The most important decision you can make when selling your home can be one of the least expensive.

When people sell their home, they often consider major landscape projects, monumental kitchen remodels or massive bathroom projects. While all these can add value, they often pale in comparison to the oldest remodeler trick in the business: repainting your home.

Last month, we covered decluttering your home, and that remains the most inexpensive project an individual homeowner can complete. Next in line, is selecting an executing a proper paint strategy. The colors you paint you home can make or cost you money. So, let’s start there.

1. Stick with neutrals. The hottest colors right now, according to multiple realtor surveys are Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray (SW 7029), Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008), Benjamin Moore Gray Mist (OC-30), Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65), Sherwin-Williams Snowbound (SW 7004) and Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray (HC-170).
2. While trends come and go, generally speaking, keep ceilings lighter than the walls.
3. Paint last, after everything else is done. A fresh coat of paints hides scuffs and other challenges. Ensure that your crew puts down drop cloths to protect new carpet or flooring. Some people do choose to put in flooring last, but if you painter is competent, painting last is best.
4. Stored paint evaporates while sitting and discolors on the wall due to sunlight. So, avoid touch up paint, it will leave walls looking like a Twister® Board. You can block paint entire walls; people seldom notice slight color changes wall to wall. Still, paint is inexpensive, painting entire rooms is preferable.

So, remember the colors of money and the color strategies to put cash in your pocket. As always, I recommend calling a qualified realtor that has sold hundreds of homes to plan your color scheme. We would be honored for your call.

If you are considering selling and want a free copy of my book How the Pros Sell Their Homes in 29 Days or Less, email me at tsojka@seetimsell.com.

Timothy Sojka is the broker of the See TIM Sell Team at Keller Williams. His team has sold over 2,000 homes. Tim is also the author of the Amazon #1 political thrillers Payback Jack, Politikill and the upcoming addiction thriller, 39: Your Last Birthday.