Selling your home is a huge undertaking. For some, it can involve making improvements before putting it on the market. For others, it can be as simple as giving the interior a fresh coat of paint. Painting is an easy and inexpensive way to liven up drab rooms or create the illusion of more space – and can add big value to your home.


Whether you’re a first-time home seller or a seasoned pro, these details can be the difference of thousands of dollars on your asking and final selling price. According to Zillow, painting your living room a warm tan with pink undertones (or pinkish taupe) could increase the selling price of your home by 1.3 percent. Even this small change is an affordable way to add value to your home.


Selling a home? Learn more about the benefits of a fresh coat of paint from the experts at Stanford Painting.


Paint Your Home’s Exterior

Painting the exterior of your home is a great way to boost your home’s curb appeal and value. According to a study by Realty Times, home sellers who painted the exterior of their home received a 51% return on investment. 


If a full exterior paint upgrade isn’t in your budget, consider professional exterior wood painting instead. Replacing rotted wood or fixing peeling paint shows that your home is protected and in good repair, and it sends a signal to potential buyers that they won’t need to invest in upkeep. Another way to add curb appeal is to add a new coat of glossy paint to your front door. A black door will not only give your home a welcoming touch, but it can also increase its value by up to 2.9 percent. Updating the paint trim is also a great way to give your home an instantly fresh, modern look for a minimal investment. 


Paint Your Kitchen

A kitchen painted red or other saturated colors can drop your home’s value by $2,000 or more. Kitchens with white walls and dark cabinets – also known as “tuxedo kitchens” – rank most attractive to potential buyers. Neutral colored walls will also give you a good return on investment, as the buyer can envision themselves in the space. If needed, you can even repaint your cabinets a complementary neutral color (i.e. gray) and save yourself the cost of a full kitchen renovation. 


Paint Your Bedroom

Deep colors are great for a restful night’s sleep, but it’s not so great for potential homebuyers. If your master bedroom is a deep blue or violet, it’s time to refresh the room with a soft gray or neutral greige. While you’re at it, paint or repaint the trim white to make your bedroom look clean and modern. This simple transformation adds value to your home and can entice buyers to spend more on your home. 


Paint Your Bathroom

Keeping your bathroom white may give you that spa-like feel, but it likely won’t increase your home’s value. While white can work well in a bathroom, it can also feel stark and unwelcoming to a potential homebuyer. Periwinkle blue or a light gray, however, can increase your home’s value up to 1.3 percent. These cool neutral colors work great in the bathroom as they give off a calm and relaxing feel. Additionally, other bathroom features including trim, cabinets, or fluffy towels stand out or pop against these colors. 


Update Your Interior Paint Colors

If your home has a lot of bold, bright, or saturated paint colors, they can be a turn-off to potential buyers. We recommend a professional paint job to give your home’s interior a fresh, neutral look. Current color trends include gray with beige undertones and taupe with pink undertones. Using neutral tones allows potential homebuyers to envision their belongings in your home and see themselves living there, which can lead to an offer. 


Paint can also help update any outdated finishes. Baseboards and cabinets are given new life with a fresh coat of white paint, and it gives your home a modern look for a minimal investment. It also covers any scuffs or dings, giving the feeling that your home was well-cared for. 


For most people, their home is their most important investment. Top-quality painting is a key element in protecting and enhancing that investment, which is why so many families trust the team of experts at Stanford Painting with all of their painting needs. To schedule a no-obligation quote, give us a call at 650-321-9302, or fill out our contact form. Ask us about our current specials!