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Thinking about selling your house? You better pay attention.
Roof condition matters more than you realize when it comes to maximizing your resale value. And here's the truth…
A lot of homeowners forget about the roof completely.
But would you buy a house with a sagging roof?
Leaky roof?
Peeling paint?
Of course not!
If the roof looks like it needs some major love and care, buyers run for the hills.
But a roof in good condition can literally add value to your home and increase your chances of selling your home fast.
Here's the thing…
Home sellers spend tons of time and money fixing up kitchens and bathrooms. And for what? The one thing buyers notice first when they drive up is your roof.
- Why Roof Condition Matters For Resale Value
- How Buyers & Appraisers Look At Your Roof
- How much a new Roof can add to your home
- Signs your roof NEEDS Work Before Selling
Why Roof Condition Matters For Resale Value
Your roof accounts for approximately 40% of your home's exterior thats visible to the buyers eye.
That means anytime someone pulls up to your home and takes a look, your roof better be looking good. If it's old, worn down, or missing shingles… buyers will wonder what else you haven't told them about your home.
Buyers care about curb appeal. Seriously.
In a survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors, 99% of real estate agents agreed that curb appeal matters when it comes to attracting potential buyers. And we all know your roof plays a big role in curb appeal.
Let me ask you this…
Your buyer pulls up, looks at your roof and notices missing shingles, dark spots, and fading colors. What do you think they assume? There's more problems they just don't see. Water damage, leaks, costly structural issues.
Nick Gromicko from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors said it best:
"If the roof is perceived as leaking or diseased, either through sagging, staining, moss growth, rust stains, poorly patched areas, missing shingles, or overall worn appearance, then the home will not appraise as well."
Don't stress yourself out by trying to DIY these repairs. Hire a local roofing services company like Star Roofing in Capital District that knows what buyers are looking for when it comes to roofing.
Roof tips include:
Inspect your roof yearly to prevent future issues.
Replace damaged or worn shingles as soon as you spot them.
Keep your gutters clean and full of proper drainage.
Keep your roof clean and free of any algae or moss.
How Buyers & Appraisers Look At Your Roof
When your buyers drive up to your home they already start evaluating your roof.
Do we need to replace the roof? Is there moss? Are the shingles old?
Then once an offer is made, your home has to be inspected. They're gonna take a million pictures of your roof. Typically using a drone. And guess what?
The buyers and the bank appraisers are inspecting every ounce of your roof to determine how they feel about it.
Appraisers look for:
- Age of your roof.
- The conditions that your roof was in.
- Material the roof was made with.
If they don't like what they see, it could negatively impact your home's value. Which means you won't get the amount you're asking for your home.
Again, this is why you need to bring in professionals to help ensure your roof is in tip-top shape before listing your home.
When it comes to your roof, age matters. Most asphalt roofs last between 15-30 years. So, if your roof is getting up there in age, your buyers and appraisers will definitely take notes.
You can also increase your home value by replacing your roof with the same material. Yup, just replacing your roof can increase value.
According to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report, you can recover 60-70% of a roof replacement cost by selling your home. Just think about that…
You invest a little money and it pays you back when it's time to sell.
How Much a New Roof can Add To Your Home?
Okay, so how much value does a new roof really add to your home?
It depends on where you live, what type of material you get, and if you have a roof already installed on your home.
But on average a new roof can cost you $12,000 to $15,000 more when selling your home. Not too shabby for something that also protects your largest investment!
Here's another secret sellers don't want you to know…
Homes with new roofs sell up to three weeks faster than homes that need roof work.
If your roof is less than 10 years old, you won't have to worry about the buyers using your roof as a negotiation tactic. They won't be able to ask you to lower your price because you'll need to replace the roof once they purchase the home. Another reason buyers look for homes that NEED work is for the bank to lower your selling price.
You also want to match the type of roof your neighbors have. You're not going to get your ROI if you have a copper roof and everyone else on your street has asphalt shingles.
Different roofing materials can increase your home's value slightly differently.
Here's a few of the most common ones.
Asphalt shingles – This is what most homes have. If your home has asphalt and everyone else on your block does too, it's a good idea to replace your roof with the same material.
Metal roofing – Metal roofs are becoming more popular due to it's durability and energy efficiency.
Slate or tile roofs – If you want a premium look, installing either of these can make your home stand out. Plus, they last over 100 years!
Signs Your Roof Needs Work Before Selling
Are you wondering if your roof is in good condition for selling? Here are some things to look for if your roof is in need of work:
- Shedding or missing shingles.
- Water leaks that lead to staining on your ceilings.
- Rust or missing pieces around your chimney.
- Sagging areas on your roof.
Any of these signs indicate that you should have your roof looked at BEFORE listing your home.
If you're thinking about throwing a new roof on before selling. Do it!
But if you aren't in the position to, or you don't think you need a completely new roof. That's okay!
You can always repair any damaged shingles or areas in your roof.
Not only will this stop any current issues, but it shows the buyer you've taken care of your home and have been maintaining your roof annually.
As you can see, roof condition before selling matters more than you think.
A lot of homeowners get so focused on the inside of their home. They forget to take care of the outside. And more specifically, their roof!
Here's your quick recap:
- Roof condition accounts for 40% of your home's exterior.
- Buyers and Appraisers take note of your roof condition.
- Having a new roof can increase your home value $12,000 to $15,000.
- Your home could sell weeks faster with a new roof.
- Repairing your roof before selling shows care and maintenance.
If you need help or have any questions don't hesitate to give us a call at Star Roofing. We're always happy to help and offer free consultations.
