When getting your home ready to sell, there are a lot of repairs and upgrades that you probably haven't even thought about. Fortunately, our REALTORS® can guide you through it and help you determine what needs to be done to sell your home quickly and get the best price. Your windows, for example. When was the last time they were replaced? Is it something you should do before putting your home on the market? Here are a few factors to look for to determine the right time to replace your windows.

• Age
  Windows last an average of 15-20 years. If yours are approaching 15 years, replacing them will make a better impression on buyers. If you're unsure how old they are, check whether they're single or double-paned. Fifteen years ago, single-paned windows were the standard. However, most windows now are double-paned, as they provide better insulation and increased energy efficiency. If yours are single-paned, it's probably time to upgrade.
  
  
• Damage
  Obviously, if a window is cracked or broken, it should be replaced. Likewise, if there's visible damage to the surrounding frame. Not only are these defects unsightly and liable to turn off prospective buyers, but they can also let in drafts. Additionally, if your windows stick so that it's a great effort to open or close them—or one refuses to open or close at all—replacement may be necessary. The more force is required, the more likely they are to break. Also, if the frame is warped so the window doesn't close with a tight seal, it may need replacement. Finally, if pieces of your wood frame are coming off, or the wood feels soft and spongy, it's a sign they're rotting from moisture. Replace them immediately.
  
  
• Foggy Glass
  If your multi-paned glass looks cloudy or foggy or displays beads of condensation between the panes, there could be a break in the seal, where moisture is getting in. A contractor may be able to seal the leak, or you may need new windows.
  
  
• Ambient Noise
  Is your house on a busy street where you can hear traffic passing by? Does your neighbors' loud music permeate your home when they throw a party, or do you hear their kids or pets playing in the backyard? Prospective buyers will hear those things, too. Upgrading to double or triple-paned glass will help block out the noise.
  
  
• Drafts
  If your house feels drafty or you hear or feel air coming in, your windows leak. That outside air displaces the conditioned air from your HVAC system, increasing your energy bills. It also brings dust, pollen, and other allergens with it. In fact, if your energy bills are higher and your allergies are worse than usual, these could be signs your windows need attention. A bit of caulking or weatherstripping may be able to fix the problem, but if it doesn't, you'll want to install new ones.
  
  
• Home Value
  Even if you don't specifically need new windows, it's a fairly simple upgrade that can increase your home's value before you sell. It's always a plus when you can say that a feature is brand new or just installed. Especially if you add energy-efficient windows that will decrease heating and cooling costs or multi-paned windows designed to block out noise, it will appeal to prospective buyers.

If you're looking for ways to add value to Nassau County homes for sale or make Suffolk County homes for sale more appealing to prospective buyers, we can help get them ready to go on the market. Contact us to get the process started.