Best Paint Colors To Select For Selling Your Home In Northern Virginia
When it comes to selling your home, presentation is everything—and in the competitive real estate markets of Northern Virginia, even small improvements can yield big returns. One of the most affordable and effective ways to enhance your home’s appeal is with a fresh coat of paint. But not just any color will do. Choosing the right paint colors, both inside and out, can significantly impact how quickly your home sells and even influence the final sale price. From Alexandria’s historic rowhomes to the suburban colonials in Fairfax and the contemporary condos in Arlington, homes in Northern Virginia are as varied as the people who live in them. Understanding what paint colors appeal to buyers in this area—and how to use them strategically—can make all the difference. At Ploutis Contracting, we specialize in residential painting for homes across Northern Virginia. Here’s our expert guide to choosing the best paint colors to help your home sell quickly and for top dollar.
Answering The Question: What Are The Best Paint Colors To Select For Selling Your Home In Northern Virginia?
Why Neutral Colors Are Key
Home buyers are looking for move-in-ready properties that feel clean, updated, and easy to personalize. This is why neutral colors are always a safe and effective choice when painting a home to sell. Neutral tones appeal to a broader audience, making it easier for buyers to envision their own furniture and decor in the space.
In addition, neutral paint colors:
- Make rooms appear larger and brighter
- Highlight architectural features without distraction
- Provide a clean slate for staging and photography
- Are less likely to clash with other finishes like countertops, flooring, and cabinetry
While bold and trendy colors may reflect your personality, they can also alienate potential buyers. The goal is to create a space that feels inviting and universally appealing.
Top Interior Paint Colors That Sell Homes in Northern Virginia
Here are the most effective interior paint colors we recommend for homeowners preparing to list their property:
1. Greige (Gray + Beige)
The combination of gray and beige—often called “greige”—has become a go-to color for real estate professionals. Greige blends the warmth of beige with the contemporary coolness of gray, creating a modern, welcoming backdrop that works in every room of the house.
Popular shades:
- Sherwin-Williams “Agreeable Gray”
- Benjamin Moore “Revere Pewter”
Greige works especially well in the family rooms and open-concept spaces common in many newer Northern Virginia homes.
2. Warm Whites
White remains a classic choice, but in 2024 and 2025, warm-toned whites are preferred over cold, clinical shades. These off-whites help rooms feel clean and bright without feeling sterile. They’re ideal for kitchens, hallways, and smaller bedrooms.
Recommended colors:
- Sherwin-Williams “Alabaster”
- Benjamin Moore “White Dove”
These hues are perfect for Alexandria’s historic homes with crown moldings and original trim, helping to highlight those architectural features without overpowering them.
3. Soft Taupe and Light Mushroom
These warm neutrals are especially helpful in spaces where you want to add a bit of depth without veering into too much personality. They’re perfect for dining rooms, hallways, and transitional areas.
Popular choices:
- Benjamin Moore “Edgecomb Gray”
- Sherwin-Williams “Accessible Beige”
These colors provide just enough contrast to add interest but remain buyer-friendly and easy to decorate around.
4. Slate Blue or Sage Green (as Accents)
In limited amounts—like bathrooms, powder rooms, or a laundry area—softer blues and greens add a calming, spa-like quality that appeals to modern buyers. These muted earth tones provide subtle color while maintaining neutrality.
Good options include:
- Behr “Sage Gray”
- Benjamin Moore “Silver Marlin”
Use these accent colors to break up expanses of beige and white while still keeping things light and welcoming.
Exterior Paint Colors That Increase Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers see, whether it’s in online photos or from the curb during a showing. A faded or outdated exterior paint job can make even a well-maintained home feel neglected. In Northern Virginia, where seasons are distinct and weather can be harsh, repainting the exterior before selling is a smart investment.
Top exterior paint colors for resale:
- Light Gray with White Trim: This combination is timeless and elegant. It works across a wide variety of home styles, from Cape Cod to Colonial, which are common in Arlington and Fairfax. It communicates cleanliness and makes homes feel crisp and classic.
- Warm Beige or Soft Taupe: Perfect for homes that already feature brick or stone, these warm tones blend beautifully with natural surroundings and feel grounded and welcoming.
- Slate Blue or Light Sage: For homeowners who want a touch of color, these subdued hues can add personality without being polarizing. They’re particularly effective in neighborhoods where homes have character and charm—like those in Del Ray or Old Town Alexandria.
- Black or Navy Doors: Regardless of the main exterior color, a bold front door adds curb appeal and signals to buyers that the home is stylish and well cared for. According to Zillow, homes with black front doors sold for up to $6,000 more than expected.
Colors to Avoid When Selling
Even though color preferences are subjective, certain paint colors consistently perform poorly in the Northern Virginia real estate market. Avoid:
- Bright red or orange walls, which can feel aggressive or overwhelming
- Dark brown, which may make rooms feel small or dated
- Bold accent walls, which may not match a buyer’s decor or taste
- Cool, sterile whites, which can feel unwelcoming and stark
If your home currently features any of these, it’s well worth the investment to neutralize them before listing.
How to Decide What to Paint
You don’t always have to repaint the entire home to make a difference. Focus on:
- High-traffic interior spaces: Entryways, living rooms, hallways, and kitchens
- Outdated or loud colors: Repaint bright or unusual colors with buyer-friendly neutrals
- Peeling or stained exterior areas: Repaint trim, shutters, and siding as needed
- Doors and cabinets: Consider updating worn finishes with fresh coats for a quick refresh
Contact Ploutis Contracting Today for Residential Painting Services in Northern Virginia
At Ploutis Contracting, we specialize in helping homeowners across Northern Virginia prepare their homes for sale with high-quality residential painting services. Our team understands the local real estate market and knows exactly which colors, finishes, and techniques make the biggest impact on buyers. Whether you’re looking to repaint a single room or refresh your home’s entire interior and exterior, we offer professional advice, timely service, and beautiful results that stand out in any listing. We work with realtors, stagers, and sellers to ensure every detail aligns with your goal of a successful, profitable sale. Don’t let the wrong color scheme hold your sale back. Contact Ploutis Contracting today to schedule a consultation and discover how our painting services can help your Northern Virginia home sell faster—and for more.