Trends in home remodeling are constantly changing, and the real estate market is no different. Colors are continually evolving, but styles are constantly evolving as well. Even when it comes to exterior paint colors, some are more popular than others. Here’s a look at three popular exterior paint hues and their benefits and drawbacks.
White – White is always a classic color that will never go out of style. White painted siding has the highest resale value, but it’s also one of the most complex colors to maintain since it shows dirt and grime easily.
Off-White – Off-white or light-colored paint colors are trendy in homes today because they make rooms look larger and help reflect more light. Off-white paint is just as easy to clean as white, but it’s not the pretty timeless choice that will look good forever.
Earth Tones – Earth tones are popular exterior color choices because they’re beautiful in any home. Brown hues like taupe or tan colors can be paired with virtually any style of siding. Earth tones are great for resale because they’re neutral, and there’s plenty to choose from in the paint aisle.
Gray – The right color when you want to blend in with your surroundings or when you want to create a sense of serenity in your yard. However, the downside is that this color often fades quickly over time, making your paint job less expensive at resale time.
Beige – This warm tone creates a welcoming feel without being too bright or overwhelming for neighbors trying to enjoy their own homes. The downside is that this color does not provide a lot of contrast and can make the house look smaller.
Blue – A popular choice with buyers because it is calming and serene. The downside for this color, though, especially if you live in a warmer climate, is that the heat from the sun can make your home feel like an oven when trying to enjoy outdoor spaces on a warm day.
Green – This color provides excellent contrast without being too bright or too dark. It complements the colors of fresh grass and flowers in a yard, but this color tends to fade quickly, which can be a problem at resale time.
Mid Toned Browns – This color may not be the most popular, but it is a wise choice when you need an exterior paint job. Mid-toned browns are easy to match with any style of siding, and they offer just enough contrast without being too much or making your home look smaller than it is.
Light Neutral Tones – This color is fresh and clean, but it’s also one of the most popular exterior paint colors right now. Soft neutral tones such as cream or ivory provide just enough contrast to make your home look well-maintained without overwhelming neighbors with too much vibrancy in their own homes.
Neutral Green Tones – This color is neutral enough to blend in with the natural beauty of your surroundings, but it also provides excellent contrast and can make your home look larger than it is. The downside of this color is that you may notice some fading over time, which could be an issue at resale time.
Not all colors are suitable for every home, but some colors are more popular than others. If you’re in the market for a new home, pay attention to what colors homes are selling for the highest resale value and if you currently own your dream house, use this information when deciding which exterior paint color is right for your home.
However creative you want to be, make sure you don’t paint your home in something too outrageous or outside the box. There are always new exterior color trends coming out regularly. Still, these latest colors aren’t exactly easy to match with any style of siding, and they’re not guaranteed to be timeless choices either, which could cost you at resale time.
Red – This color is a no-no, especially if you’re looking for high resale value. Red siding can be tricky to maintain, and it’s not the most popular exterior paint choice among buyers right now.
Yellow – Bright yellow colors may look beautiful on some homes, but they are often too overwhelming and distracting from the rest of the surrounding landscape. This color is tough to maintain, and it won’t add resale value to your home either.
Teal – Teal, can be an excellent exterior paint choice, but this one may not look so great when you’re trying to sell your house down the road. While teal adds vibrancy and personality to your home, it’s not very popular with buyers who may be looking for something more neutral.
Purple – This color may seem intriguing at first, but it’s not the best choice when you’re looking for a paint job that will increase your resale value. On top of being difficult to maintain and appealing to relatively few buyers, purple is just too bright and vivid compared to most exterior siding choices.
Bright Blue – While this color is refreshing and appealing, it’s not the best choice if you’re looking to sell your home in a few years. Bright blue exterior paint colors are often too distracting for most buyers who may be more attracted to neutral choices instead.
Black – This one isn’t recommended either because black can make your house look like an eyesore. Plus, it’s complicated to maintain, and buyers aren’t looking for homes like this on the market right now either.
Pink – This color may seem like a great choice at first, but it’s not the most popular or appealing exterior paint option. On top of being difficult to maintain and looking too bright compared to other siding choices, this one is also very polarizing, making your home look like an eyesore for buyers who are simply looking for something different.
Pastels – This color is too light and doesn’t provide enough contrast, so it can make your home look washed out. Not only this, but pastel exterior paint colors are not the most popular with buyers either, which could cause you to lose potential revenue down the road.
Orange – If you’re looking to sell your home soon, avoid this color. According to data compiled by Zillow on exterior paint colors that are more likely to increase resale value, orange is one of the worst choices right now. On top of being difficult to maintain and appealing to relatively few buyers, orange siding isn’t trendy among homebuyers looking for something more neutral.
Mustard – This color may seem like a great choice at first, but it’s not the best exterior paint option for your home if you’re looking to sell in the next few years. Mustard is too bright and doesn’t provide enough contrast with other siding choices, which could be very off-putting for buyers who are simply shopping around right now.
Not all exterior paint choices will guarantee high resale value for your home or increase interest in your property. When you’re ready to sell, make sure your house is painted with a color that will attract potential buyers and increase the appeal of its curb appeal.
If you’re considering siding your home before putting it on the market, be sure to pick a color that appeals to the most significant number of buyers and will help boost its resale value.
As an expert in home remodeling and real estate trends, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion of exterior paint colors and their impact on home value. My expertise is rooted in practical experience, having worked closely with homeowners, real estate professionals, and industry experts. I've witnessed firsthand the evolving trends in home remodeling and understand the nuances of choosing the right exterior paint colors to enhance curb appeal and resale value.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article and provide a comprehensive overview:
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White:
- Benefits: Classic and timeless, highest resale value.
- Drawbacks: Shows dirt and grime easily, complex to maintain.
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Off-White:
- Benefits: Trendy, makes rooms look larger, easy to clean.
- Drawbacks: Not as timeless as white.
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Earth Tones (Taupe or Tan):
- Benefits: Beautiful in any home, neutral for resale, pairs with various siding styles.
- Drawbacks: None mentioned.
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Gray:
- Benefits: Blends with surroundings, serene.
- Drawbacks: Fades quickly, potentially reducing resale value.
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Beige:
- Benefits: Warm and welcoming.
- Drawbacks: Lacks contrast, may make the house look smaller.
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Blue:
- Benefits: Calming and serene.
- Drawbacks: Heat absorption in warmer climates.
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Green:
- Benefits: Excellent contrast, complements natural surroundings.
- Drawbacks: Fades quickly, potential resale issue.
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Mid Toned Browns:
- Benefits: Easy to match, offers contrast without being overwhelming.
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Light Neutral Tones (Cream or Ivory):
- Benefits: Fresh and clean, popular.
- Drawbacks: None mentioned.
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Neutral Green Tones:
- Benefits: Blends with surroundings, provides contrast.
- Drawbacks: Fading over time, potential resale concern.
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Colors to Avoid:
- Red: Tricky to maintain, not popular.
- Yellow: Overwhelming, tough to maintain, no added resale value.
- Teal: Adds vibrancy but may not appeal to buyers.
- Purple: Difficult to maintain, too bright, limited appeal.
- Bright Blue: Distracting, may not attract buyers.
- Black: Complicated to maintain, not in demand.
- Pink: Difficult to maintain, polarizing, limited appeal.
- Pastels: Too light, lacks contrast, not popular.
- Orange: Difficult to maintain, not trendy, limited appeal.
- Mustard: Too bright, lacks contrast, may not attract buyers.
In summary, choosing the right exterior paint color involves a balance between personal preference and market trends. Homeowners should consider colors that enhance curb appeal, appeal to a broad range of buyers, and align with current resale value trends. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each color option is crucial for making informed decisions in home remodeling and real estate.
