New augmented reality home staging app makes buying more personal

Envision yourself in a property

Tired of touring empty homes that just don’t feel like you? Can’t imagine yourself in a house due to the current owner’s starkly different tastes in décor? Thanks to a new virtual home staging app, these challenges are no more.

Personalizing your property tour

Last year, Sotheby’s International Realty launched a new app, which uses augmented reality to help home buyers, realtors and sellers personalize the home touring experience. Dubbed Curate, the app is available only on Android phones.

Staging your home helps it sell 73% faster, on average

Using the app, buyers can customize properties they’re considering and visualize décor in the space before making a decision. Users can choose from a variety of interior design sets, furniture and products, and see the home staged in a number of styles and layouts. They can even shop directly for many of the products displayed.

According to John Passerini, global vice president of interactive marketing at Sotheby’s International Realty, the app adds a personal touch to the home buying journey.

“Buying a house is not only a significant financial decision, but is also deeply personal and emotional,” Passerini said. “Introducing an augmented reality component to the home buying experience takes the consumer on a personal journey that allows them to see a house transformed into a home, their home, through the magic of technology.”

Selling a home without the hassle; full-service home prep available

The app also makes it easier for sellers and real estate agents, who might not have the time or resources to professionally or physically stage a home, Passerini said.

“Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty solves visualization problems without making costly, time-intensive and cumbersome changes to the physical space,” Passerini said.

Get today’s mortgage rates

Want to find the home you can see yourself in for the long haul? Then shop around and see what mortgage rates you qualify for today.