I've had mixed luck with refurbished appliances. Got a refurbished washer once—worked fine for about a year, then started having issues. Repairs ended up costing nearly as much as buying new would've in the first place. On the other hand, my neighbor swears by their refurbished fridge that's been running smoothly forever...maybe it depends on the appliance type or brand reliability? Curious if certain brands refurbish better than others.
I've noticed washers and dryers can be hit or miss refurbished... had a similar experience myself. But fridges, especially higher-end brands like Bosch or Samsung, seem to hold up better. Probably because they're simpler mechanically and built sturdier from the get-go? Just my two cents.
I hear you on refurbished washers and dryers being a gamble. Had a client recently who went the refurbished route to save money, and within six months, they were already dealing with repair bills—not fun. Fridges, though... you're spot on. Higher-end fridges seem sturdier and more reliable overall. Personally, I'd still lean toward new appliances for peace of mind, especially if you're planning to stay put awhile or thinking resale down the line. Sometimes the upfront hit saves headaches later on.
Totally get where you're coming from—peace of mind is huge. Have you noticed if buyers seem more reassured when appliances are newer during showings, or does it not come up much? Curious about your experience there...
I've gotta be honest, in my experience buyers rarely comment directly on appliance age during showings. Sure, shiny new appliances might catch their eye initially, but when it comes down to making an offer, they're usually more concerned with bigger-ticket items like roofs, HVAC systems, or even flooring. I remember one property we renovated—brand-new stainless steel appliances throughout—and buyers barely mentioned them. Instead, they grilled me about the furnace and insulation.
On the flip side, I've sold properties with older appliances that still functioned perfectly fine, and buyers didn't bat an eye as long as everything was clean and working. I think sometimes we overestimate how much reassurance new appliances actually provide. Buyers want reliability, sure, but a well-maintained used appliance can often give just as much peace of mind without the hefty price tag. Just my two cents based on what I've seen out there...
