Getting your house ready to sell comes with a seemingly endless list of things you can do to improve it and make it more desirable to homebuyers. However, not every repair or update is going to be worth your time and money. What about new windows?
New windows can help improve the overall curb appeal of your house and give potential buyers a great first impression of your home. Not only do new windows look good, but they also increase the energy efficiency of your home, something that has become increasingly important to 80% of home buyers.
Why You Should Get New Windows Before Selling
If you are preparing to sell your home, getting new windows installed can make a big difference in how quickly and for how much your home sells.
Replacing your windows makes sense if:
- Your current windows are drafty.
- Your home has a low ENERGY STAR rating.
- Your current windows are single-glazed.
- Your window design looks dated compared to nearby properties.
- Your window frames are damaged or rotted.
- Your window frames are made with outdated, inefficient metal.
Most home buyers will get a home inspection before buying a home. If the inspector points out the faulty windows in your home, the buyers may ask you to replace them before proceeding with the purchase process. Other buyers may offer you a lower price if they will need to take on the financial burden of replacing the windows themselves.
When choosing replacement windows for your home, consider energy-efficient features such as:
- Double panes
- Argon gas between the panes
- Low-emissivity, or low-e, glass
What Benefits Do Replacement Windows Have?
Replacing old windows with new, modern designs can have significant benefits for your home.
1. Increase the Value of Your Home
While getting new windows installed can be a major investment, the Remodeling 2020 Cost vs. Value report shows homeowners can expect to recoup a significant portion of the cost when their house sells.
In the Raleigh, North Carolina area, homeowners can expect a return of about 70% of the cost when installing new vinyl windows. This can make a significant impact on the sale price of your home, while also making it more appealing to buyers.
If you are undecided about replacing your windows, don’t wait until it’s time to sell. Replace them early so you can enjoy the benefits of new windows before you enjoy the return on your investment.
2. Enhance Curb Appeal
An updated window style along with modern materials can dramatically improve the look of your home, both inside and out. New windows are available in a wide range of styles and finishes to coordinate with the current style of your home.
In some circumstances, you may be able to update the shape and size of your current windows. Consider unique options like:
- Garden windows
- Bay windows
- Casement windows
- Black-framed windows
- Half-round windows
3. Improve Energy Efficiency
According to the Department of Energy, installing low-e windows can decrease heating and cooling costs by 12-33%, depending on the type of windows that were on the home previously. Low-e windows also prevent heat from radiating out of your home during the colder months.
For windows that use argon gas between the panes, the argon acts as an insulator. This will help your home better maintain its temperature. Argon gas also helps prevent frost buildup on your windows during the winter.
4. Enhance Security
Old windows that are difficult to open or even painted shut can be an extreme safety hazard for your home. For example, if there were a fire, new, easy-to-open windows would make it easier for occupants to escape. Newer windows also boast improved locking mechanisms over older windows.
Update the Curb Appeal of Your Raleigh Area Home with New Windows
If your outdated windows are making your home an eye sore in the neighborhood and making it difficult to sell, a set of new windows can improve your selling odds dramatically. At Kelly Window & Door, we offer free in-home consultations for window installations to help you decide the best way forward.
We guarantee a pressure-free visit and will give you honest, up-front pricing based on our expert advice.
Ready to update your home? Request your free consultation today.