Hi Andrea. This does sound interesting. I haven't used the software before, but would like to see it.

I haven't seen this, but bet it would be fun to play with.  Too bad it can't virtually stage the home in person.  Perhaps that is something in the future.  

Jana

Use your mind power, Jana --- visualize visualize visualize.  It just might work. :)

Can you imagine a hologram system, you plug in mediterranean style furnishings and wa la, the house is furnished in that style?  You can change the program to suit you clients preferences.  Modern, south western, etc.  Perhaps it could even hide/change your clients furniture if the house is furnished.   Have I been reading too much sci-fi?

That would be cool Jana!!!!

I don't know where the interior staging program was, but I had great fun 'somewhere' and right now I can't remember, perhaps Loew's, with virtual landscaping.

Jana, the future was yesterday so I'm sure your vision is already available somewhere, BUT if it isn't, you should invent it!

So wa la yourself LOL!

There are some people in Boston that use it and just 2 days ago a listing broker told me the company they use...already forgot.

But, in my opinion, I feel that this is deceiving to a potential buyer. These images that I saw on MLS looked so real that I didn't know they were virtual until they told me. Now when a buyer goes to look at the property they may not be able to visualize anything in person.

I say, just stage it for real and take some pics!

Neat idea Andrea, I have never heard of it, let us know if you find it.

Andrea - I did a quick google search and came up with this link to someone who does virtual staging.  It's a start!

http://www.home-esteem.com/staging.htm

I've heard of this, too. Bit haven't seen it done. But it does sound like a misrepresentation. Or, why not just put pictures of another home's interior...what's the difference?

still haven't found the software, but found another site with some great examples of what she does

http://www.virtualstaging.net/

according to the person from this last link, she does not get rid of clutter or hide flaws of the property - merely adds the furniture and rugs.

here's a post on AR

http://activerain.com/blogsview/54602/Virtual-Home-Staging-Really

Dan,

I had the same thoughts.  I've even read that the use of wide angle lens cameras 'could' be construed as misrepresentation so I'm not sure I'd want to take the chance with this 'virtual staging' thing.

I wonder how effective it really would be anyway.  It seems to me that many agents spend tons of money and time on many things that yield little or no return.  'Desperation' does not make for solid business decisions either.  

We do NOT control the market... we control our 'marketing'.  The market is not foolish (in my opinion) and will not be 'fooled' into making a purchase based on 'virtual staging'.  Okay, okay, I know.... the virtual staging is simply there to entice them into looking at the property.   So I have two questions:

1.  Does it work?  I would need to see strong verifiable evidence before I'd sink my marketing dollars into it.

2.  Even if "it works," is it "right?"  If it is 'deceptive' then I would say, NO.

Virtual updating would be nice. Not to deceive- but if a house has a dated kitchen, it would be nice to have a photo on the counter of what it could look like. Virtual updating and staging could be a nice tool but should be used carefully.

Andrea, I think Obeo dot com has what you are looking for. I was told you can do a tour where the consumer has complete control. Just like buying a car with different options, the viewer can change the color of the room, windows and flooring. I did not see the actual demonstration but was told it is available. They have a neat thing called space designer http://www.obeo.com/Public/Solutions/Product.aspx?Product=Solution-2&Occupation=Occupation-1&ProductType=Gold

and I think the 'next' generation level VP is the product you want.

Wow! I deal in mostly new construction.  I can see where something like this could be useful.

Instead of paying for virtual staging why don't you buy photo shop and do your own.

If virtual staging simply adds furniture which would be considered personal property (no window treatments etc) I don't see how that could be a misrepresentation, or am I missing something?  How is that any different that photographing a home prior to the seller moving out and taking all their furniture with them?  A furnished home is visually much more appealing than photos of 4 walls with no perception of space and if we can provide that to our sellers who have no furniture in their home, I think it would be an asset and save the seller some staging dollars.

Amy, are you suggesting that we post photos that are not true to the property? The owner removing a living room set after the pictures were taking is no big deal. But, to use photo shop or other software to alter the true picture is unethical. It may even be against the law. I provided you a virtual tour company that will allow the customer to change the actual house to their likes, in their own living room. I did not mean for an agent to make the changes and represent it as the way the house could look. A car company allows you to change the color, interior, sport wheels and difference. That is what obeo is trying to do with its VP package and what I thought everyone was wanting to do.

My thoughts exactly, Andrea.