Key Takeaways
- More homes on the market than midsummer, offering buyers more options.
- Market Action Index (MAI) in most areas signals a slight seller’s edge, but not the frenzy of earlier months.
- Strategy matters: sellers need to price to current conditions; buyers can benefit from longer days-on-market.
Understanding the Market Action Index (MAI)
The Market Action Index, developed by Altos Research, provides a real-time snapshot of market momentum.
- Above 30 = seller’s market
- Below 30 = buyer’s market
- 30–35 = balanced territory
This is your heat gauge for understanding who has the upper hand in today’s market.
Core Cities Breakdown: Inventory Up, Urgency Down
Woodstock: Balanced and Active
- Median list price: ~$574,999
- Inventory: 347 homes
- MAI: 35, a warm seller's market
- More selection for buyers, but turnkey homes still move fast
- Sellers should lead with sharp pricing and standout condition
Canton: Patience Pays for Buyers
- Median list price: ~$649,900
- Inventory: High-400s
- MAI: 31, leaning toward balanced
- Sellers must price to reality, not hope
- Buyers benefit from negotiation power on stale listings
Roswell: Still Competitive
- Median list price: ~$800,000
- Inventory: 226 homes
- MAI: 37, seller’s edge remains
- True move-in-ready homes get multiple offers
- Sellers still have leverage, but competition is strong
Marietta: Most Selection in Core Markets
- Median list price: ~$575,000
- Inventory: 764 homes
- MAI: 36, mild seller’s market with fall momentum easing
- Buyers gain evaluation time, especially for homes over 30 days old
- Sellers must earn attention through prep, price, and marketing
Market Summary: Pricing & Prep are the Winning Formula
The overall market still favors sellers, but the urgency has cooled.
- Sellers: Pricing to today’s demand and prepping thoroughly are essential
- Buyers: Focus on homes with longer days on market for negotiation opportunities
High-Level Strategy Insights
- Overshooting on price leads to stalled listings and tough price drops
- Buyers should watch for 30+ day listings for deals on condition or credits
Local Market Snapshots Beyond the Core
Alpharetta: Balanced with Luxury Choice
- Median list price: ~$975,000
- Inventory: 368 homes
- MAI: 32, balanced conditions
- Buyers have room to compare condition and value
Kennesaw: Fall Plateau
- Median list price: ~$500,000
- Inventory: 231 homes
- MAI: 35, slight seller’s edge
- Still active, but price and prep remain critical
Dunwoody (30338): Tight and Fast
- Inventory: Mid-40s
- MAI: 47, strong seller’s market
- Low competition means standout homes move quickly
- Sellers should price right but know they have leverage
Advice for Sellers This Fall
- Price for today, not last June
- Focus on high-impact improvements: fresh paint, clean landscaping, lighting upgrades, and deep cleaning
- Evaluate your home’s traction after two weekends
- Make decisive price adjustments if needed
Advice for Buyers Right Now
- Use extra inventory to compare options carefully
- Watch days on market; listings over 30 days are prime for negotiation
- Act fast on well-priced, polished listings in competitive areas like Roswell
Zooming Out: A Weekly Market Story
Unlike monthly data dumps, this information updates weekly, giving you a live read on what’s happening.
Tracking the Market Action Index, inventory counts, and price reductions weekly shows trends before they become headlines.
Want the full charts for your city or ZIP code? Visit https://pathpost.com/reports.
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