Selling This Spring? The Top 3 Painting Projects That Boost Resale Value

The real estate market in the Tri-Cities follows a predictable rhythm. As soon as the weather breaks in March and April, "For Sale" signs pop up on lawns across Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City. If you are planning to list your home this spring, now (January/February) is the time to prep.

At S and H Painting, we work with real estate agents constantly. They all say the same thing: "Paint is the cheapest renovation you can do with the highest return on investment." Buyers make up their minds within seconds of walking through the door. If they see scuffed walls or dated colors, they see "work" (and dollar signs) that they’ll have to fix.

Here are the three essential painting projects to tackle now so you can list with confidence later.

1. Neutralize the "Personality" (Interior Walls)

You might love your bright red dining room or your daughter's lime green bedroom, but buyers won't. Strong colors are distracting; they prevent buyers from visualizing their own furniture in the space.

• The Strategy: We recommend a fresh coat of a warm, modern neutral (like "Revere Pewter" or "Alabaster") throughout the main living areas. It makes the home feel larger, cleaner, and move-in ready.

• The Benefit: It creates a "blank canvas" that appeals to 90% of buyers, leading to faster offers.

2. The "First Impression" (Front Door & Trim)

Your front door is the "handshake" of your house. If it is faded, peeling, or a boring color, you are starting off on the wrong foot.

• The Strategy: A high-gloss black, a classic navy, or even a rich red on the front door creates instant curb appeal.

• Don't Forget the Trim: If your exterior white trim is covered in mildew or peeling paint, it signals neglect. A crisp, fresh white border around your windows makes the house look well-maintained and sturdy.

3. The Kitchen Facelift (Cabinet Refinishing)

Kitchens sell houses. Period. But you don't need to spend $30,000 on a remodel to get a sale.

• The Strategy: If your cabinets are sturdy but outdated (hello, 90s oak), professional Cabinet Refinishing is your secret weapon. Spraying them a clean white or a soft gray instantly modernizes the entire kitchen for a fraction of the cost of replacement.

• The ROI: This is often the difference between a buyer saying "I'll have to redo the kitchen" (and lowering their offer) vs. "I love this kitchen!"

Beat the Spring Rush Don't wait until you are ready to take photos to call a painter. Our schedule fills up fast in the spring. Contact S and H Painting today to get your home market-ready.