Short Answer
You can sell a home that needs a new roof by either replacing the roof before listing or pricing the home below market to account for the needed replacement. Many buyers will require a roof certification for financing, so you may need to address the issue regardless. If you choose to sell as-is, expect offers to be lower and be prepared for the buyer to request a credit or repair after the inspection. A new roof typically costs $8,000 to $15,000 and can add value and curb appeal to your sale.
A roof in poor condition is one of the most common issues sellers face. Most lenders will require the roof to have at least two to three years of remaining life to approve a conventional loan. FHA and VA loans have even stricter requirements. You have several options. You can replace the roof before listing, which removes the issue entirely and can increase your home's value and curb appeal. You can price the home below market value to account for the cost of a new roof and sell as-is. You can list the home and negotiate a credit or repair after the inspection. If you cannot afford to replace the roof upfront, some contractors offer financing, or you may qualify for my Renovate and Sell program where improvements are paid at closing. If you choose to sell as-is with a roof issue, be transparent in your disclosures. Hiding a known roof leak can lead to legal liability after the sale.
Bob's Advice
Redfin Senior Agent · AI Certified Agent
I have helped sellers navigate roof issues in every way possible. If you have the budget, replacing the roof before listing almost always pays off in a higher sale price and faster sale. If you cannot replace it, we can still sell the home, but we need to price it right and be transparent with buyers. I have even connected sellers with roofing contractors who offer deferred payment options until closing. Let me take a look at your roof and help you decide the best approach for your situation.
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