You could use a higher end vinyl that would be more efficient than andersen but much more affordable.

no, people do not just see “ new windows”. If a home inspector‘s see’s that you only put in cheap windows just to sell the home, he will more often than likely flag it.

What is the home inspector going to flag? If the new "cheap" windows work as designed, then there is nothing to flag. If the new windows don't work, then that's something the home inspector will put on his/her report. The home inspection report is to be a factual report of working and non-working items. Not a report that lists cheap vs expensive items.

OTOH, the buyer may or may not take into account their idea of the quality of the windows when making an offer. I have seen buyers walk away from properties that had original (old aluminium frame type) windows. Here in my area of S Florida window replacement isn't cheap at all due to hurricane codes now so having original windows can work against the seller.

It depends on your market. Cheap windows typically look cheap. If buyers see that, and the other similarly-priced house in your neighborhood has better windows, they might choose the other house, or ask for a reduction in price of yours. Or, you might get lucky and have a buyer (and buyer's realtor) who won't notice that detail. Or, in a region where it's a hot seller's market, the cheapness of the windows won't be as important. So it is hard to answer your question without that context.

An experienced home inspector can spot a cheap window and flag it. A flimsy window simply wont hold up.

The only thing a home inspector will comment on is a defect, like a window that won't open or a broken insulated glass seal. I put medium level HD vinyl windows and sliding door in my mid-level house before I sold and the buyers loved it. My opinion is you won't recover the extra money put into the Andersen product.

^This. Seabornman is right.

I have seen home inspectors mention if a given item is at the end of its useful life, but not flag a window due to it being 'flimsy' and "not going to hold up". I've been in the RE business for 40 years and work with good, detailed, experienced inspectors. Not the fly by nights looking to feed business to their contractor friends.

The vinyl windows at home depot are not mid level, they are bottom of the barrel called american craftsman. You dont install windows to recover the cost, is that how you purchase a vacation or a home appliance?

when you say the “ buyers loved” your cheap windows, you mean to tell me they actually called you a year after you sold them the house just to comment on those garbage windows? I find that very funny and quite frankly i find it unbelievable.

Never seen an inspector flag an new window that is operating, if that was the case All these new builds would be using different windows. Window quality is typically not at the top of a buyers list. Sure , if you had. 2 identical houses side by side one grey with new cheap windows and 1 red with high end windows you’d probably see the grey one sell first.

Unless your existing windows look terrible or don't function, why replace them? Most buyers just see 'windows'. If they want to replace them, they can. I very much doubt you will recoup the expense.

Rather than using another manufacturer whose windows look close to what you already have, if the same windows are still being manufactured use, them. Buyers may not be able to say why there is a difference but for some they just know that there is a difference and may walk away.

Renewal by Anderson is very expensive for the product they provide. Is your quote from RbyA? Have you compared your windows to those from Renewal by Anderson?

Jim, not knowing much about these things, I just know my windows look good and work well. RbyA is pricey and I think it's a bad idea to spend so much just to sell my home. The company I went with for my existing new windows was pretty good. I think I could have used a better work than "cheap" for my existing windows. They are just your average vinyl ones. Thanks for your input!

If the windows and the company you used before worked well I pull just go with them. Everything will look unform and new. I think a lot of buyers will appreciate that.

Unless you have a home with higher end materials elsewhere, I’d say just get the same windows you got previously. I notice the brand of windows when we buy a house and the two homes I currently own have Marvin or Andersen. I also replaced windows in my previous home with Marvin. But I’ve had cheap, crappy windows in the past - a mistake I don’t want to repeat. I think the masses don’t notice especially in a less expensive home. If they’re clear, not rotting and they work most people will be satisfied. That would be true if your current windows meet those criteria in which case no need to replace. I assume there’s something wrong with them if you feel the need to replace.

The only thing a typical buyer will notice is if the windows don’t match. And that won’t be noticed if they are pretty close, and the colors aren’t off. Only 1% even know enough to pay attention to windows or brands. You aren’t marketing to that 1%.

You are marketing to the 99%. And this is why staging works. Probably 40% won’t even look behind the window treatments to see the windows at all. They will view broadly, in impressions only. If the home is clean, has fresh paint, and there is no giant steaming pile of poo that draws attention, that’s all that matters.

BTW, some savvy sellers use the “giant steaming pile of poo” as another marketing trick. People will focus on the wood floors that need refinishing, or the 70’s harvest gold bathroom, and pay much less attention to the more boring but critical things like the old furnace or poor valley flashing on the roof. This forum is not filled with typical buyers and sellers.