Everyone’s asking about 3% rates...

Voting is now OPEN for the Herald-Citizen’s Best of the Best — and Skender-Newton Realty is in the running again!

We’ve been honored as Cookeville’s #1 Real Estate Company for 8 years in a row, and with your support, we’re aiming for year #9!

We’d really appreciate a few minutes of your time to vote for us!

🔗 Just head to www.herald-citizen.com/readers_choice

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Meet Corey, our passionate and knowledgeable in-house mortgage officer. Here’s here for all of your mortgage questions!

Are you in search of a property in Middle or East Tennessee with over 5 acres of land or a budget of under $400k? Look no further! We have meticulously curated lists that are updated daily, making the process of finding your dream home even easier.

Are 3% Rates Coming Back?

We get it — a lot of buyers in the Upper Cumberland are hitting pause right now, hoping mortgage rates will drop back down to the historic lows we saw in 2020 and 2021. But here’s the reality: those 3% rates were tied to a very specific, very temporary moment in time. And most experts agree — they’re not coming back anytime soon.

Those record-low rates came from emergency policies during the pandemic. Today, with a different economic landscape, mortgage rates are hovering between 6% and 7%, and while a slight dip is expected by the end of the year, we’re likely to see things settle around the mid-6% range.

So what does this mean for you?

🎯 What Buyers Should Know

• Waiting too long for a rate drop could mean missing out on some great opportunities — especially with more homes currently on the market than we've seen in years.

• Acting now gives you more time to shop without a crowd. If rates dip later this year, expect competition to spike as more buyers re-enter the market.

• Focus on what you can control — your budget, credit, and finding a trusted local agent and lender to guide you through your options.

• There are creative ways to make today’s rates work, including down payment assistance, alternative financing, and strong negotiation strategies.

🏡 Thinking of making a move in 2025? Let’s talk through your goals and build a smart game plan — one that works even in today’s shifting market.

Here are properties that have recently dropped in price in Tennessee. We update this list DAILY to keep you informed.