Is it my imagination or are a significant number of listings on the major brokerages being presented with "staged" ie, Photoshopped images? Of course in unfinished New Developments I understand you have to show a 'rendering' of what the place can look like, however i'm seeing what looks like pre-war apartments that are all tripped out with flatscreens and media centers that are obviously just... [more]
Is it my imagination or are a significant number of listings on the major brokerages being presented with "staged" ie, Photoshopped images? Of course in unfinished New Developments I understand you have to show a 'rendering' of what the place can look like, however i'm seeing what looks like pre-war apartments that are all tripped out with flatscreens and media centers that are obviously just pasted in to the picture. Several listings are semi-transparent and show 'before and after' renderings but some are just simply not showing the apartments as it is. What happens when you show up for the open house and the door opens and you're standing in an empty room, that was presented to you online (without any disclaimer) as being completely tricked out? Won't Brokers be suffering the wrath of disappointed, and deceived potential buyers?
[less]
Response by lucillebluth
about 13 years ago
Posts: 2631
Member since: May 2010
but what would the furnishing matter to the buyer?
i'm assuming this is done with the intention of expressing the scale of the rooms, of course images are resized to look proportionally right in their surroundings, so it actually doesn't accomplish anything except show a pretty picture. but some graphic artist out there is making some easy money, so good for him and good for the brokers who pay him to do this.
Ignored comment.
Unhide
Response by E_Fleming
about 13 years ago
Posts: 42
Member since: Jul 2007
I've been using virtually staged photos in 2 of my listings. It's a fairly new technology, but I think looks really good. Empty rooms seldom look great in photos especially in newer buildings where there are few unique details. If it's just four walls and a window, the virtual staging can really help the presentation online. I also invested in some large, foam core mounted prints of the virtually staged photos for showings. I have both empty and furnished photos in the listings online and there is a small text disclaimer at the bottom of the furnished shots that states "Virtually Staged". It's not done to deceive, moreso to give buyers an idea of what the place would look like fully furnished and designed. Too early to tell if its truly effective, but I think its a valuable tool.
Ignored comment.
Unhide
Response by Bill7284
about 13 years ago
Posts: 631
Member since: Feb 2009
I have noticed these lately and do see how it could give the buyer an idea of the room. When I see them, I do wonder if the furniture used is to scale with the actual room size? It does add something if as stated above is a post war building. Also, I saw a couple of listings where they did the virtual staging and then another set of empty room shots. Fair enough.
Ignored comment.
Unhide
Response by jim_hones10
about 13 years ago
Posts: 3413
Member since: Jan 2010
where have you shipped your kids off to so you can indulge in your nyc re fantasy lucille?
Ignored comment.
Unhide
Response by NWT
about 13 years ago
Posts: 6643
Member since: Sep 2008
Interesting how much better virtual staging's gotten. It used to be that the furniture had a different vanishing point, or whatever the perspective term is, than the room. Now either the software's better or whoever's using it is more painstaking.
child #1 is in prek. child #2 is here with a neighbor's kid same age while her mom who is a friend is at the grocery store. not only am i a great mom, i am also an awesome friend! she does the same for me, we have tried to limit use of babysitters and go all old school. i also pick up my other friend's older son from school because she is trying to get back to working and got a part time job to build up her resume and she watches my kids when i do what i need to do which i don't care to discuss with you. any other questions? and before you ask, since i know how concerned you are, i am on a laptop sitting on the floor with them, they are never out of my sight. have a nice day!!
Ignored comment.
Unhide
Response by nycjk
about 13 years ago
Posts: 17
Member since: Feb 2010
using photoshop for staging is ok, imho. I've seen listing where the views of the windows are "whited out" and pillars literally "shaved" in half. Its ridiculous...
Ignored comment.
Unhide
Response by manhattanstagers
almost 13 years ago
Posts: 1
Member since: Oct 2011
While virtually staging (or photoshopping) a listing on-line may allow the potential buyer to have an idea of what an apartment looks like furnished in a photograph, this technique will never be as effective as a furnished apartment. Virtual staging does not give the buyer true prospective of room size and scale. Will this room really fit a king size bed? Will a 7 foot sofa work in the living room? When most buyers are actually in the apartment, it's difficult for them to envision the empty space as their home.
'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
but what would the furnishing matter to the buyer?
i'm assuming this is done with the intention of expressing the scale of the rooms, of course images are resized to look proportionally right in their surroundings, so it actually doesn't accomplish anything except show a pretty picture. but some graphic artist out there is making some easy money, so good for him and good for the brokers who pay him to do this.
I've been using virtually staged photos in 2 of my listings. It's a fairly new technology, but I think looks really good. Empty rooms seldom look great in photos especially in newer buildings where there are few unique details. If it's just four walls and a window, the virtual staging can really help the presentation online. I also invested in some large, foam core mounted prints of the virtually staged photos for showings. I have both empty and furnished photos in the listings online and there is a small text disclaimer at the bottom of the furnished shots that states "Virtually Staged". It's not done to deceive, moreso to give buyers an idea of what the place would look like fully furnished and designed. Too early to tell if its truly effective, but I think its a valuable tool.
I have noticed these lately and do see how it could give the buyer an idea of the room. When I see them, I do wonder if the furniture used is to scale with the actual room size? It does add something if as stated above is a post war building. Also, I saw a couple of listings where they did the virtual staging and then another set of empty room shots. Fair enough.
where have you shipped your kids off to so you can indulge in your nyc re fantasy lucille?
Interesting how much better virtual staging's gotten. It used to be that the furniture had a different vanishing point, or whatever the perspective term is, than the room. Now either the software's better or whoever's using it is more painstaking.
E.g., at E_Fleming's http://streeteasy.com/nyc/sale/630387-condo-75-wall-street-financial-district-new-york, in the LR photo the sofa and credenza are in scale (or close to it) and properly foreshortened. In the BR photo the Eames chair comes off tilted, though. Not that it doesn't serve its purpose.
child #1 is in prek. child #2 is here with a neighbor's kid same age while her mom who is a friend is at the grocery store. not only am i a great mom, i am also an awesome friend! she does the same for me, we have tried to limit use of babysitters and go all old school. i also pick up my other friend's older son from school because she is trying to get back to working and got a part time job to build up her resume and she watches my kids when i do what i need to do which i don't care to discuss with you. any other questions? and before you ask, since i know how concerned you are, i am on a laptop sitting on the floor with them, they are never out of my sight. have a nice day!!
using photoshop for staging is ok, imho. I've seen listing where the views of the windows are "whited out" and pillars literally "shaved" in half. Its ridiculous...
While virtually staging (or photoshopping) a listing on-line may allow the potential buyer to have an idea of what an apartment looks like furnished in a photograph, this technique will never be as effective as a furnished apartment. Virtual staging does not give the buyer true prospective of room size and scale. Will this room really fit a king size bed? Will a 7 foot sofa work in the living room? When most buyers are actually in the apartment, it's difficult for them to envision the empty space as their home.