Thinking about a fresh coat of paint for your house? Not only will it help improve the look of your home, but the colors you choose can help form lasting impressions for a potential buyer. If you plan to keep living in your home for years to come, then it may not matter to anyone but you (and your nearest neighbors) what shade of pink or purple you use to paint the outside of your house. And the colors you choose for the inside may reflect your own personal style--no matter how flashy or dramatic. But if your house is on the market, or could be in a few years, you'll want to reign in your artistic creativity for some more subtle hues.
So what colors should you choose? Is white really a color? Does cream make a better sale than ivory? Here are some considerations:
Neutral Colors
Paint companies try to increase the shelf appeal of neutral colors by giving them more exciting names like "storm cloud," "vanilla latte," or "sandalwood" instead of gray, beige, or tan. Buttoned-down, neutral colors are ideal for showing a house to potential buyers. People see a neutral canvas where they can visualize their own style. This is safer than a flashy color that may not match their taste.
Update and Refresh
If you have outdated or shabby wallpaper, tear it down and replace it with clean painted walls. Use low sheen paint to hide scratches, dents, or other imperfections. If you have interesting architectural details, use a darker shade, or color (sparingly) to highlight them.
Make Spaces Seem Larger
Smaller rooms seem larger if they appear brighter. Paint the walls in light colors, including pastels, and consider painting the moldings the same color. Paint the ceiling white, and increase the lighting to make the room brighter.
You Can't Go Wrong with White
Earth tones, like beige and tan, are safe neutral colors that add warmth and character to a room. Grays are more modern and look nice with color accents. If you are going to use brighter colors, like orange or red, be sure to use softer tones and don't overdo it. Blues are nice for bedrooms, so long as you stick with softer hues. However, you can't beat white for a universal appeal. Remember, you want people to see the room, not the walls.
Accent the Exterior Rather Than Repaint
Unless the outside really needs it, you may not have to paint the entire house. Painting or staining smaller details can make a difference, such as mailbox posts, decks, porches, railings, steps, and shutters.
The wrong color can send the wrong signal, and leave potential buyers with a bad impression of a good house. Before investing your time and money in the wrong paint color, or painting rooms that do not need it, talk to an agent at Coldwell Banker Plourde Real Estate. Not only can they tell you what buyers like and don't like, but they can help you get the most bang for your buck and save you from making unnecessary improvements.
If you have any questions, contact us today. You can view all of our blog posts here.
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