So we are getting ready to put our house on the market in the next 4-8 weeks. Our realtor walked through with us the other day to give us ideas on what we can be working on to maximize our sale value. The home is 90 years old and has the original windows. 4 months ago, we decided to tackle the windows, didn't know we'd be selling soon. We did consider replacing them but DH did some research and it sounded like a lot of people who buy older homes like this would like original finishes, so we decided to go with an alternate solution offered by our contractor - he built custom window panes and screens for all of our windows that hang on the outside. So during the winter you hang up the glass pane, and in the spring you can switch to the screens. He also fixed all the windows so they open and stay open, and close and lock.

So, now the realtor really thinks we should replace them all with new windows. He feels that buyers will really expect everything to be updated and new. This is the only real update he suggested - we don't even need to paint anything. For context, our home is moderately priced for the area, but prices in the area have skyrocketed recently so it will still cost buyers a large chunk of change. Homes are selling very very quickly right now so people will be making decisions on the spot. I can understand wanting things to be up to date at this price point. However, the biggest problem we have is that it feels like SO much waste to just junk the new panes/screens and replace the windows. The windows cost $1500 and I think I remember the contractor pricing out new windows at several thousand. The realtor thinks we would get full return on our money by replacing them.

So - what would you be looking for? Would you mind having old but functional windows, with screens and panes for energy efficiency? Or would you pass this house by for something more fully updated?