Your Dream Home Awaits: A Guide to the Home Buying Journey

Get trends on the housing shortage and how it affects the region where you want to buy real estate!

Check out the trend! Single female home buyers continue to ROCK the real estate buyer market. Since 1981, single women have surpassed single men in the home buyer market making them an extremely viable audience for real estate transactions.

Mountain Living: Small Town Charm Meets Hot Market in Northeast Tennessee

The home loan landscape has been experiencing significant shifts in recent months, creating both challenges and opportunities for potential homebuyers and sellers. At Collins and Company Realtors and Auctioneers, we've been closely monitoring these changes to provide our clients with the most strategic advice possible. The Current Interest Rate Scenario As of early 2025, home loan interest rates have shown moderate fluctuations, reflecting broader economic trends. After the sharp increases seen in 2022-2023, the market is gradually stabilizing, presenting a nuanced environment for real estate transactions. What This Means for Buyers For potential homebuyers, the current interest rate climate requires careful strategy. While rates are not at the historic lows of 2020-2021, they remain more moderate compared to their peak. Buyers should consider: Exploring adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) for potentially lower initial rates Maintaining strong credit scores to qualify for the most competitive rates Considering larger down payments to reduce overall borrowing costs Perspective for Sellers Sellers are not immune to these interest rate dynamics. The current market suggests: Pricing properties competitively remains crucial Homes that offer attractive financing options might sell more quickly Understanding buyer financing challenges can help in negotiating terms Why Professional Guidance Matters With over decades of experience, Collins and Company Realtors and Auctioneers specializes in guiding clients through complex market conditions. Our team provides personalized insights that go beyond generic market trends, helping you make informed decisions. Our Approach We don't just list properties or facilitate loans—we craft comprehensive strategies tailored to your unique financial situation. Our deep understanding of local and national real estate markets allows us to provide nuanced advice that protects your interests. Looking Ahead While predicting exact interest rate movements is challenging, our current analysis suggests a gradual stabilization. Potential homebuyers and sellers should remain adaptable and work closely with experienced professionals who can navigate these dynamic conditions. Ready to explore your real estate options? Contact Collins and Company Realtors and Auctioneers today. Our experienced team is prepared to help you make confident, informed decisions in today's complex market.

There couldn't be a better gift for your Valentine than a Forever Home! But is the time to buy?

Find your dream home in the Tri-Cities, TN area with Collins & Co. Get expert real estate guidance in the 2025 home buyers market.

As we wrap up 2024, let's examine how the Elizabethton housing market has evolved over the final months of the year. The latest December data provides interesting insights into our local real estate trends, particularly when compared to October's figures. The most notable change in Elizabethton's market is the upward shift in median home prices, moving from $225,000 in October to $264,000 in December – a significant increase of $39,000 in just two months. This 17.3% price jump indicates strong buyer demand in our area, even as we moved into the traditionally slower winter season. While sales volume slightly decreased from 27 homes in October to 26 in December, this minimal change suggests remarkable market stability, especially considering that winter months typically see more substantial decreases in activity. The year-over-year comparison shows a 16.1% decrease in sales volume, reflecting a broader market adjustment rather than a local concern. An interesting development is the shift in price appreciation trends. While October showed a 7.1% year-over-year price increase, December data reveals an even more robust 23.9% price appreciation compared to the previous year. This substantial growth in home values positions Elizabethton as one of the stronger performing markets in our region. Looking at our position within the broader regional market, Elizabethton continues to offer strong value. While our median price has increased, we remain more affordable than communities like Johnson City ($285,000) and Jonesborough ($444,450), while offering higher appreciation rates than many neighboring areas. For local homeowners, this rapid appreciation represents significant equity gains over the past year. For potential buyers, while prices have risen, Elizabethton still presents an opportunity to enter a market showing strong growth potential. The combination of stable sales volume and strong price appreciation suggests that Elizabethton continues to attract serious buyers despite the seasonal slowdown and broader market challenges. This resilience speaks to our community's enduring appeal and the fundamental strength of our local market.  As we enter 2025, these trends suggest that Elizabethton remains a dynamic market with strong potential for both buyers and sellers. Whether you're considering a move or simply monitoring your home's value, understanding these market shifts is crucial for making informed real estate decisions.

Collins & Co. helps buyers and sellers navigate the Tri-Cities, TN housing market. Explore homes, land, and expert real estate services.

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