Top Color Choices That Help Homes Sell Faster

But not all colors are created equal—especially in the eyes of today’s buyers.

In this post, we’ll cover the top paint colors that help homes sell faster in 2025, where to use them, and which shades to avoid.

Why Color Choice Matters in Real Estate

Color is powerful. It affects emotions, mood, and how people perceive space. A fresh coat of the right paint:

Makes your home look clean and well-maintained
Enhances lighting and room size
Appeals to the widest range of potential buyers
Can add thousands to your selling price

In fact, according to Zillow’s latest research, homes with certain color palettes can sell for $2,000–$5,000 more than expected.

Best Interior Paint Colors for Selling a Home

1. Soft Greige (Gray + Beige)

Why it works: Universally appealing, warm yet modern
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways
Top picks:
- Sherwin-Williams “Agreeable Gray”
- Benjamin Moore “Revere Pewter”

Greige bridges the gap between cool grays and warm neutrals, working with almost any style of furniture or decor.

2. Warm White

Why it works: Clean, bright, and neutral
Best for: Kitchens, ceilings, trim, small spaces
Top picks:
- Benjamin Moore “White Dove”
- Behr “Alabaster”

A warm white feels cozy, not sterile—and it reflects light beautifully to make rooms feel larger.

3. Slate Blue or Soft Blue-Gray

Why it works: Calming and sophisticated
Best for: Bathrooms, bedrooms, laundry rooms
Top picks:
- Sherwin-Williams “Misty”
- Behr “Blue Metal”

Blue tones are often associated with peace, relaxation, and cleanliness—great for bathrooms and bedrooms.

4. Earthy Greens

Why it works: Natural, grounded, and on-trend
Best for: Accent walls, dining rooms, home offices
Top picks:
- Benjamin Moore “October Mist” (2022 Color of the Year)
- Sherwin-Williams “Evergreen Fog”

? Soft sage and olive greens offer a subtle pop of color while maintaining a calm, inviting look.

5. Charcoal or Deep Navy (As Accents)

Why it works: Adds drama and contrast without overwhelming
Best for: Front doors, kitchen islands, feature walls
Top picks:
- Benjamin Moore “Hale Navy”
- Sherwin-Williams “Peppercorn”

? Used sparingly, these dark hues can create a sense of luxury and sophistication.

Best Exterior Paint Colors to Attract Buyers

Curb appeal is your home’s first impression. These timeless colors draw buyers in:

1. Classic White with Black Trim

Clean, modern, and widely loved
Adds contrast that photographs beautifully

2. Warm Taupe or Soft Gray

Neutral but not boring
Works well in nearly all neighborhoods

3. Bold Front Door Accent

Best choices: Navy, red, charcoal, or even forest green
Adds personality and pop to neutral siding

? Pro tip: Keep the exterior palette to 3 colors max—siding, trim, and an accent.

Colors That Can Hurt Your Sale

While personal taste is fine when you live in a home, bold or unusual colors can turn buyers away.

Avoid these when preparing to sell:

Bright reds, oranges, or yellows (too overwhelming)
Deep purples or dark greens (too niche)
Neon or pastel shades (too trendy or childlike)
Any bold color in small or dark rooms

Homes with walls painted in bright or overly personalized colors tend to sit longer on the market or get lower offers.

How to Choose the Right Colors for Your Market

Not all buyers want the same look. Your local market matters.

Urban condos: Clean whites, greige, modern neutrals
Suburban homes: Warm tones, cozy palettes, traditional appeal
Coastal areas: Light blues, seafoam greens, sandy beiges
Luxury listings: Dramatic contrasts, sophisticated deep tones

Ask your real estate agent or stager what’s working best in your neighborhood right now.

Don’t Just Repaint—Prep Matters Too

A sloppy paint job can hurt more than help. Before painting:

Patch holes and repair cracks
Wash walls to remove grime
Use primer over bold or dark colors
Choose matte or eggshell finishes for walls
Use semi-gloss for trim and bathrooms

A neat, professional paint job gives buyers the sense the home was well cared for.

Final Thoughts: Let Color Close the Deal

The right paint colors can do more than refresh a space—they can sell a lifestyle. Neutral, modern palettes help buyers picture their own furniture, style, and future in your home.

So before you list, take a tour of your own space with a buyer’s eye. A few cans of the right color paint could be one of the most cost-effective upgrades you make.