Posted March 9, 2010 by Erin Davis

Home Sweet Homework

As a realtor, I’ve had the voyeuristic pleasure of seeing the insides of thousands of homes and, while I have my opinions about this or that design style, what I’ve been mentally keeping track of is what others – specifically those in the housing market - are saying about the homes they see.  It’s become something of game to mentally tally the likes and dislikes of clients; and here I am to share that information with you.  

Mmmkay, so the number one thing that people comment on in a house?  The paint color.  Home-buyers know that the furniture will be gone with the owners, but the wall colors are something they’ll either have to live with, or pay to change. 

It’s hard for clients to notice much about the house when they can’t help but be distracted by a dominating wall color.  For those of you with a pink nursery that you think is so adorable for your new baby girl – or boy…no one’s judging, - consider the possibility that whomever tours your house isn’t necessarily thinking, “How adorable!” but rather, “How much is it going to cost me to repaint this to be a study?”  When you paint your bathroom lime green because you “wanted something cheery,” remember that “cheery” is in the eye of the beholder.

I’m blog-begging you here:  if you’re selling your house and you’re wondering what you can do to make it ready for the showings, re-paint your lime green/electric blue/black/plain white walls with a neutral color.  Trust me.  I’m a realtor. 

To make it easy for you, homeowners, I’m going to give you the Best Advice Ever, and save you those agonizing hours squinting at paint-chips under the fluorescent warehouse lighting of your local hardware store.  I’m going to reveal a few colors that everyone has positive comments about, and even do your homework for you by giving you the exact names and brands that will get the “oohhs” and “ahhhs” that generally preceed clients making an offer. And let me repeat:  they’re called “Neutrals.”

You can thank me later.

Sherwin Williams Whole Wheat is a great taupe shade that's warm and yet

 Benjamin Moore Wedgewood Gray - Not too blue, not to green.  Perfect.  (Also try Dorian Grey for a chalkier, lighter gray.)

Restoration Hardware Silver Sage - Classic and clean, with a hint of mint.  This is the closest you want your neutral to come to being actual color.

Sherwin Williams Dover White has nothing clinical about it - not too yellow or gray, and it doesn't look pink with wooden furniture accents. Perfect with an off-setting bright white trim.

Benjamin Moore White Dove is great for trim and crown molding against any of the wall colors featured on this post.  It's got the perfect luminosity and depth to show off your molding and make your windows pop.