How Do Realtors Do Virtual Real Estate Staging?

When a home sits empty or lacks charm, buyers struggle to picture its full potential. For realtors facing this common hurdle, virtual real estate staging has become a powerful solution. By digitally enhancing property photos with furniture, lighting, and decor, they turn lifeless rooms into inviting, market-ready interiors—without moving a single object.

But how exactly do realtors pull this off? In this article, we dive into the process, technology, and psychology behind how realtors do virtual real estate staging, and why it’s reshaping the way homes are sold in today’s digital-first world.

Summary Table: How Realtors Do Virtual Real Estate Staging

Aspect	Details
Purpose	Make listings visually appealing to attract more buyers
Tools Used	Photoshop, virtual staging software (e.g., BoxBrownie, PadStyler, Canva)
Process	Photograph → Upload → Stage digitally → Review → Publish
Cost	$20–$150 per image depending on complexity
Time to Complete	Typically 24–48 hours
Best for	Vacant homes, outdated interiors, tenant-occupied listings
Benefits	Faster sales, higher offers, stronger online appeal
Limitations	Can’t replace in-person staging for tactile experience

What Is Virtual Real Estate Staging and Why Is It Used?

Virtual real estate staging is a digital technique where interior furnishings are added to property photos using editing software. This method helps potential buyers visualize how a space could look when fully furnished.

Realtors use this strategy because:

• Empty rooms appear cold or smaller in photos
• Digitally staged images get more clicks and inquiries
• It is faster and cheaper than physical staging
• It allows multiple style options to appeal to different demographics

This sets the foundation for understanding the key steps involved in executing this approach.

How Do Realtors Capture the Right Photos for Virtual Staging?

Before staging begins, quality photography is essential. Realtors either hire a professional real estate photographer or use a DSLR/mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens to capture:

• Clean, well-lit, clutter-free rooms
• Photos taken from optimal angles (corner-to-corner view)
• High-resolution files (minimum 300 DPI)

Some also shoot with HDR bracketing to allow better control during digital editing. Without good raw images, even the best virtual staging can look unnatural.

With strong visuals in hand, the next step is choosing the right digital tools.

What Software and Tools Are Used for Virtual Staging?

Realtors rely on a mix of photo editing tools and virtual staging platforms to enhance images. Commonly used tools include:

Top Virtual Staging Platforms:

• BoxBrownie – Offers fast turnaround and realistic results
• PadStyler – Known for multiple interior design style options
• VHT Studios – Enterprise-level services with design consultation
• Canva Pro – Suitable for basic drag-and-drop interior elements

Common Photo Editing Tools:

• Adobe Photoshop – For custom staging and detailed edits
• Lumion or Blender – Used for 3D modeling in luxury listings

These platforms typically offer pre-designed furniture packs for modern, traditional, Scandinavian, and luxury styles. Once the image is staged, it’s sent to the realtor for approval.

Now that the tools are selected, let’s walk through the entire workflow.

What Is the Step-by-Step Process Realtors Follow?

Here’s how realtors typically carry out virtual staging:

1. Take Photos – Clean and photograph rooms (empty or semi-furnished)
2. Upload Images – Submit photos to the staging platform or editor
3. Select Design Style – Choose furniture and decor packages (e.g., cozy modern, boho chic)
4. Staging Execution – Editor adds items digitally to match real-world perspective
5. Review & Revise – Realtor requests revisions or approves the final result
6. Publish & Promote – Use staged images in listings, social media, brochures, etc.

This workflow helps sellers reduce days on market and increase perceived property value. But how does virtual staging impact buyer behavior?

How Does Virtual Staging Influence Buyers?

Visuals drive emotion—and virtual real estate staging taps into this with precision. Here’s what it does for prospective buyers:

• Creates emotional connection: Furnished images make the property feel like a home
• Helps visualize scale: Shows how furniture fits into space
• Inspires design ideas: Buyers get a sense of layout potential
• Builds urgency: Listings appear move-in ready, prompting quicker decisions

Buyers are 3x more likely to request showings on staged listings compared to non-staged ones. However, ethical considerations come into play, which we’ll explore next.

What Ethical Guidelines Should Realtors Follow?

To avoid misleading buyers, realtors must follow these best practices:

• Disclose staged images: Include a note in the listing description
• Avoid structural edits: Do not remove walls, windows, or permanent defects
• Be realistic: Use furniture sizes and placements that reflect the room’s dimensions
• Keep a clean original: Offer unstaged photos upon request

Transparency builds trust while still delivering the aesthetic value buyers crave.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Virtual Staging?

Pros:

• Low cost compared to physical staging
• Quick turnaround (1–2 days)
• Customizable for different target audiences
• No need to move or rent furniture

Cons:

• Not tangible—buyers can’t feel space during walkthroughs
• Risk of over-staging or misleading layouts
• Requires high-quality images to look realistic

Still, for most realtors, the pros far outweigh the cons, especially in a fast-paced market.

How to Choose a Virtual Staging Provider?

Key factors realtors should consider include:

• Turnaround time
• Style and furniture library
• Realism and visual quality
• Revision policy
• Pricing per image or package

Requesting samples or trials from multiple providers helps identify the right fit.

Conclusion

Virtual real estate staging is no longer optional—it’s essential in modern property marketing. Realtors use this digital strategy to maximize appeal, reduce time on market, and help buyers see potential from their screens.

Key Takeaways:

• Realtors use virtual staging to digitally furnish empty or outdated rooms
• The process includes photo capture, software staging, revision, and listing
• Tools like BoxBrownie, Photoshop, and Canva Pro are popular choices
• Ethical guidelines require transparency about altered images
• Virtual staging boosts click-through rates, engagement, and sales speed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is virtual staging in real estate?

Virtual staging is the process of adding digital furniture and decor to photos of a property to make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Is virtual staging worth it for realtors?

Yes. It’s cost-effective, fast, and significantly improves buyer engagement with online listings.

How much does virtual real estate staging cost?

Prices range from $20 to $150 per image, depending on the provider and complexity of the design.

Is virtual staging legal?

Yes, as long as the images are clearly disclosed as digitally altered and do not misrepresent the property’s physical condition.

Can you virtually stage a furnished home?

Yes. Realtors can request virtual decluttering followed by staging to present a more appealing version of the room.

This page was last edited on 24 June 2025, at 5:50 pm