Thinking about refreshing your Dunegrass home before you list? You want your property to shine for high-net-worth buyers who love the Saugatuck shoreline lifestyle but expect effortless upkeep and year-round comfort. In this guide, you’ll learn which luxury features earn attention in Dunegrass, how to prioritize updates, and what to highlight in your marketing. Let’s dive in.
What Dunegrass buyers expect now
Luxury buyers in the Saugatuck area are drawn to relaxed coastal living with strong indoor-outdoor flow. Many are purchasing a second home or a legacy property for gatherings, so they prefer durable, low-maintenance finishes that look polished and are easy to care for.
Function matters as much as form. Buyers look for spaces designed for entertaining, systems that perform in both humid summers and frigid winters, and features that extend the season outside. Sustainability and EV capability are rising expectations, supported by broader market trends noted in recent National Association of Realtors insights.
Indoor-outdoor living that works year-round
Seamless openings and covered rooms
Large operable glass doors that connect the main living area and a covered patio create a single gathering zone. Look for stacking, sliding, or bi-fold doors with low-profile thresholds for a clean transition and ADA-friendly movement. Covered spaces with retractable screens or glass wind panels make outdoor rooms usable in breezy shoulder seasons.
Outdoor kitchens built for the coast
An outdoor kitchen or beverage station sized for entertaining is a high-impact feature. Include a grill, side burner, refrigerator, storage, and lighting. Select materials that handle moisture and sand, such as stainless components and stone or porcelain surfaces. Composite or tile flooring helps keep maintenance minimal.
Heat, light, and floor continuity
Infrared heaters, a gas fireplace, or a firepit extend evening use and shoulder seasons. Plan zoning for your HVAC so you are not over-conditioning the interior when doors are open. Choose durable flooring that flows visually inside and out, like large-format porcelain tile, sealed stone, or composite decking to handle wet feet and wind-blown sand.
Spa-grade primary suites
Resort-level showers and tubs
Primary baths that feel like a spa stand out. Buyers expect large walk-in showers with glass enclosures, rain and handheld heads, a bench, and a linear drain. If space allows, a freestanding soaking tub adds appeal. Steam capability is a plus in high-end properties.
Comfort systems and layered lighting
Heated floors and towel warmers make winter mornings comfortable and feel luxurious. Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting for a calming, high-end atmosphere. Make sure ventilation is strong to keep humidity and odors in check.
Materials that last in humidity
Use large-format porcelain tile or well-detailed natural stone over proper waterproofing membranes. Choose corrosion-resistant fixtures and hardware. Oversize or on-demand hot water systems ensure multiple showers, laundry, and kitchen use can run at once without compromise. For design inspiration and best practices, consult NKBA kitchen and bath guidance.
Prep kitchens that make hosting easy
What to include
A prep or butler’s kitchen keeps the main kitchen calm during gatherings. Add a second sink, dishwasher, and dedicated refrigeration for beverages and platters. If space permits, include a small range or induction cooktop with proper ventilation.
Storage and organization
Buyers love purposeful storage. Use pull-out shelves, appliance garages, and zones for baking, coffee, or wine. Durable, easy-to-clean surfaces like quartzite or porcelain keep the space fresh between seasons and simplify turnover if the home is occasionally rented.
EV-ready garages and future-forward systems
What buyers expect
EV readiness is quickly becoming standard in luxury listings. At minimum, plan capacity in the electrical panel or install conduit from the panel to the preferred charger location. Even better, provide a dedicated 240V circuit or a Level 2 charger so buyers can plug in on day one.
Practical specs to discuss with your electrician
- Dedicated 240V circuit for a Level 2 charger, often 32 to 40 amps.
- Documented conduit from panel to charger location if a full install is not feasible now.
- Consider a 200A service or a load assessment if multiple EVs or other high-draw systems are in play.
For owner-friendly guidance on home charging, review the U.S. Department of Energy’s overview of residential EV charging.
Durable coastal materials buyers notice
Exterior cladding and decking
Select finishes that read luxury but are built for coastal conditions. Fiber-cement siding, high-quality engineered options, or well-detailed and maintained cedar work well. For decks, capped composite or proven tropical hardwoods resist moisture and sand. Use marine-grade stainless fasteners in exposed locations.
Windows, doors, and roofing
High-performance windows and doors with thermally broken frames and durable coatings resist winter condensation, summer heat, and wind. Consider impact-rated units where exposure warrants. Metal roofing or premium asphalt shingles with proper underlayments handle wind and freeze-thaw cycles.
Interior floors and entries
Choose surfaces that tolerate sand and clean easily. Large-format porcelain tile, sealed engineered hardwood rated for moisture, and waterproof luxury vinyl plank in mudrooms and entries are all smart picks. For coastal context and best practices, refer to NOAA Great Lakes coastal guidance.
Renovation priorities before you list
If time or budget is limited, focus on improvements that protect value and showcase livability.
- Fix functional issues
- Address roof leaks, window and door seals, HVAC performance, and any water damage. Buyers in this tier want turnkey systems.
- Refresh the kitchen layout and function
- Update hardware and lighting, refinish cabinetry, and consider targeted appliance upgrades. If possible, add or highlight a prep or butler’s area.
- Upgrade the primary bath
- Improve wet-area tile, install quality fixtures, and add heated floors or towel warmers. Verify ventilation and lighting are excellent.
- Enhance indoor-outdoor use
- Repair or replace large doors, add a covered or screened porch feature, and upgrade outdoor lighting and hardscape near living areas.
- Add EV readiness
- Install a dedicated 240V outlet or pre-run conduit to the garage. This is a relatively modest cost with strong buyer appeal.
- Elevate exterior care and curb presence
- Refresh paint or stain, replace corroded hardware, clean and restore decks and walkways, and make sure dune access and landscaping look cared-for and compliant.
Permits and planning in the Saugatuck area
Coastal properties often sit within dune protection or shoreline setback zones. Before starting exterior projects such as boardwalks, dune access paths, or shoreline structures, verify local and state permit needs. Some interior projects with plumbing or electrical changes also require permits. Hire licensed contractors experienced with coastal detailing and ask for shoreline references.
Plan timelines with seasonality in mind. Cosmetic updates may take 2 to 6 weeks. Mid-scale kitchen, bath, or door projects often run 6 to 12 weeks. Outdoor hardscape and structural work varies and can take longer due to permits and Michigan’s winter conditions.
What to highlight in your listing
You want buyers to see the lifestyle and the longevity of your finishes at a glance. Make sure your feature sheet and marketing call out:
- Indoor-outdoor living improvements and any four-season features.
- Spa-level primary suite details including heated floors and steam.
- Prep or butler’s kitchen specs and storage highlights.
- EV readiness with exact circuit or charger details.
- Durable coastal materials, window and door performance, and roofing.
- Maintenance history, warranties, and any shoreline permits on file.
Seller checklist for a polished showing
- Gather permits, warranties, and service records for roof, HVAC, generators, and windows or doors.
- Document dune or shoreline permits and any related maintenance.
- Fix visible wear: peeling paint, corroded hardware, loose railings, and damaged screens.
- Prepare a concise systems guide: on-demand hot water, steam showers, EV outlet location, outdoor heat and fire features.
- Stage outdoor rooms with cushions, lighting, and clean surfaces so buyers feel the coastal lifestyle.
How we market these features
You only get one first impression. Our team showcases the moments buyers care about: sunset-ready outdoor rooms, spa baths that photograph beautifully, and kitchens that entertain effortlessly. We pair professional photography with aerials, custom virtual tours, curated brochures, and portal optimization so these features stand out. Targeted digital ads and a large owned database help us reach local and out-of-area buyers, including Chicago feeder markets.
Ready to sell your Dunegrass home with confidence? Request your complimentary lakeshore marketing plan from Michigan Homes and Cottages.
FAQs
What luxury features do Dunegrass buyers expect in 2025?
- Indoor-outdoor living with large operable doors, covered rooms with weather protection, spa-grade primary baths, a prep or butler’s kitchen, EV-ready garages, and durable coastal materials that minimize maintenance.
How important is EV charging for a Dunegrass listing?
- Very important and growing. Buyers prefer a dedicated 240V circuit or a Level 2 charger. For owner guidance, the U.S. Department of Energy explains options for home EV charging.
Which outdoor upgrades add the most appeal on the Lake Michigan coast?
- Covered or screened rooms, wind protection like retractable panels, integrated lighting and heat, and an outdoor kitchen with weather-resistant materials. These features extend the season and support entertaining.
Do I need permits for dune or shoreline work near Saugatuck?
- Often, yes. Dune protection and shoreline setback rules may apply to boardwalks, dune access, and shoreline structures. Check local municipality and state requirements before starting exterior projects.
How can I make outdoor areas usable in winter?
- Add infrared heaters or a gas fireplace, choose wind screens, upgrade outdoor lighting, and plan HVAC zoning so the home is efficient when doors are open. Durable, non-slip flooring helps with snow and sand.
What documentation should I prepare before listing a coastal home?
- Permits and warranties, service records for major systems, window and door specifications, and any shoreline permit history. Create a feature sheet that clearly lists indoor-outdoor upgrades, spa bath features, prep kitchen specs, EV infrastructure, and durable materials. For broader market expectations, refer to NAR trend resources and NOAA Great Lakes coastal guidance.
