Competition is getting steep in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and some sellers are finding it just that little bit slower to sell houses than they used to. A large part of this is because buyers want safer, long-term investments.
At the same time, significant weather changes are seen in Minnesota, especially in the Twin Cities. An aging roof would require buyers to take a longer look and consider multiple factors related to mold, leaks, and energy costs. When that happens, the window of sale can disappear with a single buyer glance.
With market competition going up and weather hazards increasing, your home may need a new roof before its listing. Both appraisers and buyers will appreciate all of the benefits that a new roof gives them.
Here are the top 5 benefits you get with a roof replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Minneapolis and St. Paul buyers take new roofs and roofing warranties into consideration when looking for a new home.
- Newer roofs mean higher home values, increasing the house’s worth for buyers and sellers alike.
- Older or visibly aging roofs make homes harder to sell. Buyers are looking for homes that can stand up to changing temperatures especially during the Minnesota winters without the need for repairs.
- New roofs make your home stand out to potential buyers as both more appealing and more weather-resistant.
- Updated roofing warranties assure any buyers that they are not likely to lose cash anytime soon over roofing repairs especially after harsh weather conditions.
Reason #1. The Roof Matters to Minneapolis and St. Paul Potential Homeowners
There is no way to miss the roof on a house. In Minneapolis and St. Paul, buyers take the roof into account when it comes to first impressions.
Even for buyers looking for a more classic rambling ranch style, they want to see at least a new or very well-maintained roof on their house. This goes especially for contemporary-style home buyers.
If a roof has obvious damage or signs of repairs, buyers begin calculating what further repairs or even a roof replacement might cost them. This could lead to discouraged buyers.
For new homeowners in particular, facing the cold winters and humid summers in the region, they would rather not take chances with an aging roof.
Potential buyers may not even step out of their vehicles to view a home with a weathered roof.
Especially in daylight, a roof’s cracks or warping stand out. A new roof means better home security, higher weather resistance, updated roofing warranties, and a better return on investment.
Reason #2. A New Roof Can Boost Your Home’s Appraisal Value in Minneapolis and St. Paul
In competitive Minneapolis-St. Paul neighborhoods such as Macalester-Groveland or Lauderdale, a new roof will give you an edge when it comes to residential real estate. In Minneapolis and St. Paul, the housing market is going through some changes. Prices are going up slightly, up 3.6% in 2024. Homes tend to spend a little longer on the market, an average of 28 days compared to 21 the year before.
Real estate appraisers look at the quality of your roof in making professional estimates about the value of the home. They particularly look at roofing that can stand up to both very cold winters and very warm summers.
Buyer satisfaction is crucial, and high appraisal value asks them to look twice at what they can get if they invest in the purchase.
Potential Increase of Return on Investment
If you replace your roof, you may get approximately 60% to 85% of the roof replacement cost back in the sale. This covers your costs and speeds up the sale, lessening sunk costs into keeping your house on the listings.
Minneapolis-St. Paul buyers also appreciate the opportunity to move into homes that need no renovation quickly.
Any appraiser or agent would find a roof replacement an easy selling point. They raise the house’s selling price accordingly and with confidence, and your return on investment is assured.
What Do Appraisers and Buyers Value in a Roof?
Appraisers want to see roofs that can stand up to changing temperatures from frigid cold to persistently humid heat. They should be resistant to cracking or warping, and able to withstand strong winds and glaring sun.
Metal and synthetic roofing have an advantage in these cases.
Appraisers also want to see the basics in place, such as leak-proof roofing made of material that does not weaken or damage the house’s structure. Curb appeal, including the colors you paint your roof with, are also crucial.
“You can always change that coat of paint” is not something any agent wants to have to say.
Most importantly, appraisers need receipts or proof they can present to buyers to show them that their new roof was installed correctly by a professional contractor with up-to-date warranties.
With this final assurance, buyers can be confident in their purchase.
Reason #3. Minneapolis and St. Paul Buyers Avoid Homes That Need Immediate Roof Repairs
Most Minneapolis-St. Paul buyers on the lookout for a new home are not in the state of mind to focus on roof renovation. They want an easy moving-in day, or week, and any construction would delay arranging the house itself.
Buyers prefer newer roofs with fewer issues at least for the next 5 to 10 years.
What Turns Minneapolis-St.Paul Buyers Away from Aging Roofs
With a 1- to 3-degree rise in temperatures in the past year, flood risks have risen and humidity has increased. Longer summers demand longer months of continuous air-conditioning, and longer allergy seasons require secure roofs.
Local buyers know the risks of buying a home, no matter how discounted, with an aging or weathered roof.
- The older the roof, the more at risk it is of leaking, cracking, or warping due to weather conditions or rapid changes in temperature.
- High humidity can lead to mold, and condensation in the wrong places can cause structural damage with enough build-up.
- Cold winters alternating with hot summers can stress older shingles and panels, causing them to warp or crack. Aging roofs and older warranties mean less security when it comes to the roof.
Appraisers and agents can face buyers confidently when they are selling a home with a new roof. There is less to explain or reason out, there is a confidence of met expectations, and a lower likelihood of price negotiations. Sellers and buyers both have a much easier time of it.
Reason #4. A Fresh Roof Attracts More Buyers in Minneapolis and St. Paul
In highly competitive housing markets such as Medina or Shoreview, any upgrade gives you an edge. However, to really stand out, your upgrades should be as noticeable and functional as possible. Such as, for example, a new roof.
Truthfully, a roof replacement is not a small upgrade at all. However, buyers are looking for weather-resistant homes that are leak-proof and energy-efficient in both winter and summer months.
When they see a new roof, they know they will have the highest possible security and convenience in the next few months.
Curb Appeal Beyond Just Looks
In Minnesota, curb appeal is not just aesthetic, it is also extremely practical.
Buyers evaluate roofs for how they affect the entire house’s look and feel. Houses that are quickly chosen often have neutral colors such as grays and browns that are easy on the eyes. If ever a homeowner wants to update their roofing coat, they can take their time on the decision with a neutral starting point.
Neutral colors stand out on their own on sleek new roofs, emphasizing the recency of the repair or replacement. These colors also look attractive against any backdrop, and in every season.
Buyers can easily clock that their investment will last them another 10 or 20 years.
Reason #5. Roofing Warranties Offer Minneapolis-St.Paul Buyers Added Peace of Mind
Roofing warranties assure new homeowners that urgent cash-outs for roofing repairs will not be needed for a while.
For homeowners facing Minnesota winters, this is particularly significant. Newer roofs and longer warranties assure them of safe homes for 10 years or more, some even covering weather-related damage.
For example:
- Asphalt Shingles: Usually have 15- to 30-year warranties.
- Metal Roofing: Often have 30- to 50-year warranties.
Buyers want to know that their new investment is protected, at least for a decade. New roofs mean long warranties, and this is a boon especially in older neighborhoods with area-specific roofs.
Warranties Assure Buyers of a Worthwhile Sale
Sellers find it easier to make a sale happen if they can present professional warranties with a high degree of confidence to their buyers. Seasoned homeowners in particular would probably request warranties for their roofing materials and workmanship.
It helps if you specify the warranty details, including coverage and duration, as part of the listing. Help buyers understand what it means to own a home with practically new warranties from a professional roofing company. Help them understand why the investment is worth it.
Is Roof Replacement the Right Choice for the Twin Cities?
Before jumping the gun, consider if roof replacement is what’s best for your home before the sale.
Firstly, double-check the age of your roof and the duration of any warranties, if existing. If there was a recent period of harsh weather, especially if you know a buyer will ask about it, check for possible damage related to that. Lastly, take a long walk around your neighborhood to judge just how much a new roof will make your home stand out.
A local, professional roofing contractor can give you the information you need to make this decision. A contractor based in Minneapolis or St. Paul is an easy priority for cases like these.
What Should You Consider Before Replacing Your Roof?
- Weather resilience: The roof needs to stand up to heavy winds, snow, and strong winds and rain.
- Neighborhood guidelines: In some neighborhoods, you may be following stricter guidelines for roof replacement.
- Buyer expectations: Minneapolis-St. Paul buyers want something ready to move in.
You may first consider smaller roof repairs, but if the sum of all the repairs is too high and the worth of the warranties too little, a full roof replacement might be your best bet to making a sale.
Krech Exteriors Can Help You Assess and Replace Your Roof!
At Krech Exteriors, we can assess your home, review your warranties and recent repairs, and help you decide if roof replacement is your next move. We can also share expert advice about making repairs as a preselling investment, and specialize in evaluating your roof’s value depending on the market. Contact us today at (651) 349-6815 if you have any questions about going for repairs or replacement when it comes to selling a house.
