Ever wonder why certain homes sell quicker, for a higher valuation, or at a better price in our local market?

We recently analyzed the most recent transactions in our core local market—Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Roswell—to uncover what drives home sales. By evaluating listings based on photos, staging, paint, updates, overall condition, and other factors, we identified clear trends that impact a home’s selling performance.

The Key to Maximizing Your Home’s Sale Price

Our findings reinforce what top real estate teams have long understood: homes that are properly prepared, staged, and photographed perform significantly better.

For example, homes that ranked in the bottom third of our analysis compared to the top third underperformed on the sold-to-list price ratio by 9 percentage points. Additionally, these lower-scoring homes took a staggering 60 days longer to sell—more than four times the average time on the market for well-prepared homes.

The Biggest Factors That Impact Sale Performance

The most significant differences between high- and low-performing listings came down to:

Professional photos – Homes with high-quality listing photos stood out and attracted more buyers.
 Staging – Properly staged homes created a more inviting atmosphere, making them more desirable.
 Fresh paint – A well-painted home made a significant difference in perceived value and buyer appeal.

Why This Matters to Sellers

For over a decade, we’ve emphasized the importance of proper home preparation and marketing. This analysis further proves that investing in staging, photography, and small updates can lead to higher offers and faster sales.

If you’re thinking about selling, make sure your home is market-ready—because in real estate, first impressions matter!

FMLS: CHS Market, 3/3/25, detached homes, $700k to $1.5M, recent 30 closed