Virtual Staging - Virtual Short Sale

In the context of trying to reinvent the wheel Home Staging has now entered the Virtual World. Although I have offered a different form of Virtual Staging on my web site for over a year now) I never intended and never would do it in the manner now being offered. I have been asked if I could take empty rooms and enhance them with furnishings. My answer is, "No, I don't & won't do it." It may be the latest in technology to Stage vacant homes but this road is full of pitfalls. My advise, be smart don't go down that road!

To achieve the Virtually Staged look pictures of empty rooms are taken and "virtual" furnishings, accessories & upgrades are dropped in all the show the property Staged. Here are the problems I see:

1. Buyers & Realtors alike will be sorely disappointed upon walking the property as it may still be:
   • Unkept
   • Outdated
   • Dirty
2. If a property does not look as it is reflected in MLS pictures it is an absolute turn off for potential buyers. There are enough challenges in the current real estate. Selling is tough enough, I see no good reason for "virtually" creating another objection to overcome in order to make the deal.
3. Barb Schwarz, The Creator of Home Staging® makes another valid point about Virtual Staging. As Realtors you are bound by a Code of Ethics. One is NOT to misrepresent properties for sale. Virtual Staging could, in some cases be considered misrepresentation. You may read Barb's full blog post on this subject @ www.stagedhomes.com/blog

Technology is terrific but we live in real homes, with real walls, rooms, flooring etc. We all "live" in reality not the virtual world! Up to 87% of buyers may look for their next home on the Internet first they buy their next home by seeing, touching & feeling it! That is where decisions to buy are made! Buying a home is such an emotional experience, one that starts by viewing homes in person! We buy homes that excite us and that we fall in love with. Professional Home Staging evokes positive emotions in potential buyers; Real Professionally Staged properties will never be replaced by Virtually Staged ones.

I cannot tell you the times I have received PICS first before previewing a vacant home for Staging. I may have an idea of how to Stage it from the PICS but those options always changes once I walk the property. Home Staging in real Estate need to remain in "reality."