What home improvements give the best ROI before selling in Brookhaven?
What home improvements give you the highest return when you’re preparing to sell my home in Brookhaven? The short answer is this: focus on curb appeal, minor kitchen and bath updates, energy efficiency and creating flexible, livable spaces. These improvements tend to deliver the strongest ROI in Brookhaven, Buckhead and throughout North Atlanta.
Why ROI matters when you sell a Brookhaven home
Brookhaven home values continue rising at an estimated 4-7 percent each year, driven by strong demand, limited inventory and consistent neighborhood desirability. With buyers becoming more selective, choosing updates that increase market value can significantly strengthen your bottom line at closing. Exterior updates typically outperform major interior renovations, and the 2025 Cost vs Value Report shows midrange projects routinely recoup more of their cost than luxury overhauls.
High-ROI exterior upgrades for curb appeal
First impressions matter in Brookhaven, Buckhead and North Atlanta. These exterior improvements deliver some of the strongest returns:
| Project | Average Cost | Approx. ROI | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garage door replacement | $4,500-$5,200 | Up to 260 percent | A fresh, modern garage door quickly elevates the façade and signals proper maintenance. |
| Steel entry door | $2,300-$2,500 | Over 200 percent | Improves security, energy efficiency and curb appeal with one upgrade. |
| Manufactured stone veneer | ≈$11,700 | Over 200 percent | Visually transforms the home and adds a high-end architectural touch. |
| Fiber-cement siding | ≈$21,500 | Over 110 percent | Durable, low-maintenance and ideal for Atlanta’s climate. |
| Minor kitchen refresh | ≈$28,500 | Over 110 percent | Midrange updates recoup far more than luxury kitchen remodels. |
| Wood deck | ≈$18,300 | Up to 95 percent | Outdoor living is a priority for many Brookhaven home buyers. |
Budget-friendly curb appeal boosters also make an impact. Fresh mulch, updated lighting, trimmed shrubs and soft landscaping upgrades can transform your entrance for a surprisingly small investment.
Want a deeper dive into outdoor design that sells? Watch Judy Jernigan’s conversation with landscape architect Mario Cambardella on the How To Sell Your Atlanta Home With Sage And Grace podcast, also available on YouTube.
Kitchen and bathroom updates: high impact without overdoing it
Brookhaven home buyers appreciate kitchens that feel modern and functional, not overdesigned. A minor kitchen remodel typically offers a strong ROI because it focuses on visible improvements:
- Repainting cabinets instead of replacing them
- Updating hardware and lighting
- Replacing outdated countertops with quartz or granite
- Adding energy-efficient appliances
Minor kitchen updates regularly recoup over 100 percent of their cost nationally, while luxury kitchen overhauls may recover less than 60 percent.
Bathrooms offer similar value. Cosmetic updates like new lighting, a modern vanity, mirror upgrades and fresh tile go a long way. Full luxury renovations rarely provide a dollar-for-dollar return in Brookhaven unless the home is already in a higher-end segment.
Energy efficiency and smart home features
With Atlanta’s climate swings, buyers pay close attention to monthly operating costs. These upgrades are both appealing and cost-effective:
- Energy Star windows
- Improved insulation
- High-efficiency HVAC systems
- Programmable thermostats
- Video doorbells and smart lighting
Energy-efficient windows installed in 2025 return approximately 70 percent of their cost. Smart tech upgrades add convenience and are an increasingly common expectation among North Atlanta home buyers.
Outdoor living continues to shine
Outdoor spaces remain one of the most requested features among Brookhaven home buyers. Projects such as:
- Screened porches
- Decks and patios
- Outdoor kitchens
- Fire features
return between 60-95 percent of their cost and expand functional living space.
Projects to avoid or approach with caution
Certain upgrades rarely pay off when it comes time to sell:
- Major kitchen remodels
- Luxury bathroom overhauls
- Pools (unless expected in your micro-market)
- Highly customized or themed rooms
- Closet buildouts with overly personalized features
These often appeal to a narrow set of buyers and can reduce your ROI. When in doubt, ask a local expert.
How to prioritize upgrades for Brookhaven home sellers
Start with deferred maintenance, then move to cosmetic improvements, and only then consider larger projects. A strategic approach ensures you don’t over-invest relative to your neighborhood.
For neighborhood insights, explore community guides for Brookhaven and Buckhead.
Sage advice from Judy Jernigan
Judy Jernigan brings a rare mix of negotiation skill, data-driven strategy and 20 years of media and marketing experience to every home sale. Growing up in her family’s antique shop taught her how to spot hidden value and negotiate with confidence. Her parents were teachers, so she naturally approaches real estate as an educator, helping clients understand their options clearly and calmly.
One recent client shared: “She always had the resource I needed almost instantly when emailed. She is the first confirmed superhero I have ever met.”
The Sage and Grace Realty Group is known for guiding home sellers through strategic, high-ROI preparation so they can move forward with clarity and confidence. As a founding partner of The Agency Atlanta, Judy is backed by industry-leading marketing and the strength of an award-winning brokerage.
Ready to maximize your return? Book a consultation with Judy at Calendly and explore additional resources at SageAndGraceRE.com.
Next steps
To sell for top dollar in Brookhaven or North Atlanta, focus on upgrades with proven impact, avoid over-customization and work with a trusted advisor who understands your goals.
