Selling a home in California? Virtual staging is still one of the easiest ways to make your listing stand out.
But a new rule started in 2026, and it changes how you share staged photos. Here's what it says in plain words, what staging really costs, and three California bundles you can use today.
BeforeAfterSince January 1, 2026, a California law called AB 723 asks agents to be open about edited listing photos. Virtual staging is still allowed. You just need to do three things.
Example note
Virtually staged. See the original photo at yoursite.com/123-main-st
Apply Design makes step 1 easy. It can add a "Virtually staged" label right on your photo, plus your own logo as a watermark. You can see the label in the corner of every staged photo in this post. Then just add the link to the original.
The law covers homes for sale. Renting one out? Adding the same note is still a good habit.
Renting furniture for an empty home costs thousands. Auto Staging costs a few dollars a photo.
$4,000 to $6,000
As low as $7 a photo
Furniture prices are national averages for an empty home. Ask a local stager for a quote and compare.
Pick a bundle and every piece already goes together, so you just choose and stage. Find them in Room Bundles. Click any photo to see the before.
The room at the top of this post. A caramel sofa, a black leather lounge chair and a round glass table give it a Palm Springs feel. Great for 1950s and 60s homes and desert homes.
Soft gray bedding, a light wood dresser, a teal vase and a potted olive tree. Calm and coastal, like a beach house in San Diego or Santa Barbara.
BeforeAfterA light wood table, soft gray chairs and white vases with fresh greenery. It turns an empty corner into a sunny spot for family dinners.
BeforeAfterWant more? Try Newport or Avalon for living rooms, Shoreline or Calistoga for bedrooms, and Coral for dining. We're adding new California bundles all the time.
Lots of California homes now have a backyard unit or a garage turned into a small home. Empty, it looks like a plain box. Staged, buyers see how they would use it.
Stage it two ways and post both. Buyers with different plans will each see their own.
Yes. Since 2026 you just need to say the photo was edited and share the original photo.
No. Simple fixes that don't change how the home looks don't need a note.
The law is about homes for sale. Adding a note on rental photos is still a good idea.
As low as $7 a photo, and your first photo is free.
This post is general info, not legal advice. Read the full law (AB 723) or ask your broker.
