Does house color affect appraisal?

Question

I was thinking of getting a different color siding? The current siding is in good condition but is an ugly color. Would it appraise higher with a better color?

John Worley · Answer

As a former appraiser myself, let me say NO...that color of your siding isn't going to make to least bit of difference in your appraised value. As a general rule, any cosmetic changes to the property will not affect the appraised value. Now the appraiser may make note of siding that needs replacing and painting that needs to be done in the report and plus an estimated cost to cure, by that should be as far as it goes. If you get an appraisal who starts making adjustments based on cosmetic appearences, then get another appraisal.

Brandi Young · Answer

I had a similar discussion a while back and this is what was thrown around...

If the property has some feature that "offends the senses" of the appraisor it is possible to get a lower appraisal due to a common trait among humans...  When we get offended - that is to say taken out of a positive mindset ubruptly - we begin to have a less that positive outlook.

We ended the discussion having decided that the best bet is to compliment other houses in the neighborhood.  Don't make it so bland that it blends in and fades away, but stay away from colors that make even the color-blind folk cringe.

I will venture a guess that your common sense already told you that.

Michael Sherwood · Answer

Color isn't as important as many people think. Just have to make sure the house looks good  :D

N/A N/A · Answer

Funny.... but true.  You can see the color in the pictures taken by the appraiser...

Jim Gordon · Answer

There is no place on a residential appraisal form for house color.

Jeff Takle · Answer

I really, really doubt that any appraisal would come in for the amount or more than it would cost to do the siding.  Siding can run a LOT of money; just had a few estimates for a 2-family house I've got that ran over $40,000.

Also, I'm not sure what benefits you would get by having an appraisal anyhow. It's just one data point in a CMA for selling, and it's no guarantee that anyone would pay that amount, and if you're using it to refinance, then you're paying cash/financing (siding) to obtain cash/financing (refinance) which doesn't make sense.  If you can paint instead or decorate the lawn with nice flowers, landscaping, new door, etc. that might be a more cost effective way to pretty up the place and give more curb appeal.

If, however, the place is neon pink or a color that only 1 in 1,000 would even stop the car and get out at, then who cares about the appraisal specifically, you might want to repaint/reside just to increase foot traffic and make the place sellable / rentable. I've seen some scary color choices where no buyer could envision themselves living there.  Hard to say without seeing a picture but siding is VERY expensive and you're unlikely to get its value back unless your house looks absolutely hideous.

N/A N/A · Answer

Most likely... no.