It’s not uncommon that one of the main reasons people paint their homes is because they are planning on selling them. They put it off for years and don’t get to appreciate and enjoy the benefits from the fresh new glow it gives your home. However, is it worth painting just before selling it and will it make any difference to your ability to do so?
Sometimes when houses go on the market for sale, they look well-loved and lived in. While there have been many happy memories for you in this space, to others, it seems like it needs a spruce because it is looking considerably tired. While the thought of trying to sell and fixing your home up seems overwhelming, it is amazing what some fresh coats of paint can do. Your tired old home can soon look modern and more appealing to the buyer and has the potential to fetch a better price.
It is well known that adding some paint to your interiors and exteriors, even if it isn’t every room, can lead to an excellent Return On Investment (ROI). It goes without saying that newly painted rooms are far more attractive to a buyer that tired-looking walls, so we have explored the reasons why you should add a lick of paint to the walls and here are some tips to get you started:
- Paint the Exterior of your Home
There’s a lot to be said about first impressions. When you drive down the street, you are more likely to look more closely at that front exterior that’s been well looked after, and the paint looks fresh. It’s essential to ensure that when you are selling your home, it’s the most well cared for in the street because there is nothing worse than rocking up to an inspection and thinking of all the work that needs to be done. In all honesty, distasteful paint colours are off-putting to potential buyers, and they are likely to offer less or bypass your house altogether.
We recommend painting the outer walls of your property, including any fencing that needs refreshing. It will increase your ‘curb appeal,’ and the neighbours will soon be envious. Neutral colours are recommended over bold because otherwise, it becomes outdated too quickly. Still, if you want to play around with a bit of colour, perhaps adding something to your trims will give you the pop you want without making your property look inferior.
- Reasons for Painting Interiors
We’ve talked about it a lot already, but first impressions are essential for a successful sell. This doesn’t mean the interiors can be pushed aside because the insides count too. Grubby walls, scratches, scuff marks and tired looking paint that has begun to fade and peel will turn buyers away. They will be wondering if there are other issues beneath the surface.
Additionally, while wallpaper is increasing in its popularity, it’s such a personal choice. It can look outdated very quickly and is not something the buyer wants to change before moving in. This is why we recommend when considering selling your home:
- Choose light, neutral colours – for interiors and exteriors
- Removing any wallpaper and painting the walls
- Avoid using bold colours
Choosing the neutral option when you’re selling your property can open up a small room to look bigger, adds more natural light and enables the potential new owners to feel like they could live in that space. By depersonalising the property, you are opening it up to potential new owners.
- Tips for Painting
If you decide to paint your property before selling, it is recommended for better sale options that you do the changes before having photos for advertisement. You want buyers to get the very best impression the first time because they are unlikely to return to the ad if they weren’t wowed in some way the first time.
To get the job done efficiently, cleanly, and to the highest standard, this may be the time to call on a professional painter’s expertise. Engaging in our experienced team’s services means they have all the knowledge, great brush strokes, and equipment to do the job so you can get ready to sell your home. They not only save you time, but they are clean and efficient too.
If you are unsure about hiring a professional, the job could be split to better suit your needs. You could get assistance from someone to do the exteriors and ceilings that are more demanding, and you could do the walls yourself. This way, you’re balancing out the budget while creating a difference in your ROI.
Before actually getting to the painting job, other issues will need dealing with first:
- Smooth cracks
- Putty any holes for a clean finish
- Sand
- And prime for a better finish.
When doing the job, ensure drop-sheets are down with masking tape to protect your floors because you don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning up dried paint.
To successfully sell your home at a price you want, you don’t necessarily have to do the whole place. Revamping the most worn areas, such as a front door where first impressions are had, and window sills that deal with the harsh sun and moisture, must be considered.
Whatever approach you decided to take, you will find that creating a fresh, new and neutral look is a worthwhile investment. With the potential to increase your property value, putting a little bit of appeal into your exterior and interior will have great appeal to a variety of buyers. If your home is well painted, it says to the buyer that you care about your property, so they can too.
What Next?
Before making a final decision on what areas to paint your home, consult with your real estate agent who has their finger on the pulse about colour, style and the current market. For the best help with your paint job, contact our house painters for a free no-obligation quote.