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Susan Gorden Ryan | Realtor®

RE # 9540759

Meet Susan Gorden Ryan

Susan has found her true passion in serving others and supporting clients through every aspect of one of the most important transitions in life's journey. Whether buying, selling, renting, or leasing, it is essential to walk through the process with knowledge, expertise, and arguably most importantly, emotional intelligence.

Susan first joined BOLD in 2016 when seeking to be closer to home so she could provide care for her family. Susan is formerly a senior strategist, director, and program manager for industry leading global financial services institutions. The skills and capabilities built over 35 years are in direct alignment with the ability to provide outstanding service to her real estate clients. From meticulous attention to detail, advocating for client's best interests, to tracking and managing the multi-faceted elements of each transaction, Susan is there for you with compassion and the utmost diligence.

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The Pros & Cons of Virtual Staging

The Pros & Cons of Virtual Staging

February 18, 20252 min read

The Pros & Cons of Virtual Staging

When selling a home, presentation is everything. Buyers make snap judgments based on listing photos, which is why staging plays a crucial role in attracting interest. Virtual staging has become a popular alternative to traditional staging, but is it the right choice for you? Let’s break down the pros and cons.

 Pros of Virtual Staging

 Cost-Effective – Traditional staging can cost thousands, while virtual staging is a fraction of the price.  Fast Turnaround – A home can be virtually staged in 24-48 hours, compared to the time-intensive process of physical staging.  Customizable – Furniture styles and layouts can be tailored to match the home’s target audience.  Great for Vacant Homes – Virtual staging can make an empty space look warm and inviting, helping buyers visualize the potential.  Eliminates Logistics – No need to move furniture in and out, reducing hassle and effort.

 Cons of Virtual Staging

 Not Tangible – Buyers won’t experience the staged home in person, which may lead to disappointment during showings.  Potential for Misleading Expectations – If staging doesn’t reflect the actual space, it could create false expectations and frustration for buyers.  Limited Emotional Connection – Some buyers struggle to connect with a home that doesn’t physically feel designed and curated.  Disclosure Required – Ethically and in many cases legally, agents must disclose that images have been digitally altered.

 Unique Solutions & Creative Options

 Hybrid Staging – Use a combination of virtual staging for online listings and minimal physical staging for key rooms buyers will experience in person.  Augmented Reality (AR) Tools – Some companies offer AR apps where buyers can virtually place furniture in a vacant home during a showing.  Before & After Sliders – Instead of just presenting virtually staged images, showcase "before and after" sliders so buyers can visualize the transformation clearly.  Buyer-Centric Customization – Offer potential buyers a selection of virtual staging styles so they can see how the space could fit their personal taste.  QR Codes on Listing Flyers – Link to interactive virtual staging images so buyers can engage with different styles or layouts easily.

Final Thoughts

Virtual staging is a fantastic tool when used strategically, especially for vacant homes or those needing an extra visual boost online. However, it’s essential to set clear expectations and be transparent with buyers. In some cases, a combination of both virtual and traditional staging may provide the best results!

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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT SUSAN GORDEN RYAN

"Susan was amazing to work with!"

“Susan was amazing to work with! She is a true professional. From beginning to end, she ensured that everything went smoothly while buying our home. She is thoughtful, responsive, and honest. I am grateful that we had the opportunity to work with her."

- Ally

"The Strategy, Marketing And Pricing On The House Were Spot On."

"Susan was always professional, considerate and punctual. She was very patient with us on all our questions and concerns. Susan worked hard; the process for us went very quickly. Our house was under contract in less than a week.

Susan's caring personality allowed us to feel comfortable with her and that made a big difference with us."

- K. Rocha

"[Susan] is knowledgeable, patient, attentive, and compassionate."

"Susan Gorden Ryan has been fabulous to work with in the selling of my deceased father’s condo. She is knowledgeable, patient, attentive, and compassionate. All the qualities that I and my siblings needed during a difficult period in our lives with the loss of our beloved father. As a result of her dedication, she was able to help us sell the condo at a good price inside of a few months. I whole heartedly recommend Susan to anyone looking for a Real Estate agency to help them sell or purchase property.."

- R. Nadeau

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