When it’s time to list your home, every detail counts—especially first impressions. One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners in Roseville, Granite Bay, Rocklin, and Folsom is:
“Should You Paint Before Selling?”
The short answer? Yes—if you want top dollar. In 2025’s competitive real estate market, a fresh coat of paint can be one of the most cost-effective ways to boost your home’s value and sell faster. Let’s explore why.
Why Painting Matters Before Listing Your Home
✨ Curb Appeal Is Everything
Buyers begin forming opinions the moment they drive up to your house. If the exterior is faded, chipped, or features outdated colors, they may assume the inside is just as neglected. A freshly painted exterior makes your home look well-maintained and move-in ready.
🔍 Pro Tip: Neutral and classic shades like warm white, soft gray, and taupe appeal to the widest audience.
🧠 Paint Influences Buyer Psychology
Studies show that homes with freshly painted walls in light, neutral colors create an emotional response of “calm” and “clean” for buyers. That response? It leads to more offers—and often higher offers.
Interior vs. Exterior: What Adds More Value?
Both matter, but here’s the breakdown:
🏡 Exterior Painting
- Helps your online listing stand out with beautiful, clean photos.
- Can increase perceived home value by 5–10%, according to Zillow.
🖼️ Interior Painting
- Hides wear and tear like scuffs, scratches, and outdated color choices.
- Focus on main living areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
🛑 Skip bold colors. They may reflect your personality, but buyers prefer a clean slate.
2025 Color Trends That Help Sell Homes
Designers and paint manufacturers have released their 2025 palettes—and they’re all about warm, inviting tones.
🎨 Top Colors That Sell in 2025:
- Cinnamon Slate (Benjamin Moore’s 2025 Color of the Year): A moody mix of plum and brown—perfect for an accent wall or front door.
- Soft Greige: Combines the modern feel of gray with the warmth of beige.
- Warm Whites: Always in style and ideal for brightening interior spaces.
- Earthy Greens and Clays: Adds sophistication to cabinetry or trim.
How Much Does Painting Cost Before Selling?
Here’s what you can expect in the Roseville area:
| Area | Avg. Interior Cost | Avg. Exterior Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small Home (under 1,500 sq ft) | $2,000–$3,000 | $3,500–$5,000 |
| Medium Home (1,500–2,500 sq ft) | $3,000–$5,000 | $5,000 – $7,500 |
| Large Home (2,500+ sq ft) | $5,000+ | $7,500+ |
💡 ROI Tip: According to HomeLight, freshly painted interiors deliver a 107% return on investment. That means if you spend $3,000 on painting, your home could sell for $3,200 more—or even more depending on market demand.
What Real Estate Agents Are Saying
“Buyers in today’s market want turnkey. Painting is the easiest way to make an older home feel new.”
— Michelle W., Realtor – Granite Bay
“When a seller repaints their kitchen cabinets and freshens up the walls, the offers come in faster—almost every time.”
— Daniel L., Realtor – Folsom
At TRICO PAINTING, we’ve helped dozens of homeowners transform their properties before going on the market—and the results speak for themselves.
When Is Painting Worth It?
| Situation | Should You Paint? |
|---|---|
| You have scuffed or outdated colors | ✅ YES |
| Your home hasn’t been painted in 10+ years | ✅ YES |
| You already have neutral, clean paint | ❌ Maybe Not |
| You’re selling as-is to investors | ❌ Usually Not |
Still unsure? We’ll give you a free in-person estimate and honest advice.
Ready to Increase Your Home’s Value?
Schedule a free consultation with TRICO PAINTING today.
We’ll help you choose the right colors, freshen up your space, and get your home market-ready.
📍 Serving: Roseville | Folsom | Rocklin | Granite Bay | Lincoln
📞 Call (916) 550-9648
💬 Or Request a Free Estimate Online
FAQs
Q: Should I paint my house if the walls already look okay?
A: Possibly. Even if the paint isn’t damaged, outdated colors or uneven wear can hurt your chances. Neutral tones always help.
Q: How soon before listing should I paint?
A: At least 2–3 weeks before listing to allow for scheduling, drying time, and photography.
Q: Do buyers care about exterior paint?
A: Absolutely. It’s often the first thing they notice on listing photos and at the showing.
Final Thoughts
Painting your home before selling isn’t just a cosmetic update—it’s a strategic move that can help you sell faster, for more money, and with less hassle. Whether you’re tackling faded exterior siding or refreshing outdated interior walls, a professional paint job sends a clear message to buyers: this home has been well cared for. At TRICO PAINTING, we’ve helped countless homeowners throughout Roseville, Folsom, Rocklin, Granite Bay, and Lincoln make that strong first impression. If you’re preparing to sell, let us show you how a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference. Schedule your free estimate today—and get one step closer to sold.
Contact us today for a free estimate and color consultation:
📞 Phone: (916) 957-2633
📧 Email: info@tricopainting.com
🌐 Website: www.tricopainting.com
Let TRICO PAINTING help you achieve a beautiful and market-ready home with our professional painting services!
