How paint can increase the value of your home
If your selling a home, Which means you are buying ahome, you already know- first impressions are everything. Buyers walk into your house, and within seconds, SECONDS!! they’re already forming opinions. You never get a 2nd time to make a great 1st impression. That’s why a fresh coat of paint can increase the value of your home as well as give the house more appeal to potential buyers appeal but also its value. If you’re selling in the northwest suburbs of Chicago—think St. Charles, Elgin, Bartlett, Algonquin, and Pingree Grove—you’re in a competitive market where every little detail matters.
But here’s the deal: it’s not just about slapping any old paint on the walls. You need the right strategy—targeting problem areas like water stains, damaged drywall, or worn handrails—and picking colors that attract today’s buyers. So let’s break it down.
Why Painting Before Selling Is a No-Brainer
If you’re thinking, “Do I really need to paint before selling?” the short answer is: yes, you should seriously consider it. Here’s why:
- Buyers Want “Move-In Ready” Homes
People don’t want to imagine all the work they’ll need to do after moving in. A home that looks polished and fresh tells buyers they can unpack their boxes and start living. - Paint Adds Instant Value
Studies show that a professionally painted home can add up to 5% or more to the sale price. In the northwest suburbs, where homes are selling in the $300K–$600K range, that’s thousands of dollars for a relatively small investment. - Neutral Colors Help Buyers Envision Themselves in the Home
Bold, personal paint choices might be fun for you, but they can turn off buyers. A fresh, neutral palette helps people focus on the space—not the bright green accent wall you loved in 2017. - Painting Fixes Small Issues That Buyers Notice
Worn-out trim, scuffed walls, and dirty doors? Buyers notice. These imperfections can make a house feel neglected, even if the bones are solid. Fresh paint fixes these “invisible deal-breakers.”
Common Paint-Related Issues That Turn Buyers Off
Before we dive into colors and strategies, let’s talk about problem areas or issues that might need extra TLC:
1. Water Stains and Ceiling Marks
- Water stains scream “problem” to buyers, even if the issue has already been resolved.
- If you’ve had a leaky roof or plumbing issue in the past, those yellowish stains will make buyers assume the worst. Priming yellow water stains and a fresh coat of ceiling paint gives your space a clean, bright look.
2. Drywall Damage
- Small dents, holes, and cracks in the drywall might seem minor, but they make a home feel worn out. Before painting, patch these up with spackle and joint compound.
- In areas like Elgin or Algonquin, where many homes were built in the early 2000s, normal wear and tear is expected, but buyers want to see that it’s been addressed.
3. Dirty or Worn Handrails and Doors
- Handrails and doors take a beating over the years—grimy fingerprints, chipped paint, and scratches are almost inevitable.
- Freshen them up with semi-gloss paint in a bright white or soft black for a clean, modern look. Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Enamel is durable and looks sharp.
4. Scuffed Baseboards and Trim
- Trim and baseboards tend to collect dust, scuff marks, and general grime over time. Painting them with a crisp, white semi-gloss paint can make the whole room feel brand new.
The Best Paint Colors to Sell Your Home Faster
Let’s talk about the fun part: choosing colors that appeal to buyers in today’s market. For the northwest suburbs of Chicago, where home styles range from charming older houses to new construction, the right colors can tie it all together. (these are based off what we see the most- we wont pick it- but we will stick it!)
Living Rooms and Common Spaces
Stick with light, neutral tones that make the space feel bright and open:
- Agreeable Gray (Sherwin-Williams) – A warm greige that’s universally loved.
- Revere Pewter (Benjamin Moore) – Another timeless greige that works in almost any home.
- Accessible Beige (Sherwin-Williams) – A soft, warm beige that doesn’t feel outdated.
Kitchens
Light neutrals or soft whites make kitchens feel clean and modern:
- Simply White (Benjamin Moore) – Perfect for cabinets or walls.
- Alabaster (Sherwin-Williams) – A soft, warm white that feels inviting.
Bedrooms
Soft, calming tones are key for bedrooms:
- Silver Strand (Sherwin-Williams) – A soft gray-green that feels fresh and relaxing.
- Pale Oak (Benjamin Moore) – A neutral, light beige with a hint of gray.
Bathrooms
Clean, spa-like colors make bathrooms feel luxurious:
- Sea Salt (Sherwin-Williams) – A subtle, soothing green-blue.
- Decorator’s White (Benjamin Moore) – A crisp, clean white.
Don’t Skip Painting these Areas of your house for a Higher Value
While painting walls is a given, there are a few high-impact areas sellers sometimes forget:
- Front Door and Exterior Trim
- Your front door is the first thing buyers see, so make it pop! A bold color like Hale Navy or classic black can make your home stand out.
- Ceilings
- Don’t underestimate the power of a fresh, white ceiling. It instantly makes rooms feel taller and cleaner.
- Garage and Basement Walls
- Even unfinished spaces should look clean and fresh. A simple coat of white or light gray paint can transform these areas.
Why Painting Pays Off in the Northwest Suburbs
The northwest suburbs—St. Charles, Elgin, Bartlett, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Hampshire, Huntley and Pingree Grove—are hot markets for buyers looking for family-friendly neighborhoods, great schools, and beautiful homes. But with so much competition, it’s the little details that will set your home apart from other homes. Most people want to move in not do a ton of work then move in.
Take Elgin, for example. Homes here range from historic charmers to newer builds, and buyers love homes that feel modern yet move-in ready. A fresh coat of paint can bridge the gap between old and new. In areas like St. Charles and Bartlett, where buyers are willing to pay top dollar for updated homes, painting your interior (and exterior, if needed) can make a huge difference in the look, feel, and price someone is willing to pay for a house.
Paint = More Money in Your Pocket
If you’re getting ready to list your home, painting is hands-down one of the smartest moves you can make. It’s cost-effective, impactful, and helps buyers fall in love with your house the moment they walk in. From covering water stains to refreshing old doors and picking the perfect buyer-friendly colors, a little paint goes a long way.
If you’re selling a house in the suburbs of Chicagoland, don’t leave money on the table! Paint can increase the value of your home! Reach out to a professional paint contractor or pick up that paintbrush yourself, and get your house ready to wow the market. Heck, it might just be the easiest way to add thousands to your sale price!
