Top 5 Home Prep Projects That Boost Value in San Francisco
- Clay Gjevre
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
by Clay Gjevre
Prepping your home for sale in San Francisco can feel like a maze of decisions—what to fix, what to skip, and how to stretch your budget for the best return. The truth? Some projects pay off big-time, while others just drain your wallet.
If you're planning to sell in the city, you want smart, strategic updates that make buyers fall in love—and open their checkbooks. After helping homeowners from Mission Bay to Noe Valley sell for top dollar, here are the five prep projects that consistently offer the best bang for your buck.
These aren’t hypothetical tips. They’re based on real deals, real data, and what buyers are actually responding to in the best neighborhoods in San Francisco.
1. Fresh Interior Paint - Home Prep Project
The #1 return-on-investment project? A full interior paint job.Buyers crave clean, move-in-ready homes—and fresh paint delivers exactly that. Stick to light neutrals like Swiss Coffee, White Dove, or Pale Oak. Avoid bold colors and high-gloss finishes; they tend to turn buyers off or highlight flaws.
Real example: A flat in Cole Valley with dated red and navy walls sold for $75,000 more than its closest comp after a $5,000 paint job.
2. Lighting & Hardware Upgrades
Outdated lighting and fixtures can make an otherwise beautiful space feel old.Swapping in modern pendant lights, sleek sconces, or matte black cabinet pulls can make a home feel 10 years newer—for less than $1,000.
You don’t need designer brands either. Buyers love the look of fixtures from West Elm, CB2, and even Amazon.
Pro tip: Upgrade vanity lights, kitchen hardware, and faucets. These are small details that buyers notice instantly.
3. Refinishing or Replacing Floors
Hardwood floors are a major selling point—especially original ones in San Francisco’s older homes.
If your floors are dull, scratched, or uneven, refinishing is a great investment ($5–$8 per square foot). If replacement is needed, wide-plank engineered oak works well in both modern condos and traditional Victorians.
Case in point: After refinishing, a Marina condo’s dull floors turned bright and warm. The buyers wrote a non-contingent offer.
4. Boosting Curb Appeal
Yes, even in a city packed with row homes, curb appeal still matters. Buyers start forming opinions before they even open the front door.
Focus on:
Repainting front steps or handrails
Upgrading door hardware
Adding potted plants or modern house numbers
Cleaning up the entryway or stucco
Quick win: A Bernal Heights home got new paint on the entry steps and a bold front door. It got multiple offers in the first week—buyers literally commented on how "inviting" it felt.
In condos? Focus on your hallway, entry door, and lighting.
5. Mini Kitchen & Bath Makeovers
Full remodels often don’t recoup their cost before a sale. But targeted upgrades can be magic. Try this:
Paint old cabinets (especially cherry or oak)
Swap dated counters for quartz or butcher block
Reglaze tile and tubs white
Update mirrors, faucets, and light fixtures
Example: A Sunset District home had pink 1960s tile. With $2K in reglazing and a few upgrades, buyers called it “charming vintage” instead of “dated.”
Thinking About Selling in San Francisco?
These 5 updates are not only affordable, they make your home more attractive to today’s buyers. Whether you’re in the Inner Sunset or Pacific Heights, prepping with intention is key to maximizing your sale price.
If you're considering selling—or want a custom plan tailored to your home and your goals—reach out. Whether you’re in the early planning stages or ready to list, having a top San Francisco real estate agent in your corner can make all the difference.
📲 Call or Text: (415) 481-4074
📧 Email: Clay@ClayGjevre.com
🌐 Website: https://www.claygjevre.com/
📍 Need a Referral outside San Francisco: https://www.claygjevre.com/referral
Clay Gjevre San Francisco Realtor®
Vantage Realty
DRE 02099237
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