When it’s time to sell your home, impressing potential buyers can be quite challenging. But as long as you show your home’s best assets, you can sell your home quicker and possibly for a higher price. You can do that simply by painting and maybe even replacing some old fixtures (like doorknobs) with newer ones.

Selecting the right paint colors and finishes as you prepare to stage your home is quite overwhelming. For this reason, homeowners hire top property experts to help them sell their homes at their highest value with as little renovation work as possible. 

Painting is a popular makeover choice

Painting is always seen as a relatively quick and cost-effective solution to make your home look brand new and ready to be put for sale, especially if you are planning to move out of your current home soon and want to sell it as quickly as possible. It’s an impactful way to appeal to various potential buyers.

Here’s why painting is a top choice for homeowners preparing to sell their properties:

1. Instant freshness and cleanliness: Fresh paint covers up marks, stains, and general wear, making rooms look cleaner and well-maintained. Buyers are attracted to homes that look “move-in ready,” and a newly painted space signals that to them.
2. Neutral and modern appeal: Many sellers repaint with neutral, widely appealing colors (like soft grays, beiges, or whites), which make rooms feel more spacious and help buyers envision their own style in the space. Neutral tones also allow buyers to picture making the home their own without committing to bold or unique colors.
3. High ROI for low cost: Compared to other home improvements, painting is relatively inexpensive but yields a high return on investment (ROI). It’s a quick fix that dramatically improves a home’s perceived value without a major financial commitment.  
4. Covers blemishes and small imperfections: Painting can hide minor wall imperfections, such as small cracks or stains, which helps create a smoother, more polished look.
5. Improves curb appeal: Painting the exterior, front door, or shutters can refresh the home’s look from the outside, giving a better first impression, which is crucial as buyers decide within moments whether they’re interested.
6. Flexible for any space: Whether it’s a small touch-up, a single room, or a thorough interior and exterior paint job, sellers can adjust the scope of painting to fit their budget and the home’s condition.

A fresh coat of paint offers these advantages with a manageable budget and timeframe, making it a smart choice for enhancing marketability and attracting buyers.

The importance of color in selling a home

Color can make or break a house sale because it impacts first impressions, helps buyers envision themselves in the space, and affects how rooms feel. The right colors can help appeal to potential buyers and sell your home quickly, while the ill-chosen colors may turn buyers away, as they may see repainting as extra work.

The best painters know that painting can help sell your home quickly. They also know that the right colors and finishes can help facilitate the sale and increase the selling price. Experts from Custom Painting, Inc. have put together these paint color and finish selection tips for those planning to sell their homes.

Suggestions for choosing exterior colors

• Go neutral and timeless: Neutral colors like beige, gray, taupe, and soft whites are universally appealing and create a clean, polished look. These shades usually blend well with various architectural styles and help buyers imagine themselves in the space.
• Consider the neighborhood: Look at nearby homes for color inspiration. Choosing a color that complements the surrounding houses can make the property feel cohesive within the neighborhood, which appeals to many buyers.
• Accentuate with contrasting trim: Use slightly contrasting tones for trim, shutters, and doors to add dimension. Darker colors like charcoal or black for trims and doors can make a home look more modern and add a striking effect against a lighter main color.
• Use warm tones for a welcoming Feel: Soft, warm neutrals like cream, light tan, or muted yellow can make the home look inviting and friendly.
• Enhance with landscaping: Think about the home’s landscape and the colors that will highlight it. For instance, a home surrounded by lush greenery might look best in earth tones, while one with minimal landscaping could benefit from a bold front door color to add curb appeal.

Interior colors – selection tips

• Choose light neutrals in main areas: Soft, neutral shades like light gray, soft beige, or off-white are excellent for living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways. They make spaces look larger, brighter, and more open, giving buyers a blank canvas to imagine their own style.
• Add subtle accent walls: For a bit of personality without overwhelming potential buyers, consider a very subtle accent wall in a neutral color a few shades darker than the surrounding walls. It can add depth and interest without being distracting.
• Use calming colors for bedrooms: Light blues, soft greens, and warm grays create a soothing atmosphere in bedrooms. Avoid bold or dark colors, as these can make spaces feel smaller and may be less universally appealing.
• Keep kitchens and bathrooms clean and bright: White or very light colors are often the best choices for these areas. They give a sense of cleanliness and allow buyers to imagine a fresh start. If there are dark cabinets, consider pairing them with light, neutral walls to maintain balance.
• Avoid bold or overly trendy colors: Stick with timeless choices that appeal to a broad audience. While some buyers appreciate bold colors, sticking with neutrals allows more buyers to envision how they would personalize the space.
• Consider cohesiveness across spaces: Use a consistent palette throughout the home to create a harmonious flow from room to room.

Selecting the right paint finish

Choosing the right paint finish is as important as selecting colors for your home while sprucing it for sale. It enhances the home’s appeal and helps protect surfaces. Here are some tips for both interior and exterior choices:

Interior paint finishes

• Eggshell or satin: Use these in living areas, bedrooms, and hallways. They’re durable, easy to clean, and provide a slight sheen that reflects light without showing too many imperfections.
• Semi-gloss: Ideal for high-traffic areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and trim. Its shine resists moisture and is easy to clean, giving a fresh look in spaces where durability is essential.
• Flat or matte: This finish is good for ceilings or walls in low-traffic areas, as it hides imperfections well. However, it is susceptible to scuffs and marks in high-traffic zones.

Exterior paint finishes

• Satin or low sheen: These work well on most exterior walls, providing durability against weather and a subtle sheen that hides surface flaws.
• Semi-gloss: This is great for doors, shutters, and trim, as it withstands weather and adds a touch of brightness to these features.
• High-gloss: Ideal for accent elements like front doors or railings, giving a polished, eye-catching look, but only if the surfaces are smooth and well-prepared.

Parting words

Choosing and applying the right paint colors and shades will help you stage your home successfully, leading to a quick and profitable sale. For expert home painting assistance in the Bay Area, contact our Custom Painting, Inc. team at 925-686-0903 or on our contact page. We’re here to help your home shine and attract buyers!