Ever feel like your appliances just don’t last as long as they used to? You’re not alone. If you’re planning a move or thinking about selling your home, understanding how appliances affect value — and when they might fail — is more important than ever.

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My Dryer DIY Story: Fixing Instead of Replacing

I came home one day to find my wife standing in the laundry room, surrounded by parts. She had completely dismantled our 14-year-old LG dryer because it wasn’t drying properly and kept flashing error codes.

Rather than immediately calling a repair technician, she jumped online, searched for the brand, model, and error code, and found a few YouTube videos that walked her through the fix. Two years later, that same dryer is still going strong. It was a perfect example of how a little research — and a lot of courage — can save you money and keep an older appliance working.

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The Kitchen Appliance Swap: A Smart Marketplace Find

We also had a full set of Electrolux kitchen appliances that held up well for 13 years. But in year 14, our oven’s control panel gave out. A repair was going to be pricey, and since we were considering a kitchen renovation down the road, we didn’t want to invest too much.

So, we turned to Marketplace and found a one-year-old LG gas range for just $450 — about 75% off the price of a new one. It’s been working perfectly for a year now and was one of the best buys we’ve ever made.

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Do New Appliances Really Add Value to Your Home Sale?

Many sellers believe brand-new appliances automatically increase a home’s value. But in reality, buyers often see appliances older than five years as “used” and may not assign them much extra value.

High-end brands like Wolf, Viking, or Sub-Zero can help boost perceived value, but standard or entry-level models tend to depreciate quickly — much like cars.

When preparing to list your home, it’s essential to be upfront about the age and condition of your appliances. Buyers can (and do) look up model numbers to verify. Honesty helps build trust and can prevent awkward negotiations later.

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What to Expect When Buying a Home.

If you’re buying a home, be prepared to budget for potential appliance replacements sooner than you think. Here’s what typically fails first:

• Dishwashers — Average lifespan: 7–12 years
• Washers & Dryers — Common service calls, especially in busy households
• Fridges & Stoves — More reliable overall, but ice makers and electronic panels often fail early

Being prepared and setting aside a budget for these eventual replacements can save you stress after moving in.

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Repair or Replace? The Classic Appliance Dilemma

If an appliance fails, how do you decide whether to fix it or replace it?

• Repair if: The fix costs less than 50% of a new unit, the appliance is relatively young, or it’s a high-end model worth keeping.
• Replace if: It’s over 10 years old, has recurring issues, or the repair cost is too high (especially if electronics or control boards are involved).

Always check if parts are still under warranty — some brands offer extended coverage on certain components even after the main warranty expires.

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Should You Rent Appliances Instead?

Generally speaking, we’re against renting equipment in your home, from HVAC to kitchen appliances. However, some homeowners opt to rent appliances, particularly in rental properties or for short-term situations.

Pros:
✔ Maintenance and repairs are included
✔ Lower upfront costs

Cons:
❌ Higher long-term costs
❌ Limited selection
❌ Potential buyout fees

For most homeowners, buying makes more sense in the long term, but renting can be a convenient option in specific cases.

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Final Thoughts: Plan for Appliance Lifespans When You Move

Whether you’re buying or selling or just planning your next big move, appliances play a bigger role than you might think. They impact your home’s resale value, your moving budget, and even your stress level as a new homeowner.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Milton or the surrounding areas, or if you’re hunting for your next perfect place, working with a real estate agent who understands these details can make all the difference. At The KT Team, we help you look beyond the granite countertops and staged photos — we delve into the real factors, such as appliance lifespans and hidden costs, that affect your move.

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Thinking about buying or selling?

Call us at 1 (800) 617-0090 or reach out anytime. We’re here to help you make a smart move — appliances and all.

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