Should I Paint Before Selling My House?
Should I Paint Before Selling My House? Of course! Fresh paint is one of the most cost-effective – and fastest – ways to increase your home’s value. Most buyers don’t want to walk into a home that looks like it is worn out and in poor condition, so one of the best things you can do before you list your home is to freshen up old paint.
What paint colors will boost my home’s value the most?
It is no secret that neutral colors universally work well. Builders use them in model homes for a reason. Neutral colors make it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living in the home since the palette goes with just about anything.
Neutral colors also tend to photograph better as they can make a room feel brighter and more spacious.
And since all home buying begins online, this is an important point to remember for anyone who is thinking of selling.
While current on-trend colors may get all the buzz, grays, beiges and whites haven’t disappeared. They are classics. White continues to be the most popular cabinet color, and neutrals are still sought after for walls and throughout interiors.
Learn how we can help you with your painting project. Read: Money for Home Improvements
How do I incorporate bolder, more personalized color, with the buyer-friendly neutral palette?
Part of the joy of homeownership is the ability to make the home yours. If a bright color in a bathroom feels good to you, it also might make the home more memorable for potential buyers. So if you like some of the current color trends, don’t necessarily shy away, even if you plan to sell your home soon. Color can positively emphasize unique features in a home and reflect a homeowners individuality.
For example, blue has been emerging for a few years now, spanning walls to kitchen cabinets. Whether it is the sharp classic blue, or a softer twilight shade, the color can be incorporated in many ways into your home while still maintaining a calming neutral tone for buyers.
We would describe the current trend of mixing bright blues, soothing lavenders, bold violets, mushroom grays, soft whites and pale pinks as the Oquirrh Mountains at Sunrise.
Which rooms do I prioritize?
First impressions matter, so it is always a good idea to look at the front door, entryways, kitchen, primary living areas, and bathrooms. Starting in your driveway, take a walk into your home like a prospective buyer might, and see if you notice any worn out or peeling paint. Walls that have seen a lot of life can give buyers the impression of neglect, even if that’s not the case.
➤ Click here to learn about why it pays to sell with a professional agent.
The type of paint matters
Paint holds more than just color. Different finishes and sheens can impact how the paint color looks, how easy a wall is to clean and how it smells.
Generally speaking, stick to flat or eggshell sheens on walls as they will not show any unevenness in walls. Satins and semi-gloss coats are better for durability and stain resistance. Semi-gloss is ideal for trim and doors since it makes it easier to clean fingerprints. The quality (and price) of paint varies widely, and really cheap paint looks cheap. It tends to not go on as smooth and require more coats. Don’t forget to look at the ceiling and see if it needs paint too.
➤ For more tips on how to maximize your home sale read:
Don’t forget the exterior
It is worth repeating – first impressions matter – so take a look at your front door. If the color is dated or the paint is worn around the trim, freshen it up. Black or dark gray doors always look good and add to curb appeal. Add a recently pressure washed exterior and a maintained lawn with complimentary seasonal flowers, and you’re on your way to a successful sale.
Would you like help with a walk-through? We are here!
Reach out today for a free in-home consultation to determine what painting we would advise in order to increase your home’s value when it comes time to sell.
Let's talk paint.
A fresh coat of paint in on-trend colors for a house is always going to look better than a dated color scheme with paint that is peeling, faded and worn.
