minds of potential buyers—an impression that helps set the value of the home in their minds. Other replacement projects with a good return include replacing old windows with new vinyl or wood window frames and trim and installing a new roof, with returns of 68.5% and 61.1%, respectively.
PRIORITIZE NECESSARY REPLACEMENTS
There are some replacements that are not as visible to homeowners, but they will make a huge difference in ROI if it turns out that these key items are due for replacement. For example, some agents assert that a new roof does nothing to add market value to a home. But statistically, a roof replacement is often cited as having a high ROI. How do you square these seemingly contradictory statements? It is important to understand this kind of replacement in context. A roof is a bit like a bass player in a rock band—you only really notice it when it isn’t doing its job, when it strikes a wrong note, so to speak. Likewise, a roof is not something you typically think much about—unless it is leaking or has a colony of moss growing on it, and then it’s a HUGE problem. Therefore, while a bad roof can certainly detract from a home’s value, a solid, trouble-free roof is simply expected. Its chief value for you as a seller is how it may help your home favorably compare with other, similar homes whose older roofs are showing clear signs of wear. Do not replace your roof with an eye toward selling unless your home clearly needs it. One caveat to include is that roofing items like energy-efficient architectural shingles with a transferable warranty may be highly attractive to the right buyer. The HVAC system is a similar "prioritize if necessary” replacement or repair job. If it’s working efficiently and relatively
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