Virtual Staging and AI Valuations: Are CA Realtors Ready?

Let’s get one thing straight—California real estate is not your average ballgame. It’s fast, competitive, emotionally charged, and often driven by tech-savvy buyers who’ve seen a hundred listings before they even call you. In this backdrop, two things are quietly becoming non-negotiables for realtors who want to stay relevant: virtual staging and AI-powered valuations. 

Now, I know what some traditional agents are thinking. “Staging is for luxury listings.” Or “My gut knows the market better than any algorithm.” But in 2025, those instincts need serious tech assistance. 

Let’s break down what’s happening, what the data says, and how California brokers and realtors can lean into this shift without losing the human edge. 

Why Virtual Staging Isn’t Just a Gimmick Anymore 

Remember when physical staging was the gold standard? It still works, especially in high-ticket listings. But virtual staging? That’s become the norm for online-first buyers—aka 90% of your audience. 

According to a 2024 National Association of Realtors (NAR) report, virtually staged homes receive 20-25% more clicks than non-staged listings. In urban California markets like LA and San Diego, where inventory moves fast and competition is cutthroat, even a slight edge in clicks can mean a real buyer vs another "just browsing" lead. 

But it’s not just about clicks. It’s about emotional connection. 
People don’t fall in love with empty walls—they fall in love with possibilities. With seeing themselves living there. That’s what virtual staging on real estate listing websites does—minus the furniture rental costs, minus the logistics. 

Platforms like BoxBrownie, PadStyler, and even Canva’s AI-powered staging tools are turning basic interiors into dream homes for less than $30 per image. And we’re seeing brokerages create pre-set staging templates aligned with buyer personas—think “mid-century modern for millennial couples,” or “farmhouse chic for empty nesters.” Smart, scalable, and impactful. 

But Are California Realtors Adopting It? 

Slowly—but surely. 

In a 2023 Zillow tech survey, only 22% of California-based agents were consistently using virtual staging on their real estate listing websites. Compare that to 48% in Texas and 31% in New York. Why the lag? 

A few reasons: 

The truth? When used transparently, virtual staging on real estate brokerage websites does not mislead. It inspires. And in a world of short attention spans and Zillow-scroll fatigue, inspiring visuals matter more than ever. 

Now, Let’s Talk AI Valuations—Friend or Foe? 

We’ve all seen them. The Zestimate that was off by $100K. The Redfin price made sellers panic. So, let’s be honest: AI valuations don’t always get it right. But dismissing them altogether? That’s like throwing away a calculator because it once got the decimal wrong. 

AI-driven valuations use machine learning, not just comps. They assess property characteristics, neighborhood trends, buyer sentiment, school zones, and more. Platforms like BidHom, Zillow AI Cloud, and Plunk are going beyond AVMs (Automated Valuation Models) and offering near real-time adjustments. 

What’s interesting is how some real estate brokerage websites are now using AI valuations to pre-screen seller expectations. Before the first meeting, agents already know if the seller is off-base—and how much room they have to negotiate. 

California-Specific Factors Mess with AVMs—Here’s Why That’s Important 

Here’s the human part AI often misses, especially in California: 

So no, AI valuations aren’t a replacement for your market smarts. But they are a starting point, especially when dealing with data-driven buyers and investors who’ve already run their own numbers. 

Use them as your conversation openers. Not deal-enders. 

The Hybrid Approach is the Future 

California is still one of the most emotionally charged real estate markets in the U.S. Lifestyle, weather, location, prestige—it all plays into buying decisions. But emotion doesn’t mean you skip the data. 

The smartest brokers we’ve worked with are doing this: 

Realtors Who Blend Tech and Empathy Will Win 

Virtual staging isn’t replacing interior designers. AI valuations aren’t replacing CMAs. But both are reshaping how trust is built in the California real estate space. 

BidHom can help realtors reap the best benefits of these rising trends through its cutting-edge features. With virtual tours offered, it allows agents and brokers to reach a wider audience with no time and distance barriers. Besides, it offers property estimator tools that help realtors offer AI advantage to their clients.