Virtual Staging

Interesting read today in Realtor Magazine online...

http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009073002?OpenDocument

I personally think virtual staging can be very effective marketing tool. In fact, I wish I had it as a tool when I sold new homes many years ago! Most buyers I worked with couldn't visual the potential of a home (which is why the model home plans always sold out first.) I also agree with the author of this article that Realtors must be careful when using it as a marketing tool so as not to look like your trying to deceive potential buyers. Here are some things that we always suggest if you use virtual staging...

1) Use before AND afters in your marketing efforts.

2) Use text on the virtually staged photo indicating it is virtually staged (eg "Imagine the possibilties..." or "Designer's rendering".)

3) Don't make structural changes or landscaping changes (or anything that would otherwise convey with the property if it were really there.)

4) Display the virtual staging photos on foam core poster board on an easel in the actual listing so that prospects can imagine the possibilities.

When we have used virtual staging, it has worked VERY well! I just think more Realtors and sellers need to understand it is a very effective marketing strategy, and an affordable alternative when the budget doesn't allow a full blown staging.

Need a listing virtually staged?

E-mail or call us today! info@theinterioritycomplex.com 512-289-7177

Diplomacy is key!

I just happened across the website of a designer/stager today and saw something that I found a bit surprising. In her gallery of photos, she highlighted a photo of a kitchen redesign she completed for a home that was having trouble selling. In her verbiage, she said "The client was told by her real estate agent that she would need to install granite countertops and tile floor in order to sell quickly. We disagreed and made the above changes and the house sold within 3 weeks of the first Open House!"

I was shocked to see that this stager was openly advertising that she disagreed with her clients' Realtor. I'm not shocked that it happened, as on occassion a Realtor and stager might have a differing opinion on a staging strategy -- but to advertise that does no good for our industry, or her staging business.

Just for the record, if you're a Realtor reading this, a good stager's talent should go far beyond their design expertise and their real estate knowledge. Diplomacy and people skills are key. A key part of a real estate stagers job (or any vendor a Realtor recommends) is to help Realtors grow and strengthen their business. That doesn't always happen through the act of staging. It also happens through the facilitation of relationship and trust building between the seller, the Realtor and the stager. A happy seller/client = strong businesses, more referrals and a rewarding experience for all involved. I know that I hold each and every vendor we hire to the same standards as I would an employee we hire. We have mutual trust, respect and a common goal. The same holds ture for the Realtor/Stager relationship!

Wildfire Wall Coverings!

Just a fun collage of a recent design project we did for a client in which we used Vahallan Papers. A unique wallcovering (hand painted paper, actually) which creates a beautiful look!