Virtual Staging vs. Real Home Staging: What Sellers Need to Know
Virtual staging digitally edits photos of a vacant home, adding or removing furniture, décor, or paint colors to make the space look more appealing online. While these images can look realistic, the property itself remains empty — the changes exist only on screen.
Some agents use virtual staging as a cheaper alternative to professional staging. While it may create attractive online photos, it does not provide the emotional connection buyers feel when visiting a staged home in person. Modern technology makes virtual staging highly realistic, but this realism can also create risks. Misleading images may disappoint buyers and even lead to legal issues.
Disappointed Visitors
Virtual staging can increase online interest and showings. However, buyers visiting the home in person may be disappointed to find empty rooms instead of the beautifully furnished spaces they saw online. This disconnect can reduce buyer excitement, lead to assumptions that the seller is desperate, and even encourage low-ball offers. Virtual staging cannot replicate the first impression or emotional connection of real staging.
False Advertising Risks
While photos are essential to selling a home, virtual staging can misrepresent room size, layout, or features. Altering or hiding flaws solely to sell the home borders on deception and may result in legal consequences if buyers feel misled.
Best Practices to Avoid Legal Issues
To minimize risk when using virtual staging:
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Disclose virtual staging – Clearly label all digitally altered photos so buyers know what is real.
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Show current and staged photos – Side-by-side images give buyers a realistic view while showing potential.
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Don’t hide issues – Avoid digitally removing flaws like water stains or structural issues.
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Be realistic – Stage photos should show how a buyer could reasonably furnish or improve the space, not remove permanent features like power lines.
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Get legal advice – Consult an attorney about disclosure language and permitted edits.
MLS Guidelines and E&O Insurance
Misleading photos can violate MLS rules, resulting in fines or removal of images. Watch this video featuring the 2019 Vice Chair of the MLS Board of Directors to learn more about MLS rules and virtual staging.
Virtual staging also raises legal risks. The National Association of Realtors® (NAR®) warns that misrepresentation claims could lead to lawsuits. Proper Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance is essential to protect agents and brokers if virtual staging is used improperly.
MLS Fines
Photos that create a false reality are misleading and will result at a minimum in MLS fines and removal of all of your photos except one main exterior photo. To learn about the new guidelines regarding Home Staging and the MLS rules regarding virtual staging, watch the newly released video featuring our 2019 Vice Chair of the MLS Board of Directors, entitled “Virtual Staging with Georgia Purpura” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF2JXd71egc&feature=youtu.be
The Bottom Line
Buyers form emotional connections to a home through real, professionally staged furnishings and décor. No reputable builder or seller relies on virtual staging for model homes because actual staging creates first impressions and lasting emotional impact.
If you would like to learn more about the successful impact of actual home staging, visit Our Success Stories. To learn how more about our home staging services view our Home Staging Estimate, Complimentary and let us be your preferred Las Vegas Homes Staging company.
