Shauhn Rader

1. Get Pre-Approved Early Lock in your rate when possible—and explore multiple lenders to compare options. A solid pre-approval strengthens your negotiating position. With rates still relatively high, even slight improvements can translate into tangible savings 2. Know Your Numbers Beyond Purchase Price Calculate HOA fees, taxes, insurance, utilities, and projected maintenance—especially in older neighborhoods with historic homes. Even with raised inventory, total cost of ownership matters. 3. Pick the Right Neighborhood for Your Goals Areas like Farragut, Hardin Valley, Powell, and Maryville are seeing growth due to strong schools, outdoor access, and newer construction Historic areas like Mechanicsville (character-rich Victorian architecture) and Lonsdale (revitalized, diverse) offer charm but check for renovation needs. Old City is ideal if you’re looking for loft-style living near nightlife and UT campus vibes 4. Leverage the Slightly Cooling Market More homes on the market mean better opportunities to negotiate price, closing date flexibility, and repairs. Homes are still selling within 6–7 weeks—hot but not hypercompetitive. 5. Prioritize a Thorough Home Inspection Even though competition remains, longer market times give you room to conduct inspections—especially in older stock. Don’t skip this step! 6. Focus on Long-Term Value Consider resale factors like school quality, neighborhood stability, proximity to UT, and upcoming development of amenities. If planning to move within a few years, factor in potential mortgage rates changes and local growth projections. 7. Watch for Mortgage Rate Shifts Mortgage rates might ease later in 2025. If you’re not locked in yet, talk with your lender about float-down clauses or rate locks—but don’t wait too long to act. 8. Work with a Solid Local Realtor An experienced Knoxville agent can tap into insights on inventory, upcoming new construction opportunities, and neighborhood dynamics—especially helpful in a market transitioning to balance.

When selling your home, the most important step is pricing it correctly from the start. Overpricing can cause your home to sit on the market too long and ultimately sell for less, while competitive pricing generates interest and can even spark multiple offers. Next, presentation is everything. Declutter, deep clean, and consider staging to highlight your home’s best features. Even small updates—like fresh paint, updated light fixtures, or new hardware—can make a big difference in how buyers perceive the property. Curb appeal matters too, so tidy up landscaping and make the entryway welcoming. Investing in high-quality photography and video marketing ensures your home shines online, where most buyers start their search. A strong online presence paired with social media, open houses, and email campaigns expands your reach and captures more qualified buyers. Address repairs and maintenance issues up front to avoid surprises during inspections. Fixing leaky faucets, replacing worn carpet, or servicing HVAC systems can prevent red flags that might derail negotiations. Be flexible with showings—the more accessible your home is, the more potential buyers will see it. And finally, work with a professional agent you trust who understands your market, negotiates on your behalf, and guides you smoothly through the process. Selling your home is about more than putting up a sign—it’s about creating the best possible impression, reaching the right buyers, and maximizing your return with the least stress.

Buyers/sellers/investment properties

One of my favorite recent transactions was helping a family from Texas purchase an investment property in Gatlinburg, right in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. They had a vision of creating a Grand Ole Opry–themed Airbnb—something fun, memorable, and uniquely tied to Tennessee’s musical roots. Since they were out of state, I became their boots on the ground. I previewed multiple cabins, sent detailed walkthrough videos, and highlighted not just the homes but also the surrounding amenities and rental potential. Together, we focused on properties that balanced charm, strong rental history, and guest appeal—things like mountain views, easy access to downtown Gatlinburg, and plenty of space for families. When we found the right cabin, I guided them through a competitive offer and negotiated terms that made sense for their investment goals. We coordinated inspections, addressed key repairs with the seller, and ensured everything stayed on track through closing. What made this transaction so special was seeing their dream come to life. They wanted a property that would stand out on Airbnb, and now they have a cabin that captures both Smoky Mountain hospitality and the energy of the Grand Ole Opry. Helping them turn that vision into a reality—and knowing it will bring joy to so many visitors—was incredibly rewarding.

I got started in real estate because I’ve always had a passion for design, homes, and helping people see potential where others might not. Before becoming an agent, I spent years working in marketing and design, which gave me a strong background in presenting ideas, creating strategies, and connecting with people. Over time, I realized those same skills translated perfectly into real estate—helping clients showcase their homes in the best light and guiding buyers to imagine the life they could build in a new space. What really pushed me to take the leap was my love for East Tennessee and the communities here. Growing up in this area, I developed a deep appreciation for the charm of our neighborhoods and the importance of home as more than just four walls—it’s where stories begin. Real estate became the natural way to blend my creativity, business experience, and commitment to serving others. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to help families, investors, and first-time buyers navigate the process with confidence, and each transaction reminds me why I made the jump: there’s nothing more rewarding than helping someone feel at home.

Yes—I bring a unique mix of education and hands-on training that directly benefits my clients. I earned my degree in Graphic Design from the University of Tennessee, which gives me a strong eye for staging, photography, and marketing homes in ways that make them stand out both online and in person. That creative background blends perfectly with my professional real estate training, where I’ve gained in-depth knowledge of contracts, negotiations, and the Tennessee market. In addition, I’ve completed specialized coursework in real estate marketing, pricing strategy, and buyer/seller representation, which allows me to guide clients through each step with confidence. Combined with years of experience in digital marketing, I’m able to create high-impact campaigns that attract the right buyers quickly. For clients, this means they get more than just someone to unlock doors—I can strategically position their property in the market, negotiate effectively, and help them make informed decisions. My education and training ensure I bring both creativity and expertise to every transaction.