Laura Stoddard, Your Local Real Estate Professional

01/13/2025

Mortage rates are up. There are different tactics you can use to get a better rate and get your payment down. Leave a message below or give me a call.

View today's current mortgage rates with our national average index, calculated daily to bring you the most accurate data when purchasing or refinancing your home. Follow our daily market analysis with Mortgage Rate Watch and we'll tell you where and why rates are moving.

01/08/2025

🌟 Knox County Real Estate Market Update – January 2025 🌟

Wondering what’s happening in the real estate market? Here’s the scoop for Knox County for December 2024:

🏡 Homes Sold: 526 (2.7% fewer than in November).
💰 Median Price: $391,225 (up 7% from last year!).
⏳ Days on Market: approx 40 days—homes are taking longer to sell.

📈 Sale Price Trends
Many homes are selling at about 2% below asking price, but a competitive 20% are still selling at or above!

📣 Key Takeaway: With prices rising and inventory shrinking, Knox County remains a competitive market.

➡️ DM me for tailored advice or to discuss your real estate goals. Let’s make 2025 the year you move!

01/07/2025

Here’s a quick tip that can make a BIG difference when selling your home: Declutter & Remove Personal Items! 🚪

Start by clearing away unnecessary items and packing up personal photos and keepsakes. Why? A clean, neutral space helps potential buyers visualize themselves in the home. The less "you" they see, the more they can imagine their own future there! Plus, it makes your home feel spacious and inviting.

Ready to make your home stand out? 🏠 DM me for my free Top 5 Decluttering Tips or leave a comment below. 📲

01/05/2025

12/13/2024

Don't miss this great free family event in Knoxville. The Nativity Pageant of Knoxville has three showings from Saturday through Monday. ❄️🎄❄️🎄❄️👇
https://www.knoxvillecoliseum.com/events/2024/the-nativity-pageant-of-knoxville?fbclid=IwY2xjawHI8u1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYn-PDuf6r7IsRK5f40j4TFYFeLwgcNtdUM2JTv72MD8zFLmgkepGyeVyQ_aem_gAW11unKykH00yTdiVO1KA

12/12/2024

🏡 FNMA Predicts 4% Price Growth in Real Estate for 2025! 📈

Exciting news for homeowners and buyers! According to the latest report from FNMA (Fannie Mae), home prices are projected to grow by 4% in 2025. This steady growth highlights the resilience of the real estate market and creates opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

https://www.fanniemae.com/newsroom/fannie-mae-news/q4-2024-home-price-expectations-survey

🔑 What does this mean for you?

For Buyers: Now is the time to start planning! With prices on the rise, locking in your dream home sooner could save you money in the long run.
For Sellers: The market remains strong, making it a great time to prepare your home for maximum value.
Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest, I’m here to help you navigate the market and achieve your real estate goals. Let’s make 2025 your year!

📩 Message me today to learn how this growth could impact you.

12/11/2024

💰✨ Down Payment Assistance: Making Homeownership a Reality! ✨💰

Are you dreaming of owning a home but feel held back by the upfront costs? You're not alone, and the good news is that there are down payment assistance programs that could help turn your dream into reality! 🏡💼

Here’s what you need to know:

What is Down Payment Assistance (DPA)?
Down payment assistance programs provide financial aid to help cover the cost of a down payment and, in some cases, closing costs. These programs can be a game-changer for first-time homebuyers or those who qualify based on income and location.

Types of Assistance Available:
✅ Grants: Free money that doesn’t need to be repaid.
✅ Low-Interest Loans: Helps cover your costs, often with deferred payments.
✅ Forgivable Loans: Loans that are forgiven after you meet specific requirements (like living in the home for a set number of years).

Who Qualifies?
First-time homebuyers (defined as not owning a home in the last three years).
Buyers with moderate to low income.
Those purchasing in specific areas that promote homeownership.
Individuals with a minimum credit score (varies by program).
How Do You Apply?
1️⃣ Research Programs: Look for programs available in your area. Tennessee has several local and statewide options!
2️⃣ Get Pre-Approved: Work with a lender familiar with DPA programs.
3️⃣ Partner with a Realtor: Having a knowledgeable real estate professional like me 🏡 by your side ensures you're on the right path to qualifying for assistance.

Let’s Talk!
If you’re curious about down payment assistance and want to explore your options, I’m here to guide you through the process. Together, we’ll find the resources to make your homeownership journey smoother and more affordable.

📲 Contact me today to get started!

💬 Have questions about DPA? Drop them in the comments below!

12/09/2024

🏡 What's New in the Knox County Real Estate Market?
Right now, there are 1,905 active homes on the market! 🏠 Of these, 650 are under contract, but still open to backup offers. That means 1,255 homes are waiting for you to make your move!

📉 Interest rates are currently at 6.68%, a drop since the last jobs report.
🔑 105 homes have sold since December 1st, with a median sales price of $401,900. Homes are selling at 100% of the list price when priced right.

Have questions or want details on specific areas? Drop a comment or DM me for more info! 📲💬

12/07/2024

Thinking about buying a home? Here’s why you should get prequalified first! 🏡💡

1️⃣ Clarifies Budget & Affordability
Know exactly how much you can afford before you start house hunting. Prequalification helps you set realistic expectations for your home search.

2️⃣ Helps Identify Potential Issues Early
Address any financial hurdles, like low credit scores or high debt, before you start looking. This gives you time to get your finances in order.

3️⃣ Speeds Up the Home Buying Process
Prequalification streamlines your home-buying journey, saving you time during the offer and closing process!

4️⃣ Strengthens Your Offer in a Competitive Market
In a seller's market, a prequalification letter shows you’re a serious buyer. This could make your offer stand out and increase your chances of securing your dream home!

5️⃣ Improves Negotiating Power
Being prequalified gives you confidence in negotiations. Sellers are more likely to engage with a buyer who’s already shown they can secure financing.

Ready to get started on your home-buying journey? 🏠 Reach out to us today! 🔑

12/06/2024