It’s simple common sense. Fix up your home and you’ll make it sell faster. But, you may be asking, where should I invest the money. In this economy, with money tight and buyers savvy, you want to be sure to get the most bang for your buck.

So go for things that create emotional appeal. Things that make a buyer fall in love. Take kitchen appliances, for example. If the fridge is white, the stove is stainless and the dishwasher is old, you want to rethink them. All one color makes a pretty, strong statement. And that’s a smart place to start.

There’s no question that fresh, clean color sells.  So why not take that to the next level. Improve your paint job to increase your home value. When in doubt, it’s always smart to paint!

You can always find William hard at work in Valencia. Love that green, Willy!

You can always find William hard at work in Valencia. Love that green, Willy!

Yes, this is serious investment spending. But it will likely generate a 50% to 500% return…depending on the paint job, your home, and local real estate market. Given that return, it’s smart to hire a pro for the type of paint job that will color your outcome.

So start by repairing those dings in your walls. Caulk gaps in the trim before you start painting. Choose neutral colors that appeal to more buyers. And make sure you paint all the trim…baseboards, door casings, window frames…with a finish that’s smooth and even. Then redo your front door in a color that draws the eye without screaming… and leads buyers right into your home.