Best House Colors for Selling Your Home Quickly

Top Interior Paint Colors to Increase Home Value 

For the Living Room 

When a buyer first walks into a home, chances are one of the first rooms they’ll see is the living room. This makes it an important area to focus on to showcase your home's best features. Recommended colors for living rooms include warm neutrals like beige, taupe, and gray, which create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. However, sometimes having a modest bit of color works too depending on the home style and neighborhood demographics. Simple colors can provide a versatile backdrop for buyers to envision their own furniture and decor, increasing the likelihood of a positive perception and a faster sale.

Best colors: 

• Warm neutrals: Beige, taupe, greige
• Soft grays: Light gray, dove gray, silver gray
• Earthy tones: Warm white, cream, ivory
• Calming blues: Pale blue, light blue-gray, soft denim
• Muted greens: Sage, olive, pale green

For the Kitchen 

What many deam ‘the heart of the home’, the kitchen, is another key area that can significantly impact a buyer's decision. Some of the best color choices for kitchens are light and bright hues, such as white, off-white, and pale gray. These colors create a clean and spacious feel, making the kitchen appear larger and more modern. Certain studies have shown that homes with white or light-colored kitchens tend to sell for higher prices compared to those with darker or more colorful palettes.

• Classic whites: Pure white, off-white, cream
• Light grays: Pale gray, light blue-gray, cloud gray
• Soft yellows: Butter, pale yellow, cream
• Muted blues: Powder blue, light blue-green, soft turquoise
• Warm neutrals: Beige, taupe, light tan

For the Bedrooms 

When it comes to bedrooms, which are often our sanctuaries, the ideal colors are those that promote relaxation and tranquility. Soft, muted tones like light blue, pale green, and lavender are popular choices that appeal to a wide range of buyers. These colors can create a calming and restful environment.

• Soothing blues: Pale blue, light blue-gray, soft denim
• Calming greens: Sage, pale green, mint
• Relaxing lavenders: Soft lavender, pale purple, light mauve
• Warm neutrals: Beige, taupe, warm gray
• Soft pinks: Blush, pale pink, light coral

For the Bathroom 

Bathrooms are another important space where the right paint color can make or break a buyer's level of interest. Some of the best paint colors for bathrooms include light and airy hues, such as white, off-white, and pale blue. These colors create a clean and fresh look, making the bathroom feel more spacious and inviting.

• Fresh whites: Pure white, off-white, cream
• Soft blues: Powder blue, light blue-gray, pale aqua
• Light grays: Pale gray, silver gray, cloud gray
• Calming greens: Pale green, soft sage, light olive
• Neutral tans: Beige, light taupe, sand

Top Exterior Paint Colors to Attract Buyers 

Main Exterior Colors 

While the interior of your home plays a major role in overall buyer appeal and interest, its important to not forget the exterior of your home, after all, first impressions matter and the exterior of your home will be the very first thing buyers see. This makes choosing the right paint color for the outside of your home, just as important as the interior. Neutral colors, such as beige, taupe, and gray, are popular choices that appeal to a wide buyer base. These colors create a classic and timeless look that complements a variety of home styles and landscapes. White and off-white exteriors are also highly sought-after, as they provide a clean and fresh appearance that tends to enhance curb appeal. Gray has also become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a versatile and modern look that adapts well to both traditional and contemporary home designs. Additionally, shades of blue, such as pale blue or navy, can create an inviting and serene atmosphere that stands out in a neighborhood. 

Of course, you should always take into consideration HOA rules, if you live in a neighborhood where home color choices are limited. 

Accent Colors for Exterior Details

While the main exterior color sets the overall tone, accent colors for details like the front door, trim, and shutters can add character and charm to your home's exterior. A boldly colored front door, such as red, blue, or yellow, can make a statement and draw buyers' attention. When choosing trim and shutter colors, opt for complementary hues that enhance the main exterior color without overwhelming it. Classic white or cream trim works well with most color schemes, while black or dark gray can provide a modern-looking contrast.

Neutral vs. Bold Colors 

If your Pinterest board is a combination of neutral palettes mixed with bright and bold room inspiration… we get it. Both can be beautiful and make a home pop. But what’s best when it comes time to sell your home? While neutral tones are generally recommended for selling your home, there is still a place for bold colors when used strategically. Neutral colors offer a safe and versatile backdrop that allows buyers to easily envision themselves living in the space. They also provide a sense of consistency and flow throughout the home, making it feel more spacious and cohesive. 

However, incorporating bold colors in small doses, like for an accent wall or colorful accessories, can add personality and visual interest to a room without overwhelming potential buyers. The key is being able to strike a balance between aesthetic appeal and broad buyer preferences, ensuring that your home appeals to the widest possible audience. While you may love the idea of a bright orange kitchen, you could be doing yourself more harm than good when it comes time to sell. Neutrals will always be your safest bet. 

Tips for Choosing Paint Colors 

When selecting paint colors for your home, it's going to do you a world of good to first consider expert advice from real estate agents or interior designers who have experience in preparing homes for sale. They are going to take into account your home's style, architecture, and target buyer demographic when choosing colors. 

For example, a historic Victorian home may benefit from a different color palette than a modern minimalist apartment. It's also important to test colors in the actual space before committing to them because things like lighting and surrounding elements can significantly impact how a color appears. Painting large swatches on the wall or using removable paint samples can help you make a better decision. 

3 Common Mistakes to Avoid 

1. Over-personalizing color choices can turn off potential buyers with different tastes or preferences.

• Create a neutral canvas that allows buyers to envision their own style in the space

2. Ignoring curb appeal by focusing solely on interior colors.

• The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see
• Choose colors that create a welcoming and well-maintained appearance

3. Overcrowding rooms with too much furniture or bold, contrasting colors.

• This can make a space feel smaller and less inviting
• Aim for a balanced and streamlined look that maximizes space and flow

Choosing the best house colors for selling your home quickly involves a combination of carefully selected interior and exterior color choices, expert guidance, and an understanding of buyer preferences. By opting for warm neutrals in living spaces, light and bright hues in kitchens and bathrooms, and classic exterior colors with tasteful accents, you can create a home that appeals to a wide range of buyers and increases your chances of a fast and successful sale. 

Remember to avoid common mistakes like over-personalizing, ignoring curb appeal, and overcrowding rooms. Instead, focus on creating a neutral, inviting, and well-maintained space that allows buyers to envision themselves living there. For first-time sellers, don't hesitate to seek advice from real estate professionals and interior designers who can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the process.