Getting your home "market ready" is a crucial step to ensuring it stands out among the competition. One of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance your home's appeal is through a fresh coat of paint. Here are some expert painting tips that will help your home look its best and attract more potential buyers.
1. Choose Neutral, Universally Appealing Colors
Even if your walls are in good condition, you’ll need to assess whether the colors are suitable for the broader market. While your vibrant color choices may have brought personality to your space, the next homeowner may not share the same taste. Stick with neutral tones like warm greys, soft beiges, or off-whites. Neutral shades create a clean, fresh canvas and allow potential buyers to envision their own style in the space. Plus, a DIY paint job typically costs under $100 per room, making it a budget-friendly way to freshen things up. If DIY is not your thing, contact Sibcy Cline Home Services. They can recommend local painters to help you out.
2. Select the Right Paint for Longevity
Investing in a high-quality acrylic latex paint can make all the difference. Not only does it provide a smooth finish, but it can also last for over a decade, offering prospective buyers the peace of mind that they won’t have to repaint anytime soon. Additionally, label your leftover paint cans by room, so the new homeowners can easily match colors for future touch-ups. This small detail shows you’ve gone the extra mile in home maintenance, which can lead to a quicker sale.
3. Prep is Key: Know Your Surfaces
Before you even think about opening that paint can, take time to properly prepare your surfaces. Cleaning walls, patching holes, and using the appropriate primer will ensure that the paint adheres well and lasts longer. Whether your walls are drywall, plaster, or wood, make sure you understand the unique requirements of each surface to achieve a professional-looking finish.
4. Don’t Overlook Touch-Ups
As you prepare your home for sale, go on a walk-through and scrutinize every corner. Pay attention to the small details like scuffed baseboards, chipped corners, and fading trim. These areas may seem insignificant, but they can give potential buyers the impression that the home hasn’t been properly maintained. Touching up paint throughout your home—inside and out—can significantly boost its perceived value.
5. Boost Curb Appeal with Exterior Paint
The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers will see, so make sure it creates a strong first impression. If the paint on your home’s exterior is peeling or the color feels outdated, consider a fresh coat. While white and other neutral colors remain safe bets for attracting a wide range of buyers, don’t underestimate the power of a bold, freshly painted front door. A pop of color can add character and make your home memorable.
6. Additional Tips for a Polished Look
Don’t Forget Ceilings: Often overlooked, a fresh coat of paint on ceilings can brighten up rooms and make spaces feel larger and cleaner.
Match Finishes to Purpose: Use a higher sheen paint (like satin or semi-gloss) in kitchens and bathrooms for better durability and easy cleaning. Stick to flat or matte finishes in living areas and bedrooms for a cozy, elegant look.
Pay Attention to Lighting: Test paint samples in the space you intend to paint, as lighting can dramatically affect how a color looks. What looks great under bright showroom lights may feel too dark or harsh in your home.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure your home not only looks beautiful but is also primed to sell quickly. Remember, a little effort with the paintbrush can go a long way in making a lasting impression on potential buyers.
Sibcy Cline Home Services can help you prepare your home for sale with staging, repairs, painting, carpet cleaning, and any other needs that may arise. Our vendors are local, insured and dependable. Enrollment in our concierge service is free!
Request a Service