Mmmkay, so the number one thing that people comment on in a house? The paint color. Home-buyers know that the furniture will be gone with the owners, but the wall colors are something they’ll either have to live with, or pay to change.
It’s hard for clients to notice much about the house when they can’t help but be distracted by a dominating wall color. For those of you with a pink nursery that you think is so adorable for your new baby girl – or boy…no one’s judging, - consider the possibility that whomever tours your house isn’t necessarily thinking, “How adorable!” but rather, “How much is it going to cost me to repaint this to be a study?” When you paint your bathroom lime green because you “wanted something cheery,” remember that “cheery” is in the eye of the beholder.
I’m blog-begging you here: if you’re selling your house and you’re wondering what you can do to make it ready for the showings, re-paint your lime green/electric blue/black/plain white walls with a neutral color. Trust me. I’m a realtor.
To make it easy for you, homeowners, I’m going to give you the Best Advice Ever, and save you those agonizing hours squinting at paint-chips under the fluorescent warehouse lighting of your local hardware store. I’m going to tell you the six colors that everyone has positive comments about, and even do your homework for you by giving you the exact names and brands that will get the “oohhs” and “ahhhs” that generally preceed clients making an offer. And let me repeat: they’re called “Neutrals.”
You can thank me later.
Benjamin Moore White Dove - wonderful depth for molding and trim
Benjamin Moore Wedgewood Gray - Not too blue, not to green. Perfect. (Also try Dorian Grey for a chalkier, lighter gray.)
Restoration Hardware Silver Sage - this rich, gorgeous green-tone that's calming and dynamic while still remaining a neutral. Great for kitchens!
Sherwin Williams Whole Wheat - taupe and coffee tones go with a myriad of other accent colors and highlight most furniture styles from traditional to contemporary.
Ralph Lauren Cottonwood - Lighter than Whole Wheat and can lend a beautifully formal feel to a classic room
Benjamin Moore Bennington Gray - the swatch looks taupey, but it's the perfect marriage between brown and gray that makes contemporary rooms sing. Literally sing.