8 Exterior Paint Colors to Help Sell Your House

Posted by Meaghan Kunkel on Monday, May 8, 2017 at 4:42 PM By Meaghan Kunkel / May 8, 2017 Comment

Like the hues you choose for indoors, exterior house colors should be ones you love coming home to day after day. That being said, if you're planning to put your house on the market in the near future, the wise course is to consider which exterior paint colors are going to attract the broadest range of buyers. "Neutral and traditional colors are a good bet if you are going to paint your home's exterior to get it ready to sell," says Elizabeth Mendenhall, a realtor in Columbia, Missouri, and a 2014 regional vice president of the National Association of Realtors. "You want a look that is warm and inviting. Unique colors may turn away some potential buyers." If you're painting for resale, give some thought to these eight exterior house paint colors with undeniable curb appeal.

Off-White

"The color you paint your home's exterior can make or break people's perception of your house," says Erika Woelfel, director of color marketing for Behr Paints. A trio of Behr colors created this traditional look: Hazelnut Cream (750C-2) as a base, accented by Gallery White (PPU12-12) and Dark Truffle (PPU5-19).

Putty

"We're seeing a lot of putty, warm taupe, and gray hues—exterior house colors that blend in with the natural surroundings," reports Amy Elbert, senior architecture editor for Traditional Home. "Inspiration might come from stone used in the home's foundation or on walls and walkways on the property."

Taupe

In keeping with the natural trend, Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams, reveals that Tony Taupe (SW 7038) is one of the company's most popular choices among neutral exterior paint colors. "Sticking with classic neutrals is a good way to play it safe when planning to put your house up for sale," Jordan says.

Gray

Ever since Ron Sonnek, president of Sicora Design/Build, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, posted a picture of this renovation on Houzz.com, he has received "literally thousands of requests for this paint color!" And what is the magic combination? Benjamin Moore Copley Gray (HC-104) trimmed with Benjamin Moore Elephant Tusk (OC-8).

Blue Gray

Deep blue grays like the shade shown in this example "have a nautical, serene feeling," says Amy Hendel, designer for Hendel Homes, in Wayzata, Minnesota, who oversaw the renovation of this waterfront cottage. "It's also a good complement to white trim."

Yellow

"The color yellow on a house says 'happy' right off the bat," observes interior designer Carla Aston, of Aston Design Studio, in The Woodlands, Texas. But in order to attract the greatest number of potential buyers, stick with a pale shade. When the owners of this stately home chose a brighter yellow, Carla suggested they tone it down and lighten it up, resulting in this cheerful hue.

Light Blue

"If your home is a showstopping Victorian, fresh color combinations like this light blue and red-brown interpretation can enhance fanciful architectural elements," says Behr's Erika Woelfel. Seen here, Behr's Skipper (570F-5) and Burnished Mahogany (160F-7).

White

A white clapboard farmhouse is an American icon with timeless appeal. For the renovation of the one pictured here, designer Amy Hendel considered many exterior house colors but ultimately, she chose Benjamin Moore Cloud White (967). "It's not a stark white, but has creamy yellow undertones that would complement any style of home," she says.

Cypress Green

A cross between green and gray, Benjamin Moore Cypress Green (509) is neutral without being boring, and makes a wonderful contrast to dark gray and black shutters.

Lighthouse Red

Cheery, lighthouse red feels both traditional and fresh. Unlike other exterior house paint colors, Benjamin Moore Million Dollar Red (2003-10) pops out against any background, whether your home is nestled in trees or on a clean landscape outlined only by the broad sky.

Wheat

Not quite white and almost yellow, this buttery in-between feels both warm and clean. Behr Oklahoma Wheat (350E-3) will match up beautifully with both dark browns and gray-blues for accents, and will positively glow next to the green of a well-kept lawn.

Sable Brown

Like all the best exterior house colors, dark, earthy Sherwin-Williams Sable (6083) makes a solid statement: This house is here to stay. Shutters in reds, blues, blacks, or yellows will complement the bold paint pick for stand-out curb appeal.

Forest Green

Traditional forest green is an historical winner when it comes to house colors, and for good reason. Sherwin-Williams Vogue Green (0065), rich and welcoming, is no exception. This natural shade will evoke a homey feeling for all who approach it, whether they reside there, or are just visiting.