Virtual home staging is on of the latest forms of home staging where photographs of each room are taken and then furniture is digitally placed into the space, online shoppers to see what the room would look like with furniture.
 
It is less expensive than actual home staging, but there is one large flaw to this alternative. When buyers come to view your property, they won’t see any of the furniture they saw in the photo, they will see a cold, lifeless vacant property. 90% of buyers can’t visualize an empty space. It’s just like online dating where you see a photo of a person you are attracted to, but when you finally meet they are 10 years older, 20 pounds heavier and don’t have those gorgeous locks of hair on their head anymore. Isn’t it better to show what is really there?
 
Cathy Hobbs writes a more detailed article on Virtual Staging vs. Actual Staging – Seeing is believing on the Epoch Times. Check it out.

Ellen Ryan at The Monterey County’s The Herald gives some sound advice on how to make your home stand out in a sluggish market. Check out her article “Staging Homes To Spark Sales”.

Are you heading out of town for Christmas this weekend? Check out ABC News’ video on holiday security “Christmas Vacation Tips: Secure Your Home” before you head out. Also great advice for home sellers with vacant properties.

A Facebook fan posted a great question on our wall “What are your thoughts on decorating for Christmas when your house is on the market?” My response: “Great question Jenn! Keep everything as “neutral” as possible. Eg. no personal decorations. Trees are dependent on the size of the room as they take up so much space. Buyers always want the most space they can get. If you have lots of room for a tree, decorate it as if it was from a magazine. If you are in doubt on the space I would use a simple seasonal arrangement. Take everything down asap after Christmas including lights.”
 
Since that post, I’ve come across a beautiful arrangement from the Boston Globe I’d love to share. Check out “Holiday decorating that comes naturally.”