Paint to Sell: Painting Tips to Ensure a Quick Home Sale

Paint to Sell: Painting Tips to Ensure a Quick Home Sale

No matter how much you rearrange or decorate a room, nothing affects appearance like a fresh coat of paint. When you enter a house, your eye may be drawn to little decorative touches, but all the staging in the world will fall flat if your paint is drab or dirty. Considering that a gallon of paint is only about $30, it's also an inexpensive way to give your home a makeover.

Choosing Colours to Appeal to Home Buyers

Using colours that make the buyer feel "at home" will help you sell your home more quickly. You want them to look at each room and be able to literally see themselves and their belongings fitting inside your walls. Inspire a feeling of peace and relaxation, and part of the sale is already done!
Neutrals and soft colours create a soothing, calm atmosphere. Home buyers can more easily visualize the paint colours they want when other colours aren't bombarding them at every glance.
Avoid bold, vibrant or dark colours. Stay away from trendy colours no matter how good they look to you.
Keep in mind colour psychology. Not only do certain colours calm you, but the shade can also affect the room itself. Light colours make a space appear larger. Dark colours, on the other hand, make the room feel smaller. Of course, sometimes a darker colour is good if you want a certain effect. A cozy den with a darker colour and a bright, cheery kitchen with a lighter colour may work best to highlight each room's appeal.
Keep the colour variations to a minimum to lend a sense of continuity to the house. If every room is a different colour, it can prove overwhelming. It's much better to pick two or three colours to use throughout the house.

Painting Tips

Take the time to paint properly. Mask off areas that will be left unpainted. Throw down floor and furniture coverings to ensure you don't create damage during the process. Most importantly, prep the wall properly.
You may wish to spread a primer first to block bold colours. Sanding the walls slightly or washing with a solution of trisodium phosphate are other options. Both sanding and washing with TSP will remove dirt, oils and other contaminants that prevent the color from adhering well and looking good.
While you paint, take time and care to cut in the corners and avoid drips. Aim for the best paint job of your life – it will be worth it when the buyers sign on the dotted line!
If you can't afford to repaint your entire house, concentrate on a few select areas. The first room the buyer enters is the place to start – remember, first impressions count! Consider painting cupboards, trim and doors along with key rooms. Let your instincts guide you. Look around at other homes for ideas.

With a minimum investment, a little time and elbow grease, it shouldn't take long for you to have your home ready for its next owner.

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Direct: 519-495-1541
email: rthyssen@rogers.com
www.thyssengroup.com