In today’s real estate market, sellers and agents are often faced with a choice: should they invest in actual home staging or settle for virtual staging? While virtual staging may seem like a cost-saving option, the reality is that nothing compares to the impact of real, in person staging when it comes to selling homes faster and for higher prices.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each: Virtual Staging

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost

• Quick turnaround for online listing photos

Cons:

• Creates unrealistic expectations—buyers walk into empty or outdated spaces that look nothing like the photos • Can feel misleading, leading to disappointment and distrust

• No emotional connection for buyers touring the home in person

• Doesn’t solve the problem of presenting the property well during showings and open houses

• Often times the furnishings are not to scale, and the photos can be deceiving in terms of what would actually fit in the space

Actual Home Staging Pros:

• Transforms the home into a welcoming, aspirational space that buyers can experience in person

• Creates an immediate emotional connection, helping buyers see themselves living there

• Professional design highlights the home’s best features while downplaying any flaws

• Increases perceived value, often leading to faster sales and stronger offers

• Consistency between listing photos and showings builds trust and authenticity with buyers

Cons:

• Higher upfront investment compared to virtual staging—but one that pays for itself in higher offers and shorter time on market

The Numbers Don’t Lie

According to the National Association of Realtors®:

• 81% of buyers say staging makes it easier to visualize a property as their future home.

• Staged homes sell 3–30 times faster than non-staged homes, depending on the market.

• Sellers see an average 5–20% increase in offer price on staged homes compared to unstaged homes.

On the other hand, virtual staging only improves online photos—buyers are often disappointed when the home they tour doesn’t match the images. Empty rooms feel smaller, colder, and less inviting, which can cause offers to drop or disappear altogether.

Case Study: Real Results in New Mexico

One of our recent staged listings received multiple offers within the first weekend on the market and sold for above asking price. The seller had originally considered virtual staging, but by choosing real staging, buyers were able to connect emotionally with the home—and it paid off in record time.

The Bottom Line

Virtual staging may get buyers to click on a listing, but actual staging is what gets buyers to fall in love with the home once they step through the door. Online photos are important, but the real magic happens when buyers experience a beautifully staged space in person. At Su Casa Staging, we stage homes every day, and we’ve seen firsthand how powerful actual staging can be. If you want your listings to stand out, sell faster, and bring in the best offers, real staging is the clear choice. Ready to stage your next listing? Reply to this email or give us a call at 505-980-3438—we’d love to help you make your property shine.