Should I Repaint My House Before Selling? Pros and Cons for Maximum ROI

You’re getting ready to sell your house, and suddenly you start noticing every little flaw. From the scuffed walls, to the outdated colors, and spots where the paint just looks tired, it’s easy to wonder, should I repaint my house before selling?

Whether you’re getting ready to sell in Bend, OR, Fresno, CA or Houston, TX, a fresh coat of paint might seem like a small detail but it can have a big impact. In this Redfin guide, we’ll break down when repainting is worth it, what areas to focus on, and how a strategic refresh can help sell your home faster and potentially for more money.

Why repainting before selling matters

Repainting is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase home value before selling. A fresh coat of paint can make your home look cleaner, brighter, and more move-in ready. 

Unlike costly renovations with lower return on investment (ROI), a fresh coat of paint is a low-cost update that can increase sale price and shorten time on the market.

The numbers speak for themselves: Interior painting offers an average ROI of 107%, potentially adding $2,000–$16,000+ in resale value depending on your home.Exterior painting costs more, especially for larger homes, but even basic touch-ups can boost value by 2–5%. 

Of course, results vary based on square footage, paint quality, color choices, and workmanship. To maximize ROI, go with neutral tones and hire professionals.

Should I repaint my house before selling? Pros and cons

Repainting can help your home stand out, but it’s not always worth the effort. Here’s how to know when repainting is worth it and when you can skip it.

DISCOVER>> How to Sell Your House Fast – and for More Money

5 signs it’s time to repaint

Repainting isn’t always required before selling, but in certain situations, it can make a noticeable difference. Here are a few key signs it might be worth the time and effort.

1. Not photo ready: Fresh, neutral paint makes your home look brighter, bigger, and more appealing in listings and during showings, which can attract buyers.
2. Visible wear: Faded paint, scuffs, or stains signal neglect. A fresh coat quickly shows buyers the home is well-maintained.
3. Outdated or bold colors: Repaint bold or dated colors in soft neutrals before selling to appeal to more buyers. Avoid bright or unusual wall colors.
4. Competition with similar listings: Fresh paint can help your house stand out in a competitive market or an area with many comparable homes.
5. Selling in a high-value area: Fresh interior and exterior paint makes homes move-in ready with good curb appeal, meeting buyer expectations and justifying the asking price.

When you can skip repainting

Sometimes, repainting isn’t necessary. If you’re still weighing whether repainting your house before selling is the right move, here’s how to know when you can skip it:

• The paint still looks great: No need to repaint if walls are clean, neutral, and undamaged. Focus on other areas to improve your home.
• It’s a hot seller’s market: In a market with low inventory, buyers may be more willing to overlook minor cosmetic issues, making repainting less critical.
• Buyers plan to renovate: For fixer-uppers, buyers often plan to repaint during renovations and prefer to select their own colors.
• Tight budget: Prioritize essential repairs, staging, or updated lighting over painting for better immediate value impact.
• One-of-a-kind or historic homes: Original finishes are often superior; modern repainting can diminish a home’s unique charm and historical value.

Special considerations for historic and unique homes

For vintage properties, the choice of color isn’t just a cosmetic update, it’s a signal to the market. Ken Rogiński, Architectural Design Consultant and Senior Historic Preservation Specialist of The Old House Guy, warns that applying a modern “cookie-cutter” look can actually drive away the high-value buyers these homes need:

“Choosing a generic, modern color scheme, such as a bright blue body with crisp white trim, the familiar palette seen on many vinyl-sided houses, dilutes the historic character of a vintage home. It attracts the wrong buyer. That look signals ‘update’ rather than ‘preservation,’ appealing to homeowners who see an old house as something to be simplified, standardized, and modernized, rather than understood and protected.”

He goes on to share, “In contrast, historically appropriate color placement, such as a lighter body with darker trim and window sash, communicates that the house has been treated as a historic property, not a blank slate. Period-based colors and correct contrast reinforce the architectural depth and original design intent, attracting a buyer who recognizes the value of authenticity and is willing to act as a responsible steward of an old house.”

Interior painting costs

Repainting the interior is a cost-effective way to refresh your home’s appearance and increase buyer appeal.

• Estimated cost:
  • Average cost: $2,000–$4,000 for an average-sized home.
  • Per square foot: $2–$6, including labor and materials.
  • Example: Repainting the interior of a 1,500-square-foot home might cost around $3,000, but could boost the sale price by $4,000 to $6,000.

Exterior painting costs

Exterior painting enhances curb appeal and protects your home’s structure from weather and wear.

• Estimated cost:
  • Average cost: $3,000–$7,000 for an average home.
  • Per square foot: $1.50–$4, depending on siding material and condition.
  • Example: Repainting a 2,000-square-foot home might cost around $6,000 but could increase the sale price by $8,000 to $10,000.

Tips for a repainting before selling

If you decide to repaint your house before selling, use these tips to ensure a worthwhile investment:

1. Focus on high-impact areas

Start with rooms that buyers care about most:

• Living rooms
• Entryways
• Kitchens
• Primary bedrooms
• Bathrooms

These spaces create the strongest impressions during showings and in listing photos.

2. Create color harmony with the right neutrals

Repainting aims to create an intentional, high-end “blank canvas,” not just cover old colors. This requires considering fixed finishes like tile, countertops, and flooring. As Design and Color Expert Maria Killam advises, a neutral paint choice must complement the home’s existing palette.

“A fresh coat of paint is a well proven strategy for selling a home. Prospective buyers have a hard time seeing past your specific favourite colours on the walls. So providing a fresh neutral backdrop with new paint is perfect. However, I will caution that many realtors will recommend white paint colours that are far too stark for the finishes in the home. That will always backfire and make those finishes look dingy and dated. It’s far better to choose the palest neutral in the correct neutral undertone to perfectly relate to and flatter the tile, carpet and countertops. This will create the harmony that triggers a positive emotional response that motivates your buyer.”

3. Hire professionals 

While DIY painting can save money, professional painters often deliver a smoother, longer-lasting finish, especially for exterior jobs or large spaces where precision matters. If you’re considering hiring pros, be sure to budget for the expenses mentioned above, such as labor costs, prep work, and more.

4. Don’t forget the details

In addition to choosing the right color, the sheen of your paint is a critical factor in how your home is perceived online. While fresh trim and baseboards provide a crisp frame for your rooms, the wall finish itself determines how light interacts with the camera lens.

According to Danny Garcia, Founder of Agents Choice Media, choosing the wrong finish can unintentionally highlight flaws. “Lower-sheen wall finishes photograph better, with eggshell or satin giving the best balance of light without distraction. We rely on using HDR exposures and circular polarizing filters to manage reflections and keep colors looking natural. Glossy wall finishes bounce light in unpredictable ways, creating glare and highlighting flaws that buyers notice online. If the goal is a clean, polished look that reads high-end on screen, eggshell or satin is the safest choice.”

The final coat: Is repainting worth it?

Repainting is one of the most effective ways to boost your home’s appeal, but the real value comes from a strategic execution. As Architectural Color Expert, Barbara Jacobs, explains, the goal is to make the home’s quality clear to buyers before they even step through the door:

“To choose a light colored neutral that works best with the lighting in your home, look at ‘stock colors’ in the off-white department of your paint store to identify their hidden undertones—typically yellow, red, green, or blue. To bridge the gap between the physical room and a digital screen, I recommend listing the exact paint brand and color name directly in the property description. This acts as a disclaimer for monitor variations and provides a helpful reference point for the buyer’s own visualization.”

By treating your paint selection as a marketing asset rather than just a chore, you answer the ultimate question: Should I repaint my house before selling? If your current walls are dated, damaged, or bold, the answer is yes. A fresh, intentional coat of paint creates an inviting “blank canvas” that justifies your asking price, stands out in the digital marketplace, and ultimately leads to a faster, more successful sale.

>> READ: Should I Sell My House Now?

FAQ: Should I repaint my house before selling/

1. How soon should you start repainting once you decide to sell your home?

It’s best to start repainting your house as soon as you decide to sell—ideally several weeks before listing. This allows time for planning, drying, touch-ups, and staging. A fresh coat of paint can significantly improve buyer first impressions and help your home stand out in listing photos.

2. Can I do it myself or is it better to hire a professional?

It depends on your comfort level and the scope of the project. DIY painting can save money and modernize your home on a budget, especially for small or straightforward rooms. However, hiring a professional is usually the better choice for larger spaces, tricky areas (like ceilings or trim), or if you want a flawless result that appeals to buyers.

3. Which areas of the home should I prioritize when repainting?

Focus on high-traffic areas like the living room, kitchen, entryway, and bathrooms. These are the spaces buyers tend to notice most. If you’re short on time or budget, painting just these key rooms can still make a strong impression.

4. Should I repaint the exterior as well as the interior?

If the exterior paint is faded, chipped, or stained, it’s worth repainting—especially since curb appeal can strongly influence a buyer’s first impression. However, if it’s in good condition and a neutral color, a deep clean might be enough.