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Alexandria VA Home Sellers: Yes, Paint Colors Can Cost You

By
Real Estate Agent with Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 0225085927

green wallsIt's 7 a.m., hot coffee in hand, and I'm trying to stay out of the way as a couple of able-bodied men bring in heavy panels of sheetrock.   Although I'll pretend this state of disarray and incessant noise do not bother me, in all honesty, it is a royal pain to live through home improvements, no matter how beautiful the end results.

At least the hardest part for me is behind me:  I finally decided on paint colors (even though I misunderstood the quantity and have to make a return trip to the paint store) and carpet.

What?  That's the HARD part - picking out paint and carpet?  For me, it was pure torture...do you have any idea how many sleepless nights I have had, agonizing over the right color, the right shade, just the right tint?

Call me hypersensitive, but many prospective Alexandria VA home buyers feel the same way.  They don’t like the inconvenience of scheduling around contractors, the noise, the mess, even the decision-making of picking out paint and carpet.

man painting wall Many of them are relocating from other areas, have children to enroll in school and activities, babysitters and day care to sort out and frankly, the idea of even having to paint a house full of, well, “highly personalized” colors is enough to make them scream.

So, when they are out and about, looking at houses that are just right for their families, which houses are going to appeal to them the most? 

That’s right – the ones that require the least amount of effort to move in to.  Sure, those houses may not have their “dream” colors or a fabulous new kitchen, but they are neutral and inhabitable until things settle down a bit and plans can be made for updates.

Many folks are not looking for a do-it-yourself project – they are just looking for a nice home that meets their basic needs (and a few “wants” as well).    They want to move in, get settled and then, when the time and the budget are right, they will embark on any home improvement projects they wish to undertake.

So, as an Alexandria VA home seller, when your listing agent tactfully suggests painting a few rooms would help sell your house, please give it some serious thought.  As incredible as it may seem to you, yes, even your paint colors could deter a potential buyer, which would be a shame.  And just throwing money at it by offering a credit or a price reduction doesn’t get the job done – or eliminate the inconvenience and the hassle.

Comments (7)

Bob Miller
Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty - Ocala, FL
The Ocala Dream Team

Hi Susan, just found a great new app for iPhone called ColorSmart by Behr.  You can use it to show them how hideous some colors look on their walls!

Jan 17, 2013 10:32 PM
Norma Skeete
Samson Properties - Arlington, VA
ABR, GRI, SFR, SRES, CNE, MRP, Arlington VA

Couldn't agree with you more, Susan.  Putting out that extra effort, taking the extra time,suffering a little more inconvenience to put the best 'face' on that home wins every time.

I empathize with you - went through that same torture myself!  Hated the process - love the results!    

Jan 17, 2013 10:38 PM
Ellie Penaranda
239.776.5077 Downing-Frye Realty - Naples, FL
Naples Florida Real Estate - Waterfront & Beach Co

Susan, you are so right.  To us agents we might say "It is Just Paint"  but I have lost many a sales over the buyer hating the paint color choices.  Buyers look at it, as time, money, hassle and inconvenience.  Great Post, suggested.

Jan 18, 2013 01:52 AM
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Bob:  That is news to me, so thanks for the suggestion!

Norma:  Exactly!  I am looking forward to it being done!

Ellie:  I admit there have been times when I have said to myself, "you are walking from the perfect house over paint?  Really?"  but it happens way more than some people think. 

Jan 18, 2013 03:25 AM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

This is excellent advice, Susan.  Therte are people who just want to move in, so it pays to make the home as clean and neutral as possible.  That coat of paint and new carpet helps.

Jan 18, 2013 04:59 AM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

This is why rooms get painted over and over again.  However a bad paint job even in the right color will drive a buyer away too so get a professional to do it if you don't have the skills.

 

Jan 18, 2013 06:32 AM
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Jane:  Absolutely!  Even if it isn't exactly what a buyer wants, they can at least move in and live with it for a while.

Cindy:  Oh, that is an excellent point - yes, too many people think they have skills they really do not have. 

 

Jan 18, 2013 06:39 AM