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

Key takeaways:

• Interior painting can offer an average ROI of 107%, potentially adding $2,000–$16,000+ in resale value.
• Exterior touch-ups can boost home value by 2–5% while enhancing curb appeal.
• Fresh, neutral paint helps homes look cleaner, brighter, and more move-in ready, attracting more buyers and speeding up the sale.

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 From the scuffed walls, to the outdated colors, and spots where the paint just looks tired, it’s easy to wonder, should I repaint my house before selling? The answer is yes – repainting before selling often boosts curb appeal, increases buyer interest, and can improve perceived value by 2-5%.

Whether you’re listing your home for rent or getting ready to sell in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, Providence, RI, or anywhere in between, 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—qualities that appeal to buyers.

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.

Pros of painting before selling

• Appeals to more buyers: Neutral colors work with different styles and make it easier for buyers to picture themselves living there.
• Makes a great first impression: Fresh, neutral paint helps your home feel clean and move-in ready.
• Shows off your home’s best features: A good color choice can highlight details like trim or built-ins.
• Looks better in photos: Clean, updated walls help your home stand out in real estate listing photos and during showings.
• Can boost value and speeds up the sale: It’s a relatively low-cost upgrade with a high ROI that can increase your home’s value and help it sell faster.

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

Cons of painting before selling

• Added expense: Painting usually pays off, but it still costs upfront – especially if you hire pros or fix repairs first. This can be tough if you’re on a tight budget.
• Takes time: Scheduling painters, waiting for paint to dry, and working around showings can slow down your selling process. If you need to list fast, painting might hold you up.
• Color choices matter: Neutral tones appeal most, but picking the wrong colors can distract buyers or make a room feel less welcoming.
• May not align with buyer plans: Some buyers plan to repaint anyway, so your effort (and expense) could go unnoticed or feel wasted.
• Weather dependency: For exterior painting, weather delays can mess with your timeline or lead to rushed jobs in poor conditions.

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 helps your home look brighter, bigger, and more appealing in online listings and during showings, potentially preventing buyers from overlooking it.
2. Visible wear: Scuffs, fading, peeling, or stains can make a home look neglected. Repainting is a fast way to show buyers the home has been well-maintained.
3. Outdated or bold colors: Avoid bright or unusual wall colors when selling. If your home has outdated or bold colors, repaint in soft neutrals to attract more buyers.
4. Competition with similar listings: In a competitive market—or in neighborhoods with lots of comparable homes—small updates like fresh paint can help yours stand out. 
5. Selling in a high-value area: In competitive or high-end areas, buyers want move-in ready homes with good curb appeal. Fresh paint inside and out helps meet these expectations and justifies your 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.

1. The paint still looks great: No need to repaint if walls are clean, neutral, and undamaged. Focus on other areas to improve your home.
2. It’s a hot seller’s market: In a seller’s market with low housing inventory, buyers may be more willing to overlook minor cosmetic issues, making repainting less critical for influencing the sale price.
3. Buyers plan to renovate: For older homes or fixer-uppers, buyers often plan to repaint during renovations and prefer to select their own colors.
4. Tight budget: If on a tight budget, focus on essential repairs, staging, landscaping, or updated lighting before painting. These can also increase your home’s value and attract buyers.
5. One-of-a-kind home: For unique or historic homes, keeping the original colors and finishes might be better, as repainting could decrease its special charm.

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.

Key cost factors

These variables can influence the final price for both interior and exterior painting:

• Labor: Typically 70%–85% of the total cost
• Prep Work: Includes patching, sanding, or removing wallpaper, which may be included or billed separately
• Paint Quality: Premium paints range from $30–$70 per gallon
• Timing: Scheduling in the off-season can lead to better pricing or availability

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. Choose quality paint in neutral colors

Invest in good-quality paint for better coverage and durability in neutral, light-reflective colors that appeal to a wide audience. Popular interior paint colors for selling include:

• Greige (a blend of gray and beige)
• Soft white
• Light taupe
• Warm gray
• Muted sage or green-gray tones

Avoid bold or personalized colors that may turn away potential buyers.

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

These finishing touches can complete the look and give your home a well-cared-for, cohesive feel:

• Repaint baseboards, trim, doors, and ceilings for a polished look.
• Ensure consistency in finishes—don’t mix high-gloss with matte finishes unintentionally

The final coat: should I repaint my house before selling?

So, if you find yourself asking, should I repaint my house before selling? The answer is, yes, repainting before selling your house is often worth it, especially if your current paint is dated, damaged, or bold in color. A fresh coat of paint can be a simple yet effective way to boost your home’s appeal, increase its perceived value, and make it more inviting to buyers — all of which can help it stand out in the market and lead to a successful sale.

>> READ: Should I Sell My House Now?

FAQ

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. Does paint brand matter when I start the repainting process?

Yes, paint brands can make a difference. High-quality brands typically offer better coverage, durability, and color consistency, which means fewer coats and a more polished finish. While budget options are available, investing in a reputable brand can save time and ensure a more professional look.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.