If you are planning to sell your house, you might be wondering how to make it more attractive to potential buyers. One of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your home’s curb appeal and value is to choose the right paint color for the exterior. But what color house sells fastest? And how do you pick the best paint color for your home? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide you with some tips and tricks to help you sell your house faster and for more money.
The answer to the question of what color house sells fastest is not as simple as you might think. Different colors can have different effects on buyers, depending on the style, size, and location of your house, as well as the current market trends and preferences. However, there is one general rule that applies to most cases: neutral colors are the best choice for selling a house.
Neutral colors are those that are neither too warm nor too cool, such as gray, beige, taupe, cream, and off-white. These colors have several advantages when it comes to selling a house:
They appeal to a wider range of buyers, as they are not too bold or too bland.
They create a clean, fresh, and spacious look, which makes the house seem more inviting and well-maintained.
They provide a blank canvas for buyers to imagine their own furniture and decor in the house, without clashing with the existing color scheme.
They complement most architectural styles and features, such as brick, stone, wood, and metal.
They work well with most landscaping and natural elements, such as grass, trees, flowers, and sky.
According to Zillow, a real estate website, homes with neutral-colored exteriors sold for more money and faster than homes with other colors. For example, homes with charcoal, smoky, or jet black front doors sold for $6,271 more than expected, while homes with creamy, bright yellow exteriors sold for $3,408 less than expected. Similarly, Fixr, a remodeling website, reported that white and gray were the top exterior paint colors in their 2020 Paint & Color Trends Report.
How to Choose the Right Neutral Color for Your House
While neutral colors are generally the best choice for selling a house, not all neutral colors are created equal. Some neutral colors can be too dark, too light, too warm, or too cool, which can affect the mood and impression of your house. Therefore, it is important to choose the right shade and tone of neutral color for your house, based on the following factors:
The style and size of your house. Different styles and sizes of houses can look better with different shades and tones of neutral colors. For example, a small, cozy cottage might look more charming with a warm beige or cream color, while a large, modern house might look more sleek and elegant with a cool gray or white color. You can also use contrast to highlight the architectural features and details of your house, such as the trim, shutters, windows, and doors.
The location and climate of your house. The location and climate of your house can also influence the choice of neutral color for your house. For example, a house in a sunny and warm area might benefit from a lighter and cooler neutral color, such as a soft gray or white, to reflect the light and heat and create a breezy and airy feel. On the other hand, a house in a cloudy and cold area might benefit from a darker and warmer neutral color, such as a rich beige or taupe, to absorb the light and heat and create a cozy and inviting feel.
The current market trends and preferences. The current market trends and preferences can also affect the choice of neutral color for your house. You want to choose a neutral color that is popular and in demand among buyers, but not too trendy or outdated. You can research the latest paint color trends and statistics online, or consult with a real estate agent or a home stager for professional advice. You can also drive around your neighborhood and see what colors other houses are using, and how they compare to yours.
Once you have chosen the right neutral color for your house, you are ready to paint your house for sale. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your painting project:
Hire a professional painter. Painting your house can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive task, especially if you have a large or complex house. Hiring a professional painter can save you time, money, and hassle, and ensure a high-quality and consistent result. A professional painter can also help you choose the best paint type, brand, and finish for your house, and handle any repairs or preparations needed before painting.
Use a high-quality paint. The quality of the paint you use can make a big difference in the appearance and durability of your house. A high-quality paint can provide better coverage, adhesion, and protection, and resist fading, cracking, peeling, and staining. A high-quality paint can also enhance the color and texture of your house, and make it look more attractive and expensive. You can ask your painter for recommendations, or look for paint ratings and reviews online.
Choose the right paint sheen. The paint sheen, or the glossiness of the paint, can also affect the look and feel of your house. Different paint sheens have different pros and cons, depending on the surface and the purpose. For example, a flat or matte sheen can hide imperfections and create a soft and elegant look, but it can also be harder to clean and more prone to scuffing and marking. A satin or eggshell sheen can provide a smooth and velvety look, and be easier to clean and more durable, but it can also show brush strokes and flaws more easily. A semi-gloss or gloss sheen can create a shiny and bright look, and be very easy to clean and resistant to moisture and stains, but it can also reflect light and glare and highlight imperfections. Generally, a satin or eggshell sheen is a good choice for most exterior surfaces, as it can balance the benefits and drawbacks of different sheens.
Add some accents and contrasts. While neutral colors are the best choice for selling a house, you can also add some accents and contrasts to make your house stand out and create some visual interest. For example, you can paint your front door a bold or dark color, such as black, navy, or red, to create a focal point and a welcoming entry. You can also paint your trim, shutters, windows, and doors a lighter or darker color than your main color, to create some contrast and definition. You can also use some accessories and decorations, such as plants, flowers, wreaths, and lighting, to add some color and charm to your house.
Conclusion
Choosing the right paint color for your house can be a crucial factor in selling your house faster and for more money. Neutral colors are the best choice for selling a house, as they can appeal to most buyers and create a clean, fresh, and spacious look. However, you should also consider the style, size, location, climate, and market trends of your house, and choose the right shade and tone of neutral color for your house. You should also hire a professional painter, use a high-quality paint, choose the right paint sheen, and add some accents and contrasts to your house, to make it more attractive and valuable. By following these tips and tricks, you can paint your house for sale and impress potential buyers with your beautiful and well-maintained house.
