Painting is one of the strategies to “stage” a home. When real estate agents talk about “staging,” it means preparing a property for the market. Staging involves rearranging furniture, doing minor fixes, redecorating, and other aesthetic approaches to make a home saleable for potential buyers.
One of the best things about staging your property is that it doesn’t require significant renovations. When you’re short on time and money, painting is a relatively quick and cost-effective way to sell a home. Painting, together with a few repairs and upgrades, is one of the aesthetic strategies that will help make a significant impact on your prospective buyers. Painting your house will make it look updated and help increase its market value without committing yourself to a costly renovation.
Reasons to paint a home before selling it
To ensure a significant increase in your home’s market value and a quick sale, you should take the necessary approaches, such as repainting it.
Painting your home before selling it can significantly enhance its appeal and market value. Here are several reasons why this is a good idea:
First impressions matter
A fresh coat of paint can make a house look well-maintained and inviting, creating a positive first impression for potential buyers.
Neutralizes personal taste
Repainting in neutral colors can help depersonalize the space, making it easier for buyers to envision themselves living there.
Covers wear and tear
Painting can cover up minor imperfections, such as scuffs, scratches, and stains, making the home look cleaner and newer.
Increases perceived value
A well-painted home can appear more valuable, which can justify a higher asking price or lead to quicker sales.
Highlights home features
Choosing the right colors can highlight architectural features and make rooms appear more spacious and bright.
Addresses potential buyer concerns
Fresh paint can alleviate concerns about the home being outdated or poorly maintained, giving buyers confidence in their purchase.
Market differentiation
In a competitive market, a freshly painted home can stand out among other listings, attracting more interest and potentially more offers.
Cost-effective improvement
Compared to other home improvements, painting is relatively inexpensive and can offer a high return on investment.
By investing in a professional paint job, sellers can enhance their home’s appeal, attract more buyers, and potentially sell faster and at a better price.
Tips for painting your home for sale
Staging your home for sale can significantly impact its appeal to potential buyers. Here are some painting tips to help you create a welcoming and attractive environment:
- Neutral colors – Choose neutral colors like beige, light gray, or off-white for your walls. Neutral colors create a blank canvas, allowing future homeowners to envision their belongings on the property.
- Consistent palette – Use a consistent color palette throughout the home to create a sense of flow and cohesion. It makes the home feel more spacious and connected.
- Accent walls – If you want to add some interest, consider an accent wall in a subtle, complementary color. Avoid bold, bright colors that might not appeal to everyone.
- Fresh coat – A fresh coat of paint can make a big difference. It can make the home look clean, new, and well-maintained.
- Touch-up – Address any scuffs, scratches, or marks on the walls. Touch up these areas to ensure the home looks well cared for.
- Light colors in small rooms – Use light colors in small spaces to make them feel more expansive and open. Dark paint colors can make a room appear smaller and feel more cramped.
- Consider the light – Take the natural light in each room into account. For rooms with lots of natural light, use cooler tones. Warmer tones work better in rooms with less natural light.
- Match trim and doors – Paint trim, doors, and moldings in a crisp, clean white or a color that complements the walls. It creates a polished, finished look.
- Check the ceiling – Don’t forget the ceiling. A fresh coat of white paint on the ceiling can make the room feel taller and more spacious.
- Exterior paint – If the exterior of your home needs a refresh, consider painting the front door, shutters, or trim. It can enhance curb appeal and make a positively strong first impression.
- Test color – Before committing to a color, test it on a small section on the wall. Colors can appear different depending on the elements in the room, such as lighting.
- Quality paint – Invest in high-quality paint. It often provides better coverage and durability, potentially saving time and money in the long run.
Follow these tips to create a welcoming, appealing space that helps potential buyers see themselves living in your home.
Studies and statistics on house painting as a staging strategy
A home should be a visual expression of the person living there. But that may change when it comes to selling a home. Look at the following recent studies:
- National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2019 report – According to a study by the NAR, 68% of realtors recommended sellers paint their walls before listing. Homes with fresh paint sell faster and often for a higher price.
- Zillow paint color analysis – Zillow conducted an analysis that found homes with certain paint colors sell faster and for more money. For instance, homes with light blue or blue-gray bathrooms sold for $5,440 more than expected.
- HomeGain 2012 survey – This survey of over 500 real estate agents nationwide found that painting the interior of a home offers a return on investment of 107%, and painting the exterior has a 55% return on investment.
- Consumer Reports – Their study highlighted that a fresh coat of paint on the interior and exterior of a home can increase the home’s value by 2-5%.
Parting words
Painting is a cost-effective way to enhance the appearance of a home, making it more attractive to potential buyers. Fresh paint can highlight the best features of a residential property, make it look well-maintained, and allow buyers to see themselves living there. Consequently, homes with fresh paint sell faster and at higher prices.
For top-notch home transformation, invest in a quality paint contractor who knows how to sell your home fast. Contact Custom Painting, Inc. at 925-294-8062 or fill out our contact form. Our team of seasoned paint professionals will help enhance your home’s look and appeal, potentially increasing its market value, high demand, and a quick sale.