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!