When putting a home on the market, a seller wants to quickly secure a buyer and generate the highest possible sales price. Aspects of the home that are obviously old or in disrepair may make it more difficult to achieve these goals.

When buyers visit a home and see an aging or damaged roof, they may worry about the overall condition of the property and keep looking. If they do make an offer, they will often reduce the sales price to account for the impending incurred expense and any other perceived roofing concerns.

Therefore you will want to be prepared prior to listing the home, to understand the condition of major systems and how you will address concerns.

Similarly, inspectors and appraisers will be interested primarily in the major components of the home, including the roof. Ensuring that the roof is in good condition is one of the best ways to motivate offers, ease buyer’s minds, and sail through the inspection and appraisal process.

When is it necessary to replace your roof prior to selling your home?  Here are some simple guidelines.

Inspect Your Roof

Before listing your home for sale, have a licensed inspector come and assess your roof’s true condition. Doing so ahead of time will prevent unwelcome surprises when the buyer inspects the home. A professional roofer can let you know how many years of utility remain on your roof, any immediate repairs that he recommends, or if the roof needs replacing.

Generally speaking, a roof with at least three years life remaining is considered appropriate for sale. If a professional assessment indicates that your roof can be certified for 3-5 additional years, both buyer and lender can be assured that the roof is not leaking and no damage is currently present.

Should you obtain this certification, make it known and available to prospective buyers.

Keep in mind that your buyer may still try to negotiate a lower price, as they know they will likely incur a large expense within the next 5 years.

Replacing the Roof

If the roof is currently leaking, in need of major repair, or needs replacement, many buyers may lose interest in the property. They may be concerned about current or impending water damage, as well as any structural damage.

These roofing concerns will also raise a red flag for lenders and insurers. The probability of a loan being approved on a home with a bad roof is low. There are some lenders who offer renovation loans, or they may hold back escrow money at closing until the roof is repaired. Still, these solutions are often more work-intensive than a buyer may wish to take on.

Therefore, if a new roof is needed and a seller has the ability to do so, having the roof replaced prior to the listing is preferable. The new roof can be a major selling point, garner a higher sales price than if the repairs are needed,  and result in a larger pool of interested and qualified buyers.

If you are planning to list your Sarasota area home and the age or condition of the roof is in question, give Avery Roof Services a call. We will be happy to come out to assess the situation and make recommendations as to how to best proceed in order to most effectively market your home.