Same here, @gaming_duke. This has been an eye-opener, even for someone like me who's been on the fence. It's great to hear real experiences from fellow Tampa Bay homeowners. I think this thread will end up helping a lot of people considering the investment. Big thanks to everyone contributing their stories and tips!
One thing to keep in mind: if your windows are already fairly modern (say less than 10 years old), you might not need to rush to replace them just for resale. My home was built in 2015 with double-pane, low-E windows. I'm not planning to replace those anytime soon, and I don't think a buyer would expect it either since they're relatively new. In that case, I'd focus money on other areas. But for homes with windows from the 90s or early 2000s, as most here have said, it's a worthy upgrade.
I agree with @luckyeditor. Prioritize where needed. In Florida, the big three buyers ask about are usually roof, AC, and windows. Roof and AC typically have an even bigger impact on a sale (nobody wants a leaky roof or a dying AC in August!). I replaced my roof and AC first, then did windows. If your roof or HVAC is old, you might allocate budget there before windows. But if those are fine, windows are the next best thing to tackle.
For those who can't do impact windows, having hurricane shutters can be an acceptable alternative in buyers' eyes. When I sold my previous house, we still had the original windows but we did have professionally installed accordion hurricane shutters on all openings (with permits and everything). The buyer was okay with that because at least there was protection. He did mention he might eventually upgrade the windows too, but the shutters gave him peace of mind for storms in the meantime. Of course, most folks prefer impact glass for convenience (no need to deploy shutters), but shutters can somewhat offset the concern of old windows for a buyer.
Even though Tampa Bay hasn't taken a direct hit in a long time, the threat is always there each hurricane season. I think that's why so many buyers here have gotten savvy about looking for features like impact windows or shutters. When I moved down here, I knew almost nothing about this stuff; now it's like second nature to consider it. So, upgrading windows for storm safety definitely has gotten more appreciation in recent years.
Jumping in as someone who was on the buyer side recently. My family moved to Tampa from Ohio last year. When house hunting, we actually skipped over a few listings that showed old single-pane windows in the photos. Having to replace all the windows right after buying was not something we wanted to deal with.
We ended up buying a home that was a bit smaller, mainly because it had recently updated windows, doors, and a new roof. That stuff gave us a lot of confidence in the purchase. We did pay a bit more than we initially budgeted, but we felt it was worth it to have a house with everything already done.
So from a buyer's perspective: new windows can absolutely make your home more attractive. Especially for folks relocating to Florida who may not know which contractors to trust or how to handle big projects like window replacements, they'll gravitate towards a house that has it done. We sure did.
Another benefit: security. The newer windows we installed came with better locking mechanisms and are a lot sturdier than the old ones. Our old windows were so flimsy I swear a burglar could slide them open with a crowbar in seconds.
The new impact windows have multi-point locks and laminated glass that is much harder to break. We actually highlighted the security aspect in our listing when we sold (something like "impact-resistant windows for storm protection and added security"). Buyers value feeling safe, and it's a little talked about perk of modern windows.
I noticed an unexpected plus after installing Low-E windows with a slight tint – my furniture and flooring don’t fade like they used to. Florida sun is no joke. Before, the sun coming through the old windows bleached out our wood floors near the sliders and made our couch fabric dull. With the new glass, that UV is mostly blocked.
If I were buying a home, I'd appreciate that the sellers took steps to protect the interior from sun damage. It's one of those quality-of-life improvements that might not have a dollar value attached, but it contributes to the overall impression of a cared-for home.
Good point, @meganw35. In fact, when selling, you could mention that as well or leave behind any info on the glass type. Also, quick reminder: if you live in a community with a HOA, check if they have any rules about window styles or colors. My friend in a Tampa subdivision had to get her window frames in a specific color to match the community look. It wasn't a big deal, but something to be aware of. And if you're in a condo, definitely get HOA approval before changing windows. It can save a lot of headache.
When my neighbor sold his house, I remember he left the NFRC (energy efficiency) stickers on the windows during showings to prove they were brand new 😂. It was kind of funny-looking to tour the house with stickers still on, but honestly, it did drive the point home that "yep, these are fresh installations." He peeled them off eventually, but not until after the home was under contract. Not saying you have to do that, but hey, it was effective in its own way!