FAIRFAX LISTING AGENTS: PAINT YOUR HOME TO SELL!

Selling your home in Fairfax northern Virginia?  If so a little paint can go a long way!  Some time a fresh coat of paint is perfect for masking every day odors in a home that have accumulated over the years.  Pets, smoking, cooking odors can almost vanish when a home is totally painted and freshened up! Sometimes painting your home is like a makeover!  It can turn a dull ho hum home into a palace! But if you have kids, and a lot of activity in a home, chances are that no matter how careful you are.., the traffic patterns of the home will dictate that it is time for fresh paint!  Most persons avoid painting, they feel it is unpleasant, but it is good to remember that home buyers feel the same way! Perhaps that is why so many people prefer to buy a new homes.  The only thing they have to choose is a color, and the builder will do the rest!

If you need to paint your home, take a trip to the local paint store or home improvement center, and you'll be amazed. The new formulations and improvements have resulted in a new class of paints for any need.  There are many specialty paints, and I am not talking about colors!  There are paints that are: stain-resistant, odor-free paints, energy-efficient, kitchen and bath paints, mildew-and mold resistant paints, and as well as a plethora of paints for decorative purposes and special effects.

If you’re building a new home, builders and painting contractors usually know more about specialty paints and finishes, but unless you give them specific instructions, they’ll probably spray every room in your home off-white. You’ll pay more for specialty paints, and for a painter who knows how to apply them, but in the long run your home will be more attractive and you won’t have to repaint for several years.

When selling a home, painting can be a valuable part of your homes preparation for sale. It may make the difference in price you will sell for and determine how long it will take to sell your home, and if you defer painting... it may be part of the purchaser's negations for price concessions from the seller before he buys the home! 

The key to a great paint job is a well-prepared surface. Light playing on a wall emphasizes imperfections so it’s important that the walls and ceilings are smooth, uniform, and well primed. Poor priming results in drywall joints show through the top coat of the paint.  You’ll always do better by buying the best product for the job. For the outside of the house, choose from durable, one-coat paints, and mildew-proof, dirt-resistant paints.

Inside, you can use neutral paints that resist stains, and satin finish paints for the kitchen, laundry, basement and bathrooms that are formulated to resist moisture and mildew. Paint used in bathrooms must be able to withstand frequent temperature changes as well as the water vapor that collects on walls and ceilings. Window frames, sills, and woodwork look best when painted with a smooth, semi-gloss and chip resistant paint that’s non-blocking-so painted windows won’t stick.

Energy efficient paint can reduce heating and cooling bills. A new wall finish is available that reflects radiant energy back into the room in the winter, and reduces it in the summer. This paint applies, covers, cleans and looks like ordinary latex paint. Its effectiveness varies with geographic location, climate, insulation, and the number of windows in the house.

For those who have chemical sensitivities, pulmonary conditions, or just can’t tolerate the smell of paint, low-odor paints are now available. These paints have a low level of volatile organic compounds which have been determined by the EPA to be a health hazard. They are not oil base, but latex and are water soluble.  Brushes will also clean up more easily with just soap and water!

Specialty may cost more per gallon because of the raw materials, brand names, designer labels etc. Some may cost more because of ingredient and involved processes required to manufacturer them. Appearance, application, and performance are increased by the use of specialty paints, so the return on the increased budget is worthwhile. 

One last tip when painting a home to sell...don't over personalize! Just keep the colors neutral, and appealing to the wide audience of buyers that will view your home!