Homebuilding Insights

Originally published 2014. Updated 2025 for today’s market.

10 Value-Boosting Upgrades Before You Sell Your Home

If you’re shopping for new construction in the Savannah, GA area, you may also be preparing to sell your current home. The right updates can help your home stand out, sell faster, and maximize your return — without over-improving or overspending.

Here are ten smart upgrades that today’s buyers love and that can add real value before you list.

1. Start With the Essentials

Before cosmetic updates, tackle any major repairs. Roof leaks, moisture issues, damaged siding, or outdated electrical and plumbing will raise red flags during inspection and can cost you more later in negotiations. Fix structural or safety concerns first — buyers notice (and appreciate) a well-maintained home.

2. Refresh the Kitchen

Kitchens still sell homes. You don’t have to do a full gut renovation to make an impact:

• Paint or refinish cabinets in a light, neutral tone
• Update hardware for a modern look
• Consider energy-efficient stainless steel appliances
• Upgrade to durable, attractive countertops such as quartz or granite

Focus on clean lines, neutral finishes, and good lighting — buyers want a kitchen that feels move-in ready.

3. Modernize the Bathrooms

A dated bathroom can make an otherwise beautiful home feel tired. Simple changes can go a long way:

• Replace old faucets, lighting, and hardware
• Swap out colored tubs, sinks, or tile for classic white or soft neutrals
• Recaulk around tubs and showers for a fresh, clean look
• Consider a pedestal sink in a small bath to visually open the space

When a full remodel isn’t in the budget, surface refinishing on tubs and tile can provide a big visual improvement at a lower cost.

4. Add Energy-Efficient Windows

In Coastal Georgia’s warm climate, buyers love anything that helps keep cooling costs down. Replacing drafty or single-pane windows with modern, energy-efficient options can improve comfort, curb appeal, and long-term value.

5. Create Outdoor Living Space With a Deck or Patio

Today’s buyers see outdoor areas as an extension of the home. If you have the space, a well-designed deck or patio can:

• Expand your usable living and entertaining area
• Make cookouts and gatherings more enjoyable
• Help buyers imagine their own lifestyle in the home

6. Use Paint to Instantly Refresh

Few upgrades offer a better return than fresh paint. For the exterior, lighter, neutral colors such as white, cream, soft gray, or pale yellow tend to appeal to the widest range of buyers. Inside, choose warm neutrals that make rooms feel bright and open and allow buyers to picture their own furniture and style.

7. Update Siding for a Clean, Low-Maintenance Look

If your existing siding is worn, faded, or damaged, replacing it can significantly boost curb appeal. Modern foam-backed vinyl or fiber-cement products offer durability, improved energy performance, and a fresh appearance that photographs beautifully online.

8. Upgrade the Front Door and Entry

Your front entry sets the tone for the entire showing. Consider:

• A new, energy-efficient front door
• Updated hardware and house numbers
• Fresh paint on the door and trim
• Simple décor such as a welcome mat and potted plants

A welcoming entryway helps buyers feel good about the home before they even step inside.

9. Boost Curb Appeal With Simple Landscaping

You don’t need an elaborate landscape design to make an impact. Focus on:

• Neatly trimmed shrubs and trees
• Fresh mulch in beds
• Seasonal flowers near the entry for a pop of color
• A well-mowed, weed-free lawn

Clean, simple, and well-maintained is always more appealing than overdone or high-maintenance plantings.

10. Add Smart Storage Solutions

Storage is high on nearly every buyer’s wish list, especially in older homes. Look for opportunities to add:

• Closet organizers or built-in shelving
• Extra cabinetry in laundry rooms or mudrooms
• Overhead storage in garages

When buyers see that there’s a place for everything, your home feels more functional and family-friendly.

Ready for What’s Next?

The right mix of practical repairs and strategic upgrades can help your current home shine — and position you for your next chapter in a new home. When you’re ready to explore new homes in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Guyton, and across Coastal Georgia, we’d love to help.

Start by browsing our latest available homes and floor plans, or contact our team to learn more about building with Ernest Homes.