What’s in, what’s out: Paint colors to sell a home By DAN MILES
brown, black, red and forest green can fit into many color schemes. High-quality exterior paint typically lasts up to 10 years or more. Its lifespan can be cut short, however, based on many factors, including direct exposure to the sun, frequent moisture from rainwater and stains from mold growth or dirt. High-pressure hoses also can cause colors to prematurely fade and even chip away at the paint.
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Florida’s real estate market is hot. Within days of listing a property, many sellers are receiving multiple offers, oftentimes above asking price. However, buyers are not entering bidding wars on just any old property. The same features that have attracted buyers for generations – prime location, stainless steel appliances, updated cabinetry and lots of natural light – still help generate offers today. So how do you get potential buyers through the front door to see everything your house has to offer? Curb appeal. First impressions are everything in real estate. If you’re preparing to cash out equity while the real estate market sizzles, focus on color. A new coat of exterior and interior paint offers a tremendous return on investment for a relatively low out-of-pocket cost. Below are paint color tips that sellers can use to capitalize on real estate trends:
Interior Paint Colors
Exterior Paint Colors The Arch Digest, a publication for architects, interior designers and DIYers, notes that “gray is continuously gaining popularity” as an exterior color in Florida because it makes homes look “modern and sleek.” Gray also comes in many hues, making it easy to mix and match. For a home’s exterior, light gray is a trendy dominant shade when paired with medium gray and dark gray trim around doors, windows, handrails and decorative features. Similarly, a home painted in a medium gray shade looks best with white, light gray or dark gray trim. Gray mixtures also are pop26 Spring 2022
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According to Arch Digest, gray is gaining in popularity as a color for homes. ular colors, with gray-blue and ers might consider it a maintegray-green leading the way. nance challenge given frequent They are distinctive, but not rain and high humidity in too different to draw negative Florida that can lead to mold reactions. Light yellow, ivory, growth and surface stains. beige, taupe and cream remain Rainwater falling from the safe bets. roofline can splash dirt and On the other hand, dark grass clippings onto a strucbrown, dark gray and black are ture, and that’s especially not as popular for dominant noticeable on a white home. shades in Florida. They don’t The front door is essentially reflect sunlight well and can the centerpiece of a home’s fade under Florida’s intense, façade and is an ideal space to year-round sunshine. showcase creativity and perAlthough white does not sonality. Bold paint colors like seem objectionable, some buy- navy blue, maroon, dark
Inside a home, wall colors are just as important in creating the indoor equivalent of curb appeal. When potential buyers open the front door, they’ll immediately pan the room to soak in the atmosphere. TV host and designer Joanna Gaines is among those who have touted “greige” as a trendy dominant color. It’s a mix between gray, a cooler shade, with beige, a warmer tone, to create the ultimate neutral color. Greige is versatile, elegant and timeless, as well as complementary to nearly all colors of furniture, artwork, home décor and linens. Gray with a hint of light green or light blue can create a warm, comfortable feeling as a dominant color. Beige, tan and off-white remain safe choices for commons areas like the living room, kitchen, dining room and hallways. Bedrooms can feature more color while still calming the senses. Blue-gray and green-gray help create a retreat-like ambiance. Avoid bright or bold color schemes that can overpower the senses, See WHAT’S IN, WHAT’S OUT, page 27
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