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We've all heard of that proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. When planning a
move, that treasure might be easier found in your basement -- or at your neighborhood
paint store -- in the form of a can of paint. Painting is one of the quickest, easiest, most
economical ways to prepare your existing home for resale. Plus, it's a great way to infuse
your new home with your personal taste and style!
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Don't believe it? Ask your realtor. Real estate experts advise sellers that a little paint goes a
long way when it comes to improving a home's appeal and speeding its sale, which can
translate to a higher selling price. According to these experts, a fresh, new paint job that's
crisp and clean can reel in buyers wherever you live.
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Start with the exterior to improve "curb appeal". You don't want prospective buyers, when
driving by at five or ten miles an hour, to be put off by your salmon-colored garage door.
While you may be tickled about the look of that garage door, realtors say most homebuyers
prefer white exterior features. So, before your realtor photographs your house for the
listing, be sure to "neutralize" offbeat colors, repair peeling trim paint, spruce up porch
floors and rails, and create a welcoming entryway by splashing a fresh coat of paint on the
front door.
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Inside, if you haven't done much painting recently, it usually makes sense to repaint the
entire interior, especially if smoking or cooking has caused a gradual darkening of the paint
over time. Once again, think light and neutral. These colors will help the rooms appear
larger while making it easier for prospective buyers to visualize their belongings in the
space.
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Once you take possession of your new home, though, the rules are exactly the opposite! To
make the home feel like your own and increase your satisfaction with it, personalize!
There's no easier way to claim a space than by painting or faux finishing with colors that
express your style and enhance your home furnishings. Today's new color palettes are rich
and inviting, and new technologies from optical brighteners to scrubbable finishes offer
better appearance and durability than ever before, so take advantage of these advances to
feather your nest just the way you like it.
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