If you’re planning to sell your home soon, it’s time to look beyond deep cleaning and staging. Strategic upgrades can significantly increase your home’s resale value and often lead to faster offers at higher prices. But where should you invest your time and money? Here are the top 10 things that add value to your home in Sonoma County, including average costs, potential ROI (return on investment), and why these projects appeal to today’s buyers.
1. Fresh Interior Paint
Fresh, neutral paint makes your home feel clean, modern, and move-in ready. It covers scuffs, brightens spaces, and helps buyers emotionally connect. According to Zillow, Sonoma homes with light gray or beige walls sell for up to $5,000 more on average.
Average Cost: $4,000 – $6,000 for a full repaint, depending on the size of your home.
Estimated ROI: A survey by Home Light found exterior painting nets a 152% ROI, and interior painting yields a 107% ROI, with an average resale bump of 5%.
- Tip: Stick to soft neutrals like “Agreeable Gray” (Sherwin-Williams) or “Swiss Coffee” (Behr).
2. Landscaping Touch-Ups
First impressions matter, especially in luxury markets like Sonoma County. Mulch, trimmed hedges, seasonal flowers, and simple garden bobbles give your home instant curb appeal. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), standard lawn care and landscape improvements can recover 267% of the cost of resale.
Average Cost: $1,000–$10,000, depending on the scope of the updates.
Estimated ROI: According to the National Association of Realtors, landscaping and lawn care improvements can recoup 267% of the investment at resale.
- Tip: Even just $500 of mulch and edging can drastically improve your photos online.
3. High-End Front Door Replacement
A quality front door boosts security and style. A 2024 Remodeling Magazine study found that a new steel front door has an average ROI of 100%, while a fiberglass version recoups around 85%. Buyers subconsciously associate solid, attractive doors with better-maintained homes.
Average Cost: $1,000–$2,500
- Upgraded Hardware (Grates, Handles, Fixtures)
Replacing old brass or builder-grade hardware with matte black, brushed nickel, or bronze gives your home a high-end feel without a major investment. Details matter, and buyers notice them.
Average Cost: $1,500–$5,000, depending on the size of your home and what brands you purchase.
Estimated ROI: A survey by Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate reported that 99% of Sonoma agents agree cosmetic upgrades, like fresh paint and updated light fixtures, enhance perceived value, with 80% specifically citing painting as impactful.
- Tip: Upgrade handles, light switch covers, vent grates, and cabinet pulls to modern styles.
5. Modern Light Fixtures
Great lighting sells homes. Dated or dim fixtures can age a space, while bright, stylish lighting enhances openness and style. Zillow identifies lighting upgrades among the top features that sell faster, up to 6 days quicker, alongside other small upgrades.
Average Cost: $150–$800 per fixture
6. Garage Floor Coating, such as Epoxy Coating
Buyers increasingly view the garage as part of the livable space, especially in suburban and luxury markets like Sonoma County. A finished garage floor shows pride of ownership and creates a showroom-like impression for cars, gear, or home gyms.
Average Cost: $1,500–$3,000 (epoxy coating)
Estimated ROI: A clean, finished garage often influences buyers’ perceptions, especially those seeking functional spaces such as workshops or gyms. It could deliver an ROI of 50%.
Tip: This is a great upgrade if your home targets car enthusiasts, hobbyists, or families with extra storage needs.
7. Add a Pool
In hot-climate markets like Sonoma County, homes with pools often sell for $20,000–$50,000 more than similar homes without. Additionally, in warm or luxury markets, a saltwater pool can help homes sell 2.1% faster, offering a potential price premium, depending on location
Average Cost: $40,000–$80,000
Estimated ROI: 50–70% in California
Tip: If you already have a pool, check out this blog post on how it can add value to your property in Wine Country.
8. Install a Hot Tub
A hot tub offers luxury, lifestyle, and instant relaxation vibes. It’s especially attractive in colder climates or second-home markets. While ROI isn’t sky-high, it can set your listing apart and boost emotional appeal.
Average Cost: $4,000–$10,000
9. Build an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)
ADUs are one of the most valuable additions you can make. They provide flexibility for multigenerational living, home offices, or rental income. In California, ADUs can boost 35% property value, according to a study by UC Berkeley’s Terner Center.
Average Cost: UC Berkeley’s Terner Center reports that 37% of ADUs cost under $100K, and 71% under $200K.
Tip: Even converting a garage or basement into a legal unit can add major value.
10. Smart Home Upgrades (Our “TBD” Winner)
Today’s buyers want convenience. Smart thermostats, locks, lighting, and security cameras help your listing stand out from the crowd. Zillow reports that listings with smart home features sell 6 days faster on average.
Average Cost: $1,000–$3,000
Estimated ROI: 50–80%
Tip: Consider adding Nest, Ring, or Lutron systems. Buyers love that “ready to go” feeling.
Add Value to Your Home Before Selling
Not every improvement needs to break the bank, but the right ones can make a massive difference when you sell. Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint or an investment in a guest-ready ADU, these top 10 things that add value to your home have the power to attract more buyers, spark better offers, and maximize your returns.
Ready to sell smart?
Talk to Emily Martin, a Sonoma local real estate agent who prioritizes upgrades based on your specific market. Watch this video to learn more about Emily and the 5 reasons to work with her and excel in your home-selling expectations.
Why choose Sonoma Realtor Emily Martin?
Emily has called California home for over a decade and likes to think of herself as a California “native.” Learning at a young age from her mother, Linda K. Martin, a top-producing real estate agent for 40+ years, Emily has been immersed in real estate all of her life. As a homeowner in her early 20s in Manhattan’s Gramercy Park, followed by San Francisco, and now Healdsburg, Emily understands the intricacies of home ownership in highly sought-after regions such as Manhattan, San Francisco, Sonoma County, Napa Valley, and her beloved hometown of Healdsburg, California.
Whether clients are buying their dream home, purchasing a second home, selling a cherished property, or investing in the market, Emily is here to make their dreams a reality. Her extensive luxury experience, attention to customer service, marketing expertise, strong work ethic, and passion enable her to provide a level of service that is truly distinctive.
As the journey begins, here’s what clients can expect:
Unmatched Luxury Expertise
With a deep-rooted understanding of the luxury market, Emily brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into luxury goods, sales, and lifestyle. Whether clients are buying or selling, she has the expertise to navigate the world of real estate and the Healdsburg Luxury Homes market.
A Tradition of Excellence
With a family legacy spanning four decades in real estate, excellence is not just a goal—it’s a tradition. Emily is committed to upholding the impeccable reputation her mother, Linda K. Martin, a top North Shore Chicago agent, has built by delivering nothing short of excellence to her clients.
Unwavering Dedication & Passion
Emily is dedicated to her clients’ success. From the moment they embark on this journey together, she provides unwavering support, guidance, and attention to detail, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. When asked to describe Emily, the first words that come to her clients ‘ minds are passionate, energetic, experienced, and dependable.
Explore the Luxury Lifestyle in Healdsburg’s Wine Country
Luxury real estate is not just about properties—it’s about a lifestyle. It’s about finding the perfect blend of elegance, sophistication, and comfort that feels like home. It’s the feeling clients get when they walk into their dream home.
Contact Sonoma Realtor Emily Martin today at: [email protected] or 707-926-3200 to begin an extraordinary real estate experience. Together, you’ll create a story worth telling, a life worth living, and a legacy worth building.