The Pyschology of

*Color*

in Your Home

Agents frequently suggest that homeowners paint before placing their home on the market. Don't be offended! Agents understand "Color Psychology," which focuses on color's effect on human behavior and emotion. Since people's reaction to color is immediate, it has a tremendous influence on their daily choices.


Dollars and Color Sense

"Color choices are very personal and when selling your home, it's critical to appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers," said Allegra Dioguardi, president of Styled and Sold Home Staging in New York. "With so many people beginning their search for a home on the Internet today, your home and listing photos must stand out from your competition. Color is one very simple way to do this."

The Art of Blending In While STANDING OUT

"Painting your house's exterior before you put it on the market will give the biggest bang for your fix-up buck, as long as you are using colors that conform to the neighborhood's decorating norm," says Eric Brown, author of House Selling for Dummies. Your home's exterior color is the first thing most potential homebuyers see when they drive up or inspect the property on the web. The correct color may be the most powerful and cost effective design tool at your disposal.

Warm, Cool, & In-Between

Colors affect us in many ways, and by using the principles of color psychology, you can make your home stand out from the competition, sell more quickly, and at a higher price.




In general, blues and purples will feel cool, while reds and oranges feel warm. Neutrals like beige, off-white and gray may not be as provoking, but they're great for trim and small spaces.






Consider the purpose for each room. Kitchen and dining areas painted in "food colors" such as coffee browns, celery greens, and scrabmled egg yellows will make the rooms feel more natural.




Color it "Sold!"

So, what are the "correct" colors these days? Brown's research shows that homes painted in pale yellows with cream or beige accents have sold fastest during the past few years. In general, ligher colors are favored for exteriors as they make the property seem larger.

Dark Accents: Good or Bad? Conversely, painting your sideboards with a darker color will make the house seem smaller, though dark colors can draw more attention to your home's details. For older homes, you may consider historical accuracy, as this could be a big selling point!




Bedroom Colors

According to Jeanette Fisher's book Joy to the Home: Secrets of Interior Design Pyschology, deeper shades of color imply intimacy and serenity. She recommends painting master bedrooms a medium shade of green or blue for warm selling seasons, and rouge red for cooler weather.

Don't know what to paint other bedrooms and baths? Try creamy tones of green, blue, or pale shell pink.


                            

Sellers: Keep Your Winter Yard Looking Sharp!

This is the time when people start to want to stay indoors a bit more, especially when the temperatures significantly drop. But you can't neglect your outdoor patios and decks, especially if you plan to sell soon. Buyers won't want to see broken-wood decks or corroded wrought iron patio sets in your backyard.
The good news is that if you prepare ahead, you can save yourself time and money. Taking some good housekeeping steps now will allow you to step outside into the fresh spring air next year to a well-preserved outdoor space.

Where to begin? First, if your deck is looking a little worn and tired, make the necessary repairs now. Don't wait until you can stick your foot through a board (like I did). That's not only dangerous but it also mandates a quick fix.

• Give your deck a good cleaning and sealing or staining before the weather gets too cold and wet to do this. Make sure you check for loose nails and get rid of any splintery edges by sanding them down. Seal with waterproofing sealants. For these, generally the weather has to be above 32 degrees F and 50 degrees F for sealing and stains, respectively, to work properly.
• Put the clippers to work. Take a good look around your yard and decide which plants need to go. Many annuals may have been killed by frost and it's time to clear them away. Keep your flowers keep them looking good by trimming away dead leaves. If you cut your plants back now it will cause them to grow and flower more effectively later on.
• Add seasonal plants. You can still have some nice color in your yard if you get the right plants for your yard's climate. Kale and ornamental cabbage are attractive. In warmer climates try primroses for winter color.

• Use creative containers with your seasonal plants. Putting a perennial plant in a beautifully painted container can add style and allure to your patio all winter long.
• Plant potted vegetables. Nothing's better than fresh food especially when it comes from your own yard. There are some cool-weather vegetables that work well in pretty pots. Things like lettuce: kale, leaf, mustard, and Chinese cabbage are good for this. Also, don't forget herbs; they'll come in handy for the holiday dinners.
• Get artsy. Making your yard look good in winter is also about what you leave outside. Those brightly colored throw pillows and rugs that worked great in summer, of course, should be brought inside. Instead get creative with lights that give a sparkle on a cold winter night. Hang plants with ornaments on them. Also, hang bird feeders to attract birds.

Taking a few simple steps to keep your deck, yard, and outdoor furniture in good condition will give you an easy progression into spring. And, if you're listing your home for sale in the winter, these steps are sure to please buyers.