I’m Selling My Home Do I Need to Replace the Roof?

I’m Selling My Home Do I Need to Replace the Roof? Are you planning to sell your home? All things in your house requiring attention, repairs, or even replacing are key factors to consider before selling. 

Likely, the most important decision will have to do with your roof. Can you sell the house in its current condition? Will it need some roof fixes, or do you have to replace the roof completely?

From the age of your roof to the local weather, there are several variables to consider. Moreover, you need to assess properly these factors before putting your home on sale.

Are you in doubt about repairing or replacing your roof? Here we’ll provide some guidelines that will help you decide what to do about your roof.

I’m Selling My Home Do I Need to Replace the Roof?

When to Repair Your Roof

Maybe your roof has just moderate damage, such as damaged shingles due to storms, aging, or other factors. In this case, it will not be necessary to replace it entirely. So, if the damage is located in a specific segment, it is less costly to repair that section rather than replacing the whole roof. 

You may be inclined to avoid roof repairs and save money. Though, doing so may end up costing you more in the long term. Most homebuyers will expect to pay less for a property with a damaged roof. After all, they will have to make later the necessary repairs themselves.

So, do you not intend to do roof repairs before selling your house? Have in mind that you will have to reduce your asking price. You should compensate for the price a probable buyer will spend by fixing the roof. In the end, it may cost you thousands of dollars.

In any case, it would be a good idea to have a roofing specialist evaluating the costs of the repairs. He will give you his professional judgment about the effect of these repairs on your home’s selling price.

When to Replace Your Roof

A property with any roof damage is hard to sell. So, imagine how difficult it is trying to sell a house with a severely damaged or added roof! It is not only undesirable to buyers. It is nearly impossible to sell it. 

Besides, when homebuyers use Federal Housing Administration or Veteran’s Administration loans to finance a home purchase, the house must satisfy several standards to qualify.

It cannot leak or allow in moisture. Additionally, it must have at least two years of life left to be eligible for an FHA loan.

The insurance provider that will provide the homeowner’s insurance will be even stricter. Before offering any coverage, they will demand that the roof is in excellent condition. Also, they will send one of their agents out to inspect it. Thus, a few chances are that the buyer can obtain insurance unless this company considers the roof is acceptable.

As you can see, it is crucial to have a roof in good shape if you want to sell your home. Do you need to know if your roof requires a replacement? Consider the materials of your roof and the time that has passed since the last replacement.

Typically, an asphalt shingle roof has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Likewise, most aluminum or steel roofing systems have a 30- to 50-year warranty.

However, if your roof has severe damage, repairing it before selling is a wise investment. A roof replacement does not imply that you can raise your home selling price since it is deemed home maintenance. But, remind that real estate is a competitive market. 

Nevertheless, in a highly competitive market, a new roof may be a significant advantage. Potential buyers will compare your home to others in your area and it will help you get a good deal for your property. That means less time spent on the market and more money in your bank account.

The words “new roof” not only mean that your house looks gorgeous. When it comes to selling properties, they work as a great marketing tool, increasing your home value. Indeed, they make disappear potential buyers’ concerns about leaks and roofing issues. Besides, a new roof will give them peace of mind that they may have a roof in good shape for a long time.

It is always a good idea to get advice from an expert before trying to sell your home, regardless of its roof condition. So, you can call Roof Crafters of Baton Rouge, Hammond, Mandeville, and the Northshore for more information at 225-667-1189 to get a free quote or schedule a free inspection to know what you need for a roof. And, you can get in touch with Louisiana Landsource to find about selling your home or to know more about land for sale in Louisiana. If you didn’t find what you are looking for today check out our sister site at Texas Landsource for more great home and land listings.

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