If you’re thinking about selling your home, there’s one part of the property that could make or break your sale: the roof.

Yep, that often-overlooked layer of protection up top is huge for home buyer’s first impressions, long-term comfort, and even how much they’re willing to pay. In fact, the condition of your roof can dramatically influence your home’s value. A well-maintained, professionally inspected roof says, “This house has been taken care of.”

At Valley Roofing, we believe your roof should never be an afterthought—especially when you’re about to put your biggest investment on the market. As Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley’s premier roofing company, we’ve helped countless homeowners prepare their homes for successful sales. Let’s explain why a roof inspection should be on your pre-sale checklist.

What a Roof Inspection Really Covers

Before we dive into the “why,” let’s talk about the “what.”

A roof inspection is a complete evaluation of the condition and integrity of your roofing system. When Valley Roofing performs an inspection, we assess:

• Shingle condition: Missing, curling, cracked, or damaged shingles
• Roof flashing: Integrity around chimneys, skylights, vents, and edges
• Signs of leaks or water intrusion
• Moss or algae growth
• Gutter and drainage functionality
• Ventilation
• Structural stability, including sagging or uneven surfaces

Our experienced team checks for problems and provides honest maintenance, repair, or replacement recommendations if needed. And yes, we provide photos and a detailed report you can share with potential buyers or realtors.

Why Roof Inspections Matter Before Selling

Buyers are cautious—and rightly so. No one wants to invest in a home and then find out they need a $12,000 roof replacement six months later. Here’s why getting ahead of the issue is a win-win:

1. Avoid Last-Minute Surprises

During the escrow process, most buyers will hire an inspector. If your roof has issues, it could:

• Delay closing
• Result in lower offers
• Force-rushed or costly repairs

You can plan and address issues on your terms by tackling the inspection early.

2. Boost Buyer Confidence

A clean inspection report gives buyers peace of mind, showing you’ve done your homework and invested in your property. Plus, you can hand over the report from Valley Roofing and say, “Here’s the proof.” Buyers will be more confident that they’re making a good decision.

3. Enhance Your Listing Appeal

Buyers love seeing “new roof” or “recent roof inspection” in a listing, which can help your home stand out in a crowded market. This is especially true here in the Willamette Valley, where wet weather can wreak havoc on poorly maintained roofs.

4. Support a Higher Asking Price

Your roof isn’t just functional—it’s financial. A solid roof in good condition can justify a higher listing price.

According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, a midrange asphalt shingle roof replacement costs around $30,680, has an average resale value of $17,461, and a 56.9% cost recouped at resale.

While you may not get every dollar back directly, a new roof significantly boosts your home’s marketability. It can lead to higher buyer confidence, faster sales, and even fewer price negotiations—all major wins in today’s real estate market. Plus, a new roof adds appeal because buyers often view it as one less thing to worry about.

Red Flags That Could Scare Off Buyers

Here are some common roof issues we encounter that often catch sellers off guard:

• Visible leaks or water stains inside
• Mold or mildew in the attic
• Warped or rotting decking
  Sagging roof lines
• Excessive granule loss on shingles
• Improper flashing installation
• Moss and algae buildup

Even minor problems can lead to major concerns during inspections. Being proactive helps eliminate these red flags before buyers ever step through the door.

Should You Repair or Replace the Roof Before Listing?

One of the most common questions we get from home sellers is if you should repair or replace your roof before or after listing. The truth is, it all depends on a few key factors:

Consider Repairing If:

• The roof is under 10 years old
• Issues are isolated (like a few damaged shingles)
• There’s no significant structural damage

Consider Replacing If:

• Your roof is 15-20+ years old
• Multiple areas are leaking or failing
• The roof fails a basic inspection

Our team will walk you through your options and help you weigh the costs and benefits.

The Process: What to Expect During a Valley Roofing Inspection

We make it easy for homeowners to get clarity on their roof’s condition:

1. Schedule a visit: We work around your timeline.
2. Comprehensive inspection of the roof exterior, attic, and drainage systems.
3. Detailed report with a clear explanation of what we found, with photos.
4. Action plan: We give transparent quotes without pressure if repairs or replacements are needed.

We’re here to help you make an informed decision that meets your goals.

What If You Can’t Afford Major Repairs Right Now?

That’s a genuine concern and one we hear often. The good news? Valley Roofing offers financing options to help you address critical issues before you list your home.

We partner with Maps Credit Union so you can:

• Make repairs now, pay later
• Offer buyers peace of mind
• Improve your home’s marketability without draining your savings

Get in touch to ask us about low-interest plans and more.

Bonus: What to Do If You’re Buying a Home

This post focuses on sellers, but let’s not forget the buyers. If you’re in the market for a new home, make sure to:

• Ask for the roof age and last inspection
• Look for moss, sagging, or patchwork repairs
• Request the inspection report (if done by the seller)
• Hire your own roofing contractor for a second opinion if anything seems off

Don’t assume the general home inspector has done a deep dive. Roofing systems often require specialized expertise.

Why Choose Valley Roofing for Your Inspection

We’re not just another roofing company. We are rooted in local experience, transparency, and integrity. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Decades of experience serving Salem, Albany, Corvallis, and the entire Mid-Valley
• A reputation built on honesty and craftsmanship
• Licensed, bonded, and insured
• Clear, detailed reports with actionable next steps
• Flexible financing to make things easier

Whether you’re prepping your home for sale or want peace of mind, we’re here to make the process stress-free and informative.

Final Thoughts

The roof is one of the most essential systems in your home. Before listing your house, ensure it’s working for you, not against you.

By getting a professional inspection from a trusted local expert like Valley Roofing, you can:

• Eliminate unwanted surprises
• Increase your home value

  Build trust with potential buyers

• Speed up the sales process

Are you thinking of selling your home in the Salem or Mid-Valley area? Schedule your roof inspection with Valley Roofing today and take the guesswork out of the process. We’ll help you get your home market-ready.

Call Valley Roofing at (503) 383-1406 to book your inspection visit our website for a FREE estimate. Let us be your partner in preparing your home for a successful sale.