Flipping Knoxville: The Paint Colors That Will Add Thousands to Your Resale Value

In the fast-paced world of real estate investment, every dollar counts. For house flippers in Knoxville, maximizing return on investment (ROI) is the name of the game. And while kitchen remodels and bathroom upgrades can certainly add value, there’s one often-underestimated improvement that can deliver a massive ROI: a fresh coat of paint.

That’s right, the power of paint is not to be underestimated. A well-executed paint job can completely transform a property, making it feel fresh, modern, and move-in ready. But it’s not just about slapping on any old color. To truly maximize your ROI, you need to be strategic in your color choices.

The Psychology of Color

When potential buyers walk into a home, they’re not just looking at the layout and the square footage; they’re also reacting to the colors on the walls. The right colors can evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and spaciousness, while the wrong colors can make a home feel dated, dark, and small.

For house flippers, the goal is to choose colors that will appeal to the broadest range of buyers. This means sticking to a neutral palette that will allow potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space. But neutral doesn’t have to mean boring. There are plenty of sophisticated and on-trend neutral colors that can make a big impact.

The ROI of Paint

According to a 2025 report by Zillow, a fresh coat of interior paint can increase a home’s resale value by an average of 5%. And when you consider that the average cost of a professional interior paint job is just a fraction of that, the ROI is clear. In fact, some studies have shown that a fresh coat of paint can deliver an ROI of over 100%.

The Colors That Sell

So, which colors are the most likely to help you sell your flipped property for top dollar? As Realty Executives recently noted, cool “millennial grays” are on their way out, and warm neutrals with undertones of red, orange, or yellow are what buyers want in 2026. Here are a few of our top picks for the Knoxville market:

• Greige: A sophisticated blend of gray and beige, greige is the perfect neutral. It’s warm and inviting, yet still modern and fresh. It’s also incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide range of accent colors.
• Warm Whites: Forget stark, sterile whites. Today’s most popular white paint colors have warm undertones that create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Look for shades with hints of cream or beige.
• Soft Grays: Gray has been a popular neutral for years, and for good reason. It’s a timeless and sophisticated color that can make any space feel more elegant. Look for soft, light grays with warm undertones.
• Earthy Greens: For a pop of color that’s still neutral enough to appeal to a wide range of buyers, consider an earthy green. Sage green and mossy green are both great options that can bring a touch of nature indoors.

Don’t Forget the Exterior

While interior paint colors are crucial, don’t forget about the exterior. A fresh coat of exterior paint can dramatically improve a home’s curb appeal and make a great first impression on potential buyers. When choosing an exterior paint color, stick to classic, timeless colors that will complement the home’s architectural style and the surrounding neighborhood.

The Professional Touch

When you’re flipping a house, time is money. And while you may be tempted to save a few bucks by painting the property yourself, a professional paint job is always a worthwhile investment. A professional painter will have the experience and expertise to get the job done quickly and efficiently, and they’ll be able to deliver a flawless finish that will impress potential buyers.

At Cutting Edge Painting, we specialize in working with real estate investors and house flippers in Knoxville. We understand the importance of a quick turnaround and a high-quality finish. Contact us today for a free estimate!