Virtual staging is a digital process. Because it’s digital, it can be performed by just about any professional, independent of location. You can choose to hire a local Washington-based virtual staging expert or an agency across the country — or globe.
But should you hire a US agency to virtually stage your home, or are you okay with hiring a foreign professional?
There is nothing inherently wrong with outsourcing work to an expert thousands of miles away from your native country. However, there are significant downsides to doing so — and benefits to hiring a US-based virtual staging professional.
Let’s discuss why you should hire a US agency to virtually stage your home.
There Are Few Language and Cultural Barriers
Communication is key when hiring an agency or independent professional to virtually stage your home. Though a non-US-based stager may be capable of phenomenal work, they still need to be able to understand exactly what you’re asking for.
If a significant language barrier exists, what you articulate and expect may not be what you end up receiving. This is especially apparent if you use any local slang or regional idioms that are unfamiliar to the stager.
Before hiring a virtual stager, communicate your desires and expectations. Even local stagers may not be totally familiar with phrases you never think twice about using in your day-to-day life. If a language barrier exists, work to make sure your stager fully understands what you want and that nothing is lost in translation.
You Have Better Legal Protection
Many US-based virtual stagers guarantee their services in one way or another. If you’re unhappy with their work or it falls short of the mark, you may be entitled to a refund or another type of compensation.
You also have the right to file a claim in court if you’re left high and dry or a US-based stager fails to fulfill the terms of your contract.
This legal protection isn’t always possible — or feasible — if your stager lives and works in another country. The costs of trying to collect compensation from someone outside of the US may not be worth it for how little compensation you’d receive.
They Understand Local Trends
America is a vast country and home to a number of architectural styles and interior designs. A local virtual stager not only understands this, but knows which style of virtual staging fits which type of home.
After all, styles of homes and the type of furniture that compliments them differ depending on the country. Homes in the UK, India, or Estonia are different than those in the US. Likewise, the styles of furniture and decor that fit in one country’s homes likely don’t fit perfectly in an American home.
A stager based in the US is (or should be) familiar with local styles and market trends. This means they’ll stage your home in ways that make the most sense — and according to your preferences.
Should You Hire a Local Virtual Staging Agency?
Who you choose as your virtual stager is entirely up to your preferences and needs. Still, it’s important to weigh the benefits of a local stager to those of a foreign-based professional. Compare portfolios, prices, and testimonials during your search.
Remember, though, that a local virtual staging agency is often strongly familiar with your region. They may have extensive experience staging homes similar to yours and are well-acquainted with the local market and its demands.
Once you’ve found an agency you like, contact them to inquire about their services and determine if they’re a good fit for you.
