What is Virtual Staging and Does It Work?

As a home seller in today's fast-paced real estate market, you're always looking for ways to stand out and capture the attention...

Josh Dawson

March 4th, 2024

3 min read

As a home seller in today's fast-paced real estate market, you're always looking for ways to stand out and capture the attention of potential buyers. Enter virtual staging, a game-changer that's transforming how homes are presented online. But what is virtual staging, and more importantly, can it truly make a difference in selling your home? In this post, I'll explore this innovative solution and discover how it can elevate your home sale.

What Exactly is Virtual Staging?

Ever use an app where you can furnish and decorate your home at the click of a button? That's virtual staging. Using digital tools, designers can add stylish furniture, decor, and even artwork to photos of your empty spaces. This process transforms basic listings into eye-catching photos that invite potential buyers to imagine living in your home. Unlike traditional staging, virtual staging eliminates the need for physical furniture, so you’ll save time, effort, and money.

The Real Impact of Virtual Staging

Now, you might be wondering, "Does virtual staging really work?" Absolutely. With most homebuyers starting their search online, your listing's first impression is everything. Virtual staging not only makes your home more visually appealing but also significantly increases its online engagement. A recent StyleDod survey discovered that homes with staged photos sold for six to 20 percent higher than those with un-staged photos—and better yet, virtually staged homes sold 4x faster than un-staged homes did. Here’s why virtual staging is a hit:

Attractiveness: It showcases your home’s potential, making it easier for buyers to envision themselves in the space.
Cost-Effective: Virtual staging is much cheaper than traditional staging, so you get a great return on investment.
Versatility: You can tailor the style and design to attract your ideal buyer to enhance your home's appeal.

Making the Most of Virtual Staging

To truly benefit from virtual staging, keep these best practices in mind:

Aim for Realism: The staging should look as real as possible to avoid turning off potential buyers.

Honesty is the Best Policy: Use virtual staging to highlight your home’s strengths without hiding any flaws that buyers should be aware of.

Less is More: A cluttered space can be overwhelming. Opt for a clean, inviting design that makes buyers feel at home.

In conclusion, virtual staging is your secret weapon in the competitive real estate market. It's an innovative, cost-effective way to make your listing pop and attract more potential buyers. As you prepare to sell your home, consider how virtual staging could transform your listing from just another house for sale to a must-see property.

Before & After

Since 2027, I've incorporated virtual staging into my seller marketing services. Although I'm a firm believe that real staging is the way to go, virtual staging is a budget-friendly option to attract the online eyeballs needed to get buyers into the door for an in-person showing.

Here are some before and after pictures of listings I've sold with virtual staging.

Before

An empty living room...

After

An inviting gathering place...

Before

An empty bedroom...

After

A cozy room to get some well-deserved sleep....

Ready to Showcase Your Home in Its Best Light?

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About the author

Josh Dawson

614.706.6288

Buying or selling real estate is more than a transaction—it’s a major life decision. You deserve a guide who brings not just experience, but clarity, strategy, and trust to the table. That’s where I come in. I was born and raised in Fostoria, Ohio—a blue-collar factory town where your word meant everything and people treated each other with respect. I come from a family of military veterans, tradesmen, and kind-hearted Midwesterners who taught me to do good, be good, and work hard. I carried those values with me to Ohio Wesleyan University, where I played football and graduated with the same commitment to perseverance and teamwork I bring to every client relationship today. My real estate career began not in Central Ohio, but as part of a Wall Street Journal Top 100 Team in Boston—one of the fastest-moving, most competitive markets in the country. Before real estate, I served in senior political roles, including State Director for the Massachusetts State Treasurer and Legislative Director in the State Senate. I even ran for State Representative and earned an endorsement from The Boston Globe—because I’ve always been driven to serve people, solve complex problems, and lead with integrity. Today, I bring those same values into my work as a real estate professional and former managing broker. I’ve led agents, negotiated complicated transactions, and taught hundreds of professionals how to master real estate contracts. I don’t just understand the fine print—I’ve taught from it. That insight often helps me make small but strategic contract adjustments that protect my clients or save them tens of thousands of dollars. I currently serve on the Columbus Realtors Broker Advisory Committee and am the Past-President of the Greater Dublin Realty Association, where I continue to advocate for professionalism, education, and client-first service across our industry. Clients know me for my steady communication and proactive approach. I hold weekly check-ins to ensure no one ever wonders, “What’s happening?” or “What’s next?” Whether I’m guiding a family through an emotional sale or helping a first-time buyer make a strong start, I act with clarity, empathy, and your long-term goals in mind. When I’m not working, you’ll often find me coaching my daughter’s softball team, spending time with my family, or fishing and boating in Port Clinton, where my parents now live. I live in Dublin with my amazing wife and our two beautiful daughters—and I consider it an honor to serve families across Central Ohio with focus, care, and professionalism. If you're ready to move forward with purpose, I’m here to help you do it wisely.