Kingsport-Johnson City Real Estate Report

08/12/2026

Mortgage rates aren’t random. They’re affected by 2 numbers.

The 10-year treasury yield and something called "the spread." That's the gap between the 10-year treasury yield and mortgage rates, and it usually sits around 1.76 percentage points.

Back in 2023, the gap in the spread ballooned up to 3.19 in response to economic uncertainty. If it were still that wide today, rates would be pushing almost 8%.

But the good news is the gap has narrowed to 2.01 (a lot closer to the long-term norm). And that’s a big positive for rates. It’s why today’s mortgage rate is in the upper 6s instead of touching 8%.

Here's the part a lot of people miss. Where rates are right now are already pretty close to what a totally normal spread would produce – a mortgage rate around 6.5%.

In other words, the fact that the spread has narrowed in recent years has helped mortgage rates. Sure, they’re still higher than you may want, but it could be worse.

Wondering if...

08/10/2026

Repeat buyers, you’ve got a big leg up on your next move.

It’s your equity, the difference between what your house is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. Sell, and that equity turns into cash you can roll right into your next down payment.

That’s how a lot of repeat buyers put down 20% or more. But why do they, especially when they don’t necessarily have to?

Because putting more down saves you money in the long run. A bigger down payment means a smaller loan, so your monthly payment is lower and you’re paying less interest over time.

You can also skip private mortgage insurance, or PMI, which is an additional monthly fee required for loans with less than 20% down.

Talk to a trusted lender to figure out what down payment makes the most sense for your budget. And when you’re ready to kick start your move, let’s talk.

08/10/2026

The Case for Putting 20% Down on Your Next Home

So, no. You don't need to put 20% down to buy your next home. But you may want to. If your equity puts it within reach, going bigger can lower your costs and make moving more doable than you think – even with today’s rates.
A trusted lender can run the numbers on your financing. And when you want to know what your current house could add to your next down payment, let's talk.

If you’re planning to buy your next home soon, you’ve probably heard the old rule about saving 20% for your down payment.

08/07/2026

Thinking About Waiting for Lower Mortgage Rates? Read This First.

If you've been putting your home search on hold because you're convinced mortgage rates will be much lower soon, it may be worth taking another look at that strategy.

Let’s connect so you have an expert who can at least walk you through your options and decide whether waiting really puts you in a better position – or just keeps you on the sidelines a little longer.

Imagine waiting a year to buy a home, only to find mortgage rates haven't changed much. That may sound frustrating. But it's a real possibility.

08/07/2026

A lot of buyers are waiting because they think mortgage rates will drop dramatically.

The problem? That's not what today's forecasts say is going to happen.

Experts believe mortgage rates will actually stay in the mid to low 6s through 2027 due to a number of factors – including inflation.

What’s that tell me? Waiting may not pay off the way you hope it will.

So, if moving is important to you, I want you to know waiting isn’t your only option.

Builder incentives, adjustable-rate mortgages, assumable mortgages, and rate buydowns are just a few of the strategies worth exploring that could help with affordability right now.

I’m not saying you have to buy today, but you should at least know your options. Let's talk about what could work for you.

08/05/2026

Stuck deciding between buying a home now and holding out for the “perfect” mortgage rate?

The truth is, trying to time the market rarely works. Home prices, mortgage rates, and inflation are all outside your control.

And if you wait for all of them to line up just right, you may be waiting a long time.

My advice? If you want or need to move, look at your own numbers instead.

Because whether it's a good time to buy really comes down to your financial situation.

Can you afford the monthly payment?

Do you have enough money left over as a safety net?

What about for repairs?

It’s not a bad time to buy if the math makes sense for you. And that’s true no matter what you’re hearing about the market right now.

Connect with a trusted lender to run the numbers, then let’s chat.

08/05/2026

Think big investors are snapping up all the homes? The data says otherwise.

The largest institutional investors are now selling more homes than they're buying – and the gap is growing every quarter.

That means those homes are going back on the market for regular buyers. And since big investors tend to own lower-priced homes, a lot of them are right in the range first-time buyers want.

Less competition. More options for you.

DM me and I'll show you what's hitting the market in our area.

08/05/2026

Big Investors Are Backing Off and That’s Your Opening

Big investors are stepping back, and they're adding homes to the market as they go. If you've been waiting for a better shot at buying, this could be it. Let’s connect so you can see what's popping up in our area. You may have more options than you think.

For years, a lot of would-be homebuyers have worried about the same thing. How do you compete with big investors who can swoop in, pay cash, and snap up the houses you want?

08/05/2026

Sign up for your free monthly Home Report for personalized insights on your home equity, forecast value and more. Use my personal link to get started or send me a message!

08/03/2026

Buying and selling at the same time and not sure where to start?

With houses staying on the market a little longer these days, selling first could be the right move. It keeps you from juggling two mortgages while you wait for your house to sell.

You’ll also know exactly how much equity you’re walking away with (probably more than you think), and you can put it straight toward your next home.

Not sure where you’d stay in between? That part’s manageable with the right plan.

Let’s talk through the pros and cons. We’ll figure out what makes the most sense for you – and how to make the whole process as stress-free as possible.