Homes Are Sitting Longer in Clayton & Garner — Here's How to Make Yours Stand Out
A Shifting Market Needs a Sharper Strategy
If you're a Realtor working in Clayton or Garner right now, you've probably felt it — homes aren’t moving quite like they used to.
According to the latest Redfin data, Clayton homes are now taking over 50 days to sell on average, and Garner isn’t far behind at 61 days. That’s nearly double the pace from just a year ago, when listings were flying off the market in under 30 days.
With higher inventory, fewer bidding wars, and more selective buyers, the question becomes: How do you keep your listings from sitting — and help them stand out?
The answer is all in the marketing.
More Competition = More Pressure to Make a First Impression
In a slower market, buyers scroll more, compare more, and expect more. That first impression — the one they get while swiping Zillow on their phone at 11 p.m. — can make or break a showing request.
Here’s what buyers are doing differently right now:
Spending more time online reviewing listings
Comparing more homes before scheduling a tour
Expecting high-quality visuals (not just cell phone photos)
Ignoring listings that don’t feel “professionally marketed”
If your listing doesn’t stand out in the first few seconds, it might not stand out at all.
Professional Photography = More Views and Faster Sales
Homes with professional photos are proven to sell faster and for more — even in a competitive market. Redfin data shows listings with high-quality images:
Receive 32% more clicks
Spend 30% less time on market
Often sell for $3,000–$11,000 more than those with DIY photos
In a market like Clayton or Garner, where average days on market have jumped, every advantage counts. Good photos don’t just look nice — they make your listing worth seeing.
Add a Virtual Tour, Cut Weeks Off Your DOM
Think of virtual tours as a 24/7 open house. They let buyers walk through the home online — and 67% of buyers now expect one. In fact:
Listings with 3D tours get 87% more views on average
54% of buyers say they won’t even consider listings without one
Homes with virtual walkthroughs sell up to 31% faster in many markets
In Clayton and Garner, only about 15% of listings are using virtual tours — which means you have a chance to stand out in a big way.
Use Drone Photography to Show Off What Others Can’t
Not all homes have sweeping yards or great neighborhoods — but many in Johnston County do. The problem? Standard photos can’t always capture that.
Drone photography lets you:
Showcase lot size
Highlight nearby parks, woods, or quiet streets
Show buyers what the neighborhood looks like
One MLS study found that homes with aerial images sold 68% faster than those without. So if your listing backs up to green space or sits on a large corner lot, show it off from the sky.
Want to Sell Faster in a Slower Market? Start With the Right Tools
Homes are sitting longer — that’s the reality. But some listings still go under contract in under 2 weeks. What’s the difference?
They’re professionally marketed
They look amazing online
They engage buyers instantly with immersive visuals
At Goodlook, we help Realtors in Clayton, Garner, and across Johnston County do exactly that — with high-end photography, virtual tours, drone shots, and virtual staging that move homes faster.
Ready to Give Your Next Listing the Edge It Needs?
Don't let your listing get lost in the shuffle. Whether it’s a starter home in Garner or new construction in Clayton, we’ve got you covered.
👉 Book your next shoot with Goodlook
FAQs
How long are homes staying on the market in Clayton and Garner right now?
About 50–61 days on average, which is nearly double last year’s pace.
Do professional photos really make a difference?
Absolutely. Listings with pro photos sell 30% faster and get more views.
Is a virtual tour worth it for a smaller home?
Yes — buyers expect them, regardless of size. It helps filter in serious leads and improves visibility on sites like Zillow.