More than four and a half billion people use some form of social media – that is more than half of the world’s current population and each one of these people has the potential to interact with your real estate business. But you may not stand the chance of reaching them without a good social media marketing strategy.
What’s more, according to Smart Insights, in the last year alone, there was 9% increase in the amount of active social media users globally. Employing the help of real estate social media marketing companies means that you will be able to implement an effective and lucrative social media strategy that allows you to reach more people than you ever thought possible. In this article, we want to explore some of the benefits that a social media marketing company can bring to your real estate business.
All too often, we see many of the same businesses dominating social media – beauty, fashion, and food are some of the major players with Instagram followers in their millions but this is not to say that real estate does not have a place on social media – it does.
Once you understand the benefit of putting your brand in the spotlight, it is not difficult to see how social media will be extremely advantageous to your real estate empire.
It’s no secret that to make your mark on social media, you need experience, a good strategy, and sometimes just a little bit of luck. Although the latter cannot be provided by a social media marketing expert, experience and strategy certainly can.
As a real estate agent or real estate photographer or real estate investor, you may have an impressive knowledge in your field but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a solid grasp on social media – but your social media marketing company will have.
This puts you in an advantageous position since you will have somebody who can develop the best strategy for getting your brand in view and noticed by the right people. Anyone can throw out advertisements on social media but knowing how to target specific markets and get results is a whole different ball game.
OK, there may be a fee that comes with hiring a social media marketing expert, but nothing in life comes for free and the great thing is that you will be getting more bang for your buck.
Delivering paper print-outs will likely be a great waste of your time and money because when people are given leaflets like this, more often than not, they will dispose of them without a second thought. But social media can have a much greater impact meaning that your money is being well spent and you are much more likely to see a return.
Of course, making sales and finding great investments is one thing but to be truly successful in real estate, one is required to have a solid network made up of a variety of professionals – you always need a go-to for each task. The use of social media has proven time and time again to be exceptional in building your professional network.
That being said, it can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack but this is where your social media marketing team comes in. These highly skilled people will be able to promote your brand to the right people and ultimately create links to every relevant area making your business thrive,
It is reported that 47% of real estate businesses claim that their best leads come from social media campaigns and this is not a figure to be sniffed at.
Whilst having a lot of leads is one thing, converting them is another and a good social media campaign can be the difference between failure and success.
There are so many social media platforms and more are being developed every year. The big guns are still Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest but for business, LinkedIn is also extremely handy. However, your target market will play a part in which social media channels will benefit your business the most and a social media marketing expert will be able to determine this.
By placing an emphasis on certain channels, you can feel confident that you will get the most out of your social media campaigns and bring your brand in front of those who are likely to engage with it.
It is highly unlikely that people will be willing to engage with a brand that they do not recognize – trust is essential, especially in an industry like real estate where huge amounts of money are exchanged. But social media for real estate can take your brand from being unknown to a household name if it is used correctly.
Even if those exposed to your brand on social media aren’t currently looking to work with you, seeing your brand in the first instance will begin to build a level of trust. Then when the time comes that they require a real estate professional – your name might spring to mind.
All too often in the past, the business has been just that – business. But with social media, you are given new freedom which allows you to show the personality of your brand and yourself.
Whilst it is important to regularly post real estate related content, you have the opportunity to post other things. This is a great way of engaging potential clients and showing that there is a person behind the brand.
What’s more, being able to directly communicate with your clients will make them feel as though you are taking a more personal approach which can go a long way in developed solid professional relationships.
Real estate is a huge worldwide business and it can be easy for your business to become lost in a sea of others. But hiring a social media marketing company is a great way to get your brand out there, manage your network, and ultimately drive your business to new heights.
Virtual staging, in the real estate realm, has become the up and coming trend that has taken the entire real estate market by storm. This has proved to be a more efficient and potential marketing strategy that has exponentially increased sales records.
In traditional staging, this is carried out by having actual home decor and furniture set up by a specialized “home stager” who would cost a hefty amount to the realtor, not to mention the transportation of all the goodies required for the setting.
Moreover, in most cases, the staged houses looked empty and barren, thus not making the marketing as efficient as it is supposed to be.
This is where virtual staging fits in.
Virtual Staging is primarily using technology to design a model of the house a realtor wants to market, tailored to their needs.
Using high-rendered images that are as close to reality as possible, virtual staging has become the new fad.
With the boom in more realtors using virtual staging, the market is transitioning from the traditional staging to virtual, and the demand for virtual staging is higher now more than ever.
This has influenced how online listings are done today, and the process with it is getting much faster and more economical. Because of this drastic shift, more and more realtors are opting for virtual staging.
That’s where a virtual staging software comes in.
In this blog post, we will be taking a brief look at what a virtual staging software is as well as the list of its benefits.
Well, then! Let’s dive in.
You may have the impression that the virtual staging software is a simple tool to enhance or manipulate an image or space.
You are not entirely wrong.
Virtual staging software creates a 3D render or visualization of an image with inputs from the realtor using high-end software.
This is carried out by highly skilled professionals who know the in and out of the software and can produce any image catering to your needs.
One common misconception is that this can simply be done by a just click and by just downloading software.
Well, this is far from right.
Here’s why.
These programs are built for the sole purpose of Virtual Staging. Here’s where you can drop and drag what furniture you like in the space.
Most of them are credit-based and web-based programs. You can do it by just using your web browser, without installing anything and just pay once you like the end product. Here are the Pros & Cons of this type of software.
The one we’re familiar with is Visual Stager
Pros:
Easy to use – You can stage an entire room within 30 mins or just an hour. It’s also a drag and drop style.
Variety of styles – They have a variety of styles from traditional to modern that can fit whatever the room looks like.
Comes in sets – They also come with a set of furniture for each room so you don’t have to choose one by one.
Affordable – You can buy what you staged for just $10-$20
Cons:
Lights & Shadows – You have to be careful about using it in a high contrast room or when the sunlight is shown in a room because sometimes the shadows are in the wrong direction and the light doesn’t match with the scene.
Not Realistic Enough – If you wanted to show how a room would look like if there’s furniture, this can work for you. However, if you wanted to show that there’s “real” furniture inside. It may not work.
Or Augmented Reality Apps, these apps are mostly used for furniture shopping. Like Focus-based programs, this will help you visualize the place if it has furniture.
The one we tried is roOomy App.
Pros:
Easy to use: it’s faster than using web-based programs.
Free: You can use the app without paying anything.
Cons:
Resizing – Unfortunately, you cannot resize the furniture.
Lights & Shadows – You have to be careful on using it in a high contrast room or when the sunlight is shown in a room because sometimes the shadows are in the wrong direction and the light doesn’t match with the scene.
Not Realistic Enough – If you wanted to show how a room would look like if there’s furniture, this can work for you. However, if you wanted to show that there’s “real” furniture inside. It may not work.
This is the best but the most complex way of doing virtual staging.
If you want to achieve a realistic virtual staging, this is the one you should invest in studying in.
However, it might take you months or even years to master. We recommend using Autodesk 3ds Max and V-Ray Renderer for this one.
Pros:
Looks Real – You can stage a photo in the most realistic way possible.
Unlimited Furniture & Materials – since this can be done manually, if you have a good 3d skill, you can create whatever furniture you have in mind, even the type of fabric, leather, wood, and many more.
Cons:
It takes time – even if you’re knowledgeable, it might take you 2-4 hours to do one image.
Expensive – A monthly subscription of 3ds Max is $205 and $40 for V-Ray Renderer.
Since virtual staging is a marketing tool that is used best to highlight a house, it is imperative to use it in the best way possible.
This is why we recommend using 3D modeling software or hiring professionals who would give you the quality you need. Our team of professionals brings the whole space to life with realistic features and added aesthetics.
We strive to focus the best parts of a home, especially when it comes to furnishing and décor to create a truly remarkable home tour experience for everyone, virtually.
Virtual staging enables your house to sell much faster in the market, as it is portrayed in the best way possible.
Let’s take a look at the list of benefits you’ll be subject to with a virtual staging software.
While technology always beats the rest, some specific points make virtual staging a standout.
When a potential homebuyer looks at a staged photo, it could be their dream home, which should aesthetically speak to the person. Virtual staging does just that and more.
With virtual staging, a story can be told, which is much more appealing than a barren and even “fake” looking house. It could be the dream house for someone, and virtual staging makes everyone’s dream house come true.
As a realtor, showcasing an empty space in the best and most appealing way possible is a herculean task. It is no joke.
Frequently, you are stuck with a property that does not speak much and is somewhat dull.
Virtual staging helps convert this boring space into something exciting that could inspire someone into buying the house right away.
As a realtor, showcasing an empty space in the best and most appealing way possible is a herculean task. It is no joke.
Frequently, you are stuck with a property that does not speak much and is somewhat dull.
Virtual staging helps convert this boring space into something exciting that could inspire someone into buying the house right away.
Your house should be an inspiration to the potential buyer to convince them enough to purchase this house and make it their dream home. And this should be for every single room. But how do you achieve this?
That’s where virtual staging can help. It gives life to your vision of how space would actually look, and this also helps the potential buyer an inkling of how the house they’re going to live in is going to look like. It is fantastic. Your potential client cannot wait to move in as it is so perfect and ticks their boxes.
It is clear by now that virtual staging is much more efficient than the traditional staging. However, is it economical?
Let us put things in perspective.
Traditional home staging requires you to hire a professional home stager or designer. They bring the equipment needed for staging, and the home décor and furniture may not be exactly what you are looking for.
Adding all this, including transportation and the professional fee, is deemed to leave a hole in your pocket.
In virtual staging, everything is done in a single place. You can choose everything from wall décor, paint finishes, furniture to flooring according to what you wish, according to your vision for space.
You name it you got it.
With both these sides in mind, in virtual staging, you are getting to customize the space and portray it in a much better way. So, you’re not only reducing the cost dramatically but also can achieve precisely what you want.
So, it’s up to you to decide, which is better.
Most home buyers get frustrated after looking at thousands of pictures of empty houses or houses with other people’s items lying around.
When they see a virtually staged image, it is a stark contrast to what they have been going through and can help quickly make up their minds about purchasing the property in double time.
You can create just the 3D model you have envisioned and customize it to any extent.
In the conventional staging, bringing the furniture and setting up can take up to days to complete. Not to mention the amount of time spent on the planning to set the place physically.
In contrast, virtual staging an entire space in a matter of a few hours for a fully furnished house.
This also gives you the much-needed versatility you need as you can get some inputs from the client and stage the home accordingly within the same day.
With virtual staging, not only does it show the property in a better way, but it also helps bring a client’s dream house with dream décor to reality. Literally.
All this in a few hours with less than a few meetings and even fewer costs, but many opportunities.
Clutter is the biggest turn off for potential buyers.
When you are producing an image, they will envision themselves living in it. You may not always have time to clean the space and make it look perfect.
Virtual staging is here to save the day again.
With a virtual staging tool, you can get rid of the items you do not require in a room and hence declutter the space in a matter of minutes.
Using a virtual staging software has a few drawbacks. Let’s take a look.
Virtual staging software is not for everyone to use.
Designing a space, fitting all the furniture and décor in its space, rendering the image to make it look realistic are a few things that have to be done to make the space look as close to reality as possible.
Tools are designed to crash. This can happen to anyone at any time.
You may not be entirely satisfied with the product the software has produced. It may be far from what you had imagined.
Having a knack for interior spaces as well as in software manipulation is not everyone’s cup of tea. And that is okay!
So, how can you overcome these drawbacks?
That’s where a Virtual Staging company comes in.
If you are relatively new to the virtual staging world and are trying to use the product to the best on your own, it is advisable to select a virtual staging program, which will help in guiding you to do it yourself.
If you are looking for a high-end professional quality end result, you should familiarise yourself with software such as 3Ds max or SketchUp and other rendering software such as Lumion or V-ray. If you think this is too far-fetched, you should contact a virtual staging company that would do everything for you.
A virtual staging company will have everything you will need to get the best results.
Most companies have an extensive library of 3D furniture and décor, CAD professionals to help you achieve your vision.
You will get to control the vibe of the space and will be able to bring alive your vision into reality with the help of these professionals.
The future of staging is here, so come with us.
Begin straight away by sending your photos and brief.
We provide you with any help you need with an entire team of highly qualified industry experts and design professionals.
We have strived hard so that you don’t have to work hard.
So, what are you waiting for?
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What Is Home Staging? What Are The Advantages Of Home Staging? What Is Traditional Staging? What is Virtual Staging? What Are The Advantages Of Virtual
Home Staging
Home Staging is decorating and preparing a property that is to be sold – vacant homes or homes with outdated furniture style. It improves the property’s appeal that can attract a huge number of potential buyers. To provide more potential buyers an impressive outlook on the property, designers who stage them often use new furniture, additional lights, accessories, carpets, paintings, and of course, plants. Some just rearrange everything that exists in the property and just add more details through the accessories. The better the staging, the more potential buyers may be attracted.
What are the advantages of Home Staging?
It sells faster than the empty ones.
Most of the property buyers prefer looking at photos of a fully-furnished room rather than the empty ones for they can feel or see what and how the room may be utilized even if they are not physically present in the property. It actually sells 88% faster.
It sells 20% more.
Unlike the unstaged homes, staged properties or homes are usually sold 20% more than others due to its appeal visually.
It provides highlights.
It creates points wherein buyers draw their attention to, making them focus on the selling points of the property.
There are 2 common types of home staging – the Traditional and Virtual.
What is Traditional Staging?
Traditional Staging is a costly way of staging for the stagers will have to buy or rent some furniture to stage a specific property the best way they can attract more potential buyers. This staging is where most effort is exerted and is taking a lot more time to achieve a good output.
What is included in Traditional Staging?
Traditional Staging Services includes Assessment of the property, Stager-Client consultations, Stager design processing, shopping for materials, and the actual redesigning. This usually costs $2,000-$2,400 on average per month.
There is a lot on the list when you search for whose company offers Traditional Home Staging, and they do not end their work with Home Staging itself. Most of the companies have Furniture Rental Companies to partner with, so if you are missing a piece of furniture to be used on your home, they can definitely help you solve that.
What is Virtual Staging?
Virtual Staging is simply defined as a home staging done digitally. To explain further, virtual staging is digitally adding furniture and decorations to a photo of an empty room or area – indoors or outdoors.
Just like the Traditional Home Staging, Virtual Staging is done to highlight a property’s best feature, market a specific property, and provide a better impression of it to attract most potential buyers but unlike the traditional home staging, virtual staging is a much cheaper way of turning a boring and empty room to a fully-furnished one. It may also be a help if a property is in need of a fix, decluttering, or renovation. Providing new walls, ceiling, and floors, changing its color or materials, and replacing existing furniture.
What are the advantages of Virtual Staging?
It takes less time and effort than the traditional.
Stated above is that, Traditional Staging includes assessments, consultations, design processing, shopping, and redesigning in general. It is manually done, and usually takes up days, weeks, and sometimes months to achieve a good outcome. Virtual Staging is done within 8-12 hours per room and style. The client just needs to provide 2 things. (1) What needs to be designed – Is it a bedroom? Living room? Or a bathroom? (2) What style/s is/are to be applied – Modern? Industrial? Contemporary? Coastal? Any request will do.
It is cheaper than the traditional one.
In Traditional, every piece of detail is needed to be bought causing the client to pay thousands. In Virtual Staging, the client just needs to pay an average of $15-$40 per room to be staged.
It is versatile.
In virtual staging, the designer can provide his client multiple choices of what the specific room would look like. The stager can turn a bedroom into a study room. Or even turn the bedroom into a gym with less cost paid and less time consumed.
How is Virtual Staging done?
Compared to Traditional Staging, Virtual Staging is done through computers. They are implemented in photos only. Real Estate Photographers are actually the ones giving the Designer the photos to be staged. After the transfer of all the photos to be staged, the designer will add 3D furniture with an appropriate style preferred by the clients, render and retouch the output, and send back after 24-48 hours.
Issues solved by Virtual Staging
Decluttering
Virtual Staging may be Virtual Decluttering too. Sometimes, homeowners are having a hard time decluttering stuff before the Real Estate Photographers come in to take photos of their properties to sell. In Virtual Decluttering, it will take a little time to clear everything out, and on the other hand, make it even more appealing to the audience.
Keeping it outdated and in style
Some details in the existing property don’t look good together. There are also outdated features that are in need of a replacement. To answer those issues, virtual staging is the way.
Tips to achieve a good-looking staged home
Add rugs or carpets
Adding such can make the room bigger, and can cover up boring flooring or some floorings that need a fix. Rugs can be an accent too.
Add artworks
Artworks, simple or not, may add a vibe to a specific room. This is a little spice added to make the room look fuller.
Add small accents
Decorations such as vases full of flowers, sculptures, or trays may also be an additional vibe in a specific room, making the room look alive.
Add TV
To a more realistic look, tv is a good thing to add. It may be turned on or not, it depends on what you prefer.
Keep things in style
Add a theme. That’s the key to a good looking room. Anything with a common denominator that is mixed and matched will look good together. Make sure all things match.
Hire the best Virtual Staging Company
It is a good move to hire those who really have the knowledge to do the job. It is all that matters. Some who claim to do Virtual Staging jobs have these fake-looking outcomes. Better to look for a good one that can give you High-Quality output in a small period of time, and that costs you less.
This is done with the same camera settings. All of the lights coming through is from bounced flash.
Do you mostly shoot houses with no furniture? Here’s an idea how you can benefit more from it – Virtual Staging. You don’t have to do anything yet, you’ll earn more money. It’s a win-win situation for you and your client.
Thinking of integrating Virtual Staging on your service? Here are some pointers to help you get started.
Quality
There are a lot of companies offering virtual staging, however, most of them don’t look realistic. Compromising the price doesn’t mean to compromise the quality too. Make sure to try their free sample first before hiring them to do your staging.
Style & Materials
One other thing to consider is the 3d models. Choose a company that offers a variety of styles from classic traditional to modern furniture.
Pricing
We recommend having at least 50%-100% price increase from the original price of virtual staging. An average virtual staging costs $20 per image. You can charge it from $30 – $40 each. The average home consists of 3 rooms that can include virtual furniture. 1 Bedroom, 1 Dining room, and 1 Living room. That’s an average of $30 to $60 additional earnings per project without doing anything.