Are The Windows In Your Home Hurting Your Resale Value? Here's What You Should Know

There are a lot of factors that affect how much money you can sell your home for. While big-picture things like square footage or the neighborhood are especially important, the devil is in the details. One important factor that affects your home's value is the quality and condition of your windows and the type of windows your home has.

To get the most from your home when selling, you'll want to assess your windows and their condition carefully. Cracked and damaged windows or older windows that don't work well are unattractive to homeowners and will likely reduce your ability to sell for a great price. These windows come with air and moisture problems as well as reduced home security. What's more, older windows may not offer good insulation, leading to higher energy costs. Be sure to check your windows for drafts to get a better understanding of their condition. 

Low-quality windows can also damage your home's curb appeal and turn buyers off, potentially making them think your home has additional problems lurking underneath the surface. In addition to the condition of your windows, consider the type of windows your home has along with the benefits and advantages they bring to your home. Replacing your windows can be costly, but it may be worth it for your own satisfaction or if you want to sell your home for more money.

One thing to keep in mind is that some windows do a better job than others of helping increase home value. If you have single-glazed windows, upgrading to double or triple-glazed windows can make a big impact. Installing windows with more security can be useful. A window with stronger construction, better locks, and extra window security features will be more attractive to homebuyers than old windows that may be flimsy and unreliable. 

Also, consider installing windows that are more energy-efficient. These work well for improving home value and generating more buyer interest. Alternatively, simply making some security upgrades to your current windows can be beneficial as well. Adding window coverings, caulking your windows, or adding weatherstripping can also make an impact on energy-efficiency, and in turn, home value.

For more energy efficiency, look for ENERGY STAR windows that have a low U-factor, which indicates reduced transfer of non-solar heat and better energy efficiency. Also, consider looking for a window with a lower solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), which indicates less solar heat transfer. 

Whenever upgrading your windows, especially when selling, weigh out the pros and cons and the potential return on investment (ROI). While it could be worth the cost and effort, you may find that window replacements will be too costly and aren't worth it in your area, even if they do help your home sell for more.