Whether you’re looking to add value to your house for resale or simply to increase its long-term investment potential, you don’t have to spend a fortune to see significant returns. While major renovations like a new roof or a full kitchen remodel can boost your home’s worth, there are plenty of budget-friendly upgrades that can make a big impact. Small but strategic improvements—such as enhancing curb appeal, updating fixtures, or modernizing key living spaces—can attract buyers and increase perceived value without major expenses. Let’s explore four surprising ways to add value to your house in Savannah, GA and Chatham County without stretching your budget.
1. Judicious Landscaping
You’re probably already aware that landscaping will add value to your house in Savannah, GA and Chatham County, but to avoid throwing money away here, you’ll need to do what counts most. According to Tony Clarke, MD, of the Rawson Property Group, “Established gardens with thoughtful landscaping elements are a huge value-add to homes, as are neat and attractive walkways, pretty off-street parking areas and convenient garden storage spots.” Although you can’t really determine the exact ROI for landscaping improvements, they often result in 100% up to 1,000% returns.
Clarke further advises investing about 10% of your property’s value in landscaping, as well as consulting with your agent to determine what will work best with your home. (Find out more about agents by calling 912-756-2448.) The thing to keep in mind is that landscaping improvements that appear to be high maintenance can actually have the opposite of the intended effect by lowering the sale price.
2. Emphasizing Mature Trees
One unexpected feature that can add value to your house in Savannah, GA and Chatham County is the presence of mature trees. These well-established trees offer numerous advantages, from providing natural shade that helps lower cooling costs in the summer to enhancing curb appeal and creating a more serene, picturesque outdoor space. Additionally, mature trees contribute to a healthier environment by improving air quality and attracting beneficial wildlife. While planting new trees is a long-term investment, if your property already has them, be sure to highlight this selling point in your marketing efforts. Buyers often appreciate the aesthetic, financial, and environmental benefits that mature trees bring to a home.
3. Playing Up Walkability
Walkability is a feature that has been growing in popularity. Increasingly, buyers want homes within walking distance of restaurants, shops, parks, and so on. “People don’t want to have to hop in their car every time they want to grab a beer with friends or pick up a loaf of bread anymore,” Clarke said. “The more self-sufficient your neighborhood, the more people are willing to pay to live in it.” You can’t change your home’s location, but if it does have walkability, that’s something you should play up in the marketing because it will add value to your house in Savannah, GA and Chatham County.
4. Unexpected Upgrades
In addition, there are some fairly simple, budget-friendly upgrades you can make to add value to your house. The things you can do to add value without going broke include:
UPDATING APPLIANCES
Upgrading your appliances may require some investment, but it’s a far more cost-effective way to refresh your home than undertaking a full kitchen remodel—while still making a big impression on buyers. Replacing an outdated kitchen range, refrigerator, or even a washer and dryer can instantly modernize your space and make your home feel more move-in ready. Since kitchens and bathrooms are among the most important areas for buyers, even small upgrades in these spaces can significantly add value to your house. Sleek, energy-efficient appliances not only enhance functionality but also appeal to buyers looking for a home that’s stylish, well-maintained, and up to date.
PUTTING IN NEW FENCING
Few things can detract from curb appeal more than old, sagging fencing in disrepair. A well-maintained fence plays a significant role in shaping that all-important first impression of your home. While professionally installed wooden fencing typically costs between $1,000 and $2,000, if you’re handy with tools, this is a project you can tackle yourself. Even a simpler upgrade, such as replacing worn, faded, or broken pickets, can drastically improve the look of your fence and enhance your home’s overall exterior. A freshly updated fence adds both aesthetic appeal and a sense of security, making it an investment that can help increase your home’s value.
ADDING STORAGE SPACE
Top realtors agree that plenty of storage space is an important feature for all buyers, “so adding additional storage wherever possible is always a plus. The absolute best option is to create one the industry’s hottest trends nowadays – the mudroom – and offer buyers a storage-filled place to put their shoes, umbrellas, hats, jackets, keys, and other essentials when they come in the house each day.” But adding additional storage doesn’t have to be that big a project. You can also add extra shelves to cabinets and/or install closet systems.
RETURNING TO THE ORIGINAL
If yours is a vintage property, an even less expensive way to add value to your house in Savannah, GA and Chatham County is simply to return it to its original state. You could, for example, tear out the carpet to expose those hardwood floors or remove sheetrock to expose brick walls. Doing this adds value by giving your house that coveted, more elegant look and feel.
An Unsurprising Thing to Do
These are just four surprising ways to add value to your house in Savannah, GA and Chatham County, but there are countless other budget-friendly upgrades that can make a difference. The key is to focus on improvements that enhance your home’s appeal while ensuring a strong return on investment when it’s time to sell. Simple updates like fresh paint, modern fixtures, improved landscaping, and minor kitchen or bathroom enhancements can make a big impact without requiring a massive budget. By strategically choosing upgrades that resonate with buyers, you can maximize your home’s value and make it stand out in the market.
