No One bought your house; maybe that tomato red dining room just didn't say "buy me"

I have no problems taking a buyer into such a house.  Often times, these types of homes are easier for me to sell because I can actually get the clients to agree "so, if the bedroom was actually painted yellow, instead of bright orange, you would make an offer on this home?"

Great post, Wanda.  Hopefully some sellers will read it.  I know it's nice to personalize a home with colors and all, but when it comes to resale, you should neutralize everything.

It is important for a seller to have neutral tones in the house so it appeals to more buyers, but I always like to see at least one room remain in a bold, personalized color.  Often sellers have painted that room for a reason, such as to match the furnishings and design, and often the room wouldn't look right painted a tan.  Color is always an issue!

I think that when it comes to color especially bold colors, there is more resistance when it is on the outside of a home than inside.

Most people can and do see past interior colors as an impediment to purchase. Outside however is a different matter. Painting an exterior is expensive and most ofen calls for a Contractor. Where as interiors are normally handled by the home owner.

There are of course people who are adverse to color. That is why many people live with white walls.

I feel bad for them.

I agree, there was just an article in this month's Realtor magazine called, "Can Color Cost You a Sale?" It lines out the main colors and the emotions they invoke. I pulled it out and plan to use it when I encounter paint concerns in the future, neutral is best!

You're right, if the interior is painted in "bold" colors, the rooms should be staged with the appropriate furniture. It seems most people like neutral colors in the interior, so it would be wise to have a color on the walls that most buyers prefer. That bright red paint on the walls could prevent a buyer from seeing the positive aspects of the home.

What is with the red-walled dining rooms?  I see them all over the place.  Neutralize!!!!!

Hi Wanda,  Just looked at a very nice condo where the owner has some dramatic color choices.  I liked them, he obviously liked them but...

As an inspector, I do not offer opinions on color. but, sometimes, I just have to think to myself..."What is the seller thinking?" Yeah you love your neon green bathroom, but let it go. Your moving anyway, neutralize and people tend to be more perceptive.

You said it all,  here.    When we sell a home, we're not selling our personal choices, but a space.   So important to "detach" from our envelope, and to let others imagine themselves there.

I love your headline on this post - very catchy!  I agree that super-custom colors don't often do much to sell a home.

"Designer colors"!  They are designed for that homeowners taste and furnishings, when showing an empty house its hard to explain the TOMATO RED dining room and DRIVEWAY GREY master bedroom.  Good job here explaining it Brenda. Its cheaper for a seller to neutralize BEFORE he/she sells than have to take $2000 off the sales price for someone else to repaint it.

I love this post! People need to personalize their homes when they live in them, but they need to do it in such a way that it is not difficult to neutralize when they leave. Most of us do not live in the same home for 60 years anymore, so we all must keep the possibility of re-sale in mind. Thank you!