Something that won’t make people want to turn around and leave as soon as they enter the front door. Seriously though, that is really the answer, but I will go into a little more detail so I can get an entire blog out of it.

Some of the key elements of choosing a paint scheme for your rentals are as follows:

Neutral colors

You would think this goes without saying, but trust me it doesn’t. Pick a scheme that is easy on the eyes and preferably makes rooms look larger than they actually are. Stay away from colors that are either gloomy or very bright. We use Sherwin Williams Navajo White on the walls and their regular standard flat white trim and ceiling paint. Not fancy at all, but never one complaint.

Availability, Convenience, and Affordability

Choose a scheme you can use over and over again from a store that is convenient for you to get to. You should be buying the paint 5 gallons at a time to save money and preferably from a place where you can either call in a phone order or order online as a way to speed up the pick up process. Time is money when you are dealing with getting a vacant rental property unit rent ready and paint is usually the first step in that process. Don’t overthink it, stick with what works.

Consider a Paint Sprayer

Do not read any further if you are like me and you can barely handle painting with a brush and roller. If you are competent though, getting proficient with a sprayer could be a game changer. There is more time associated with cleaning the sprayer after each use as opposed to brushes and rollers, but your time spent painting should drastically reduce. Remember the quicker you get your painting done the quicker you can get the unit up for rent or move on to the next aspect of the turnover.

Just like anything else in real estate painting is all about having a plan and executing it. Until you have had paint delay a rehab project or apartment turnover you take for granted how important it is in the grand scheme of the business. Think about it, virtually everything you do to make an apartment nicer starts with painting so why not develop a system that becomes tried and true so you can focus your energy on other aspects of your business?