Repainting bright colors with neutral shades increases your home’s appeal.
When it comes to preparing your home for sale, one of the most impactful steps you can take is to evaluate your paint choices. That’s why today, I’m going to answer one of the most common questions sellers ask before listing their homes on the market: Should you repaint your home before selling? The simple answer is yes, and it will help you sell faster and for more money. But here’s the thing: repainting alone won’t do the job—painting with neutral colors will. Here’s everything you need to know:
1. Make a great first impression. Imagine a potential buyer scrolling through listings and finding a room painted in a bold color. While vibrant colors may look great in person, they often don’t photograph well and can overwhelm or put off buyers, causing them to move on to another listing. To avoid this, repaint bold-colored rooms in neutral tones like agreeable gray or accessible beige. Neutral colors create a clean, open, and inviting space, allowing buyers to envision their own style and making the home more appealing.
“A fresh coat of neutral paint can make rooms look larger and create a blank canvas for buyers.”
2. Bright colors are too bold. During a recent walkthrough of a home, I encountered two rooms that stood out—one with bright pink walls and another with a bold yellow. While these colors might work as accent pieces or decor elements, they tend to overwhelm as full-room colors. A bright yellow room, for example, might be charming for some, but it often turns buyers away. If you have a room painted in such a vibrant hue, it’s time to consider a repaint. Remember, the goal is to attract as many buyers as possible by providing a neutral backdrop that appeals to a broad audience.
3. Prepare your home for repainting. Before painting, address any minor imperfections like nail holes or chipped areas by filling and smoothing them for a flawless finish. Match the existing paint sheen—if it’s satin or eggshell, use the same type, as flat paint won’t blend well. For bright colors like pink or yellow, prime the walls first to ensure the neutral color covers evenly. Always fix small details like nail holes and remove hooks or nails to keep the home looking its best. If possible, match the original paint color and sheen by cutting a sample from a closet wall.
If you’re looking for advice on getting your home market-ready, or if you need a painter to help with touch-ups, I’m here to help. Feel free to reach out to us anytime—I’d love to chat and provide guidance on making your home shine in the real estate market. Just call 214-551-4424 to schedule a consultation. Remember: a little preparation can go a long way in making a great first impression!