Blog

Author: Shauna Mason

  • Homebuilding Leaders Call for Reforms To Boost Construction Financing and Cut Costs

    Homebuilding Leaders Call for Reforms To Boost Construction Financing and Cut Costs

    There's a renewed push from leaders across banking, construction, and government urging Congress to address the challenges in home construction financing, high building costs, and the impact of local policies. As someone who has watched the Middle Tennessee market evolve since 1988, I see firsthand how rising prices, regulations, and insurance premiums affect affordability for families hoping to put down roots here. Advocating for meaningful housing reforms is crucial—not just to help our clients, but to strengthen our communities. With my background in leadership roles for the Women's Council of Realtors and experience guiding clients through changing markets, I know these proposed reforms could make a genuine difference in expanding access to affordable housing.

    Continue to full article

  • Homebuyers Gain Opportunities as Prices Ease in Major US Cities

    Homebuyers Gain Opportunities as Prices Ease in Major US Cities

    As someone who’s called Middle Tennessee home for decades—and guided clients through every kind of market since 2005—I’m always watching the broader real estate trends that shape our local experience. In August, home prices per square foot dropped year over year in 36 out of the 50 largest U.S. metros, with the most significant decreases in Austin, Tampa, and Memphis. Median list prices fell across the Northeast, South, and West, while the Midwest saw prices hold steady, all against the backdrop of higher mortgage rates.

    These shifts remind me of how important it is to stay informed and prepared, whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on your investment. Having served in leadership roles with the Women’s Council of Realtors and as a mentor for fellow agents, I know that understanding both national trends and our local Middle Tennessee market is key to making confident decisions. If you have questions about how these changes might affect your plans, I’m always here to share insight grounded in experience and a genuine love for our community.

    Continue to full article

  • 4 Questions Shaping US Housing Affordability

    Navigating the current US housing market feels like a balancing act for so many families and first-time buyers. I’ve seen firsthand how the landscape has shifted: buyers and sellers aren’t always on the same page these days, and sellers are offering more concessions—which can open the door to savings for those determined to make homeownership a reality. The biggest challenge right now? Borrowing costs. With benchmark Treasury yields hovering around 5% and the average 30-year mortgage rate rising above 7%, it’s no surprise that, as of mid-September, the median monthly mortgage payment hit about $2,600—a 3% increase from last year. That’s a real stretch for many, especially in markets like Middle Tennessee, where I’ve helped so many clients navigate tight inventory and sellers holding onto those low-rate loans from previous years. While sellers are still aiming for those pandemic-era prices, the market is evolving. Industry experts aren’t calling this a crash, but rather a correction toward a more balanced and stable environment, backed by strong equity and solid lending practices. There are still opportunities for both buyers and sellers, even in a landscape that’s anything but simple. It’s times like these that experience and local perspective matter most—something I’ve built my career on right here in Middle Tennessee.

  • Just 1.8% of Tennessee Homes Are Vacation Homes

    Tennessee’s vacation homes make up just 1.8% of the state’s housing—about 56,500 out of 3.14 million homes as of 2024. That means vacation and second homes remain a fairly rare slice of our real estate landscape, placing us 11th lowest in the country for second-home concentration. For me, having lived and worked throughout Middle Tennessee for decades, these numbers confirm what I see on a daily basis: our market is primarily focused on people’s everyday living needs, not just seasonal escapes. With the median home price-to-income ratio near 4, affordability is still front and center for many Tennesseans. In fact, nearly half of renters here—about 49%—are considered cost-burdened. It’s a reminder of why how we use our housing stock matters so much, especially in a state where vacation homes aren’t the driving force. As someone who’s passionate about helping families and individuals find homes that truly fit their lives, I keep a close eye on these trends to better serve my clients and our community.

  • Only 1.8% of Tennessee Homes Are Vacation Homes, 11th Lowest Percentage in the U.S.

    Only 1.8% of Tennessee Homes Are Vacation Homes, 11th Lowest Percentage in the U.S.

    As someone who has called Middle Tennessee home since 1988, it’s always interesting to see how our region compares on the national stage—especially when it comes to vacation homes. Only 1.8% of Tennessee homes are classified as vacation properties, placing us 11th lowest in the country. Nationally, vacation homeownership has shifted, dropping from 5.47 million in 2018 to 4.74 million in 2024, influenced by rising costs and changing work patterns. While timeshares are seeing higher occupancy than hotels, the highest concentrations of vacation homes are found in Maine and Vermont, with Florida continuing to lead overall. As a Realtor and Broker deeply involved in our local and state real estate networks, I keep a close eye on these trends to better serve Middle Tennessee’s evolving needs. If you’re curious about what these shifts might mean for our market, I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned through years of experience and community involvement.

    Continue to full article

  • Map Highlights Affordable Opportunities as Home Prices Drop

    Map Highlights Affordable Opportunities as Home Prices Drop

    It’s not every day we see new home prices dip below existing home prices, but right now the median price for a new home has dropped to $393,800—the lowest since July 2021. That shift is significant for anyone following the ebb and flow of our Middle Tennessee market. High mortgage rates and affordability challenges are still keeping new home sales on the quieter side, while inventory continues to build, especially across the South. As someone who’s been immersed in the Middle Tennessee real estate landscape for years, I’m always watching how these trends play out for buyers and sellers alike. Having served in leadership roles with the Women’s Council of Realtors and being deeply involved in our local networks, I know how important it is to understand these market movements and what they might mean for your next step.

    Continue to full article

  • Could U.S. Rates Stay Higher in 2027?

    With all the talk around persistent inflation and those higher long-term Treasury yields, the outlook for interest rates staying elevated even into 2027 is becoming a bigger part of my conversations with clients and colleagues here in Middle Tennessee. As someone who’s been in real estate since 2005, I’ve watched how the Federal Reserve’s decisions ripple through our local housing markets—especially when policymakers are juggling inflation concerns with signs that the broader economy might be cooling off. For buyers, sellers, and investors, higher long-term yields can mean borrowing costs remain higher than we’ve seen in years, impacting everything from home affordability to commercial investments. In times like these, I find that a balanced perspective becomes even more important—navigating rate uncertainty, fiscal pressures, and ongoing inflation as part of each unique real estate journey. It’s a reminder that in our ever-changing market, thoughtful planning and local expertise go a long way.

  • Why Investors Watch US Cash Home Sales

    One trend I always keep an eye on is the role of cash sales in the US housing market. Recently, about 25% of existing-home transactions have been all-cash, which offers a unique window into buyer behavior that isn’t clouded by lending delays or new construction. When we see cash buyers increasing alongside rising prices, it’s a clear signal of strong competition—something I’ve watched play out in Middle Tennessee time and again. On the other hand, if cash purchases rise while the overall number of sales falls, it may mean that tighter financing is pushing out buyers who need a mortgage.

    A drop in cash sales with steady prices could suggest that lending conditions are easing, giving more traditional buyers a chance to step back in and help stabilize the market. Many smaller cash investors tend to focus on homes involved in probate, tax issues, deferred maintenance, or family relocations—so even when lending slows, these older properties remain in demand.

    In my years as a Realtor and now as a broker, I’ve seen how single-family investing is shaped by local factors like taxes, title insurance, renovation costs, and day-to-day management. It’s not easy to scale up, which means experienced local operators often have an edge. Looking ahead, I expect to see more consolidation of profit margins rather than big national buyouts, and international investors will likely do best by teaming up with local experts instead of going it alone. As always, understanding these nuances is key to navigating our local market with confidence.

  • New Listings Rise as Summer Comes to a Close

    New Listings Rise as Summer Comes to a Close

    As summer winds down, we're seeing some interesting shifts in the housing market: new U.S. home listings have edged up by 1.2%, reaching a three-month high. On the other hand, pending sales have dipped 1.3%, marking their lowest point since March. The median asking price slipped by 0.1%, even though the median sale price is still 1.8% higher than this time last year. Higher mortgage rates and economic uncertainty continue to shape the landscape. Having worked in Middle Tennessee real estate since 2005, I've learned that local trends can mirror national movements in surprising ways. My years of experience—serving as President at both the local and state levels for the Women's Council of Realtors—have taught me how to guide clients through every kind of market. If you ever wonder how these numbers might affect your next move in Middle Tennessee, know that you're not alone in navigating these changes.

    Continue to full article

  • Mortgage Rate Forecast: Predictions for the Housing Market Through 2028

    Mortgage Rate Forecast: Predictions for the Housing Market Through 2028

    As someone who’s been guiding clients through the Middle Tennessee real estate market since 2005, I know the importance of understanding where mortgage rates and home prices are headed. Current forecasts suggest that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate will hover in the mid-6% range through 2028, which means we likely won’t see significant drops anytime soon. For buyers and sellers in our region, this steady rate environment points to modest home price increases, especially as additional inventory comes on the market to ease some of the competition we’ve seen in recent years. Refinancing may make sense only if you’re considering a different loan type or tapping into home equity. My experience across Nashville, Clarksville, and Smyrna reminds me that every market shift offers both challenges and opportunities for those ready to make informed decisions.

    Continue to full article