Virtual Staging: Looks Good Online… But Is It Fooling Anyone In Person?
Let’s talk about virtual staging. You know, the digital magic that turns an empty living room into a swoon-worthy space online. It’s quick, it’s cheap, and let’s be honest—it makes those listing photos pop. But here’s the thing: while virtual staging might get eyeballs on your listing, it doesn’t always get offers on the table.
Hot Tip: A beautifully staged photo only gets you so far if buyers walk into a cold, empty room with echo-y walls and zero vibe. Major letdown.
We’ve seen it time and time again: listings that rely only on virtual staging tend to sit longer and sell for less. Why? Because buyers walk in expecting a cozy, stylish home and instead get… an empty box. The emotional connection? Poof. Gone.
I plugged a photo of a sunroom I was asked to stage into ChatGPT and asked for a virtual staged room image.
Here’s the room before any staging…
The resulting ChatGBT virtually staged image.
Not bad, right? Until you look a little closer… The table appears to be floating in space a bit and the chairs just don’t quite look right. I’m not sure why the outdoor swing is still in the room?? The table is severely off-center too!
Here’s where real-life staging wins, every time.
When you walk into a staged home, you feel something. That’s not an accident—that’s strategy. Professional stagers use scale, layout, and design to highlight the home’s best features and help buyers picture themselves living there. It’s about creating a mood, not just a moment.
Virtual staging can’t tell the full story. It can’t fill the air with the warmth of “home.” And it definitely can’t help buyers figure out if their massive sectional will fit in the living room.
Below is the staged sunroom in real life.
So what’s the move?
Virtual staging might help grab attention online—but if you want that interest to stick when buyers show up in person, real staging is the real deal.
I’m all about helping dwellers and sellers feel home—and that starts with showing homes at their very best!
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Have you used virtual staging before? Did it help or hurt your sale?
Let’s chat in the comments.
Thinking of selling your house? Check out the Real Estate Staging Association Consumer Guide to find out how you can sell your house for Top Dollar.
-Tiffani Michalenko
HSR Certified Home Stager & Expert eDesigner
