Express Yourself Paint

Deck Stain Frequency & Lifespan Guide

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 11:24:16 GMT

Factors that Affect Stain Life

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Severe Condition: - In extreme cases; stain may last less than 1 year.
Ideal Performance: - Quality deck stains can last up to 5 years in optimal conditions - but decks are exposed to multiple wear factors, making them one of the hardest surfaces to maintain.

WHY WE RECOMMEND SOLID STAINS

Superior protection from sun and water
Easier, more cost-effective maintenance
Often refreshed by recoating only deck floors & top handrails for extended life

How Often Should I Stain My Deck?

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 17:02:00 GMT

The frequency of how often you should stain your deck depends on the type of sealer or stain you use.

Transparent Sealers and Toners – Re-stain every 1-2 Years

Solid Stains every 2-4 Years

Factors That Affect the Life Span of Your Stain

The life span of a stained deck will vary widely based on the number and severity of the factors listed above. In severe cases, the stain may not last a year and re-staining may be needed more often. Ideally, quality deck stains should last close to 5 years, but because a deck often has several of the negative factors above, they tend to be the most problematic structures to coat. We highly recommend solid stains as they protect your wood from elements such as the sun, and water much better than clear sealers/toners. Solid stains are also much easier and cost-effective to maintain. A deck coated with solid stain can often be refreshed by recoating the deck floor and the top of the handrails only with minimum labor while adding years of life to your deck. To schedule an appointment for a deck staining, please click here .

Category: Misc

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Kay Yow Cancer Walk

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 11:14:00 GMT

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Popcorn Ceiling Removal

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 15:20:00 GMT

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What are stress cracks and where do they come from?

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 17:11:00 GMT

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Where are sheens typically used and why?

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 09:06:00 GMT

Paint sheen is defined the measure of the reflected light from various types of paint. There are a few different types of sheen:

Basically, sheen selection is always a balance of looks versus durability. You want more durability in kitchens, bathrooms, and high traffic areas while in well lighted large areas such as a two-story family room you may want to opt for a flat sheen. Items heavily handled that require frequent cleaning such as a door would suggest a gloss finish.

here.

About Express Yourself Paint

Exterior

FAQ

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Exterior painting in extreme temperatures

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 15:43:00 GMT

Ideally most exterior painting would take place in spring and fall when the weather and temperatures are most conducive to a good-looking and long-lasting paint job. However, as all painters know, exterior painting is never ideal! By managing surface conditions, a fine exterior paint project can be achieved almost any time of year.

Are you ready to behold the power of paint? Schedule your free estimate here!

Category: About Express Yourself Paint , Express Yourself Paint in the Community , Misc

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One coat of paint or two?

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 16:55:00 GMT

A common question we receive on estimates is “Should I do one or two coats of paint?” . The quick answer is anytime there is a color or sheen change, our policy at Express Yourself Paint is to apply two coats of paint. While there are many so-called “ one coat ” paints being marketed we have tried them and rest assured our years of experience have taught us they do not cover. Here are a few reasons:

The power of paint fills many roles : color change, ability to clean with ease, increased durability are just to name a few. Depending on the color and condition of the surface to be coated, sometimes one coat of paint is just not possible. In most cases the extra expense of two coats is well worth the value gained in terms of the life of the paint.

Are you ready to behold the power of paint? Schedule your free estimate here!

Category: About Express Yourself Paint , Express Yourself Paint in the Community , FAQ , Interior

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How to properly power wash a house

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 16:57:00 GMT

Power washing is a part of our exterior painting process. Whether it be outside of a home or a deck, it’s important we have a clean surface to apply any paint or stain. We power wash the day before the project to give ample time to dry. Here are the steps we take in the process of power washing:

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Category: About Express Yourself Paint , Exterior , FAQ

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Paint primers: what and why?

Sat, 31 Oct 2020 14:41:00 GMT

Primers come in many varieties: latex and alkyd, spray can or brush on, dedicated or already in the paint. How does one choose the right primer for the job?

In all cases the substrate and/or the use-case being painted should determine the primer. A primers job is to bond to and seal the surface for final applications of paint. The first decision is usually latex or solvent-based primer. For most surfaces latex is perfectly acceptable, does the job and is much less messy and smelly than the solvent alternative.

Solvent-based primers are usually reserved for stain blocking and for metal surfaces. Latex is not recommended for either because the stain may bleed through when latex paint is applied or metal surfaces will be more prone to rust.

An oil base primer must be used on an oil based paint, urethane or varnish in order to apply latex paint. This includes oil-based trim paints, stained and sealed wood trims and cabinets.

If the substrate you want to paint is not something that is usually painted then you will want a specialty primer. Examples would be: masonry primers, fast bond primers for shiny surfaces like ceramic or glass, or shellac based primers for smoke damage.

What about paint and primer in one? The only time this is an advantage is for bare surfaces, saving the painter the step of a separate prime coat. Say one has peeling paint on the outside of a house, with paint and primer in one, the surface can be scraped down and painted directly without having to prime, wait for it to dry, sand and paint. Paint and primer over a previously painted surface gains no advantage over paint alone.

To find out more, schedule a free painting estimate with one of our sales team here .

Category: About Express Yourself Paint , Exterior

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Choosing a paint sheen

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 17:26:00 GMT

Choosing a paint sheen may be one of the most confusing aspects of any paint job. There is no industry standard nomenclature, different sheen names can mean the same amount of shine depending on brand, product, and whether it is interior or exterior. So, what do we mean when we say “sheen”?

Technically speaking it all has to do with the amount of enamel is present in the paint. The more enamel is present in a paint the shinier the finish will be. Also, more enamel means a harder finish which is why doors and baseboards which take the most abuse is typically a semi-gloss or even a gloss finish.

The drawback to all that shine is what is known as “flashing”. When a surface is shiny and light strikes it, any irregularities tend to catch one’s eye or flash at the viewer. Therefore large surfaces like walls tend to be matte or ceilings are a dead flat, which means no enamel at all. These flat paints also have the advantage of being able to be touched-up without more flashing.

Right in the middle of the sheen spectrum are the so-called eggshell finishes. Eggshell does not refer to a color as some people think but rather a soft or low shine similar to an egg. Low shine finishes, which may be called low, eggshell, satin, etc. are a compromise finish, offering greater protection than a flat but less hiding of imperfections. An eggshell finish is typically recommended in bathrooms, kitchens, and homes with children or pets.

So don’t stress out when picking a sheen! Just ask yourself: “do I like a little shine, or no shine?” To find out more, schedule a free painting estimate with one of our sales team here .

Category: Misc

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Express Yourself Paint Now Offering Virtual Painting Estimates

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 13:22:40 GMT

This strain of the coronavirus, known as Covid-19, is bringing the world of business down to its very knees. From transportation to manufacturing to retail sectors, the novel virus is leaving a trail of disruption in its wake.

And this is taking a toll on employment. In North Carolina alone, over 500,000 people have already filed for unemployment. This is at least according to the N.C. Department of Employment Security. The impact the novel virus is having on the painting industry is wide-ranging, explains our partners at Schambs Property Management , from the impact it is having on employment conditions and safety to the effects it’s having within the supply chain.

In our last blog, we touched upon the precautions to guard against the spread of the virus. We’ve gone a step further by offering virtual estimating . Generally an EYP salesperson will come to a prospective client’s home and provide a free painting estimate within 30-45 minutes. In order to keep one less person in our client’s homes, we’ve using Zoom to provide a “virtual” painting estimate. We’ll schedule a time to have a meeting with a client, get a look and discuss the proposed project via Zoom and provide an estimate that same day. All we ask is the client is to provide elevation (ceiling height) and scope (interior projects can include ceilings and trim, color change on exterior or interior, etc). We’re the only painting company in the Triangle to provide this service.

Our client’s and team member’s safety is of the utmost importance and decisions are made in their best interest. We will continue to serve our clients while guarding against the coronavirus. Schedule your painting estimate here .

Coronavirus Update

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 13:27:48 GMT

In light of coronavirus cases confirmed in North Carolina, Express Yourself Paint team members are taking the following precautions to guard against the spread of the virus:

Proper hand washing and sanitizer – Soap and water for 20 seconds or more and the frequent use of hand sanitizer.
Gloves -We are encouraging all team members to where painters gloves while on projects.
Team member illness policy -Team members who show any symptoms of the illness are asked to stay home and asked not to work until it is determined safe for them to do so. Team members will not be at risk of being unemployed for calling in sick.
Sharing tools – We’ve asked our team members to not share tools and if they must, make sure to change gloves and disinfect the tool with bleach.

Our client’s and team member’s safety is of the upmost importance and decisions are made in their best interest. We will continue to serve our clients while guarding against the coronavirus.

Thank you,

EYP

17 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your House

Sat, 30 May 2020 13:56:35 GMT

As a top painting contractor in the Raleigh-Durham area, we’ve worked with many Realtors and helped them sell many houses. Selling your house can be both exciting and stressful, especially if it’s your first time. Regardless of why you decided to sell your home, there are a number of pitfalls you can easily fall into, making your home selling experience less than ideal. Luckily, we’ve put together a list of the most common home selling mistakes people make so you can sell your home knowing you have your bases covered.

Underestimating the cost of selling your house

While you should ultimately profit from the sale of your home, many home sellers forget about the costs associated with selling a house. For starters, you should expect to use five to six percent of the total sale price of your home to cover the commissions of both the seller and buyer agents. For example, if you sell your home for $300,000 you could wind up paying upwards of $18,000 in commission.

Furthermore, this hefty cost doesn’t include possible concessions homebuyers might want you to make during the negotiation phase, such as making repairs suggested by a home inspector.

Not budgeting for your move

When you consider the moving process, you have two options: hiring a moving company or borrow your buddy’s truck and doing it yourself.

By hiring a moving company, rather than doing it yourself, you’re getting someone who will pack, move, and then unpack your belongings. This means that a full-service mover can be well worth the investment when you’re preoccupied with all of the other tasks associated with selling your home. Not to mention, when you hire movers your belongings are insured so you’re covered if anything breaks.

Selling a house you owe more on than what it’s worth

If you still have a remaining balance on your mortgage, you’ll most likely use a portion of the sale proceeds of your home to pay off the existing mortgage. Make sure you don’t owe more on your mortgage than what your house is actually worth or you won’t make enough money on the sale to pay off your mortgage. The best option is almost always to wait on selling your home so that it can build more equity. This way you can sell your home and buy a new one without having two mortgages at the same time.

Pricing your home incorrectly

If you price your home too high, your home may fall into seller’s limbo , sitting on the market for what feels like an eternity. On the other hand, if you price too low then you will likely sell your home quickly but you risk missing out on a significant amount of money.

The first step to understanding how much your home is worth is utilizing an online calculator . Afterward, meet with your real estate agent to discuss a good pricing strategy for your home. They will look at other comparable properties in your neighborhood that sold recently as well as bring keen insights into what the housing market is currently doing. Together, you’ll determine a good starting price as well as a pricing strategy that will incentivize buyers if your house begins to sit on the market for too long.

Skipping a pre-listing home inspection

Selling a house is stressful enough, even when everything goes right. But if a homebuyer hires an inspector who catches an issue like mold, pests, or a cracked foundation, then your stress levels will multiply as you risk losing a potential sale entirely.

Given the affordability of home inspections, there’s not much reason to avoid them. Getting a pre-listing home inspection will put your mind at ease as you’ll either know that your home is in sound condition or you’ll be able to tackle problems before homebuyers have the chance to bring them up during the negotiation phase. If an issue does arise, you can either fix it or you can let buyers know and then make a concession during the negotiation phase by reducing the price of your home accordingly.

Not refinishing hardwood floors or cleaning your carpet

If you’re reading this at home, look down. How do your floors look? Even if they don’t look terrible, there’s a pretty good chance they’re starting to show their age. Since potential buyers are going to be inspecting every aspect of your home, you should start thinking of refinishing your hardwood floors and cleaning your carpet

The best time to have your carpet cleaned or hardwood floors refinished is right before you stage your home. Since you’ll already be moving most (or all) of your furniture to either a new home or a storage unit, this is a great time to get your floors done and make them a selling point to potential homebuyers.

Not staging your home for a quick sale

The main point of staging your home is to allow potential homebuyers the chance to picture themselves living in your space. They get to see a home with furniture and art that’s arranged in a way that highlights key features of your home, rather than an empty house that echoes every sound. Staging your home pays off too as 21 percent of agents told the National Association of Realtors that staging a home increased its’ sale price by as much as 10 percent, making it a worthwhile investment.

Forgoing professional real estate photos

With the advent of cameras on smartphones, everyone likes to think of themselves as a photographer these days. Even though that picture you took of your dinner last week looked like it could be featured in advertisements, you’re still probably not ready to take your own real estate photos. A real estate photographer will make sure that your home looks great when you list it because not only do they have the equipment, they understand the angles that best sell a home.

If you have a large home, a stunning view you want to show off, or a large amount of land, you may also want to consider having aerial photos taken of your home. The views that drones are able to capture are impressive and can help show off your home in a way that will make sure it stands out from other houses in your area that are on the market. Even better, drone technology makes this option more affordable than ever before, allowing you to get a lot more bang for your buck.

Trying to sell a poorly lit home

You want to show your home in the best light, so take the time to really gauge the quality of your lighting by closing your curtains/blinds and looking at each room as though you’re a potential homebuyer. Make a note of any rooms that are poorly lit or just seem dark and then call an electrician so that you can have some additional lighting installed.

Even worse than a poorly lit room, however, is when the lights don’t work at all. Sometimes the light bulb is just burnt out, while other times the socket itself is in need of repair. Consider calling an electrician before you begin showing your home to make sure it’s shining its brightest. Potential buyers (and your bank account) will thank you for the investment.

Not making your home energy efficient

If you’d like to spend less on your utility bills, you aren’t alone. A study by the National Association of Realtors found that 33 percent of homebuyers see high-efficiency HVAC systems as an important factor when looking at a new home. If you have an older home, you should look into either retrofitting or replacing your HVAC unit altogether as your current system might be using a lot more energy than it needs to be. This will ensure that you have a system that is meeting your home’s needs, while also lowering your utility bill.

If you’re committed to energy-efficiency then there are a few extra things you can do. These options include making sure your home is properly insulated, ensuring that you don’t have any leaky air ducts, and buying a smart thermostat. Whichever route you pursue, having an energy-efficient HVAC system will make your house stand out from the competition.

Not cleaning your house before trying to sell it

Most of us would probably be lying if we said our homes weren’t overdue for a good cleaning, so don’t forget to check this box before listing your home for sale. There’s nothing more off-putting during a home tour than realizing the house is dirty, and potential homebuyers may wonder what else you’ve been neglecting. By hiring a professional cleaning company, you’ll guarantee that not only is your home spotless but that you’re going to make a great impression on homebuyers when they tour your house.

Not addressing the exterior of your house

Over the years, your home’s exterior has taken a beating from the elements. With everything mother nature throws at it every year, the paint on your home’s exterior and the stain on your deck have likely lost a bit of their luster. So before listing, be sure to pressure wash your house first. In addition to making sure your house looks its best in the listing photos, you will also enhance the overall curb appeal when buyers eventually show up for a tour.

In addition to pressure washing your house and deck, you can also take the time to pressure wash your garage door, fence, patio, driveway, and any walkways you may have.

You never got around to repainting

One of the first things a potential buyer will notice when they pull up to your home is the paint. If you want to make a good first impression, then you’ll need to ensure that your home is painted an inviting color and that the quality of your paint job is top-notch. While the job of repainting your house might take a few days, the value of painting your house before selling will be well worth the effort. A recent study found that painting the exterior of your home has a 51 percent return on investment.

Don’t stop with the exterior though! We’ve all seen some pretty questionable color choices on the walls of homes. If you happen to have a lime green or bright purple wall, you’ll want to repaint them to be a more buyer-friendly neutral color. Doing so will make it easier for buyers to be able to picture themselves living in your home as it makes them think of your walls as a blank canvas.

Selling a home with a yard in need of some TLC

The other way to make a great first impression is by wowing potential buyers with your yard. Start by cleaning up anything that may be cluttering your yard, porch, or pathways (things like gardening equipment or a child’s bicycle). Then you can move onto mowing the lawn, weeding your garden, and planting some new flowers. If your yard has a damaged pathway, you may also want to think about fixing or even replacing it as well.

If these touch-ups seem like a lot to tackle while you’re trying to sell your home, don’t be afraid to hire a landscaper as the cost is well worth it. A study by Turf Magazine found that a home’s value tended to increase by as much as 10 to 12 percent after making upgrades to the landscaping.

You have mismatched appliances

Maybe your black stove died a couple of years ago and you replaced it with a brand new stainless steel one. Or maybe you swapped out that white kitchen faucet you always hated with a copper one that caught your eye. Either way, the result is mismatched appliances. While it won’t necessarily impact the overall sale price of your home, many homebuyers are going to find the mismatched color scheme off-putting, so consider making some changes before you sell.

The best way to proceed is to decide which kitchen appliances are your favorite and base the color scheme off of them. So if that fancy new stove you bought last year is stainless steel, then make sure your other appliances are too. Luckily, many appliance manufacturers offer discounts if you purchase multiple appliances with them at once.

Lingering during a home tour

Nobody likes a lingerer, especially when they also happen to be the owner of the home you’re currently touring. If you don’t leave the home during a showing, then potential buyers feel awkward as they attempt to discuss what they like and dislike about the house. You also prevent your listing agent from being able to do their job to the best of their abilities as you’re naturally going to want to answer any questions the buyers have rather than leaving those questions to your agent. So instead of staying in your home during a showing, try taking the opportunity to go shopping, run errands, or visit some friends instead. Your agent will thank you.

Taking a Lowball Offer Personally

Regardless of your reasons for moving, the fact that you’ve probably lived in your home for years means that you have a lot of strong feelings attached to it. So when you receive a lowball offer, it’s natural to be offended.

Instead of walking away, send them back a counteroffer that you and your real estate agent think is fair. If they really are interested, then you’ll be glad you didn’t let your emotions get the better of you.

Express Yourself Paint serves the whole area around Raleigh, NC. We’ve developed a reputation for attention to detail, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service. Schedule your appointment online or give us a call at 919-526-0611. We look forward to working with you!

Express Yourself Paint Earns 2019 Angie’s List Super Service Award

Sat, 23 May 2020 13:44:40 GMT

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.Express Yourself Paint is proud to announce that it has earned the home service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award (SSA). This award honors service professionals who have maintained exceptional service ratings and reviews on Angie’s List in 2019.

“Service pros that receive our Angie’s List Super Service Award represent the best in our network, who are consistently making great customer service their mission,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “These pros have provided exceptional service to our members and absolutely deserve recognition for the exemplary customer service they exhibited in the past year.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2019 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include maintaining an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade and review period grade. The SSA winners must be in good standing with Angie’s List and undergo additional screening.

“It’s an honor to receive this recognition once again. We appreciate Angie’s List recognizing our commitment to our customers,” said Express Yourself Paint President David Roberts.

Express Yourself Paint has been listed on Angie’s List since 2012. This is the sixth year Express Yourself Paint has received this honor.

Service company ratings are updated continually on Angie’s List as new, verified consumer reviews are submitted. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in multiple fields ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

For over two decades Angie’s List has been a trusted name for connecting consumers to top-rated service professionals. Angie’s List provides unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

Choosing the best paint colors for you

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 14:44:10 GMT

“What paint colors would you like to use?”

That’s a question we ask all our clients before starting any project. We don’t choose colors because it’s your home and you have to live with it. This is not a cop out. We just we don’t want to be held responsible in the event you don’t like the color.

Choosing the right colors for your home can be tedious. Here are some tips that can help you to choose the right color for your home.

Understanding the color wheel

Choosing the colors for the interior and exterior of your home is not as simple as selecting the best color. Therefore understanding the color wheel could be a good option for you. Check out the possible color combinations using the color wheel and use it on the walls of your home to make it look attractive and appealing.

After understanding the relationships between the primary and secondary colors and which color goes with which color helps you to choose a fail-proof color scheme for your home.

Create illusions using paint colors

Do you always wish to have a larger living room? Do you know your choice of paint colors can create an illusion to look at your room bigger? The right paint color alters the overall appearance of the interior and exterior of the home. It can make a smaller room look larger, appealing and more welcoming. With the correct placement of the warm and cool colors in the interior and exterior of your home, you can create an illusion. Colors like greens and blues can make space look larger while on the other hand, colors like red or orange create cozy and warming space. Choosing the right color for your home is essential to make it appear good and welcoming to others.

Consider the effect of the colors

Do you know the colors present in the home can be helpful in uplifting one’s mood and energy level? This is the reason why picking the right colors to become an essential need. Make sure you are picking the right color for the precise location. This will help create the needed ambiance to space. With the correct usage of the colors, you can set the mood, ambiance of the atmosphere.

Choosing the right colors for your home can be a difficult task. But with the help of these tips and tricks, selecting colors for your home will become an easier task for you. Express Yourself Paint will be happy to connect you with our partners at Spectrum Paints to help you select colors. Express Yourself Paint serves the whole area around Raleigh, NC. We’ve developed a reputation for attention to detail, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service. Schedule your appointment online or give us a call at 919-526-0611. We look forward to working with you!

What to Expect When Having the Interior of Your Home Painted

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 14:15:00 GMT

“I couldn’t have been happier with our choice to hire Express Yourself Paint to repaint almost the entire interior of our house. The estimate process went very smoothly and they followed up regularly without being overbearing. We had to postpone our project by several months due to unforeseen expenses and they were understanding and picked up right where we left off when we were ready to proceed.
The painters (a team of two) were scheduled for an entire week as it was a large job. They arrived first thing in the morning and put in a solid 11 hours of work each day. It took them all of three days to finish the job. (For reference, our house is approximately 2,500 sq ft and there were only a few rooms they didn’t paint.)
The result is truly outstanding and we’re in disbelief that they were able to get it done so quickly without any loss in quality. They were both friendly and professional and did a great job cleaning up after themselves each day and at the end of the project. I would recommend EYP to anyone!” – Kim Panian

Thank you, Kim, for the thoughtful review above! Are you ready to make a change in your home like Kim? Check out the photos below from her project. After you see the end results, you’ll likely want to schedule your free estimate too!

Kim had most of the interior of her home painted neutral over the course of three days. To prepare her home, we began with our basic paint preparation process. First, we removed the electrical covers and covered fans or hanging light fixtures. We then tape over the baseboards and cover the floors.

All furniture, cabinetry, and counters are covered in plastic as well. We then caulk open trim seams, repair minor sheetrock blemishes such as nail pops, dings, and dents.

After the project was complete, we inspected the results with Kim and walked through the home to make sure she was completely satisfied. The neutral paint colors she chose brightened up the entire house.

Don’t delay and give us a call at 919-526-0611 or fill out our online form request an appointment for your next interior paint job. We look forward to working with you!

9 Easy Home Improvements to Help Sell Your Home Fast!

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 14:20:40 GMT

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.You’ve been trying to sell your home and you did everything you thought was expected of you. You connected with a real estate agent, had professional photos taken of your house, and opened your home to numerous strangers as they paraded around your halls on private tours and open houses. But after weeks of your home being listed, not a single reasonable offer has been made. Sound familiar?

Currently, the median number of days a home sits on the market is 41 days . And, of course, the longer your home sits on the market the more control homebuyers have when it comes time for negotiations. So, take your house out of seller’s limbo by adding perceived value (and actual value) to your home. Here are nine easy home improvements you can do that will make your house more appealing to potential home buyers and help sell your home fast.

1. Upgrade Your Mailbox

Upgrading your mailbox might seem like a rather silly thing to do at first, but if we are talking about making a great first impression to potential home buyers, the mailbox is often the very first thing someone sees before pulling in the driveway. It’s also the easiest home improvement you can do.

It could just be a new mailbox that replaces the old, weathered one you’ve had for years. And let’s face it, most homeowners don’t put much thought into what their mailbox looks like, often becoming an eyesore to your driveway. Or, you could upgrade to a “ Next Generation ” mailbox that allows USPS to deliver large packages to your mailbox instead of your front door. And we all know packages that are apparently visible to any passerby have a better chance of not being taken.

In fact, with more and more consumer products being purchased online and delivered to homes, you may even consider upgrading to a security mailbox that keeps your mail and packages safe from theft altogether.

Either way, upgrading your mailbox is a simple, cost-effective method of bringing perceived value to your home.

2. Paint Your House Inside and Out

This cannot be emphasized enough, but painting the inside of your home with a fresh neutral color goes a long way with potential homebuyers. For example, your kids’ rooms may have very unique colors that they had insisted upon at one time, but not every potential buyer is going to enjoy that purple room as much as your kid does. You’ll want to put a fresh coat of paint on those walls so anyone touring your home can envision themselves living in your space.

In fact, everything you’re doing to prep your home for sale is making your home look its very best and allowing potential homebuyers to envision themselves in every room of your house. You want people touring your house to think, what if I bought this house? This room could be my office, nursery, guest bedroom, etc. However, it becomes hard for potential buyers to envision themselves in a room with purple walls.

Alternatively, painting the exterior of your home may be the best solution to getting your home sold faster. If your home’s color has faded from its former glory, the paint is chipping, or your house has always been that home on the block the neighborhood kids call the orange house, you may want to consider getting your home painted a more contemporary color. Though painting the exterior of your home can be pricey, when done by professionals, the process has a very quick turnaround time and the result will be sure to leave a lasting impression on potential buyers.

3. Enhance Your Curb Appeal

It doesn’t matter if you live in Dallas, TX or Portland, OR , enhancing your curb appeal can go a long way toward making a great first impression on potential homebuyers.

First, you’ll want to look at your landscaping in front of and around your house. How does your lawn, trees, and overall vegetation look? Make sure your lawn is freshly trimmed, all dead debris (like sticks and leaves) are picked up, and 2 to 3 inches of fresh bark mulch is placed around your shrubs, trees, and plants.

Do you have hedges that line your property or some other form of fruit or decorative trees on your property? Having your hedges trimmed and your trees cut back can make your yard go from something that resembles an unruly wilderness to a well-maintained and welcoming paradise.

Also, if you don’t already have decorative plants bringing color to your front driveway and entrance, a few well-positioned potted plants are an inexpensive and inviting sight for newcomers to your home.

4. Clean, Declutter, and Stage Your Home

Nothing turns potential homebuyers away faster than an unkept and cluttered home. If you’re looking to sell your house quickly, it might be a good idea to hire professionals to get your house in order. Decluttering and staging your home is a must if you want to make your home and all its uniqueness shine its best for potential buyers.

If your closets are overflowing with winter jackets, or you have too many large pieces of furniture in your living room, your spaces will not be showcased the way they should be. People touring your home like to look not just at the larger rooms, but also poke around in closets, drawers, and other storage areas to make sure their stuff will fit. If your stuff is in the way, that makes it much harder for buyers to see themselves in your space.

Furthermore, a deep cleaning is a must before any open house or home tour takes place. If you have a cat or dog (or both), you probably don’t smell them anymore. However, people that don’t have pets are acutely aware of homes that do, simply because it’s a scent they’re not used to. If you’re looking for a quick turnaround, a professional can help eliminate odors, stains, and any number of other things you may no longer be aware of and make your home feel brand new again.

5. Fence in Your Backyard and Refinish Your Deck

It’s amazing what a refinished deck or new cedar fence enclosing a backyard can do for a home. Not only is it functional and aesthetically pleasing, but the return on investment is nothing to shy away from if you’re looking for an easy project that will help you get your home sold fast.

In fact, the national average in 2019 for recouping the cost of a wood deck addition on a home is 75.6% . So, although you may take a small hit financially by adding a wood deck onto your house, you would recoup most of the cost and potentially sell your home faster because of the added feature.

Likewise, adding a fence to your property can do wonders for your home in a relatively short period of time. And according to a 2018 survey by the American Pet Product Association, ”67% of U.S. households own a pet ,” meaning over half the people touring your home have a fuzzy little friend, and a fenced in backyard is a bonus to some homebuyers but a must for others.

6. Fix Your Light Switches and Update Your Fixtures

So it’s true, people touring your home will play with your faucets, open your drawers, and test ALL your light switches. If you have a light switch that doesn’t work (or an electrical outlet), now is the time to get it fixed. Light switches that do not work signify to homebuyers that your house may have electrical issues, when in fact, it may be something much more simple. Nonetheless, at that point, you’ve already lost that potential offer.

You’ll also want to replace all your burnt out light bulbs to make sure every room in your house is bright and inviting. Furthermore, all your interior lights should be the same color temperature for consistent lighting throughout your house.

Updating your light fixtures, ceiling fans, and even your hardware on doors and cabinets is an easy and cost-effective way of increasing the perceived value of your home. If you already have an electrician fixing your light switches, they could also replace your dated brass light fixtures with ones that have a more contemporary feel. Beyond making your interior appear more modern to homebuyers, you can take this opportunity to find fixtures that can help brighten your home and make it stand out among other homes for sale in your area.

7. Upgrade Your Garage Door

Installing a new garage door is one of the simplest and quickest ways to give your home a much-needed facelift and impress potential homebuyers. New garage doors recoup nearly all the money invested into them, and, in some areas like the west coast, a new garage door actually recoups more than its initial investment at 123.8% on average . Meaning your new garage door could actually put money back in your pocket.

There are several styles and designs to choose from, just make sure that you go with a style that fits the look of your house. Especially if you’ve recently painted your home a more contemporary color, a new garage door can be that easy home improvement that pushes home lookers into actual offers.

8. Get a New Front Door

Give others entryway envy by upgrading your front door and transforming the character of your home. Over the years, front doors see a lot of abuse and begin to look worn and tired. Luckily, a new front door is quick to replace and a very cost-effective way of making your entryway unique and aesthetically pleasing to anyone stepping up onto your doormat.

Solid wood doors are always a classic style for homes not to go out of style anytime soon. They’re solid and typically last much longer than alternative materials like fiberglass. Additionally, front doors with inlaid glass can also give your entryway more natural light for the interior of your home. Either way, a new door is a quick and easy way to impress homebuyers.

9. Update Your Kitchen Appliances for a Fresh Look

If you’re looking to sell your home quickly, updating your kitchen with modern and timeless stainless steel appliances is a great way to go. Though this can be costly, new appliances really appeal to first-time homebuyers, and as a result, you could see more competitive offers.

Furthermore, there is a good possibility your appliances probably need to be updated anyway. Typically, larger appliances like fridges and stoves should be replaced every 10 years, while smaller appliances it’s recommended to be replaced every 5 years. Nonetheless, updated appliances are a safe bet if you’re looking to sell your home fast.

Home for the Holidays

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 15:04:16 GMT

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.Is your home ready for the upcoming holiday season? With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the new year approaching you may want to consider a fresh coat of paint before your guests arrive.

Welcome your family, friends, and house guests into your home with fresh exterior and interior paint. Think about starting with the front door! A bright red is a perfect color for the holidays. Try Sherwin Williams SW 6868 Real Red . Our friends at Spectrum Paint can help you with the paint colors and we’ll take care of the rest!

Moving into the interior of the home, think about the rooms you will be in most: the kitchen, living room, and dining room. Express Yourself Paint can spruce up your kitchen by not only painting the walls but refacing your cabinets. We have several options to choose from including wood staining, paint, or lacquer.

The living room is the heart of the home and where your friends and family will mix and mingle. A fresh coat of paint to make this room more inviting is the perfect way to head into 2020.

The dining room is another area of your home to think about… you’ll be sharing delicious meals that took hours to prepare. Make sure the dining room is picture-perfect for those family members who like to share photos on Facebook and Instagram!

Don’t forget to take a look at your guest room before the holidays approach. This seems to be a room that slips under the cracks the other ten months out of the year. A calming neutral is a perfect color to choose to make your guest feel at home. Agreeable Gray SW 7029 is a popular and classic color to look into. Check out our blog post to learn more about Agreeable Gray!

Last but not least, take a good look at the back deck. You’ll want to make sure it’s ready for those parties that overflow outside when the weather is still nice! Our Express Yourself Paint team can also stain your deck to not only look beautiful but to dramatically extend its life. No matter what your needs are, big or small, we’re ready and excited to help get your home ready for the holidays! Give us a call at 919-526-0611 or request an appointment online today.

Partnership Spotlight: English Garden

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 17:49:43 GMT

The English Garden is our go-to for all of our floral needs! What pairs perfectly with a fresh coat of paint in the interior of your home or office? A floral arrangement from English Garden! Our teams have created a weekly process that makes ordering from them seamless. They are supporters of small businesses in the community and we appreciate them for that! So this month we would like to share a little bit more about them.

Who They Are:
The English Garden Raleigh NC Florist is locally owned and operated by Cydney Davis-English, a third-generation florist, and her award-winning team. You can find the EG team at their studio in Raleigh creating gorgeous flowers for weddings, events and daily celebrations to be delivered throughout the area including Raleigh, Cary, Morrisville, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Wake Forest. The English Garden opened in 2006 and quickly emerged as one of the favorite Raleigh florists. They can truly do it all! The arrangements they have created for EYP and our clients are always so gorgeous.

How the Relationship Formed:
“My husband Warren and I met Richard at a Shop Local Raleigh event this past spring. I’m on the board of SLR and was the board member at the table in charge of talking about the organization. This conversation led to a discussion on collaboration among local businesses and from that we started working together. It probably didn’t hurt that we provided the flowers for the event so that Richard could also see our work.” – Cydney Davis-English, owner-operator of The English

Garden

Our Process:
The process formed when Richard reached out to EG about starting weekly flower gifts for EYP customers. “He worked with a member of our design staff, Venetia, to create a signature bouquet featuring branded marketing pieces from the company. She’s worked with other corporate clients to develop unique flower or plant gifts that balance both their design and budget expectations so she was a natural fit for this project.” – Cydney Davis-English

On a weekly basis, Morgan works directly with Richard to process client orders. She then coordinates the design and delivery of these orders with the EG team to ensure everything is executed in a timely, professional and beautiful manner. The emphasis is on showcasing the EYP logo and any marketing piece included in a flower arrangement that would have broad appeal to our clients. “This has been a wonderful partnership and it has truly been a pleasure to work with Richard and EYP. They have allowed us to be creative and it has been an honor to make beautiful arrangements for their clients.” Morgan Modaff – Sales and Logistics Coordinator

“I think this collaboration is an excellent example of how small businesses can work together to support each other and keep revenue on “Main Street.” This partnership has led to EYP contracting with the other company I own, Two Maids & A Mop, for cleaning services and to our staff (my family included) selecting EYP for painting needs. Like most consumers, we frequently buy things from big box stores or from online retailers like Amazon, but our top priority is always to keep it local. The economic power of that in our community really can’t be measured. We sincerely appreciate EYP joining us in this mission and entrusting us with their client recognition gifts. And I’m looking forward to a freshly painted kitchen!” – Cydney Davis-English

Thank you, English Garden team for taking such great care of us and our customers! We love this simple touch and we believe this sets us apart from other paint companies. Shop local and shop English Garden for your next big event or just “just because” floral needs. Contact us for your fresh coat of paint here and don’t forget to order your fresh blooms here !

Me Fine Foundation 2019 Gala

Sat, 26 Oct 2019 18:00:24 GMT

Express Yourself Paint is a proud supporter of the Me Fine Foundation . If you aren’t familiar with the foundation, Me Fine provides financial and emotional support to families whose child is experiencing a medical crisis. They work with families whose children are being treated by Duke Children’s Medical Center, UNC Children’s Hospital, or WakeMed Children’s Hospital.

You can read more about this wonderful foundation on our blog and on their website .

The 2019 Me Fine Gala is this weekend on Saturday, October 26th. The gala provides more than 30% of the organization’s annual revenues. This year’s event is at the Cotton Room in downtown Durham. It’s a roaring 20’s theme and a party you don’t want to miss! Your ticket includes heavy appetizers and desserts and an open bar. Access to big on their silent auction packages as well as a chance to take home special experiences in their live auction. Second Line Stompers will be providing live jazz so put on your dancing shoes. There’s even a DJ for the after-party celebrations!

You can also purchase raffle tickets (one ticket for $100 or six for $500) for a chance to choose from one of five incredible vacations! The five fabulous options include New York, Cabo, Lake Louise, Las Vegas, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

This is a great night for a wonderful cause and we hope to see you all there! We invite you to join us in supporting this great organization by purchasing tickets here . If you can’t make it to the Gala but would like to support Me Fine, you can make a donation here .

Five Tips for Hiring a Contractor

Sat, 19 Oct 2019 18:08:05 GMT

We loved Monica Laliberte’s 5 On Your Side story on Five Tips for hiring a contractor . We believe that this is so important that we even have a page on our website dedicated to what you should look for when choosing the right paint contractor.

Tip One from Monica – Get at least three estimates and don’t just jump in at the lowest price.

EYP has made it so you can easily request an estimate online . We can help you with your residential paint project, commercial paint project, or carpentry repair. If you prefer to call, we’d be happy to discuss over the phone at 919-526-0611.

Tip Two – Call at least three references. Ask about quality, clean up, communication, etc.

You can easily find reviews on Google, our website , or contact our partners at Spectrum Paint for a reference. Spectrum Paint has five Triangle-area stores that EYP works with closely.

Tip Three – Make sure the contractor is insured and licensed.

At Express Yourself Paint, safety is a top priority. We conduct background checks and ongoing safety training for our crew members. Additionally, we carry a $1,000,000 Workers Compensation policy as well as a $1,000,000 Liability Insurance policy which includes Identity Theft Protection. View our Insurance Certificate

Tip Four – Get the specifics of the job in writing.

We’ve got you covered on this! We send over a detailed contract for you to review and we really need you to review it. So we’ve added a little tidbit to catch everyone’s attention before reviewing the contract:

“Wow! Can you believe we are already this close to making your project a reality? Now that you have the estimate it is time to grab a cup of joe or Red Bull and read over all the details. We believe responsible people do not drink alcohol while contract reviewing but responsible people do review their contract. If you feel like sucker-punching your salesperson for leaving out an important detail we encourage you to call them instead. They are eager to assist you with anything rather than being sucker-punched.”

Tip Five – Never pay too much upfront.

Monica recommends no more than 10% down… we disagree/our lawyers disagree so we kindly ask for a 20% deposit. Sorry, Monica!

If you are looking to hire an interior or exterior painter, look no further than Express Yourself Paint. We are experienced, insured, and have an excellent reputation. Schedule an estimate online or give us a call today at 919-526-0611.

Behold the Power of Paint: Making the Right Selections for an Outdoor Job

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 18:59:44 GMT

At Express Yourself Paint, we have the privilege of working on unique projects. This particular home was a challenge, but the outcome has made it one of our favorite projects to date.

Our customers Niccole and Danny Rosin came to us with concerns about the exterior railings of their home:

According to the Niccole and Danny, the railings over the past years had gotten very weathered with paint chipping and water seeping in to cause rust. “As it has gotten hotter over the years, the paint has begun to peel more frequently. When the paint peels and the steel begins to rust, the inevitable process of erosion on the railings unveils itself. What was white becomes brown,” shared Danny. “The manual process of sanding and repainting is laborious and requires consistent upkeep for our family. Other painters have tried to paint but efforts proved futile. So much so that we threw in the towel for about a year. Our distinctive home then became distinctively worn-looking.” We couldn’t let the Rosins continue on like this!

Express Yourself Paint wanted to take on this challenge and we did with the help of our friends at Spectrum Paint . Brad Brock with Spectrum Paint was the perfect resource for us. “It’s always a pleasure being able to partner with Express Yourself Paint on unique projects like this. One of the benefits of our partnership is the access that Spectrum Paint has to a wide variety of products,” said Brad. “We’re thrilled that the project turned out so great and ended with a very happy customer! Thank you for trusting our expertise and allowing us to be a part of the great work you all are doing in the Triangle.”

Brad suggested that we hit the bad, rusty areas with a wire brush then apply a coat of PPG 4160 Primer (Rust Killer and inhibitor), and use PPG 4216 topcoat . This was the perfect solution to getting Danny’s home back in great shape!

Take a look at the before and after photos of this gorgeous home.

“The process was seamless. The people were thoughtful, knowledgeable, flexible and held our hands every step of the way. The pricing was right on time and the outcome was a breath of fresh air. The outside of our home looks new and delivers a sense of pride that we had been missing. We have worked with so many contractors in the building industry over the years and have never had this type of quality service. Most contractors are hard to reach, overpromise and under deliver, lack business/accounting acumen and more. Express Your Paint is the exact opposite. They over-deliver. We highly recommend them.” — Niccole and Danny Rosin

We are thankful for our partners at Spectrum Paint for the assist in these challenging, but rewarding projects. We are also thankful for our customers, like the Rosins, who put their trust in us.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Commercial Projects: Office Evolution

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 18:18:31 GMT

“EYP has done work at two of our locations and we were highly satisfied with both. Our first office required painting in a couple of offices, which were done quickly. The lines were straight, paint was even and furniture was put back in their original places. On our second location, we had a wall that was damaged from 3M hooks. EYP repaired the holes and repainted the wall. You can’t even tell the was damage to the wall in the first place.” – Kimberlee Bowlin – Business Center Manager, Cary

Express Yourself Paint had the privilege of working with Office Evolution to get two of their locations painted. In the Office Evolution Crabtree Valley Raleigh location, the white walls were in need of some color. Our team went in to paint both the front and back offices over the weekend. Tenants still had access to the building, but EYP did not want to disturb any tenants during regular office hours. Kimberlee let us know that the previous painter’s job was uneven and too expensive. She was really excited to see the final results.

In the Office Evolution Cary location, command hooks had torn holes in the walls. Express Yourself Paint came in and patched up the damage seen below and now “you can’t tell there was any damage to the wall,” says Kimberlee. She was unsure of what it would take to get these walls back in good condition so we are happy to hear that we met her needs.

Thank you, Office Evolution, for contacting us for these two commercial projects. If you are in need of office space in the Raleigh or Cary area, be sure to check them out. They offer private office options, virtual office solutions, conference rooms, and shared workspace. If your office space is in need of a fresh paint job, schedule an appointment online or give us a call at 919-526-0611.

Podcast Raleigh Recap: Nathan Price

Sat, 07 Sep 2019 18:33:31 GMT

Express Yourself Paint is a proud supporter of Podcast Raleigh. This podcast that’s all about Raleigh is hosted by Ashton Smith and Hayes Permar . Each episode is a brief look into something that is changing the face of Raleigh and someone helping to lead that change. Last week, the podcast duo spoke with Nathan Price, Director of Hopscotch Music Festival .

Ashton and Hayes talked to Nathan about how he went from working in real estate to booking bands for the event, to eventually becoming its full-time director. He also shares what’s in store for Hopscotch 10, some of the history, and the process behind filling out a lineup that includes over 120 acts. You won’t want to miss this episode!

Hopscotch is September 5-7, 2019 in Downtown Raleigh. There are twelve venues including Red Hat Amphitheater and Fletcher Theater . You can purchase a VIP all show pass to single show tickets. To learn more about the lineup or to purchase your tickets visit hopscotchmusicfest.com . You don’t want to miss out on this unique festival! We are lucky to have such an awesome music festival right here in Raleigh.

Ashton and Hayes also talk about several openings and closings in Raleigh including three new spots and a gin bar at Morgan Street Food Hall . Also, the removal and potential relocation of the Molok waste program, and upcoming voting in Raleigh. Visit wakevotesearly.com to register. They also share their #Top3Raleigh places to take a dog. There were some great ideas including the North Carolina Museum of Art , Vita Vite , and Burial Beer !

To listen to last week’s Podcast Raleigh, download on Apple , Spotify or listen right here .

As the premier residential and commercial painting company in Raleigh, we’re proud to support Podcast Raleigh. Contact us to schedule a free estimate and behold the power of paint!

Ready to Update Your Home?

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 18:45:10 GMT

“We highly recommend EYP. We had a very positive experience with John & Jason throughout the sales/quote process. The paint team of Darwin & Reese was very professional. They were always on time and worked as late as needed to stay on schedule. They completed the project on time and were meticulous with quality, prep & clean up. Outstanding final results of painted kitchen cabinets, built-in shelves, and outdoor cedar shakes. We will definitely contact them again for any future painting needs.” – Connie Rowden

Thank you, Connie, for the thoughtful EYP review! Are you ready to transform the interior and exterior of your home? We would love to come out to your home and provide a free estimate for paint services . Our services include much more than just painting walls. Check out the services Connie took advantage of to spruce up her home.

CABINET REFACING

Wood Staining and Lacquer : For strong, solid cabinets with a beautiful grain, wood staining is a great option since it brings out the wood’s natural beauty. Whether you want a look that is lighter or darker, you will get a finished product with natural depth and long-wearing protection.

Paint : Efficient and cost-effective, painting is a simple way to give your cabinets the look you want. With a palette that is almost endless, you are able to choose the exact shade that matches the décor of your home.

Lacquer : Highly saturated color with a flawless finish. Lacquer is thicker than enamel paint and dries more quickly. Our professionals will help you choose the best sheen and color to make your cabinets beautiful.

EXTERIOR HOME PAINTING

We’ll make your house the envy of the neighborhood while raising market value with a brand new exterior coat of paint. Our professionals give all houses a total facelift, including a complete power wash, removing loose paint, sanding and priming raw surfaces, caulking cracks, and giving you a complete finish.

Is It Time to Update Your Home?

Schedule an appointment online or give us a call at 919-526-0611 to learn about all of our services . The EYP team is excited to help you with your next project!

Podcast Raleigh Recap: Charlie Ibarra

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 19:14:21 GMT

Express Yourself Paint is a proud supporter of Podcast Raleigh. This podcast that’s all about Raleigh is hosted by Ashton Smith and Hayes Permar . Each episode is a brief look into something that is changing the face of Raleigh and someone helping to lead that change. This week, the podcast duo spoke with Charlie Ibarra , Creative Director at Jose & Sons and Cortez .

Charlie is the creative director of Jose and Sons and Cortez (and founding partner, along with his brother, Hector, and chef Oscar Diaz). Ashton and Hayes spoke with Charlie about growing up in restaurants, how music (like food) can transcend different groups, and why there is no queso dip on the menu at his restaurants.

Warning: This episode will make you hungry! You’ll hear about El Rodeo and El Dorado, the first two Mexican restaurants in the area which Charlie grew up in. It wasn’t until later in life that he knew he wanted to be in the restaurant space. Take some time to listen and learn about who and what inspired him to get into the restaurant industry.

If you haven’t already, go check out Jose and Sons for some Mexican meets Southern food and Cortez for fresh seafood and small plates. You’ll appreciate the two spaces and menus just a little bit more!

It was also a vacation week for Ashton and Hayes but they did have a few announcements for you:

1) They are hosting a class on podcasting! It’s put on by the folks at Skillpop.com , but led by the hosts of Podcast Raleigh. It’s August 19th and you can register here .

2) They would love your suggestions for #Top3Raleigh topics you think would be interesting and fun. Hit them up on twitter or Facebook or email them at PodcastRaleigh@gmail.com

To listen to this week’s Podcast Raleigh, download on Apple , Spotify or listen right here .

As the premier residential and commercial painting company in Raleigh, we’re proud to support Podcast Raleigh. Contact us to schedule a free estimate and behold the power of paint!

Introducing GreenSky® Financing

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 19:20:40 GMT

Express Yourself Paint has partnered with GreenSky® to offer you financing options for your painting project!

What is GreenSky®?

GreenSky® was founded on the idea that payment, credit and commerce could be enhanced using technology and elegant user experiences. They believed payment and credit could be an asset that empowers and enables commerce, not a distraction or impediment. Today, GreenSky delivers a service that helps business grow and delight their customers.

The GreenSky® Loan Program’s focus is simple—to help you create the home of your dreams. From deferred interest promotions to affordable budget-minded options, their loans are an easy and convenient way to pay for any home improvement project.

Credit limits up to $65,0000
Fast approvals
Multiple ways to make a payment
Affordable payment options

Pick an Option That is Right for You

Option 1: No interest if Paid in Full in 6 months

Option 2: 11.99% Interest Rate for 84 Months

Apply

GreenSky® offers a Quick, Paperless Application Process. Click here to apply instantly! Find out more and schedule your free estimate by calling us at 919-526-0611 or schedule your appointment online here !

Podcast Raleigh Recap: Danya Perry

Sat, 15 Jun 2019 19:30:43 GMT

Express Yourself Paint is a proud supporter of Podcast Raleigh . This podcast that’s all about Raleigh is hosted by Ashton Smith and Hayes Permar . Each episode is a brief look into something that is changing the face of Raleigh and someone helping to lead that change. This week, the podcast duo spoke with Danya Perry , Equitable Economic Development Manager for Wake County Economic Development.

Danya was born and raised in New Bern, North Carolina. He earned a BA in Political Science and an MA in Public Administration at NC State . He’s been living in Wake County since 1994 and is now raising his family here.

During this episode, Danya speaks about the importance of access and resources in the community. Danya is making sure Raleigh and Wake County’s growth benefits all people. How does he goes about this? Listening and understanding everyone’s pain points. He also explains that your zip code does not define you.

One example of how he is helping our community grow, is starting with small businesses and entrepreneurship. He tells us about his time in Southeast Raleigh. He wanted to learn what resources were lacking for these business owners. From this, a small business resource guide was created. You can find this here .

You’ll have to tune in to hear more stories and what led to the creation of his job. Danya offers wonderful analogies throughout that make this episode worth listening to!

Ashton and Hayes also share their #Top3Raleigh ways to beat the heat during the sticky, swampy months in Raleigh. Some of the nominations included Lake Johnson , The Greenway , or going to Museums in the air conditioning! Of course, they are always keeping us updated about Raleigh happenings like the Sunflowers at Dorothea Dix Park . And other exciting news like Dram and Draught ‘s move to One Glenwood!

To listen to this week’s Podcast Raleigh, download on Apple , Spotify or listen right here .

As the premier residential and commercial painting company in Raleigh, we’re proud to support Podcast Raleigh. Contact us to schedule a free estimate and behold the power of paint!

Hunter Rowe REALTOR® Trinity Gregor Shares Paint Advice for Homeowners Considering a Sale in 2019

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 19:39:17 GMT

We sat down with Trinity Gregor , REALTOR® at Hunter Rowe , to ask about 2019 paint trends. Not only is Trinity a rock star REALTOR®, but she is also a friend and customer of Express Yourself Paint. She shared trends, tips, and tricks all from a real estate agent’s perspective.

What paint trends are you seeing in 2019?

This year we are seeing a lot of gray/blue neutral paint colors with bold pops of color in smaller spaces. Classic paint colors continue to be the most desired for the main areas of the home. Historically in the south, many homes have a Haint Blue ceiling on the front porch, but I’ve been seeing this brought into the home, too! There has been a lot of really well done painted ceilings. It brings in an element of luxury to the bathroom or dining room. My favorite bathroom ceiling color is SEA FOAM 2123-60 .

For the exterior, I will always love a classic white house with black shutters. But, we are seeing a lot of great homes being built that are a striking combo of Benjamin Moore Hale Navy and Classic White Trim and shutters.

What do home buyers expect to see?

Home buyers are expecting to see a neutral palette that they can move into and easily add art or decor for pops of color. Most home buyers would prefer to have a home that is move-in ready. They also expect that the paint job is professionally done and are off-put by drips and/or color that has bled onto the trim. In a buyer’s eyes, if they see a sloppy paint job they are going to be wondering where else a homeowner has cut corners.

Should those wanting to sell their home paint before they list it? If so, what colors do you suggest?

Absolutely! It’s a great return on investment. Our homes are made to live in and dings/scuffs on the walls are just part of a well-loved home, but, home buyers don’t want a well-loved home. They want a “well-loved” home to feel like they are getting something close to new! Fresh paint can instantly perk up a dated home. Some home sellers believe that letting a buyer choose their own color is a benefit, but most home buyers are starting their search online and a home that’s well prepared will photograph the best and bring in more potential buyers. Again, paint colors are going to depend on the color of the flooring and other items that cannot be easily changed. So consulting with your REALTOR® or a home prep specialist is key in choosing the right color!

Any other tips or tricks from a realtors perspective?

Paint colors can vary drastically depending on lighting and what paint color you are covering. I highly recommend consulting with an expert designer or stager prior to a full-home paint job. They are familiar with paint color undertones and can help you choose a color that will compliment your flooring or decor. If you’re going to do it yourself, get a few large pieces of poster board and paint samples. Move the board around the room at different times of the day to get a feel for what the paint color will look like in different light. It’s also important not to ignore the doors, door frames and exterior paint!

We loved this Q&A with Trinity! If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, be sure to call our friend Trinity Gregor . If any of her ideas sparked your interest in painting the interior or exterior of your home, please give us a call or schedule your appointment here .