What’s the quickest and easiest way to update your home’s design or better stage your home? A quick coat of paint! In fact, new paint color is one the most common staging suggestions we make for home sellers. A fresh of coat paint instantly livens up a home, makes it feel fresh and new, and shows buyers that you care about the property.
Before you run to the paint store and pick a color, consider these tips for choosing the best paint to stage your home.
1. Narrow your choices.
Go to any paint store and you’ll see a wall of paint colors to choose from. It can be overwhelming, even to experienced home designers. For staging purposes, look for the muted or neutral curated color palettes (colors that are already grouped together as complementary) rather than browse all the individual color samples. Then, pick just one light and neutral color, such as beige, and only look at the palettes in the beige category. This narrowing approach can help you feel less overwhelmed.
2. Sample first.
Rather than immediately purchase a few gallons of the color, get a small sample size jar of the color first. Or, if the store offers peel and stick color samples, get those first. Paint a small area of the room and let the paint dry. Does the color look how you imagined it would? If not, try a different sample. Also, shine a light on where you painted, or let the sun shine on the spot. How does the paint look in different light? Once you’re satisfied that you made the right choice, then purchase as many gallons as you’ll need for your project.
3. Prime before you paint.
If your walls have any imperfections at all, or if you’re going from a dark color to a light one, be sure to prime the walls first. Priming creates a smooth, uniform surface for the new paint to adhere, and it ensures you get the truest color on your walls. Realize that if you’re covering high-gloss paint with a matte finish, you may need two coats of paint to get the correct sheen.
One of the best things about painting is that you’ll see the transformation immediately. So as you start to stage your home, remember how important paint is. It can certainly help you sell your home quickly and for the highest amount possible.
Are you ready to sell your Napa Valley home? Or is it time to buy a new home? We can help. Check out our Facebook page for many more real estate tips and information. Have a question you need answered right now? Contact us today!