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East Tennessee Real Estate & Neighborhood Source

MARCH 2023 East Tennessee & Knoxville Housing Market Update

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Knoxville Real Estate Market Shows Signs of Growing Beyond Its Affordable Reputation

The Knoxville real estate market has always been known for its affordability, but new data shows that the city’s median listing price is now higher than the national average. This suggests that the competitive advantage of Knoxville’s affordability may be slipping away, making it more challenging for homebuyers to find homes within their budget. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the median listing price in the Knoxville area was $426,633, compared to $412,743 nationally. By February 2023, the local median listing price had increased by more than $42,000 compared to the U.S. average, making Knoxville the 47th-highest among the top 150 U.S. housing markets. One of the significant issues contributing to the shortage of inventory is that fewer people are moving. Life event movers, who typically move up or down in the housing market, are staying in their homes longer, creating a “mortgage lock-in” group. With over 60% of outstanding residential mortgages in Tennessee having an interest rate of 4% or below, potential sellers are hesitant to list their homes for sale, given the prospect of trading out their current mortgage for a new one with a much higher interest rate. This has led to fewer homeowners putting their homes on the market, particularly those priced under $500,000, where new listings are down 19% year-over-year.

Additionally, some homeowners who have to move are opting to keep their existing house with their sub-3% mortgage, rent it out, and buy a new home without selling their current one, which further exacerbates the inventory problem.

Investors represent another group that has not contributed much to the inventory. While institutional investors with Wall Street money have slowed their purchasing, none of them are selling, creating no discernible inventory coming from investors at this time.

Distressed homeowners represent the third potential source of inventory, but as of now, essentially none of these people are selling homes either. With the US still having record employment and the big layoffs in the tech sector generally finding work quickly, there are no indications of this group selling homes at this time.

According to experts, homeowners in Knoxville can see that they have a really good deal where they currently live. Therefore, unless something dramatically changes, the current environment is expected to remain.

The Knoxville real estate market’s challenges are not just about inventory, however. Tennessee’s population surpassed seven million residents in 2022, marking the largest year-over-year population increase since 2007, according to the Tennessee State Data Center. This growth is driving up rent prices, with Knoxville experiencing the second-fastest rent growth of any US metro area in 2022, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors®.

As Knoxville continues to grow, it will be essential to address the inventory shortage and affordability issues to ensure that the city remains an attractive place to live for both current residents and newcomers.

Have questions? Comments? Want to talk about the market? Want to talk about buying or selling a home in East Tennessee? Contact Troy Stavros at CornerStone Realty Associates today at 865-999-0925. My team and I look forward to serving you!

Is Now A Good Time To Sell A Home in East Tennessee?

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Looking to sell your home in Knoxville or East Tennessee?

Despite a slowdown in the housing market from a year ago, it’s still a sellers’ market due to the low supply of homes for sale. According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), there is currently only a 2.6-month supply of homes available for sale, which is historically low.

The situation is even more dramatic in East Tennessee, Knoxville, Farragut, and the surrounding areas, where there is only a 1.77-month supply of inventory through the end of March, and Knox County has less than one month worth of inventory. With so few homes available, buyers are facing increased competition, which is keeping upward pressure on prices. As a result, sellers are in a prime position to negotiate deals on their ideal terms.

However, even in this competitive market, there are still many buyers who are ready, willing, and able to purchase a home. So, if you’re thinking about selling your home in Knoxville or East Tennessee, now is an ideal time to do it. By listing your house in good condition and at the right price, you can attract attention from competitive buyers.

Overall, today’s sellers’ market holds great opportunities for homeowners looking to make a move in Knoxville and East Tennessee. If you’re ready to sell your home, let’s connect to discuss how to jumpstart the selling process and maximize your exposure to serious buyers.

Have questions? Wondering what your home might be worth in today’s competitive market? Want to talk about selling your home or buying a new one? Contact the Troy Stavros TEAM today at CornerStone Realty Associates at 865-999-0925. We look forward to serving you!

Why A Smaller Home in East Tennessee May Be The Best Fit

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When it comes to buying a home in East Tennessee, bigger isn’t always better. In fact, there are many advantages to purchasing a smaller home that can make it a wise financial decision.One of the most significant benefits of buying a smaller home is the cost savings. Smaller homes in Knoxville generally have lower utility costs, lower property taxes, and a smaller mortgage payment. This means you can save money on your monthly housing expenses and have more money to allocate towards other areas of your life, such as saving for retirement or investing in your education.

Smaller homes in East Tennessee are also easier to maintain. With less square footage, you’ll spend less time cleaning and maintaining your home, leaving you with more time to focus on the things you enjoy. This can also save you money on maintenance and repair costs, as there are fewer areas of the home to upkeep.

Another advantage of purchasing a smaller home in Knoxville is the potential for a more sustainable lifestyle. With less space, you’ll be more mindful of your consumption and will likely accumulate less clutter over time. This can lead to a more simplified and intentional way of living, which can be both rewarding and fulfilling.

Finally, a smaller home can offer a sense of coziness and comfort that larger homes may lack. With fewer rooms and less space to spread out, you’ll likely spend more time in the shared spaces of your home, which can foster a sense of community and togetherness among family members.

Overall, buying a smaller home in East Tennessee can be a smart financial decision with a host of additional benefits. If you’re in the market for a new home, consider the advantages of a smaller living space and weigh your options accordingly.

Have questions? Want to get the process started in looking for a smaller home? Need to sell your current home before buying? Contact the Troy Stavros TEAM at CornerStone Realty Associates today at 865-999-0925.

Baby Boomers Are Taking The Lead In The Current Knoxville Housing Market

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The Knoxville real estate market has been on a wild ride over the past year, with prices skyrocketing and inventory at record lows. However, one generation has remained relatively insulated from the volatility, and they are now proving to be the biggest movers in the market: baby boomers.

According to the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2023 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report, baby boomers, defined as people between the ages of 58 and 76, made up 53% of sellers and 39% of buyers between July 2021 and June 2022. This makes them the largest group of buyers and sellers in the market.

Jessica Lautz, NAR’s deputy chief economist and vice president of research, notes that baby boomers have the upper hand in the homebuying market. “The majority of them are repeat buyers who have housing equity to propel them into their dream home, be it a place to enjoy retirement or a home near friends and family. They are living healthier and longer lives and making housing trades later in life.”

One reason for the boom in baby boomer real estate activity is their desire to downsize and move closer to family. Many are selling their larger homes in East Tennessee and using the equity to buy smaller homes in areas where they can be closer to loved ones. Additionally, they are drawn to newer Knoxville homes that require less maintenance and fewer potential problems with household systems, like plumbing or electricity.

On the other hand, millennials, who were once the leading drivers of the East Tennessee housing market, are now playing second fiddle, comprising about 28% of buyers. They were the largest homebuying force from 2014 to 2022 but have now been overtaken by baby boomers.

First-time home buyers in Knoxville have also faced headwinds in the latest housing cycle, with higher mortgage rates making it harder for them to enter the market. 70% of younger millennials, ages 24 to 32, and 46% of older millennials, ages 33 to 42, were first-time home buyers, according to the report.

In conclusion, baby boomers are proving to be the driving force behind the East Tennessee real estate market, with their equity and motivation making them the most active buyers and sellers in the market. While other generations are still active, baby boomers are leading the charge and are likely to continue doing so in the years to come.

Have questions? Ready to get the process of buying or selling a home started? Contact Troy Stavros with CornerStone Realty Associates today at 865-999-0925. We look forward to serving you!

Almost Half of the Homes Sold in Farragut in March were CASH or At or Above List Price!

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Almost 1/2 (45%) of the homes sold so far in March in Farragut have been for cash or at/above their listing price (some both). We saw some sell for over $100K above their list price! I go over these sales in the video along with the breakdown of the sold prices and subdivisions. Lack of inventory and consistent demand is still pushing prices higher both in Farragut and most of East Tennessee. Don’t believe what you are hearing on the national news. For example, the national news reported that data through the end of February showed the first Year over Year reduction in the median sales price of homes nationally. However, in Knoxville, we saw a $30,000 increase in the median sales price compared to the end of February last year. Always remember, real estate is LOCAL and sometimes HYPER-LOCAL.

Have questions? Wondering what your home might be worth in today’s market? Contact the Troy Stavros TEAM with CornerStone Realty Associates today at 865-999-0925. We look forward to serving you!

Why Buying a Home in East Tennessee Is a Sound Decision

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If you’re thinking about buying a home, you want to know the decision will be a good one. And for many, that means thinking about what home prices are projected to do in the coming years and how that could impact your investment.

 

This year, nationally, we aren’t seeing home prices fall dramatically. Locally, here in East Tennessee, they are actually rising, not falling. As the year goes on, markets may go up in value while others may lose value. That’s why it’s helpful to keep the long-term view in mind. Nationally, experts project a return to a steadier rate of price appreciation in the years that follow.

 

Over 100 economists, investment strategists, and housing market analysts were polled by Pulsenomics in their latest quarterly Home Price Expectation Survey (HPES). The report indicates what they believe will happen with home prices nationally over the next five years. They believe after mild depreciation this year, home prices will return to more normal levels of appreciation through 2027.

 

The big takeaway is experts aren’t forecasting a drastic fall in home prices nationally, even though some markets will see home price appreciation (like us!) while others may depreciate. And when they look further out, they see steady price appreciation in the long run. That’s a great example of why homeownership wins over time.

 

What Does This Mean for You? Once you buy a home, price appreciation raises your home’s value, and that grows your household wealth. Here’s how a typical home’s value could change over the next few years, just using the expert price appreciation projections from the survey mentioned above.

 

In this example, if you bought a $400,000 home at the beginning of this year and factor in the forecast from the HPES, you could accumulate over $54,000 in household wealth over the next five years. So, if you’re wondering if buying a home is a sound decision, keep in mind what a strong wealth-building tool it is long term.

 

What’s the bottom line? According to the experts, while some areas may see slight depreciation this year, home prices are expected to grow over the next five years. And we know we are already seeing that appreciation here in East Tennessee. If you’re ready to become a homeowner, know that buying today can set you up for long-term success as home values (and your own net worth) are projected to grow. Let’s connect to begin the homebuying process today.

 

Contact the Troy Stavros TEAM with CornerStone Realty Associates today at 865-999-0925 with any questions or to discuss your goals of buying or selling a home in East Tennessee. We look forward to serving you!