The housing market is absolutely on fire for you as a seller! Does that mean that upgrades that could have sealed the deal for a buyer in the past, like a new HVAC system, are no longer necessary?
First off …
Selling your home in this housing market is a very smart thing to do. But it’s still so important that you have the right upgrades and amenities. Some buyers are looking for specific things now more than ever. For example, many savvy homebuyers are now looking past the beauty and aesthetics of the home, because they know that adding a coat of paint or fixing other surface-layer issues are cheap fixes. So, these buyers know they should be looking into the bowels of the home at HVAC, plumbing, and other deeper and potentially costly issues. From ductwork, to HVAC maintenance age and history, some buyers will actually have these questions. (And that’s a good note for YOU when you are buying a home too. Always ask about the HVAC system!) Many home buyers are satisfied with just a regular home inspection, but other home buyers will want to know more about your HVAC system – like whether it has been properly maintained, or whether you have a green heating and cooling system.
Should you replace your HVAC when selling your home?
But we know that not everyone necessarily needs to buy a new system in order to seal the deal and sell their home. Here are three questions to ask yourself:
- Is your heating and cooling system less than 10 years old (and how does it work right now)? If your system was installed less than 10 years ago, then you don’t need to worry about replacing it before selling your home … unless, there are noticeable defects in the system, like leaks or a moldy smell. If so, then this is an indication that you should replace it and have someone go over what they find with potential buyers. Remember: not all systems are created equal!
- What is the local climate? Here in Orange County, we are in a coastal region with mild winters and hot summers. So the value of a new air conditioner is much higher than it would be in Sacramento or somewhere else without such drastic changes between seasons. The more drastic the climate, the more buyers will want a new heating and cooling system!
- Is the housing market competitive? Again, here in Orange County, the housing market is absolutely on fire for sellers. Historically, homes sell faster if the price reflects upgrades like an updated HVAC system. According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders, if a heating and cooling system is efficient enough to bring down energy costs by more than $1,000 annually, the average home buyer will pay an extra $8,728[1]!
Your heating and cooling system is such an important part of your home and it can have a major impact on the price you get for your house if there are issues with efficiency, noise levels, or age. If you’re looking to sell your house fast and for a great price in this competitive housing market, anything you can do – from new roofing or new insulation, to a new HVAC system – is a great investment.
Do you have questions about repairing or replacing your heating and cooling system before the big move out of your Orange County home? Contact us online or call us at (714) 602-1299.