3 Tips To Properly Paint Your Home Before Selling

If you're looking to take advantage of record-high home prices by selling your house, you'll probably want to do everything you can to maximize its value before listing. While nearly every home has its share of minor problems that need fixing, the condition of your exterior paint is one issue you shouldn't ignore.

Painting has numerous benefits, including increasing your curb appeal, showing prospective buyers that you care about maintenance and upkeep, and modernizing your exterior. These three tips will help you get the best value for your money when it comes to a pre-sale exterior paint job so you can get a solid return on your investment.

1. Focus on Details

If you want to avoid spending too much money, start by looking for small details that you can improve. Details can often elevate (or diminish) the overall appearance of a home. For example, is the paint on your doors or window trim peeling or in bad shape? Blemishes such as these can bring down the appearance of a home, even if your siding or paint job is in otherwise excellent condition.

Targeted paintwork can help increase your home's curb appeal without requiring a significant upfront cost. You can also paint these items in more modern colors or better blend in with the rest of your neighborhood. Small touches can often make a house stand out from the competition, even if only on a subconscious level.

2. Don't Skimp on Preparation

Amateur painters often miss one critical fact: a good paint job starts with proper preparation. Poor prep work can lead to numerous problems, forcing workers to spend more time painting and correcting imperfections. Remember that preparation is an essential part of any paint job, so don't skimp if you're hiring professionals to perform this work.

If you're still looking to save some cash, you can also consider performing the prep work yourself. In this case, expect to spend a significant amount of time power washing, scraping loose paint, and repairing damaged exterior areas. Although it might take time and effort, your work will pay in a far more professional and attractive final product.

3. Stay Traditional

You want to impress prospective buyers with your home, but you also don't want to scare away the average family. When choosing a paint scheme for your home, stick to traditional colors and keep the overall appearance of your neighborhood in mind. If you want to stand out, do so with more minor details, such as door and window trim.

By keeping to a relatively conservative theme, you'll have the best chance of reaching a broad audience with your sale. This approach will give you the best chance of getting a hefty return on your painting investment.

For more information about exterior painting, contact a local professional.