I am a member of Activerain which is a blogging community for real estate professionals. They also have Localism for consumers to learn about real estate, specific markets, and so much more. Just yesterday a post caught my eye that I thought I would share on my blog here. The post addressed the question of wall coloring in a home. The author displayed pictures of a home in College Station, Texas. She had both before and after shots. The photos were very similar with a few changes. The post question was neutral or colors?? Well the seller had chosen to go from a dated colored kitchen to a kitchen that was decorated in the Aggie theme. As many of you know College Station is the home of Aggie's yet I want to stress this is a NO, NO when selling your home. This seller capped his audience and his sales potential. You may love a college or certain theme but the buyer would most likely prefer to decide the decor of their new home. Please go neutral so that they feel they can make the changes they would prefer, therefore creating a successful sale. Agents should advise a potential listing client correctly if the client conveys to them that they may redecorate in an effort to move the property. By decorating in this manner you have made the choice for them so they may go on to the next option.
Back to the question, Neutral or colors??? Neutral by far. This leaves the pallet open for the new owner to explore his or her own options. It is very simple, always neutral. Yes you may love a color but if you are decorating to sell your property you should consider the fact that what you love does not matter. I read an agent comment on the blog. The comment noted that colors were great for the younger generation. Don't let your agent misinform you. They should not generalize like this. I am 32 and feel that I would not purchase a property that has colored walls or set themes. In addition colors often make a room look small. I have written several pieces about staging. Not because I feel you should run out and pay your hard earned money for staging but because you can learn from this practice. Consider reading some article on this practice. You can view one of mine by following this link. When I list a property I am always happy to offer small, inexpensive staging tips for the home owner to consider. I am by no means on of those agents that comes in and tells you this is ugly and that has to go but I do feel that sometimes the truth must be told in an effort to achieve the sellers goal. That being said I understand that not all owners are capable of affording a remodel to get their property sold.
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Thanks for your time.
Christina Strommen Stevens
Realty Associates, Team Stevens
409-515-9542