{"id":25725,"date":"2023-03-02T08:23:48","date_gmt":"2023-03-02T16:23:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=25725"},"modified":"2026-04-03T09:02:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T16:02:00","slug":"should-i-repaint-my-house-before-selling-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/should-i-repaint-my-house-before-selling-it\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Tell If You Should Repaint Your House Before Selling It"},"content":{"rendered":"

A HomeLight survey of over 1,000 top real estate agents nationwide found that, on average, fresh paint adds an estimated $7,571 in resale value<\/a> for a 152% ROI. Considering that the average price to paint the entire exterior of a home is around $3,000\u00a0it could be well worth the investment. But how can you tell if you should repaint your house before selling it? Not every house needs a full paint job before hitting the market.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt only makes sense to do it if you\u2019ll be able to boost the sale price by more than what the painting will cost you,\u201d says Paige NeJame<\/a>, owner of a CertaPro Painters franchise near Boston. She adds that the decision to paint often swings with the housing market. “You may not have to paint your home at all,\u201d she says, if you live in a market where homes are actively selling.<\/p>\n

Unsure of whether to grab a brush or leave it to the buyer? We talked to some painting pros, an experienced real estate agent, and added a few coats of our own research to create this full-coverage guide to determining whether a color refresh will make your home more marketable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Step one: Talk to an expert!<\/h3>\n

Ready to update your home and increase its value? Consult with a top real estate agent today on the projects with the best ROI for your area.<\/p>\n \n

\n Find an Agent<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Exterior paint<\/h2>\n

How your home looks from the outside shapes a buyer\u2019s opinion from the start, which is why 76% of top real estate agents<\/a> nationwide say that improving curb appeal<\/a> is the no. 1 thing a seller can do to boost the marketability of their home.<\/p>\n

And the chances of recouping the cost are in your favor: According to our survey, top agents found that, on average, buyers will pay 7% more<\/a> for a house with great curb appeal compared to one with a neglected exterior. For a house with a market value in the $400,000 range, that could mean up to an additional $28,000.<\/p>\n

Painting the exterior of a home is one the most effective ways to elevate your property’s curb appeal and increase potential sale proceeds.<\/p>\n

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Signs that you should paint your home\u2019s exterior<\/h3>\n

On the fence about whether to repaint your home\u2019s exterior or try selling as-is? We asked the experts for some signs that you should freshen up your home\u2019s facade before putting it on the market.<\/p>\n

Sign #1: The house looks dull and drab<\/h4>\n

Exterior paint fades over time with exposure to the sun and other elements. \u201cFaded paint can make a house look old and tired, whereas a fresh coat of paint\u2014and sometimes a pop of new color\u2014really freshens up a home and helps it stand out,\u201d says Teris Pantazes<\/a>, co-founder of Settle Rite Home Services, which works on pre-sale home improvements, including painting houses before they go on the market.<\/p>\n

Sign #2: The exterior paint is peeling and flaking.<\/h4>\n

This will give buyers the impression that the home has not been well-maintained, but it\u2019s especially important for homes built prior to 1978, which could contain lead paint<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sign #3: The color is dated.<\/h4>\n

Pantazes says that maroon, brown, and other similar colors could make your home look dated, which may turn off buyers who are demanding move-in-ready, updated homes.<\/p>\n

Sign #4: It shows overall signs of wear.<\/h4>\n

If you see issues like cracked caulk, gaps between siding boards, soft or cracked wood, stains or mold, or other signs of wear, it\u2019s likely time for a fresh paint job. \u201cSome lenders require these types of things to be repaired, as they could lead to rotted or damaged wood,\u201d says Pantazes.<\/p>\n

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Tips for getting the most out of your exterior paint job<\/h3>\n