12 Exterior Paint Colors to Help Sell Your House

Like the hues you choose for indoors, exterior house colors should be ones you love coming home to day after day. That being said, if you're planning to put your house on the market in the near future, the wise course is to consider which exterior paint color

Off-White

"The color you paint your home's exterior can make or break people's perception of your house," says Erika Woelfel, director of color marketing for Behr Paints. Several colors come together to create this traditional look: A lighter shade of paint adorns the brick facade, while a cream-colored entryway and greige shutters provide subtle contrast.

Yellow

"The color yellow on a house says 'happy' right off the bat," observes interior designer Carla Aston, of Aston Design Studio, in The Woodlands, Texas. But in order to attract the greatest number of potential buyers, stick with a pale shade. When the owners of this stately home chose a brighter yellow, Carla suggested they tone it down and lighten it up, resulting in this cheerful hue.

Light Blue

Whether your home is situated on the shores of America's coastline or on a cozy suburban cul-de-sac, fresh color combinations like this light blue and deep aqua can enhance architectural elements. Seen here, Behr's Watery (HDC-CT-26) provides a tranquil backdrop for shutters and doors in bright Blue Metal (HDC-AC-25).

Gray

Ever since Ron Sonnek, president of Sicora Design/Build, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, posted a picture of this renovation on Houzz.com, he has received "literally thousands of requests for this paint color!" And what is the magic combination? Benjamin Moore Copley Gray (HC-104) trimmed with Benjamin Moore Elephant Tusk (OC-8).

Taupe

In keeping with the natural trend, Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams, reveals that Tony Taupe (SW 7038) is one of the company's most popular choices among neutral exterior paint colors. "Sticking with classic neutrals is a good way to play it safe when planning to put your house up for sale," Jordan says.

Putty

"We're seeing a lot of putty, warm taupe, and gray hues—exterior house colors that blend in with the natural surroundings," reports Amy Elbert, senior architecture editor for Traditional Home. "Inspiration might come from stone used in the home's foundation or on walls and walkways on the property."

Blue Gray

Deep blue grays like the shade shown in this example "have a nautical, serene feeling," says Amy Hendel, designer for Hendel Homes, in Wayzata, Minnesota, who oversaw the renovation of this waterfront cottage. "It's also a good complement to white trim."

Wheat

Not quite white and almost yellow, this buttery in-between feels both warm and clean. Behr Oklahoma Wheat (350E-3) will match up beautifully with both dark browns and gray-blues for accents, and will positively glow next to the green of a well-kept lawn.

Cypress Green

A cross between green and gray, Benjamin Moore Cypress Green (509) is neutral without being boring, and makes a wonderful contrast to dark gray and black shutters.

White

A white clapboard farmhouse is an American icon with timeless appeal. For the renovation of the one pictured here, designer Amy Hendel considered many exterior house colors but ultimately, she chose Benjamin Moore Cloud White (967). "It's not a stark white, but has creamy yellow undertones that would complement any style of home," she says.

Sable Brown

Like all the best exterior house colors, dark, earthy Sherwin-Williams Sable (6083) makes a solid statement: This house is here to stay. Shutters in reds, blues, blacks, or whites will complement the bold paint pick for stand-out curb appeal.

Lighthouse Red

Cheery, lighthouse red feels both traditional and fresh. Unlike other exterior house paint colors, Benjamin Moore Million Dollar Red (2003-10) pops out against any background, whether your home is nestled in trees or on a clean landscape outlined only by the broad sky.

Spruce It Up

Before you put your house on the market, consider making these upgrades that will increase your home’s value. Don’t have the time for projects? Then just try these quick fixes for a fast home sale.