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Knoxville & East Tennessee Real Estate Market Update: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know (June 2025)

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Knoxville & East Tennessee Real Estate Market Update: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know (June 2025)

Are you thinking of buying or selling a home in Knoxville or the greater East Tennessee region? The local real estate market is always evolving, and the latest data through June 2025 brings some important trends you should know before making your next move.

Knoxville: Still a Seller’s Market, But Things Are Shifting

Knoxville continues to lead the region as one of the hottest real estate markets in East Tennessee. Homes here are selling faster and closer to list price than anywhere else in the region:

  • Median Sale Price: $420,000 (up 3.7% year-over-year)
  • Average Days on Market: 40 days (still historically low)
  • Sold-to-List Price Ratio: 97% (sellers are getting top dollar!)
  • Absorption Rate: 2.8 months (a healthy seller’s market)

What does this mean for sellers?
If you’re considering selling your Knoxville home, now is a great time. Well-priced, move-in ready homes are still seeing strong demand and quick sales. Inventory is rising slightly, but competition from buyers remains high. Pricing your home right and preparing it for showings can help you maximize your sale price.

What about buyers?
Knoxville buyers should be prepared to act quickly when the right property hits the market. With competition still robust, getting pre-approved and working with a local agent will help you move fast and negotiate effectively.

East Tennessee: Growing Inventory, More Choices for Buyers

The broader East Tennessee market is showing signs of cooling compared to its peak frenzy. This shift brings both opportunities and considerations for buyers and sellers:

  • Median Sale Price: $377,900 (up 0.8% year-over-year)
  • Average Days on Market: 60 days (up from 44 one year ago)
  • Absorption Rate: 4.6 months (moving toward a balanced market)
  • Average List Price: $611,146

For buyers:
There are more homes to choose from than last year, and sellers are more open to negotiation. This is the most buyer-friendly market we’ve seen in years, so if you’ve been waiting for less competitive conditions, now may be your opportunity.

For sellers:
It’s still a good time to sell, but patience and the right pricing strategy are essential. With more homes on the market, buyers have options—so making your home stand out is more important than ever. Staging, repairs, and a competitive price can help your home sell faster.

Knoxville vs. East Tennessee: Key Differences

  • Speed of Sale: Knoxville homes sell 20 days faster, on average, than the rest of East Tennessee.
  • Pricing Power: Knoxville sellers see higher median and average sale prices.
  • Market Balance: Knoxville remains a solid seller’s market, while East Tennessee is moving toward a more balanced market with more negotiating room for buyers.

Should You Buy or Sell Now?

If you’re a seller in Knoxville:
You can still take advantage of strong prices and fast sales—but don’t delay. Rising inventory means more competition is on the horizon.

If you’re a buyer in East Tennessee:
You finally have more choices and negotiating power. Take time to find the right home, but be ready to act when you find it.

Expert Local Help Makes the Difference

Whether you’re buying or selling, the right strategy is key in today’s market. Our team lives and works right here in East Tennessee and Knoxville—we know the neighborhoods, the trends, and how to get you the best results.

Thinking about making a move?
Contact us today for a free market analysis, a custom home search, or just to talk about your options in the Knoxville and East Tennessee real estate market.

Knoxville & East Tennessee Real Estate Market: Q3 2025 Predictions

1. Inventory Will Continue to Rise

  • East Tennessee: Expect further increases in active listings. Seasonal patterns and the current momentum suggest more homeowners will list, especially as those who delayed selling during spring jump in.
  • Knoxville: Inventory will grow but at a slower pace than the broader region. New construction and move-up sellers will add to choices, but demand will keep absorption rates relatively low.

What it means:
Buyers will enjoy more options, but sellers will face more competition.

2. Days on Market Will Edge Higher

  • East Tennessee: As inventory builds, average days on market (DOM) could reach 65–70 days by late Q3. Homes will take longer to sell, especially those that are overpriced or need work.
  • Knoxville: DOM will likely edge up but remain below 50 days, still a quick pace historically.

What it means:
Sellers must price competitively and present homes well to attract buyers. Buyers may have slightly more negotiating power.

3. Prices Will Stabilize or See Only Modest Gains

  • East Tennessee: Median sale prices are likely to plateau or increase only slightly. With more inventory and longer selling times, aggressive price growth is unlikely.
  • Knoxville: Sale prices may hold steady with a slight upward bias, driven by continued strong demand and limited supply of turnkey homes in desirable neighborhoods.

What it means:
Don’t expect dramatic price drops, but sellers should not anticipate bidding wars or big price jumps either.

4. Negotiation Will Increase—Especially Outside Knoxville

  • East Tennessee: Expect more price reductions and seller concessions (closing costs, repairs, rate buy-downs). Buyers can shop around and negotiate more assertively.
  • Knoxville: Some negotiation will return, but sellers of move-in-ready homes in top locations will still command strong offers.

5. Mortgage Rates & Affordability Remain Wildcards

  • If mortgage rates tick down, pent-up buyer demand could surge, especially in Knoxville, temporarily tightening the market.
  • If rates stay flat or rise, expect steady but not surging activity.

Bottom Line: Q3 2025 Outlook

  • Knoxville will remain a resilient market with strong demand, quick sales for well-priced homes, and stable prices.
  • East Tennessee as a region will trend more toward balance, with buyers gaining leverage, sellers facing more competition, and prices stabilizing.
  • Both markets will reward strategic buyers and sellers—those who prepare, price, and negotiate effectively.

Tips for Buyers & Sellers

  • Sellers: Price right from the start, invest in curb appeal, and be ready for negotiations.
  • Buyers: Take advantage of growing inventory, but move quickly on standout properties, especially in Knoxville.

Need personalized advice or want to know how your neighborhood will perform?
Contact our expert team for a custom analysis and stay ahead of the market this summer!

Knoxville & East Tennessee Real Estate SHIFT: May 2025 Market Update

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The East Tennessee real estate market is sending a clear signal: the frenetic, seller-dominated era is over. After years of intense competition, the data through May 2025 reveals a decisive shift towards a more balanced, traditional, and strategic market. For buyers, this means more options and renewed negotiating power. For sellers, it demands a new approach to pricing and presentation.

In our latest update, Troy Stavros of Cornerstone Realty Associates breaks down the critical numbers, trends, and forecasts for both the broader East Tennessee region and the Knoxville metropolitan hub. Here’s what you need to know.

The Big Picture: A Unified Shift to a Balanced Market

Across the region, the story is consistent. A surge in housing inventory, a slower sales pace, and moderating price growth have collectively tipped the scales. While the direction is the same, the velocity of this change differs, with the Knoxville market experiencing a more rapid and dramatic cooling-off period than its surrounding areas.

East Tennessee Housing Market: The Regional View (May 2025)

Looking at the entire East Tennessee area, the move towards balance is clear when comparing year-over-year data from May 2024 to May 2025:

  • Home Sales: Down 10.3%
  • Inventory of Homes: Up a significant 38.2%
  • Pending Sales: Up 13.9%
  • New Listings: Up 9.6%
  • Median Sales Price: Rose a modest 2.14% to $372,825
  • Absorption Rate: Increased to 4.43 months of inventory, placing the region firmly in a balanced market (traditionally 4-6 months).

A Closer Look: The Knoxville, TN Market (May 2025)

For properties with a Knoxville address, the trends are even more pronounced, signaling a faster correction:

  • Home Sales: Down 10.8%
  • Inventory of Homes: Skyrocketed by 57.5%
  • Pending Sales: Up 13.6%
  • New Listings: Up 11.8%
  • Median Sales Price: Rose 2.07% to $407,500
  • Absorption Rate: Increased to 2.63 months of inventory. While technically still a seller’s market, it’s heading towards balance at a much faster speed.

Knoxville vs. East Tennessee: A Tale of Two Markets

While both markets are cooling, Knoxville is doing so more dramatically.

  • Pace of Slowdown: Knoxville’s absorption rate grew by 51.15% year-over-year, far outpacing the regional increase of 35.89%. This shows the gap between inventory and sales is widening much more quickly in the city.
  • Days on Market: The median days on market in Knoxville surged by 71.43% (from 7 to 12 days), while the regional median saw a more moderate increase of 42.86% (from 14 to 20 days).
  • Seller Adjustments: Sellers in Knoxville are reacting more aggressively. The median list price in Knoxville fell by 5.37%, a much steeper drop than the regional decline of 0.69%, signaling intense competition.

Key Advice for Sellers in Today’s Market

The market no longer guarantees a quick, above-asking-price sale. Strategy and realism are your keys to success.

  1. Price Aggressively & Accurately: This is the single most important factor. With a 5.37% drop in the median list price in Knoxville, you are competing against sellers who are already adjusting downward. Price your home correctly from day one to avoid languishing on the market.
  2. Invest in Presentation: With surging inventory, your home must stand out. Professional photography, decluttering, and ensuring your home is in pristine, move-in-ready condition are no longer optional—they are essential.
  3. Be Patient & Prepared to Negotiate: The days of reviewing multiple offers in a single weekend are fading. Expect an average market time of around 60 days in the broader region. Be prepared for a sale to take weeks, not days, and expect to negotiate on price and terms.

A Window of Opportunity: Key Advice for Buyers

This is the most advantageous market for buyers in several years. You are in a position of strength.

  1. Take Your Time & Explore Options: The fear of missing out (FOMO) has subsided. The significant increase in inventory means you can be more deliberate, compare properties thoroughly, and avoid rushed decisions.
  2. Exercise Your Negotiating Power: The data confirms that sellers are more flexible. Don’t hesitate to submit offers below the list price and include important contingencies for inspections and financing. Pay close attention to a property’s “days on market”—a higher number often indicates a more motivated seller.
  3. Don’t Mistake a Balancing Market for a Crashing One: Prices are not in a freefall; they are still appreciating modestly. Waiting on the sidelines for a major price crash is a risky strategy that may not pay off. The real opportunity is the combination of more choice and reduced competition.

Looking Ahead: 6-Month Real Estate Forecast (June-December 2025)

The market normalization seen through May is expected to continue and solidify over the next six months.

  • Inventory Will Continue to Rise: Driven by new listings and longer selling times.
  • Price Growth Will Decelerate: Projections suggest modest annual price growth in the low single digits (2-3%).
  • Seller Concessions Will Become Commonplace: Expect to see more sellers offering to cover closing costs or reducing their asking price.
  • Mortgage Rates Remain the Biggest Variable: Most forecasts predict rates will hover in the mid-to-high 6% range. Any stabilization will help the market, but the era of ultra-low rates is firmly in the past.

Have Questions About Your Specific Situation?

Whether you’re considering selling your property or looking to buy a home in East Tennessee, navigating this shifting market requires expert guidance. Understanding the nuances of a specific neighborhood or price point is key to making a successful move.

If you have questions about this data or want to discuss your specific real estate goals, don’t hesitate to reach out.

This market update was provided by Troy Stavros with Cornerstone Realty Associates. For a personal consultation, please find our contact information below.

Contact me at 865-999-0925 or email Troy@865realestate.com

Knoxville & East Tennessee Housing Market Update February 2025: What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know

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The East Tennessee and Knoxville housing markets continue to evolve as we move through 2025. According to the latest February data compiled by Cornerstone Realty Associates, the region is showing signs of transitioning toward a more balanced market with some interesting variations across different counties. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of what’s happening in our local real estate market.

East Tennessee Housing Market Overview

When comparing February 2025 to February 2024, East Tennessee shows some notable trends:

  • Home sales: Down 8.5%
  • Pending sales: Up 1.4%
  • Inventory: Up significantly by 33.6%
  • New listings: Up 2.1%
  • Median sales price: $360,000 (up 1.84%)
  • Average price per square foot: $217
  • Absorption rate: 3.59 months (up from 3.58 months)

The absorption rate increase of 29.6% year-over-year suggests homes are taking longer to sell, gradually shifting the market toward a more balanced or buyer-friendly environment. While this indicates buyers now have more options and sellers face increased competition, prices remain relatively stable.

Days on market have increased steadily, now exceeding 65 days across East Tennessee. Though homes are taking longer to sell than last year, demand remains strong enough to sustain gradual price increases.

Knoxville Housing Market Data

The Knoxville metro area presents a somewhat different picture:

  • Home sales: Down 12.6%
  • Pending sales: Down 2.7%
  • Inventory: Up 39.7%
  • New listings: Up 0.2%
  • Median sales price: $408,500 (up 5.42%)
  • Average price per square foot: $230
  • Absorption rate: 2.01 months (down from 2.06 months)

Despite rising inventory, Knoxville remains a relatively competitive market with just 2 months of inventory (a healthy market is typically 4-6 months). With this low inventory level, prices are likely to remain stable or continue rising.

The sold-to-list price ratio remains high at over 97%, indicating homes are generally selling close to asking prices. While negotiation power has slightly increased for buyers, Knoxville continues to be a relatively strong market for sellers.

County-by-County Analysis

Knox County

  • Inventory up 39.8%
  • Pending sales down 4.9%
  • Median sales price: $400,600 (up 4.9%)
  • Price per square foot: $228

Knox County’s housing market is shifting toward a more balanced state with increasing inventory and longer selling times. The absorption rate has risen from 1.56 to 2.03 months, a 30.13% increase year-over-year.

Anderson County

  • Inventory up 34.3%
  • Pending sales up 8%
  • Median sales price: $324,900 (up 8.3%)
  • Price per square foot: $180

The absorption rate has increased from 1.87 to 2.47 months, indicating homes are taking longer to sell. While prices are rising, longer selling times suggest buyers have more leverage than before.

Blount County

  • Inventory up 36.4%
  • Pending sales up 34%
  • Median sales price: $380,000 (up 3.68%)
  • Price per square foot: $235

Blount County’s housing market is transitioning to a more balanced state. The absorption rate has increased from 2.37 to 2.84 months, suggesting homes are taking longer to sell.

Loudon County

  • Inventory up 68.1%
  • Pending sales up 15.9%
  • Median sales price: $417,000 (down 8.33%)
  • Price per square foot: $228

Loudon County is showing the most significant shift toward a buyer’s market. The absorption rate has surged from 2.4 to 3.81 months, a 58.09% increase year-over-year. Loudon County’s market is clearly shifting toward a more buyer-friendly environment.

Roane County

  • Inventory up 32.8%
  • Pending sales up 4.3%
  • Median sales price: $338,000 (up 6.46%)
  • Price per square foot: $179

The absorption rate has increased from 2.18 to 2.9 months, a 33.49% increase. This suggests homes are taking longer to sell, transitioning the market toward a more balanced environment.

Sevier County

  • Inventory up 20%
  • Pending sales down 12.5%
  • Median sales price: $540,000 (down 3.16%)
  • Price per square foot: $261

Sevier County is firmly in a buyer’s market with an absorption rate of 8.75 months, up from 6.58 months (a 32.98% increase). With high inventory and slower sales, buyers have significant negotiating power in this county.

Migration Patterns Affecting the Market

The report also highlights important migration trends affecting the local market:

  • Knox County: Net migration has returned to pre-pandemic levels (5.6 people per 1,000 residents)
  • Loudon County: Still seeing strong migration (27.3 people per 1,000)
  • Sevier County: More people are now leaving than arriving
  • Knoxville Metro Area: Still saw 9,661 net new residents in 2024

Overall, the region continues to attract new residents, though not at the peak levels seen in 2021-2022 when the Knoxville area saw over 18,000 net new residents.

Price Appreciation

Despite the shifting market, East Tennessee continues to see solid price appreciation:

  • Knox County: 2.7% increase year-over-year, 80.7% over five years
  • Loudon County: 2.9% increase year-over-year, 63.8% over five years
  • Anderson County: 6.6% increase year-over-year
  • Blount County: 4.9% increase year-over-year

The Knoxville metro area as a whole has seen a 73.2% price increase over the past five years.

Interest Rates and Market Outlook

Interest rates as of mid-March 2025 are at 6.78% for a 30-year loan, which remains relatively high compared to historical standards. The market analysis suggests that if rates drop below 6.5% and get closer to 6%, we could see a significant increase in demand.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For Sellers:

  • Price competitively from the start to avoid extended market times
  • Be prepared for more negotiation than in recent years
  • Well-priced homes are still selling at strong values
  • Accurate pricing and strong marketing are essential in a shifting market

For Buyers:

  • More inventory means more choices and greater negotiation power
  • Longer days on market allows for better deal-making opportunities
  • Sellers are generally more flexible on pricing and closing terms
  • Well-priced homes in desirable areas still command competitive offers

Conclusion

The East Tennessee and Knoxville housing markets are transitioning toward a more balanced state, with significant variations by county. While inventory is rising and homes are taking longer to sell, prices remain relatively stable in most areas. Sevier and Loudon counties are showing the most significant shifts toward buyer’s markets, while Knoxville proper remains relatively competitive for sellers.

It’s important to remember that real estate is hyperlocal – conditions can vary dramatically between neighborhoods and even individual properties. A specific subdivision or property could defy overall market trends based on its unique characteristics and desirability.

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in East Tennessee, now is an excellent time to consult with a local real estate professional who can provide specific insights for your particular situation and location.