Bath rooms. While people may appreciate new windows, they won't want to pay substantially more for the house (same for roof, HVAC systems, etc.). On the other hand, at least in my area, buyers want an up-to-date, move-in ready house and are willing to pay a premium for it. Now, I have to admit that I'd rather get a good deal and renovate a bathroom to my liking, but I think I'm in the minority in my area.

Renos as "added value" for resale are always money losers unless it's a completely DIY job where you shop smart. Bathrooms will lose you less money than windows though, and will make it easier to sell the house. If you can't DIY the jobs, with smart budget choices, then leave well enough alone and just reduce the price by 30K or so. That's the average cost of renovating two bathrooms.

If you want to DIY, we can walk you through the steps. Or, maybe just do a "refresh" on one, and the complete update on the other. It all depends on what you're working with currently.

Below are some data. Of course, you also need to consider how much faster your house will sell.

Here is a link that might be useful: recouping cost of home improvements

Thank you so much for the suggestions. Looks like bathrooms is a better choice! Hollysprings: I was also thinking of a refresh on one and an update on another.

We are DYI people for sure, so that is also another option. We wouldn't expect to get more for our home after remodeling the bathrooms, but would expect our house easier to sell. In the meantime, we would be enjoying the new bathrooms.

Barb

bbtondo why would you replace the windows? Are they rotted? If so, then yeah either replace your rotted windows or find someone that does window restoration.

If they are not rotted, the bathroom update will probably help sell the house more than new windows would.

Vote for bathrooms!

Thanks!

As a buyer I know my new house needs new windows and I am willing to accept that. I liked that the main bathroom was updated, and the house has two half baths. So I vote bathrooms.

neither, lower the price. When we shopped I specifically said- why would I want a newly renovated house with a higher price that was renovated not in my style vs a lower price home that i can renovate myself to my liking? No brainer, lower the price and they can put that money into fixing it up their way.

Many people want move-in ready and not bother with renovations.

I have to agree, people want move-in ready. If your windows are aluminum, rotting or in terrible shape replace the ones that are bad. Remodel bathrooms smartly, go to some model homes and see what they have done then try to get a similar look for less. Vanities can be gel stained or painted, granite or quartz can be installed inexpensively if you shop around for remnants. Faucets can be purchased on ebay or clearance. Keep an eye on the homes for sale in your area, what has been done and how quickly they sell.

As Nosoccer said, most people want move in ready, the Gardenwebbers are the exception to most buyers, we hang out on decorating sites and can envision the "after", most people can hardly get past a bad paint color that is easily changed in an afternoon.

Pictures would help.

Having windows replaced is (in my opinion) less disruptive to every day life and is done faster so I also vote for redoing the bathrooms.

Bathrooms. House buying is an emotional decision and people are more likely to notice old bathrooms than old windows, for the most part, I think.

I went to an open house not too long ago and had a long chat with the realtor. Windows were old, cedar shaker roof was old, furnace was old, water heater etc., but the bathrooms and kitchen were newly redone. Great staging, just like out of a magazine. He told me that buyers in this area and price range want move-in ready and up-to-date but don't care about things that are necessary but boring and not really "wow", like the roof, etc. People just don't get excited about windows as they do about marble counters and a rain shower.

Its really not possible to answer this question without seeing the bathroom and the windows in question and knowing what your local market is. What exactly does a 30 yr old bathroom in need of updating mean? Something paint and new accessories or cabinetry would fix, or something more?

Unless there really is some obvious problem that needs to be addressed, I vote for "neither." Sure people are attracted by a shiny new kitchen or bath... up until the point the inspector points out rotting windows and the price tag to replace - then priorities will shift.