Most of the time, customers come to us looking for window shades when they’ve just purchased a new home. But what happens to your window shade investment when you’re looking to sell that same home later on? Is your investment in quality window shades something that pays off at resale?
We spoke with Vermont Realtor Kristin Ouellette of Polli Properties to get a real estate professional’s perspective on how window treatments can affect a home sale.
So, Do Window Treatments Increase Home Value?
Installing high-quality window treatments doesn’t necessarily mean you can add their cost directly onto the asking price of your house.
According to Kristin, window treatments are more likely to affect buyer appeal than the actual value assigned to the property.
In other words, buyers probably aren’t walking through a house and calculating how much the shades themselves are worth (unless you’re selling to a group of shade experts, that is!). Instead, they’re taking in the overall impression of the space.
Quality window treatments make a room look cohesive and move-in ready. They also signal something else to potential buyers: the current owners have invested in and cared for their home.
That impression can be surprisingly important when it comes to the type of buyers you attract, and the bids you receive from them.
Window Shades Can Increase Buyer Appeal
Think about walking into two otherwise similar homes.
In one, the windows are bare or covered with old, mismatched blinds. In the other, the windows have attractive shades that fit properly and complement the rooms.Which home feels more complete?
Probably the second one.
Kristin says nice window treatments can increase a property’s appeal and potentially even increase activity around a listing. They’re one of the many details that can help buyers connect with a house when they walk through the door.
And buying a house isn’t an entirely mathematical decision. Buyers are also imagining what it would be like to actually live there. A house that feels comfortable, polished, and thoughtfully maintained can make that process easier for the buyer.
Could Window Shades Help You Get a Stronger Offer?
Well, potentially. Kristin noted that nice window treatments could help support a stronger offer because they contribute to the overall presentation of the home.
That doesn’t mean installing a certain dollar amount worth of shades will automatically result in a higher offer of the same number. Instead, think of window treatments as part of the complete picture you’re presenting to buyers.
And a home that buyers fall in love with may attract more interest than one that feels like it needs work from day one.
Custom Window Shades Signal a Well-Cared-For Home
There’s also a difference between simply having something covering your windows and having window treatments that were selected specifically for the space.
Custom shades are made according to the dimensions of individual windows, creating a cleaner, more seamless fit than many off-the-shelf options.
For a potential buyer, details like these contribute to the sense that the homeowner cared about the property and made thoughtful improvements while living there.
It’s similar to seeing quality hardware, unique light fixtures, or built-in storage during a showing.These details might not fundamentally change the square footage or number of bedrooms in the house, but they change how the house feels.
Don’t Forget About Energy Efficiency
Appearance isn’t the only potential benefit to installing window shades, either. Window treatments like our cellular shades dramatically improve the energy efficiency and comfort of a home.
For homeowners in places with cold winters (hello from Vermont!), that’s more than a cosmetic upgrade. Energy-efficient features may also be appealing to buyers who are thinking beyond the purchase price and considering what it will actually cost to live in the house.
So, Are Window Shades a Good Investment?
We certainly think so, but not only because you might sell your house someday.
Quality window shades are something you use every single day you live in your home. They provide privacy, control sunlight, improve the look of a room, and, depending on the style you choose, help insulate your windows against heat and cold.
Then, when it eventually comes time to sell, those same shades may become another feature that helps your home feel finished and well cared for.
As Kristin explained, nice window treatments aren’t necessarily going to increase the official value of the property, but they can increase its appeal to buyers and contribute to the kind of polished presentation that may support a stronger offer.
And sometimes, the improvements that add the most value to your home aren’t the ones that show up as a separate line on an appraisal, but the ones that make buyers feel like they can live in the space.
With more questions about investing in our shades, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of Shade Gurus. Ready to check out our catalog? Explore Cellular Shades and Roller Shades below.