High-quality, well-designed windows and window treatments can make all the difference when it comes to selling potential buyers on a home. Everyone knows that windows help to illuminate a space, and let in the fresh air. However, many overlook the potential in using window treatments to enhance interior design aesthetics and draw the eye towards a beautiful view, or distract from a view that is less than ideal.

Freemodel’s Head of Design Lauren Sharp is an expert in all things window treatments. She sat down with us to share her background, break down the different types of windows and window treatments, and offer tips to agents. Our chat was so productive that we broke out the content into three posts, and last time we shared her thoughts on the basics of window treatments, materials, and design purposes. In this post, you will find some advice that is directly useful to agents like yourself. Let’s pick back up and discuss Lauren’s advice for agents when it comes to prepping homes to sell and earning their client’s top dollar:

Lauren’s window treatment portfolio

What should agents ask sellers to do as they prepare windows before putting a property on the market?

Agents should really focus on the importance of window cleaning and getting a good window washer to come wash the interior and exterior of windows before photography and showings. I also recommend taking the screens off to improve the surrounding view, while being sure to securely store the screens for the new owners to put back on. Listing photos without screens will look a million times better. If you don't believe me, try it and see!

I also recommend that agents really try to think about the aesthetics of any existing window treatments. Does the home already have interior custom shutters that were perfectly made for the windows? If yes, then leave them be and I’d just give them a good cleaning, or fresh paint if needed. Or are there custom draperies that would be appealing to a wide segment of buyers? Consider advising sellers to leave those in place. Something that was thoughtfully added or custom-made for a window adds unique character or charm that might differentiate a home from others on the market but make sure the draperies are in tip-top condition.

If the seller is leaving behind window treatments that are clean and in good working order (especially if they are on-trend, or neutral to the point of blending away), I always advise that agents consider leaving them installed. If you must, take down and store for the next homeowner to have the option to use. This can save a new homeowner considerable expense and effort. Did you know that a whole house of new, custom-made window treatments can cost nearly as much as a car?

What are some mistakes that you’ve seen agents make when it comes to windows and window treatments?

I’ve noticed that a lot of agents just want to rip out every window treatment and start fresh. I recommend that they look at comparative listings to see what other homes on the market in that area are doing with their window coverings before just taking everything down.

You also want to pay attention to the type of windows that are common in other homes in the area. Historic homes in particular should have sensitive preservation of period detail, windows especially. In areas where wood windows are the norm, and homeowners are tending to replace older wood windows with new wood windows, one should be cautious about what type of window replacement they select. A white vinyl window may be out of place, for example. But a fiberglass window that has the look of wood and none of the maintenance issues could be an excellent upgrade.

Likewise, if a neighborhood features mostly vinyl windows, the cost of more expensive options may not be the best choice. It’s always important to consider what buyers are looking for in the area. Consulting with a local designer and visiting a local window replacement shop can be a great start on the path to window replacement with a good return value.

Lauren’s window treatment portfolio

What is your advice to agents working with clients that have a tight budget?

For a budget-friendly way to make windows shine, cleaning existing windows and making repairs to any damaged windows is alway the place to start. This does not require any major changes but can still add a sparkling touch and offers potential buyers a blank canvas of opportunities when it comes to adding their own decorative and functional touches.

Be sure to keep an eye out for part three of this series covering all things window treatments! In our next post, Lauren will detail her tips for agents when it comes to impressing buyers and getting a good return on investment when it comes to making classic design choices.