Whether you go with wood or vinyl, a window replacement can add value to your home. If you’re considering selling your home, this added value is an asset that you can’t ignore. Most homeowners can expect to recoup slightly over 73% of the costs they spend on replacing their windows. But the benefits don’t stop there.
Aside from the costs you can recoup, why else should you consider replacing the windows in a home that you’re about to sell? Take a look at some of the top reasons to replace your windows prior to putting your home on the market.
Improve Curb Appeal
Cracked, warped, foggy, or worn windows are more noticeable than you might think. While they might not stand out in the same way that missing siding, a drooping gutter, or peeling paint does, windows are still a part of your home that potential buyers see.
Keep in mind that your windows greet visitors to your home. This includes potential buyers. Repainting your home’s exterior, adding new landscaping, and making other outside home repairs will only highlight worn windows.
Along with creating a continuous new look for your home’s exterior, updating your windows also allows you to tie your curb appeal style together. Instead of a mash-up of different décor types or an eclectic blend of styles, you can unite the exterior under one look. This includes the overall style (such as traditional, rustic, or contemporary) as well as the color palette.
Boost Energy Efficiency
How much money can new windows really save when it comes to heating and cooling-related energy bills? Replacing old single-pane windows with multi-pane ENERGY STAR qualified models can save between $101 and $583 per year, according to ENERGY STAR. That’s a cost-savings you can pass on to the buyer.
Heating and cooling a home is an expensive action. The average home in the U.S. devotes half of its energy usage annually to heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. Drafty, inefficient windows force your home’s HVAC system to work harder. This, in turn, uses more energy and raises heating/cooling costs.
Even though the buyer might not know about the serious energy savings that they’ll experience just by looking at the windows, replacing them with a more efficient model is something that your listing agent can use for advertising purposes.
Offer Less Work
Some homebuyers don’t want the burden of updating, upgrading or working on their new property. They want a turn-key home that’s ready to move into right away. The more value that you can give to the buyer, the better they’ll feel about paying a higher price for your home. Seeing old, damaged, or weathered windows can turn this type of buyer away. This may leave you with buyers who expect to pay a lower price for a house that needs some work.
Even if the buyer doesn’t see a crack or worn window, they are likely to find out about it anyway. If you have known issues with your windows, such as windows that won’t open, the chances are that you’ll need to disclose these problems to potential buyers before they ever make an offer.
Giving the buyer the gift of new windows may make a difference in your overall profit. Here’s where the cost-value recoup can come in. Not only can you get your money back, but the buyer may see your updated windows as part of an overall package. And that package looks more expensive than one with old, foggy glass.
Are you considering selling your home? Before putting it on the market, hire a professional to evaluate your windows and provide you with updating options. Clear Choice Exteriors Your Local Window Depot can help you with this home improvement project.
