Before You List, What Do Buyers Want to See?
CedarTone Properties & Painting
Thinking of selling your home? Before you schedule the photographer or host an open house, there’s one simple update that can dramatically increase home value: paint.
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective pre-sale updates you can make—and it’s exactly what buyers are looking for. At CedarTone Properties & Painting, we help homeowners throughout Minnesota boost curb appeal and interior appeal through professional painting, staining, enamel, and finish work designed to impress. Here’s why painting before you list is a smart move—and what colors, finishes, and spaces matter most.
WHY PAINT MATTERS TO BUYERS
In today’s market, buyers expect a move-in-ready experience. Chipped baseboards, faded siding, or dated colors can leave potential buyers questioning the home’s overall condition—even if everything else is in great shape.
Fresh paint signals:
Cleanliness and care
Up-to-date style
Fewer maintenance concerns
Visual consistency and brightness in listing photos
It’s a relatively small investment that can lead to big returns—both in perceived value and final offers.
TOP AREAS TO PAINT BEFORE YOU SELL
Exterior - First Impressions Count
Boost curb appeal by updating worn siding, trim, doors, and garage frames. Neutral but welcoming exterior colors (like warm taupe, soft gray, or off-white) make the home feel fresh and well-kept.
Refresh siding and trim
Paint or stain front doors for impact
Update railings or porch posts as needed
Pro Tip: A professionally painted exterior can instantly boost perceived value during drive-by viewings.
Main Interior Living Spaces
Living rooms, kitchens, and entryways are where buyers imagine daily life. Light, neutral walls create a bright, airy backdrop that appeals to the widest audience.
Use soft grays, warm whites, or beige tones
Avoid bold accent walls or overly personalized colors
Don’t forget ceiling touch-ups and clean trim lines
Baseboards, Trim, and Doors
These finishing touches often go unnoticed when clean—but stand out when scuffed or dated. Freshly painted baseboards and doorframes add subtle polish that leaves a lasting impression.
Use crisp white or soft enamel for a clean finish
Consider upgrading trim with our carpentry and finish services if it’s damaged
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Even if you’re not doing a full remodel, fresh paint in high-use areas makes everything feel newer.
Paint cabinets with modern, durable enamel
Repaint walls and backsplashes in clean neutrals
Address any peeling or water-damaged surfaces
THE RIGHT COLORS FOR RESALE
Sticking with proven, buyer-friendly shades is key to increasing appeal. In 2025, top-selling paint colors for resale include:
Warm white (like Swiss Coffee or Alabaster)
Greige (gray + beige hybrid tones)
Pale sage or muted blue for subtle character in bathrooms or bedrooms
Soft charcoal or navy for statement doors or islands
Need help choosing the right palette? Our team can help you select timeless colors that enhance your home’s best features.
BONUS VALUE: REPAIRS AND FINISHES THAT SELL
At CedarTone, we don’t stop at painting. Our skilled crew also provides:
Trim repair & replacement
Deck staining and board repair
Soffit, fascia, and siding updates
Enamel finishing on doors, cabinets, and trim
Light finish carpentry to complete the look
These small pre-sale updates ensure your home shows at its very best—maximizing your sale price and reducing time on the market.
Increase Home Value with One Smart Upgrade
From small trim repairs to full exterior repaints, CedarTone Properties & Painting has your fall maintenance covered. We serve single-family homes, multi-family properties, apartments, condos, and new construction across Minnesota—with an emphasis on quality, care, and lasting results.
CEDARTONE PROPERTIES & PAINTING
Let us help you make a great first impression. Whether you need a full exterior refresh or targeted interior touch-ups, we deliver expert service, premium finishes, and results that help homes sell.
Contact us today for a pre-sale painting estimate—and let’s get your home market-ready.