Exterior Paint

Painting the exterior of a house costs $3,000-$7,000 for a professional job and returns 55-70% at resale — but the real value is in preventing the "drive-by rejection." Buyers decide within 7 seconds of seeing a house whether they're interested. Peeling, faded, or dated paint colors kill deals before the front door opens. The current sweet spot: warm whites, dark charcoal accents, and a bold front door (navy, black, or forest green). Sherwin-Williams' Color of the Year sells more houses than any real estate agent.