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If You Don't Think Paint Matters...

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker
I just left a client's house after doing a color consult on her new home. When I walked in to the house I thought a crayon box exploded. I'm not kidding, there was a different color on every wall. My client told me that when she initially went through this house they turned around and walked out because they couldn't see beyond all the paint. She went through another house around the corner that was on the market for $100,000 more and it was the same floorplan as the crayon house only it was painted in neutral colors. Once she could see how it could look she bought the other house for $100,000 less. So if your client's don't think they need to paint, maybe you should share this story with them. My client got a great deal on a great house and all it took was a little paint.
Posted by

Kelly Townsend, Realtor, ASP, CDPE

Coldwell Banker

600 Bicentennial Way, Suite 100

Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Amy Dawson, Vancouver, WA Realtor
Vancouver, WA
It's amazing how such an easy fix can make a huge difference!
Dec 16, 2007 10:42 AM
Gina Gulliford
Long & Foster - Columbia, MD
Wow, that's a great post, Kelly.  I'm going to save this one.  Now, I just need a client.  Yeah, things are real slow in MD.  Have a great day and a very, Merry Christmas.  Gina Gulliford, Long & Foster, Columbia, MD
Dec 16, 2007 10:42 AM
Adam Brett
The Adam and Eric Group - Fullerton, CA
The Adam and Eric Group, Fullerton's Finest
A little paint and accessories can make all the difference.
Dec 16, 2007 10:44 AM
Kathy Passarette
Creative Home Expressions - Mount Sinai, NY
L.I. Staging/Decorating
Kelly ~ This is something I say over and over again, paint is the least expensive thing you can do and can give the greatest impact.  Thanks for sharing your story!
Dec 16, 2007 11:02 AM
Terry & Bonnie Westbrook
Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner - Grand Rapids, MI
Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re
That is our job to advise but not all sellers can or will help us. Thanks for the thoughts.
Dec 16, 2007 11:16 AM
Erin Stumpf (Attardi)
Coldwell Banker - Sacramento, CA
916-342-1372 / DRE# 01706589 Sacramento, CA
Paint makes such a huge difference, and it is such a simple fix... and pretty inexpensive to do also.  I am glad you clients were able to look past that.
Dec 16, 2007 11:27 AM
Fernando Rosado
West Palm Beach, FL
561-906-0050 or 561-840-8950
AMEN SISTER ! AMEN  so true
Dec 16, 2007 11:27 AM
Kristina Leone
Lionheart Home Staging, LLC - Minneapolis, MN
Wall color sets the atmosphere in the room.  If I were to pick only one thing to change in a house, color choice is it!
Dec 16, 2007 11:44 AM
Lisa Sherman
Interior Aura - Salem, OR
Home Stager, Interior, Redesign & Decorating - Salem Oregon

Oh yeah... paint is definitely the best bang for the buck!  They really got a deal if they saved $100,000 when choosing between the two houses and the only fix was to paint.  Such an impact and so much savings!

Lisa Sherman ~ Interior Aura

Dec 16, 2007 01:29 PM
West Hartford CT Real Estate Agent | West Hartford Realtor | www.CTMike.com
ERA Broder Group - West Hartford, CT
I have a listing. i told the seller that i could take the right photos and angles to get her showings, but the nasty blue walls had to be neutralized, otherwise we were going to ruin our first impression. You guess what happened!
Dec 16, 2007 01:31 PM
Dale Campbell
Virginia Real Estate - Mechanicsville, VA
Great points, Kelly!  Sometimes they really have to tone it down and neutralize to satisify the masses.  With the different colors, they really start to narrow that audience of buyers.
Dec 18, 2007 04:49 AM