This is the story of two houses in Melrose, Massachusetts. Both are 2,000-square-foot Colonials on similarly sized lots, each within walking distance of a commuter rail station. On paper, they could be twins — the kind of properties you’d expect to fall in the same price range.

The listing brokers seemed to think so.

In June 2025, House A, listed by an out-of-town realtor, hit the market at $869,000. That same month, House B, represented by a local Melrose agent, went live at $899,000.

The homes share similar footprints, but their surroundings tell a different story.

• House A: four bedrooms and two full baths
• House B: three bedrooms and 1.5 baths

House A sits on a quiet, one-way residential street within a ten-minute walk of a preschool, an elementary school, and the middle/high school campus. House B, by contrast, occupies a busier corner — near a grocery store, an assisted living facility, and just a block from both the fire and police stations. For many buyers, that proximity translates to convenience; For others, noise and congestion.

Both homes feature modern kitchens with generous counter space, recessed lighting, oversized refrigerators, and center islands. The layouts are nearly identical. Differences in materials and color palette are mostly aesthetic. While kitchens often carry the greatest influence on value, bathrooms come a close second. In Melrose, where many homes under 2,000 sq ft have only one or 1.5 baths, a second full bath is a premium feature.

Bathrooms in House A: Clean, Functional, and Bright

In today’s market, visual marketing is king. High-quality photos and online presentation can dramatically shape perception — and even justify a higher price. House B’s updated finishes and consistent aesthetic gave it a clear visual edge online. That “wow factor” can sometimes overcome the numerical disadvantages of fewer bedrooms or baths. But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. Location, rhythm, and local nuance matter just as much. Platforms can’t capture how a neighborhood feels during rush hour or how school proximity impacts day-to-day life in the home. That’s where an agent with deep Melrose knowledge can make a measurable difference.

House A, listed by an out-of-town agent, sold in 19 days for $860,000-- $9,000 below list.
House B, listed by a local Melrose agent, sold in 29 days for $1,025,000-- $126,000 over list.

Two comparable homes. Two very different results. A $165,000 difference.

Online presentation matters, but it’s not everything.

• Buyers: Work with an agent who goes beyond the listing. Visit at different times of day, check commute routes, and explore nearby schools, restaurants, and amenities.

• Sellers: Work with an agent who can market your home strategically and highlight what makes your location desirable.

Not all agents bring the same insight to the table.  In real estate, data might tell the story, but local expertise closes the deal.

Thinking about buying or selling in Melrose or nearby?
Let’s talk about steps you can take now to ensure future success.