First impressions in real estate are everything. Here in Savannah, potential buyers start forming opinions about your home before they even step inside. In our unique Lowcountry climate, curb appeal can truly make or break a sale. The good news? You don’t need a complete renovation to prepare your home for the market—just some strategic improvements that work with our distinct Southern environment.

After years of helping homeowners sell in America’s most beautiful historic district, here’s what I’ve learned:

Our Humid Climate Demands Regular Attention

Living in Savannah, we all know our heat and moisture challenge even the most durable exteriors. What looks charmingly weathered can quickly cross into neglected territory if not maintained. Before listing:

• Consider a gentle pressure washing for siding and walkways to refresh surfaces that have naturally weathered in our coastal climate. This simple step can significantly brighten your home’s appearance.
• Touch up faded or peeling paint, particularly around entryways and those distinctive window frames that catch a buyer’s eye.
• Inspect wooden porch elements, steps, and columns for signs of rot—minor repairs now prevent big concerns during inspection.

Your home doesn’t need to look brand-new, but it should appear well-maintained and ready to withstand our challenging climate.

Landscaping That Makes Sense for Savannah

A welcoming yard creates immediate appeal, but in our climate, buyers appreciate thoughtful, manageable gardens over high-maintenance showpieces.

Focus on creating an inviting but practical outdoor space:

• Use climate-appropriate plants, such as azaleas, crepe myrtles, and palmettos, that flourish naturally in our humid climate.
• For historic homes with limited yard space, container plantings can elegantly frame your entryway.
• Keep vegetation trimmed and those beautiful brick pathways clear—overgrowth immediately signals neglect to potential buyers.

A few strategic pops of color near the entrance create visual interest without promising endless maintenance in our subtropical climate.

Seasonal Staging: Timing Matters in Savannah

Unlike northern markets where spring is everything, Savannah’s selling seasons have different curb appeal considerations. Our extended growing season means your outdoor presentation matters year-round:

• Spring showcasing: When azaleas and dogwoods bloom across the Historic District, make sure your garden doesn’t miss its moment. A few strategic flowering plants can help your listing photos stand out during this competitive season. Properties with natural light and outdoor connections draw particular attention when Savannah shines in springtime homes. 
• Summer readiness: As temperatures rise, shade becomes a key selling point. Highlight mature trees or covered outdoor spaces where new owners might escape the heat. Clean ceiling fans on porches and ensure that all outdoor cooling features are functioning properly.
• Fall and winter advantages: When northern buyers flee colder climates, emphasize your home’s year-round livability. Savannah’s mild winters make outdoor living spaces valuable even in December. Consider container plantings that provide winter color and maintain that crucial first impression.

Smart sellers also consider timing exterior improvements following Savannah’s weather patterns. Exterior painting and wood repairs last longer when completed during drier periods, while major landscaping takes best advantage of spring and fall, when establishing new plants requires less watering. Working with these natural rhythms demonstrates to buyers that your home has been thoughtfully maintained with Savannah’s specific climate in mind.

The Porch: Where Savannah Living Happens

In our city, a front porch isn’t just an architectural feature—it’s an extension of living space. Buyers looking in the Historic District or Victorian neighborhoods immediately notice this quintessential feature.

Make sure yours invites them in:

• Refresh worn porch railings, columns, and flooring where needed.
• Update dated or weathered light fixtures; good lighting transforms evening showings.
• Add thoughtful touches, such as quality seating, where buyers can envision enjoying evening conversations as the sun sets.

You’re not just selling square footage—you’re selling the authentic Savannah lifestyle.

Historic Character: What Makes Our Market Special

Our older homes embody Savannah’s distinctive character. Buyers in our market appreciate soaring ceilings, natural light, and original architectural details—but nobody wants a renovation project.

Highlight original features like heart pine floors, exposed beams, characteristic Savannah brick, and ornate moldings, while ensuring they’re well-maintained:

• Address any safety concerns, such as uneven steps or loose railings.
• Address chipping paint around period windows and decorative elements.
• Present your home’s authentic character while showing that it has been properly cared for.

In our preservation-minded market, well-maintained historic elements become selling points rather than concerns.

See Your Home Through Fresh Eyes

Before listing, take a step back and view your property as a potential buyer would. Walk across the street and really look:

• Does your home look inviting as potential buyers approach it along streets lined with our magnificent moss-draped oaks?
• Would you notice any maintenance issues if you were seeing it for the first time?
• Does your home stand out among the others along our cobblestone streets and picturesque squares?

Sometimes, simple touches—freshly painted shutters, well-placed landscape lighting that highlights mature oaks with their graceful moss, or an inviting seating arrangement—make the strongest impression.

Ready to Show Savannah at Its Best?

Selling here requires understanding what makes our market unique—whether your home sits in the Historic District near SCAD, the Victorian District, or Ardsley Park. When you’re ready to list, the Heather Murphy Group brings the local expertise needed to showcase your property’s best features, ensuring it makes the perfect first impression in our beautiful city.

Our team can help you:

• Identify and highlight nearby schools and amenities that increase value
• Market your home in a way that connects with your ideal buyer
• Price strategically based on location advantages
• Create a marketing campaign that speaks to what really matters

Buyers aren’t just shopping for bedrooms and square footage—they’re shopping for walkability, education, convenience, and community. We help you showcase all of it.

Ready to find out what your neighborhood really offers? Let’s have a conversation about your home, your goals, and how to make the most of where you live.