Should You Replace Your Windows Before Selling Your House?

Jan 19 2022 Posted By Ontario Window Reviews

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Close-up of a hand giving the keys to a sold house with new windows

Whether you are thinking of moving to a bigger house, downsizing, or moving to another location, selling your current house might be a milestone you’re looking to accomplish soon. Replacing your home’s windows before selling carries a number of benefits, such as adding to its curb appeal, attracting more buyers, and possibly increasing the value of the house. 

There are also clear signs of when to replace windows before selling – and not just for aesthetic reasons. This guide tells you all the factors to consider so that you can best decide if you should replace your windows before selling your house. 

Let’s begin!

A close-up of a “FOR SALE” sign in front of a house

The Advantages of Replacing Windows Before Selling

One way to determine if and when to replace windows in your house, prior to selling, is to weigh the pros and cons of replacing your windows. So first, here is a list of the advantages:

Added Curb Appeal

In the world of real estate, first impressions matter a good deal. The first impression or attraction that potential buyers feel when looking at a house is summed up in the word “curb appeal.” In a sense, curb appeal is what will draw potential buyers in. 

New windows can add to a property’s curb appeal simply because windows are large architectural elements. So when your home is fitted with new, updated windows, it impacts the look and feel of your house dramatically, thereby boosting the property’s curb appeal.  

A Sign of A Well-Maintained House

In connection to boosted curb appeal, having new and updated windows makes the house more attractive for practical buyers. New windows can signal just how well-maintained the property is. This is because windows are always exposed to the elements – making them susceptible to damages like warping, swelling, corrosion, mould growth, and so on, depending on the material of the window frame.

Therefore, when windows are clean, corrosion-free, and updated for modern needs (i.e. energy-saving features), it gives the impression that the house is well-maintained, even from afar. Conversely, having old, dilapidated, and leaky windows will give the impression that the house is not well-maintained. This impression alone can put off buyers before they even see the inside of the house. 

Added Selling Points

Windows are more than just architectural elements. They have a direct impact on the overall home experience. By choosing the right type of windows that are placed strategically within the house, you can put forward the following selling points: 

  • Double-pane, energy-saving, and noise-reducing windows
  • Low-maintenance, fade-resistant 100% UPVC window frames
  • Low-E coated windows for protection from UV rays
  • A comprehensive fully-transferable warranty (i.e. transferable to the new homeowner)
    • Note: Not a lot of window companies offer this kind of warranty. Oftentimes, once the house is sold, the warranty is forfeited. It’s best to do your research and choose a reputable window and door manufacturer that offers the most comprehensive type of warranty.

By choosing windows that give numerous benefits, you are truly setting yourself up for a successful house sale.

Increased Home Value

New windows, especially ones that offer a wide range of benefits, will increase your home’s value. This is why getting updated windows gives homeowners a strong return on their investment – although not always 100%, as we will discuss later. 

Furthermore, in recent times, vinyl windows have become particularly appealing thanks to their insulation capacity and low-maintenance needs. This is why upgrading to vinyl windows is considered one of the most valuable home improvements out there.  

Improved Interior Look

Added natural light from bigger/additional windows will not only make your house look great from the outside, it will also boost the look of your home’s interior. Natural light can convert any gloomy and sullen-looking space into a more vibrant and bright area as well as highlight the beauty of your home’s architecture. 

More Positive Notes on Home Inspection

Windows will most definitely be included in home inspection. Therefore, by replacing outdated, damaged, foggy, leaky, or dilapidated windows, you can avoid getting red flags for your property. 

A home inspector in front of new windows

The Disadvantages of Replacing Windows Before Selling

Now that we’ve weighed the advantages, let’s look into the disadvantages of replacing your windows prior to selling. This will give you further clues if and when to replace windows in your property.  

A Chance of the Buyer Not Liking the New Windows

New windows will generally increase curb appeal, however, there is a chance that certain buyers may not like the style of your new windows

You Might Not Recoup The Entire Value Spent on The Windows

Though new windows give a host of benefits when it comes to selling your home (including added property value), in some cases, you may only recoup 70% to 80% of what you spent on your new windows. 

Clear Signs That Window Replacement Before Selling is A Must

Advantages and disadvantages aside, there are scenarios when window replacement is absolutely necessary. This ties back to avoiding red flags during home inspection. 

If you have the following problems with your current windows, it is recommended that you get your windows replaced before taking steps towards selling your property: 

  1. Damaged or cracked windows
  2. Windows that don’t open or close properly
  3. Leaky windows
  4. Double-pane windows that fog or condense between panes
  5. Unstable window frames
  6. Mould-ridden window frames

Increase the Value of Your Home with Trusted Window Companies

This wraps up our guide on when to replace windows prior to selling your home. If you need new windows for your property, the next step is to find a window company that you can count on. By choosing from our list of trusted and customer-vetted window companies, you will be one giant step closer to getting durable, stylish, and energy-efficient windows for your home. 

In addition, some of the companies listed here on Ontario Window Reviews also offer window installation for a more hassle-free renovation experience. 
Take the next step today. Check out these customer-rated window companies!

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