06/25/2026
In today’s complex real estate market staging your home before attempting to sell it has become an essential element of the sales process. As one of the leading real estate teams in Southeastern North Carolina we have been employing this strategy for our sellers for over 15 years now with great success. Not only do staged homes sell more quickly but they also usually sell for more than a similar property that has not been staged. We have worked with several stagers in our early years of offering the service as a part of our listing package but have settled on who we believe has the best approach to the process…
Meet Jenna McKnight, our trusted home staging expert!
Jenna's journey into home staging began through her love of design and owning a clothing boutique in downtown Wilmington for 16 years. Encouraged by her Realtor sister to explore staging, in 2014 she took on her first project, and after watching that home sell, she quickly realized the impact that great staging can have. In fact, Harold Chappell was one of her very first clients!
Jenna believes staging is much more than decorating. It's about creating a welcoming atmosphere that helps buyers connect emotionally with a home. Whether she's helping homeowners prepare listing photos, recommending simple updates like fresh paint, or bringing in décor and furniture to enhance a space, her goal is always the same: helping buyers walk in and immediately feel at home.
One of Jenna's biggest pieces of advice for sellers is not to underestimate the power of presentation. While location matters, thoughtful staging and attention to aesthetics can help a home stand out and make a lasting first impression.
When asked which room has the biggest impact on buyers, Jenna didn't hesitate by saying the living room. As the heart of the home and the main gathering space, it's often where buyers begin imagining their future memories.
Jenna also shared that she loves working alongside The Harold Chappell Team and NextHome Cape Fear because communication is always easy, the process remains professional, and everything runs smoothly from start to finish. Together, our collaboration helps create an elevated experience for sellers by ensuring every detail is thoughtfully considered.
We're grateful to work alongside Jenna and appreciate the professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail she brings to every listing. Together, we're committed to helping our sellers put their best foot forward and achieve the best possible results. 🏡🧡
