S6 · E10November 2, 2026 · 9 min
First Impressions: How to Paint to Sell Your Home

Most sellers either skip paint entirely or paint for their own taste, and buyers walk in mentally adding up the cost of redoing it. In this First Impressions episode, Carley Mann breaks down the painting mistakes she sees most, the colors and finishes that help a home sell, and what a full repaint really costs. The goal is simple: give buyers a home that feels move-in ready so they choose yours and pay for it.
“If you're looking for a go-to paint color to paint your house to get it sold, Agreeable Gray, Sherwin-Williams at 50%. Flat paint. That's it.”
What You Will Learn
- Decide honestly whether to paint it yourself or hire it out, based on your skill level
- Choose a flat finish that hides patches and wall imperfections instead of highlighting them
- Keep color cohesive and neutral, with room for an accent space or two
- Save money by repainting a single color-matched wall instead of a whole room
- Use baseboards and trim as a high-impact, low-cost refresh
- Pick colors based on the home's lighting, flooring, and trim, and test samples the right way
- Budget realistically for a whole-house repaint and understand why buyers pay for move-in ready
The opinions on this podcast are the hosts and guests involved and not in any way a reflection of RE/MAX or anyone else in the industry.