Giving my all for East Tennessee!

East Tennessee – November Edition

Hey East Tennessee! 🍂

It’s your favorite East TN Realtor® friend, Natalie Jenkins-Rice, bringing you the latest from our local market, a little real-estate wisdom, and a peek behind the scenes at what I’ve been up to. There is also a special treat in this newsletter. Something to help you get to know me on a more personal level. I was recently asked to be a guest on a new podcast called "Silence into Strength" to tell a little bit about my story. I'm also sharing some before/after pictures of my homes remodeling and the vendors I used in the next few newsletters. So go ahead and grab your warm cider and let’s dive in.

THE MARKET🏠

As of October 2025, the Knoxville market for single-family residences presents a dynamic landscape. Currently, there is a 2.87-month supply of inventory, with a slight 1% increase from last month, and a notable 24% increase over the past year. This growth in inventory means more options for you as a buyer while also encouraging competition among sellers.

INVENTORY📈

Understanding the inventory trends is crucial, especially when coordinating the timing of your sale and purchase. With 724 new listings at a median list price of $409,950 and 1,514 active listings with a median price of $425,000, we are seeing a robust market that offers diverse opportunities. If you're considering listing your home, these figures can guide your pricing strategy.

BUYING THIS SEASON🍂

On the buying side, 552 homes have gone into pending status recently, with a median list price of $396,000 and an average of 29 days on the market. This shows that homes are being snapped up fairly quickly, although there’s a slight increase in the time homes are spending on the market compared to last month. This gives you, as a buyer, a bit more room to explore options without feeling rushed.

SELLING THIS SEASON👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

When it comes to sold listings, the median price is currently at $399,950, with a 4% decrease from last month—indicating some room for negotiation. Homes are selling at 98.44% of the list price, consistent with previous months, which reflects a stable market condition.

I CAN HELP!👧

Navigating both buying and selling can be complex, but understanding these market dynamics can help you make informed decisions that align with your personal timeline and goals. I am here to support you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth transition in both your current home sale and new home purchase. Should you have any questions about the market or wish to discuss your real estate goals in more detail, please do not hesitate to reach out. I’m here to provide guidance and answer any questions you might have.

TO GAIN MORE INFORMATION IN YOUR REGION, REACH OUT TO ME!

Click here for your FREE Buyer's and/or Seller's Guide!!

RATES

Mortgage rates are currently offering a bit of relief for buyers and refinancers alike. The national average for a 30-year fixed loan is hovering around 6.32%, with a slight increase of 0.03% from the prior day. Mortgage News Daily+2Mortgage News Daily+2 The 15-year fixed rate is running about 5.82%, essentially flat. Mortgage News Daily For you as a homeowner or buyer here in East Tennessee: this means there’s renewed opportunity to consider either locking in a favorable purchase rate or exploring whether your current loan qualifies for a refinance.

Want to know what your financial stats look like? Get more information here.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FEATURED HOME OF THE MONTH

5907 Loftis Creek Lane, Knoxville, TN 37924

Tucked away at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac, this Knoxville gem offers privacy, convenience, and charm all in one. The fenced-in backyard backs to a serene wooded area and features an oversized deck and privacy fence perfect for quiet mornings or evening cookouts. Inside, this 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath home offers spacious living areas filled with natural light, an eat-in kitchen, and a separate dining room ideal for everyday meals or gatherings. Upstairs, the extra-large primary bedroom is a true retreat with a walk-in closet and private en-suite bath, offering the perfect place to relax and unwind. You will also find an additional 2 bedrooms, full bath AND a bonus room! The community has a neighborhood pool, clubhouse in which you can reserve for free, playground and 24 hour gym! Located just minutes from downtown Knoxville, shopping, dining, and UT football weekends, this home gives you the best of both worlds peaceful surroundings with city convenience close by. It's the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and accessibility.

CLOSED

RESIDENTIAL HOME KARNS TN

BUYER REPRESENTED

CLOSED

RESIDENTIAL HOME WITH ACREAGE OLIVER SPRINGS TN

BUYER REPRESENTED

CLOSED

RESIDENTIAL CONDO KARNS TN

BUYER REPRESENTED

CLOSED

LOT LOUDON TN

SELLER REPRESENTED

CLOSED

RESIDENTIAL HOME W/LAND ATHENS TN

SELLER REPRESENTED

UNDER CONTRACT

LOT KINGSTON TN

SELLER REPRESENTED

I had the incredible opportunity to share a little bit of my story on the From Silence into Strength podcast. We talked about taking leaps of faith, finding your voice, and how purpose and perseverance can change the way you show up in business, family, and life. I’d love for you to take a few minutes to listen and let me know what you think! Your feedback means the world to me, and I’d love to hear what part resonated most with you. 💬

Listen to the From Silence to Strength podcast here.

1. Inspect and service your HVAC system

Make sure your heating system is running efficiently. Replace filters, check vents, and consider a professional tune-up before temps drop too low.

2. Protect your pipes
Insulate any exposed pipes—especially in crawl spaces, garages, or exterior walls—to prevent freezing. Drip faucets slightly during very cold nights.

3. Check your gutters and downspouts
Remove leaves and debris so melting snow and rain can drain properly. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams and roof damage.

4. Seal drafts and gaps
Inspect doors, windows, and attic openings for air leaks. Use weatherstripping or caulk to keep warm air in and energy bills down.

5. Inspect your roof and attic
Look for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or weak spots. Proper attic insulation also helps prevent ice buildup on your roof.

6. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
With fireplaces and furnaces running more, this is a life-saving check. Replace batteries and test alarms.

7. Prepare your fireplace and chimney
Have your chimney cleaned and inspected before lighting the first fire of the season. Clean out ash and soot buildup from last year.

8. Reverse ceiling fans
Flip the switch so they push warm air down, circulating heat more efficiently.

9. Check exterior faucets and hoses
Disconnect garden hoses and shut off exterior water valves to avoid burst pipes.

10. Watch for drafts in the garage
If you have a heated garage or water heater in there, insulate the door and walls to prevent heat loss.

🔥 Before & After: Built-In Beauty

When I first moved into my new home, it felt a little too empty. Big walls, open space, and not much personality. So I decided to bring some warmth and character in with this custom built-in!

The before was simple and functional, but the after completely transformed the room. Now it’s a cozy focal point with storage, texture, and a design that finally feels like me.

Sometimes, it’s not about a full remodel it’s about creating spaces that reflect your story and style. ❤️

If you are looking for someone to help you with build-ins, see Tommy Moe in my vendor list below! The painting was done by Calvin with LC Painting also below.