First impressions go a long way, and the first impression prospective buyers get from the outside of your home might make or break a sale. Ask any real estate expert and they will tell you that the first impression a potential buyer has sets the tone of your home’s atmosphere as well as contributing to its perceived value. If you are thinking of putting your home on the market, the easiest way to say “welcome” is with new windows.
One Project? It Has to Be Windows
If you want to list your home for sale this fall, you’ll first need to take a smart inventory of all the areas you can afford to improve before putting it up on the market. If you’re in a rush to sell, or only have the budget to work on one major renovation project, our recommendation is to replace your windows.
Perhaps your current windows are on the older side, or they aren’t energy efficient. By investing in new ones, you not only improve the look of your home, but also its functionality.
When you replace your old windows you also increase your home’s marketability in a way few other reno projects can. After all, windows are one of the first things people see when they approach your property, so why not invest in the most striking aspect of your home’s exterior?
Enhance Curb Appeal
Window replacements can greatly improve your curb appeal and because they’re the first thing prospective homeowners see, they make one of the single biggest impressions when you’re trying to sell your home.
New windows can help you attract buyers, and new bow or bay windows are an attractive feature that can help draw attention to other exterior features that don’t get as much love such as siding or entry doors.
Let in the Light
New windows can brighten up any room, and by investing in more window space, you ensure that your home will be as attractive as possible from the inside and the outside. Window walls are a very attractive option that help you keep your interior space bright and inviting, but other types such as casement windows can provide light as well as air flow.
Increase Square Footage
Selling your home is not an easy process. It requires a lot of effort and you want to be able to ensure a solid ROI on any renovation project. Any renovation will typically add triple its value to your home’s selling price, but new windows can go a step further. Investing in bow or bay windows actually increase square footage, which means more space on top of more light — and every square foot adds to the selling value.
Reduce Carbon Footprint
If your budget doesn’t allow for the price of major overhauls like bay window installation, simply upgrading to a set of double pane ENERGY STAR® windows goes a long way, as well. They not only help to reduce your home’s carbon footprint, but they also bring down utility bills during the winter season if you end up waiting a few months to find the right buyer.
Keeping your home cool in summer and warm in winter is a year-round job — and your windows play a major role. Having old, damaged windows will directly impact your home’s temperature and cost-efficiency with regard to utility bills.
If you want to take your home’s sale seriously, any realtor will tell you that ENERGY STAR® is a trusted certification that is a guarantee to improve your home’s value.
Windows with damages or cracks (to the pane or the framing) will let out warm air in winter and let cold air in. Replacing your windows and ensuring that air is not leaking will improve the carbon footprint of your home and reduce energy bills as a result — which is a double selling point when your home goes to market.
Choose the Right Installer
Pairing quality installation from a winning company with regular inspection and maintenance will improve the value of your home as you live in it, and when you sell it.
Note that your window installation company should offer a warranty for all their products, they should manufacture and install their products themselves, and should never employ sub-contractors. A company that stands by its warranty will ensure that your investment pays off when it comes time to sell.
If you’re serious about selling, take our advice and have your windows replaced by a reputable company — and enjoy the dividends.
