As a homeowner planning to sell your property, investing in fresh paint may be the last thing on your mind. It is, however, an important consideration, as it can add significant value to your home and make it more attractive to buyers. In fact, a HomeLight survey of over 1,000 top real estate agents nationwide found that fresh paint can add an estimated $7,571 in resale value for a 152% ROI. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of fresh paint when selling your home, including the signs to look out for, both inside and outside your home, which indicate it’s time for a paint job.
Exterior Signs:
The exterior of your home is the first thing that potential buyers will see. It should be visually pleasing and welcoming. If the exterior of your home looks dull and drab, it may be time for fresh paint. According to Teris Pantazes, co-founder of Settle Rite Home Services, “Faded paint can make a house look old and tired, whereas a fresh coat of paint – and sometimes a pop of new color – really freshens up a home and helps it stand out.”
Another sign that it’s time to repaint the exterior of your home is when the paint is peeling and flaking. This will give buyers the impression that the home has not been well-maintained. It’s especially important for homes built prior to 1978, which could contain lead paint. Pantazes also suggests that the color may be dated, and maroon, brown, and other similar colors could make your home look dated. Additionally, if your exterior shows overall signs of wear, such as cracked caulk, gaps between siding boards, soft or cracked wood, stains, or mold, it’s time to freshen it up.
Interior Signs:
Fresh paint on the inside of your home can also enhance its value and appeal to buyers. One sign that it’s time to give your walls some color TLC before listing is if the walls look scratched and scuffed. This shows wear and tear and may be unappealing to potential buyers.
Another sign is when the color palette doesn’t appeal to a wide range of buyers. Bright and bold colors may be great for your personal taste but may turn off potential buyers. You may need to consider painting your walls in more neutral and appealing colors.
Flaking, peeling, or chipping walls is another sign that you need fresh paint inside your home. The walls should look tidy and well-maintained. Lastly, if your rooms aren’t uniform in design, fresh paint can help to create a cohesive and appealing look.
In conclusion, fresh paint on both the interior and exterior of your home is an important consideration when selling your property. It can help to enhance your home’s value, make it more attractive to potential buyers, and create a cohesive and well-maintained look. Signs to look out for include dull and drab exteriors, peeling and flaking paint, dated color, and overall signs of wear. On the interior, scratched and scuffed walls, unappealing color palette, flaking or chipping walls, and inconsistent room design all indicate that you need fresh paint. By investing in fresh paint, you may be able to sell your home at a higher price and more quickly.
