Selling Your Home? 5 Times You Should Replace Windows First

Are you planning to sell your home? Improvements and repairs you make now can help boost the sale price and help it sell faster. But homeowners often do not want to make unnecessary updates that will not provide sufficient return on their investment. With this balance in mind, should you replace your windows before putting the property on the market? The answer may be yes if you find yourself in any of these situations. 

1. The Windows Will Be a Problem

Investing in new windows is not always a given, especially if the current ones are likely to get a pass. However, now is the time to honestly assess your current windows. You have gotten used to them, but how will they appear to prospective buyers? Very old, outdated, broken, or mismatched windows could draw the wrong kind of attention.

Consult with your real estate agent to learn if buyers are likely to ask for an allowance to replace them. If this is the case, it is usually more cost-effective to do it yourself so you can control the cost.

2. The Windows Do Not Work

In general, a seller should repair things that are clearly broken or damaged. Buyers are advised to test out everything possible when they tour homes, and an inspector will certainly do so. Windows are no exception, so do not expect them to be overlooked.

Broken windows can have an effect on the home sale, in fact. Why? They are often taken as a sign that the home is not well cared for or not maintained. They give it the impression that the property is a fixer-upper rather than a turnkey operation. Some buyers are in the market for a fixer-upper deal, but most want something more move-in ready—especially if they have lots of choices.

3. The Home Needs a Makeover

New windows are a quick path to a sudden makeover for most homes. They have a big impact on curb appeal. In one fell swoop, you can update the entire exterior—front or rear—from dated to fabulous. And this is a chance to not only modernize the house but also to change its color palette and architectural details. Depending on the previous windows' condition, it could even brighten up the interior.

4. You Face a Buyer's Market

A buyer's market is one where a lot of competing inventory exists, selling can take some time, and prices are somewhat depressed. In this environment, your home needs to be more competitive. It must at least rise to the level of comparable homes. But ideally, it should stand out by offering more elements that buyers value—and will pay for. Updated, beautiful vinyl windows can be that wow factor. 

5. You Lack Energy Efficiency

Home buyers expect more energy efficiency in this day and age. Is your house lacking in this area? If so, new windows could be a quick route to reducing the problem and appealing to eco-conscious or budget-minded buyers. Ideally, energy efficiency comes through a package of insulation, draft reduction, and good windows. But if you can't achieve it all right now, windows may provide the biggest bang for your buck.

Does your situation fall into any of these categories? Perhaps more than one? If so, start by learning more about window replacement and repair.

Allstate Gutter & Siding can help. We will put our 40 years of experience with home exterior renovations to work for you. Call today to learn more or make an appointment to look at your windows together. No matter what you decide, you will be able to move forward with your home sale with confidence.