Applying a fresh coat of paint is an easy, cost-effective way to give your home an instant upgrade and off the market in no time. But not all paint colors are created equal. If your goal is to sell your house for top dollar, you may want to reconsider your paint palette.

 

To take the guesswork out of choosing the right paint colors, we chatted with several real estate agents to get their professional opinions. Here are the colors that can help sell your house.

 

If you live in a newer home or would like to give your older home a much-needed update, you can’t go wrong with eggshell or light gray walls with a darker color on the crown moldings, said Amber Mehmedovic, REALTOR® at West and Main in Denver, Colorado. 

 

“This paint color combo draws attention to the ceilings and can make any room appear larger,” she said.

 

Gray walls and darker crown moldings are a new trend that can give your home a fresh edge. Before you commit, make sure you repair any cracks, dents or nail holes in your moldings first. Then, use a high-quality primer and enamel brush with flagged tips to ensure a smooth finish.

 

Greige is a blend of beige and gray that can match any piece of furniture or décor — making it a very appealing color for buyers.

 

“Sherwin Williams makes a color called Agreeable Gray that falls into the greige category and works well with most accompanying color palettes. Alabaster is another popular choice in this category as well,” said Rae Dolan, REALTOR® at Champions Real Estate Group in Katy, Texas. 

 

Greige walls can make it easy for buyers to envision their own items in your home. It’s a more neutral look that is compatible in most homes, regardless of shape or size.

 

One of the best ways to boost curb appeal is to paint your home’s exterior. It’s essential to choose the right tone because it can be the deciding factor for buyers to step foot in your house. 

 

Gray tones can really make your home “pop” without being overbearing. “A great exterior color is Benjamin Moore Copley Gray. I also suggest a deep blue-gray,” said Shelly Wilson, REALTOR® at RE/MAX Advanced Realty in Plainfield, Illinois. 

 

The best way to test an exterior color is by painting test splotches on the north and south sides of your house. That way you can see how the color looks in various lighting conditions. 

 

Don’t want to paint your entire exterior gray? No problem! You can keep your main color as is and paint the shutters, doors, and trim to add some contrast.

 

The kitchen is said to be the heart of the home. It’s where we cook, eat, and make special memories with our family and guests. Making a bright and open kitchen is important for most buyers.

 

“No matter what type of kitchen you have, a pale or bright yellow [color] can brighten it up and give it a cheerful, welcoming vibe,” explained Tom Lowy, REALTOR® at Keller Williams in Wayne, Pennsylvania. 

 

Yellow can be particularly ideal for smaller kitchens, as it can make it feel bigger.

 

An off-white paint color can do wonders for any bathroom. It’s a light neutral that can give buyers a sense of starting fresh.

 

“I recommend off-white as it can make any bathroom appear larger and create a tranquil feeling,” said Sadika Mrkulic, licensed real estate sales agent at DJK Residential in New York City, NY.

 

If you’d like, you can complement an off-white bathroom with accent colors like navy blue, moss green, or even a dramatic black. These colors can give your bathroom a trendy look without going overboard on color.