ArcaMax

Reader Question: When searching for a new house, at what age should the buyer expect the interior to be freshly painted?

Monty's Answer: The age of interior paint isn't a straightforward "should be" number when searching for a house, as several factors influence the condition and necessity of fresh paint. Quality interior paint in well-maintained conditions typically lasts five to 15 years before showing noticeable wear. However, here are key considerations to help evaluate paint age during your house hunt:

-- Room usage and traffic patterns

-- Environmental conditions (humidity, sunlight exposure)

-- Cleaning and paint quality and type used

-- Maintenance practices

-- Color choices (lighter colors tend to show wear sooner)

Priority Areas To Assess: When evaluating interior paint during house hunting, pay special attention to high-traffic areas such as hallways, family rooms, kitchens, children's rooms and playrooms, bathrooms and laundry rooms (due to moisture exposure), and south-facing rooms (due to increased sun exposure).

Red Flags vs. Acceptable Aging: Rather than focusing solely on age, look for specific signs that indicate paint needs attention, such as peeling or bubbling, water stains or discoloration, significant fading, visible patches or repairs, cracking or flaking and strong odors or visible mold. Some indoor animals (particularly felines) like to mark their territory, which is larger than a litter box. If left unchecked, it can seep under the mopboard and bleed up a plastered wall, which can be an expensive repair.

Acceptable Aging: Not being a new home, expect minor scuff marks, slight color variation in low-traffic areas, small nail holes and minimal fading in direct sunlight areas.

Negotiation Considerations: While fresh paint might be ideal, it shouldn't necessarily be a deal-breaker. Consider using paint condition as a negotiation point, requesting a paint allowance in the purchase offer and planning for painting costs in your renovation budget.

Cost Implications: Professional interior painting costs $2-$4 per square foot. When evaluating a home, get estimates for rooms that require immediate attention. Factor these costs into your offer and consider do-it-yourself options to reduce costs.

Professional Advice: Most real estate agents suggest only some rooms with fresh paint. Focus on structural and mechanical issues first and consider paint condition alongside other cosmetic updates. Be more concerned about signs of underlying problems (e.g., water damage, mold) than aesthetic issues.

The Bottom Line: Rather than expecting fresh paint at a specific age, buyers should instead:

1: Evaluate the overall condition and maintenance of the home.

2: Consider paint condition room by room.

3: Factor painting costs into purchase decisions.

4: Focus on signs of proper maintenance rather than age.

5: Prioritize any areas showing damage or wear that could indicate more prominent issues.

Remember that while fresh paint is aesthetically pleasing and can protect surfaces, it's a relatively simple and affordable update compared to other home improvements. A house with older but well-maintained paint might be a better investment than one with fresh paint covering potential problems. There can be a thin line between upkeep and repair -- what is important is condition and cleanliness, but sharp homes usually sell faster and for more money.

Richard Montgomery is a syndicated columnist, published author, retired real estate executive, serial entrepreneur and the founder of DearMonty.com and PropBox, Inc. He provides consumers with options to real estate issues. Follow him on Twitter (X) @dearmonty or DearMonty.com.

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