There was an article in this week's Fauquier Times Democrat giving sellers advice on getting their homes ready to sell. There wasn't much actual news there so I won't spend a lot of space here reviewing the basic common sense ideas.

But there was a mention of how homes don't have to all be painted white these days and of how quickly a condo with a kitchen painted black had sold. This definitely deserves at least a comment!

Do NOT go out and paint your kitchen black! There are very, very few kitchens that would look good painted black. There are infinitessimal number of buyers who would actually want a black kitchen! I don't believe the agent interviewed for the article meant to advise people that painting their kitchens black. But just in case any of you thought it was a good idea after reading that article....STOP!

Yes, there's a greater tolerance for a wider range of paint choices these days. However, neutral is never a bad choice. Think twice about any really strong color choices!

Bright colors are great accents and your buyers won't be afraid that their decor won't match.

And, if you're in doubt as to whether or not to paint a room, ask your agent or hire a staging professional! And if either of them suggests painting your kitchen black, please get a second opinion!