When our clients ask us how they should prepare their Beavercreek homes for sale, the first thing we suggest is that they paint their homes. Dollar for dollar, nothing goes further than a fresh coat of paint inside and out. Used well, it will create compelling appeal from the street, and inside, a fresh, clean, and pleasing impression. 

Is Paint Necessary? 

Ask yourself if you have any of these conditions in your home:

• Nails used on the wall
• Markings that won't come off
• Places where the drywall needs patching
• Dingy appearance
• Bright and bold accent wall colors
• People smoke inside
• A discolored ceiling
• Peeling or chipped paint anywhere on the exterior
• Dated color scheme on the exterior

If you do, chances are the house needs painting. 

Do-It-Yourself or Use a Contractor

As you ready your home for sale, projects that add value for the least amount of money make financial sense. While painting your home yourself is the least expensive option, it could backfire in the end unless you're good with a brush. 

Home buyers eye your home critically, and if they see an imperfect paint job, they won't view your home as favorably. The last thing buyers want is to have to repaint shortly after they move-in. 

Interior Color Selections

White and a few of its variations are the best colors to paint the interior, leaving the bold accent colors for the next owner. A white with a grey/blue tint or grey tones mixed with beige are both attractive and broadly appealing colors for the interior. White opens up the space and reflects light, something buyers like to see.

Ceilings should be painted bright white. If your home has popcorn ceilings, ask your painting contractor about removing it. Besides dating your home, this texture collects dirt and dust. 

Paint Type by Room

The experts recommend using one color throughout your home to give it a sense of continuity. Use different kinds of paint in the wet areas than you do in the dry. The bathrooms, laundry and kitchen areas see a lot of activity, and it makes sense to use a washable, satin paint in those areas. 

Make sure the label says that it's manufactured for heavy use. If your bathroom has a mold or mildew problem, use a stain-blocking and mold-killing primer first. 

Use an eggshell finish in the living areas that specifies it's washable. An eggshell finish has a slight sheen to it that bounces some of the light, but it's not nearly as shiny as a semi-gloss. 

You should use a semi-gloss paint on the trim for the floors, windows and door frames, and ceiling. If the rooms are small, paint the trim the same color as the walls. If there's plenty of room, accent colors on the trim can provide contrast and visual interest.

Choose the Exterior Colors

Use only exterior paint for the outside of your home. It's formulated to handle the weather better than interior paint. Neutral colors reign supreme outside as well, but if you want a pop of color, put it on the front door—as long as it matches the rest of the color scheme. The appearance of the front door is essential to helping your home sell faster and for the price you want. 

Bottom Line

As you move forward with planning your home sale, give painting it inside and out serious consideration. For professional advice about painting and other aspects of your home sale, contact Wright-Patt Realty today to talk to expert Beavercreek REALTORS®.