COVID-19 has affected almost every aspect of life. It has changed the way most industries handle their operations. Without a doubt, real estate has just been as hard hit. At the onset of the pandemic, the entire industry was at a standstill. Most real estate agents in Arizona and developers had to pivot their operations to accommodate new protocols to ensure the safety of their clients.
One of the most innovative real estate developments that came in the wake of the pandemic is virtual staging. Just like in-person staging, virtual staging allows prospective buyers to imagine themselves living in the property they hope to buy.
However, with virtual staging, interior design elements are added by graphic artists to create a hyperrealistic image of a lived-in home. Virtual staging isn’t merely about photoshopping furniture but it is about creating an aesthetically cohesive space.
In 2016, 5% to 10% of real estate companies used some form of virtual staging. With the pandemic, that figure has gone up significantly, The technology is here to stay even after cases wane and life as we know it returns to normal. And for good reason.
Below are just a few of the benefits to virtual staging – pandemic or not.
Virtual staging offers flexibility
Truth be told, homebuyers have different laundry lists of what they want in a property. Some prefer modern furnishing while others gravitate to that cozy cottage feel. Unless a seller is willing to tie themselves to one aesthetic, virtual staging allows homeowners the freedom to present their home as a versatile space that will appeal to a wide variety of tastes.
In addition, virtual staging allows agents and sellers to present a home in different ways without the cost and hassle of dealing with renting physical furniture.
Virtual staging is quick
Physically staging a home is laborious. According to experts, styling a property, from choosing the furniture to dealing with small interior design additions, takes at least a week. Even with COVID-19, the real estate market is incredibly fast-paced. Losing a week on staging can cost a seller the chance to offload a property to a willing buyer.
Depending on the skill level of the graphic artist, staging a home virtually is quick. Usually, a listing is ready within a day.
Virtual staging is cost-effective
On average, renting furniture costs around $500 – $600 a month for every room. That’s around $1,500 for a single house. It is even costlier if the house has sat unsold for longer than it should.
With virtual staging, the investment lies in finding a graphic designer that has the skills to create hyperrealistic images. While having a designer on the payroll is an expense, it may turn out to be more cost-effective than renting furniture or buying additional furnishings to stage the home.
While the end of the pandemic remains uncertain, one thing is for sure – virtual home staging is here to stay. If you are looking to sell your house in Arizona, we at Aeris House Properties are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about your options. Call 602.466.9771 or info(at)aerishouse(dotted)com.