When does virtual staging go too far in real estate listings?

Virtual staging goes too far when it alters permanent features, room sizes, or views of the property. Examples include shrinking or enlarging rooms, removing structural elements, or adding unreal furnishings that mislead buyers. Over-editing damages trust, leads to longer market time, and price reductions. Ethical virtual staging maintains accurate scale, shows original features, and pairs each staged photo with the original for transparency.