Paint Updates That Help Your Home Sell: Colors to Use and Avoid Before You List in Buffalo
A fresh coat of paint is the cheapest big change you can make before listing — if you put it in the right rooms and pick the right colors. For this Buffalo by Design segment, Phil Darling, owner of Darling Paint & Restoration and one of the Enas Latif Team’s go-to partners for getting homes list-ready, explains where to start, what buyers are responding to right now, and why doing less is sometimes the smarter move in a seller’s market. Here’s the segment, with the full transcript below.
Originally aired on Daytime Buffalo, WIVB News 4, Buffalo. Segment courtesy of WIVB.
Key takeaways
- Start where buyers walk in: the front door first, then the rooms with the most wear or the loudest colors (the kids’ rooms, usually).
- Buyers are moving away from gray. Warm neutrals — linens, creams, earth tones — are what’s selling now; they feel grounded and let buyers picture their own furniture and art.
- Skip the dark, saturated colors. Keep walls neutral so the home reads warm and the buyer can imagine living there.
- DIY or pro? Ask yourself how much you can handle and how long until you list. Talk to Enas first — she’ll tell you what actually needs doing, and Darling Paint can take the rest.
- It’s a seller’s market: don’t over-renovate. Do just enough to sell, because the new owners will change things anyway. You only get one first impression, and it starts at the door handle.
Read the full transcript5 min segment · 3 min read
HostFor this week’s Buffalo by Design segment, we’re taking a look at how you can put your house on the market with a fresh look, with the owner of Darling Paint and Restoration, Phil Darling. Hi, Phil — thanks for coming in.
Phil DarlingGood morning.
HostSo we’re talking about people listing their homes. If any of our viewers are getting ready to sell, which paint updates are going to give them the biggest bang for their buck?
Phil DarlingUsually I tell people to look at the rooms people are going to walk into first. Your front door is always very important — that’s where they walk in, so you have to address that first. Then look around your home and see which rooms have the most wear, or colors that stand out too much. Maybe you had them for your kids and somebody else may not like them. Those are the rooms you want to attack first.
HostLet’s talk about paint colors buyers are responding to right now, and maybe some colors people should avoid if they’re getting ready to list.
Phil DarlingA color called Natural Linen has been popular for the last couple of years. The linens are very popular. People are getting away from the grays right now. I’d say something more earth-tone-y — that’s what people are responding to most.
HostPeople want to feel grounded in their homes and comfortable. So those earth tones, those creams. The gray is a little — it’s not good for your mental health.
Phil DarlingPeople are responding more to the natural colors. They’re also decorating with curtains and pictures and throws and blankets and pillows, so they’re keeping their walls mostly neutral now.
HostSo, in my opinion, the grays are one to stay away from. Are there any other colors you recommend people avoid?
Phil DarlingThe darker colors. You want to make it charming yet warm, so when people come in, they can envision themselves living there.
HostHow can a homeowner tell when a paint job is something they can tackle themselves, or when they might need to call in a professional like you?
Phil DarlingI think that’s pretty simple. The first thing you do is look at it and say, can I handle this or can’t I? How much time do I have before I’m going to sell? Speak to Enas — she’ll tell you what needs to be done and give you a list of things. Then if you don’t think you can handle them, give us a call.
HostTell us more about working with Enas and the clients she’s connected you with to help them put their best foot forward getting their home on the market.
Phil DarlingI always say it’s best to talk to Enas first, because she knows what’s going on out there. She knows what buyers are looking for and what to do to give you the most bang for your buck. Listen to her, follow her instructions, and she’ll get you going in the right direction.
HostAnd then comes Darling Paint. Tell us how you can step in with the services you offer.
Phil DarlingWe can come in with some color consulting that will help you. We can also help you by not doing as much as you think you need to do. Sometimes you just keep it simple and get the house sold, because it is a seller’s market right now. You don’t need to do too much — just enough to get it sold, because when new people move in they’re going to start changing things as well.
HostAnd make it their home. But I think starting with where people first enter is a great tip, because you only get one chance to make a first impression.
Phil DarlingThat’s correct. One chance to make the first impression, and it starts right at that front door, where they put their hand on the handle.
HostWhere can our viewers go for more information if they think they could use your services?
Phil DarlingThey can go to darlingpaint.com, or call our office.
HostPhil, thank you so much for coming in. Viewers, if you need Phil’s help with your house, visit darlingpaint.com. And after your home is freshly painted and ready to list, contact the Enas Latif Team to take the stress out of selling.
Transcript lightly edited for clarity.
What this means for you
If you’re thinking about selling in Buffalo or the suburbs, don’t start by repainting the whole house. Start with a walkthrough: Enas can tell you which rooms will actually move the needle with buyers and which can be left alone. Then paint those few rooms in a warm neutral, make sure the entry looks sharp, and put the rest of your budget toward pricing and timing — the things that really sell a home in this market.
Buying or selling in Western New York?
Talk it through with the team before you sign anything.
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