Open House Ready: Where to Paint Before You List

Open House Ready: Where to Paint Before You List

July 21, 20252 min read

When Amanda decided to sell her home, she was told by her real estate agent to “paint it all neutral.” But with three kids, a neon blue bedroom, a fire-engine red dining room, and some well-worn trim around the baseboards, it wasn’t just about choosing beige. She needed a plan. 

A few key updates -- like freshening up the front door, repainting high-traffic walls, and choosing a warm, welcoming tone for the living room -- helped Amanda's house go from chaotic to charming. Within a week of listing, she had multiple offers. 

Paint may seem cosmetic, but when you’re selling your home, it’s one of the most powerful tools you’ve got to make a solid first impression. 

 

1. Front Door = First Impression

Your front door is like a handshake -- make it strong. A clean, bold color like deep navy, forest green, or classic black creates instant curb appeal. Don’t forget to touch up the trim and surrounding areas, too. 

 

2. Neutral Doesn’t Mean Boring

Buyers want a blank canvas, not a beige box. Choose modern neutrals like soft greige, warm white, or muted taupe. They appeal to more people and help buyers see themselves in the space. 

 

3. High-Traffic Areas Need Freshening

Entryways, hallways, and kitchens show wear faster than other spaces. A quick refresh in these areas makes the entire house feel cleaner, brighter, and more cared for. 

 

4. Fix the Visual Distractions

Scuffed baseboards, chipped cabinets, faded window frames -- these little flaws add up. A coat of paint on trim and woodwork instantly boosts polish and perceived value. 

 

5. Remove Bold, Personal Color Choices

Your red dining room might have great vibes -- but it could be a dealbreaker for buyers. Repaint overly personal or dark rooms with lighter, more inviting tones. 

 

Summary and Conclusion 

If your house is about to hit the market, don’t underestimate what a few gallons of paint can do. Strategic painting can boost curb appeal, minimize flaws, and help your home sell faster -- and for more. 

At Total Image Paint, we’ve helped countless homeowners get open house ready with color choices that attract, not distract. 

Need advice on where to paint first? 

Contact us for a pre-sale consultation and let’s get your space market-ready.

With deep roots in Sonoma County, CEO Ken Stolting follows the path of his father and grandfathers in the construction industry. He has spent his career working with prominent North Bay builders. Delivering craftsman level quality in all types of coatings applications.

We take immense pride in being a Veteran-Owned Small Business. This distinction not only reflects our commitment to excellence but also embodies the values of discipline, integrity, and unwavering dedication that have been instilled in us through our military service.

Ken Stolting

With deep roots in Sonoma County, CEO Ken Stolting follows the path of his father and grandfathers in the construction industry. He has spent his career working with prominent North Bay builders. Delivering craftsman level quality in all types of coatings applications. We take immense pride in being a Veteran-Owned Small Business. This distinction not only reflects our commitment to excellence but also embodies the values of discipline, integrity, and unwavering dedication that have been instilled in us through our military service.

LinkedIn logo icon
Instagram logo icon
Youtube logo icon
Back to Blog

CA Contractors License # 948392

Services

Exterior Painting

Interior Painting

Residential Painting

Commercial Painting

Industrial Painting

Resources

Hire A Team

Ask A Question

Services Review

View Our Gallery

Total Image Paint Inc. ©. All rights reserved. Marketing Managed By StopDoingNothing Media