To Paint, or not to Paint -- That is the question.

Debbie Zimmer, a "paint and color expert" for the Paint Quality Institute, recommends a fresh coat of paint, at least in key areas, when trying to sell a home.  I can't say I'm too surprised at the Paint Quality Institute recommend the use of paint, and it's also no news that a fresh coat of paint will brighten the look of a home for sale.  So, given the appalling lack of novelty in these two points, I tried to read the article (a press release reported by BusinessWire and picked up on finance.yahoo.com/news on Nov. 30, 2011) a little more carefully to find the nuggets of truth that surely must be buried within.

One point that might have escaped the casual homeseller is the concept of repainting "psychologically important areas."  Ms. Zimmer recommends particularly the front door and other "key" parts of the home interior.  I agree, repainting the front door enables the home to make a much-improved first impression.  It sends the message that the home has been well cared for, or at least it creates that impression.  Still, it's a good first step.

She also recommends the repair of all wall "imperfections," particularly in the entry space of the home, and repainting that area in a "quiet" color -- white, or off-white, for greater mass appeal and to make it easier for home shoppers to imagine their stuff in that space.

Ms. Zimmer notes that loud or overly bright colors (what color is YOUR teenage daughter's room painted?) should be muted to a "neutral" color.  I can already hear those creative, free-spirit types howling about bland-i-fying or dumbing down or going to the lowest common denominator.  I read this as an application of the 80/20 rule.  Most people (but not all) would rather move into a bland-colored house and put their own touch on later.  You may lose some potential buyers by de-individualizing your house.  Most of the time, though, it is the percentage play for the fastest sale.

She leaves exterior painting as a judgement call for the home seller.  It is expensive, and may have a lower impact on a buyer.