Buyer Resources
Koren Day
Your complete Knoxville home buying guide
Koren Day
(865) 978-5329
Wallace Real Estate
Personalized for You
What kind of buyer
are you?
🏠 First-Time Buyer Roadmap
Get pre-approved before you look at a single home — it changes everything
Budget for closing costs (2–5% of purchase price) on top of your down payment
Write down your must-haves before touring — emotion will try to override your list
Never waive the inspection — it's your most important financial protection
I slow the process down so you never feel rushed into the wrong decision
⬆️ Move-Up Strategy
Decide early: sell first or buy first — both have pros and cons I'll walk through
Bridge loans and contingent offers are tools we can use — I explain each option clearly
Your equity from the sale becomes your down payment — let's calculate the real numbers
Timing both transactions is where experience matters most
Don't overpay on the upgrade just because you made money on the sale
✈️ Relocation Playbook
I do FaceTime virtual tours with honest real-time commentary on every home
Block-level neighborhood intel — not just zip code averages
Pack 8–10 showings into one visit to maximize your time on the ground
Commute routes, schools, lifestyle fit — I map all of it for you
Knoxville is one of the best value markets in the Southeast right now
💼 Investor Advantage
Rental comps, cap rate estimates, cash-on-cash return before every deal
SoKno and Bearden have the strongest short-term rental fundamentals right now
Powell/Karns is the best long-term appreciation play at the lowest entry point
I network for off-market deals — best ones aren't always on Zillow
Numbers first, always. Data, not enthusiasm.
💡 Tap any tab above to explore the buyer's guide, neighborhood intel, mortgage calculator, and more — or call Koren at (865) 978-5329 to start your search today.
Step by Step
The 8-Step
Buying Process
1
Get Pre-Approved First
Not pre-qualified — fully pre-approved. Sellers won't take your offer without it and you need to know your real budget.
⏱️ Takes about 20 minutes
2
Hire a Buyer's Agent (Costs You Nothing)
The seller typically pays your agent's commission. You get professional representation at no cost to you.
3
Define Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves
Write it down before you tour. This list keeps you anchored when emotion kicks in — and it always does.
🛡️ Prevents overpaying
4
Tour With a Critical Eye
Look past the staging. Check roof age, HVAC, water damage history. Use the Tour Questions tab.
5
Make a Smart Offer
I pull comparable sales before every offer. Goal: win without overpaying — terms matter as much as price.
📊 Always see comps first
6
Negotiate the Inspection
Never waive inspection. Use results to negotiate credits, reductions, or repairs. I handle the strategy.
7
Appraisal & Final Lender Approval
Your lender confirms value. If it comes in low, you have options — I navigate this with you.
8
Closing Day
Final walkthrough, settlement review, bring ID and certified funds. Sign, get keys, welcome home.
🎉 The best day
💡 My promise: I will never push you toward a home that isn't right, always show you real comps before every offer, and tell you honestly when to walk away.
At Every Showing
12 Questions to Ask
When Touring a Home
🏗️ Structure & Systems
01
How old is the roof?
Roofs cost $8K–$20K to replace. Over 15 years = negotiating point.
02
When was the HVAC replaced?
Systems last 15–20 years. Over 12 = may need replacing during your ownership.
03
How old is the water heater?
Average lifespan 8–12 years. Affects operating cost and your replacement budget.
04
Any water damage or flooding history?
Must be disclosed in Tennessee — ask directly every single time.
💰 Costs & Financials
05
Average monthly utility bills?
Ask for 12-month averages. An inefficient home can cost $200–$400/month more.
06
Is there an HOA and what does it cover?
Fees and restrictions affect your monthly cost and what you can do with the property.
07
What are the annual property taxes?
Knox County taxes vary — this affects your true monthly payment.
08
Why are the sellers moving?
Reveals motivation and negotiating leverage. Job relocation = more flexibility.
📍 Neighborhood & Value
09
What school district is this home in?
Affects your family and resale value — even without children.
10
Any known neighbor issues?
Must be disclosed in TN. Asking directly surfaces more than paperwork.
11
Any planned developments nearby?
New construction or roads affect quality of life and resale value.
12
How long has it been on market?
Over 30 days = more price flexibility. I dig into why.
💡 Don't ask these to the seller directly — ask me. I get answers without tipping your hand. (865) 978-5329
Local Knowledge
Knoxville Neighborhoods
at a Glance
South Knoxville (SoKno)
🔥 Hot
Trending Up · High Demand
Knoxville's fastest-appreciating area. Walkable, outdoorsy, attracting young professionals. Strong resale and growing buyer demand year over year.
Sequoyah Hills
⚡ Active
Prestige · River Views
Knoxville's most prestigious address. Historic homes, Tennessee River views. Buyers pay a premium — and it holds its value.
West Hills
⚡ Active
Family · Established
Premier family neighborhood. Top schools, consistent market, strong community feel that move-up buyers love.
Farragut
⚡ Active
Suburban · High-Value
Highest price points in Knox County. Best schools, newer homes. Popular with families relocating from larger metros.
Bearden
🔥 Hot
Central · Active Market
One of Knoxville's busiest markets. Central location, great restaurant scene, consistent year-round demand. Great for first-timers and investors.
Powell / Karns
📊 Value
Best Value · Growing Fast
Best dollar-per-square-foot in Knox County. Strong appreciation ahead. Ideal for first-timers and investors watching the long game.
💡 Every neighborhood has streets that outperform and streets that don't. I give you block-level intel — not zip code averages.
Free Tool
Mortgage Calculator
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Principal & Interest
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Property Tax
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Insurance
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Loan Amount

Estimate only. Does not include HOA or PMI. Contact a licensed lender for exact figures. I can refer you to trusted Knoxville lenders — just ask.

Market Reality
Cost of Waiting

See what waiting 6 months really costs in today's market.

If you wait 6 months
+$0
Higher home price
+$0/mo
More per month
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Extra over 5 years
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Equity you'd miss
💡 Simplified estimate. I run personalized scenarios for every buyer — (865) 978-5329
Client Reviews
What clients say
about working with me.
Buyer
★★★★★
"Koren told us the house was overpriced before we even fell in love with it. We almost ignored him — so glad we didn't. He saved us $18,000."
The Weston Family
First-time buyers · South Knoxville
Buyer
★★★★★
"We relocated from Atlanta and bought entirely remotely. Koren was our eyes, our advocate, and our guide. We couldn't have done it without him."
Marcus & Diana Chen
Relocating buyers · West Hills
Investor
★★★★★
"As an investor, I needed data, not enthusiasm. Koren brought both — but always put the numbers first. He's found me two properties and I'll keep coming back."
James Park
Investor · SoKno + Bearden
Seller
★★★★★
"We interviewed three agents. Koren was the only one who came in with a real plan — not just a price and a promise. That made all the difference."
James & Linda Park
South Knoxville · Multiple offers received
💡 Had a great experience? Leave a Google review — it genuinely helps. Leave a Review →
Common Questions
What buyers ask
me most often.
💰Do I have to pay for a buyer's agent?▾
In most cases, no. The seller typically covers the buyer's agent commission. I'll walk you through exactly how this works in your situation before we begin.
📋Do I need pre-approval before looking at homes?▾
Yes — and I'll connect you with trusted local lenders who close on time. Without pre-approval, sellers won't take your offer seriously, and you need to know your real budget before you fall in love with a home.
⏱️How long does the buying process take?▾
From consultation to closing, typically 45–90 days. I set realistic expectations from day one and keep you updated every step of the way.
🏘️Should I buy now or wait?▾
Depends on your situation — not the market. I'll give you a real read on where Knoxville prices are heading and help you decide based on your goals. Use the Calculator tab to see the real cost of waiting.
🔍How do I avoid overpaying?▾
You hire me. I run comps before every offer, benchmark price per square foot, flag appraisal risks, and negotiate terms that protect you. That's the whole job.
📝Do I have to sign a buyer agreement?▾
Yes — it makes me your legal advocate, not the seller's. I explain every line before you sign anything. No surprises, no pressure.
Free — No Obligation
What is your home
worth right now?

Get a real comp analysis for your specific address — delivered within 24 hours, completely free and with no commitment.

No pressure. No spam. Just honest data.

🎉
You're all set!

I'll pull your comps and have your home value to you within 24 hours.

(865) 978-5329

Ready to start your
buyer consultation?

30 minutes. Free. No commitment. Complete clarity on your budget, your neighborhoods, and exactly what Knoxville looks like right now.

📞 Call — (865) 978-5329 📧 Send an Email 💬 Send a Text