Colors To Avoid When Selling

9/1/2025

If selling a house, it's best to avoid painting interiors with **bold**, **bright**, or **unconventional** colors, as these can turn off buyers and even reduce the home's sale price.

 

Colors to Avoid

Red:** Deep red especially makes rooms feel smaller and dated; it can create a harsh or intense atmosphere that many buyers dislike.

Lime or Neon Green:** Overly bright greens, especially neon or mint shades, are often viewed as overwhelming and too personalized.

Mustard Yellow/Bright Yellow:** Kitchens with vibrant yellow tones have been shown to sell for significantly less, as these colors can be too intense.

Pink and Turquoise:** These may appeal for children's or specialty rooms but have limited broad appeal and can deter buyers.

Dark Colors:** Very dark hues like navy blue, charcoal, deep brown, or black can make rooms appear smaller and less inviting; they may only be suitable as accent walls and not for the whole room.

Stark White/Cold Gray:** While neutral colors are generally appealing, choosing cold stark whites or flat grays can make a home feel sterile, unwelcoming, or unfinished; these especially clash with warm-toned trim and flooring.

Why These Colors Hurt Sales

Difficult Visualization:** Strong colors make it hard for buyers to imagine their own décor and belongings in the space.

Emotional Responses:** Red and other bold hues can provoke negative emotions or make buyers feel uneasy.

Too Trendy or Personal:** Neon, bright, or unconventional colors make homes feel less universally appealing and may be perceived as dated.

Value Reduction:** Research shows homes with intense colors routinely sell for less or take longer to attract offers.

Alternative Approaches

Choose warm neutrals:** Soft gray, warm beige, or gentle white tones remain buyer favorites and open up a home's appeal.

Limit darks and brights:** Save bold colors for small accent walls rather than whole rooms.

Using classic, neutral palettes can help ensure the broadest appeal and potentially boost the sale price of the house.

When you are ready to make your next move always insist on The Keaty 

Team - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties.

Soraya: 714-745-2708 DRE#  01050788,  sorayakharrat@bhhscal.com 

Kevin: 714-608-3298, DRE# 01276603, kevinkeaty@bhhscal.com

Website: thekeatyteam.com

Your local Senior, Probate,Trust Real Estate Specialists

Serving Anaheim since 1989

A Better Choice!