When it comes to selling your home, the HVAC system can be a selling point or a sticking point. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to addressing an HVAC system when planning to sell, but there are some tips that you can use. Below we’ve compiled our best tips for home sellers with HVAC questions.
Schedule maintenance and cleaning every six months. This is essential to know the exact condition of your home’s HVAC system. In a home buyer’s mind, there is a huge difference between a furnace with a couple winters left and one that you should’ve replaced already. By having your equipment serviced, inspected, and cleaned, you equip yourself to make an educated decision as to whether to replace or not.
Don’t expect your money back. New HVAC systems are like new cars, you’re never going to see a 100 percent return on your investment. However, you might be able to wrap some of the cost into the selling price of your home. The emotional impact it has on the potential home buyer could be worth the investment to get your house sold.
Have your utility bills ready. More and more people today are focusing on the operation of the house instead of just the purchase price. Having an average utility cost handy is always a good way to show good faith.
Consider your target market. People looking at million dollar homes have different needs and different desires than those looking at fixer-uppers. If your home has been fully renovated outside of the HVAC system, that system is the difference between a home that is ready to move into and one that needs work.
Use it to market your home. A new HVAC system can cause prospective home buyers to overlook a home’s flaws. The knowledge that they’re getting new equipment that will last well into the future can give prospects peace of mind when viewing your home, especially if you make efficiency upgrades such as a smart thermostat.
Remain flexible. When selling homes with older HVAC equipment, it’s common for buyers to negotiate a price break to help cover a new system or an aftermarket warranty for the old system. Do your homework beforehand and gather prices for a new HVAC system for your home so that you are negotiating from an educated position.
If your system still functions safely, the best thing you can do is educate yourself about replacement costs and what your target demographic values. This information is invaluable when it comes to both decision-making and negotiating.
If you have questions, give us a call and we’ll come evaluate the situation for you.
