See How a Stager Transformed a Virtually Staged Home into One Buyers Actually Wanted

"Staging is often considered a very important piece to selling a home. Staged homes sell faster and often for higher than comparable homes that weren't staged, according to the National Association of Realtors. But for those on a budget or not wanting to deal with the hassle of movers traipsing in and out of your home to move furniture around, virtual staging may seem like an enticing option."

"Virtual staging is cheaper, with some Reddit users reporting that it costs them between $24 and $35 per photo, plus a little extra for any edits. But there are downsides. For one, when potential buyers come to tour the space, your home will still be empty. This matters insofar as staging is a key way to help potential buyers imagine what each room could be used for and understand how much furniture can fit into any space."

""The audience for this part of town is young professionals or folks who have a big house in the suburbs or another city, and this would serve as a second home for when they come downtown," Marino explains. "If you think of both those demographics, those people are entertaining. They're having people over before going out to dinner, watching football games - you need a space to actually host people.""

Staging significantly affects home sales, with staged homes selling faster and often for higher prices. Virtual staging offers a lower-cost alternative, sometimes costing $24 and $35 per photo, but leaves the physical property empty during showings, which can hinder buyers' ability to imagine furnished layouts. In one Chicago listing, virtual staging failed to attract offers after 50 days; after the home was physically staged, it went into contract within a week. Real staging demonstrated a functional dining and entertaining area tailored to target buyers—young professionals and suburban second-home owners—highlighting the need for spaces suited to hosting and everyday living.

Read at Apartment Therapy