Getting ready to sell your house? Before you meet with a broker or schedule showings, there’s one simple thing you can do that could have a big impact on what happens next: repaint your walls in neutral colors.
A fresh coat of paint in the right hues can refresh your home’s appearance and appeal to a wider range of buyers. It may even help you sell your property faster!
In this article, the experts at Décoration Le Corbusier, a Benjamin Moore paint specialty retailer on Montreal’s North Shore, share their top tips for choosing colors that appeal to today’s homebuyers.
Why repaint before selling your home?
When a buyer visits a home, the first visual impression is crucial. A simple paint refresh can improve a property’s perceived cleanliness, brightness and value.
Painting offers an easy way to increase your property’s appeal without committing to extensive renovations. In fact, it represents a low investment and can mask signs of wear and tear such as scratches and stains, as well as dull or yellowed walls.
By repainting your walls in neutral colors, you also allow potential buyers to project themselves into the space and imagine what their life could be like in this new home.
Want a job done quickly and well? Opt for Benjamin Moore’s Aura paint. With its built-in primer, it offers an incomparable finish, and more often than not, only one coat is needed.
What are the best paint colours for selling a house?
What are the best paint colours for selling a house? When it comes to choosing the right colour to paint on the walls of your home to sell, think of these 3 words: neutral, luminous and warm. Natural hues complement any décor and inspire cleanliness and tranquility.
Here are 5 popular Benjamin Moore colors for residential real estate:
- Chantilly Lace (OC-65): A pure, bright white, ideal for ceilings, trims and walls in modern spaces.
- Edgecomb Gray (HC-173): A soft, versatile greige that’s neither too warm nor too cold. Perfect for living rooms and open-plan areas.
- Revere Pewter (HC-172): A warm, classic hue that has stood the test of time. Ideal for bedrooms, kitchens and hallways.
- Balboa Mist (OC-27): An elegant pale gray with warm undertones that softens the mood and blends easily with existing elements.
- Pale Oak (OC-20): A subtle neutral that works well in bedrooms, living rooms and spaces with little natural light, such as basements.
These hues create a neutral backdrop that will appeal to the majority, so you’ll have the best chance of selling your home.
Colors to avoid when preparing a house for sale
Even if you’re a fan of bright colors or dark hues, that’s not necessarily the case for the next owners of your home. Walls with very specific or saturated colors could put off some potential buyers.
Here are the colors to avoid if you want to repaint the walls of your house to sell it:
- Colors that are too intense, such as red, turquoise or bright orange.
- Very dark shades such as black, navy or chocolate brown.
- Colors that reflect a particular style or eccentric decor.
When repainting your walls in order to put your home up for sale, the aim is to create a harmonious, neutral and bright décor that lets buyers project themselves into the environment.
Which rooms should you prioritize for painting?
Not everyone has the time (or inclination) to repaint their entire home before putting it up for sale. If you have to make strategic choices, we advise you to prioritize the most visible areas:
- The living room and entrance hall are the rooms to paint first to create a positive first impression.
- The kitchen and bathroom can be painted to optimize the sense of cleanliness.
- The master bedroom can be painted in neutral tones to instill calm and softness.
- Ceilings and trims, often overlooked, can be repainted for an instant facelift.
- Even dark basements or corridors can be transformed with light colors that maximize luminosity.
Get personalized advice at Décoration Le Corbusier
Repainting your home with neutral, trendy colors is an effective way to increase your property’s market appeal. Give yourself the best chance of attracting the right buyers with Benjamin Moore products from Décoration Le Corbusier.
Our paint experts can help you choose colors, finishes and paint accessories. Drop in to see our samples, test your colors, or get personalized recommendations based on your needs and budget.
Come and meet us in our Laval, Mirabel, Boisbriand or Saint-Eustache stores. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you in optimizing your property’s décor for a worry-free sale.
FAQ (frequently asked questions)
What are the best paint colors for selling a house?
Neutral colors like Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray, Revere Pewter, Balboa Mist and Pale Oak are safe choices that appeal to the vast majority of homebuyers.
Do I absolutely have to repaint before selling my property?
Although it’s not mandatory, it’s strongly recommended that you repaint the walls of your home before putting it up for sale, especially if they are damaged or very stained.
What type of finish should I choose to paint the walls of my home?
Matte or Eggshell finishes are recommended for main walls, while pearl or satin finishes are preferred for wet rooms.
Can I get help choosing my paint colors?
Yes, Décoration Le Corbusier offers the services of painting and decorating specialists to help you make your decorating project a reality. Our consultants are available in-store to help you choose the colors and finishes best suited to your home.