As a real estate agent, you know how important it is to stage a home strategically. Buyers want to be able to walk into each room and visualize how their family will enjoy a peaceful Sunday afternoon together. Therefore, you should consider carefully what might compel a prospective buyer to make an offer. What’s one very important feature that realtors and home sellers often overlook when perfecting a home before showcasing it? The windows. While updating windows can help with the sale of a home, the project alone can be very costly. Some buyers may appreciate purchasing a home with the windows done, while others may prefer to update the windows themselves (especially if that means getting the home at a lower price). In this article, we will analyze the benefits and drawbacks of upgrading windows before putting a home up for sale.
Is window replacement worth the cost?
If you’re wondering if the cost of replacement windows is worth the money, the short answer is yes! Home sellers can expect to recoup
approximately 70 to 80 percent of the home’s market value. For example, a seller that spends $400 dollars on window replacement can expect their home’s value to increase by $280 to $320. Keep in mind that the value of a home’s window replacement depends largely on your local market, as well as the type of window and window frame you choose to buy. To put things into perspective, vinyl windows are less expensive than fiberglass and composite frames. To install a standard double-hung window with insulated vinyl can cost anywhere between $550 and $1000 per window. As another example, wooden window frames outfitted in aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass material are an attractive option, but can also be a bit pricey, costing between $750 and $1150 each.
How long do house windows last?
The average lifespan of residential windows is
between 15 to 20 years. Windows that are designed using higher quality, durable materials can last beyond the 20-year mark. However, once your windows are decades old, it’s time to seriously consider updating them.
Will replacing windows increase the value of a home?
The big takeaway here is that replacing a home’s windows is absolutely worth the investment. Not only will the home’s value soar; but replacing outdated windows also helps freshen up the look of living space, improves energy-efficiency, and captures natural light. Most important to sellers, beautiful new windows will make your home stand out in a saturated market. Not to mention, buyers appreciate a home that is move-in-ready, or at least very close to it. Consider new windows if you’re looking to improve your home’s marketability and command a higher selling price. Not sure where to begin with your window replacement project?
Reach out to us today!