Choosing the Right Colors for Your Selling Home: A Comprehensive Guide

When preparing a house for sale, choosing the right colors can significantly impact potential buyers' perceptions. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the best color options for both the interior and exterior of your home, along with tips to ensure your home stands out in a competitive market.

Interior Colors

Neutral Shades

Soft Whites Light Grays Beige or Taupe

Neutral shades are popular choices for the interior of a home as they create a clean and spacious feel. Soft whites make a room appear larger, while light grays offer a modern and sophisticated look. Beige or taupe adds warmth and complements various decor styles.

Accent Colors

Soft Blues or Greens Pale Yellows

Accent colors like soft blues or greens are calming and fresh, ideal for bedrooms or bathrooms. Pale yellows add warmth and brightness without overwhelming the room.

Exterior Colors

Classic Neutrals

Light Gray or Charcoal Soft Beige or Cream

Classic neutrals such as light gray or charcoal are timeless and stylish, suitable for a range of architectural styles. Soft beige or cream is inviting and blends well with natural surroundings.

Bold but Subtle

Muted Blues Sage Green

Bold but muted colors like muted blues can give a coastal or serene vibe, while sage green is earthy and appealing, especially with matching landscaping.

Tips for Choosing Colors

Consider the Neighborhood

Take a look at the color schemes of nearby homes for cohesion. A cohesive color palette can make your home stand out, but overly bright or clashing colors might not appeal to everyone.

Test Samples

Paint swatches on the walls or exterior to see how they look in different lighting. This will help you choose a color that looks great and feels right in natural light and under various weather conditions.

Think About Trends

If you have a preference for trends or are looking to make your home more attractive, consider subtle trends that can enhance your home's appeal. However, neutral colors are generally safer and more universally appealing.

Final Thoughts

The ultimate goal is to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere that allows potential buyers to envision themselves in the space. Sticking to neutral and soft colors is usually the safest bet for broad appeal. It's also important to consider how different colors will look under different lighting conditions, both natural and artificial, to ensure your home looks its best.

For any house you are going to sell or rent, go with neutral colors. Boring I know, but any other color you choose will offend someone. It's best to err on the side of safety and simplicity.

When selecting colors, sample colors that are at least 1-2 degrees warmer than the color you would ultimately like to have. Keep in mind that if you want a white exterior, you will need to choose a warmer white to avoid a blue cast.

Trending Exterior House Colors

Earth tones Black White Black and White Bold Red Light Blue

Today’s trends include a mix of earth tones, black, white, and more vibrant options like bold red and light blue. These colors can add character and interest to your home’s exterior while still maintaining a modern and stylish look.

Find Inspiration for Your Color Scheme

Consider color value: lighter or darker tones can make a space feel different. Plan your home's color scheme: think about how colors will interact with each other and the overall design. Consider how light affects colors: understand that colors can look different in different light and at different times of day.