QUICK TIPS FOR INTERIOR PAINTING
Quick Interior Painting Tips to Help Sell Your Home Faster
Fresh Paint. Fresh Appeal. Stronger First Impressions.
One of the simplest — and smartest — ways to increase your home's appeal before putting it on the market is a fresh coat of paint. But not all paint jobs are created equal. If you're a Minnesota homeowner preparing to sell, your color choices, prep work, and finish details can have a big impact on how quickly your home sells — and how much it sells for.
Why Paint Before You Sell?
First impressions are everything. When buyers walk into your home, they immediately start forming opinions — and scuffed walls, outdated colors, or dark tones can make them feel unsure about the overall condition of the home. Painting is a cost-effective way to make your property feel clean, modern, and move-in ready.
Top Interior Painting Tips from a Local Realtor
- Stick to neutral colors – Light grays, soft beiges, and off-whites help create a clean, welcoming space. They also make rooms feel brighter and larger.
- Focus on high-traffic areas – Entryways, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms offer the most return on visual impact.
- Don’t skip the prep – Buyers notice small things. Patch cracks, fill nail holes, and clean the walls before painting. A clean finish shows your home is well cared for.
- Use matte or eggshell finishes – These hide imperfections better than glossy finishes and are more forgiving in Minnesota’s varied natural light.
Professional or DIY?
If you're confident in your painting skills and have the time, DIY is a great budget-friendly option. But if you're in a time crunch or the job requires ceilings, detailed trim, or multiple rooms, professional painters can be worth every penny. I work with several excellent, affordable painting contractors in the Twin Cities that I’m happy to recommend.
Real-World Results
I recently helped a seller in Golden Valley who simply repainted their entry and kitchen in a light, modern neutral — and buyers immediately responded. The home sold in 4 days with multiple offers, and the feedback specifically mentioned the "bright, updated feel." It was a $500 paint job that added thousands to the perceived value.
Next Steps: Want to Know What Else to Prioritize?
Paint is just one part of the picture when prepping your home for sale. I offer personalized walk-throughs where I help clients decide what’s worth doing — and what’s not — based on their timeline, budget, and local competition.
💡 View my seller resources page for checklists, tips, and more.
Or let’s walk your home together: Schedule a pre-listing consult →
Joe Houghton
Broker Associate | RE/MAX Results
Founder – Minnesota Property Group
๐ (763) 300-2702
๐ www.mnpropertygroup.com