There are many things to consider when thinking about whether to replace the roof on your house before you sell it. It could be the difference between someone buying your house or skipping to the next option.
 
Here, you will find a list of the things to consider before replacing your roof: 

1. Is the roof old or does it just need cleaning?

Many roofs in our area tend to have dark areas form as they age. This can make the roof appear to be old and in need of replacement.
 
In some cases, all you need may be just a good cleaning. Check with a roof cleaning company to see if a cleaning will freshen up the appearance of your roof.

2. Is your roof in good shape?

A lot of people are looking for a house that is in good condition when they buy it, so they don't have to spend a lot of money on repairs soon after they buy. Sure, there are those who are looking for a fixer-upper, but there are more people looking for less problems.
 
If your roof is not in good shape and could lead to a large financial burden in the near future for a potential buyer, maybe you should consider replacing it. 

3. Are you the only person trying to sell a house where you live?

If there are a lot of houses being sold around you, that means you have to compete with the other people who are trying to sell their houses. Potential buyers may choose a house with a new roof over a house with an old roof. 

4. Do you have house insurance that could help you pay for replacing the roof?

If the roof on your house has been damaged by a storm or other disaster, it wouldn’t hurt to file a claim to see if your insurance will foot part of the bill for replacing your roof. That way, even if you need to replace the roof, you can still come out with a nice profit. 

All in all, potential buyers like looking at properties for sale and reading, “ Look! New Roof!" That looks more attractive than a house with old shingles. It's just a matter of seeing how it will benefit you in the short and long terms.

If you do decide to replace your roof, make sure you contact a reputable roofing company.
 
For more insight on how to prepare your home for sale, contact one of the professional agents at Network Real Estate.

Neal Johnson is a CMCA, CRB, CNE and GRI-certified, licensed real estate broker at Network Real Estate, which has exclusively served a high volume of property sales and purchases in the greater Wilmington area for more than 30 years. With three offices at College Road, historic downtown Wilmington and Pleasure Island, Network’s brokers are widespread and well-versed in this marketplace, making Network a preferred real estate company for first-time homebuyers and beyond.