There’s been a clear rise in virtually staged MLS listings as agents leverage digital tools to make homes more appealing online and reduce staging costs. While virtual staging boosts buyer interest and speeds up marketing, it must be used transparently to avoid misleading buyers and to maintain trust.
Weigh the Pros of Virtual Staging
Virtual staging offers a fast and convenient way to enhance a property’s features, especially when time or budget is limited. It’s particularly effective for vacant homes, new builds, or listings where furniture has been removed, allowing buyers to visualize the potential of the space. Because it requires no physical furniture or setup, it’s also a smaller investment for sellers compared to actual staging.
Consider the Cons of Virtual Staging
Virtual staging often alters the true appearance of a room; colors, lighting, and scale can look off, making it obvious that the images are AI-generated. This can mislead buyers on MLS and create a disconnect when they see the home in person, leaving them underwhelmed compared to the polished online version.
Virtual staging rarely enhances a space the way real, curated staging does. Our in-person designs are tailored to the home’s architecture, features, and location, creating an authentic connection that digital edits simply can’t match.
Hiring the Experts for In-Home Staging
While virtual staging has grown in popularity, nothing matches the impact of a professionally staged home. Expertly designed, in-person staging allows buyers to experience the home’s true warmth, flow, and scale, creating an emotional connection that digital images can’t replicate. With its proven ROI and ability to drive faster, more confident sales, professional staging not only captures attention, but helps seal the deal.
Wondering if your listing could benefit from professional staging? We offer expert home staging that showcases your home’s potential. Reach out to us here. Let’s discuss your goals and get started together!
Home staging has the potential to maximize the sale price and minimize time on the market by creating an emotional connection with buyers, making the property more appealing and memorable.
By thoughtfully arranging furniture, lighting, and decor to highlight the home’s best features and evoke a warm, inviting atmosphere, staging helps buyers envision themselves living in the space. This emotional connection often leads to competitive offers and a higher return on investment.
The Benefits of Home Staging
Home staging offers numerous benefits, including higher sale prices, faster transactions, and reduced time on the market. By creating a clean, inviting, and well-designed space, staging allows buyers to more easily visualize their lifestyle in the home and form an emotional connection.
This strategic presentation often leads to stronger first impressions, competitive offers, and a smoother selling process.
The Cost of Skipping Staging
Choosing not to stage a home can come with significant costs, including a lower perceived value of the listing, extended time on the market, and increased holding costs such as mortgage payments, utilities, and potential depreciation.
According to the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), staged homes sell 73% faster and spend an average of just 18 days on the market, compared to 49 days for non-staged properties. Additionally, 85% of staged listings sold for 6–25% more than comparable unstaged homes.
The average cost of staging typically ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 for a standard-sized home, though this varies based on location, size, whether the home is vacant or occupied, and the length of time the staging is needed.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), staging often yields a strong return—if a $400,000 home is staged for $3,000 and sells for just 5% more ($420,000), the seller nets an additional $17,000, resulting in an ROI of approximately 566%.
In this context, staging becomes a strategic investment and a compelling alternative to a price reduction, which might require cutting $10,000–$20,000 or more to attract similar interest.
Key Takeaways: Maximizing Your Home’s Value with Professional Staging
Professionally staged homes often sell faster and for 6–25% more than unstaged properties.
On average, staged homes spend just 18 days on the market compared to 49 days for unstaged listings.
For a typical $400,000 home, a $3,000 staging investment can generate an additional $17,000 in profit.
Thoughtful design and décor help buyers form an emotional connection and envision themselves living in the space.
Before listing your home, consider the powerful financial impact of staging. It can boost your sale price, reduce time on the market, and ultimately put more money in your pocket. To get started, schedule a professional staging consultation and discover how we can help present your home at its absolute best.
Warmly, Christa
Meet the Designer
Mickler & Co. is a full-service interior design studio based in Wilmington, NC, led by Principal Designer Rebecca Mickler and Designer Christa Mitchell.
With over 20 years of experience in architectural design, staging, and interiors, Rebecca and her team create spaces that are both functional and beautiful, tailored to reflect each client’s unique lifestyle and vision.
People often focus on updating colors when staging because it’s a quick, visible change that creates a fresh impression, but they forget that effective staging also relies on lighting, layout, cleanliness, and depersonalization.
To truly appeal to buyers, sellers must consider furniture arrangement, curb appeal, and clutter to highlight the home’s best features.
Reality #1: Paint Can’t Fix a Poor Layout
Color alone can’t fix the flow of a room because it doesn’t address how people move through or function within the space. Staging creates a clear vision for how buyers can use each area, making awkward layouts feel intentional and inviting. It can downplay a home’s flaws while strategically highlighting its strengths, helping buyers emotionally connect to the property.
Reality #2: Paint Won’t Set the Right Price
While color has no real impact on a home’s perceived value, staging directly influences how buyers judge its worth because the quality, materials, and style of furnishings signal a lifestyle and price point to buyers.
Thoughtful staging helps buyers see the home as more luxurious or move-in ready, which can justify a higher list price. In contrast, poor or no staging can make even a well-maintained home feel underwhelming and undervalued.
Reality #3: Paint Doesn’t Connect with Buyers
Color won’t connect with a potential buyer because it’s just surface-level. However, staging tells a story about how the space can support their lifestyle. Staging is thoughtfully designed with the ideal buyer in mind, focusing on the lifestyle, design preferences, and functionality that will resonate most with them.
This targeted approach helps buyers see themselves in the home, making it far more compelling and marketable.
Key Reasons Staging Matters More Than Paint When Selling Your Home
Staging highlights flow, layout, and functionality that paint alone can’t fix.
Home staging increases perceived value by showing buyers a lifestyle and quality that supports a higher list price.
Staging connects emotionally with buyers by telling a story about how they can live in the space, while paint is only surface-level.
Professional staging helps homes sell faster and for more money, giving your listing a competitive edge in today’s real estate market.
If you’re ready to sell your listing profitably, reach out to us before you reach for that paintbrush! We will help you stage with intention.
Warmly, Christa
Meet the Designer
Mickler & Co. is a full-service interior design studio based in Wilmington, NC, led by Principal Designer Rebecca Mickler and Designer Christa Mitchell.
With over 20 years of experience in architectural design, staging, and interiors, Rebecca and her team create spaces that are both functional and beautiful, tailored to reflect each client’s unique lifestyle and vision.
First impressions are crucial with homebuyers because the exterior is the first thing they see. If it feels neglected or uninviting, many buyers won’t even step inside. A home could have the perfect interior, but if the curb appeal falls flat, it might never get the chance to shine.
Tip #1: Deep Clean for a Fresh Look
There are key details often overlooked, such as washing all exterior windows, clearing or replacing old gutters, and power washing siding, driveways, and stones. These make a big impact on overall appearance! Don’t forget about cobwebs, trimming overgrown plants, and hiding trash bins.
Tip #2: Simplify Decor to Showcase the House
It’s best to remove bold exterior décor that might distract buyers or make the yard feel cluttered. Simplicity helps buyers focus on the home’s features. Pruning unruly hedges, trimming low-hanging branches, and pulling weeds all create a clean, well-maintained look. Adding a few potted or in-ground flowering plants can provide inviting pops of color that enhance the space.
Tip #3: Add Small Touches with Big Impact
A full exterior remodel isn’t necessary to boost curb appeal. Small, budget-friendly upgrades can make a big difference. Consider painting the front door in a fresh, welcoming color, updating outdated house numbers or the mailbox, resealing the driveway, and swapping out old light fixtures for more modern styles. Even simple touches like a new doormat, fresh mulch, or seasonal wreaths can elevate the overall look without major expense.
Tip #4: Stage With Subtle Lifestyle Touches
Once the exterior is cleaned and refreshed, staging it with subtle lifestyle touches helps buyers envision themselves living there. I like to create inviting spaces like a cozy front porch seating area, a simple grilling station, or poolside dining setup to evoke a sense of relaxation and everyday enjoyment. Thoughtful staging sells more than a home, it sells a lifestyle which creates an emotional connection with buyers.
Key Exterior Staging Takeaways
Buyers often decide whether to tour a home based on its exterior.
Power washing, clearing gutters, and trimming landscaping can instantly refresh the look.
Painting the front door, updating light fixtures, or adding fresh mulch are affordable ways to upgrade.
Adding porch seating, planters, or a grilling area helps buyers imagine living there.
Exterior staging not only attracts more buyers but can also increase the selling price and reduce time on the market.
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Warmly, Christa
Meet the Designer
Mickler & Co. is a full-service interior design studio based in Wilmington, NC, led by Principal Designer Rebecca Mickler and Designer Christa Mitchell.
With over 20 years of experience in architectural design, staging, and interiors, Rebecca and her team create spaces that are both functional and beautiful, tailored to reflect each client’s unique lifestyle and vision.
A small staged home lives large with an easy-flowing layout, airy color palette, and strategic use of mirrors and natural light. Sleek, low-profile furniture and minimal decor create a sense of calm and spaciousness, proving that with the right styling, less truly is more.
Tip #1: Let the Light In
Add sheer, airy window treatments that let sunshine pour in. Keep furniture away from windows to avoid blocking light, and place mirrors across from windows to reflect brightness and create the illusion of more space. The lighter and brighter your home feels, the larger it will appear to potential buyers.
Tip #2: Blend the Ceiling with the Walls
For a more expansive feel, paint your ceilings the same color as the walls. A stark white ceiling can create a visual break that boxes in the space. In contrast, keeping the color consistent helps blur boundaries and enhances the sense of openness. Consider adding trim detail or wood beams painted the same color to add more dimension.
Tip #3: Choose a Monochromatic Palette
Opt for a monochromatic color scheme–think soft neutrals–for the walls, flooring, and furniture to create a cohesive, serene space that feels larger and more open. Introduce pops of color through accessories like throw pillows, rugs, and artwork. This adds personality without taking away from the home’s features.
Tip #4: Raise Your Curtains
To make your space feel taller and more expansive, mount curtain rods as close to the ceiling as possible. Make sure the curtains are only a few inches above the floor. Be sure the curtains can be pulled back well beyond the window frame to allow maximum light to flood the room and open up the space.
Tip #5: Start with Strong Curb Appeal
Curb appeal plays a critical role in attracting buyers, especially for smaller homes, first impressions count even more. Ensure the paint is fresh, the landscaping is neat and purposeful, and the entryway is well-lit and thoughtfully accessorized. These small touches instantly make the space feel inviting and well-maintained.
A small home is far from an obstacle. When staged thoughtfully and with the right design tips, it can feel just as appealing as a home twice its size. With the right touches, the perfect buyer will see the charm and potential that make it a perfect fit.
If you need help staging your property, we would be happy to assist you. Contact us here to set up a discovery call.
4 Bathroom Staging Tips to Instantly Elevate Your Home
Bathrooms might be one of the smallest rooms in the house, but when it comes to home staging, they can leave a big impression. A clean, well-styled bathroom signals that the home is cared for and move-in ready. If you’re preparing to sell—or just want to freshen things up—these bathroom staging tips will help your space feel polished and inviting.
1. Clear the Clutter
Nothing turns off a potential buyer faster than a messy countertop. Take a few minutes to put away personal items like toothbrushes, razors, and skincare bottles. Limit what’s left out to just a few neatly arranged essentials.
Tuck daily items in baskets or drawers
Remove old rugs and used bath mats
Wipe down mirrors and clean the sink area
2. Go for a Spa-Like Feel
Think about how a luxury hotel bathroom looks—calm, clean, and styled with intention. You don’t need a full remodel to get that feeling. A few thoughtful touches can make your bathroom feel like a retreat.
Roll or fold fluffy white towels
Set a candle or diffuser on the counter
Add greenery or a small potted plant
3. Keep the Colors Soft and Neutral
Bright or bold colors can be distracting and aren’t always to everyone’s taste. Stick to soft, neutral shades that make the space feel brighter and cleaner. A light gray, soft beige, or warm white works well on walls and towels.
Repaint if needed using light, neutral tones
Swap out any patterned or colorful shower curtains
Match your accessories for a clean, coordinated look
4. Add a Little Style
You don’t need to overdo it. A simple piece of art or a sleek mirror can finish off the look and give the room a more styled feel. Choose something calming and clean—nothing too personal or busy.
Hang one framed print or canvas in a neutral tone
Replace dated mirrors with a clean-lined option
Use decorative trays to keep things tidy and chic
Bonus Tip: Pay Attention to Scent
A fresh-smelling bathroom makes a big difference. Open a window before a showing, use a light air freshener, or add fresh eucalyptus to the shower. Just keep it subtle—no heavy perfume smells.
Why Bathroom Staging Works
Buyers notice the details. A thoughtfully staged bathroom helps your home stand out and sends the message that it’s been well cared for. It’s a small investment of time that can have a real payoff when it comes to selling your home.
Need Help Staging Your Bathroom?
If you’re not sure where to start—or want to leave it to the pros—our team at Mickler & Co. is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how our staging services can transform your space.
A well-staged bathroom should be spotless and clutter-free. Make minor upgrades, tailor to your target buyer, and polish it off by adding simple, feel-good decor.
If you have any other questions about home staging (in the bathroom or otherwise), please reach out!
Say Hello To Mickler & Co. Welcome to the Mickler & Co. Design Studio blog, your go-to source for expert interior design, home staging & rental design tips, the latest trends, and creative inspiration to transform your home into a personalized haven.
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