
Open House Ready: Where to Paint Before You List
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.