Introduction
Empty rooms are hard for buyers to visualize. Professional staging is expensive ($1,500-$3,000 per property). Virtual staging gives you professional-quality staged photos at a fraction of the cost.
This guide shows you how to stage properties for real estate listings, create attractive photos that help properties sell faster, and target specific buyer demographics.
What You'll Learn
- How to request virtual staging
- Uploading photos of empty spaces
- Choosing appropriate staging styles
- Room-by-room workflow
- Creating complete property photo sets
Step 1: Upload Empty Room Photos
Take photos of each empty room you want to stage:
- Wide angle: Show the entire room
- Good lighting: Open curtains, turn on lights
- Clean space: Remove debris, clean floors
- Multiple rooms: Living room, bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms
- Eye-level height: About 5 feet high for natural perspective
Step 2: Define Target Buyer
Staging should appeal to your target buyer demographic:
- Young professionals: Modern, functional, home-office appeal
- Families: Warm, inviting, kid-friendly spaces
- Empty nesters: Elegant, comfortable, low-maintenance
- Luxury buyers: High-end finishes, sophisticated styling
💡 Staging Strategy: Describe your target buyer when requesting staging. "Target buyers are young professionals, 25-35" helps the AI choose appropriate furniture and styling.
Step 3: Request Staging
In Agent mode, describe your staging needs:
"Stage this 2-bedroom apartment for young professionals. Modern transitional style."
"Virtual staging for these 5 rooms - targeting families, need warm and inviting"
"Stage this empty house for listing - broad appeal, neutral and contemporary"
Recommended Staging Styles
Modern Transitional (Most Versatile)
Blends contemporary and traditional elements. Appeals to widest range of buyers. Safe choice for most properties.
Contemporary
Clean, current, and sophisticated. Best for newer construction or modern properties. Appeals to younger, design-conscious buyers.
Coastal
Light, breezy, relaxed aesthetic. Perfect for beach properties or areas with vacation-home appeal.
Room-by-Room Approach
Priority 1: Living Room
- Most important room - buyers spend most time here
- Shows lifestyle and flow
- Sets the aesthetic for the whole property
Priority 2: Master Bedroom
- Serene and restful feel
- Shows room size and layout
- Minimal furniture - bed and nightstands
Priority 3: Kitchen
- Add bar stools if there's an island
- Small decor touches (fruit bowl, plants)
- Keep it clean and functional
Best Practices
- Less is more: Don't over-furnish - keep it spacious
- Neutral colors: Broad appeal for most buyers
- Show functionality: Buyers need to see how rooms work
- Maintain consistency: Same style throughout the property
- Professional quality: Use generated images as-is for listings
Next Steps
- Interior Design Visualization — Design exploration basics
- Renovation Planning — Visualize renovations
- Complete Home Design — Multi-room design