The early housing market update graphic for Feb. home sales from netar listed the average home sale price down from this time last year and the median sales price up.

Why the contradiction?

When the average home price is down but the median price is up, it generally means fewer high-priced luxury homes are selling in comparison with the sales cluster in the mid-range and lower-priced ranges.

Here is a breakdown of the scenario:

Sales in the $200K-$249,999 price range dominated the four price tiers in the affordable sector. And sales in the $180K-$199,999 price range were up 38.5% from last year.

Sales in the move up brack’s bottom tier ($300K-$399,999) almost doubled sales in the higher price bracket.

The clincher was a 10.5% decline in the $500K and up market.

Expect some revisions in the mid-month market update when more sales are added to the mix.

Last  Week on DonFenley.com

Tri-Cities Median Home Sale Price Up 5.6%

February’s home prices were back on track from January’s year-over-year performance. The early count had the median price at $275,000, up 5.6% from last year and 2.3% from January. From a price perspective, it’s been a volatile market since February last year, with prices climbing through spring and early summer before a turbulent second half marked by sharp spikes and steep drops. Despite that month-to-month turbulence, the year-over-year trend remains positive.

🔗 Read the full story
https://donfenley.com/2026/03/07/tri-cities-median-home-sale-price-up-5-6/

Northeast Tennessee Timber Sector Shows Stability

Northeast Tennessee’s timber sector continues to show a pattern of stability, with overall forest growth still exceeding removals. That long-standing dynamic reflects a forest resource base that remains productive while supporting the region’s timber and wood-products economy. The balance between growth and harvesting remains a key indicator that the region’s forest inventory continues to be sustained even as the industry remains active.

🔗 Read the full story
https://donfenley.com/2026/03/05/northeast-tn-timber-sector-shows-stability-as-growth-continues-to-outpace-removals/

Home Sales Continue Steady Increase

Tri-Cities home sales continued a steady increase in February, reinforcing the region’s gradual recovery in transaction activity after the slowdown triggered by higher mortgage rates. The improvement reflects a market that is slowly regaining momentum as buyers adjust to current borrowing costs and more listings return to the market ahead of the spring home-buying season.

🔗 Read the full story
https://donfenley.com/2026/03/04/home-sales-continue-steady-increase/

DonFenley.com provides ongoing analysis of housing, economic, and market trends across the Tri-Cities region of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

Categories: TRENDS