--Wallpaper vs. paint...neutral is better:

Any answer from the sellers, other than "we know, we're going to remove the wallpaper and paint" is the wrong answer and the sellers are NOT motivated. I have heard things like "But it's new; it took forever to put up; no way, it's staying; and my favorite "let the buyers change it, then they can put up whatever they like!" I use to love wallpaper, until I had to remove it from our house! It's worse when it's not something you yourself selected. I removed so much wallpaper that I highly doubt I will ever apply it to another wall again.

--Paint...White is not neutral:

I am not a paint expert, but to me WHITE is not neutral...it's cold, like taking a look at the Himalayan mountains covered in SNOW...snow is not WARM. Neutral is a WARM color, think sandy beach. If you can look at the color in NATURAL bright sunlight and it does NOT hurt your eyes or glow, it's a warm color. Learn how to paint. What is the perfect shade of beige? Learn here.

--Paint...neither is RED & Designer Colors:

Red, Scarlet and Tomato colors are in many homes (mine included) and so many buyers are tired of seeing that "RED". Red is one of the hardest colors to get "right" and the ones I have seen are usually a high gloss shiny red, like a new car (want a buyer envisioning buying a new car when they are home shopping?), red done right should be like a rich fabric. Personally, the only time I have seen RED done right on walls, is when it's flat, yes that "hard to clean" and "gets dirty collecting dust" flat. You know it's flat if NOTHING reflects off it and it totally absorbs the light. Can be ok, if only as an accent, not the entire room and certainly not the entire house!

Designer Colors & Tastefully Painted...Whenever I see those comments such as those, I know to brace myself, I am in for something interesting, and my buyer is going to want a PRICE REDUCTION to repaint.

--Handle with care:

I am not saying to go in to your Sellers and turn into Rambo and insult them! What I am saying is that if YOU were the buyer, would you buy their house as is with the CURRENT paint and wallpaper, etc.; could their home benefit from addressing the fastest fix of all - NEW PAINT; imagine walking buyers through the house, would they love it, as is? Treat your seller with respect and care, this is not about personal taste, it's about neutral and getting the house SOLD! I personally love purple, yes I do, and had my home office painted in a light shade of purple, it was relaxing to me. But when we were selling, I knew it had to go. I felt pangs of remorse covering the lovely shade of purple with a light beige/khaki, but had to remind myself that most buyers would have a hard time seeing past the paint colors; it wasn't about what me or I wanted but what was the best way to sell.

--When the Team Concept Can Work Miracles:

Team up with an agent you TRUST not to steal your clients, who can handle them with "kid gloves". This person MUST have taste and not be color blind, and is in real estate so they are experienced with buyers. Then, if the sellers are going to be disgruntled with someone giving them the "truth", it won't be you. And don't forget, when the listing sells because the sellers DID do the painting, etc., be sure to remember the person who encouraged them to address those concerns...with a nice referral of your commission.

I have found that serious sellers DO want to know how to maximize on their equity and want to put the house in the best possible light. Be sure to always ask for permission to be "totally honest" because some sellers may prefer the "sugar coated" versions of the truth.





____________________

Pretty in Pink?

Although bright colors can wake you up in the morning, it's hard for a buyer to look past this pink, especially when this is the only bathroom!

Realtor Beige!

Beige paint, and let the dark colors be the accent colors!

Dark Living Room.

It was hard to notice the features of this cute bungalow, it was simply too dark.

SELLER got it!

Replaced the window treatments, added a sofa cover and rug! Buyers then could appreciate the light & bright room with refinished wood floors!