A few minutes ago I heard an ad on TV for window replacement.
Part of what the ad said was that 3 out of 4 real estate agents agree that replacing the windows in your home with this brand increased its value by at least 10%.
What do you say? Do new (expensive) windows increase the value of a house by at least 10%.
Or were they very selective in picking those 3 agents?
I do not agree with this Marte Cliff ..not a good return on an investment! If there are fogged windows replace the glass (far cheaper) on the ones that are noticeable.
Kat Palmiotti
Kalispell, MT
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
Kris Collis
Clarks Summit, PA
I agree, Dorie Dillard Austin TX - fogged windows need to be replaced. Or - broken windows. But that should go without saying.
My neighbors were here for a visit tonight and mentioned they are having all of their windows replaced. They mentioned that the small window in the bathroom was not a big deal, but to make them all match, they said OK to replacing that one. For $500!
Guess I'm cheap. I'd have said no.
Marte, would have to check with an appraiser, but know new windows are worth the investment, but not sure how much of the money spent will be seen on the bottom line. I agree with Dorie, if they are fogged (broken seals), it is cheaper to get the pane replacement vs the entire window.
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner - I agree that it would be a good idea to check with an appraiser before spending thousands of dollars on new windows.
My neighbors, who I mentioned in the last reply, are not planning on selling. They're replacing aluminum framed windows for their own comfort.
Marte Cliff - I do not agree. I had a listing with about 3,800 square feet. All the windows were replaced. Price - Astronomical. It did not sell for list price.
I also had a Buyer who made an offer on a 1-bedroom condo. All the windows were new, and the Seller bought the most expensive windows. It did not appraise. Buyer walked and did not buy.
Also, it depends on the age of house. For example, if the home is about 30 years old, it is an expected maintenance cost and is most likely near the end of their lifespan.
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
As you're pointing out, Patricia Feager, it all depends on the circumstances.
HI Marte- I would also add it depends. If you live in FL or any other hurricane-prone area, impact windows are a big selling point. However, if you're strictly looking at ROI for these, I don't know the stats on that.
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
HI Kathy Streib - I agree. It depends.
About 30 years ago my husband built a custom home for a couple whose budget allowed for either a basement or expensive windows. I forget what brand they chose, but they went with the windows,
We became friends so I visited that house many times over the years - and never could figure out what was so wonderful about those windows!
Definitely not unless the house had no glass in the windows in the first place and only holes in the wall with the elements blowing in and out and you had to rake the leaves out of the living room.
We also see those advertisements. Window replacements are not always a good investment when planning to sell a home.
Nina Hollander, Broker
Charlotte, NC
Good morning, Marte... it depends on the windows and the condition they are in. Last year, one of my sellers replaced all the windows because they were literally falling apart and had wood rot throughout. That paid off in the final sale price. But, in general, to replace windows to sell a home... that's not an investment that will pay off dollar for dollar. If you have broken seals and foggy windows, just replace the glass.
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Good morning Marte. There is nothing left to say after reading Nina's comment. they must have interviewed three inexperienced agent that were clueless. Enjoy your day.
Unfortunately, many home improvement companies use this "increased value" tactic to sell their products. As Nina said, it depends on the condition, but in most cases, these kinds of improvements might increase the value somewhat, but not equal to the cost.
Good question and a smart one to challenge. Broad claims about value increases can sound compelling in advertising, but in real estate, the impact of improvements like window replacement is usually more nuanced.
New windows can absolutely improve buyer perception, energy efficiency, comfort, and marketability. They may help a home sell faster or reduce negotiation pressure after inspection. However, it is uncommon for any single upgrade to increase value by a fixed percentage across all markets, price ranges, and property conditions. Value is typically influenced by the overall package — location, layout, condition, pricing strategy, and competing inventory.
In some situations, replacing visibly failed or very outdated windows can help protect value rather than dramatically increase it. The return often comes through improved presentation and reduced buyer objections rather than a direct dollar-for-dollar price jump. Local market expectations and the home’s starting condition tend to determine how much buyers are willing to recognize the improvement.
It does increase the value but I don't think it's 10%. Here in PHX people are so happy to know the windows have been updated to more energy efficient. I'm glad re re-did ours awhile back. Makes a big difference.
Hello Marte - real estate and everyday life present countless "it depends" opportunities.
I also don't agree as what I heard from several appraisers, a window is a window, a door is a door. The appraiser may give a little upgrade, but not 10% IMHO.
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