holli mccray Archives

Official First Press Release for The Knoxville Edit

The Knoxville Edit TV Series Spotlights Knoxville Real Estate and Lifestyle on the REAL Shows Network

Release: Feb 12, 2026, 11:39 ET

Locally hosted series led by Holli McCray highlights the people, neighborhoods, and businesses that define Knoxville.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — REAL Shows Network (RSN), the national TV platform dedicated to elevating real estate and lifestyle storytelling, has added The Knoxville Edit, a new locally hosted series in Knoxville, TN, to its lineup. The Knoxville real estate and lifestyle TV series is hosted by local real estate leader Holli McCray and produced by RSN’s Emmy-nominated, Telly Award-winning team.

Viewers can learn more about the series and watch episodes of The Knoxville Edit at realshows.tv.

The series captures the spirit of Knoxville by blending real estate, local culture, and community stories into a vibrant viewing experience. Each episode features Holli McCray:

Highlighting notable neighborhoods and distinctive properties in and around Knoxville
Celebrating local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations
Spotlighting the people and stories that shape everyday life in East Tennessee

“As host of The Knoxville Edit, my goal is to shine a light on the people and places that make Knoxville such a special place to call home,” said Holli McCray, host of The Knoxville Edit. “From longtime local businesses to new voices in our community, we want viewers to see themselves and their neighbors reflected on screen.”

The Knoxville Edit is part of REAL Shows Network’s growing lineup of locally branded series that highlight communities across the United States.

As part of RSN’s national network of locally branded shows, The Knoxville Edit gives its host a full 30 minutes to build a recognizable, personality-driven brand while authentically representing the unique character of Knoxville, TN. The show provides local organizations, including nonprofits and philanthropic initiatives, along with entrepreneurs and community influencers, a high-quality platform to share their stories through cinematic, lifestyle-driven segments.

Rooted in RSN’s mission of positive media, The Knoxville Edit focuses on authenticity, connection, and the everyday experiences that make communities stand out. It uplifts the people, businesses, and causes that make each community extraordinary, offering viewers fresh insight along with engaging, professionally produced entertainment. High-resolution images and video clips from The Knoxville Edit are available upon request.

About REAL Shows Network

REAL Shows Network (RSN) is a national TV network for top real estate professionals and influential local leaders, giving select hosts in each market the exclusive opportunity to lead a full 30-minute show that showcases their expertise, partners, and community. Created by an Emmy-nominated, Telly Award-winning production team, RSN delivers cinematic, lifestyle-driven storytelling and strategic media exposure that builds authority, deepens community connection, and elevates positive stories in each market. For more information, visit realshows.tv.

Knox County Housing Market Snapshot | January 2026 Edition

A Strong Finish to the Year and What It Means Going Into 2026

The Greater Knoxville housing market closed out 2025 on a surprisingly strong note. This time of year is typically a slower month for real estate, but it delivered a surge in activity that caught many people’s attention and offers some important clues about where the market may be heading in 2026.

Here’s what the latest numbers show, and what they mean if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home this year….

Home Sales Jumped to End the Year

Home sales in Greater Knoxville were up 15.1% compared to last year, making it one of the strongest months we’ve seen in recent years.

Much of this momentum followed a brief dip in mortgage rates in early December, which sparked renewed buyer interest. Even though rates didn’t stay below 6% for long, the confidence boost carried through the rest of the month.

Home Prices Remained Stable

The January median sale price for Knox County was $385,000, which was slightly lower than a year ago.

What this means:
Despite strong sales activity, prices have largely leveled off. This stability is a sign of a market that’s finding its footing after several volatile years.

More Homes on the Market, But Still Not Enough

Total housing inventory increased 18.7% year over year, giving homebuyers more options than they had last year.

At the same time, just half of all homes went under contract in 38 days or less, compared to 30 days the year before.

What this means:
Homes are still selling, but buyers are taking more time to evaluate their choices. This is closer to a “normal” market pace and a far cry from the extreme seller market we experienced in 2021 and 2022.

Are Homes Still Selling Over Asking Price?

Yes, but not nearly as often as before…

37.8% of homes sold at or above asking price
17.5% sold for more than asking
6.1% sold for at least $10,000 over asking
2.4% sold for $25,000 or more over asking

The sale-to-list price ratio held steady at 98.3%, similar to last year.

What this means:
Well-priced, desirable homes can still sell for top-dollar, but bidding wars are no longer the default experience.

New Construction Is Holding Steady

New construction made up 13.6% of all home sales, unchanged from last year.

One notable trend…
In December, the median price of new construction was $360,000, compared to $407,000 for existing homes.

Buyers Are Choosing Smaller Homes

Buyers are increasingly prioritizing efficiency and affordability.

The average square footage of homes sold dropped 2% over the year
The median home size in December was 1,742 square feet, below the traditional 1,800-square-foot “starter home” benchmark

What this means:
Buyers are adjusting expectations and focusing on what fits their budget and lifestyle, rather than simply buying the biggest home possible.

Fewer Cash Buyers, More Balance

Cash purchases fell to 21% of total sales, down from 28% last year. At the same time, out-of-state migration has slowed, and wage differences between new movers and local buyers are narrowing.

What this means:
The market is slowly becoming more accessible for buyers who need financing, rather than being dominated by cash offers.

A Split Market Is Emerging

Higher-priced homes in established neighborhoods often sit longer because buyers at that price point have more options and flexibility.
Attainably priced homes are in short supply and tend to move quickly, sometimes with added builder incentives to bridge affordability gaps.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Home sales finished 2025 up 4.7% overall, marking only the second consecutive year of growth after several years of decline. While the market hasn’t fully returned to pre-pandemic inventory levels, signs of stabilization and balance are becoming clearer.

The big takeaway:
The Greater Knoxville housing market is moving toward a healthier, more sustainable housing market, but limited supply, especially at lower price points, remains the biggest challenge.

Get Your Local Market Report

Knox County Housing Market Snapshot | December 2025 Edition

Knox County Housing Market Update: Where We Stand Heading into 2026

As we close out 2025 and look ahead to 2026, the Knox County and East Tennessee housing market is showing clear signs of stabilization.

After several years of rapid price appreciation and volatility, the market has entered a more balanced and sustainable phase…

Nationally and locally, the era of runaway home prices appears to be behind us. Instead, we are seeing a healthier environment defined by steadier values, improving inventory, and renewed buyer confidence as mortgage rates ease.

Mortgage Rates and Buyer Confidence Are Improving

One of the most important drivers of recent activity has been mortgage rates. Single-family home sales this fall proved highly responsive to interest rate movement. In December, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped to a two-month low of 6.18%.

When paired with wage growth in specific sectors, lower rates are beginning to restore buying power for many households. This shift helped fuel a noticeable increase in buyer activity toward the end of the year and positions the market well heading into early 2026.

Home Sales Activity Is Picking Up

Momentum is not limited to East Tennessee. In November, the National Association of REALTORS® reported the highest level of pending sales in three years nationwide. Locally, the signal was even stronger: pending sales in the East Tennessee REALTORS® MLS were up nearly 30% compared to November 2024.

For Knox County, this reflects renewed demand from both local buyers and those relocating to the region, fueled by job growth, quality of life, and relative affordability compared to many other metro areas.

The Numbers…

Home sales increased 2.6% year-over-year
Median sale price: $387,000, down 2.6% from last year
Inventory increased 16.2% year-over-year
38.7% of homes sold at or above asking price
- 16.8% sold above asking
- 5.7% sold for $10,000+ over asking
- 2.7% sold for $25,000+ over asking
New construction accounted for 13.6% of sales

What This Means for Homebuyers

For buyers, conditions are improving. More inventory and slightly softer prices have created better opportunities to negotiate, while lower rates have helped offset affordability challenges.

That said, demand remains strong in the most affordable price ranges—particularly between $200,000 and $350,000, where supply continues to lag housing demand. Buyers in these segments should still be prepared to move decisively when the right home becomes available.

What This Means for Sellers

For sellers, the data supports confidence, but not complacency. Homes are still selling close to list price, and nearly 40% are achieving the asking price or higher. However, pricing strategy, proper presentation, and relevant marketing strategies are more critical now than they were during the peak frenzy years.

The good news is that home values in Knox County are holding up well and are expected to remain stable into 2026.

Looking Ahead to 2026

While 2025 sales activity remained relatively flat overall, the market performed as expected, with home prices stabilizing after years of rapid growth. The traditional spring surge was muted by economic uncertainty, but a gentle rally emerged in the fall as rates declined.

Looking forward, all signs point to a stronger and more active 2026:

Price spikes from the post-pandemic era are behind us
Inventory has surpassed pre-pandemic levels
Demand remains elevated due to ongoing in-migration
Monetary policy may continue to support housing affordability

One long-term challenge remains supply, especially with affordable housing. As Knox County and the surrounding areas continue to grow and available land becomes scarcer, future solutions will likely focus on building upward rather than outward. Thoughtful density can help preserve the region’s character, improve affordability, and sustain a healthy housing market.

Bottom Line

The Knox County housing market is stable, competitive, and well-positioned for the year ahead. Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or stay informed, 2026 is shaping up to be a year defined by opportunity rather than uncertainty.

Get Your Local Market Report

Select Knox County Housing Market Snapshot | October 2025

🏡 Knox County Home Sales Report – October 2025

The Knoxville housing market showed steady gains across multiple key metrics, signaling a market that’s slowly balancing after several years of rapid shifts.

📈 Sales and Prices Have Leveled Off

The median sale price in Knox County was $383,000, down slightly from this same period last year.

That said, the average sales price of homes in Knox County was almost 10% higher than in October of 2024.

🏠 Inventory Expands, Creating More Opportunities

Buyers had more choices in September, as total housing inventory grew 26% year over year. While increased inventory can sometimes cool prices, East Tennessee’s steady demand continues to support healthy sales levels across the region.

⏱️ Market Pace: Slowing Slightly, But Still Active

The average number of days it took homes to go under contract was about 30% higher (47 days vs. 33 days) than last year. This modest increase in days on market suggests that buyers are taking a bit more time to make decisions — a sign that the market is shifting toward balance.

💸 Offers and Sale Prices

Competition remains strong, though slightly less intense than in previous years:

37.7% of homes sold at or above asking price
16.9% sold for more than asking
6.7% sold for $10,000+ over asking
2.3% sold for $25,000+ over asking

The sale-to-list price ratio held steady at 98%, up slightly from 97.5% last year — showing that sellers are still achieving near-full asking prices even with more listings on the market.

💰 High-End Market and New Construction

Luxury and new construction homes continued to make a strong showing:

5.5% of homes sold for more than $1 million
New construction accounted for 13.8% of total home sales

These numbers highlight the growing diversity in East Tennessee’s housing market, appealing to a broad range of buyers.

🔍 What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, increased inventory means more selection and slightly more negotiating power than last year.
For sellers, homes are still commanding strong prices — but realistic pricing and patience are key as the market continues to normalize.

East Tennessee remains one of the region’s most dynamic housing markets, balancing affordability, demand, and growth. As we move deeper into fall, the trends suggest continued stability with opportunities on both sides of the market.

Get Your Local Market Report

Knox County Housing Market Snapshot | September 2025

Knox County Housing Market Update

For the first time in 2025, home sales are showing growth across every primary metric — year over year, month over month, and year to date. September brought unseasonably strong sales, thanks in part to movement in mortgage rates, and the momentum could signal the strongest housing market performance since 2022. Optimism is emerging nationally and locally as both inventory and buyers continue to return.

One clear takeaway is that an effective pricing strategy has never been more critical. As the spread between list price and sale price begins to normalize, sellers who price smartly are best positioned to capture strong buyer demand.

Market Highlights

Sales growth: Up 2.1% from July and 7.4% from August 2024
Median sale price: $408,450
Inventory: Increased 31.4% compared to last year
Time on market: Just half of homes went under contract in 28 days or less (up from 20 days last year)
Pricing trends:
- Only 39% of homes sold for asking price or above (downward trend continues)
- 18.3% sold above asking
- 7.9% sold for $10,000+ over asking
- 2.7% sold for $25,000+ over asking
Luxury market: 5.5% of homes sold for more than $1 million — the highest this year
Sale-to-list ratio: 98.6% (slightly down from July but still above August 2024’s 97.6%)
New construction: Made up 11.9% of all sales

What’s Driving the Market?

August’s boost in sales was partly due to seasonal factors but also fueled by optimism in lending. 30-year fixed mortgage rates eased into the lower 6% range, prompting a spike in applications. Still, some buyers remain hesitant, waiting to see if rates and affordability fall further.

At the same time, buyers are becoming more selective. In the current market, buyers are expecting more value for their dollar. They want modern amenities, move-in ready properties, and little to no DIY work. As a result, homes are spending more time on the market.

Outlook for Fall 2025

It’s not a buyer’s market yet, but conditions are shifting toward balance. Increased inventory and more cautious buyers mean that homes are no longer guaranteed to sell fast at top dollar.

The good news? The market is stabilizing while continuing to grow. Although 39% of August sales closed at or above asking, this number is moving back toward pre-pandemic “normal” levels of 28–30%. This return to balance suggests that East Tennessee real estate is becoming healthier and more sustainable for the long term.

For sellers, this means strategy matters: pricing correctly from the start is the key to attracting the right buyers. For buyers, more choices and longer days on market provide opportunities to negotiate and find a home that fits their needs.

Get Your Local Market Report

How Many Homes Do Big Corporate Investors Actually Own?

Key Data Points

Single-family rentals owned by institutional investors

Institutional investors (often defined as those with large portfolios comprising 1,000+ homes) own approximately 2% to 3% of the single-family rental housing stock nationwide. National Low Income Housing Coalition

Investor-owned homes vs institutional share

- Investors in general (including individuals and small landlords) own about 20% of all U.S. single-family homes. National Mortgage Professional
- Out of investor-owned homes, those with large institutional investors constitute only a small fraction — around 2% to 3% of investor-owned single-family homes come from large institutions. National Mortgage Professional

Variations by metro area

There are places where institutional ownership is much higher. For example, in certain cities in the Southeast U.S.:

Atlanta, GA: institutional investors own ~25% of the single-family rental market.
Jacksonville, FL: ~21%
Charlotte, NC: ~16-18%
Tampa, FL: ~15%

National Low Income Housing Coalition

Bottom Line Estimate

Putting it all together:

Nationally, institutional investors own about 2% to 3% of single-family rental housing stock.
If you consider all homes (including owner-occupied), their fraction is much lower (well under 1% in many cases) when restricted to only large portfolio owners.
In certain high-concentration markets, institutional investors can own double digits—sometimes 15-25% of the rental stock.

Do you think institutional ownership is good or bad for housing affordability?

Get Your Local Market Report

Selling Knoxville | Episode 12

Episode 12 – The Challenges Seniors Face When Needing to Downsize

Selling Knoxville is a local lifestyle show highlighting the Greater Knoxville area! It is currently available to stream on Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and Roku.

In this episode, Holli meets with both staff and residents at Prime Independent Living in West Knoxville to discuss the needs seniors have in today’s world and the challenges seniors face when they need to downsize…

To learn more about Prime West Knoxville, visit https://www.liveprimewestknoxville.com/

To get more information about available senior services in the Knoxville area, visit https://seniornetworktn.com/

Big Announcement!

We are so excited to announce the merger between Home Marketing Group and Greater Impact Realty!

We have spent the past few years enhancing our business to ensure we provide the best experience for our agents and clients amid a challenging real estate market.

As part of this growth journey, we made the strategic decision to partner with a leading real estate company that offers a first-class culture, excellent systems, and top-notch support for both agents and clients.

A few FAQs…

Does anything change with Holli and her team?
- Nothing changes other than new logos, signage, and branding. Holli and her advisors are still available to assist you.
Will your fees change?
- They will not. We still offer flexible listing fees.
Will you guys still offer the same marketing and support?
- Absolutely! In fact, we can offer even more value to our clients as a result of this merger. We now have an internal network of over 200 agents throughout East Tennessee to help us find buyers for our listings.

If you have any additional questions or are thinking about selling your home this year, please feel free to contact me.

Selling Knoxville | Episode 9

Selling Knoxville is a lifestyle show that highlights some of the cool and interesting things going on in the Greater Knoxville area! It is currently streaming on Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and Roku.

In this episode, Holli meets with Harper Jones, a Knoxville-based insurance advisor specializing in Infinite Banking. He works with people to use whole life insurance policies to not only build wealth but also create easy access to capital so they never need to borrow money from a bank ever again.

To learn more about Harper and Infinite Banking, visit https://lifewithleverage.com/ Continue reading…

Selling Knoxville | Episode 8

Selling Knoxville is a lifestyle show centered around cool and interesting things happening in the Greater Knoxville area!

In this episode, Holli meets with local contractor and mentor, John Chandler, to talk about how he is helping to give a second chance to those in our community who need it.

John uses his Christian faith and skills as a contractor to establish positive chapters in the lives of those in his program. His ultimate goal for them is to have the tools to provide a prosperous life for themselves and their families.