When putting a home up for sale, owners typically search for ways to spruce up their property so they can garner the highest price possible. Of course, most don’t want to spend a lot of money and they expect a solid return on investment. One of the easiest, most cost-effective options is to re-energize their home with a fresh, updated coat of paint — not only inside but outside, as well. Why?
Curb appeal… and it’s a big deal!
When homebuyers come calling, the first (and highly influential) visual they encounter is a property’s exterior. Curb appeal is important because it evokes an instantaneous reaction, as the outside aesthetic often indicates what one may find inside.
Yet, when the time comes for renovations, many homeowners underestimate the aesthetic (not to mention, financial) value of giving their home’s exterior a facelift. Instead, they tend to focus their time, effort — and a lot of money — on interior projects such as kitchen and bath remodels, primary bedroom redesigns and room additions. While such upgrades also boost value, it is important to keep the outside as alluring as the inside — especially if your client is looking to put their home on the market.
Remember, selling a home is all about first impressions, and a property’s curb appeal can either entice or dissuade potential buyers in a matter of seconds. Upping your client’s exterior game is not about spending a lot of money but how effectively their investment increases their home’s perceived value. Therefore, consider suggesting they spruce up the exterior element that delivers the greatest impact but will not break the bank — the front door!
A 2021 Zillow survey revealed that the color of a home’s front door can not only influence the number and strength of incoming offers, but also how long a home may sit unsold. Case in point, Zillow reported that respondents were willing pay an additional $1,695 for a residence with a slate blue door and a whopping $6,449 more for a home with a black door. On the other hand, some colors can deflate the value and selling price. You may want to steer your clients away from using pale pink, for example, as survey participants would only be willing to offer $6,516 below average price.
Classic front door colors like red and brown remain popular but, thanks to Pinterest, people are getting more adventurous with hues such as orange and yellow — and moving away from the grays that have dominated the residential market in the last decade. At the same time, be careful your client does not go over-the-top. Remember: the door color should be attention-grabbing but not so wild that a buyer sees it and thinks that the first thing they must do is repaint.
If your client is in search of inspiration, here are Behr’s Top Front Door Paint Colors!
BLACK
Sophisticated and dramatic, Black is as pure and dark as it gets — an elegant, timeless color with vast character and infinite depth.
Half Sea Fog (N470-3)
This quiet blue-gray is inspired by ethereal coastal mists, creating an enigmatic blend of mystery and calm.
Juniper Berries (PPU13-02)
Juniper Berries is a deep, shadowy blue-green — like the quiet of winter.
Red My Mind (MQ1-10)
An exquisite, earthy red that never leaves you guessing, Red My Mind is the perfect bold hue for attracting attention!
Dark Truffle (PPU5-19)
This decadent chocolate hue invigorates the senses and has a lingering, luxurious appeal with its shadowy cool undertones.
Compass Blue (MQ5-54)
Your client will always find their way home with Compass Blue, an inky navy that evokes the spirited adventure of navigation and wanderlust — infinitely bold and harmonious.
Black Evergreen (MQ6-44)
Dramatic and refined, Black Evergreen encapsulates the beauty of shaded groves or fern-lined caverns. It’s rustic yet timeless.
Adirondack Blue (N480-5)
Part of the BEHR® DESIGNER COLLECTION palette, this stable and reassuring slate blue echoes the calm respite of natural settings and refined sophistication.
Swiss Coffee (12)
Part of the BEHR® DESIGNER COLLECTION palette, Swiss Coffee is a warm white with an unmistakable cream base, like delicious, warm creamy coffee on a cold winter morning.
Celebration (MQ4-13A)
Start the party with this bright mustard tone — a celebration that brings a unique, pop of energy and fun to any front entry.
While the front door isn’t the largest area in the grand scheme of a property, it’s a highly influential component that could impact how long your client’s home remains on the market, as well as the final selling price. When choosing an exterior paint product, consider BEHR PREMIUM® Cabinet, Door & Trim Enamel. The paint provides all-weather protection and outstanding block resistance, giving your client a beautiful end result and quick return to service. As a professional painter, your clients look to you for expert advice — and you can count on the Behr team to support you. If you have any questions or could use some guidance, please contact us. You can find a BEHR PRO® Rep here.
Yes, it gives a lot of info, but didn’t answer my question.
I’m not planing in changing color, only on doing maintenance: I know that the main entrance door have to be repainted, my problem is that I don’t know the type of paint that was originally used.
I’m the owner and I bought it new.
Your help will be highly appreciated.
Hi Hector,
Consider sanding the area to be repainted, wipe the dust with a damp rag, and then apply a new coat of BEHR DYNASTY® Exterior Paint in semi-gloss in the desired color.
If you have additional questions, please contact your local BEHR Pro Rep.
Kindly,
The BEHR PRO Team
Hi I’m looking to paint my front door , inside doors and pantry
Can you suggest me a bold luxury look colors
I wanted to go with a black look with golden knobs but just confused can you help me out
Hi Mariya,
Here are a few recommendations to paint your front door and interior doors for a bold luxury look: Cracked Pepper PPU18-01, Compass Blue MQ5-54, Espresso Beans PPU5-01, and Black Evergreen MQ6-44. These hues will also pair nicely with golden knobs.
Kindly,
The BEHR Pro Team
Red brick house, dark brown metal roof, white windows
Need paint suggestions for exterior door, side lights, garage door
Please
Hi Joan,
Here is a combination you can try:
Door: Very Navy 500-7
Side lights: Cracked Pepper PPU18-01
Garage: Polar Bear 75
Kindly,
The BEHR PRO Team
Looking to paint the front door and exterior shutters on our 1960s red brick ranch home.
I really want a pop of color. Our kitchen wall tile is orange, kind of retro, so I was thinking of the front door in the orange family, but not sure how that will work with the brick. For the shutters, maybe a green or blue.
Any ideas? Also what is the best paint finish to use for the he door and shutters?
Thanks:
Hi Pru,
We recommend choosing a burnt orange front door color such as Rusty Gate M200-7 and a navy-blue color for your shutters such as Very Navy M500-7. The paint finish that may work best is Satin.
Kindly,
The BEHR PRO Team
Hi, I have extremely light gray siding(maybe lighter due to time and sun exposure). Looking to boost curb appeal by painting door, trim and shutters. Area is historic and very popular for antiques. Mix of surrounding yellow, red, blue doors and occasional black, in the area esp those being purchased and redone.
Hi Kristien,
Here is a suggested paint color combination for your trim, door, and shutters:
Trim: Polar Bear 75
Door: Dandelion Wish MQ4-12
Shutters: Cracked Pepper PPU18-01
Kindly,
The BEHR PRO Team
Hi, we just painted the exterior of our house Behr riverdale N410-3, and the trim Polar Bear 75u. What are some suggestions for colors for the front door. We live in a coastal town, Santa Barbara, CA.
Hi Orin,
A few suggestions for your front door are Dandelion Wish MQ4-12, Glazed Pot PPU3-15 or Sophisticated Teal HDC-CL-22. Any of these colors will complement the exterior of your house.
Kindly,
The BEHR PRO Team