Selling? Add Value With Window Cleaning

If you’re planning to start the new year in a new place, you’re going to want to be sure your old home has maximum curb appeal. There are plenty of tips and tricks to adding value (and increasing the asking price) of your home, but chances are you don’t have an unlimited budget for home improvement. Where can you put your money so that you get the most bang for your buck?

Having professionally cleaned windows actually can get you a substantial return on your investment. In fact, a survey of real estate agents published in Money magazine found that of all of the different changes you could make to a home going up for sale — from repairing electrical or plumbing issues to updating the kitchen — cleaning the windows actually gave you the best ROI. How much? They estimated you would make a 768% return on your investment. That means for every $100 you spend on window cleaning, real estate agents estimate you’ll increase your home’s selling price by $768.

Why do windows make such a difference? One, they substantially increase your curb appeal. It gives your home a “face lift,” so to speak, making it look more light, bright, and inviting. It doesn’t necessarily jump out that you’ve had work done to your house — it just looks like a lovely home that buyers could imagine sharing with their family. Second, clean windows are something that pretty much everyone can agree on. On the other hand, other types of improvements are much more subjective. Yes, you might think that the tiles and fixtures you chose to update the bathroom look tasteful and modern, but a prospective buyer might not feel the same way.
​
Similarly, if you aren’t looking to repaint your home, professional power washing is a terrific way to spruce up the exterior. Whether you’ve got stucco or siding, removing any dirt, dust, or debris that’s become trapped will enhance the appearance — and the value — of your home.