When preparing your home for sale, few things can have as large and immediate impact as painting.  If you're selling your house, painting is a great way to increase your resale price. Paint color takes up much of a room's visual space — it draws the eye and can even influence your mood while you're in the room. As a general rule, you want to stick to as few colors as possible, even if they are all neutrals. Using the same color in more than one area will give your home an overall cohesive feel. It also makes your home seem bigger, since there is an easy flow from one room to the next. THE IMPACT OF PAINT COLORS The choice of paint colors can significantly influence a buyer’s perception of your home. The right color palette can make your property feel inviting, spacious, and up-to-date. On the other hand, outdated or overly personal colors might deter potential buyers. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider current design trends and the psychology of color when selecting your paint hues. The most appealing color to paint the inside of a home when selling it is usually a neutral color, such as white, beige, or gray. These colors appeal to the majority of buyers and provide a blank canvas that allows them to easily visualize their own belongings and style in the space. Generally, going with neutral colors like shades of white, beige, taupe, and grays lead to a faster sale," she shares. "Neutral colors are also more appealing to potential buyers because many want the creative freedom of a blank canvas to add their personal touches to when looking for a new place to call home. From a seller's point of view, it can be risky having bright, bold paint colors because personal preference ranges greatly from person to person." 1. CLASSIC WHITE White is a timeless and enduring favorite among home sellers. It creates a clean and fresh canvas that allows potential buyers to envision their own style and décor in the space. However, not all whites are created equal; consider opting for a warm white with a hint of cream to add a touch of warmth and coziness to your rooms. Remember to consider your home’s architectural style and the preferences of your target buyers when selecting paint colors. By choosing wisely, you can enhance your home’s appeal and increase your chances of a successful sale in the competitive real estate market. 2. SOFT GRAY Gray continues to be a popular neutral color that appeals to a wide range of buyers. Opt for soft, warm grays that create a soothing and elegant atmosphere. Light gray walls can make rooms appear larger and more inviting, making it an excellent choice for various spaces throughout your home. 3. GREIGE Greige, a fusion of gray and beige, is a versatile and contemporary color choice. It offers a subtle warmth while maintaining a neutral backdrop for various decor styles. Greige works particularly well in living rooms and bedrooms, creating a sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance. Consider consulting with a professional painter when making color selections. You could have different tastes (that’s ok, by the way) but a painter knows what shades are not only popular, but how they vary from the paint swatches/chips to then they’re actually applied on the walls, what colors work well together (and which don’t), and how colors work in different types of light. We have a list of preferred vendors and contractors available to our private clients. WHAT’S TRENDING Consensus says that Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) is still the number one most widely-appealing choice to paint the interior of your home when preparing it for sale.  Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW7008) is second on many lists and offers a creamier white option for those who are tired of grays or where a gray isn’t the right complement to existing decor choices.  Sherwin Williams Gray Mist is a compromise of the first two favorites, not gray, not beige, but a “greige” compromise.  Another favorite is Sherwin Williams Snowbound (SW 7004) for a creamy white option. However it suits an exterior better where conveying warmth isn’t as critical as it is with interior paint colors.  WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY Warm neutrals were a top choice for homeowners in 2023, and that trend I can see continuing. 82% of experts recommend warm-tinted neutral paint for selling because of the likelihood that it won’t turn away buyers for being too bright or too cold. Warm colors are welcoming, and neutrals don’t impose your personal style, so they’re great for inviting prospective buyers to see their future in your home. They can give texture to small rooms that may look sterile painted in white, and they can open up larger rooms that may feel smothered in rich, deep color. In contrast, spaces feel more open and unified when the same color is used across all rooms on a floor. Uniform paint choices can be more widely appealing and offer a clean-slate-feeling for potential buyers. This lets buyers more easily envision what customizations they want, thus making your home more attractive to them. The more they wrestle with your custom touches, the less they feel drawn to your home. BOTTOM LINE At the end of the day, it’s your house, so it’s your choice. Just remember, if you’re painting so you can appeal to the most buyers, put your trust in the experts. We’re always here to help. Please reach out to begin your staging and home prep consultation.