Getting ready to sell your home? One of the most important aspects to consider is what in your house needs attention or replacing before you sell. Perhaps the biggest decision is what to do about your roof. Can you sell the house as-is, does it need repairing or will you need to replace your entire roof?
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your roof before putting your home on the market, including the age and condition of the roof, what materials were used and the climate in which you live.
If you aren’t sure about whether to repair or replace, here are a few guidelines to help you determine the fate of your roofing situation.
When to Repair Your Roof
If your roof has partial damage, such as broken shingles from storms, aging or other conditions, it may not have to be replaced completely. If the damage is limited to one section of the roof, it’s often wiser, and less expensive, to replace that area rather than the entire roof.
Though you might be tempted to save money by forgoing any roof repairs, it could cost you more in the long run. Most buyers who see a damaged roof will expect to pay less in anticipation of making repairs themselves. If you do not plan on making repairs to your roof before selling your home, you will likely have to lower your asking price to offset the price a potential buyer will pay to repair the roof, costing you thousands of dollars.
Either way, you should have a roofing expert estimate the cost of the repairs and get their professional opinion on its effect on your home’s resale value.
When to Replace Your Roof
Selling a home with any roof damage is unlikely, but selling one with a severely damaged or aged roof is not only unappealing to buyers, it’s virtually impossible. When homebuyers are financing their home with Federal Housing Administration or Veteran’s Administration loans, there are many requirements the home has to meet to be eligible. Specifically for an FHA loan, it can’t leak or let in moisture and has to have at least two years of life left.
Even more strict is the insurance company that will provide the homeowner’s insurance. They will require the roof to be in good shape and will send someone out to inspect it before providing any coverage. The buyer is very unlikely to get insurance until the roof is deemed acceptable.
To help determine whether a roof replacement is necessary, look back at the last time your roof was replaced and what materials were used. While the lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is 15 to 20 years, most steel and aluminum metal roofing systems come with a 30- to 50-year warranty.
If your roof has extensive damage, no matter how old it is, replacing it before you sell is a smart investment. Because replacing a roof is considered home maintenance, it does not directly increase its resale value, but in a competitive market, a new roof can be a huge advantage when prospective buyers are comparing your home to others in the neighborhood. And that can mean less time on the market and more money in your pocket.
When listing your home, the phrase “new roof” itself is a great marketing tool that makes your home more attractive. It eases potential buyers’ fears of leaks and problems and gives them comfort to know they’re not going to have to replace the roof for a while.
No matter the condition of your roof, it’s always a good idea to consult an expert before attempting to sell. To schedule a free inspection, give us a call at 855-964-7663 or request a free estimate.
