Question: Do you prefer traditional staging or virtual staging? When is the best use for each type?

While AI has made virtual staging incredibly realistic, I still prefer traditional staging whenever the budget allows. Today’s buyers almost always see a home online before they step inside, and virtual staging is an affordable way to help them visualize a home’s layout and potential.

It’s especially useful for seller- or tenant-occupied homes that can’t be staged because they’re filled with personal belongings. That said, after selling homes for more than 20 years, I’ve learned buyers don’t buy a house from photos — they buy it when they walk through the front door. A professionally staged home feels warm, inviting, and helps buyers picture themselves living there. In my experience, that emotional connection often leads to stronger offers.

The challenge with virtual staging is that it can create expectations the home doesn’t meet in person. Walking into an empty room — or one full of belongings — after seeing beautifully furnished photos online can be disappointing. When virtual staging is used, we are required to show the original image alongside the virtually staged one, with the digital enhancements clearly disclosed.

Both have their place, but if my goal is to help my seller make the best first impression and maximize their sale price, traditional staging is still my first choice.

Liz was featured in the SF Chronicle for the weekly Real Estate “SoundOff” on Sunday, July 12, 2026, to answer this question. The above is her longer answer to this question.