What are the benefits to virtual staging over traditional staging?

A: The obvious benefit to virtual staging is cost ... everyone knows that.

But there are also less apparent virtual staging benefits, as follows:

• Your preferred stager is booked solid months out for traditional staging.

• No time to complete other preferred “improvements,” like flooring and paint.

• Virtual staging can move walls, add windows, change flow, etc., which requires a disclaimer in all marketing endeavors.

So, it really comes down to: What do you want to accomplish? What’s in your budget? And how much time do you have?

Both virtual and traditional staging are effective because nearly every prospective buyer initially views the property online, and the visual appeal must be compelling to excite any online buyer or he/she will likely click on to the next home.

The final consideration is impact once the prospect walks into the property.

So yes, there are benefits to virtual staging, but agents still prefer traditional staging in most mid-tohigh end listings because we see the cost of staging not as an expense ... but as an investment — something we’ll get a return on.

Tom Hart, Berkshire Hathaway/Drysdale Properties, 925-321-3220, tom@tomhart.com.

A: Virtual staging has become increasingly popular in recent years and offers several benefits over traditional staging, including:

• Customization: Virtual staging can offer a wider variety of furnishings and styles, while traditional staging is limited to a stager’s own inventory and aesthetic. Virtual staging can display a room multiple ways, broadening its appeal and potential buyer pool. Imagine an unused bedroom repurposed into an office or kids’ play area. Visualize an outdated kitchen after a remodel, or an ADU in the garage. Possibilities are endless with just a click of a mouse.

• Affordability: Traditional staging can typically run into the thousands, depending on the home’s size, number of rooms, etc. Virtual staging ranges from $25 to 75 per photo.

Staging helps buyers visualize the potential of a space, forging a connection between the buyer and a home. While a virtually staged home will present better than an empty home, nothing beats the in-person look and feel of traditional staging.

Leo Peak, Peak Real Estate Group at Corcoran Global Living, 415-816-1469,

leo@leopeak.com.

A: As over 90% of home buyers now start their search online, giving them access to a large selection of properties, most agree that staging makes it easier for them to visualize the property as their own, and helps them in their decision to purchase. Home staging is without a doubt the most well-known method of selling a home for the best value.

While both traditional and virtual staging options are good, they clearly have different advantages and disadvantages. Depending on location, space and budget, one may be inclined to choose one over the other — for smaller budgets and smaller spaces, virtual staging may be preferable, as it’s a much quicker and much less expensive process for property presentation. It also helps buyers see the home’s full potential, as it doesn’t impact the home’s physical state at all, and there is nothing in the space to hide or detract. For larger budgets and larger properties, traditional staging may be preferred, as it allows buyers to visit the fully staged property and experience it more fully.

Kathleen Daly, Coldwell Banker, 415-519-6074, kdaly@cbnorcal.com; Lisa Lange, Coldwell Banker, 415-847-7770,

lisalange@coldwellbanker.com.