Key Takeaways

• Inventory has leveled off after early-fall highs, giving buyers more selection.
  The Market Action Index (MAI) still leans toward sellers in most cities, but with less urgency than summer.
• Success now depends on accurate pricing, standout condition, and timely adjustments.

Understanding the Market Action Index (MAI)

The Market Action Index, developed by Altos Research, is a real-time measure of supply and demand.

• Above 30: Seller’s market
• Below 30: Buyer’s market
• 30–35: Balanced conditions

Think of it as the market’s “heat gauge.” The higher the MAI, the more leverage sellers hold.

Core Cities Breakdown: Late-Fall Calm with a Seller Tilt

Woodstock, GA: Balanced and Steady

• Median list price: ~$591,950
• Inventory: 330 homes
• MAI: 33 (balanced)

Woodstock has settled into a calm, late-fall rhythm. Buyers have more room to explore, but well-priced, move-in-ready homes still capture attention.

Sellers: Lead with sharp pricing and strong presentation to stay front-of-line.

Canton, GA: Tipping Toward Buyers

• Median list price: ~$629,900
• Inventory: 473 homes
  MAI: 30 (balanced, edging toward buyer’s market) 

Canton is walking the line between balanced and buyer-friendly.

Sellers: Price to today’s demand, not June’s momentum.
Buyers: Patience can pay through credits, repairs, or price adjustments on older listings.

Roswell, GA: Competitive, but Cooler

• Median list price: ~$788,250
• Inventory: 226 homes
• MAI: 35 (seller’s advantage)

Roswell remains competitive, though not as hot as midsummer. Turnkey listings at the right price still draw multiple offers.

Sellers: Maintain leverage with condition and pricing discipline.
Buyers: Be ready to act fast on well-positioned homes.

Marietta, GA: More Choice, Moderate Momentum

• Median list price: ~$560,000
• Inventory: 756 homes
• MAI: 36 (mild seller’s market)

Marietta continues to offer the broadest selection of the four core cities. 

Sellers: Price, prep, and marketing still win the weekend traffic.
Buyers: Take advantage of more time to evaluate, especially for homes past 30 days on market.

Market Summary: Strategy Defines Success

North Atlanta overall shows more selection, less urgency, and still a gentle seller’s edge.

Sellers who price for current conditions are seeing steady showings and strong offers. Those who overshoot feel longer days and tougher conversations.

Buyers who stay alert to listings that missed early activity can negotiate the best deals on price, credits, or repairs.

Local Market Snapshots Beyond the Core

Alpharetta, GA: Balanced with Luxury Options

• Median list price: ~$925,000
  Inventory: 355 homes
• MAI: 31 (balanced)

Higher-end choices mean buyers can be selective about condition and comps.

Sellers: Presentation and precision pricing remain key.

Kennesaw, GA: Seller’s Edge on a Plateau

• Median list price: ~$487,000
• Inventory: 204 homes
• MAI: 37 (seller’s market)

Activity is steady with a late-fall plateau.

Sellers: Price it right and make it shine to capture buyer attention.

Strategy Insights for Sellers

• Price for today, not the past: The market has cooled from summer peaks.
• Prioritize high-return updates: Fresh paint, landscaping, lighting, and deep cleaning still offer top ROI.
• Act fast on feedback: If traffic is low after two weekends, adjust decisively rather than inching down.
• Use Path & Post Refresh: For cost-effective prep that helps listings stand out in any market.

Strategy Insights for Buyers

• Use increased inventory to compare condition and value.
• Watch days on market. Homes crossing the 30-day mark often carry more negotiation room.
• Move quickly on polished, fairly priced homes in tight markets like Roswell and Kennesaw.

Zooming Out: Why Weekly Data Matters

The market doesn’t move in tidy monthly blocks. Altos Research tracks inventory, prices, and MAI weekly, giving a true pulse of local shifts before they hit headlines.

Tracking these trends gives both buyers and sellers a leading indicator, not a rear-view mirror.

For full charts on your city, including inventory, median list price, Market Action Index, and price reductions, visit pathpost.com/reports or connect with our team of professional real estate guides to talk strategy for your home.