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JELD-WEN Says Buyers Judge a Home By Its Outside Appearance
 Curb appeal is absolutely essential for getting buyers in the door and fostering a sale, according to a recent Real Estate Agent Community Trends survey released by JELD-WEN at last month’s International Builders’ Show in Orlando.
Eighty-two percent of the real estate agents who were surveyed said that they have had potential buyers decline to look at the inside of a home based on its exterior appearance.
“Real estate agents told us that home buyers today are looking for energy efficiency, increased property values and to see if a home has been updated,” said Elizabeth Soulders, product market manager for JELD-WEN. “Windows and doors are keys to all these attributes, which is why JELD-WEN makes such a broad range of products for remodeling and enhancing curb appeal.”
More than half of the agents polled — 56% — said that they had advised sellers to update windows and doors.
Other notable findings from the survey:
- First impressions: Ninety percent of the respondents felt that a buyer’s first impression of the front entry was important to their ability to sell a home; 91% agreed that a prospect’s impression of a home’s outer shell is just as important as their view of the interior.
- Help me sell: Other than first impressions, real estate agents pointed out that selling points for potential buyers include the amount of a home’s natural light (75%), the overall appearance of windows and doors (71%), energy-efficient products (63%) and environmentally friendly materials (29%).
- Energy efficiency is hot: With rising gas prices and a tight economy, a majority of agents have used energy efficiency as a selling feature. Two-thirds, 66%, said they have mentioned energy-efficient doors and windows in their home listings.
- Universal design booming: The baby boom generation and those planning for retirement are driving demand for easy-to-use features and floor plans. Sixty-five percent of the agents surveyed said that the number of buyers looking for universal design features — such as a master bedroom on the main floor or a single story home — has increased in the last few years.
- Doors add value: Given the importance of the front entry in the sale of a home, agents were shown pictures of an average 2,000-square-foot home and asked to estimate its value in their area. When shown the same home with updated entry and garage doors, agents estimated the property to be worth an additional $16,000.
Headquartered in Klamath Falls, Ore., JELD-WEN is a member of the National Council of the Housing Industry — The Leading Suppliers of NAHB.
This feature is solely for educational and informational purposes. Nothing on this page should be construed as policy, an endorsement, warranty or guaranty by the National Association of Home Builders of the featured product or the product manufacturer. The National Association of Home Builders expressly disclaims any responsibility for any damages arising from the use, application or reliance on any information contained on this page.
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