7-Step Virtual Renovation Boostes Listing Views by 250%
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In today’s competitive real estate market, where over 90% of homebuyers begin their journey online, visuals are everything. A property’s photos can make or break buyer interest within seconds. But what happens when the property is outdated, cluttered, or simply doesn’t photograph well?
That’s where virtual renovation comes in a game-changing visual solution that transforms a listing digitally, helping buyers see potential without requiring costly physical updates. In this case study, we’ll show how a real estate agent in Pasadena, California, used Fotober’s Virtual Renovation service to completely reimagine a tired home and sold it in just 12 days, with 3x more engagement than similar listings.
1. Client Introduction
Meet Sarah M., an experienced realtor in California specializing in family homes in Pasadena and nearby communities. Her latest listing had great bones but lacked visual appeal. The home, a 3-bedroom 2-bath property, hadn’t been renovated in over 15 years. From dark wood panels to an outdated kitchen, the space didn’t reflect the lifestyle today’s buyers were looking for.
Sarah knew the property needed a fresh perspective that could showcase its true potential without investing in a full remodel.
She reached out to Fotober with a clear set of objectives:
- Virtually renovate key spaces (living room, kitchen, backyard)
- Remove dated elements while keeping the structure intact
- Highlight a modern, move-in-ready look to attract younger buyers
- Receive results within 72 hours for an upcoming open house
2. Challenges
Before diving into digital enhancements, several challenges needed to be addressed. These issues are common among older properties and often require a strategic visual approach to overcome.
First, the original photos featured poor lighting, odd furniture placement, and outdated finishes, making the home feel smaller and darker than it really was.
Second, the kitchen and living areas were visually disconnected due to partition walls, limiting the home’s flow in the eyes of buyers.
Third, the backyard had potential but lacked inspiration because it appeared as just an empty patch of grass.
Finally, Sarah needed all visuals finalized and ready for marketing within 3 business days, leaving no room for error.
3. Step-by-Step Process from Fotober
Fotober’s editing team followed a 7-step process that aligns with our standard for virtual renovation projects. Each step was designed to enhance realism, maintain architectural integrity, and inspire buyer imagination.
To ensure clarity, we approached the renovation in the following stages:
3.1. Add/Remove Walls, Objects & Blemishes
Before introducing any new design elements, we decluttered the space digitally:
- Removed bulky furniture and personal décor
- Cleaned up blemishes such as cracked paint and carpet stains
- Took down visual barriers (like the partition wall) to create an open-concept layout
3.2. Replace Flooring
To modernize the interior, we replaced the outdated flooring with:
- Wide-plank light oak wood for a warm yet modern touch
- Uniform style throughout the main living areas to improve visual continuity
Living room was edited by Fotober
3.3. Change Ceiling
Old ceilings can make a home feel dated, so we made subtle updates:
- Smoothed the texture and removed outdated fan fixtures
- Added recessed lighting and updated ceiling color for brightness
3.4. Add Fixtures (Doors, Windows, Fireplace)
We digitally upgraded fixtures to match a modern aesthetic:
- Replaced standard doors with sleek panel designs
- Enlarged windows to bring in natural light
- Added a modern fireplace as the living room focal point
3.5. Virtual Kitchen Remodel
The kitchen transformation was the highlight:
- Swapped dark cabinetry for white shaker-style cabinets
- Added quartz countertops, subway tile backsplash, and new lighting
- Installed stainless-steel appliances and a kitchen island
3.6. Add Deck/Pool
To elevate the backyard appeal:
- Created a virtual wooden deck with an outdoor lounge setup
- Included a compact in-ground pool surrounded by landscaping elements
Virtual renovation by adding pool
3.7. Virtual Landscaping
To complete the exterior transformation:
- Added flowering shrubs, pavers, and garden lighting
- Designed a cozy seating area with a pergola for entertaining
Virtual Landscaping
4. The Result
With the enhanced visuals, Sarah was able to completely reposition the property in the market. Instead of an outdated listing that would sit for weeks, she now had a home that generated real excitement and fast.
Here’s what changed after implementing Fotober’s virtual renovation:
- +275% increase in listing views within the first 72 hours
- Tripled buyer inquiries in just one week
- Sold in 12 days, while similar listings in the neighborhood averaged 25–30 days on market
- Closed at 96% of asking price, even though no physical renovations were made
Buyer and Seller Reactions
Open house attendees expressed how helpful the virtual images were in visualizing the home’s potential. Some even asked whether the renovations were real, proof of the quality and realism in Fotober’s editing. Sarah’s seller was thrilled with the fast turnaround and the competitive sale price.
5. Recommendation
This case illustrates how virtual renovation can be a powerful marketing tool, especially in competitive real estate markets across the U.S. From California and Florida to Texas and New York, listings with compelling visuals consistently outperform those without.
Virtual renovation is best suited for:
- Agents listing older homes without budget for staging or remodeling
- Sellers who want quick results but can't renovate physically
- Buyers who need help seeing the potential of a space
- Real estate photographers or ag encies looking to elevate their services
Fotober offers fast, professional virtual renovation services with 24-48 hour turnaround and unbeatable pricing. Our editing process is transparent, realistic, and tailored to help listings stand out without crossing the line into misrepresentation.
