In today’s digital age, buying and selling homes in Calgary has significantly transformed. With the rise of online listings and virtual tours, potential buyers now have the opportunity to explore properties from the comfort of their own homes. As a result, staging your home for these virtual platforms has become increasingly important. Let’s examine the concept of virtual appeal and provide tips for effectively staging your home for online listings and virtual tours.
What Is Virtual Appeal?
Virtual appeal involves making a property look as appealing as possible in the digital realm to attract buyers and encourage them to schedule a physical viewing or make an offer. To do that, you need high-quality imagery. These photographs are professionally taken with high resolution so that when potential buyers view them online, via phone, tablet, or computer monitor, they see the room almost as if they’re physically there.
Get Ready for Good Photos
First impressions matter. When selling your home online, it is the listing photos that often form the first impression. High-quality, professionally taken photos can make a difference in attracting potential buyers. Before the photo shoot, it’s essential to declutter and depersonalize your space. Remove personal items, excessive furniture, and clutter to create a clean and inviting atmosphere that makes it easier for potential buyers to imagine their belongings in the space. Consider hiring a professional stager to rearrange furniture and decor to maximize each room’s visual appeal. There is a difference between virtual staging and physical staging, and a professional stager will know how to make the best of the room and its attributes for the virtual tour.
The Best Stage
As with physical staging, it’s essential to highlight your home’s best features when staging it for online listings. Focus on creating inviting spaces that allow potential buyers to envision themselves living in the house. Showcase key selling points such as natural light, architectural details and spaciousness. Add fresh flowers, accent pillows and throws to add warmth and personality to each room.
In addition to staging individual rooms, pay attention to the exterior of your home. Curb appeal plays a crucial role in attracting potential buyers, so make sure the exterior of your home is well-maintained and visually appealing. Clean the windows, mow the lawn, and add potted plants or flowers to enhance the overall look.
Prep for the Tours
Once your home is staged and ready for online listings, it’s time to prepare for virtual tours. Virtual tours allow potential buyers to explore your home more immersively, giving them a sense of the flow and layout of the space. Before the virtual tour, ensure your home is clean and tidy, and consider adding some finishing touches, such as fresh flowers or scented candles, to create a welcoming atmosphere.
During the virtual tour, highlight the key features of each room and provide context for the layout and flow of the space. Consider narrating the tour or providing additional information about specific features or upgrades. Be responsive to questions and inquiries from potential buyers, and consider offering virtual open houses or private virtual tours for interested parties. Think about the best flow for the tour as well. When entering the home, what is the best next room to show? Remember to practice!
Staging your home for online listings and virtual tours is essential for attracting potential Calgary buyers and showcasing the unique features of your property. Creating inviting and visually appealing spaces, highlighting key selling points, and providing immersive virtual tours can increase the likelihood of a successful sale. With the proper staging techniques and attention to detail, you can make your home stand out in the competitive online real estate market. Remember, the focus should be on revealing what you want the audience to perceive rather than merely showcasing your preferences. Reach out to a Benchmark Realtor for best tips on staging for your virtual tour!
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