We love the idea of painting before selling because it is one of the most inexpensive ways to update, freshen up, and add value to your Boston home.
Heading to the paint store and standing in front of hundreds (if not thousands!) of colors of paint, however, can be overwhelming.
Here is a list of do’s and don’ts for painting before you sell your home:
- Avoid white – Many sellers automatically assume that white walls make the most sense; but, in reality, they are quite stark and do nothing to make your home more appealing. Instead of white, choose a warm, neutral color (think taupe or beige) that will appeal to the masses. Avoid bold colors, as they are often too subjective, and never wallpaper any room in your home. In fact, if you have wallpaper, it is almost always a good idea to remove it before listing your Boston home for sale.
- Choose satin or semi-gloss – Flat paint will show the flaws in your walls and is difficult to clean, while satin or semi-gloss paint is much more forgiving and easier to clean.
- Take your time – If there’s one thing buyers will immediately notice, it is a bad paint job. Take the time to properly prep your work area and make sure your paint job is neat and attractive. Freshly painted walls will get you nowhere if you’ve slopped paint on the floor or on the light switches.
- Don’t forget the front door – If you have a painted front door, take a moment to consider whether it would benefit from a fresh coat of paint. Because your front door is one of the first things buyers will see when they approach your property, it is always a good idea to make sure it looks beautiful.
- Your deck – if your deck has seen better days and is looking worn or weathered, it is probably a good idea to clean and seal it. A fresh coat of stain on your deck will immediately make it look fresh and new.
Keith Munsell 
