Daily Note: The Art of Interpretation in Real Estate

By Campbell Haigh, AI Certified Agent™ & NW Metro Atlanta Specialist

There’s a difference between reading stats and actually understanding what they mean.

In Cobb County real estate, the numbers are the science. But the part that really helps people win is the art of interpretation.

The Art of Interpretation: What January Actually Tells Us

Here’s the January 2026 Cobb County sold snapshot: 316 homes closed, median price $439,000, and a TDOM (Total Days on Market) of 75 days.

An average agent sees 75 days and shrugs: “Market’s slowing down.”

A seasoned interpretation is different.

Why 75 TDOM is not automatically bad news

December and January buyers are usually not casual browsers. They’re “must-buy” buyers. Honestly, no one shops seriously between Thanksgiving and Christmas unless they have to.

So when you see homes taking longer (TDOM 75), it often has less to do with demand dying and more to do with the season doing what it always does:

• fewer people touring

• more weather cancellations

• fewer listings that show perfectly

• more “we’ll wait until spring” behavior from sellers

And this January had an extra curveball: that record-breaking cold snap. When it’s freezing, showings slow down. Inspections get delayed. Contractors run behind. Everything stretches.

That is why we do not treat TDOM like a single, scary headline. We interpret it.

The Ramp Up Season: Slow Thaw, Then Summer Blitz

We call this time of year the ramp up. It’s the slow thaw that leads into the summer blitz.

High-intent buyers start peeking early because they know what’s coming: more competition, more offers, and less time to think once school calendars and moving timelines kick in.

And since January had 316 closings, we have real, recent sales to pull comps from across Cobb, including Acworth, Marietta, and Kennesaw. That helps us price with confidence, not vibes.

Seller Advice: This Is a Sneaky-Good Time to List

If you’re a seller, here’s the move most people miss.

Right now can be a strategic time to list because you can catch serious buyers who are starting their search early. They want to find the right home before the summer rush hits full speed.

Less noise. More intent.

Our job is to make sure you show up as the obvious “yes” when those buyers are touring.

Where AI Fits In (Without Making It Weird)

Campbell being an AI Certified Agent™ is a big part of how we do this.

AI helps us spot patterns in the solds, pricing pockets, and buyer behavior fast. Then our AI Listing Advantage helps us position your home with better targeting, cleaner messaging, and smarter follow-up.

You can see more on our marketing strategy page.

But the important part is the human part. AI surfaces the trend. We interpret it for your street, your neighborhood, and your goals.

FAQ : Interpreting January Market Stats in Cobb County

Is 75 TDOM a sign the Cobb County market is crashing?
Not by itself. In January, higher TDOM often reflects seasonality and fewer showings, not a lack of serious buyers.

Why do you say winter buyers are “must-buy” buyers?
Because most people pause home shopping during the holidays. The ones still touring usually have a deadline, a relocation, a lease ending, or a life change.

Should I wait until spring or summer to list?
Not always. Listing during the ramp up can put you in front of serious early buyers before competition spikes.

How do you use January sold data when pricing a home?
We use it as trend-level context and then narrow down to true comparable homes, condition, and micro-location. Pricing is numbers plus local interpretation.

Final Thoughts

The market always has numbers. The advantage comes from what you do with them.

If you want help interpreting what January’s stats mean for your home in Cobb, including Acworth, Marietta, or Kennesaw, we’ve got you.

Ready to talk strategy? Schedule a call with Team Haigh or meet our team. If you prefer, you can also request an in-home meeting.