Many people improve their house before listing it for sale. Unsurprisingly, the most visible features get the most attention, making window replacement a popular choice. You might wonder, however, what the ROI is likely to be.
Expected ROI
Wood, vinyl, and composite windows all have roughly the same expected returns when selling your home. While there’s a small variation, the ROI tends to fall within the 65-75% range. This means that a $10,000 investment would recover between $6,500 and $7,500 through an increase in the home’s sale price.
Notably, increased efficiency takes a while to pay itself back. Typically, the efficiency payback is between 15 and 30 years, depending on the quality of the windows. Consequently, homeowners who continue to live in their house during the sale will likely recoup more of the overall investment.
Local climate can also boost ROI. Especially in the Pacific Northwest, buyers are more likely to focus on new windows if the house sits at a higher altitude or in a more exposed area. Particularly if the replacement windows are focused on energy efficiency, the odds of a greater ROI during sale will be higher.
Improved Closing Times
Generally, window replacement projects should improve closing times for homes. Buyers like to see that a seller gave the house some attention. Likewise, replacing the windows takes an item off their checklist, providing confidence that the windows will hold up for at least a couple of decades. Houses with new windows spend one to two fewer weeks on the market.
Replacing Older Windows
The best ROI is likely to come from replacing particularly older windows. Foremost, older windows are more likely to have faded surfaces and damage. Inherently, this degrades a home’s value.
Secondly, many older windows feature less efficient designs and materials. Buyers like to see modern solutions that assure greater durability and efficiency.
Thirdly, addressing damage in the vicinity of the windows is also important. In this part of the country, humidity and rain can rot wood and even leave behind mold. During the install, we clean up the entire window area, leaving it sparkling, which makes a big difference when selling a house.
If the windows are older than 20 years, replacement is presumptive. This is especially valid when selling houses in the mid-market or higher. Buyers expect the windows to look good, and they will deduct at least the replacement price from their bid. Check out current promotions for more.
Documenting the Replacement
A big part of recovering the most ROI during a sale is documenting the window replacement process. Fortunately, our installers are happy to document the entire process. We will note everything from the types of windows to any modifications we made to the window areas. We can also document costs, so you can show buyers your investment. Most importantly, we can fix a date for when the replacement occurred.
Make copies of all the paperwork so you can share the information with as many buyers as possible. Feature the window replacement prominently in any written copy for the sale, too. If the windows have high-end features, note them. This includes features like UV protection, efficient designs, durable materials, and unique operating mechanisms.
Featuring the View
Washington state is known for stunning vistas. Not every house in the region makes the most of that. Upgrading the windows in a home is a good tactical choice if the location has a great view. A house with small windows could benefit significantly from replacing them with larger models that showcase the location’s appeal.
Fewer Issues with Inspections and Appraisals
Windows are among the most visible parts of a house. Consequently, they are easy targets during inspections and appraisals. An adjuster or appraiser who visits a house with visibly decaying windows is going to be on alert, and they will apply greater scrutiny to the rest of the property.
Window replacement is a good preemptive measure that removes a potential red flag from the checklist. Replacement windows improve the odds of a quicker inspection, and that means you can get your house onto the market sooner.
Signature Window & Door Replacement has served Seattle, WA and the surrounding area since 199. Our business is an Angi Super Service Award winner, and we also have a BBB rating of A+. We install products from many major manufacturers, too.
If you’re ready to schedule a window replacement before selling your Seattle home, contact Signature Window & Door Replacement to arrange a free consultation. Check out our window gallery!
