Virtual Staging?

I just came across this article online and I am very curious as to what others think.

Virtual staging sparks sales of vacant homes
Judy Richter, Special to The Chronicle
Sunday, July 19, 2009

Realtors already use the Web to showcase their listings online, where buyers peruse them before hitting the home tours. Now comes virtual staging.

Here's how it works: A real estate agent e-mails photos of a vacant home to a stager, who digitally adds tables, chairs, lamps, art work and other items to make the space look more inviting. The agent uses the enhanced photos for his Web site, the Multiple Listing Service, flyers and other advertising.

Read the rest of the article here...

So, other than the 'virtual' aspect, is this any different that normal home staging? Are there any downfalls? or is it all beneficial? What do you think?

Google Takes Widgets to a New Level

The following article isn't directly related to Wilmington, but I thought some of our tech enthusiasts/homeowners would find it interesting that Google is expanding its widgets into energy monitoring. I'm sure many people would be excited to use such a service.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

San Diego Gas and Electric Partners With Google PowerMeter

San Diego Gas & Electric is one of the first utilities to sign up with Google and its new Google PowerMeter energy monitoring project, Google said this morning. Google, which is in the midst of creating widgets for allowing consumers to see and monitor their power consumption, said that SDG&E is one of eight initial utility partners launching with the Internet giant. The partnership will allow San Diego Gas & Electric customers with smart meters to access that smart meter information via Google and its PowerMeter widget software. Google said that its widgets are only available to a limited group of partners, but will roll out more widely later this year with other partners. posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2009

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