6 Exterior Painting Tips for Home Sellers: Sell Faster With Fresh Paint

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter. The exterior of your property is the first thing potential buyers see, and it sets the tone for their entire viewing experience. One cost-effective and impactful way to enhance your home's curb appeal is through a fresh coat of paint. The exterior paint not only serves to protect your property from the elements but also plays a pivotal role in captivating buyers' attention and pique their interest. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or a first-time seller, read on to discover how painting your home can make all the difference in achieving a successful sale.

Know the Signs That It's Time To Paint

Painting the home is a big job, so it's not something most homeowners do unless there's a good reason. Knowing the signs that the house needs to be painted can help you evaluate the condition of your home's curb appeal. Signs you need to paint your home include:

• The paint is peeling from the home in several places.
• The paint is fading.
• The paint colour is very dated and no longer appealing.
• The paint is stained in some way.

These signs are all good indications that home needs an exterior paint job. Homeowners who aren't sure if they should paint their house or not may consult with a reputable real estate agent for advice.

Choose Your Colour Wisely

The colour you choose for your home can impact its curb appeal dramatically. Many home sellers choose neutral colours for their home's exterior to ensure that their home will appeal to a wide variety of buyers. However, there are many things that sellers should take into consideration when picking the right colour for their needs.

• Coordinate with the other homes in the neighborhood.
• Match the landscaping.
• Consider historic accuracy for older homes.
• Paint several samples on the side of the house before choosing a final colour.

Remember that the colour is the first thing that buyers are likely to notice when pulling up to a house, so selecting the right colour is very important.

Choose the Right Type of Paint

One of the key factors to consider when painting the exterior of your home is choosing the right type of paint that can withstand various weather conditions. Mother Nature can be unforgiving, subjecting your property to intense sunlight, heavy rain, wind, and even freezing temperatures. To ensure your paint job stands the test of time and maintains its vibrant appearance, it is crucial to opt for paints specifically designed to endure these challenges.

Acrylic latex paint, for instance, is a popular choice for exterior painting projects due to its exceptional durability and flexibility. This type of paint forms a protective barrier that resists cracking, peeling, and blistering, even in areas prone to high humidity or significant temperature fluctuations.

For areas that experience particularly harsh weather conditions, such as coastal regions or regions with extreme temperature variations, elastomeric paint is an ideal choice. Elastomeric paint contains a higher concentration of elastomeric polymers, which grants it exceptional flexibility and elongation properties. As a result, this paint can expand and contract with the substrate as temperatures fluctuate, minimizing the risk of cracks and ensuring long-lasting protection.

Watch the Weather

Before getting started on a home painting project, check the weather for coming rain, or extreme heat or cold. Extreme temperatures can cause the paint to dry badly and may even result in a failed paint job. Homeowners who aren't sure what temperatures are too hot or cold should check the exterior of the paint can for manufacturer's instructions.

Prep The Surface for Paint

Prepping the boards of the home for painting will help ensure the paint job looks right. Prepping the house for painting can take hours or even days, so be sure to build time into your project when making a timeline.

1. Use a paint scraper and sander to scrape away old paint.
2. Wash the surface of the house to get rid of dirt, mold, and mildew.
3. Remove nails and other unwanted pieces of hardware that might be sticking out of the side of the house.
4. Fill old nail holes with wood filler.
5. Sand the wood filler down.
6. Re-clean the house, then allow the house to dry for 24 hours.
7. Apply primer to the wood if necessary.

Once all of these steps have been followed, it's time to paint your house.

Protect The Landscaping

Failure to protect your landscaping from falling paint can result in a messy-looking yard and a sloppy paint job in general. To protect your landscaping, drape your flowers and shrubs with lightweight tarps. Leave the tarps on there only as long as they are necessary, then remove the tarps when they're no longer needed. If the weather is hot, consider watering your landscaping before putting the tarp in place, and only leave the tarp there for as long as it's needed.

Get a Fresh Start On Your Home Sale

A fresh coat of paint on the exterior not only transforms the appearance of your property but also creates a positive first impression for potential buyers. Choosing the right colors and maintaining a well-maintained exterior can attract more interest and stand out in a competitive real estate market. Painting also allows you to address any visible imperfections, such as cracks or fading, making your home appear well-cared-for and appealing to buyers.

Additionally, a well-painted exterior can increase the perceived value of your home and potentially lead to a higher selling price. So, whether you decide to hire professionals or DIY the task, painting the exterior of your home is a worthwhile investment that can significantly contribute to a successful and faster selling process.