Let's admit it, whatever our reasons for being attracted to a real estate property for sale, whether they be location, size, price, proximity, etc, etc, whatever they are, it still boils down to one thing: We are still primarily motivated by what we see.  

Which is why the paintwork is very crucial when you're considering putting up your home for sale.  Indeed, paint spells the difference between a house that gets sold for a winsome price, and one that gets ignored. 

Whether you need a major paint job for your home or just some minor touching up, only you can decide.  But whatever you do, painting should be approached in a systematic manner.  

The Basics in Painting.

If you have rooms that are on the small side, paint them with a lighter colour. Lighter colours make a room look larger.  Conversely, dark colours make a room seem smaller.

Before you selecting colours, experiment with small patches of your house first.  Colours in samples often translates to a very different appearance on your walls. To save money, time and frustration, buy a small amount of the colour of your choice and apply it to a small part of the wall in question. Let it dry and decide whether it is what you really want.  Often, experimenting with colours can lead to spectacular results you didn't plan on.  So don't be shy.

Remember to record the mix of the paint on the can so that whenever you need to re-order, you can effortlessly duplicate the right shade of colour.

What to Paint With.

Choosing the right paint depends on the particular area you're painting.  Generally, there are two paint types: water based or solvent based. 

Go for water-based paints when doing walls and ceilings. They're easy to apply, touch dry in 20 minutes, can usually be re-coated in two hours, and clean up in water.

A semi-gloss or satin finish acrylic, on the other hand, gives a hardy surface in high traffic areas, such as kitchens, family rooms or children's rooms.

Flat or low sheen acrylic or vinyls are better suited for more formal areas like dining rooms, bedrooms and lounge rooms.

For ceilings, try a special ultra flat plastic known as ceiling white that helps mask imperfections. But choose one that doesn't drip.

For areas that need constant cleaning, such as doors, windows and furniture, or walls subjected to frequent dampness, you can't go wrong with solvent-based enamel paint.  It gives hard-wearing surfaces a tough finish. Kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms are popular with enamel paint.

At the end of the day, the physical appearance of your home will be the reason a prospective buyer will make an offer. Paint your way to a successful home for sale then.