Paint with Neutral Colors to get Top-Dollar

Are you preparing your home to sell or rent? -- Painting your home, rental income property, or commercial space can be stressful but doesn’t need to be.

Throw away all those paint swatches! -- All you need are neutral colors such as Light Sand, Beige, or Light Grey. -- By painting with light neutral colors, you avoid losing qualified buyers and responsible renters.

Many folks are loyal to “Benjamin Moore”, however, competitively priced brands such as Home Depot’s “Behr” or Ace Hardware’s “Royal” are just as good. -- They are also easier on the wallet since they cost about 1/3 less than Benjamin Moore.

Always use water-based “Eggshell finish” paint. The water-base allows you to cleanup easily especially if you drip on carpeting (keep a damp cloth within reach). -- The eggshell allows for easy cleaning down the road (especially useful if there will be children and/or pets in the home). -- Also, invest in a drop cloth (yes, cloth not plastic) and tape trim with at least 2 inch wide painting tape (usually comes in Blue).

For painted trim, paint with Gloss White only. -- For wood trim, simply wipe Pledge furniture polish on with a damp rag. – Don’t paint over unpainted wood trim unless it is an eye sore. In older buildings, most people prefer wood trim. Once you paint over it, it will be very difficult for them to return it to its original glory.

Always paint two coats and don’t be afraid to apply it thick with your roller and brush (just be sure to avoid dripping which can occur a couple minutes after painting). – Most of your time and energy will go into preparing the walls and trim to paint, so why not make it worthwhile with thick coats?

Painting can be tedious, however, if you play some music, take your time, and do it right, the outcome is wonderful. -- Most importantly, fresh paint will help considerably when you sell or rent your property through Meyers Realty & Chicagoland Rentals! 

Thank you for reading my blog,

Chicago Realtor John Meyers (Managing Broker of Meyers Realty & Chicagoland Rentals)

www.MeyersRealty-Chicago.com, 847-533-7115, [email protected]