When you’re getting ready to sell your home, the paint colors you choose are more important than you might think. They can significantly influence how potential buyers perceive your property and even impact how much they’re willing to offer. A fresh coat of paint remains one of the most cost-effective yet impactful updates you can make, breathing new life into your spaces and leaving a memorable impression. But be careful—choosing the wrong colors can have the opposite effect, making your home feel less appealing and reducing its market value.
If you’re thinking about painting your home, consider whether you’ll do it yourself or hire a professional. Here’s the breakdown:
DIY Painting: Tackling the project yourself involves buying supplies like brushes, rollers, painter’s tape, drop cloths, and a ladder, which can cost several hundred dollars. Paint itself generally ranges from $25 to $60 per gallon, depending on the brand and quality. For a standard-sized room, you could spend $200 to $400. Be sure to buy a little extra for touch-ups later!
Professional Painting: Hiring a professional in Colorado Springs will cost more but guarantees a high-quality finish, perfect for impressing buyers. The average cost is about $3.50 per square foot, or roughly $7,000 to $9,000 for a full interior paint job, depending on your home’s size. This typically includes labor, primer, and the paint color of your choice.
Curb appeal matters, and an exterior paint job is crucial for making a great first impression. In Colorado Springs, you can expect to spend between $6,000 and $8,000, depending on the size of your home and the number of stories. The type and quality of paint also play a role; higher-quality options may be pricier but last longer and withstand weather better.
Sticking with neutral paint colors is the way to go if you want to appeal to the widest range of buyers. These shades create a welcoming, move-in-ready atmosphere that makes it easier for buyers to imagine their own furniture and décor in the space. Here are some of the most popular neutrals for 2024:
Greige (Gray-Beige): A warm, sophisticated hue that feels modern yet cozy. One standout option is Sherwin-Williams’ Agreeable Gray, which strikes the perfect balance between gray and beige, making it incredibly versatile.
Soft Whites: Timeless and bright, whites make spaces feel open and airy. Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a top pick for 2024, with a warm undertone that creates a welcoming environment.
Muted Taupes: Offering an earthy vibe, taupes are subtle and work well in various styles. Behr’s Natural Linen brings a calming, neutral base to your walls without feeling too stark.
While bold colors can express your personality, they’re risky when it comes to selling. Strong hues like bright red, lime green, mustard yellow, and deep black can be major turn-offs. According to a survey of interior designers, 59% found red to be particularly unappealing to homebuyers. It evokes strong emotions and may not suit everyone’s taste. Lime green is often considered too overwhelming, while mustard yellow and black are polarizing choices.
First impressions are crucial, and bold colors can create a jarring experience for buyers as they walk through your home. Most buyers prefer neutral walls because they make it easier to visualize their own belongings in the space. Even if bold colors are well-executed, they can still alienate a significant portion of potential buyers, making your home harder to sell. Neutral tones, on the other hand, are safe and appealing to a broader audience.
The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. A well-chosen exterior color can boost your home's curb appeal and attract more buyers. But remember: don’t be the outlier. Opting for a bold or unconventional color, like neon blue, could make your home stand out for all the wrong reasons and turn buyers away. Instead, consider shades like Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster White, a warm and inviting hue, or Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter, a balanced greige that complements various architectural styles.
Painting is an investment in your home’s appeal, and staging can further enhance this effect. Staging helps potential buyers picture themselves living in your home, and a freshly painted, neutral space is the perfect backdrop for that vision. Whether you DIY or hire a pro, choosing timeless neutral shades can set you up for a faster and more profitable sale.
Thinking about giving your home a fresh new look before listing it on the market? Reach out for more expert advice and guidance on how to make your property shine! 🏡✨
📞 Contact Me: Nicole Strom, Realtor
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Nicole is a mom, grandma, a retired military spouse of over 25 years, as well as a full time Real Estate Professional serving her clients in and around Colorado Springs.
You need a REALTOR® with vast experience and knowledge of our specific market. You need a REALTOR® that genuinely cares about you and puts your needs first. You need a REALTOR® you can trust. Nicole is that REALTOR®.