Virtual staging software and disclosure regulations in real estate

Virtual staging involves the digital addition of 3D furniture and decor to property photos to help buyers visualize living spaces. The industry currently offers two primary methods: AI-driven tools and human-led design services.

AI tools, such as REimagineHome and Collov AI, provide rapid turnaround times—often under one minute—with costs ranging from approximately 20 cents to under $3 per photo. In contrast, human services like BoxBrownie and Styldod offer professional judgment and higher-quality design, with prices starting around $16 and reaching up to $49 per image, alongside longer turnaround times of several hours to days.

New regulatory requirements have emerged regarding these digital enhancements. As of January 1, 2026, California’s AB 723 mandates that any digitally altered listing photos, including virtual staging, furniture removal, or landscaping changes, must include a disclosure stating, “Image has been digitally altered.”