Virtual Staging in NYC Real Estate: The Secret to Selling Faster and Smarter

In the NYC market, virtual staging is a game-changer. Discover how it helps buyers visualize potential, cuts costs and moves listings faster—without lifting a single piece of furniture.

Virtual Staging in NYC Real Estate: The Secret to Selling Faster and Smarter

In New York City real estate, every pixel counts. Whether you're listing a brownstone in Brooklyn, a co-op on the Upper East Side, or a studio in Long Island City, presentation can make or break buyer interest. But in a market where time is money and square footage is a luxury, traditional staging often doesn’t cut it.

That’s where virtual staging steps in—offering a modern, efficient, and cost-effective solution for NYC’s fast-moving real estate landscape.

What Is Virtual Staging?

Virtual staging is the process of digitally furnishing empty rooms using high-resolution real estate photography and expert editing. Rather than physically hauling in sofas and decor, designers use photorealistic software to style interiors virtually—showing potential buyers how an empty apartment could look.

Virtually staged Living room in an apartment by riverside Drive.

Why Virtual Staging Works in NYC

1. Visualizing Small Spaces

NYC apartments often feature compact layouts that can feel cramped when empty. Virtual staging helps buyers understand how to best use tight square footage—transforming awkward corners into cozy nooks and showing how a living/dining combo actually functions.

2. Cost-Efficient in a Pricey Market

Traditional staging in NYC can range from $2,000 to $10,000+, depending on the neighborhood, apartment size and rental terms. Virtual staging? $30–$150 per image. That’s a fraction of the cost, without sacrificing quality or impact.

3. Speed is Everything

NYC listings generally move fast. Coordinating physical staging takes time—often too much. Virtual staging typically turns around in 1–3 days, so you can hit the market while the listing is hot.

4. Adaptable Style for Diverse Buyers

From ultra-modern in Tribeca to classic pre-war charm in the West Village, virtual staging lets you match the visual aesthetic to your target buyer. Want to show a space as a chic bachelor pad and also a minimalist family home? No problem.

5. No Elevators or Permits Required

Let’s be honest: staging in NYC comes with logistical nightmares—freight elevators, building approvals, narrow stairwells, etc. Virtual staging skips all that. No moving crews. No damage risk. No building headaches.

Before…

after…

Best Practices for NYC Virtual Staging

• Always disclose which images are virtually staged. Transparency builds trust.

• Include before-and-after images when possible to show authenticity.

• Start with top-tier photography. NYC lighting conditions can be tricky—make sure your base images are professionally shot for the best results.

🔗 Want show-stopping listing photos? Explore our NYC Real Estate Virtual Staging Services to get started.

Final Thoughts

Virtual staging isn’t just a trend—it’s a must-have tool for NYC real estate agents and sellers. It creates aspirational visuals, boosts click-through rates, and ultimately leads to faster offers. In a city where space is limited but imagination isn’t, virtual staging helps every square foot shine.

Listing an empty unit? Don’t leave it to chance.
Partner with RARE Photography to unlock the full power of virtual staging and attract the right buyers—faster, smarter, and with serious style.

Staging Tips for Sellers: Preparing Homes for Photography and Virtual Tours

In today’s competitive real estate market, a picture (or virtual tour) is worth more than a thousand words — it could be worth thousands of dollars. High-quality real estate photography and virtual tours play a critical role in attracting potential buyers, and proper staging ensures your property makes a stellar first impression.

Here are expert staging tips to prepare your home for a real estate photo shoot and 3D virtual tours, with an emphasis on decluttering and highlighting key features to captivate your audience and attract buyers.

Note that our clients, the real estate agents, often ask owners to keep their homes as decluttered and organized for showings as they were for the photoshoot. So you’re catching two birds with one stone!

1. Declutter to Make Spaces Shine

Clutter can distract potential buyers and make spaces feel smaller than they are. To create an inviting, open atmosphere:

• Pack away personal items: Remove family photos, knick-knacks, and personal collections to allow buyers envision their own lives in the space.

• Minimize furniture: Too much furniture can make a room feel cramped. Opt for a minimalist approach to highlight the room’s size and functionality.

• Clear countertops: In kitchens and bathrooms, keep counters clean and free of unnecessary items. A bowl of fresh fruit or a single vase can add a touch of elegance without overwhelming.

Pro Tip: Rent a storage unit if needed to temporarily house excess items, ensuring your home remains tidy and as show-ready.

2. Highlight Key Features

Every home has standout features — make sure they shine:

• Living room: Arrange furniture to emphasize the flow of the space and highlight focal points like fireplaces or large windows.

• Kitchen: Showcase updated appliances, unique backsplashes, or spacious countertops by keeping the area spotless and well-lit.

• Bedrooms: Use neutral, high-quality bedding and simple décor to create a serene atmosphere.

• Outdoor spaces: Clean up patios, mow the lawn, and add potted plants or flowers to make outdoor areas feel welcoming.

3. Maximize Natural Light

Lighting can make or break a photograph. Bright, airy spaces are universally appealing:

• Open curtains and blinds: Let in as much natural light as possible to make rooms feel larger and more inviting.

• Clean windows: Crystal-clear windows allow maximum sunlight to pour in.

• Strategic lighting: At RARE we mostly shoot with ambient light, but will turn on certain lamps if they create a special atmosphere. Make sure the bulbs are all the same in one room. There’s only little more frustrating than having one beside table lamp with a greenish tint and the other one with a pinkish tint.

4. Stage Each Room with Purpose

Buyers want to see how each space can be used. Help them imagine:

• Define spaces: Turn a nook into a reading corner or a spare room into a home office.

• Keep it simple: Don’t over-accessorize. Clean lines and minimal décor allow the space to speak for itself.

• Add warmth: A throw blanket, a few books, or a plant can make a space feel lived-in without feeling cluttered.

5. For the House Owners: Focus on Curb Appeal

The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see, even in a virtual tour:

• Tidy up: Trim bushes, sweep walkways, and ensure the entryway looks inviting.

• Add color: A fresh coat of paint on the front door or seasonal flowers can make a big impact.

• Check the details: Clean light fixtures, polish door hardware, and ensure house numbers are visible and modern.

6. Test the View Through the Camera’s Lens

Before the photographer or videographer arrives, take a few test shots with your phone (it’s fun too):

• Adjust as needed: Look for distracting elements, crooked furniture, or items that don’t align with the home’s aesthetic.

• Seek balance: Ensure each shot feels balanced and highlights the room’s best features.

Final Thoughts

Proper staging is an investment in your home’s sale price. A well-staged home not only photographs better but also connects emotionally with buyers, making them more likely to schedule a showing or make an offer.

By decluttering, emphasizing key features, and showcasing your home in its best light, you’re setting yourself up for success in today’s digital-first real estate market. Ready to capture your home’s best angles? Contact RARE Photography to ensure your home stands out with professional real estate photography and 3D virtual tours. We help you with the prep work as well once we are onsite, so don’t fret. And if you think a certain room can’t be photographed, you’d be surprised what we can do with the help of our virtual staging magic!

In addition, a lot of improvements are done in the editing process.

Uncluttered spaces leave most room for a buyers imagination while still showing how a space can be used and how much furniture ‘fits’.

Plants always add a touch of color and can draw the eye deeper into the room.

Staging helps to create a story. Other than just ‘showing’ a home room by room, little corners staged to create a vibe help the viewers seeing themselves in the home.

Let RARE Photography guide you every step of the way.

Behind the Lens at RARE Photography: New York’s Elite Real Estate Media Collective

At RARE Photography, we specialize in top-notch real estate photography, immersive 3D virtual tours, listing floor plans, and virtual staging services designed to highlight properties in New York City’s competitive market as well as surrounding areas from New Jersey to Connecticut and Long Island. We are passionate about visual storytelling and dedicated to providing the best services possible to help real estate agents, developers, and home sellers succeed in their goals of selling properties fast and at top prices.

Wonder who's behind the lens at RARE Photography? We're excited to shine the spotlight for once on our team of talented photographers and staff!

Romy Rodiek

Meet the Visionary: Romy Rodiek, Founder and Creative Wiz

RARE Photography was founded by Austrian-born photographer Romy Rodiek, who has been photographing NYC real estate since 2013. A skilled architectural and interior photographer, Romy has worked with many of Manhattan's most prestigious luxury real estate brands.

A graduate of the International Center of Photography, Romy combines technical skill with a creative eye formed by her extensive travels (across all seven continents!). Her work has been featured in Luxe Magazine, Cottages & Gardens, and Lux Exposé, as well as exhibitions in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Vienna. and Lux Exposé and exhibited in galleries in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Vienna.

With her background in business administration and photography, Romy understands both the artistic and professional needs of the real estate industry. Her leadership drives RARE Photography’s success in delivering high-quality visuals that sell properties faster.

The Operational Dynamo: Erica Anker

Every great team needs a glue person, and RARE Photography is fortunate to have Erica Anker as our Project & Operations Manager. Erica has been an integral part of our team for over six years, keeping our day-to-day operations running like a well oiled machine.

A graduate in journalism, marketing, and media studies, Erica is a clear and concise communicator and resourceful problem solver. She is often the first point of contact for our clients and is dedicated to providing exceptional service. Erica is also responsible for overseeing all of our virtual staging projects and helping guide clients through our vast offer of styles and options for virtual staging.

Erica Anker

Alia Kay

The Virtual Staging Virtuoso: Alia Kay
Project Assistant Extraordinaire

Our virtual staging services are a powerful tool in real estate marketing, and Alia Kay, our dedicated project assistant, is a key member to bringing these designs to life. Alia organizes our virtual staging orders and coordinates between our team and the client in order to create the perfect image. With a keen eye for detail and creative spark, she handles all projects with precision bringing out the best in every property.

A graduate in rocket engineering (!), Alia also taught math to students in Mozambique while serving in the Peace Corps. She is meticulous and loves details, with a passion for nature, learning and exploring the world through travel.

Meet Our Talented Photographers: Masters of the Lens

Our team of photographers possesses a unique blend of experience and artistic vision. Here's a little about our talented shooters:

• Toks Adesanya: Photographing NYC and New Jersey, Toks combines his passion for the job with a keen eye for detail. A versatile photographer, Toks' experience in portrait, event, and exhibition photography serves him well in real estate. He’s your guy for outstanding real estate photography, floor plans and 3D virtual tours. He is also a FAA licensed drone pilot. Our man of many talents!

Toks Adesanya

Olga Jarkowska

• Olga Jarkowska: A graduate in historic art preservation, Olga's background in interior design photography and fine art makes her a skilled real estate photographer. Her attention to detail and ability to capture each property's unique character is exceptional. Olga offers photography and floor plan services.

• Ernesto Eisner: A fine art photographer with a keen eye, Ernesto, based in Putnam County, NY, approaches real estate photography with an artistic approach and a love for the smaller details. He’s your photographer for all Upstate, NY and Connecticut based real estate photography needs.

Ernesto Eisner

Cecilia Riaz

• Cecilia Riaz: Our other FAA approved drone pilot and architectural/interior photographer extraordinaire, Cecilia captures stunning images from every angle. A Swedish native with a background in environmental and studio portraiture, Cecilia offers a wide range of photography experience capturing New York City apartments to Long Island’s East End homes.

A Day in the Life at RARE Photography: Committed to Excellence in Real Estate Media

Before each photoshoot, we collect important details about the listing such as number of bedrooms and bathrooms and any specific services requested by the agent or seller. This prep work enables us to work efficiently on-site, focusing on prepping the apartments for the photoshoot, finding the best composition and angle. We actively engage with the agent and go over best angles for money shots, virtual staging, and vignettes. Sometimes an apartment will be entirely virtually remodeled and we are an integral part of making our clients ideas turn into (virtual) reality.

During peak season, the market is in full swing, and listings move quickly. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality visuals in a fast and efficient manner, ensuring our clients' listings attract deserving online attention.

Why Partner with RARE Photography?

What sets us apart is our team and commitment to excellence. From Romy's creative direction to Erica's operational expertise, and our talented photographers, RARE Photography is dedicated to providing the best real estate media possible with a personal touch.

Whether you're a real estate agent, developer, or home seller, working with RARE Photography means partnering with a team that's dedicated to showcasing your property's best features.

Our client Josh Galdos of Compass with the homeowner making sure we get most out of the stunning skyline.

Here’s how we do it:
Prepping the listing, team effort with agent and owner cleaning the windows. The devil is in the details 😈     

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help showcase your properties!