Getting a home ready for resale can be one of the most stressful things you’ve ever done. There’s so many things to do: closets to clean, floors to mop, your teenager’s collection of scantily-clad pop star posters forcibly removed from their walls. It’s all worth it, because this work makes it easier to clean your house.
Some of the tasks homeowners take on are a little more substantial than scaring cobwebs out of the guest bedroom. Often, home replacement windows are recommended as an upgrade to attract would-be buyers.
Yet is it really worth it? Can installing home replacement windows positively impact your home’s resale value?
The answer is generally yes. According to Remodeling’s Cost vs Value report – a respected publication that has been tracking this sort of data since 1988 — the cost of installing replacement windows can be substantially recouped, especially if you opt for high end windows. Home replacement windows are an improvement buyers value and are willing to pay for.
Things you’ll want to remember include:
Home buyers shop with their eyes. You’ll want to look at your home critically. How do your windows look now? Just because you’re used to those older, flimsy aluminum frame replacements from the Seventies doesn’t make them attractive. Someone considering buying a home is making one of the largest purchases of their life. They notice everything — even those home features you don’t ‘see’ anymore.
If nothing else, upgrading your windows with vinyl home replacement windows, aluminum home replacement windows, or high end wood home replacement windows is sure to improve the appearance of your home. New windows will make your home look more welcoming and inviting. Just as the eyes are the window of the soul, windows are the eyes of a home — a would-be buyer can see a lot by peering into those ‘eyes’.
Focus on quality. If you’re going to have your windows replaced, don’t just opt for any quick and easy off-the-shelf replacement windows. You want a quality product, installed by professionals. If you skimp on the windows and select an inferior product, poorly installed, you can actually hurt your home’s resale value. After all, buyers aren’t going to be satisfied with a slap-dash set of windows. They’ll have to figure on replacing your half-hearted effort, which can add thousands of dollars to the cost of their new home. Obviously, this will drive down how much they’ll be willing to pay for your home — if they’ll even consider it at all. The lesson here is clear. If you’re going to take the time to install home replacement windows, make sure you do a good job.
Make sure your realtor is aware of the upgrades, so they can mention the windows during home showings. While the benefits of home replacement windows are clear, it never hurts to have your agent spelling them out for prospective buyers. Energy efficiency, quality construction and the improved aesthetic that home replacement windows offer add a lot of value to your home. You’ll want to make the most of it.
I’d be inclined to give carte blanche with you one this subject. Which is not something I usually do! I really like reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!