Selling your house? How would you like to improve your curb appeal and increase your home’s value by up to ten percent? Because of the perceived expense and hassle of repainting a home’s exterior, many buyers will simply walk away from a house plagued by peeling or outdated exterior paint.

By making the investment yourself, you’re likely to receive a very high return on the project and sell your home much faster. In fact, according to most Realtors, a fresh coat of paint is the single best thing you can do to get your home sold!

First Impressions Count

Don’t underestimate the importance of curb appeal. Even the most state of the art kitchen and spalike bathroom won’t make up for an ugly exterior. A good first impression might make the difference between a potential buyer venturing inside and burning rubber to get away!

Pressure washing with water and TSP or a biodegradable soap like Simple Green should be your first step. If your home is well-maintained, blasting away dust, cobwebs, and mildew may be all you need to get your exterior in shape. If not, a good scrubbing will at least provide a nice clean surface for your primer to bond to.

Don’t neglect decks and fencing; pressure washing can restore them to like-new condition.

Clean windows are another good indicator of a well-maintained home; wash them until they sparkle.

A clean exterior will make damaged areas more visible. Replace rotting wood, damaged trim, and unattractive fixtures.

Be prepared to repaint stained or peeling areas. Also pay special attention to doors and trim; these details attract more attention that vast expanses of siding, so they need to look pristine. Whether you do the painting yourself or hire a painting contractor, it’s important to do some research first and use quality materials. Most people can tell the difference between a quality paint job and a quick cover-up, and you don’t want potential buyers to wonder what else you’re hiding!

Choosing an Appropriate Color Scheme

If you’re selling your house, you’re not painting it for yourself. Choose a color scheme that will appeal to the average buyer; this isn’t the time to show off your individualism. Interestingly, the color of an exterior paint can affect the success of the job. The best color scheme is one that is durable, neutral, and fits in well with surrounding homes.

Finishing Touches

A manicured lawn, window boxes or pots full of flowers, and other details can take a home from so-so to irresistible. Try some of these tips to give your home some extra character:

• Install vinyl shutters to add oomph to boring windows.
• Plant flowers.
• Replace your battered mailbox with a colorful new one.
• Apply non-slip tread to the front steps and buy a new welcome mat.