To Upgrade Appliances...or Not

A frequently asked question listing agents are asked is, “Should I upgrade the appliances?” This question often comes up in conversation as the homeowner and agent walkthrough the rooms and discuss home-staging updates and general condition of the home. Oftentimes the listing agent replies with “it depends” and follows up by asking a few questions such as:

Are the appliances working properly?

Over the years, you may have gotten used to working around the nuisances of an appliance that hasn’t been working properly but a new buyer won’t want to do this. The icemaker in the fridge doesn’t work but the fridge is fine. The back burner on the stovetop never seems to get as hot as the other burners. The hot water heater has a slow drip but the plumber felt it has a few more good years before a replacement is needed. Consider each appliance throughout the home and decide if each is working as well as it should. 

Are the appliances outdated?

Now, let’s consider the age of each appliance. As you review each appliance for good working order, think back to when this unit was installed. Appliances have life expectancy terms determined by the manufacturer. For instance, appliances older than 10-15 years are often considered nearing the end of their lifespan. If your dishwasher is over 12 years old and the washer is nearing 9 years old, both are good candidates for replacement.

Decision Influencers

A few more things to consider as you make your decisions around upgrading appliances:

Will new appliances increase your home’s appeal and attract offers?

Newer more energy efficient models could add savings to the utility bills and this is attractive to a homebuyer. As the home seller, can you afford the upfront cost? 

Homeowners who replace qualifying appliances in their primary residence are eligible for federal tax credits, regardless of whether they are selling their home or not. A home seller can claim the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit for qualifying appliances installed in the same tax year they are selling the home, as long as it was their principal residence at the time. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offers a tax credit of 30% on the cost of certain energy-efficient home improvements and appliance replacements. The credit applies to appliances installed in an existing principal residence, not a new build.

While buyers are looking for homes with functioning appliances, buyers will also come with their preferences for colors, styles, and appliance features. For instance, you may have white appliances that are clean and in good working condition plus are only a few years old. The buyer may have a fondness for stainless steel or black appliances and has plans to replace everything to customize the kitchen to their likes and style preferences. Your stove may be electric and the next homeowner prefers gas. These are all personal preferences you won’t know. So, how do you decide if you should upgrade? Talk with your agent.     

What’s happening with homes in your market area?

Before making appliance purchases make plans to discuss the options with your realtor. Your agent can help you sort through what comparable homes in your neighborhood are like. Your listing agent has a lot of experience plus hears the feedback of buyers as homes are shown. This valuable information can help you decide if upgrading makes sense or it’s better to make no changes. 

When you’re ready to make choices around upgrading your appliances and need someone to discuss the options with you, reach out. It’s my honor to serve you and share the most recent marketing data with you. When you know what buyers are currently searching for and what homes in your neighborhood feature, you’ll be better able to make the right decision for your home.  

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers, and citywide was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020, #3 in 2021, #2 in 2022, #5 in 2023 and 2024. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.