When preparing a house to sell, one of the most important factors to consider is the exterior color. Specifically, blue is a popular color for home exteriors, but some real estate experts debate whether or not blue houses are actually harder to sell than homes with more neutral exterior colors.
The Potential Downsides of a Blue Exterior
There are a few potential reasons why blue exterior houses may take longer to sell or sell for less compared to other colors:
- Blue can be perceived as cold or clinical. While blue is widely considered a calm, peaceful color, some shades like bright or icy blues can come across as sterile and unwelcoming.
- It’s a bold color choice. Blue is an eye-catching color, which could be unappealing to buyers who prefer a more understated or classic look.
- It has limited appeal. While blue has fairly widespread appeal, other neutral colors like gray, beige or white tend to have broader mass appeal.
- It doesn’t complement all home styles. Blue exteriors pair best with certain architectural styles, like coastal cottages. It may clash with more traditional home styles.
In general, bolder exterior colors tend to be more divisive, while neutral shades have wider appeal. This could make blue houses trickier to sell.
The Case for Blue Exterior Houses
However, there are also good reasons why a blue exterior can be an asset when selling a home:
- It’s eye-catching. While the boldness of blue may turn some buyers off, it also makes the home stand out and grabs attention.
- It’s versatile. From navy to sky blue, there are many shades of blue to choose from to complement different architectural styles.
- It feels fresh and modern. Blue is a trendy, contemporary color that can make homes seem more updated.
- It conveys a relaxing vibe. Light and airy blues can evoke feelings of tranquility and calm.
So while blue isn’t universally loved, it has certain aesthetic advantages that appeal to many homebuyers’ preferences.
What the Data Says on Blue Houses
But what does the data actually indicate about how blue exterior homes perform when it comes time to sell? There have been a few studies examining this:
| Study | Findings on Blue Exteriors |
|---|---|
| Zillow Digs Home Design Analysis | Homes with blue exteriors spent 9 more days on the market compared to average. |
| Redfin Study | Blue homes sold for $4,000 less on average than expected. |
These studies do show that blue exteriors are linked to somewhat slower sales and lower sale prices compared to expectations. However, it’s important to note that the effects are relatively small—just 9 more median days on market and a 1.6% lower average sale price for blue homes.
Tips for Selling a Blue House
If you have a blue exterior house you’re looking to sell, there are a few tips that can help attract buyers and minimize any potential downsides of the exterior color:
- Highlight blue in your marketing materials. Use vibrant blue in photos, descriptions and signage to play up the color as a defining feature.
- Lean into the coastal/nautical vibe. Decorating with white, navy and natural wood tones helps blue exteriors feel crisp and beachy.
- Paint the front door an accent color. A pop of contrast like red or yellow on the front door prevents the exterior from feeling one-note.
- Upgrade the landscaping. Eye-catching gardens, plants and walkways draw attention away from the blue facade.
- Offer color choice. If possible, tell buyers you’re open to repainting the exterior their color of choice.
With strategic marketing and styling choices, you can really play up the advantages of a blue exterior.
The Bottom Line
Blue house exteriors do face some unique challenges when it comes time to sell. Data indicates they may spend longer on the market and sell for slightly lower prices than expected.
However, when paired strategically with the right architecture and decor, blue can be eye-catching, modern and inviting in ways that appeal strongly to certain demographics of homebuyers. The lower sale prices are fairly negligible.
So while blue faces some statistical disadvantages, it likely doesn’t make or break the sale of a home. Factors like condition, upgrades, school district and overall livability play a much larger role. With smart marketing and styling choices, blue exterior homes can sell just as competitively as homes with more neutral facades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some people believe blue houses are harder to sell?
There are a few common perceptions about why blue exteriors may hurt home sales:
- Blue can give off a cold, unwelcoming vibe
- It’s a bold color choice that may alienate buyers preferring neutral tones
- Data shows blue homes take longer to sell and can sell for less
- Blue doesn’t suit all architectural styles and may clash on some homes
What are the benefits of a blue exterior?
Some of the advantages of a blue exterior include:
- Eye-catching and makes a home stand out
- Many shades like navy, sky blue and robin’s egg blue to choose from
- Feels fresh, modern and contemporary
- Light blues evoke a relaxing, tranquil vibe
Do statistics support the claim blue houses are harder to sell?
There is some statistical data that blue homes take longer to sell and can sell for slightly less than expected. However, the effects are relatively minor:
- Blue homes sold for $4,000 less on average than expected (Redfin)
- Blue homes spent 9 more median days on the market (Zillow)
So while blue may be at a slight statistical disadvantage, the impact is negligible and likely outweighed by factors like price, location and condition.
How can you maximize the appeal of a blue exterior home?
Tips to play up the advantages of a blue exterior include:
- Using vibrant blue in marketing materials
- Decorating with coastal, nautical themes
- Painting the front door an accent color
- Investing in eye-catching landscaping
- Offering to repaint the exterior the buyer’s color of choice
What home styles work best with blue exteriors?
Blue exterior houses tend to suit these home styles best:
- Coastal cottages or beach houses
- Victorian homes
- Farmhouse styles
- Mediterranean or Italianate villas
- Modern or contemporary homes
Shades like navy blue and robin’s egg blue are especially well-suited for coastal homes. Pale blue grays complement Victorian and farmhouse styles. Vibrant shades work on modern houses.
