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Brick or siding for my home exterior?
Getting ready to sell and we want to redo the outside of our house. The brick looks awful so i want to just put siding up but wondering if it will sell better if i keep the brick. What is better for selling, brick or siding?
Asked By Carl B | Ames, IA | 44 views | Selling | Updated 2 days ago
Answers (7)
Travis Old
Horizon Real Estate Group
Hi Carl,
I'm writing to you from North Carolina. I work as a builder and as a real estate broker. I cannot speak to your local market conditions, but I offer some universal feedback. Brick is preferred over siding for its lower maintenance and durability perception. Appraisers also tend to give brick homes a higher edge. Covering brick with siding would likely trigger some questions from the appraiser and any home inspector who then would share those concerns with any potential buyer. The best route would be to clean the brick, repoint the mortar joints-if necessary, then paint the brick if color is or becomes an issue after repair. If the brick has significant structural issues, then there might be a bigger issue. In that case, call a local contractor and ask for a quote or advice on how to repair. You could then market the home with the intention to repair once under contract. Hope this helps!
I'm writing to you from North Carolina. I work as a builder and as a real estate broker. I cannot speak to your local market conditions, but I offer some universal feedback. Brick is preferred over siding for its lower maintenance and durability perception. Appraisers also tend to give brick homes a higher edge. Covering brick with siding would likely trigger some questions from the appraiser and any home inspector who then would share those concerns with any potential buyer. The best route would be to clean the brick, repoint the mortar joints-if necessary, then paint the brick if color is or becomes an issue after repair. If the brick has significant structural issues, then there might be a bigger issue. In that case, call a local contractor and ask for a quote or advice on how to repair. You could then market the home with the intention to repair once under contract. Hope this helps!
- 2 days ago
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Stacy Corrigan
Peace of Mind Prop Mgmt & Real Estate, Inc.
I would agree with the other agents responses that brick is very much preferred up here in New England. I would pressure wash the house and make sure the pointing is "on point" pun intended, LOL. and that will be a whole lot less costly than installing siding. Hope that helps! Warmly Stacy Corrigan Real Estate Broker RI, Southeastern MA, Northeastern CT
- 1 day ago
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Presley Sparks
Iowa Realty Indianola
Working here in the Central Iowa market, I can tell you that I regularly hear from buyers who prefer brick because they associate it with better durability, lower maintenance, and overall higher quality — it has a long‑standing reputation that sticks with people. That said, buyers ultimately respond to whatever looks clean, updated, and well‑cared‑for, so if the brick is in rough shape or dragging down curb appeal, new siding can absolutely help the home show better. But if the brick is structurally sound and just needs a refresh, keeping it often preserves that “solid home” perception many Iowa buyers already have.
- 1 day ago
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Michelle Doerr
Doerr RealtyAR
In most cases, brick is the better option for selling. It’s more energy efficient, requires less maintenance, and can sometimes lead to lower insurance premiums because of its fire-resistant qualities. Many buyers prefer brick over siding.
That said, what specifically is making the brick look bad? Is it just the color, or are there cracks in the brick or mortar? Could there be foundation issues causing the damage? If there are structural concerns, those should be addressed first.
If the issue is mainly cosmetic, you could repair any cracks and consider painting the brick a color that complements the rest of the home. Updating the look can give the house clean, attractive curb appeal—which can make a great first impression on buyers before they even step inside.
That said, what specifically is making the brick look bad? Is it just the color, or are there cracks in the brick or mortar? Could there be foundation issues causing the damage? If there are structural concerns, those should be addressed first.
If the issue is mainly cosmetic, you could repair any cracks and consider painting the brick a color that complements the rest of the home. Updating the look can give the house clean, attractive curb appeal—which can make a great first impression on buyers before they even step inside.
- 2 days ago
- Helpful (0)
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Maggie Kalin
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate
I would keep the brick, You could explore staining the brick if it really looks that bad but overall people and appraisers like brick because it is lower maintenance and more durable than other exterior materials. Also, covered brick can indicate covering a problem and there is no easy way for a buyer to check if there are cracks/repairs needed to the masonry after the siding has been put over it.
- 2 days ago
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Victor Aguilar
Realty Of America
In most markets, brick tends to hold value better and is usually more appealing to buyers than siding. It’s also durable and many insurance companies view brick exteriors favorably.
If the brick doesn’t look great right now, you might consider improving it instead of covering it up. Cleaning it, limewashing it, or adding some stone accents can dramatically improve curb appeal without losing the value brick provides.
Every market is a little different, but generally speaking brick is a safer choice when you’re preparing to sell.
If the brick doesn’t look great right now, you might consider improving it instead of covering it up. Cleaning it, limewashing it, or adding some stone accents can dramatically improve curb appeal without losing the value brick provides.
Every market is a little different, but generally speaking brick is a safer choice when you’re preparing to sell.
- 2 days ago
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Bruce Griffy
lpt Realty
Paint the brick. It will make it look like a new house.
- 1 day ago
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