A research university in Norfolk, Virginia, recently released the results of its study on real estate-related matters. Perhaps those who are doing a home rehab now will find some of the results interesting.

Among the many things the Old Dominion University study suggested is that “paint” could actually lessen the chances of a house being sold. Not the actual paint of course, but only the word “paint” on the advertisement. Painting is but inevitable in rehabbing homes.

Thomas A. Thomson, the study’s coauthor, warned sellers that advertising a house’s new features may actually harm its chances. “It’s kind of like putting lipstick on a pig,” said Thomson, who is also the director of the Real Estate Finance and Development Program at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

A study of some 60,000 residential real estate transactions in Texas showed that listings that mentioned “new paint,” among other features, sold less than listings that did not mention them. Other “harmful” words include new carpet and roof work.

Take note though that the recommendations were intended for private home sellers and not for investors who are into home rehab. However, they do make a good point. Adding new paint and roof work will make buyers think “Why did they have to do some roof work on it? Maybe it has other problems.” They can’t help but question these things.

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