When it comes to looking for that dream home, prospective buyers are pulling out all the stops, questioning any and everything. And the roof is no exception.

While a ground-level inspection won’t divulge much, sellers should arm their agent with any and all pertinent information regarding the roof. This means knowing the age of the roof, the year it was replaced (if applicable), and any leaks or other problems that have popped up through the years. While all of this will come out during the inspection, it’s best to be honest from the get-go.

If the roof is old—or potential problems are on the horizon—as the seller, you may want to consider replacing the roof before the sale. In fact, some in the industry feel this is a smart idea because it eases the mind of potential buyers, however, whether or not the investment is returned is up for debate. If there’s potential to receive multiple offers on your home, a new roof can be a great incentive for potential buyers. However, if the market is slow, a new roof won’t do much when it comes to getting your price.

If the roof is simply in need of minor repairs, there’s no need to replace the entire thing. In this scenario, the best thing to do is call in a roof expert and see what they think before putting the house on the market. If the roof seems to be draining properly and there are no clear signs of wear and tear, it’s probably best not to do anything.

Another reason to forego replacing the roof? Some buyers actually prefer to take care of the job themselves after they move in with a company they hand-pick. If you had a roof inspection completed prior to the sale of your home, share the pricing information with the buyer to show them what the projected cost would be.

It’s also important to keep in mind that it may be difficult for a potential buyer to get a mortgage if the roof is in bad shape because a leaky roof can cause major problems to the house itself. This might make it necessary to do something.

As the seller, if you decide to replace the roof on your own, be sure to get quotes from at least three roofers. And check out their references both online and by phone. You’ll also want to ensure that the project fits your timetable. The last thing you want is to have to hold off on a listing because your roof replacement is delayed.

To learn more about potential roof issues—and what can be done to repair them when preparing your home for sale—contact our office today.