As the summer reaches its midpoint, we at EMTAR are keeping an eye on recent real estate happenings, whether that’s here in our local communities, across the great state of Tennessee, or nationwide. In this post we shine a spotlight on several trends, ideas, and tips making the rounds as the sun continues to sizzle and thunderstorms light up the afternoon skies.

Summer is here, and residents of Wilson, Smith, and Dekalb counties are looking for ways to cool off. Often that means heading out to enjoy some watery fun with their families. From the pool to the splash park to the lakefront and beyond, our beautiful region of Tennessee is brimming with a full menu of possibilities.

Certain Home Listings Banned

Fighting for tax fairness is one of many efforts EMTAR makes as part of our legislative and regulatory advocacy, whether it’s on the local level in Wilson, Smith, and Dekalb counties; on the state level in Nashville; or nationally in Washington, DC.

Strategies for Real Estate Professionals

As baby boomers continue to gray (don’t remind us) while remaining active, engaged, and connected to their homes, a number of resources have recently been published providing tips and ideas to help older residents age with grace in the places where they live.

Each year this month, EMTAR members join our fellow Tennessee REALTORS® and National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) members to promote the myriad benefits of owning a home and recommit to creating opportunities for future homeowners in our area as we mark National Homeownership Month.

When it comes to one specific and potentially devastating form of fraud—home title fraud—NAR has shared a resource with information focused on helping REALTORS serve as advocates for our buyers (especially) and sellers, pointing them to smart protective measures that can help them prevail in the ongoing fight against title fraud.

Here are some of the go-to sources of news and vital information in Eastern Middle Tennessee. This isn’t an exhaustive directory, but it spotlights many of the ways we receive news, updates, and insights about goings-on throughout our area.

Enhancing Real Estate Profitability

Effective organization in real estate transcends mere tidiness; it's a strategic tool for enhancing profitability. By tailoring organizational methods to individual work styles and fostering team collaboration, brokers can streamline operations and drive business growth.

If you’re ready to buy a home, you should feel empowered to find and work with the agent who is the best fit for your needs. Here are ten questions you should consider when selecting an agent:

What Homeowners Should Know

Homeowners may qualify to deduct mortgage interest from their taxes, reducing their overall bill. But due to tax law changes, not everyone benefits. Understanding eligibility and itemization is key to maximizing savings.

Why Staging Matters More than Ever

Buyers now expect homes to look stylish and move-in ready—especially online. Staging has evolved into a key selling strategy, helping listings connect emotionally and stand out in a crowded digital marketplace. It’s not just décor—it’s marketing.

Required and Effective May 12th, 2025

Navigating the Path to Homeownership

Homeownership remains out of reach for many due to rising costs, limited credit access, and systemic barriers. This guide outlines practical steps and resources to help buyers overcome these challenges and move closer to achieving their goals.

Executing a deep clean before putting your home on the market will not only help it shine, but it will make tidiness easier to maintain between property showings. Here are some power-cleaning tips to try.

Closing day is an exciting milestone for buyers and sellers alike, isn’t it?! To complete the process of a home sale, a property’s ownership rights are formally transferred from the seller to the buyer. Here’s what you should know about deeds and titles.

Answers About MLS Options for Sellers

As spring continues to bloom, ’tis the season when garage and yard sales tend to pop up on weekends all across our community. If you are gearing up to host a sale, make sure you plan ahead; they can take on a life of their own! Here are some tips and ideas to help make yours run smoothly and successfully.

As spring unfolds and leads toward summer, here are some ideas and tips for attacking any decluttering projects that might be on your to-do list.

In light of the April 15, 2025, deadline to file a 2024 return, we are sharing some tax tips, ideas, and reminders for your consideration, especially those concerning real estate, homeownership, and other property-related matters.

For more details about hot spots for pooches, check out Nash Today’s article, featuring dog-friendly spots in Nashville that span from places to eat, drink, shop, and stay the night. And as a further resource for potential home buyers relocating to our area, here are links to several lists that include many dog-friendly locales in Wilson, Smith, and Dekalb counties.

We are sharing the following message from 2025 EMTAR President Gina Waters, prefaced with a note of thanks to her and to our entire volunteer leadership team for the positive difference they make for our members.

A Message from NAR President Kevin Sears

A Closer Look at Escrow and Earnest Money

Understanding the difference between escrow and earnest money is essential for any buyer navigating a real estate transaction. These funds protect both parties—but for different reasons—and knowing how they function helps avoid common pitfalls. This guide sheds light on how these tools contribute to smoother closings and stronger buyer-seller trust.

During this Valentine’s week, it’s fitting not only to focus on the romantic loves and close friendships that bless our lives, but also to reflect on some of the many reasons why our members love serving as REALTORS® and working with buyers and sellers throughout Wilson, Smith, and Dekalb counties.

Preparing to Sell Your House & Pricing Your New Home

EMTAR is honored to serve as our members’ “partner in success” to ensure ample CE and other learning opportunities to fit the busy schedules of real estate professionals serving clients in our vibrant, fast-moving market. Here is part 2 of a Q&A refresher on some key educational details and resources for our members.

Reshaping the Workforce

Possible Home Construction Cost Increases

The real estate education options are almost limitless, and we at EMTAR are honored to come alongside our members as “your partner in success” to ensure ample CE and other learning opportunities on the calendar to fit the busy (busy!) schedules of pros serving clients in a vibrant, fast-moving market like ours.

Fire Damage and Policy Coverage

Support from the Realtors® Relief Foundation (RRF)

One of the disaster-relief avenues of support beyond our local area that we appreciate is the REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF), which was established as part of NAR after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

What it Is & What it Covers

The Ins and Outs of Homeowners Insurance

In light of Hurricane Helene’s disastrous impact on Western North Carolina and parts of East Tennessee, and now the impact of devastating California wildfires, homeowners insurance has been on the minds of many. As we launch into 2025, we are sharing a property owner–focused resource on that vital subject, starting with the very basics.

A Primer for Consumers

Helping You Boost Client Engagement

This is an important season to put a bow on your 2024 accomplishments while also establishing some SMART goals that you’ll be ready to start aiming for when the calendar turns to 2025. To help you do just that, here is a roundup of year-end tips, ideas, and strategies, some specifically designed for REALTORS®, others more general but equally worth a look.