Should You Repaint Before Selling Your Home? Pros, Cons & Local Advice for Lewis County Sellers

Thinking of selling your home in Lewis County, WA? Discover the pros and cons of repainting before listing—and how premium paintwork can set your home apart.

EXTERIOR PAINTINGINTERIOR PAINTINGPAINTING TIPS & ADVICELEWIS COUNTY, WA

4/19/20253 min read

Should You Repaint Before Selling Your Home?

Pros, Cons, and Local Expert Advice for Lewis County Sellers
🏡 Thinking About Selling? Here's Why Paint Matters

In a competitive real estate market like Lewis County—especially in towns like Chehalis, Napavine, and Centralia—buyers are showing up with high expectations. Clean lines, modern colors, and a move-in-ready feel can make all the difference between a home that sits… and one that sells.

🎨 One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to improve your home’s presentation? A fresh coat of paint.

But should you repaint before listing your home? Let’s break it down.

✅ Pros of Repainting Before You Sell

1️⃣ It Creates a High-End First Impression

Homes that feel clean and well-cared for tend to attract better offers. Repainting signals pride of ownership and instantly elevates the overall feel of your home—both inside and out.

💡 Pro Tip: Buyers in Lewis County love homes that look well-maintained from the curb. Even a simple exterior refresh can change the way your home is perceived.

2️⃣ Neutral Colors Make Your Home Feel More "Buyable"

Updated, neutral tones—like warm whites, soft grays, and greige—appeal to the widest range of buyers. They help rooms feel larger, brighter, and easier to personalize.

✔ Stick to colors like Swiss Coffee, Agreeable Gray, or Alabaster for maximum versatility.

3️⃣ A Professional Paint Job Adds Perceived Value

Quality paintwork from a professional crew shows buyers your home has been cared for—not flipped in a hurry. And that attention to detail can show up in your final offer.

4️⃣ It Hides Scuffs, Dings & Repairs

Even the cleanest homes build up some wear and tear—nail holes, small dents, or visible patches. A new coat of paint smooths everything out and gives the space a "just-moved-in" feeling.

5️⃣ It Helps Your Listing Photos Pop

📸 Buyers browse online before they ever schedule a showing. Freshly painted walls photograph better and give your home a polished, updated appearance in photos—leading to more clicks and more traffic.

❌ When Repainting Might Not Be Necessary

1️⃣ Your Current Paint Is Already Clean & Neutral

If you’ve recently updated and your paint is already in great shape, you may only need touch-ups—especially in high-traffic areas.

2️⃣ You're On a Tight Timeline

If time is short, focus your efforts on high-impact areas like entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. You don’t need to paint everything to make a difference.

3️⃣ DIY or Rushed Paintwork Can Backfire

🚫 Buyers can tell when a paint job has been rushed or done without care. If you’re not hiring a professional, it’s often better to leave it as-is than risk making things worse.

🏘️ What Buyers Want in Lewis County

Buyers here are looking for homes that feel modern, clean, and thoughtfully maintained—especially in areas like Chehalis, Napavine, and Centralia. Whether it’s a 1920s craftsman or a newer build, the homes that move fastest are the ones that feel move-in ready.

🎯 Fresh paint doesn’t just improve appearance—it strengthens your home’s position in the market.

🧠 Final Thought: Be Strategic, Not Emotional

You don’t need to repaint the whole house. But repainting the right rooms—the ones buyers notice most—can spark the kind of emotional connection that leads to faster, stronger offers.

✔ Prioritize:

  • Entryways

  • Kitchens

  • Living Rooms

  • Primary Bedrooms

🤝 Need Honest Advice? We’ll Walk Through It With You.

At Gullard Painting, we’ve helped dozens of Lewis County homeowners prepare their homes for sale—whether that means repainting a few key rooms or doing a full interior update.

We’ll give you real, practical advice on what’s worth doing, what’s not, and how to make the most of your budget.

📅 Schedule a free walkthrough at gullardpainting.com/contact 📞 Or call us at (360) 790-2726

No pressure. Just honest advice from people who care.