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April
8

Paint to Sell-Sprague & Curtis

Are you looking for cost-effective ways to boost the value of your Augusta home for sale? According to USA TODAY, painting a home's interior produces an average 109 percent return on investment (ROI), and landscaping service LawnStarter cites an average 90 percent ROI on exterior paint jobs.

While painting is a relatively easy upgrade, whether you hire a professional or go the DIY route, you still need a strategy to optimize results. Here are some expert painting tips to make a visual statement buyers won't be able to resist.

  • Stick with the Basics
    You might think that chevron-filled accent wall is the height of style, but not every buyer is going to share your opinion. In addition, many people want to purchase a home that's move-in ready, not one that needs changes right off the bat. Light neutral shades such as ivory, tan and "greige," a hybrid of gray and beige, have timeless appeal.

  • Dramatic Doorways
    If you make only one change, it should be the front door. Reader's Digest cites a Zillow study indicating homes with smoky gray or jet black doors sold for just over $6,000 more than anticipated.

  • Down to Earth
    The low-key approach also works well on a home's exterior. Buyers prefer a palette that blends in well with the surrounding colors, rather than bright hues that stick out like a sore thumb. Pale yellow, light blue, brown and other colors found in nature are good exterior choices.

  • Formal Wear for the Kitchen
    "Neutral" doesn't have to equal "boring." Add visual interest with a tuxedo kitchen in which upper cabinets are light-colored and lower cabinets have a darker shade. Black and white is the classic combo, but you can certainly use other variations and even sneak in a well-placed pattern.

  • White Isn't Always Right
    White has long been considered the traditional color for kitchens, but decorators are starting to break out of that mold. What was once seen as light and airy can now come across as cold and sterile, not to mention high maintenance. Don't be afraid to go with a hint of color, or choose white paint for walls but add a punch of color with cabinets or trim.

  • Go "Green"
    Paint contains volatile organic compounds, referred to as VOCs. These chemical additives have been linked to a number of health problems, from allergic reactions to cancer. With eco-awareness continuing to grow, using non-VOC paints can be a great selling point, especially with families. 

  • The Nose Knows
    Of the five senses, smell is the one most closely associated with memories. This will work against you if buyers leave your home remembering pet odors and other unpleasant smells. A fresh coat of paint eradicates bad scents and provides the equivalent of a new-car smell.

Our real estate agents have extensive experience working with both buyers and sellers, so they have a wealth of information about ways to increase your home value. Contact us for valuable answers to all your real estate questions.

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