Choosing the Right Paint Colors for your Home

By
Property Manager with Martin Presence Group Brok.0995682636-ASA

Have you ever stood in front of the paint chip display at your local Lowe’s or Home Depot and wondered how there were so many shades of tan? Or WHITE for that matter! How are there 20 different shades of WHITE??!! Or maybe you’re like me, and you hand that job off to your spouse with a sweet little pat on the back! ☺

My wife and I have been married for 14 years, and we’ve lived in 10 different houses. Two of those houses we’ve built, and the others we’ve remodeled in some way, form or fashion. (I know, I know. Call us gypsies or nomads or whatever.) And if those moves were not enough, we’ve also bought and remodeled at least 15 other properties during our 14 years of wedded bliss. Why am I telling you this? Because people, we’ve painted. A LOT. And sometimes, it turned out just as we (she) had envisioned. And others, the color just didn’t QUITE fulfill our (her) decorative fantasy.

When you are getting ready to sell your home, it’s important to make sure that it will appeal to the masses, so often we suggest a few “Fixer Upper” tips to get your home ready for the market. One suggestion we frequently make is to freshen up the paint in your home. Why? Because it’s not an expensive update. Because it’s fairly easy. Because it’s (usually) a quick process.

So it sounds easy, when you get to the paint counter at the local home improvement store, your confidence just DIES. Choosing the right color is so hard. So before you find yourself staring at the plethora of choices in front of you, here are some things to think about:

1. Study your home….its style…its appeal…its best (and worst!) features. Is your home more modern or more traditional? Is your décor more elegant or Shabby Chic?

  • You will want to choose colors that complement the style of your home. For example: if a family walks into your Victorian and the first thing they see is a hot pink foyer, the turn off is INSTANT. Those 2 things don’t jive.
  • Does your home have beautiful cabinet work or a fabulous mantel over the fireplace? Play that up! Make those even more eye-catching!

2. Consider your potential buyers. YOU may love Sunflower Yellow, but does everyone?  

3. Reflect on your home’s atmosphere. Blues and greens are more cool and calming, while reds and yellows are more warm and energizing. Neutrals lend an elegant feel to the room and give it flexibility to adapt to any style.

  • Another good idea is to choose shades in the same family, which will give your home a great flow.
  • Remember dark colors make a room appear smaller, while a lighter color can give it an open, airy feel.

4. Don’t forget to update the trim! Even if this is the ONLY thing you decide to repaint, it will give an instant facelift to the rooms!

If you are considering selling your home, and you’re not sure what updates would give you the most BANG for your buck, call us today and we can walk you through every step of this process!

 

Comments (8)

Raymond Denton
Homesmart / Evergreen Realty - Mission Viejo, CA
Casta del Sol Realtor®

You're a busy guy, Corey!  I've been in my house for 20 years and dread the thought of moving.

Sep 17, 2017 10:36 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks for sharing your personal experience with paint color selections. This is an important topic for home sellers.

Sep 17, 2017 11:19 AM
Corey Martin

Agreed. Thank you for the comment!

Sep 19, 2017 01:01 PM
Abby Stiller
TOP SELLING REALTY - Cape Coral, FL
SW Florida (239) 284-8637

Great post Corey Martin I always suggest my clients to use neutral color when selling their homes.

Thanks for the follow Corey.

Sep 22, 2017 01:23 PM
Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD
ViewHomes of Clark County - Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
REALTORS® in Clark County, WA

Hi Corey, your experience gives you important color insight. We are seeing so many grays of late - it's nice, but I'm already getting tire of the same ole, same ole. However, I do like neutrals as it is like a blank palette that can be splashed with colors ( decor)  to reflect the season. 

Sep 27, 2017 11:13 AM
Carolyn Roland- In Delaware and S. Chester County PA
Independent architectural histor'n - Wilmington, DE
Carolyn Roland, GRI, CRS

There are so many apps that let you "try on" different colors on your house. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

Sep 28, 2017 12:32 PM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

I think you made my mind up with that last suggestion on your list, Corey Martin ... as my wife and I have been debating painting the trim in our home for a while now.  Sounds like a great winter project for me ... thanks!

Gene

Oct 09, 2017 02:03 PM
MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years

I especially agree with #4 Don’t forget to update the trim! Even if this is the ONLY thing you decide to repaint, it will give an instant facelift to the rooms!

Oct 20, 2017 03:48 PM
Barbara Altieri
Better Homes and Gardens RE Shore and Country Properties - Shelton, CT
REALTOR-Fairfield County CT Homes/Condos For Sale

Corey -- Sellers need to be reminded that their choices must 'appeal to the masses' even though they may like 'different' colors.  It's always best to consult with an agent like yourself for advice BEFORE undertaking any improvements before listing.

Nov 11, 2017 07:06 PM