Walt Disney had it right when he said “Of all of our inventions for mass communication, pictures still speak the most universally understood language.”
There are a lot of quotes about pictures including the oft quoted “A picture is a thousand words.”
I was in one listing this week and, although vacant, I should have known when I saw this near the front door...
Then as I viewed the house I noticed this...Florida Gators colors everywhere!
Except for this one room that was maybe for a Florida State or North Carolina State fan!
When choosing paint colors, go ahead and personalize it. But when it comes time to sell, it is time to go back to a more neutral!
Gary L. Waters PLLC, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida serving Florida's Space Coast including the cities and communities of Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Suntree, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and the surrounding region.
Read my blogs Florida Homes for Sale, Moving to Brevard County, Florida, and Brevard County Florida Real Estate Information.
The upside is it doesn't look sloppy! Neutral is probably better, but a sloppy paint job would be so much worse....
Gary ~ so true, so true. It can and does make a world of difference to the prospective buyer.
I am a stager in Cincinnati. The Ohio State- Michigan rivalry...the University of Cincinnati - Xavier University rivalry...I could continue. Just the other day I had quite a discussion with an ardent fan that this COULD be a real turn off. Save the team colors for your new home (unless your team colors happen to be builder beige and a nice complementary neutral!)
Oh Gary this is such useful advice. Nothing is more of a turnoff to Buyers than bold colours. A can of paint can net a seller thousands!
Gary, great point. As a professional home stager, I give my seller clients the same good advice as your post. Neutral wall colors means the buyer doesn't automatically say "how much should we deduct from our offer, since we'll have to do all that painting?"
Lindsey - You are right - sloppy paint makes it even worse. Bold and neat over neutral and sloppy!
Maureen - That is what they always think ....deductions. Thanks.
Al & Peggy - A can of paint can be a great investment. Thanks.
Dawn - Thanks. The buyer sees more than the cost of a piant job.
Jo - Is there a college team with builder beige and a neutral? Should be. Thanks!
Gary,
We've seen those same Gator colors in the man cave... but it was here in Buckeye country, not long after the Gators had thumped the Bucs for the national title. I wonder why that home got on the Expired list??
Liz & Bill - I can understand why it expired...and the boos at yesterday's Broncos vs Cinn game when Tebow came on the field! Thanks.
Amen to that, Gary! Great advice for sellers...you seem to be in touch with your inner stager! LOL!
GREAT advice and 100% agree that the colors/vibe should be saved for their new home. Why run the risk of turning off potential buyers!!
Located between New York and Philly, we've seen Jets, Giants, Eagles, Mets, Nets, Yankee and Devil homes! I'm book marking this to send to some clients!
Hi Gary, I have shown a house with definite Bronco colors, which ususally does not go with most families decor. Luckily, paint is cheap, but that blue will take a few coats!
Gary we have all seen a house like this, however when it comes time to sell those colors must go.
Jennifer - Yep...how long does it take to paint? Better yet, how much longer does it take to sell without painting?
Joan - Bronco colors? I may let that one slide since Tim Tebow is now a Bronco! You are right about that blue though. Thanks.
Laura - Thanks. Jets and Eaagles...green. Nice uniform but not room color. Yankee pinstripes? Now I would like to see that. Thanks,
Kathy - You summed it up nicely...why risk! Thanks.
Sharon - My inner stager is only present to the degree I listen to (and read) all you stagers on here. Thanks.
Gary, we went to a listing appointment last week where there is an ORANGE sink in the wetbar! The now sellers bought it from RABID Gator fans who I think only sold it to them because they had been raised in Gainesville and were also Gator fans! They had to tone down the house because it was 100% Gator decor! lol This is great advice, especially if the Buyer happens to be a RABID some other school fan :)
Gary - It's nice to have themed rooms. Your right when it is time to sell they definitely need to change the colors. Hope to see you at RainCamp.
Sharon - An orange sink - that is over the top fanaticism! I guess blue dish towels go best with the sink though. Hope they had a stager!
Robert - Looking forward to it Robert. Thanks.
I love the colors Gary, but not in my house.
Yep, go ahead and make that house your home, but when you get ready to sell, turn your home back into a house.
Ken - You are right - not in my house!
Jim - I like that phrase ...turn your house back into a home!. Thanks.
I guess you could advertise the house in the football community: "Custom painted college football fan's house. You won't believe it! Come see!" LOL
I've seen a lot of houses decorated and painted in honor of the Chargers and the Padres, but not for a college football team. Maybe that says something about our college football teams here.
Jim - Perhaps so but after last weeks beat down I think the Gators Orange and Blue will now be Alabama red!
So you're saying if you're going to paint your house in school colors , pattern it after their road uni's !!! *L*
Michael - Thanks..Yep, that sounds like an appropriate plan!