of your home by creating an immersive and interactive experience for potential buyers. By letting buyers tour the property virtually, they gain a deeper understanding of its flow and feel, creating an emotional connection.

Editing Fees – Some photos may need additional editing to ensure a high-quality final image. These services, like a floor change, wall or furniture removal, and the addition of special effects, can incur an added fee.

In virtual staging, like many services, you often get what you pay for. While choosing cheaper options is tempting, you may sacrifice quality and customization features in the process. Always consider all factors before choosing a virtual staging company to ensure you select the one that fits your budget while maximizing on the many financial benefits virtual staging provides.

Traditional Home Staging vs. Virtual Home Staging

As we briefly spoke about earlier, virtual home staging is far more cost-effective than traditional home staging. Let’s discuss further the difference between traditional home staging vs. virtual home staging costs.

The Cost of Traditional Home Staging

For years, traditional home staging was considered the holy grail of real estate, helping sellers create an inviting space potential buyers adored. While it quickly grew in popularity, it included many disadvantages that made the service unobtainable for many. To start, traditional home staging costs vary greatly and are dependent on both the property’s location and the local real estate market.

That means that the cost to stage a home in San Francisco could be significantly higher than in a smaller city like Columbia, South Carolina. To estimate the cost of a fully staged home, sellers or realtors can expect to pay 1% of their property’s sale price. So, for a $300,000 house, expect to pay around $3,000 for staging. If the seller is paying for the service, that’s a large chunk out of their profit, and for the realtor, that amount can eat up around half of their commission.

Additionally, traditional staging is time-consuming and inconvenient. Since it involves adding physical furniture, the seller must remove their belongings, and if they still live in the house, they must be careful not to damage anything. You are also dependent on the staging company’s availability and inventory. It’s not uncommon to have up to a six-month wait for the initial consultation and even longer for the actual staging.

The Cost of Virtual Staging

Real estate professionals and homeowners can both benefit from the savings virtual staging provides. The virtual staging average cost is only $350 for an entire house, making it far more affordable than traditional methods. While the affordability is great, it’s not the only way virtual staging differs from traditional home staging. One of the main advantages of choosing virtual staging is the ability to create fully digital images. There is no need for hauling and moving physical furniture or the confines of choosing only one design theme.

Virtual staging offers greater flexibility and freedom. Unlike traditional staging, the seller can live in the house comfortably while it is on the market, and potential buyers can tour it at their convenience. The realtor can showcase the property’s potential, offering different style options to help the buyer visualize living in the space. Since the typical virtual staging order is ready within 24 hours, it’s easy to switch out furniture or customize the space. Virtual staging is truly the stress-free way to create a stunning property buyers are excited to see.

Can I Do Virtual Staging Myself?

Since virtual staging requires specific software, it’s not recommended for sellers to create the images themselves. While there are free or low-cost options, they are generally low quality and can detract from the home’s beauty. Hiring a virtual staging company to create vivid, high-quality images is an affordable investment that pays dividends. Additionally, these companies can create stunning photos quickly, with turnaround times as fast as 24 hours. For many, making their own virtual staging designs is a timely process, taking away from when potential buyers could be viewing their home. Since the pricing and ROI of virtual staging make it an excellent investment, so hiring a virtual staging company to provide photos is the best choice to attract potential buyers.

Who Pays for Virtual Staging?

Depending on your contract and agreement, the party paying for virtual staging can vary. In some cases, the realtor is responsible for the cost, including it as part of their overall service. The seller can also be responsible for purchasing virtual staging images, especially if they are selling their property themselves. Be sure to discuss this with your realtor beforehand to ensure there is no confusion.

Is Virtual Staging Worth the Cost?

Virtual staging is one of the best investments you can make when trying to sell your home. Realtors use this powerful tool to reach a wide range of potential buyers and create eye-catching images that showcase the property’s beauty and potential. While there are many virtual staging companies out there, they are not all created equal. Choosing a company that focuses on producing the highest quality images with superior customer service is key.

FAQ

Is DIY Virtual Staging Effective?

While DIY virtual staging is possible, choosing a professional company specializing in producing high-quality images is the best way to showcase your property.

What are the Best Virtual Staging Companies?

While there are many virtual staging companies out there, not everyone provides high-quality results. Virtual HomeZen is proud to be the most trusted name for quality virtual staging images for all property types.

How Can I Find the Virtual Staging Cost Near Me?

Unlike traditional home staging, virtual staging doesn’t require the use of a local company since the process is completely digital. Clients can utilize the services of online companies anywhere in the world and receive stunning results.

At Virtual HomeZen, we are proud to provide comprehensive virtual home staging solutions. Our high-quality images bring life into your listings, creating unforgettable spaces buyers love. We offer the largest selection of furniture and decor in a wide range of styles. Along with virtual staging, we feature a variety of services, including:

• Item removal
• Interior-exterior wall changes
• Landscaping
• 360 virtual staging
• Day to dusk
• Image enhancement
• Add pool
• Virtual renovation
• 3D architectural rendering
• And more!

At Virtual HomeZen, we believe in the power of virtual home staging to transform your listing. Our expedited services mean we deliver most images within 24 hours, so you can list your property faster. Discover why we are the most trusted name in the business, with the premier name in virtual staging, Virtual HomeZen.