Should You Paint Before You Sell? The Colourful Truth!

Written by Janet Helm, Realtor® and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) 

Whether you’re thinking of selling soon or just planning ahead, the question of painting before putting your home on the market is a common one—and the answer is: it depends. Some homes benefit from a fresh coat of paint, while others shine just as they are.

A fresh, neutral colour can make a home feel bright, clean, and inviting. It can modernize a space and help buyers imagine themselves living there. Often, just a few targeted touch-ups are all that’s necessary—entrance mouldings, door frames, or kitchen cabinets, for example. If you don’t have the original paint, many hardware stores can colour match, and I’ve helped many clients successfully do just that. A little refresh in the right places can go a long way in creating a welcoming impression without a full repaint.

However, not every home needs painting. If your walls are already in good condition and painted in neutral tones, a full repaint may not make a noticeable difference. Natural features like brick or wood can be appealing as-is, and in some cases, the value of a home is really in the land itself rather than the interior updates. Time and cost are also important considerations—painting can be labour-intensive, so if you’re on a tight schedule, it may not be practical.

If repainting isn’t feasible—or if you want to show buyers the potential of your home without lifting a brush—virtual staging is a smart alternative. Using digital tools, we can refresh wall colours, update furnishings, and create an inviting, neutral look that helps buyers envision themselves living in your space. It’s a flexible, cost-effective way to make your home stand out online and in marketing materials.

Ultimately, the decision to paint depends on your home, your timeline, and your goals. Sometimes a few touch-ups are enough, sometimes a full repaint is worthwhile, and sometimes virtual staging can do the job without any physical changes at all.

If you’re unsure what’s best for your home—whether that’s painting, touch-ups, virtual staging, or other updates—please reach out. I’m here to guide you and connect you with trusted, like-minded professionals who can make the process simple, effective, and stress-free.