Painting your home before you sell it can be a great way to freshen up the look of your property and increase its resale value. Whether you're looking to sell your home quickly or just want to ensure that it looks its best for your own personal enjoyment right now, painting can be a valuable investment.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about painting your home before you sell it, including why you may need to paint both indoors and out, how to choose the right colours to appeal to buyers, how to decide whether to DIY or hire a pro, and some suggestions for colours and specific products.
Why Paint Your Home Before Selling?
One of the main reasons to paint your home before selling it is of course to make it more attractive to potential buyers. When a home looks clean, updated and well-maintained, it is more likely to appeal to buyers and make a positive first impression. A fresh coat of paint can cover up any scuffs, marks or damage on the walls, ceilings, doors, and trim, making the home look newer and more inviting.
Moreover, painting can create a cohesive look throughout the home, which can be important to buyers who are looking for a home that feels well-designed and put together. When the colour scheme of the home flows from room to room, it creates a sense of continuity and can make the space feel more spacious and cohesive. A consistent colour palette can also help to accentuate the home's architectural features, such as crown molding or decorative millwork.
Painting your home before selling can also be a cost-effective way to increase its value and make it more competitive on the market. In comparison to other home improvement projects, such as a kitchen or bathroom remodel, painting is a relatively inexpensive investment that can yield a high return on investment. A freshly painted home can make it more attractive to buyers, which can result in a higher sale price and a faster sale.
In addition to making your home more attractive to buyers, painting can also have practical benefits. For instance, a coat of exterior paint can protect the home's surfaces from weather damage, such as moisture and UV rays. Interior paint can also help to reduce dust and allergens in the home, making it more appealing to buyers who have allergies or respiratory issues.
Indoor Painting Must Dos
When it comes to painting the interior of your home before selling, choosing the right colours and preparing the space properly are key to achieving a professional-looking finish. Neutral colours are a popular choice for a reason, as they appeal to a broad range of buyers and make it easier for them to envision themselves living in the space. White, beige, and gray are all safe choices that can make the space feel larger, brighter, and more inviting. You can also add pops of colour in small doses, such as an accent wall or colourful accessories, to add interest and personality to the space.
Before you start painting, it's important to prepare the space properly. This involves removing all furniture and fixtures from the room or covering them with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect them from paint splatters. Clean the walls thoroughly with soap and water, and use a degreaser on any areas that have accumulated grease or oil. Patch any holes or cracks in the walls with spackling paste and sand any rough patches or bumps until the surface is smooth. Applying a coat of primer to the walls can help the paint adhere better and prevent any stains or colours from bleeding through.
When choosing paint for the interior of your home, look for high-quality, low-VOC paints that are safe for indoor use. There are many brands and finishes to choose from, so consider the look and feel you're going for. For a modern and sophisticated look, a matte or eggshell finish can be a great choice, while a semi-gloss finish may be more suitable for areas like the bathroom or kitchen, where moisture is more likely to be present. Keep in mind that a higher sheen can make imperfections on the walls more visible, so make sure to properly prepare the surfaces before painting.
Outdoor Painting Must Dos
Painting the exterior of your home can be a bit more challenging than painting the interior, but it can also have a big impact on your home's resale value. Before you start painting, inspect the exterior of your home for any damage, such as cracks or rotting wood, and make any necessary repairs. Pressure wash the exterior to remove any dirt or grime, and allow it to dry completely.
Choosing the right colours for the exterior of your home is important, as it can affect its curb appeal. Again, neutral colours like white, gray, and beige are a good choice, but you can also consider other colours that complement your home's architecture and the surrounding landscape. Consider the roof colour, the colour of neighbouring homes, and any landscaping or trees on your property. If you're unsure what colours to choose, consider hiring a professional colour consultant to help you make the right decision.
When it comes to painting the exterior of your home, it's important to use high-quality paint that is designed for outdoor use. Look for a paint that is water-resistant, fade-resistant, and has UV protection. Choose a finish that suits the type of siding you have, such as a flat or satin finish for wood siding, or a semi-gloss finish for stucco or masonry. Consider using a paint sprayer or hiring a professional painter, as painting the exterior of your home can be a time-consuming and physically demanding task.
DIY or Hire a Pro?
Deciding whether to tackle the painting yourself or hire a professional is a personal choice. While DIY painting can save you money, it can also be time-consuming and may not result in a professional-looking finish. Hiring a professional painter can ensure that the job is done quickly and to a high standard, but it can also be more expensive.
If you're considering DIY painting, make sure you have the necessary equipment, such as paint brushes, rollers, and trays, as well as a ladder or scaffold for reaching high places. Take your time and follow the proper preparation steps, such as cleaning and priming, to ensure a smooth and even finish. If you're unsure about any aspect of the job, consider taking a painting class or watching tutorial videos to improve your skills.
If you decide to hire a professional painter, do your research and get several quotes from different companies. Look for painters who are licensed, insured, and have good reviews from previous clients. Ask for references and photos of previous work to ensure that they have the skills and experience to complete the job to your satisfaction. Be clear about your expectations and the timeline for the project, and make sure you have a written contract that outlines the scope of the work, the cost, and any warranties or guarantees.
Colour Suggestions and Specific Products
When it comes to choosing colours for your home, there are many options to consider. While neutral colours are a safe choice, you can also add pops of colour in small doses, such as an accent wall or colourful accessories. Here are some colour suggestions for different areas of your home:
Living room: light gray, beige, or taupe
Kitchen: light blue, green, or yellow
Bathroom: light blue, gray, or white
Bedroom: light blue, green, or lavender
As for specific products, here are some recommendations for high-quality paints that are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use:
Benjamin Moore Regal Select: a high-quality paint that is available in a wide range of colours and finishes, including matte, eggshell, and semi-gloss.
Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint: a durable and long-lasting paint that has a low-VOC formula and is available in many colours and finishes.
Behr Premium Plus Ultra: a paint and primer in one that has a stain-blocking formula and resists mildew and fading.
Conclusion
Painting your Waterloo Region home before you sell it can be a smart investment that can increase its value and appeal to potential buyers. Whether you decide to tackle the painting yourself or hire a professional, it's important to choose the right colours and products for your home, and to follow the proper preparation steps to ensure a smooth and even finish. By following the tips and suggestions in this guide, you can help your home look its best and sell quickly.
Speaking of selling your Waterloo Region home, at Team Pinto, we offer a full range of services to help sellers in the Waterloo Region achieve a successful home sale. Our team of licensed real estate professionals has the experience and expertise to guide you through every step of the process, from the initial listing all the way to the closing of the sale.
When it comes to preparing your home for sale, we can provide you with expert advice on how to make your home more appealing to potential buyers, including tips on painting, staging, and curb appeal. We can also help you determine the optimal price for your home based on current market trends and comparable sales in the area, as well as create a marketing strategy to ensure maximum exposure for your listing.
Once your home is on the market, we will handle all aspects of the sale process, from scheduling showings and open houses to negotiating offers and finalizing the sale. We understand that selling a home can be a stressful and emotional experience, and we strive to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
At Team Pinto, we are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of service and support throughout the home selling process. If you are considering selling your home in the Waterloo Region, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve a successful sale, from listing to closing.