Steve Willinger, Real Estate Agent at Highlands Realty, Inc.

02/24/2026

Follow these steps when moving a refrigerator: measure the fridge, clean it out, disconnect it, then slide the fridge out and onto the dolly.

02/24/2026

Curious what your home might be worth right now?
The market in our area is shifting, and a quick look at your home’s value can help you plan your next steps.
If you’d like a simple, no‑obligation update, I’m here.

02/23/2026

Explore ADU garage conversion ideas, costs, and the essential steps to convert your garage into a functional ADU living space.

02/23/2026

Let's go see this tomorrow!

🏡 Featured Listing – Marion, VA
💲 $170,000
📍 815 N Main St, Marion, VA

This well-built brick ranch is packed with value and charm! Featuring 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and a smart one-level layout, this home lives larger than its 1,188 sq ft.

✨ Highlights:
✔️ Beautiful oak hardwood floors
✔️ Brick fireplace & custom built-ins
✔️ Heat pump for heating & cooling
✔️ 1-car garage + paved driveway
✔️ Public water & sewer

☀️ Energy-Saving Solar Panels
Enjoy electric bills averaging around $8/month! Solar company handles maintenance/repairs, making this an incredible long-term savings opportunity.

🌳 The yard is a dream!
Peach & plum trees, grapevines, blackberries, roses, and a fenced garden area — perfect for anyone who loves growing their own food or enjoying the outdoors.

📍 Great visibility & potential commercial opportunity (buyer to verify rezoning possibilities).

Convenient location just minutes from I-81 and downtown Marion.

https://myre.io/0qkjSOS1g0zp

📲 Message me for details or to schedule a showing!

Listed by Joe Robinson Realtor Highlands Real Estate

02/23/2026

Wishing Taylor Bettis: Highlands Real Estate a very happy birthday! 🎉

02/15/2026

Why a REALTOR® Beats Online Searching (Every Time)
Scrolling through homes online is a great start, but it only shows part of the picture. A good Realtor brings the rest of it into focus.
Here’s what you don’t get from online searching:
• Real‑time info you can’t see online — price changes, seller motivation, upcoming listings, and red flags that never make it to the public sites.
• Local insight — neighborhoods, resale potential, traffic patterns, school zones, and the “feel” of an area you can’t get from a screen.
• Guidance through the tricky parts — inspections, negotiations, contracts, repairs, and all the things that can cost you money if you’re on your own.
• A partner who filters the noise — instead of 200 listings, you get the 5 that actually fit your life.
Online searching is a tool.
A REALTOR® is an advantage.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling and want someone local in your corner, I’m here to help.

02/14/2026

Hey friends! I hope you’re all doing great. I wanted to share a quick update—this year I’m celebrating 10 years with Highlands Real Estate Sea Glass, and I’m really grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way.
As many of you know, I’m a full‑time REALTOR®, and I’m always here to help with buying, selling, or even just answering questions about the market. If you ever come across someone who needs a trusted real estate professional, I truly appreciate your referrals. They mean so much to me and are a huge part of how my business continues to grow.
Thanks again for all the support over the years! Steve

02/08/2026

02/05/2026

Primary Mortgage Market Survey®
U.S. weekly mortgage rate averages as of 02/05/2026
30-year Fixed-Rate Mortgage 6.11%
15-year Fixed-Rate Mortgage 5.50%

02/03/2026

Benefits of Homeownership
Homeownership brings with it many benefits when compared to renting. Some of these benefits are intangible and some are fiscal. Let’s take a look at these now.

Pride of ownership: Homeownership has been a part of the American Dream since before there was an America. Owning one’s own home and maintaining and improving it provides security, a built-in savings plan (equity), and a sense of accomplishment. Real estate can be passed on to heirs; an apartment can’t. Pets aren’t an issue (within local codes), and there’s no one telling you what you can and can’t do inside or outside the home (barring HOA restrictions).
Hedge against inflation: The principal and interest of a fixed-rate mortgage don’t change over 30 years. On the other hand, rental increases are common, and a 4% to 6% increase per year isn’t unheard of. Some landlord groups are forming to protest proposed local caps on rental increases at 10%! If your mortgage payment rose from $2,000 to $2,200, you’d feel it. In some areas, mortgages are less expensive than rent, and the only thing keeping renters out of housing is a lack of down payment.
Leverage: Where else can you obtain appreciation on 100% of an investment when you only own 10% to 20% of it? Let’s say you’re deciding between financing a home and placing $20,000 in the bank. The bank may return 2% interest on your investment (2% × $20,000 = $400). But if you use $20,000 as a down payment on a $200,000 home, and housing prices rise 2%, you’ve just increased your return by $4,000 (2% × $200,000).

02/02/2026

🌄 Thinking about making NE Tennessee your next home?
Whether you're drawn to the mountains, the small‑town charm, or the slower pace of life, I’d love to help you make that move feel easy and stress‑free.
If you’re planning a relocation to East Tennessee—or even just starting to explore the idea—reach out anytime. I’m happy to answer questions, share local insight, and guide you through the buying process with clarity and care.
Let me know when you’re ready to take the next step.
I’m here to help you feel at home before you even get here.
— Steve Willinger, Realtor® Highlands Real Estate Sea Glass