Should I Repaint My House Before Selling It?
One of the most common questions real estate agents get asked is: “Should I repaint my house before selling it?” Although painting is one of the less intimidating upgrades within the overall spectrum of home improvement projects, it still requires an investment of time and money. In 2023, the housing market experienced a dramatic slowdown due to extremely high mortgage rates, but is now swinging in a more positive direction, as Freddie Mac reports the first mortgage rate decreases since March 2024.
Due to tight inventory and an ongoing housing shortage, it’s likely that sellers will still be in a fairly good position to sell their current home. Top real estate agents surveyed by HomeLight advised sellers to get back to the basics of prepping a home for sale, including considering easy renovations and upgrades.
If you’re thinking about whether you should repaint your house before selling, the most important thing to keep in mind is that the condition of your paint matters. This could mean buyers will not jump as fast to purchase a home that may need some work. If you’ve started to notice flaking or fading paint, it’s likely a wise move to repaint your house to gain a competitive edge in the market.
“I think buyers may become a bit more picky in terms of a home’s condition,” says survey participant Sean Healey, a top real estate agent in the Denver metro area and HomeLight Elite Agent. In short, painting your exterior and key rooms in the interior a neutral color can help attract buyers and boost your sale price. However, some variables may sway your decision, like what type of market you’re selling in and the current condition of your paint. Let’s explore.