Guthrie Group Homes, Knoxville TN Real Estate

06/18/2026

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐔𝐒 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭: 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐰?

Will 2026 be the year buyers stop waiting? Forecasters predict growth in home sales ranging from 1.7% to 14%—a 12-point spread that reveals real uncertainty about how much pent-up demand will be unlocked. 📊

Here's what most experts agree on:

✅ Mortgage rates should settle in the 6.0–6.4% range
✅ Inventory will improve modestly, giving buyers more options
✅ Home prices will continue rising, but at a slower pace (0.5–4% growth)
✅ The market is thawing, returning to more normal conditions

Whether you're planning to buy, sell, or understand your home equity position, the fundamentals matter more than the forecasts.

Read the full article: https://gghknoxville.com/2026-us-housing-market-forecast/

Libby Guthrie, REALTOR® 🏡
Cell: 865-364-0200
Keller Williams 865-966-5005
GGHKnoxville.com
[email protected]

Will the Market Find Its Footing? Will 2026 be the year buyers stop waiting? Forecasters are split, predicting anywhere from 1.7%1 to 14%2 growth in home sales. That 12-point gap reveals the central question facing the housing market: how much will slightly lower mortgage rates and slowly eroding lo...

06/11/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐏𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞

Your mortgage payment is only part of the story. 🏡

Most homebuyers focus exclusively on their monthly mortgage payment when calculating affordability. But here's the reality: that payment typically represents only 70-80% of what homeownership actually costs each month.

The average cost of owning and maintaining a single-family home in the U.S., excluding the mortgage, is estimated at around $21,400 in 2025—roughly $1,800 per month. When you factor in these costs, a $2,500 monthly mortgage can grow to over $4,000 in total housing costs.

💡 Key takeaways:

- Nearly 45% of homeowners report post-purchase regrets, most commonly due to higher-than-expected maintenance and hidden costs
- Insurance and property taxes continue rising annually—sometimes jumping $200-300/month in a single year
- Home maintenance now averages around $8,800 annually, with first-year owners often facing higher costs
- The solution? Budget for mortgage PLUS approximately $1,800 monthly in carrying costs

True affordability isn't what a lender approves—it's what lets you sleep well at night when the water heater fails or insurance premiums spike.

Libby Guthrie, REALTOR® 🏡
Cell: 865-364-0200
Keller Williams 865-966-5005
GGHKnoxville.com
[email protected]

When most homebuyers calculate whether they can afford a new home, they focus almost exclusively on one number: the monthly mortgage payment.

06/04/2026

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The playbook for selling a home has changed. Active inventory rose more than 16% in 2025, and 62% of buyers paid below asking—the highest share since 2019. 📊

Today's listings need to work harder to stand out. Here's what winning sellers are doing differently:

✅ Professional photography that stops the scroll
✅ Pre-listing inspections that eliminate surprise negotiations
✅ Energy-efficient features positioned as cost-saving assets
✅ Pricing with precision from day one

The 2026 winner isn't the cheapest or the biggest. It's the most ready.

Libby Guthrie, REALTOR® 🏡 | Cell: 865-364-0200 | GGHKnoxville.com
Keller Williams 865-966-5005 | [email protected]
Knoxville, Tenessee

Discover the key factors that help home listings stand out in 2026; pricing strategy, professional photography, virtual tours, and buyer wants

05/28/2026

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬

After a decade of all-gray interiors and sterile minimalism, buyers are looking for something completely different: warmth, texture, and homes that actually feel like sanctuaries. 🏡

Here's what's moving the market in 2026:

✨ Warm color palettes — beiges, terra cotta, sage, soft navy
🎨 Art Deco details — curves, arches, brass accents
🪨 Statement materials — dramatic natural stone, limewashed walls
🍳 Personalized kitchens — earth tones and wood-grain over all-white
🏠 Semi-closed floor plans — connection with purpose and privacy
🌿 Wellness-focused spaces — biophilic design, natural light, quiet zones
⚡ Climate-resilient features — solar, battery systems, EV charging

The takeaway? Buyers want homes that feel intentional, layered, and designed for how they actually live.

Libby Guthrie, REALTOR® 🏡 | Cell: 865-364-0200 | GGHKnoxville.com
Keller Williams 865-966-5005 | [email protected]
Knoxville, Tennessee

What Home Design Trends Do Buyers Want in 2026? Buyers want homes that feel intentional, layered, and designed for how they actually live.

05/27/2026

"What great thing would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?"

~ Robert H. Schuller ~

05/25/2026

"I don't believe in astrology; I'm a Sagittarius and we're skeptical."

~ Arthur C. Clarke ~

05/21/2026

Multigenerational Home Buying: What Families Need to Know Before They Start

Multigenerational living isn't a fallback anymore — it's a deliberate strategy more families are choosing. 🏡

According to NAR, 14% of recent buyers purchased a multigenerational home. These families aren't making the best of a bad situation — they're rethinking what "home" needs to do.

Why families are choosing this path:
• Shared costs make homeownership more accessible
• Caregiving support for aging parents or young children
• Remote work makes living near family more feasible
• Daily support and shared routines that strengthen connections

If this is something your family is considering, the key is getting the strategy right from the start — the right property, clear financial structure, and honest conversations before you sign.

Multigenerational home buying is on the rise. Learn the 3 steps to success and determining if buying a family home is right for you.

05/21/2026

Spring Backyard Goals: What 2026 Buyers Are Looking For 👀

Spring is here, and if you're thinking about listing your home this season, your backyard could be your biggest selling asset.

Today's buyers aren't just looking for four walls—they're searching for outdoor living spaces where they can relax, entertain, and enjoy the warmer months. Patios, decks, and well-maintained landscaping are consistently at the top of spring buyers' wish lists.

Here's a quick tip: Focus on creating defined outdoor "rooms." A simple seating area, a clean patio with potted plants, or a freshly mulched garden bed can make your yard feel intentional and inviting. You don't need a complete overhaul—just thoughtful touches that help buyers envision themselves enjoying the space.

First impressions matter, and in spring, your outdoor space is often the first thing buyers notice. A little effort now can lead to stronger offers and a faster sale.

Call/text/email us if you have questions

Libby Guthrie, REALTOR® 🏡
Cell: 865-364-0200
Keller Williams 865-966-5005
GGHKnoxville.com
[email protected]
Knoxville, Tennessee

https://gghknoxville.com/contact-guthrie-group-homes-knoxville/

05/20/2026

"How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains!"

~ John Muir ~

05/20/2026

Would You Rather: Brand New Construction or Established Neighborhood Charm?

🏡 Would You Rather: Brand New Construction or Established Neighborhood Charm?

One of the biggest decisions homebuyers face is choosing between a newly built home and a property in an established neighborhood. Both have unique advantages!

✨ Brand New Construction:
• Builder warranties and modern systems
• Energy-efficient features and smart home technology
• Customization options during the build process
• Everything is brand new—no immediate repairs needed

🌳 Established Neighborhood:
• Mature trees and landscaping
• Homes with character and unique architectural details
• Proven community with established amenities
• Often closer to city centers and developed areas

Pro tip: Consider your lifestyle and long-term goals. New construction is ideal if you want move-in ready perfection and modern efficiency. Established neighborhoods are perfect if you value location, charm, and a sense of community history.

Let us know in the comments which you prefer and why!

Libby Guthrie, REALTOR® 🏡
Cell: 865-364-0200
Keller Williams 865-966-5005
GGHKnoxville.com
[email protected]
Knoxville, Tennessee

https://gghknoxville.com/contact-guthrie-group-homes-knoxville/