Should You Paint Before Selling Your House?
Posted on December 29, 2019
A lot of factors lead up to the decision to sell your home. In your first appointment with the realtor, it’s likely there is a discussion about paint. It’s one of the more recommended upgrades before putting a home on the market. It can be an effective and inexpensive way to bring more money to you at the closing table. Here are recommendations from realtors on house painting options to sell.
Should I Paint My House Before Listing?
There is no hard and true answer here. Many homes could benefit from at least touch ups before the first showing. It’s important for your home to look like anyone could live in it, and give a fresh and clean feel. Painting can also give you a chance to fix troublesome stains or lingering dings in the walls. A quick additional paint job makes the whole house look cared for and pristine for potential buyers.
Paint Colors That Sell Houses Faster
It’s no secret that particular colors will sell homes quicker. White reigned supreme for quite a few years but recent feedback is that white feels cold and stark. Instead, move into a palette of neutrals like beige, lavender or gray. They are neutral enough for the new owners to picture themselves in it while feeling inviting and warm.
Kitchen Colors Could Lead to More Money
White kitchens are near impossible to keep clean. In theory, they are pristine and clean. More likely, they have splatters, crumbs and messes. Instead of white, try a gray-blue for the walls. It reads clean, but will easily hide more messes. In addition, Zillow reports that kitchens in this color could nab almost $2,000 more at closings.
Another way to update the kitchen without purchasing new cabinets is through paint. This is particularly effective if the cabinets are dinged up or out of date. Reports say the most often used colors are navy or red. With these choices, houses are reported to sell faster.
Blue Bathrooms Add Value
Grab some light blue paint and take to the bathroom. It’s a small room making it manageable to paint. The whole room will look fresher giving you more power in the asking. Nautical is on trend and easily incorporated. Add some gold, red and white for a stylish but easy bathroom. You could get over $5,000 than your asking price.
Bedrooms with Trim Can Help
Don’t be blue about your bedroom, choose cerulean! This off blue in soft and matte finish gets big bucks when you close. Pair it with white trim and natural wood for a zen-like bedroom that reads as a spa retreat. You’ll get another $1,856.
Living Rooms With a Splash of Color
Great rooms and living rooms should have enough color to not be bare, but as little as possible. You want the new owners to envision their furniture and family in the setting, so don’t turn them off with vivid colors. Try greige, the newest kid on the block in the neutral family. It gives you a trendy room without a lot of jarring color. It’s effortless and cozy. Mix it with a deeper version of the color for accents and you’ll be showing a stylish living room that’s worth $2,000 more.
Warm Dining Rooms Excel
Blue gray dining rooms are all the rage, and worth big money. Slate is a warm blue color that pairs perfectly with crisp white for a formal but inviting look. It will bring an estimated $2,000 more on your asking price.
Exterior House Colors are Important
Curb appeal is very important in a stiff market. That being said, an exterior paint job can be fairly costly and time-intensive. You’ll want to discuss this option with your realtor to determine if the price warrants the costs and time. The most popular color right now is brown-gray or greige. Homes with this color exterior are generally netting and additional $3,496. That price could easily be eaten by the cost of painting, so weigh this option carefully.
The Results Are In
More than likely, upon listing your home you will be looking at some portion of it being painted. The most popular colors are barely there blues, grays and beiges. Work with your realtor and a color consultant to go over the financial benefits and costs of taking on these projects. If you need help with the painting, we’re here for you! Schedule a free, in-home estimate today.
