Curb appeal is everything when attracting a potential home buyer, and a beautiful paint job is one of the easiest ways to add it. But does fresh paint actually add value to a house? Studies show that homes with curb appeal sell on average for 7% more than less appealing homes . Whether it is a clean neutral or a bold front-door color that makes the entry pop, the right paint is a win for the homeowner. So, does painting your house add value to it? The simple answer is yes.
Does painting add value to your home?
Overall, a well applied coat of paint increases the value of your home by 2-5%. A fresh coat of exterior paint can transform your home and act as a barricade to prevent damage and deterioration over time.
Also, a well-maintained exterior of a home may suggest to a potential buyer that the home overall has been well cared for.
Don’t forget the interior! A nice neutral shade of gray, taupe or white can make a potential homebuyer see your home as theirs in just one visit!
What color adds the most value to a home?
Timeless and clean neutral shades are more appealing and favored by the widest group of homebuyers. In fact, realtors often recommend repainting the entire home in a subtle off-white shade to provide a potential homeowner with a clean canvas to dream about making your home theirs.
Whether interior or exterior, homebuyers will see the potential in your home if everything is neutral.
Bold colors that pop also have the potential to elevate your home and create a memorable impression , but they may sink your home’s value if not carefully selected.
Paint colors that add value to your house are usually cool colors because they make rooms look more spacious and appealing. Generally, while these lighter colors make spaces appear bigger , warmer or bolder colors can make large rooms with high ceilings seem cozier.
The psychology of color is an evolving field . Basically, bright colors like red, orange, yellow and pink can stimulate energy, happiness and joy. Cool colors including green, blue, purple, gray and white create calm, balance and relaxation.
Is it worth it to paint a house before selling it?
According to HomeLight.com , the estimated Return on Investment (ROI) ranges from 51% to 55%. For example, a home that costs $400,000 would increase in value by $20,000. That is worth it!
Depending on the number of stories and size of your home, you are looking at $1,500 for a small home to just over $4,500 to repaint the exterior.
If your home’s paint finish is in good condition you may not need to paint. Perhaps a good light power wash may do the trick, removing dirt and grime that has collected over time. Potential homebuyers want less work when they move in.
In coastal Alabama, you are competing with brand new homes that are being built every day. Across Mobile County and the wider Mobile Bay market, Baldwin County is growing fast and so are the number of subdivisions. For an older home in a settled Mobile neighborhood — think Midtown, Spring Hill, or West Mobile — a fresh, well-chosen coat of paint is one of the cheapest ways to stay competitive against those new builds. It is important and financially smart to keep up.
DIY vs. hiring a professional painter
As homeowners trying to save money here and there, it is tempting to try to scrimp on home maintenance and paint your home yourself.
DIY painting can seem like a good idea, but many homeowners don’t anticipate the cost of materials like tarps, tape, brushes, trays, and even rented scaffolding or ladders—not to mention the extensive prep time involved.
Attempting the project yourself could also reduce your home’s appeal and perceived value if not done correctly, potentially wasting valuable time and money.
Residential painters in Alabama have the expertise to handle the state’s unique coastal climate and ensure the job is done right. Hiring professional exterior house painters also means your home will require painting less frequently, saving you money in the long run.
Alabama homeowners should weigh all options carefully and consider consulting a local painting contractor like Pro 1 Painters. At Pro 1 we can help you make the best decisions to paint your home to increase its resale value.
Additional tips for Alabama homeowners
Prior to painting your home, you may want to apply a light pressure wash to it to remove dirt and grime.
During this phase, you may uncover underlying issues such as sun damage, mold or mildew, debris buildup, insect activity, water intrusion, or rotting boards.
Make any repairs in a timely manner or contact the expert team at Pro 1 Painters to handle everything, including carpentry and drywall services , from start to finish.
Regarding color, according to realtor.com, home designers suggest staying away from reds, lime green, bold yellows as well as a pinks (sorry Barbie!) and turquoise. These colors can have a negative impact on a potential homebuyer and may turn them off.
It is also a good idea to pick an exterior paint color that will blend with the other homes in the neighborhood.
Pro 1 Painters offers color consultation to help you find the best color to add to the resale value of your home and make it the envy of your neighborhood .
Painting your home can increase its resale value
Curb appeal can draw potential buyers inside to take a peek! Sometimes it just takes a bit of inspiration to decide the best color for your next painting project.
Having your home in good condition with a fresh coat of paint (inside and out) is sure to increase the resale value and attract the right buyer for your home. Contact Pro 1 Painters today to hire the best professional house painters in Baldwin and Mobile County to do the job. We’ll help put more money in your pockets and time on your hands in the long run!