A Zillow analysis of more than 32,000 photos from sold residential properties finds specific colors can either boost or crimp a home’s selling price. The analysis controlled for square footage, the age of the home, the date of the transaction and location, and then compared the sale prices of homes with white walls versus those with more colorful paint.
The upshot? Color makes a big impact on buyers and can serve as a “powerful tool” for attracting prospective bidders, according to Zillow chief economist Svenja Gudell. But trends may change overtime, which is why it’s worthwhile to consider what tints are most favorable with would-be buyers. Last year, yellow was a popular choice for kitchens, but another shade has taken its place in Zillow’s latest survey.
Desirable colors “help future buyers envision themselves living in the space,” Gudrell said in a statement. At the same time, Zillow warned certain colors can put off buyers, especially darker colors.
To check out how your home might look with a new color, some paint companies offer digital tools that can upload your photos and apply different paint shades to the rooms. Among them are Sherwin-Williams’ (SHW) or Glidden’s (PPG) paint visualization websites.
Grey or blue front door: $1,514
Even front doors make an impression on prospective buyers. Homes with doors painted shades of navy blue to dark gray or charcoal earn a premium of $1,514.
Taupe living room: $1,809
Prospective buyers are attracted to light beige, pale taupe or oatmeal living rooms, paying a premium of $1,809 for central living areas with these shades.
That’s similar to last year’s findings, when light-grey neutrals proved to be the most popular paint shades in living rooms.
Blue dining room: $1,926
Serving up a dash of blue in your dining room can deliver an average premium of $1,926. This year’s favorite shades are slate blue to pale grey blue. Navy blue is also popular in dining rooms that incorporate white shiplap, a type of rustic wood wall covering.
Blue kitchen: $1,809
Blue is now the most appetizing color for kitchens. In 2016, its analysis showed that yellow kitchens sold for $1,300 more. But in 2017, the preferences has shifted to light blue to soft gray-blue kitchens, which earn an average premium of $1,809.
Blue bedroom: $1,856
Blue is thought to be a calming color, which may explain why buyers prefer bedrooms painted in these cool shades. This year’s favorite blue shades are light cerulean to cadet blue. Bedrooms painted with these tints receive a premium of $1,856.
Blue or purple bathroom: $5,440The biggest bang for your buck will be in the bathroom, where picking blue or purple hues will pay off. When it comes to the powder room, think powder blue to periwinkle, the real estate data firm said. The average impact on a home’s sale price is a bump of $5,440.
Think twice before using these colors
While certain hues can enhance a home’s value, some colors can also have a negative impact on prospective buyers. One of the common themes are deep colors, as well as a lack of color.
Here are the colors and room combination that had the biggest negative impact on selling price:
* Blue living room -$820
* Yellow kitchen: -$820
* Medium brown, taupe or stucco home exterior: -1,970
* Red dining room: -2,031
* White bathroom: -$4,035
