With a depressed housing market in Ireland at the moment people are finding it very difficult to sell their home. I am often asked if it is worthwhile painting your home or if this is simply money down the property drain. If you are committed to selling, a lick of paint can certainly help place your house on the buyers map but it won’t work on its own.

If you are in the process of selling your property I am sure you are aware of the countless tips and hints that are offered by estate agents. These guidelines combined with a fresh coat of paint in a selection of rooms can only stand to increase your chances of achieving a good price for your house.

I always recommend that the first step in preparing your house for sale is to de-clutter. If you don't need an item, why not donate it to charity or simply throw it away to make more space in your house. Clear everything off of kitchen counters and cupboards to create clean lines throughout.  If necessary, hire a storage unit and pack up all of your personal knickknacks or large pieces of furniture that fail to serve a purpose in the room.

When decorating your room for resale, bold colours are definitely not an option. Use paints colours from a neutral palette that will not offend anyone’s taste or preferences. Most home buyers are looking for a home that is ready to move into or a blank canvas that they can put their own stamp on.

It may not be feasible to paint all of the rooms in your home so a strategic approach is always best. Survey the main rooms and decide which ones would benefit the most from a lick of paint. Small or dark rooms will benefit hugely from a new coat of paint especially one with a sheen finish to reflect the available light. Crown’s Mid Sheen Emulsion in neutral tones such as Apple Mist, Liquer and Pale Gold will work well to introduce a gentle sparkle to the room.

Large rooms with superior features are also great candidates for redecorating. If you have a beautiful room with a unique selling point, you should make the most of it to ensure the room stands out to potential buyers. No matter what the feature is buyers will be looking for light and comfort. White can be a great colour to choose to ensure the room and your home feels fresh and crisp. Crown Paints Sail White, Cream White or Beige White are examples of warm shades of white that won’t leave the room feeling stark but will achieve that desired clean palette. Pure Brilliant White should be used on ceilings, window ledges and skirtings to lift and complete any room.

We all know how important a first impression is so painting your front door is a worthwhile investment. Sandtex has a great range of exterior products including gloss paints especially formulated for wooden and metal doors. If you have had the same doors and windows for a long period of time why not choose a colour that truly pops like Pillar Box Red or Park Bench Green. This is an effective way to really stand out from other houses on the market in a cost effective manner.

All that is left to do is clean like you have never cleaned before! All of the rooms in your home will need to be spotless for potential buyers. Pull out furniture and get into those corners that have never seen the light of day. After this all you will need is a bit of luck and the right buyer for your property!

Best of luck and happy decorating,

Neville.

Crown Paints is not responsible for any content of this or external sites or blogs. Please consult with an expert before carrying out any interior decorating or DIY in your home.