If you’re thinking about selling your home, you might want to put down the paintbrush before reaching for that bold new color. According to data from Fixr.com, certain hues can turn buyers off the moment they walk through the door—and that could mean fewer offers and a lower selling price.
While it’s true that color can give a home personality, experts agree that some shades are just too polarizing for potential buyers. Whether it’s a wall that’s a little too bright or a kitchen that feels more chaotic than cozy, choosing the wrong color could make your home harder to sell.
Red: Too Intense for Most Buyers
According to 59% of home staging and design professionals, red is the color most likely to put off homebuyers. It’s dramatic and full of personality, but that’s exactly the problem—it’s simply not to everyone’s taste. In real estate, bold statements rarely pay off, and red walls can make rooms feel smaller or overly energetic.
If you love red, designers suggest using it sparingly—in accents like throw pillows, flowers, or artwork—rather than painting an entire space in the fiery hue.
Lime Green: A Little Too Loud
Coming in close behind, 53% of experts say lime green is one of the most off-putting colors in a home. While it’s cheerful and bold, this garish shade can overwhelm a space and make it hard for buyers to picture their own style in the room.
A softer sage or muted olive can achieve a similar fresh, natural look while appealing to a wider audience. Think calm and inviting instead of neon and intense.
Bright Yellow: Overly Energetic
Yellow is often associated with happiness and warmth, but when it’s too bright, it can have the opposite effect. Forty percent of experts say that bright yellow walls can actually drive buyers away. Instead of feeling sunny, they can feel harsh—especially in small or dimly lit rooms.
If you’re drawn to yellow, try a pale buttercream or warm beige tone instead. These subtler shades can still bring a cheerful vibe without overwhelming the space.
Other Colors to Watch Out For
While red, lime green, and bright yellow top the list, other bold shades made the “buyer beware” list too. Nineteen percent of experts say mustard yellow can hurt a home’s appeal, while ten percent named pink—even with the recent Barbiecore trend. Turquoise (9%) and black (4%) were also seen as potential deal-breakers in the wrong space.
The key takeaway? Bold color choices are personal—but home sales are all about universal appeal. When in doubt, keep it neutral.
Go Bold If It Makes You Happy
Of course, not everyone needs to decorate with resale in mind. As Bethany Adams, Principal at Bethany Adams Interiors, explains, “It’s important to consider trends if you are thinking of selling your home in the near term, but if resale isn’t an issue, I say go with what you love.”
If you plan to stay in your home for years, there’s no reason not to embrace the shades that make you happy. But if selling is on your horizon, a little restraint—and a fresh coat of neutral paint—might be one of the smartest investments you make.
