Every home sale has a story, and this one highlights the value of experience, strategy, and steady guidance. Earlier this year, this family purchased their next home with the help of Judy Jernigan, team lead of Sage & Grace Realty Group. When it was time to sell their previous property at 450 Canterbury Road, they turned to Judy again with complete confidence.
Preparing the Home for Market
Like most homes after a move, this one needed some polishing before hitting the market. The number one priority before listing is always making sure the property is as clean as possible, so Judy recommended professional cleaning to give the home its best presentation.
Because the family was carrying two mortgages, Judy gave an early “closing gift” by splitting the cost of a handyman to tackle normal wear-and-tear items. He replaced a few deck boards, spruced up the yard, and touched up paint. Fortunately, the house already offered neutral paint throughout, updated painted cabinetry in the kitchen, tile flooring, and newer lighting fixtures, so these finishing touches brought everything together beautifully.
Marketing Momentum
Judy launched a full marketing campaign, and showings began quickly. One early homebuyer loved the two-story deck and huge fenced backyard—features Judy had emphasized in her materials. Unfortunately, that first contract fell through due to unrelated issues with the homebuyer’s South Carolina property. This is a reminder that homes come back on the market all the time, most often because of homebuyer financing or situations outside the seller’s control.
Between homebuyers, showing activity slowed somewhat. Judy knew it was important to keep momentum, so she refreshed the marketing with virtual staging, including string lights on the outdoor entertaining areas. This helped homebuyers envision how the spaces could be used, and showings picked back up right away. It’s a great example of why every listing deserves not just a strong start, but a 90-day marketing plan that keeps the home fresh and in front of new eyes long after the first two weeks.
A Better Fit Homebuyer
Soon, additional offers came in and one homebuyer proved to be the perfect match. During inspections, a repair request came over for a water heater and water valve, along with screenshots from the inspection report. Judy’s attention to detail caught something important—the screenshots did not actually match the request, and the inspector had written that those items were functioning properly.
Home inspections can be long and confusing, which is why an experienced real estate professional makes all the difference. Judy arranged a conference call with the inspector and the homebuyer’s agent to clarify everything and ensure all parties were aligned. Thanks to her steady communication, the confusion was resolved quickly and the sellers only needed to make some very nominal repairs. Protecting the bottom line and maximizing her clients’ return on investment is always Judy’s focus.
A Win-Win Closing
The home closed successfully, and the family was able to move forward with confidence. The new homebuyers gained a property that fits their lifestyle perfectly, and the sellers saw firsthand how Judy’s expertise safeguarded their results.
Judy and her team were honored to serve this family twice in one year and look forward to being their Realtor for life.
"Judy is the go-to-realtor in the Atlanta area! She was very helpful, attended all of our needs and was available when we needed her in wrapping up our home purchase. She also has great network for any other house needs that goes beyond a home sale/purchase. We don't think there will be anyone else that is as knowledgeable and professional as Judy! We look forward to continue working with her on our sale and any future real estate needs if it arises." - Buyer Client, 450 Canterbury Road NE
Thinking of selling?
Who do you know who would benefit from an agent with the experience, attention to detail, and long-term marketing strategy to protect your bottom line every step of the way?
Judy Jernigan and Sage & Grace Realty Group proudly serve Brookhaven, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Chamblee, and all of North Atlanta.
