Fresh paint is one of the most common things real estate agents recommend before listing a home. It makes rooms look clean and cared for, photographs well and helps buyers picture their own furniture in the space. We regularly paint homes for sellers and real estate agents across Woodstock, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and London.
What to paint first
- Main living areas: living room, kitchen and dining room, which appear in the first listing photos.
- Entry and hallways: first impressions at showings, and the walls with the most scuffs.
- Bold or dark rooms: strong colours and feature walls can distract buyers.
- Trim, doors and baseboards: fresh white trim makes the whole house look newer.
- Ceilings with stains: water marks make buyers worry about leaks, even after the cause is fixed.
- The front door and exterior trim: curb appeal starts here.
Colours that work well for selling
Light, warm neutrals appeal to the widest range of buyers and look bright in photos. A few popular, proven choices:
- Soft whites: Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17), Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008)
- Greige (grey-beige): Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray (SW 7029), Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (HC-172)
- Crisp trim white: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65)
Colours look different in every home, so test a sample on the wall before committing. We can help you choose a simple palette that flows from room to room.
Should you choose matte or eggshell?
For walls, a low sheen such as matte or eggshell hides imperfections and looks smooth in photos. Use semi-gloss on trim and doors. If the home is a rental or will be lived in during showings, eggshell is easier to keep clean.
Timing your painting around listing day
- Book your painter two to three weeks before photos if you can.
- A typical main floor takes two to three days. A whole-house interior usually takes about a week.
- Schedule painting after repairs and before deep cleaning and staging.
- If you are on a tight timeline, tell us your photo date and we will plan the work around it.
Empty home or rental turnover?
Vacant homes are faster and easier to paint. We often repaint rentals and empty homes in a single colour throughout, which keeps the cost down and the look consistent.
Want a price before you list? See our painting cost guide, or ask for a free quote below.
We serve homeowners and businesses in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, London and Woodstock, plus nearby towns along Highway 401.
Ready for a fixed-price quote? Book your free on-site estimate or call (519) 781-4382.