One of the most important things to remember when selling a home is that you have to look at it from the buyer’s point of view, not just your own. This is especially true in the colors you choose for the interior and exterior walls.
Studies have shown that color evokes an emotional response in people and the colors you choose are a representation of how you see yourself. Although you may adore strong, bold colors and have the interior décor to match them, it may present drawbacks when it comes to resale value. This doesn’t mean you should paint every room in the house beige before listing your home. The goal is to choose colors that provide the ideal balance — neutral enough to have the presentation of a blank canvas, but interesting enough for the space to have a little character.
Here are some tips for selecting paint colors that will have potential buyers lining up to tour your home.
Painting the Exterior
The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see, so it is important to choose a color that enhances your curb appeal. It is also essential that you choose colors that blend well with the other homes in the neighborhood and emphasizes the style of your home. A few subtle, but noticeable exterior color options may include:
- White, the most popular color for the exterior of a home, can make the outside of your home appear larger and it can provide light to a shady yard. When you use white as the primary color, you can easily accentuate the architectural details and the trim in another, more noticeable color.
- Neutral colors, such as beige, tan, gray or cream, will help the exterior look clean and well maintained. These colors also typically blend in well with the landscaping and will help flowers and shrubs “pop” against the house. You can also use a contrasting shade, such as a blue-gray, to give the home a stately appearance.
- Dark paint color, such as blue, gray, brown and dark tan, are typically best used on a home in older neighborhoods. However, if your home is brick or stone, using these as trim colors will help show off the colors of the brick and stone.
Painting the Interior
Real estate agents used to recommend painting the interior walls white before selling a home. Fortunately, that is no longer the case. White walls provide an emotionless feeling, which is the last thing sellers want when buyers are touring their home. To help potential buyers “feel” something when they enter your home, consider one of the following colors for interior walls:
- Cream tones provide a neutral canvas and will help to accent the furniture and other home decor. Cream colored walls will also help the room feel larger and brighter.
- Earth tones, such as warm greens, light browns, tans, orange and even some reds, will make your home feel warm and inviting, especially when used in the dining or living room.
- Grays, when used correctly, can give your home a sleek, modern look. But it is important to use a gray that will bring out the accent colors and the lighting in the room.
- Blue tones, when used in the right room, such as a bedroom, can give the space a calm and relaxed feeling. Darker blues work well in rooms such as the family room where you want to provide a sophisticated, yet calming feeling.
- Reds, yellows and oranges provide a festive feeling and they stimulate hunger, so painting the kitchen a bold red will give the space a playful feeling and encourage family meals.
Painting before selling your home may seem frustrating, but it is one of the least expensive ways to increase the resale value. A fresh coat of paint will also help the rooms look clean and well maintained.
Contact Lions Gate Painting to learn more information about choosing the best paint colors for your home or to schedule an appointment for a free in-home quote.