Did you know that old roofs are the biggest deal breaker when it comes to real estate? Even if a buyer has found a home they love, in the right location with all the features they desire, they might still walk away if the roof is old and in poor condition. Well-maintained roofs can last 30 years or longer, but older, low quality shingles, storm damage or poor installation can lead to replacing a roof before its time.
If you are a home buyer you will need to find out how old the roof is on the home you want and see paperwork to back it up. A guess from the seller is not going to do it. If you are a seller and your roof is in bad shape, with rot or poor drainage, you just might want to get it replaced before you list your home on the real estate market – a new roof is a big selling feature!
Of course, every roof in Florida is going to experience some wear and tear given our weather. So it’s important to keep on top of repairs and keep paperwork associated with that work. It just makes things easier for a seller and a buyer. Is your roof 20 years old? What is the guarantee, if any, on the shingles? Asphalt shingles, composite shingles, and metal roofing systems all have different life spans and guarantees. Being prepared for questions and answers is going to make any real estate transaction less stressful.
So, as a buyer:
- Hire a home inspector to investigate the roof’s condition
- Ask the homeowner for paperwork on any roof repairs
- Get a second opinion from a professional roofing contractor
- Review your budget to see if you can afford any immediate repairs if necessary
- Be prepared to negotiate, knowing there may be other offers on the house
- Walk away if there is significant roof damage such as sagging, excessive leaking, stains on interior walls or water damage
And as a seller:
- Get an estimate on how much the repairs will cost if you undertake them
- Get a complete roofing replacement quote if necessary to sell the house
- Be flexible, if you can afford to be, with regards to repairs or sale price of your home
- Be willing to make the repairs in order to get the deal done, if it makes sense
Roof Leaks are never a good situation, however you can definitely address this when doing a home inspection. An inspector can often tell if the leak is fixable or has not caused damage…yet. If this is the case, you may be able to get the seller to fix the leaks as part of your real estate contract. Just make sure they use a reputable, quality roofing company to do it. If the seller is reluctant, just ask for the cost of repairs and take care of it after the sale, to avoid headaches. You might find this gives you more peace of mind anyway.
A new roof can run anywhere from $10,000 and up, depending on the size of the home and roofing system used. Factor this cost into your budget and the offer you make as a buyer. An affordable roofing contractor like Astro Roofing can do the job quickly, is certified to do the work right, and offer excellent manufacturer guarantees. Contact us today.