What to Know Before You List: Savannah Edition

Tips from Ruben for getting your home market-ready with a local edge.

Listing your home in Savannah isn’t just about timing the market, it’s about knowing this market.

From the quirks of historic homes to the expectations of out-of-town buyers, prepping a home for sale here takes more than a deep clean and fresh mulch. Whether you're selling in Ardsley Park, on Whitemarsh Island, or somewhere out in Southside, small details can make a big difference in how your home shows and how quickly it sells.

Here’s what to know before you put that “For Sale” sign in the yard.

1. Local Buyers Aren’t the Only Ones Watching

Savannah attracts a wide mix of buyers: military families relocating to Hunter or Fort Stewart, remote workers leaving big cities, investors, and second-home shoppers looking for something walkable, charming, or close to the water. That means your home should appeal not just to locals, but to people who may not know what makes one neighborhood different from another.

Tip from Ruben: Highlight lifestyle details in your listing: walkability to cafes, golf cart zones, marsh views, proximity to Tybee or Midtown’s restaurant scene. These sell more than square footage ever will.

2. Historic Doesn’t Mean Untouchable, But It Does Mean Extra Paperwork

If your home is in the Historic District or has certain architectural features (like original windows, fireplaces, or wrought iron), buyers will ask about maintenance, updates, and restrictions. And appraisers will compare it to homes that aren’t historic if you're not careful.

Tip from Ruben: If you’ve made updates, be specific in how they were done, especially when blending old and new. It’s worth having your agent prep a short bullet list of upgrades with dates and details, especially if permits were involved.

3. The First Impression Isn’t the Front Door, It’s the Online Photo

Buyers often scroll Zillow before they talk to anyone. If your photos don’t stop them mid-scroll, you're losing traffic.

Tip from Ruben: Invest in professional photography. And if your home has standout features like a sunroom, original floors, or killer porch, make sure they show up in the first three images, not buried at the end.

4. Savannah Weather Works Fast and So Should Your Prepping Timeline

Humidity, heat, and coastal conditions mean that paint fades, decks warp, and landscaping goes wild in just a few months. And if your home’s been sitting vacant or lightly used, it’ll show.

Tip from Ruben: Two weeks before you list, do a quick walk-through pretending you’re a buyer from out of town. Would you trust the AC? Do the windows stick? Is there mildew on outdoor cushions? Fix it now before inspection week hits.

5. Don’t Guess on Price. Savannah Neighborhoods Can Be Hyper-Specific

A three-bed, two-bath home in Ardsley doesn’t price the same as one in Gordonston or on Wilmington Island, even if the square footage is identical. One block can change comps dramatically.

Tip from Ruben: Use a local agent who’s in the data daily and knows what’s actually closing. Zillow can’t tell you if that “pending” house down the street had foundation issues or a flooded crawlspace last year. We can.

6. Buyers Here Want Move-In Ready or a Project With a Payoff

The most competitive listings in Savannah fall into two categories: move-in ready homes with thoughtful updates and no weird surprises or properties priced right for the condition, with obvious upside. Anything in between, dated but not cheap, half-updated with unfinished details, tends to sit.

Tip from Ruben: If you’re not planning to finish that bathroom refresh or replace the carpet, don’t pretend it’s “almost done.” Let the pricing reflect reality and be transparent. Buyers respect honesty over spin.

Getting your home ready to list in Savannah?

Start with a local strategy that’s honest, detail-driven, and backed by real market experience. Reach out for a personalized pre-listing consult.

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