Need a DIY Summer Project? How to Paint Your Home’s Exterior in a Weekend or Two

If you want something hands-on to do this summer, look no further than the outside of your house. There are many reasons to refresh the paint job on your house, including increased protection against weathering, and increased curb appeal. Whatever your reason, read on to learn just what you’ll need, and need to do, to paint your home’s exterior.

What You’ll Need: Materials, Tools, Protection

A DIY paint job is easily doable, and costs only as much as the materials, tools and protection you need. Those materials include the paint itself, the primer and the caulking (to seal cracks and joints). For tools, look for paintbrushes and rollers, sanders, and scrapers. You’ll also need drop cloths (to protect your lawn/garden), masks/respirators (to protect yourself), and a HEPA vacuum/suit if you’re stripping lead-based paint.

What You’ll Do: Step One

Essentially, house-painting boils down to three steps. First, prep the surface. You’ll need to wash the house, scrape loose paint off and sand it smooth to make it an ideal surface to which the new paint can adhere. Note, if your house was built before 1978, test for lead-based paint (which will just require a little more protection while you’re scraping it off). Lead-testing kits can be purchased online.

What You’ll Do: Step Two

Next, patch and prime. Fill in smaller imperfections with something like epoxy. Bigger gaps and joints will need caulking but do this only after the primer is applied. Take this patching time to fix any rot or potential rot problems signaled by improper water drainage. Then prime the whole exterior this seals the wood and makes it even easier for paint to adhere to the walls.

What You’ll Do: Step Three

Finally, the paint. Water-based latex (or acrylic) paint is more flexible, easier to clean and more environmentally friendly than oil-based paints. Read the paint can they contain tips and instructions on using the paint that can come in handy. With DIY, brushes and rollers are better to use than a paint-sprayer, which can be hard to control. Three tips: always start at the top of the house and paint down, it’s always better to do two coats, and stay in the shade while you’re working painting in direct sunlight causes the paint to dry too fast and flake.

What You’ll Do After: How To Maintain An Exterior

Once your exterior has dried, keep it looking fresh with consistent caulking, touch ups for peeling paint and removing mold and mildew whenever you spot it.

For more tips or advice on improving your home’s value in your neighborhood, give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

2849 N Heritage Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$575,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,975 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6724962

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Exceptional housing opportunity in the sought-after Verrado community! This nearly 3000 sq. ft. property features 4 bedrooms and a loft. It includes a rare 440 sq. ft. casita with a private entrance—ideal for extra rental income. The main house boasts durable wood and tile flooring, a well-appointed kitchen with granite countertops and brand new stainless steel appliances. The master suite offers a garden tub, separate shower, private toilet room, and walk-in closet. Fully paid-off solar panels reduce energy costs. Currently rented until May 2025, ensuring immediate rental income. The newly renovated casita adds tremendous value to this home. Don't miss this turn-key investment in Verrado!

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4115 S 75th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85043

$575,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,170 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6733896

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come take a look at this amazing home. It could be YOUR New Home Sweet Home. It is a corner lot with an oversize lot and huge backyard. You will appreciate the great curb appeal and attractive landscaping when you pull up. It has a split floor plan with 3 spacious secondary bedrooms on one side of the home and the primary bed on the other. Your new kitchen offers a breakfast bar, granite countertops, tile backsplash, and a ton of cabinet storage space. You will spend a lot of time in the oasis of a backyard which has covered patio, dog run, covered gazebo with built in BBQ, sparkling swimming pool, RV Parking, and a ton of room to play and entertain. You don't want to miss out on this amazing home so hurry and come take a look! You will love it.

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1500 E Wahalla Lane Phoenix, AZ 85024

$575,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,679 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757567

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Luna Azul is a unique gated Community Where residents of every age can live in a neighborhood managed by 24-hr on site staffing. An RN onsite 24hrs a day. The 1679 Sqft Alma floorplan offers 3 beds 2.5 baths and spacious covered front and back porches. Interior features: Designer Finishes, & window treatments.1st floor En-Suite bedroom, high performance exterior wall and roof insulation, energy efficient HVAC, LED lighting ,Brand name appliances, Quartz countertops, cabinets with soft close doors & drawers. Community amenities include landscaped grounds, a 4000+sqft Club house with multi-purpose activity rooms and recreational facilities, an outdoor pool and large space for gatherings. Conveniently located near transportation, social, recreational and cultural opportunities and activities Professionally landscaped low maintenance back yard with artificial turf and dwarf palms just beyond the covered patio. Monthly planned events at the Clubhouse. Medical assistance onsite 24hrs a day by a a register nurse who lives onsite.

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18720 E Via Laguna -- Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,799 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6744613

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come enjoy resort style living in this sunny, turn key 3 bed/2 bath home nestled into a very quiet street in the active adult, golf community of Rio Verde. Incredible views of green fairways on Quail Run and the majestic Mazatzal Mountains from your very private North facing back patio. Plenty of room for outdoor entertaining on the extended, fenced in patio area. Wood burning fireplace to take the chill off a cool desert night. Eat in kitchen with separate dining area. Community lap and social pool, tennis and pickleball courts, billiards room, two clubhouse restaurants and our new community café/bodega next to the post office as a fun meet up place for breakfast and coffee. golf membership information upon request.

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39920 N River Bend Road Phoenix, AZ 85086

$575,000

5 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,168 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747304

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Your search is over!! LEASE TO OWN OR SELLER FINANCING with 0% DOWN and NO BANK QUALIFING!! This Beautiful 4 bedroom + office and loft RECENTLY REMODELED home is available in the much sought after community of Anthem. The kitchen has all new stainless steel appliances and new quartz counter tops. The primary suite has a large walk in closet, spa like bathroom with dual sinks with new quartz countertops and fixtures. The other three spacious bedrooms have new plush carpet and paint. The backyard is fully landscaped in an easy maintenance desert theme including a beautiful large custom fireplace feature. This truly is a MUST SEE! (please see documents for a complete list of remodeled features and Seller Financing Details) The backyard is fully landscaped in an easy maintenance desert theme including a beautiful large custom fireplace. This truly is a MUST SEE! (please see documents for a complete list of remodeled features and Seller Financing Details)

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3616 E Ludlow Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,426 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748475

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss out on this large corner lot home with a huge 33,000 gallon diving pool, pavers, synthetic grass, and a built in BBQ in the backyard. Inside you'll find a lovingly cared for, fully remodeled home with tons of upgrades including custom white shaker cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms. Kitchen has Quartz countertops, matching stainless steel appliances with stainless steel undermount sink. Barn door from dining room leads to a large laundry room with more than enough space to serve as a craft room or home office. Both bathrooms have beautifully tiled showers and entire home is tiled throughout for easy maintenance and upkeep. All doors and windows have been upgraded to dual pane for great energy efficiency. Great central location right off of the 51 and 101 Freeways.

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8016 E Medina Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,172 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750548

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You'll appreciate the central location of this 3-bedroom golf course home in the amenity-packed community of SVE, convenient to the restaurant, pool complexes, workout facilities, golf course and all Clubs/amenities. This well-taken care of home is ready to move in, so you don't delay the upcoming season of fun. There are many features unique to this home including a 9' x 8' bonus room in double garage to park your golf cart or motorcycle or utilize for extra storage or workshop as well as the electronic security shutters that enclose the covered back patio. With over 2,100 sq. ft., this floorplan provides two additional bedrooms creating ample space for visitors. Other features include a vaulted living room, family room with views to the golf course, and a formal dining room that could be converted to an office, craft or sewing room. Enjoy your morning coffee on the covered patio watching golfers attempt a birdie putt on Hole No. 7 with the Superstition Mountains in the background. Enter the home from the expanded south-facing front patio and your eyes will go right to the view of the golf course. You'll notice the abundant amount of light in the tiled kitchen coming from the sliding glass door in the dine-in area, with the kitchen providing beautiful cabinets with pull-out shelves. The large family room creates that extra space for entertaining as it includes a wet bar as well as access to the golf course patio. A primary bedroom allows the south sun to brighten the room and provides a private bathroom and walk in closet. The guest bathroom with tub/shower combo is centrally located between the second and third bedroom. The guest bedroom with north-window overlooking golf course is an expanded bedroom with his/her closets. If you didn't need a third bedroom, you could use the extra space for an office, sewing room or craft/hobby room. The garage features built in cabinets, a work bench, an exterior service door, and the bonus room. Sunland Village East is a community that provides an amenity for everyone's interests while still maintaining low annual HOA fees.

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3150 N Eagle Landing Road Show Low, AZ 85901

$575,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,679 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752586

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

We may say this often - but it is true - Escape to the Pines! This perfect lot that backs to State land in Creekside at Eagle Mountain Estates is a beautiful gated community in Show Low. This very spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath home with a separate little office area off the kitchen (which has a large walk in pantry and gas range) is perfect for relaxation retreat away or living here permanently . Enjoy the warmth of the living room fireplace during those cooler mountain evenings or step outside into your enclosed pavered yard—perfect for peaceful mornings with a book or safe playtime for your pets. This home also features a generously sized two-car garage that provides extra space for larger vehicles or additional storage (think UTVs!). Residents appreciate the community's strict no short-term rental policy, which preserves the neighborhood's quiet charm. Whether you're seeking a permanent residence or a seasonal retreat, this home offers an ideal setting for a tranquil lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty. Explore the opportunity to call this serene dwelling your own!

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9073 E Evans Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,231 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6775988

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Don't miss out on this gorgeous, fully renovated single-level townhome near Kierland and Scottsdale Quarter. No detail was overlooked during the 2023 renovation. Bedrosian tile and counter tops, stainless steel appliances, brand new cabinetry, flooring, bathrooms, fresh landscaping, new sewer line, epoxy coating in the garage, new exterior paint, the list goes on! All of the upgrades are complimented by the abundant natural light, vaulted ceilings, and maximum privacy. The convenient access to the 101 allows for a fast commute to Old Town Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, and Sky Harbor.

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18997 N 74th Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$575,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,058 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754498

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your dream home in the serene Arrowhead neighborhood, where this stunning single-story gem awaits. With four spacious bedrooms and two elegantly upgraded bathrooms, this residence offers both comfort and style. The interior features hardwood floors and a gourmet kitchen with painted cabinets, a sleek stainless steel sink, and high-end stainless steel appliances with quartz countertops. Large windows throughout ensure abundant natural light. Step outside to your private oasis, complete with a newly resurfaced sparkling pool and meticulously landscaped gardens perfect for relaxation and entertaining. Additional upgrades include an epoxy-coated garage floor and a recently replaced water heater. Nestled near picturesque mountain trails for hiking and convenient shopping malls.

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34457 N Legend Trail Parkway Unit 1019 Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,463 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756791

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Your buyers will love this amazing opportunity to own in one of the most desirable communities in North Scottsdale. Enjoy the morning sun on your private patio overlooking the 17th fairway of the Legend Trail Golf Course. This brite open split-floor plan is complete with fresh paint, new appliances, granite countertops, breakfast bar & built-in entertainment center. The 3rd bedroom is easily converted to a home office/den with its dual doors. Steps away from the Community Center, 2 htd pools, tennis, pickle ball, workout facility & social events. Walking distance to LT Golf Course, restaurant, pro-shop & hiking/biking trails. Furniture available by separate bill of sale makes this home truly turn-key.

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4307 E Wildcat Drive Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,588 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757781

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this highly sought-after 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the beautiful Tatum Ranch community! Inside, you'll find a bright, airy interior with soaring vaulted ceilings and stunning arched passageways, complemented by a stylish built-in media center. The contemporary kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring elegant granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a spacious pantry. Unwind in the luxurious master suite, complete with double sinks, a large walk-in shower, and a soothing soaking tub. Step outside to your personal oasis, featuring a sparkling pebble-tec pool with a captivating boulder water feature. The covered patio is perfect for outdoor entertaining, while the easy-care landscaping allows you to relax and enjoy. Located within walking distance of scenic hiking trails and Desert Willow Park, which features a large playground, basketball courts, and sports fields, this home is ideal for an active lifestyle. You'll also find a variety of dining and shopping options just minutes away at Tatum Ranch Center. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

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