I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues

Don't wish it away

Don't look at it like it's forever

Between you and me I could honestly say

That things can only get better

And while I'm away

Dust out the demons inside

And it won't be long before you and me run

To the place in our hearts where we hide

And I guess that's why they call it the blues

Time on my hands could be time spent with you

Laughing like children, living like lovers

Rolling like thunder under the covers

And I guess that's why they call it the blues

Little did Sir Elton John ever consider his 1983 hit, I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues would have an entirely different meaning in 2017, especially when relating to the color blue and it's impact on the value of a home. There are numerous factors that affect home prices, most notably, location, location, location, school district, access to public transportation, and date and extent of recent remodeling projects, among others. However, a recent Zillow analysis found that a fresh coat of paint in the right color may help sell a home for more money. Zillow discovered that homes with rooms painted in shades of blue or light grey may sell for as much as $5,400 more than those painted white.

In its 2017 Paint Color Analysis, Zillow looked at more than 32,000 photos of recently sold homes to determine how certain colors affected average sale prices compared to similar homes with white walls.

One of the most important rooms where color affected price was the bathroom. Bathrooms painted or tiled with shades of powder blue or light periwinkle sold for $5,440 more than expected. Light blue had the highest premium of any color found in the home. Other colors that resulted in price premiums included cool, natural tones such as gray or oatmeal.

Blue bathrooms commanded the highest premiums. Homes with blue or soft gray-blue kitchens attracted more than $1,800 more than those painted white. Zillow's chief economist Svenja Gudell explains, "Painting walls in fresh, natural-looking colors, particularly in shades of blue or pale gray, not only make a home feel larger, but also are neutral enough to help future buyers envision themselves living in the space. Incorporating light blue in kitchens and bathrooms may pay off especially well as the color complements white countertops and cabinets."

The Zillow analysis provides another story-telling opportunity for showroom sales professionals. Not only can you bring extra enjoyment and satisfaction to your clients with your recommendations, you can also demonstrate how working with you increases the value of their home both financially and emotionally.