To Paint or Not to Paint?

When getting ready to sell your home, it's important to make it look its best. One way to do this is by painting certain areas to give them a fresh, updated look. However, not everything should be painted. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) published an article titled "Just Because You Can Paint It Doesn't Mean You Should" that provides some guidance on what to paint and what not to paint -- here are Staging Dallas first-hand examples to back up this helpful article!

Firstly, it's important to paint over any walls with bold or outdated colors. Bright colors or busy patterns may be off-putting to potential buyers, so a neutral color palette is often the best choice. We love using neutral colors like white and gray, but the warmth or coolness of the color can differ depending on your other home elements. Check out that full blog post here.

Example of a neutral color that looks modern and new (staging by Staging Dallas).

Another area to consider painting is trim and doors. These areas tend to get scuffed and worn over time, and painting them can give them a fresh, clean look. Choose a complementary color to the walls, such as light gray or white, to make the trim and doors stand out without being too overwhelming.

On the other hand, there are certain things that should not be painted when getting ready to sell your home. For example, if your kitchen cabinets are outdated or worn, painting them may seem like an easy fix. However, the NAR article advises against this. Instead, it suggests that you replace the cabinets or reface them if possible. Painting cabinets can be a messy and time-consuming process, and if not done correctly, it can actually decrease the value of your home. From our experience, we've found that painting cabinets can be the easiest fix, if done by a professional, and the same with painting brick.

Painting brick can help liven up a room (staging by Staging Dallas).

Similarly, it's not recommended to paint over any natural wood finishes in your home, such as hardwood floors or wooden beams. These finishes add character and warmth to a home, and painting over them can detract from their beauty. If you want to update the look of your floors, consider refinishing them instead.

In conclusion, when preparing your home to sell, it's important to consider what should and should not be painted. Walls with bold colors should be painted over with neutral shades, while trim and doors can be painted to give them a fresh look. However, it's best to avoid painting kitchen cabinets and natural wood finishes, as these can be difficult to do correctly and may detract from the value and appeal of your home. By following these guidelines, you can help make your home more appealing to potential buyers and increase your chances of a successful sale. If you'd like to hear more about our experiences in painting and updating a home, contact Staging Dallas today for a consultation!