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Knoxville and East Tennessee Housing Market Update – November 2024

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Welcome to your November 2024 Knoxville and East Tennessee Housing Market Update! Whether you’re considering buying or selling a home in Knoxville, Tennessee, or the surrounding East Tennessee region, understanding the latest market trends is essential. Let’s dive into the insights for November 2024 and explore how the market is shaping up as we head into 2025.

Knoxville and East Tennessee Housing Market Overview

The housing market across Knoxville and East Tennessee continues to demonstrate resilience, with key metrics pointing to a balanced and active market. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Median Sales Price in East Tennessee: $375,000 (+7.69% YoY)
  • Median Sales Price in Knoxville: $412,000 (+11.62% YoY)
  • Pending Sales Growth: Knoxville up 17.9%, East Tennessee up 16.1%
  • Inventory Growth: Knoxville up 27.6%, East Tennessee up 34.5%
  • Average Price per Square Foot: Knoxville at $225, East Tennessee at $218

The market is moving in the right direction for buyers and sellers alike, with rising inventory levels providing more options for buyers, while steady price appreciation benefits sellers.

Key Trends in East Tennessee’s Housing Market

Let’s take a closer look at the East Tennessee real estate market and uncover the trends shaping it:

1. Inventory is Climbing

  • Inventory increased by 34.5% year-over-year in East Tennessee, giving buyers more choices in a historically tight market.
  • The absorption rate grew slightly to 4.08 months, reflecting the seasonally slower demand as we approached the winter months.

2. Steady Price Appreciation

  • The median sales price in East Tennessee reached $375,000, up 7.69% year-over-year.
  • The average sold price per square foot increased to $218, showcasing the ongoing demand for homes across the region.

3. Pending Sales Rising

  • Pending sales were up 16.1%, reflecting strong buyer interest even as we moved into the holiday season.

4. Seasonal Demand Decline

As usual during the winter months, demand softened, with fewer homes going under contract compared to the summer highs. While new listings have decreased since August, the market remains healthy heading into 2025.

Knoxville Housing Market Insights

Knoxville remains a hot housing market as we approach 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the key data for November 2024:

  • Median Sales Price: $412,000 (+11.62% YoY)
  • Pending Sales: Up 17.9% YoY
  • Inventory: Up 27.6% YoY
  • Absorption Rate: 2.37 months, reflecting a continued seller’s market
  • Average Price per Square Foot: $225

Knoxville’s housing market continues to shine due to its affordability, job growth, and quality of life, attracting both local and out-of-state buyers. With a median sales price increase of 11.62%, Knoxville is outperforming national trends, making it a top destination for those looking to buy or sell.

County-Level Housing Market Trends

Here’s how the housing market performed across some of the key counties in East Tennessee:

  • Knox County:
    • Median Sales Price: $402,000 (+10.9% YoY)
    • Pending Sales: +15.8% YoY
    • Inventory: +30.3% YoY
  • Loudon County:
    • Median Sales Price: $524,000 (+6.19% YoY)
    • Inventory: +56.6% YoY (largest inventory growth in the region)
  • Blount County:
    • Median Sales Price: $375,000 (+7.14% YoY)
    • Pending Sales: +20.3% YoY
  • Sevier County:
    • Median Sales Price: $572,500 (-0.44% YoY, nearly flat)
    • Inventory: +24.43% YoY
  • Anderson County:
    • Median Sales Price: $350,000 (+12.9% YoY)
    • Inventory: +9.3% YoY

What’s Driving Knoxville’s Housing Market Growth?

Knoxville has firmly established itself as one of the top housing markets in the U.S. for 2025, earning recognition from both the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and Zillow. Here’s why:

  1. Job Growth and Economic Stability: Knoxville’s economy is growing steadily, with a 6.2% increase in payroll employment since 2020.
  2. Net Migration: Tennessee remains a top destination for those relocating from other states, drawn by Knoxville’s affordability and quality of life.
  3. Millennial Homebuyers: Younger buyers are transitioning from renting to owning, fueling demand in Knoxville.
  4. Tight Inventory Drives Prices Higher: While inventory is growing, the supply remains relatively low, especially in the most active price range of $350,000–$400,000, keeping competition strong.

Mortgage Rates and 2025 Housing Market Outlook

Mortgage rates remain a key factor in the market. Although rates are higher than historic lows, they have stabilized below 7%, with the 30-year fixed rate recently averaging 6.84%. As we head into 2025, the National Association of Realtors® predicts rates will hover between 5.5% and 6.5%, potentially improving affordability for buyers.

What to Expect in 2025

  • Continued Price Growth: Knoxville’s housing market is expected to outperform national trends, with Zillow forecasting a 5.8% price increase in 2025.
  • New Construction Activity: Home sales will be driven by new construction as existing homeowners remain locked into low mortgage rates.
  • Sustained Demand: Knoxville’s affordability and employment opportunities will continue to draw buyers, ensuring a competitive market.

Should You Buy or Sell in Knoxville and East Tennessee?

If you’re buying a home in Knoxville, increasing inventory provides more opportunities, but prices continue to rise, so acting sooner rather than later may save you money. For sellers, the market remains hot, with demand strong and prices climbing year-over-year.

Need Help Navigating the Market? Contact Us Today!

Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing in Knoxville or East Tennessee, the market is full of opportunity. With over a decade of experience in the region, Troy Stavros with Cornerstone Realty Associates is here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s make your homeownership dreams a reality this holiday season. Have a Merry Christmas, and we’ll see you next month for the December 2024 market update!

October 2024 Knoxville & East Tennessee Housing Market Update: Key Insights & Trends

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Welcome to your comprehensive October 2024 update on the Knoxville and East Tennessee housing markets! Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about the local real estate scene, we’ve got the latest insights and data you need.

Market Overview: East Tennessee

In October 2024, home sales in East Tennessee experienced a slight decline, down by 2.7% compared to last year. However, the inventory of homes surged by 37.9%, with new listings up by 7.1%. This increase in inventory provides more options for buyers, even as the market adjusts to rising interest rates and pre-election jitters.

Key Metrics:

  • Median Sales Price: $374,900 (up 7.11%)
  • Average Price per Square Foot: $225
  • Absorption Rate: 3.94 months (indicating more inventory and potentially less demand)

Despite fluctuations, East Tennessee’s housing prices remain stable to slightly rising, especially in high-demand areas.

Knoxville Real Estate Insights

Knoxville’s housing market shows resilience with home sales nearly steady, down just 0.2% from last year. The inventory increased by 31.4%, with new listings up by 1.5%. The city continues to see strong buyer interest, as reflected in the decrease in the absorption rate to 2.15 months.

Key Metrics:

  • Median Sales Price: $410,000 (up 9.63%)
  • Average Price per Square Foot: $230

Knoxville’s limited inventory suggests a continuing trend of rising home prices, driven by strong demand and insufficient supply.

County Breakdown

Roane County

  • Inventory Up: 22.6%
  • Median Sales Price: $340,000 (up 27.10%)

Knox County

  • Inventory Up: 34.3%
  • Median Sales Price: $400,000 (up 9.51%)

Anderson County

  • Inventory Up: 19.7%
  • Median Sales Price: $333,500 (up 17.02%)

Loudon County

  • Inventory Up: 47.6%
  • Median Sales Price: $629,000 (up 25.81%)

Sevier County

  • Inventory Up: 28.57%
  • Median Sales Price: $502,500 (down 1.48%)

Blount County

  • Inventory Up: 35.6%
  • Median Sales Price: $410,000 (up 12.3%)

Market Trends and Predictions

As we head into the end of the year, several factors will influence the Knoxville and East Tennessee housing markets:

  1. Interest Rates: Rising rates continue to impact affordability and buyer behavior.
  2. Inventory Levels: While inventory is up, it remains below pre-pandemic levels, keeping pressure on prices.
  3. Migration Patterns: Tennessee’s appeal due to its cost of living and quality of life continues to attract new residents, bolstering demand.

Conclusion

The Knoxville and East Tennessee real estate markets are navigating a complex landscape of increased inventory, rising prices, and changing buyer dynamics. For potential buyers and sellers, understanding these trends is crucial for making informed decisions.

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Knoxville or East Tennessee, contact us at Cornerstone Realty Associates for expert guidance tailored to your needs.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor the local real estate market. For personalized advice, reach out to Troy Stavros and the team at Cornerstone Realty Associates.

East Tennessee and Knoxville August Housing Market Update: What Homebuyers and Sellers Need to Know

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As we step into the fall season, the housing market in East Tennessee and Knoxville is displaying notable trends that are important for both buyers and sellers to understand. This August has marked some key changes in inventory, sales, and pricing that could impact how you approach buying or selling your home. Here’s a comprehensive look at the latest numbers and what they mean for you.

For Homebuyers: More Options, More Negotiation Power

The East Tennessee housing market saw a 41.9% increase in active inventory compared to last year. This means buyers now have significantly more choices when looking for a new home. With more homes on the market, the absorption rate—how long it would take to sell all the current listings—has increased to 3.69 months of inventory, edging the market closer to a balanced state.

While inventory is up, the market still isn’t entirely in buyers’ favor. A healthy, balanced market typically has around six months of inventory, so we’re still shy of that, but trending in the right direction for buyers.

This increase in inventory also comes with more negotiation leverage for buyers. The sold-to-list price ratio has been trending down since May, indicating that homes are now selling for less than their list price, giving buyers more room to negotiate. If you’re a buyer, now may be the time to make your move and secure a home at a more reasonable price.

In Knoxville specifically, inventory is up a significant 49.5%, further expanding choices for buyers. The median sales price in Knoxville is also down slightly by 1.26% from last year, now sitting at $385,000. This drop, though small, could signal an opportunity to buy in a less competitive environment.

For Home Sellers: It’s Still a Good Market—But Adjust Your Expectations

While buyers are gaining some ground, it’s important to remember that the market isn’t completely turning in their favor just yet. Sellers still hold a decent position, but it’s important to adjust expectations. Homes are taking longer to sell, with days on market trending up, and more homes are seeing price reductions before closing.

If you’re selling, pricing your home competitively is more crucial than ever. Overpricing your home in the current market could lead to longer selling times and possible price cuts down the line. It’s also worth noting that while the median sales price for active listings has held steady in many areas, the sold prices are dipping slightly, reflecting a softening demand post-spring season.

In East Tennessee, the median sales price is up 4.29% compared to last year, reaching $365,000, but in Knoxville, that price is down. This means that different areas may see different market dynamics, so understanding the nuances of your specific market can give you a strategic advantage.

Interestingly, Anderson County has bucked the overall trend. While most counties saw modest or declining price growth, Anderson County’s median sales price shot up by a whopping 36% year over year. So if you’re a seller in Anderson County, now might be the perfect time to sell!

What’s Next?

As we move into the latter part of the year, you can expect to see further shifts. Historically, fall and winter months tend to slow down in terms of new listings and price growth. Buyers can take advantage of lower competition and potentially negotiate better deals, while sellers should aim to list sooner rather than later to avoid seasonal slowdowns.

Overall, while the market is moving towards a more neutral state, both buyers and sellers can make smart, strategic moves by staying informed on the latest trends.

Have questions about the market or about anything real estate or related to East Tennessee? Need help buying or selling a home? Contact me, Troy Stavros with CornerStone Realty Associates today at 865-999-0925. We are here to serve you!

JULY 2024 Knoxville & East Tennessee Housing Market Update “How’s the market?”

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If you’re considering buying or selling real estate in East Tennessee or Knoxville, staying informed about the latest market trends is crucial. The housing market in these areas continues to evolve, influenced by economic conditions, mortgage rate fluctuations, and generational trends. Here’s a comprehensive update for July 2024 to help you make the best decisions in this dynamic market.

Millennials Drive Real Estate Trends in Knoxville and East Tennessee

In 2024, Millennials have become the largest group of homebuyers, surpassing even Baby Boomers. This generational shift is having a significant impact on the East Tennessee and Knoxville real estate market. Millennials are keenly aware of the long-term financial benefits of homeownership, particularly in a market where property values have been resilient. As a result, more young buyers are entering the market, driving demand and shaping the future of real estate in Knoxville and beyond.

Mortgage Rates and Their Impact on Knoxville Real Estate

Mortgage rates have been a significant factor in the East Tennessee real estate market. Over the past two years, rates have risen from historic lows of around 3% to nearly 7%, causing many homeowners to stay put, creating a “lock-in” effect. However, as of July 2024, there’s good news for prospective buyers: mortgage rates have begun to ease, currently hovering just below 6.5%. This slight decrease is expected to continue as inflation cools and the Federal Reserve adjusts its policies.

For those looking to buy a home in Knoxville or East Tennessee, this trend could make homeownership more affordable in the coming months. On the flip side, sellers should be aware that lower rates could bring more buyers into the market, potentially increasing competition.

This shift in mortgage rates is critical for anyone considering buying a home in Knoxville or East Tennessee. Monitoring Knoxville mortgage rates and understanding how they influence home affordability will be key to timing your entry into the market.

East Tennessee Real Estate Market: Inventory and Price Trends

East Tennessee Real Estate Trends

  • Home Sales: Increased by 7.1% Year-over-Year
  • Pending Sales: Up 12.4%
  • Inventory: Rose by 42.7%
  • Median Sales Price: Up 7.14% to $375,000

The real estate market in East Tennessee is experiencing a significant increase in inventory, the highest level seen in 2024. This increase provides more options for buyers, but also indicates that the market is balancing out, with supply beginning to catch up to demand. This trend could lead to more stable prices in the coming months, making it a good time to buy a home in East Tennessee.

For those searching for East Tennessee property, the rise in inventory means more choices and potentially better deals. Keeping an eye on East Tennessee real estate trends will help you stay ahead in this evolving market.

Knoxville Real Estate Market Update

  • Home Sales: Up 15% Year-over-Year
  • Pending Sales: Up 15%
  • Inventory: Increased by 51.6%
  • Median Sales Price: Rose by 3.97% to $395,000

In Knoxville, the real estate market remains strong, with a significant year-over-year increase in both home sales and inventory. The median sales price continues to rise, though at a more moderate pace. For sellers in Knoxville, this means the market remains favorable, though pricing strategies should be carefully considered as more homes come onto the market.

If you’re considering selling your home in Knoxville, understanding these market dynamics is essential to pricing your property competitively. The current trends in Knoxville real estate indicate that while the market is still strong, strategic pricing will be key to attracting buyers.

County-Specific Real Estate Insights: Knoxville and Surrounding Areas

While the Knoxville real estate market shows steady growth, surrounding counties are experiencing mixed trends:

  • Roane County Real Estate: Inventory up 56.7%, median sales price up 8.28% to $322,950.
  • Sevier County Real Estate: Inventory up 46.55%, median sales price down 12.12% to $452,500.
  • Loudon County Real Estate: Inventory up 64.4%, slight decrease in median sales price by 1.23%.
  • Blount County Real Estate: Inventory up 35.4%, median sales price down 1.37%.

These figures highlight the importance of understanding local market conditions when buying or selling property in East Tennessee. Areas like Sevier County are seeing price drops, likely due to decreased investor activity, making it a potential opportunity for buyers. Meanwhile, counties like Roane are still experiencing strong price growth, indicating sustained demand.

Opportunities and Challenges in the Knoxville Real Estate Market

The real estate market in East Tennessee and Knoxville is showing signs of balancing out. For buyers, increasing inventory and easing mortgage rates may offer a better chance to find the right home. For sellers, especially in high-demand areas like Knoxville, the market remains favorable, but it’s important to stay competitive as more listings come online.

If you’re contemplating selling your home in Knoxville, or buying property in East Tennessee, now is the time to act. Staying informed about Knoxville real estate opportunities and challenges will help you navigate this complex market effectively.

Final Thoughts

The East Tennessee and Knoxville housing market is in a state of flux, with both growth and challenges evident in the data from July 2024. By staying informed and strategically using the current trends, buyers and sellers can make the most of the opportunities presented by this dynamic market.

For more insights into buying or selling property in East Tennessee or Knoxville, or to discuss your specific real estate needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you navigate these evolving market conditions.

For more insights into buying or selling property in East Tennessee or Knoxville, or to discuss your specific real estate needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you navigate these evolving market conditions. Contact Troy Stavros with CornerStone Realty Associates at 865-999-0925 today.

July 15, 2024 Monday Market Minute – Knoxville Real Estate and Housing Market Data

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As the real estate landscape in Knoxville, Tennessee, continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest market trends is crucial for both buyers and sellers. Let’s delve into the current state of the Knoxville real estate market, based on the latest data and insights provided by Troy Stavros from Cornerstone Realty Associates.

Market Overview: Demand Outpaces Supply

The Market Action Index (MAI) in Knoxville indicates a robust seller’s market. Last week, the MAI climbed from 44.82 to 50.54, signaling increasing demand compared to supply. This trend emphasizes that sellers have the upper hand, and buyers might face stiffer competition to secure their desired properties.

Inventory Trends: A Slight Dip

Inventory levels experienced a slight decrease, dropping from 805 active listings to 792. This reduction might be a residual effect of the July 4th holiday, but it also hints at a potential peak in inventory for the year. Fewer new listings have been added, with a noticeable decline from 153 new listings to 125 in just a week. This decrease in new listings further tightens the market, reinforcing the seller’s advantage.

Price Dynamics: Stability with Upward Pressure

Despite the fluctuations in inventory, the median list price of active homes has remained relatively steady, slightly below the levels seen in 2023. However, the median new list price for recent listings has surpassed last year’s figures, indicating that new properties entering the market are priced higher than before. This trend suggests continued upward pressure on home prices due to constrained supply and sustained demand.

Price Adjustments: Consistent Reductions

Price reductions have remained steady, with 46% of homes currently on the market experiencing price drops. This consistency over the past few weeks suggests that while sellers are pricing their homes higher initially, there is still room for negotiation, offering potential opportunities for astute buyers.

Segment Analysis: Diverse Market Activity

Breaking down the market into segments provides a clearer picture of demand across different price ranges:

  • Lowest Segment ($299,900 and below): This segment saw 45 new listings and 46 homes absorbed, with active listings spending an average of 28 days on the market.
  • Mid-Low Segment ($416,030): Here, 28 new listings were recorded, with 33 homes being absorbed and an average market time of 28 days.
  • Mid-High Segment ($567,000): This range had 21 new listings and 32 absorptions, with active listings spending 35 days on the market.
  • Highest Segment ($934,450): The top-tier segment saw 31 new listings and 28 absorptions, with the longest market time of 40 days among all segments.

Despite the prevailing seller’s market, the most expensive properties in Knoxville ($934,450) are experiencing the longest days on market (DOM). This suggests a potential opportunity for high-end buyers to negotiate better deals, even as the rest of the market remains fiercely competitive.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Knoxville, staying informed about the latest market trends is essential. With demand outpacing supply, inventory levels fluctuating, and prices holding steady, it’s a dynamic market that requires strategic planning and informed decision-making. For personalized advice and insights, don’t hesitate to reach out to Troy Stavros at Cornerstone Realty Associates.

East Tennessee and Knoxville Real Estate Market Report: JUNE 2024

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As the summer heats up, so does the real estate market in East Tennessee and Knoxville. With data gathered through the end of June, we have a comprehensive look at the current trends and what buyers and sellers can expect in the coming months.

East Tennessee Market Overview

Home Sales and Inventory

  • Home Sales: Down 12.5% compared to June 2023.
  • Pending Sales: Up 4.8%.
  • Inventory: Up 40% from last year.
  • New Listings: Increased by 1%.
  • Median Sales Price: Up 8.01%, now at $376,500.
  • Average Price Per Square Foot: $221.

The absorption rate has seen a slight increase to 3.3 months of inventory, indicating a still strong seller’s market. Despite a rise in inventory, prices continue to climb due to sustained demand.

Knoxville Market Dynamics

Sales and Pricing Trends

  • Home Sales: Down 8.4% from last year.
  • Pending Sales: Up 1.3%.
  • Inventory: Up 53.5%.
  • New Listings: Nearly unchanged, down just 0.3%.
  • Median Sales Price: Increased by 3%, now at $408,150.
  • Average Price Per Square Foot: $220.

The absorption rate in Knoxville stands at 1.84 months, still favoring sellers. The Knoxville Market Action Index shows a strong seller’s market, with the city experiencing one of the highest price shifts in the nation since the peak in 2022.

Did you know that Knoxville experienced the largest price increase among the 200 largest metro housing markets in the US since March 2020, with a staggering 73% rise? This unexpected surge highlights Knoxville as a unique hotspot in the national real estate landscape.

Surrounding Counties Snapshot

  • Roane County: Inventory up 70.5%, median price up 19.3% to $340,000.
  • Knox County: Inventory up 56.3%, median price up 2.41% to $399,900.
  • Anderson County: Inventory up 43.8%, median price up 10.34% to $320,000.
  • Loudon County: Inventory up 63%, median price up 4.10% to $510,000.
  • Sevier County: Inventory up 47.5%, median price up 5.52% to $525,750.
  • Blount County: Inventory up 55.4%, median price up 8.84% to $413,500.

Interest Rates and Market Impact

The recent drop in interest rates from over 7% to 6.85% is a significant development. This reduction could stimulate market activity, making it more affordable for buyers and potentially encouraging sellers to list their homes.

Homeowners Insurance Rates

Rising insurance rates are another factor affecting affordability. Tennessee saw an 11% increase in homeowners insurance in 2023, impacting the overall cost of homeownership.

Conclusion

The East Tennessee and Knoxville real estate markets are robust despite fluctuating trends. With rising inventory and stable prices, it’s a promising time for buyers and sellers alike. If you’re considering buying or selling in the area, now is a great time to act.

Contact Us If you have any questions or need assistance with your real estate needs, contact Troy Stavros at Cornerstone Realty Associates in Knoxville. We’re here to help you navigate the market and achieve your real estate goals.

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