Reasons to Replace Your Windows Before Selling Your Home

If you want to boost the value of your home before putting it on the market, updating your windows is one of the wisest decisions you can make. By replacing older or damaged windows, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency, security, soundproofing, curb appeal and much more. Keep reading to learn all of the ways windows and home value go hand-in-hand.

Should You Replace Your Windows Before Selling Your Home?

Adding new windows to your home can increase its value in many ways. The most obvious may be that new windows will help your house be less drafty, saving you significant money on your electric bills. Other benefits of new windows include the following:

• They block ultraviolet (UV) rays more effectively: These harsh rays would otherwise cause your home to heat up, causing your cooling system to work harder.
• They help the house appear move-in ready: A prospective buyer might perceive a home with older windows as a fixer-upper instead of having a turnkey advantage.
• They instantly boost the home’s curb appeal: An array of new windows will give your home an instant face-lift, making your whole house look new. If you select the right style, you can also transform your home’s aesthetic to look more modern and sleek.

There are some times when investing in new windows is essentially a must to sell your home. After all, homebuyers want to ensure the house they’re purchasing is structurally sound. If any of the following situations apply to you, you should consider a window replacement:

• Your windows are broken: If the glass, locks, latches, springs or other major components of your windows are broken, it’s a good idea to fix them before putting your home on the market.
• Your windows are causing drafts: If your windows let in drafts, it’s smart to upgrade to newer, more energy-efficient models. Although all windows may begin to let drafts in over time as the home settles, older windows do that even more due to their design. Marketing your home as energy-efficient could potentially bring in more interest.
• Your windows are inefficient: Most older windows weren’t designed to block UV rays as well as newer ones. Upgrade to new ones so your home isn’t as hot, and your furniture and other belongings don’t fade as quickly.
• You hear lots of noise from outside: If you can hear noise from outside with your current windows, that’s often an indication your windows weren’t correctly sealed or aren’t good quality. To turn your home into a quiet oasis, invest in high-quality replacement windows.
• The window frames are imperfect: If your window frames are chipped, water damaged or soft to the touch, it generally means you should replace them. This damage indicates rot, and your window frames will continue deteriorating over time if left unaddressed.
• You’re having trouble opening, closing or locking your windows: In some cases, windows just get stuck — and with a little lubrication, they’ll be good as new. However, in other cases, they can’t open because they were incorrectly installed and developed balance problems over time.

What If You Sell Your Home Without Replacing the Windows?

Keep in mind that investing in new windows isn’t a requirement to sell your home. Some buyers don’t mind purchasing homes with older windows because they can replace them according to their preferences and style. However, you should be prepared for prospective buyers to negotiate the price of window replacements, especially when they’re damaged.

This negotiation commonly happens in the following two ways:

• The prospective buyer requests a window replacement before closing: This approach tends to be the favorable option for sellers, as they’ll have control of the window type that’s installed.
• The prospective buyer asks for a credit for new windows: This avenue is generally the pricier option, as the buyer will often request a credit that covers high-end windows.

Either way, if your home features older windows you don’t want to replace before selling, you may have to do so anyway to close a deal with a buyer.

How to Budget for Window Replacements

The amount you should expect to budget for a window replacement will depend on the type of windows you’ll be installing:

• Double-hung windows: Double-hung windows open from the bottom or top and are great for hard-to-reach areas. These factors, along with their affordability, makes them the most popular type of window. The price for these windows largely depends on the frame type and quality of the glass. There are endless options, so it should be easy to find ones to fit your budget.
• Tilt-out windows: These windows fold in or out, revealing the exterior of the glass and allowing you to clean them from inside your house. They’re an excellent choice for places where it’s difficult to access them from outside, although they’re usually pricier than their double-hung counterparts.
• Double-pane windows: Double-pane windows are known for their exceptional energy-saving abilities, due to an airtight space between the panes filled with inert gas. The gas serves as a barrier between the weather conditions outside and the temperature of your house indoors. Upgrading to double-panes will help with climate control and lower your utility bills, provided your home is properly sealed.
• High-performance glass: Depending on your climate and budget, it may be worth looking into specialty glass windows and the performance they offer. Triple-pane windows will save you even more on utilities, and impact-resistant windows will provide extra protection for areas with extreme conditions. Some windows feature shades between the panes of glass, which can provide a modern appearance. These high-performance types of glass are the most costly, but the extra benefits they provide may justify the price tag.

Below are some tips for budgeting for your project:

1. Determine How You’ll Finance Your Project

For many, financing is the most challenging part. To start, take a look at your current finances. Is there enough money to cover this project? If you need more cash in your pocket to invest in new windows, you may want to explore a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit, which allows a homeowner to borrow against their house. It may also help to charge some of the expenses to your credit card. Some window replacement companies, like Homespire Windows and Doors, offer financing as well.

2. Get Advice From Others Who’ve Done Similar Projects

Talk about your window replacement with people who have first-hand experience with what you’re about to do. You’ll learn pointers on how to complete your project successfully and discover how to lower costs and budget more wisely. For example, they may be able to give advice on where to find good deals. Equally as important, they may tell you what not to do, and learning from their mistakes may save you money.

3. Evaluate the Scale of Your Project

Additionally, consider lessening the scale of your project if needed. There may only be a few windows you need to replace right away. Focus on the most damaged or oldest windows to replace first. If you end up having the time and money to replace all of your windows, you can do so when the time is right — but for now, you’ll make the most of your finances.

Can Replacing Your Windows Increase Home Value Before Selling?

If you replace the windows in your home, your buyers won’t just be enjoying the new windows — they’ll be enjoying all the other benefits the new windows provide, which include:

• Energy efficiency: New, energy-efficient windows are an attractive selling point for the majority of buyers. Don’t forget to include the energy efficiency of your windows or any other energy-efficient upgrades in your listing description. A savvy buyer will make a note of the window type you’ve installed. Keep in mind that composite windows are usually more energy-efficient than aluminum, wood or vinyl, and casement windows are less prone to air leaks. Buyers may also be looking for insulated windows or ones with special coatings.
• Soundproofing: New windows are better at blocking noise, depending on the window type you select. If your home is near a busy street, train or airport, upgrading your windows to ones with laminated glass and multiple panes will often ease the worries of buyers regarding sound.
• Updated look: New windows don’t just provide functional benefits — they can also enhance your home cosmetically, especially if you plan to paint them or replace the trim. They also boost curb appeal, which is key to attracting buyers searching online or driving by your house.
• Turnkey advantage: Buyers these days often search for move-in-ready properties that won’t need much work done after closing. Buying a turnkey home is less stressful and minimizes the financial burden of improvement projects right after buying.

If you’re planning to put your house on the market and are looking for additional ways to boost your home’s value, you may find some inspiration in this list:

• Landscaping: As we mentioned earlier, curb appeal is an extremely important consideration when selling your home. We all know first impressions are important, and your home’s exterior is the first impression most buyers will have of your home. For this reason, ensure the details and paint of your exterior are in top shape. Your driveway should also be properly paved and your lawn should be properly maintained. If you aren’t skilled at gardening, consider planting drought-resistant plants. If your home has a deck, add some attractive furniture.
• Home office: As more and more workers are telecommuting, a home office can add significant value to your home. If your home has some unused space, think about using it to create a home office. There should be plenty of space to work, and grounded outlets and data ports are also a good idea.
• Deck: If you invest in a deck for your home, you will likely recoup the majority of the costs when it comes time to sell. If you decide to put in a deck, take time to plan it out and add features like a built-in bench or, if your city allows it, a fire pit. To increase the longevity of your deck, use high-quality materials.
• Bathrooms: It’s hard to understate the importance of bathrooms in a home. If your bathrooms are outdated or you don’t have enough of them, it may cause many buyers to look elsewhere. Consider updating fixtures and amenities, and if you don’t have enough bathrooms but have space to spare, consider adding an extra one.
• Kitchen: Kitchen upgrades are another project that boosts the value of your home, but if you decide to do one, be careful. It’s important to consider the material costs versus the value. Based on your home’s cost, if you decide to put in new wooden cabinets, will you be able to recoup those costs? Examine costs closely when you remodel your kitchen to get the best return on your investment.
• Siding: If the siding on your home is coming off, warping, bending or just plain dirty, it’ll probably cause prospective buyers to worry about the home’s overall condition and they may never even take a look inside. For this reason, high-quality siding is one of the most important home improvement projects you can take on to prepare a house to sell. Vinyl siding, thanks to its minimal maintenance and significant affordability, is thought to recoup the majority of its original cost.
• Roofing: The roof, just like the siding, comprises a large part of your home’s exterior and therefore greatly affects the curb appeal of your home. That’s why it pays to have a solid, attractive one. If the roof on your home has missing or loose shingles or is discolored, many buyers will note that on their “cons” list.

Contact Homespire for a Free Quote for New Windows

At Homespire, our durable, composite windows support 12 layers of glass, providing our windows with superior security and energy efficiency. Meticulously installed by our team of experts, our windows can withstand whatever Mother Nature decides to throw at them. To schedule a free, in-home window analysis, reach out to our team by filling out our form or calling us at 1-833-684-1873.