Should I Repaint My House’s Interior Before Selling It?

Thinking about selling your home?

Before you list it on the market, there’s one surprisingly simple upgrade that could help you sell faster — and possibly for more money: a fresh interior paint job.

But is repainting your house really worth it? Do buyers even notice? And how much should you invest before selling?

Let’s break it all down.

First Impressions Matter — and Paint Sets the Tone

Walk into a home with scuffed walls, outdated colors, or fading trim, and your first thought probably isn’t “Wow!”
Now walk into a home with clean, neutral walls, crisp white trim, and a bright, inviting feel. You instantly feel like the place is well cared for, move-in ready, and modern — and that’s exactly what buyers want.

What Makes Repainting So Valuable Before a Sale?

According to top real estate agents and staging pros, a freshly painted interior is one of the most effective ways to boost your home’s appeal, especially when you’re preparing to sell.
sell your house successfully

1. You Appeal to More Buyers

Everyone has different taste. But fresh, neutral paint helps buyers imagine their own furniture and style in the space.
Think light grays, warm whites, soft creams — timeless colors that don’t distract. As professional interior painters in Chattanooga, we see it all the time: a simple color refresh turns a dated home into a clean slate.

3. Is Any Wall Repair Needed?

Small fixes like nail holes are quick. But wall repair before painting — patching cracks, sanding, or repairing drywall — adds a few extra hours or even a full day, depending on the condition.

We include minor repairs in our home painting services, so your walls look perfect before the first coat goes on.

4. How Many Coats of Paint?

Most rooms need two coats for even color and coverage — especially if you’re changing from dark to light paint (or vice versa). Add extra time if primer is required first.

A good painting estimate should always include the number of coats and drying time between them.

5. Who’s Doing the Work?

If you’re DIY-ing, a single room can take several days — especially if you’re juggling it around work or family.

With licensed painters in Chattanooga, you can expect:
• Faster results
• Cleaner edges
• Less disruption to your daily life

Our team of local painters works efficiently, handles all the prep and cleanup, and finishes on schedule — with professional results.

6. Other Time Factors

• Furniture moving — we take care of it
• Ventilation and drying time — varies by paint type
• Color choice delays — we offer color consultations to speed this up
• Scheduling flexibility — we work around your availability

Example: Timeline for a Standard 3-Bedroom Home

• Day 1: Walkthrough, prep, furniture covering
• Day 2–4: Painting walls, ceilings, trim
• Day 5: Touch-ups, cleanup, final walkthrough

Every project is different, but most interior painting jobs are completed in 1–5 days, depending on size and scope.

Final Tip: Start with a Free Quote