NETAR

05/29/2026

A recent MoneyLion article said Kingsport is within the top 50 places with overpriced homes. Knoxville was also on the list. Both NETAR and the East Tennessee Realtors have countered the report.
Don Fenley, who does market research and data analytics for the NETAR told WJHL some of the data in the story were basically accurate, but the context was skewed. That report can be found at https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/netar-representative-explains-if-kingsport-houses-are-overpriced/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSG0SxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8yNzM0NjU0MTYxODQwODAAAR5iJ3AQ4ZBkO9SbQNmHLeCcBiSCyr5lQqhv0S3daTw_ha7334Y_wBIBEwLmOQ_aem_hZv3l_ks5royZLMRDhS3pQ
Here’s how the East Tennessee Realtors responded to the story, “Contrary to recent news articles, East Tennessee homes are not "overpriced." The list-to-sale ratio remains steady at 98.7%, and nearly half of homes sold at or above the list price in April.
Thankfully, the continued demand and slow pace of easing growth has created an ideal scenario. Rather than a sharp correction from post-pandemic price highs, premiums are slowly easing while the underlying value of the homes holds up well. This is good news for homeowners, buyers and sellers alike, and for our regional economic health.” Their full report can be found in the association’s current Market Pulse newsletter.

05/29/2026

This is a remarkable group of leaders whose commitment continues to strengthen the future of real estate and private property rights across our industry.

These dedicated individuals have gone above and beyond through their investment in RPAC, demonstrating an unwavering belief in advocacy, homeownership, and the protection of our profession. Their support helps ensure REALTORS® have a powerful voice at the local, state, and national levels where critical decisions are made every day.

Please take a moment to reach out to these individuals and thank them for their advocacy efforts!

For information on investing in RPAC, please text 423 477 0040.

05/28/2026

The Northeast Tennessee housing market continued to hold its affordability advantage while posting one of the stronger growth rates in East Tennessee.
The region recorded 761 home sales, up 12.6% from a year ago. Median prices climbed to $288,000, a 4.73% increase that kept the region substantially below the median prices seen in Knoxville and Chattanooga.
The numbers suggest the Tri-Cities market remains in a balanced expansion phase. Sales growth outpaced price growth, which typically indicates buyers are still active and able to absorb inventory without triggering sharp price spikes.
Knoxville Losing Some Pricing Momentum
The Knoxville market remained the region’s highest-priced major metro at $369,500, but it was also the only market in the comparison posting a year-over-year price decline. Median prices slipped 1.47% even as sales increased 7.3%.
That combination points to a market normalization cycle after several years of rapid appreciation. Knoxville still has strong demand, but affordability pressures appear to be limiting how far prices can continue to rise.
Morristown Showing Fastest Growth
Morristown posted the strongest sales growth in the comparison with a 27.4% increase in transactions. Median prices rose 4.92% to $309,500.
The market’s relatively smaller size can amplify percentage swings, but the data still suggests buyers are increasingly looking toward secondary East Tennessee markets where pricing remains more attainable than Knoxville.
Chattanooga Expanding at a Slower Pace
Chattanooga continued to post steady but slower growth. Median prices increased 3% to $339,900 while sales rose 2.3%.
Compared to NETAR and Morristown, Chattanooga’s market appears to be moving into a more mature stage of the cycle where gains are still positive but no longer accelerating.
The Bottom Line
The latest comparison reinforces a familiar regional pattern:
• Knoxville remains the pricing leader but is showing signs of affordability fatigue.
• NETAR continues to benefit from its middle-market affordability position.
• Morristown is emerging as one of the fastest-growing smaller markets in East Tennessee.
• Chattanooga remains stable but is growing at a more measured pace.
For Northeast Tennessee, the combination of moderate prices and rising sales volume continues to separate the market from several peer metros. The region is still being driven primarily by workforce and middle-market buyers rather than luxury demand, which remains one of its biggest structural advantages going into the summer market season.

05/28/2026

NETAR MEMBERS -

You’re invited to join us for our Legislative Luncheon Update on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, beginning at 11:30 AM at The Heritage in Jonesborough.

This exciting event is a great opportunity to connect with fellow REALTORS®, engage with Tennessee legislators, and hear important updates impacting our industry and communities.

We are also honored to welcome Mr. Chris Garrett, President of TN REALTORS®, as our keynote speaker, along with several of your TN Legislators!

Enjoy lunch, networking, and meaningful conversation in a beautiful setting. Register here: https://netar.us/2026-legislative-luncheon/

05/28/2026

https://donfenley.com/2026/05/28/the-silver-tsunami-housing-inventory-is-coming-just-not-all-at-once/

By DON FENLEY There’s a theory going around that the local elder population will soon age out of the housing market, creating an inventory flood and a buyer’s bonanza. Like all good stories, there’s some truth to it. But a... Read More ›

05/27/2026

It's FLEX Friday! Don't miss the opportunity to learn how to use FLEX with your potential buyers! Register online now at https://netar.us/events-landing/

05/27/2026

April Tri-Cities pending home sales up 12%; pending home sales rise nationally

Don Fenley believes the Tri-Cities real estate market is "heating up." NETAR's forward-looking indicator that’s based on contract signing rose 12.2% in April. There were 918 new contracts last month, and sellers added 1,185 new listings as the prime home buying and selling season got under way in earnest. Full report at https://donfenley.com/2026/05/21/april-tri-cities-pending-home-sale-up-12-2/

Despite economic uncertainty, pending home sales across the U.S. also rose in April. The spring housing market saw a slight bump in activity last month, as pending home sales came in 1.4% above the March level, the National Association of Realtors said May 19.

“Buyers are coming out with cautious optimism despite increasing economic uncertainty and a slight rise in mortgage rates,” NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said in a press release. “Demand will easily be even higher once mortgage rates retreat to the levels they were at earlier this year.”

05/27/2026

Make an impact where it matters most—your own community.

Join the National Association of REALTORS® for the 2026 REALTOR® Volunteer Days, which takes place May 30 – June 7. Whether you volunteer at a local event or support a cause you love, every act of service counts.

Share your volunteer stories on our social media platforms. Be sure to use and tag us .

05/27/2026

Join us on live!

05/26/2026

https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/netar-representative-explains-if-kingsport-houses-are-overpriced/

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) – A recent MoneyLion article said Kingsport is within the top 50 places with overpriced homes. However, a local real estate expert said there is more to the story. Don…