Color is an easy thing to change--most of the time. Other times it can be a brick wall (or maybe a purple or black one), making it impossible for a buyer to move forward with thoughts of living with the offending palette. Yes, we're talking paint choice here!
This week my buyers discovered a flamingo pink bathroom, a grass green dining room and an exterior color that was a drab brown reminiscent of those brown and orange disco days of the 1970s. Of course, I pointed out those were "cosmetic" fixes, but I could not help but wonder if the emotional bonding between buyer and abode was stymied by an unwelcome burst of color.
The housing market is teetering with recovery. However, buyers are often looking for a reason not to purchase a property rather than a reason to pull out their checkbook and commit their life and money to a thirty year loan, and a house that does not meet their expectations.
If you are a seller, know the market itself is enough to frighten many skittish buyers away. Do not let garish colors be the reason a ready willing and able buyer walks away from your property. It is best to remove as many of the buyer's objections as economically and physically possible before they see your property. Unless the price of the property justifies using your imagination, do not expect them to use it. Paint it for them. Use neutrals and a coordinated color scheme throughout the house.
It is much easier to bond with beauty in place than the effort, time, cost and inconvenience of bringing it into being.
Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800
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South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Based on information from the Association of REALTORS®/Multiple Listing as of the initial date of this article/blog publication and /or other sources. Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.
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I think I seen the house with all of those beautiful color features! It is amazing that not only do some people have some pretty wild tastes in color, but also that they do not recognize that their tastes are not shared by others.
I agree. Colors are so important. Most do-it-yourselfers will tend to pick colors too strong, or too dark. Once you get the contact signed, tell the sellers the advantages of changing some colors, and roll up your sleeves for a day, and give them a hand. You'll likely get their appreciation, and some referrals out of the deal. Great posting!
Robert, yes that house of many colors keeps popping up--it generates lots of buzz but very few offers.
Greg - Thank you, and I've recommended painters and colors but picking up a brush or roller is a great idea. Nothing like rolling your sleeves up and getting the job done.
Isn't that the truth - neutral colors go a long way. So many buyers can't see past the paint color or decide it reduces the offer xx amount - if they are even willing to put in an offer. Sellers should not be offended, we are doing all we can to make the houses sell - and if it means changing that salmon color wall - let's do it. ~Rita
Rita - Compared to the value of the asset a gallon or two of paint is a small investment.
I know what you mean. Last year I held an open house in a nice neighborhood with a decent asking price. Every single one of visitors commented on the bright fuchsia stairway, deep green dining room, and cobalt hallway. Needless to say, those comments weren't because they loved these wildly creative walls. However, often in these cases, the home owner is very much committed to their 'unique' and personalized home and resist the listing agent's recommendation.
I appreciate creativity and am drawn to the arsty side of life myself. However, when it's time to sell I've always tried to appeal to the masses--I make the same suggestions to my clients.
Norma, paint is a pretty inexpensive fix. Flamingo pink is just not big this year!