As you start the process of putting your home on the market for sale, you should be thinking of what you can do to make it more appealing. Many homeowners will paint, add in landscaping, or make other small, affordable updates to draw the attention of potential buyers. Another project that you can complete now to help sell your home quickly is a new window installation.
New window installation is something that buyers see as a significant positive when looking for their next home. New windows are more energy-efficient, they make your home look more beautiful, and you can get most of your investment back when the final purchase agreement is signed.
Energy Efficient Windows Are What Buyers Are Looking For
Anyone that has been in the market looking for a new house knows that windows are one of the most prominent features to take into consideration before putting in an offer. If your windows are the old wood or aluminum style, most will see that as something that needs to be changed. When buyers see projects, they either aren’t going to make an offer at all, or they might lowball you using it as an excuse to pay less.
Instead of stopping in to take a tour of your property, they will see the old windows, and instantly, their mind will turn your home into a “fixer-upper.” Sure, there are many contractors or new home buyers that aren’t going to mind putting in the work themselves, but those individuals are fewer and farther between. If you want to sell your home fast, then new windows add instant charm.
As soon as you can point out the new windows, you can discuss how your home has become more energy-efficient since having the work done. You might even want to bring out some of your heating and cooling bills to prove what you’re talking about. If you have your window installation completed a month before you put the “For Sale” sign out front, you’re likely going to see some differences.
Residential Properties Look More Appealing with New Windows
While some homeowners look for things like energy-efficiency and functionality of a home, there are plenty of others that want that first look to grab their interest. If you haven’t redone your windows since moving in thirty years ago, there are likely cracks, chips, or even glass that’s broken.
A potential buyer pulling into your driveway is going to look for things like the condition of the roof, what the overall exterior siding or brick looks like, and how well maintained the windows are. By having brand-new energy efficient windows put in that match the style of the rest of the exterior, it will help with the sale significantly. You won’t have to waste time bargaining on the price because of old windows either.
New Window Installations Offer You a Return On Your Investment
Go ahead and get a quote for your new windows now. Many window installation companies in your area will offer the information to you for free. All you have to do is schedule an appointment. They will come to your home, show you what your options are, and leave you with an estimate of what the project is going to cost. Then, it’s up to you what to do. However, if your primary goal is selling the home as quickly as possible, you should take the steps necessary to get the project in motion right away.
Many window contractors will tell you with honesty that you’re not going to get 100% of your money back on the sale of your home when considering the price of the window installation. On average, experts say that you can expect to get about 70% of that investment back though, which isn’t all that bad if you want to sell now.
Of course, you have the option of leaving your old windows in. You can expect that people won’t be as willing to put an offer on a home that they’re going to have to start putting money into right away. Think of it like this: If you and your neighbor have identical homes up for sale and you replace your old windows and they don’t, yours is going to sell first and for a higher price.
How to Tell if It’s Time to Replace Your Windows
Now that you know putting in new windows will help you sell your home faster, you need to be able to determine if it’s time for a new window installation.
There are several factors to take into consideration, including:
• Visible chips, cracks, or water damage to the window frames
• Excessive outside noise coming through the windows
• Feeling drafts leak in when the windows are closed
• Condensation between the layers of glass
• Cracked or broken glass
• Problems opening, closing, or locking the windows
• Cloudy glass
• Recent increases in your energy bills
• Older single-pane windows instead of double-glazed modern windows
When you know one or more of these things to be accurate, you should start researching what your options are for new windows.
Make sure when you talk with your window contractor that you discuss style options as well. While all new windows are going to make your home more efficient, they might not look right if you pick the wrong style. Homebuyers will be able to tell that you didn’t select the best possible window type for your home’s existing look and structure. Then, they will be less likely to be attracted to the overall appearance.
Many people decide to put new windows in their homes before selling because they would rather spend a little money to have the sale go quickly. That’s just one of the benefits though. Even if your home doesn’t sell as fast as you want it to, you’re going to save money on the energy bills while you’re still there. That goes without mentioning how gorgeous new windows look to those driving by. Eventually, someone is going to see the new energy-efficient windows that accentuate your home beautifully. They won’t be able to resist putting in an offer on your property.
Position Realty
Office: 480-213-5251