Should I Paint My House Before Selling It?

You already know that selling and moving is a lot of work. Will it be worth the cost, time, and effort to paint before you sell? This comprehensive guide will answer your question, "Should I paint my house before selling?"

Painting is the most cost-effective improvement sellers can make before listing their homes, according to real estate experts. Your return on investment can run as high as 55% for exterior painting and up to 107% when you paint the interior! In Denver's competitive real estate market, making your home stand out is crucial.

Respected home improvement guru, Bob Vila, says nothing transforms your space as quickly or cost-effectively as a fresh coat of paint. And this translates to boosting curb appeal and increasing resale value.

You want to make the right decision, so read on to find out how you can benefit from painting your home's exterior and/or interior before you put your house on the market. 

The Benefits of Painting Before Selling Your House

Is residential painting worth it before selling? 

• Increases your home's value – you'll be able to increase the asking price once your home is freshly painted.

• Updates curb appeal and attract buyers – when buyers see a newly painted exterior, they're ready to see more of your home. Given Denver's varied climate, a fresh coat of paint can protect your home's exterior and enhance its curb appeal.

• Gives the impression your home is well-maintained – when buyers see fresh paint, they assume your home has been well cared for.

• Shows your home is move-in-ready and allows buyers to imagine themselves living in your house – buyers like the idea of being able to move right in without having to paint. Clean, neutral colors allow them to imagine their furniture and decor in your home.

• Improves how your home looks in marketing photos – fresh paint shows up brighter and makes your home look more attractive in the photos your realtor will post on the internet.

Should You Paint Your House Before Selling?

Without a doubt, painting affects the value of your home and is one of the fastest and easiest ways to increase the value. But before you organize a painting project, get a home value estimate. This will help you assess your home's value related to its condition and find out if painting will be cost-effective.

Painting before selling can be especially beneficial when: 

• Colors are outdated, too bold, or too dark – buyers aren't attracted to gloomy or unconventional colors. 

• Walls are damaged, cracked, or faded – whether inside or out, walls that need repair are a sign that your home hasn't been well-maintained.

• Interior walls are scuffed or dirty – kitchens accumulate grease and food stains, and bathrooms and laundry rooms can look dingy from moisture or even mold.

• Exterior walls are badly faded – sun-faded walls detract from curb appeal.

• The front door is bland – although light, neutral colors are recommended for exteriors and interiors, jazz up your front door with a welcoming color that says, "Come on in!"

Painting before selling can be a drawback when:

• The cost to paint a house and the return on investment don't warrant painting. 

• Painting simply isn't necessary because the market in your region is so strong that sellers are receiving multiple bids.

• The housing market in your area supports buyers who are looking for fixer-uppers.

Exterior Painting: Is it Necessary?

A well-maintained exterior can make or break how buyers see your house. Your home's curb appeal determines whether potential buyers want to take the next step and view the interior. 

Importance of Exterior Paint

It only takes seven to twelve seconds for buyers to register an impression of your home's condition, how attractive it is, and whether they can picture themselves living in it. 

If your home's exterior needs a refresh, explore how exterior painting services can boost curb appeal. Also, investigate the importance of choosing traditional colors or neutral tones that attract buyers and that blend in with the surroundings. 

Signs You Need to Paint the Exterior of Your Home

As you inspect your home's exterior, look for signs indicating you need to paint:

• Peeling paint – poor prep or excessive moisture are causes of peeling paint. Peeling paint doesn't protect the siding.

• Cracks – cracks allow moisture to enter and indicate poor maintenance.

• Faded paint – the sides of the house that get the most sun exposure will likely be lighter and duller than the other sides. Uneven paint indicates that it's been a long time since you've painted.

• Wood damage – insects, mold, mildew, and vermin can break down wood and cause damage.

If you want to know more about how frequently your home's exterior should be painted, delve into our How Often Should I Paint My House blog and get the answers you need.

Ready for a Fresh Start? Request Your Quote from Singletrack Painting Now!

Interior Painting: Is it Necessary?

The minute buyers walk into a home, they form an immediate impression. Make sure your rooms are attractive and appealing, especially the foyer, kitchen, and bathrooms – rooms that are especially important to buyers.

Importance of Interior Paint

It's easy to maximize the best features of each room with interior painting services. Fresh paint demonstrates to potential buyers that you take pride in your home and have kept it well-maintained.

Signs You Need to Paint the Interior of Your Home

Look for these signs that indicate your interior walls need painting:

• Scuffed walls – children and pets can be particularly hard on walls, especially in hallways, and around doorways and beds.

• Damaged walls – dented drywall, permanent marker or crayon, and moisture or mildew are issues that will say your home hasn't been maintained up to snuff.  

• Visible cracks – inevitably, cracks in walls appear over time. Pay particular attention to areas around window and door frames.

• Outdated colors – even if the walls are clean, outdated colors can give the impression that your home has been neglected.

Reap the Benefits of Selling a Repainted Home

There's no question that painting before selling will attract buyers, boost your home's value, and increase the chance of selling your home quickly. For Denver homeowners looking to sell, painting your house can be a key step in attracting potential buyers.

Singletrack Painting is ready to take care of any of your residential painting needs. As Denver's finest painting services, Singletrack has many years of experience with interior and residential painting.

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