Should I use empty photos or virtual staging for listings?

Using a hybrid of both empty photos and virtual staging works best for listings. Lead with a few virtually staged hero images to help buyers visualize furniture layouts and lifestyle, followed by empty-room photos to provide accurate space dimensions. Clear captions like “Virtually staged for visualization; room dimensions unchanged” establish trust. This balanced presentation increases click-through rates, encourages qualified showings, and helps buyers clearly understand the property without surprises.