Should a home be painted before selling?

Should a home be painted before selling?

Ask Phyllis: a blog series of frequently asked real estate questions.

Dear Phyllis,

I have been a loyal reader of your “Dear Abby-like” advice for years. My father, who lived in Salem, Oregon, recently passed. My sister and I are co-trustees, but she will take the lead on the sale as she lives in Salem. I flew up to help her sort through everything, and she is working on finding a Realtor. The Realtor she interviewed suggested only cleaning the home and trimming some shrubs in the front. I think you should at least paint the house. Do you agree that sellers should always paint a home before they list it for sale?

Ann L.

Dear Ann,

Thank you for being a loyal reader. It is great that you traveled north to help your sister go through your father’s belongings. That task is difficult, and it helps to complete it together.

I agree that sellers should at least professionally clean a home before listing it. I also believe sellers should ensure buyers can clearly see the home during the first professional photos. In addition, sellers often need to trim overgrown shrubs and trees so they do not block curb appeal.

I cannot assess the condition of your father’s home, so I cannot say whether you should paint it. In some cases, sellers improve appeal with fresh paint. In other cases, paint highlights existing defects.

For example, if the home has outdated flooring, fresh paint can make the flooring stand out more. In addition, the condition of the home’s systems matters. If the heating, plumbing, and electrical systems are outdated, fresh paint can create unrealistic buyer expectations. As a result, buyers may react negatively during inspections.

I suggest you have a Zoom meeting or conference call with your sister and the Realtor and ask why she doesn’t believe a fresh coat of paint is necessary. Then you and your sister can make the right decision.

Best of luck with your sale.

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