If you’re preparing to sell your home in Knoxville or the surrounding area, you’re likely juggling a long to-do list — repairs, staging, landscaping, and more. One question that often comes up is: should I repaint before I list my home?
At Good Faith Painting Company, we’ve worked with plenty of homeowners in this exact spot. The short answer is: yes, in most cases, repainting your home before selling is one of the highest-ROI upgrades you can make — especially in a competitive market like East Tennessee.
Here’s why.
A Fresh Paint Job Makes a Powerful First Impression
Before buyers even step inside your home, they’re forming opinions. Curb appeal is real — and chipped, faded, or dated paint can turn them off before they ever see the interior. On the flip side, a clean, modern, and well-maintained exterior can create an emotional connection right away.
Even inside, buyers tend to make quick judgments. Neutral, fresh walls help them imagine themselves in the space, while bold or worn-out colors can be distracting.
The takeaway? A fresh coat of paint helps buyers focus on your home — not its flaws.
Paint Is One of the Most Affordable Pre-Sale Upgrades
Compared to a full kitchen remodel or a bathroom gut job, painting is relatively inexpensive — but it still delivers a dramatic transformation. It covers scuffs, stains, and cracks. It lightens dark rooms. It makes everything feel cleaner, newer, and more inviting.
In fact, the National Association of Realtors has found that interior and exterior painting routinely offers more than a 100% return on investment — especially when done professionally.
If you’re only able to make a few updates before listing, painting is one of the smartest places to start.
The Right Colors Can Help Your Home Sell Faster
Choosing the right color palette for resale is part art, part strategy. At Good Faith Painting, we always recommend neutral, soft, and widely appealing tones — think warm whites, soft grays, light taupes, or gentle greiges.
These colors do two important things:
- They make rooms feel bigger and brighter.
- They help buyers picture their own furniture and style in the space.
For exteriors, soft whites, grays, navy blues, and greens tend to resonate with Knoxville buyers, especially when paired with natural wood or black trim for contrast.
Need help picking? That’s what we’re here for. Our team offers color consultation with every estimate.
Local Market Matters: Knoxville Buyers Expect Move-In Ready
In today’s real estate market, especially around Knoxville, Sevierville, and Maryville, most buyers are looking for homes that are truly move-in ready. They don’t want to budget for repairs or paint after they move in — they want a clean, fresh start from day one.
This expectation makes pre-sale painting even more valuable. It signals to buyers that your home has been well cared for, which can lead to more offers — and often, higher ones.
Focus on These Key Areas First
If you’re working with a limited budget or short timeline, we recommend focusing on the most high-impact spaces:
Interior:
- Main living areas (living room, kitchen, dining)
- Entryway or foyer
- Primary bedroom
- Bathrooms (especially if there’s any peeling or moisture damage)
Exterior:
- Front of the house and entryway
- Siding and trim
- Garage door and shutters
- Decks, porches, or fences if visible from the street
DIY or Hire a Pro?
We get it — you might be tempted to grab a roller and tackle it yourself. But if you’re trying to get your home market-ready fast (and want it to show beautifully in photos), hiring a professional painter is usually the better choice.
Here’s why:
- We’re fast. Our team can complete a full home refresh in days, not weeks.
- We’re clean and careful. No drips on your floors or splatters on the baseboards.
- We use the right materials. High-quality paints that cover well and photograph beautifully.
- We know what sells. We can help you pick the right colors to appeal to buyers in your neighborhood.
Selling Soon? We Can Help.
Whether you’re planning to sell in a few months or need help getting your home ready right now, Good Faith Painting Company is here to help you make the best impression. Our team serves Knoxville, Maryville, Sevierville, Seymour, and the surrounding areas — and we’ve helped dozens of East Tennessee homeowners prepare their homes for a quick, successful sale.
✅ Ready to Get Started?
Let’s talk through your timeline, goals, and what paint updates will give you the most bang for your buck.
📞 Schedule a free estimate — or visit our Interior Painting or Exterior Painting pages to learn more.