Photo Credit: Terry Blastenbrei
If you are thinking about painting or installing new siding on your house, you should think carefully about what color to choose for your home.
The first thing to consider is how long you plan to own your home.
If you will be owning your home long term, then go ahead and pick any color you like. However, if you will be moving before it’s time to repaint or redo the siding, then you need to consider resale value.
If your home exterior is painted, you should plan to have the exterior siding professionally painted every 5 years. Keep in mind that repainting a new color may be more costly than painting it the same color again, so it is something to consider even if you plan to stay in your home over 5 years.
If you plan to stay in your home 10 or 15 years, paint it whatever you want.
If you might move in a few years, stick with neutral colors or you may find it hard to sell your home.
If you will be installing vinyl or hardboard siding, then it is smart to stay with a neutral color regardless of how long you plan to be in the home. Siding can last 15-25 years, and a lot can change in that time period which would warrant a move even if you aren’t planning on it today.
In addition, siding colors can fade. Many manufacturers have stopped making blue vinyl siding because of this problem.
Popular Colors for the Exterior of Your Home:
Neutrals are the most popular colors for home exteriors in St. Louis.
As you drive across town, you will see many homes that are:
- white
- cream
- beige or tan
- light grey
In historic areas or some new construction lifestyle projects, you will also see homes that are a smokey blue, avocado green or red. In St. Louis, you will see these colors in paint or in hardboard siding, not vinyl.
Here are some of my home listings with popular exterior colors:
Colors to Avoid in Your Home:
You’ll also find homes that are yellow and pale green, especially in vinyl siding. These homes can be harder to sell, so carefully consider when you will be selling if you want to pick these colors.
Dark brown homes, either in siding, paint or wood siding that is stained, makes buyers think of the 1970s. They strongly prefer lighter colors.
However, you do find homes like this one in wooded or rural areas popular. If you are thinking about dark brown paint or natural stain, consider where you live and if other homes in the area are painted that color before making a decision.
Some newer subdivisions may also have restrictive indentures that require colors to be approved or restrict the colors, so be sure you know your subdivision rules before spending money.
Colors that aren’t on my lists above are rarely seen in St. Louis. Think twice before you go with them, especially if you don’t want to upset your neighbors. Rainbow and multi-color homes are likely to make you the annoying neighbor on your block.
