When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are everything. Buyers often form opinions within seconds of walking through the door—or even just driving by. That’s why one of the smartest and most cost-effective ways to enhance your home’s appeal (and increase your asking price) is to repaint. But is repainting really worth the investment? Let’s explore the return on investment (ROI) of repainting your home before selling, and how to get the most value from your efforts.
Why Paint Matters to Buyers
A fresh coat of paint signals to potential buyers that your home has been well cared for. It also:
- Makes spaces look cleaner and more modern
- Neutralizes bold or outdated colors
- Highlights architectural features
- Increases curb appeal
- Helps buyers imagine themselves living in the space
In fact, real estate agents frequently cite painting as one of the most recommended pre-sale improvements. Unlike a kitchen remodel or new flooring, it’s relatively inexpensive and can be completed in a matter of days.
Average ROI of Repainting
Exterior Painting ROI
According to a 2023 survey by HomeLight, exterior painting yields an average ROI of 152%. That means if you spend $3,000 on painting the outside of your home, you could see an increase in value of around $4,560.
This high ROI is tied to curb appeal. If the exterior is worn, faded, or chipped, buyers may assume the rest of the house is poorly maintained—even if it’s not.
Interior Painting ROI
The same HomeLight report found that interior painting has an average ROI of 107%. A typical interior paint job costs between $2,000 and $4,000, depending on square footage, and can increase a home’s sale price by $4,000 to $5,000.
Painting the inside of your home also makes the listing photos stand out, which can lead to more showings and stronger offers.
What Colors Yield the Best ROI?
Believe it or not, color matters a lot—and not just for personal taste. Studies show that certain paint colors consistently lead to higher offers, while others can actually reduce your home’s value.
Here are some color recommendations based on recent Zillow and Behr data:
Best Exterior Colors for ROI:
- White or Off-White: Clean and classic
- Greige (gray-beige): Warm and modern
- Light Blue or Slate Blue: Soothing and fresh
Worst Exterior Colors:
- Bright Yellow: Can feel too bold
- Dated Browns or Peaches: Perceived as outdated
Best Interior Colors for ROI:
- Living Room: Light gray or beige
- Kitchen: Soft white, gray, or pale blue
- Bedroom: Light blue or slate
- Bathroom: Clean white or very light green
Colors to Avoid Inside:
- Red or Burgundy: Can feel too intense
- Dark Browns: Make rooms feel smaller
- Highly personalized colors (bright purple, neon green): Too niche for most buyers
When Repainting Makes the Most Sense
Repainting your home before selling is almost always a good idea, but here are specific scenarios where it’s especially valuable:
- Your paint is more than 5 years old
- There’s visible damage (chipping, peeling, scuff marks)
- The color scheme is bold or outdated
- You’re in a competitive housing market
- Your home has been sitting on the market too long
- Your goal is to sell quickly and for top dollar
DIY or Hire a Pro?
If you’re on a tight budget, doing the painting yourself might seem like a good way to save. But hiring a professional painter typically offers better results and faster turnaround, especially when preparing a home for sale.
Here’s why hiring a pro pays off:
- They have the right tools and materials
- They ensure clean lines and smooth finishes
- They can complete the job quickly (often in a few days)
- They know which paints and primers work best on different surfaces
- They can help you select market-friendly colors
At Prime Painting & Restoration, we work with homeowners, realtors, and property managers to provide fast, affordable, high-quality painting services designed to boost your home’s value and help it sell faster.
Other Value-Boosting Paint Projects
If you want to go beyond walls and siding, here are a few bonus areas to consider repainting for added impact:
- Front Door: A pop of color like navy, black, or deep red can improve curb appeal
- Garage Door: A fresh coat of paint here helps the whole exterior feel newer
- Baseboards and Trim: Repainting trim in a crisp white can make any room feel cleaner and brighter
- Kitchen Cabinets: Instead of replacing outdated cabinets, painting them white or light gray offers a modern look at a fraction of the cost
Final Thoughts: Is Repainting Worth It?
Absolutely. Repainting your home before selling is one of the most affordable upgrades you can make—and it delivers some of the best ROI. It can make your property more appealing to a wider range of buyers, help your home sell faster, and even boost the final sale price.
If your paint is outdated, damaged, or simply not appealing to today’s buyers, repainting is not just a cosmetic fix—it’s a smart investment.
Ready to Repaint and Sell With Confidence?
At Prime Painting & Restoration, we specialize in pre-sale home repaints that get results. Whether you need interior, exterior, or both, we’ll help you choose the right colors, prep your home, and deliver a flawless finish that makes your listing shine.
Contact us today for a free estimate—and let’s make your home market-ready.
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