Why East Tennessee Buyers and Sellers Are Turning to Hybrid Real Estate Marketing

August 25, 2025

The Hybrid Real Estate Model

•  Traditional MLS Marketing  •  Savvy Real Estate Agents  • Auction Option •


The Tri-Cities real estate market is unique. From residential neighborhoods in Johnson City and Kingsport, to downtown commercial spaces in Bristol, and sprawling farmland throughout the region, every property has its own ideal path to market. At Collins & Co., we’ve built our reputation on a Hybrid Real Estate Marketing Approach, one that combines the power of Traditional MLS Listings, the expertise of savvy Real Estate Agents, and the efficiency of Auctions. This combination allows our clients to achieve results that standard one-size-fits-all real estate methods simply can’t deliver. Here's why!


What Is Hybrid Real Estate Marketing?

Most agencies choose between listing a property on the MLS or offering it at auction. Collins & Co. has found a better way—using both strategies together.


  • MLS Marketing: Provides wide exposure to buyers searching online, through syndication on major real estate websites, and agent-to-agent networking.


  • Experienced Agents: Guide clients through pricing, positioning, staging, negotiations, and closing.


  • Auction Services: Add urgency and competitive bidding to the process, often resulting in faster sales and stronger offers.


By strategically combining these methods, Collins & Co. ensures that every property—whether it’s a starter home, a retail building, or hundreds of acres—gets the right type of exposure to attract serious buyers.


Why Sellers Love It

Hybrid marketing offers sellers flexibility and results. Homes and commercial buildings benefit from the broad reach of MLS listings, while auctions create a sense of urgency and excitement. Sellers often enjoy:


  • Faster sales cycles: Auctions push buyers to act, reducing time on market.


  • Competitive pricing: Bidding competition drives values up.


  • Wider audience reach: MLS visibility captures traditional buyers while auctions attract investors and out-of-area buyers.


Land Sales: Breaking Records in East Tennessee

When it comes to land and acreage, the hybrid method truly shines. Land buyers are often investors, developers, or individuals seeking farmland or recreational property—audiences that respond exceptionally well to auctions.


Collins & Co. has been setting record prices at auction for acreage sales across East Tennessee, proving that our strategy works. By combining MLS exposure with targeted auction marketing, we’ve brought multiple qualified buyers to the table and created bidding environments that maximize seller returns. For landowners, this means two things:


  1. Faster results than waiting months (or years) for the “right buyer” to come along.
  2. Stronger prices, driven by real-time competition.


It’s no wonder so many land sellers are turning to Collins & Co. to handle their acreage sales. Learn more about selling land with Collins & Co. here: https://www.collinsandcompany.info/land-seller

Lake with green reeds, blue water, and a forested mountain in the background.

Why Buyers Benefit Too

Hybrid marketing isn’t just good for sellers. It helps buyers as well! Auctions create transparent pricing where buyers know exactly what others are willing to pay. Meanwhile, MLS listings allow for due diligence, financing, and longer negotiation periods. Whether buyers are searching for their dream home, commercial space, or investment acreage, Collins & Co.’s hybrid model provides more opportunities to find the right fit. If you are a Tri-Cities Real Estate Buyer, explore our Auctions to find the perfect property at an excellent price! We also encourage you to shop Our Listings and the MLS right from our website. See what's out there! Then, reach out to one of our Professional Real Estate Agents to explore the best option for your needs.

 

The Collins & Co. Advantage

In a market as diverse as East Tennessee, a cookie-cutter approach doesn’t cut it. Collins & Co. is proud to be one of the few firms in the region offering both MLS representation and professional auction services under one roof. This dual expertise has given us a track record of success and a unique advantage for our clients. Whether you’re selling a home, a downtown storefront, or 100 acres of farmland, our hybrid marketing approach ensures your property gets maximum exposure and competitive offers.


Final Thoughts

The future of real estate in East Tennessee is hybrid. Sellers want speed and strong returns. Buyers want transparency and opportunity. Collins & Co. delivers both, in excess, to each one of our clients. If you’re considering selling property, especially land, our team would love to show you how our hybrid marketing strategy can work for you. Contact us online or call (423) 543-5741 to get started with us today!

CONTACT US

SHARE THIS POST!

MARKET PULSE BLOG

East Tennessee Real Estate Updates, Tri-Cities Auction Insights, and Valuable Market Tips!

Daylight saving time will begin Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m., when clocks move forward one hour.

By Tracy Little • March 2, 2026
The winter solstice has passed, and you might have noticed that daylight is gradually beginning to lengthen — with sunset occurring about a minute or two later each day. And in just about two months’ time, we’ll spring ahead to enjoy even more sunlight. In 2026, Daylight Saving Time will begin Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m., when clocks move forward one hour — jumping from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac , the purpose of the clock change is to make better use of natural daylight. When clocks “fall back” to standard time, it shifts sunrise earlier — meaning brighter mornings. After the winter solstice on Dec. 21, daylight gradually increases each day, even if mornings still feel dim for a while. And when Daylight Saving Time begins again in March, sunrise and sunset will both occur about one hour later than the day before, giving most people more evening daylight. (ad credit: Jessica Jones-Gorman/SILive.com)

Why settle for 50% off when you can get full value?

By David Collins • March 2, 2026
Why settle for 50% off when you can get full value? Estate liquidators start high and discount — we start at the bottom and let competitive bidding drive prices up. Collins & Company auctions draw from a pool of thousands of local and nationwide bidders, ensuring your estate brings top dollar. Unlike estate liquidators who typically leave 25% of items unsold, our auction model means nearly everything sells — leaving you with little to nothing left over to deal with afterward, and we can even help with that. The auction never stops — accessible online anytime, anywhere. That means bidders from across the country can compete for your items around the clock, driving prices even higher. And there's no guessing — at the end of every auction you receive a complete catalog showing exactly what every item sold for. With years of experience and a trusted reputation, Collins & Company has the knowledge and the reach to get you the results you deserve. Why not give Collins & Company a try? Call today for a free consultation — you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

The Auctioneer’s Note.

By Jacob Force • February 26, 2026
The Auctioneer’s Note.... by Jacob Force, Realtor and Auctioneer

Seller Beware

By David Collins • February 6, 2026
Seller Beware: The Hidden Trap in Unsolicited Property Offers 
Text:

Blog: Handling and Estate? One Call. One Solution. Complete Peace of Mind.

By Jacob Force • January 15, 2026
Join Jacob Force - Realtor & Auctioneer as he explores Estate Auctions with Collins & Co. Contact us to start your auction today! (423) 543-5741

The Season of Giving... But Don't Get Scammed

By Jacob Force • December 16, 2025
The Season of Giving... But Don't Get Scammed The holidays bring out the best in people—generosity, warmth, and community spirit. But unfortunately, this season of giving also attracts those looking to take advantage of trusting homeowners. As Northeast Tennessee Realtors Association President Wayne Porter warns, the region's remodeling boom has created fertile ground for scammers to operate. Our local housing market tells an important story. The average existing home sold in Northeast Tennessee is roughly 44 years old, significantly older than the national median of 36 years. These aging homes need updates, and with limited housing inventory pushing more residents toward remodeling instead of moving, demand for contractors has never been higher. When projects range from $100,000 to $200,000 or more, scammers take notice. The consequences are real. Local cases like the conviction of Joe Wood of Wood Construction and Remodeling, who received 10 months of electronically monitored home detention contingent on full restitution to his victims, demonstrate how devastating contractor fraud can be for families. (For more details, visit https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/wood-construction-owner-gets-10-months-home-detention/ ) Stories of unfinished projects, shoddy workmanship, and broken promises are becoming all too common. Protect yourself by watching for these red flags: No physical office or vague business addresses Refusal to provide licensing or insurance proof Demands for large upfront deposits beyond state limits Unsolicited "discounts" or claims of leftover materials Contractor-arranged financing (often predatory) Suspicious online reviews that seem manufactured No detailed written contract provided Pressure to approve incomplete work While the Tri-Cities area has many reputable, skilled contractors who take pride in their craft, the surge in remodeling demand has attracted less-qualified operators making promises they can't keep. Older homes present unique challenges—outdated wiring, aging plumbing, structural surprises—that require genuine expertise and proper permits. Your best defense is diligence. Take time to verify credentials, check references thoroughly, obtain multiple bids, and read every contract carefully. Don't let holiday excitement or contractor pressure rush you into poor decisions. The National Association of Realtors offers valuable consumer resources at Houselogic.com, including guides on screening contractors and managing renovation projects. Visit https://lookforther.realtor/remodel/ for expert remodeling advice. This season, give yourself the gift of due diligence. A little research now can save you from turning your dream project into a financial nightmare.
Two-story beige house with gray roof, stone accents, two-car garage, and concrete driveway.

Estate Auctions and Probate: A Practical Guide for Executors

By Brandon Keen • December 16, 2025
Estate auctions simplify probate by providing a clear, efficient way for Executors to sell property. Learn your options and download our free Executor’s Guide.

Understanding the Shift in Northeast Tennessee's Home Equity Landscape

By Jacob Force • November 4, 2025
Understanding the Shift in Northeast Tennessee's Home Equity Landscape Recent data from ATTOM reveals a subtle but significant shift in Northeast Tennessee's real estate market. According to Don Fenley at Core Data, the number of equity-rich properties in the Tri-Cities declined by 3.6% during the third quarter, while seriously underwater mortgages increased by 0.4%. While these changes may seem modest, they signal an important transition that could affect local homeowners, buyers, and the broader market. What Does "Underwater" Really Mean? A seriously underwater mortgage occurs when a homeowner owes at least 25% more than their property's current market value—a loan-to-value ratio of 125% or higher. Across the Tri-Cities' 86,923 mortgaged properties, certain areas show higher vulnerability. Abingdon's 24210 zip code leads the region with 4.8% of mortgages seriously underwater, followed by nearby 24202 Bristol at 4.7% and 24211 Abingdon at 4.0%. Meanwhile, communities like Elizabethton maintain stronger equity positions, with 60.6% of properties equity-rich. Market Stabilization After Years of Growth Rob Barber, CEO of ATTOM, notes that "after several years of strong equity growth that peaked in 2022, homeowner equity levels appear to be stabilizing." For Northeast Tennessee, this means the rapid appreciation that benefited many homeowners is moderating. The modest fluctuations suggest our housing market is finding balance rather than experiencing crisis. However, this stabilization presents challenges for specific groups. Homeowners who purchased near market peaks or in areas experiencing slower appreciation may find themselves with limited options. Selling becomes difficult when proceeds won't cover the outstanding loan balance. Refinancing to lower interest rates or access cash becomes nearly impossible when underwater. This constraint keeps inventory tight and may prevent families from relocating for job opportunities or life changes. Implications for Buyers and Sellers For prospective buyers, understanding equity distribution across zip codes provides valuable insight. Areas with higher percentages of underwater mortgages may see fewer listings as constrained sellers wait for values to recover. Conversely, communities like Johnson City's 37604, where 59.5% of properties are equity-rich, may offer more inventory as homeowners have flexibility to sell. Current sellers with strong equity positions—the majority in most Tri-Cities communities—remain well-positioned to make moves. However, anyone who purchased in the past two years should carefully evaluate their equity situation before listing. Looking Ahead The increase in underwater mortgages, though still relatively small compared to national trends, warrants attention. Real estate professionals must help clients navigate this evolving landscape with realistic expectations about pricing and timing. The market isn't in distress, but the era of guaranteed rapid appreciation has given way to a more measured environment where location, condition, and pricing strategy matter more than ever.
Aerial view of houses with green lawns, trees with fall foliage, and a curved road.

Unlocking Hidden Value: How Auction Marketing Can Move Stale Listings Fast

By Brandon Keen • October 20, 2025
Revive your stale real estate listing with Collins & Company’s professional auction marketing strategies. Fast sales, top value, and seriously qualified buyers.

How a Government Shutdown Could Impact East Tennessee's Real Estate Market

By Jacob Force • October 9, 2025
The recent federal government shutdown has created significant uncertainty in real estate markets nationwide, and East Tennessee is no exception. While our region's housing market has shown remarkable resilience, the ripple effects of a prolonged shutdown could touch local homebuyers, sellers, and the broader economy in ways many residents might not expect. Flood Insurance: An Immediate Concern The most immediate impact stems from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which lost its authority to issue new policies when the shutdown began on October 1. This program is critical for East Tennessee, where properties near rivers, creeks, and in flood-prone areas require flood insurance to complete transactions. With an estimated 1,400 property transactions threatened nationwide each day, local buyers and sellers in affected areas could face significant delays or even lost deals. While existing NFIP policies remain valid for 30 days and can be transferred to new owners, the growing uncertainty creates stress for families trying to close on their homes. The longer the lapse continues, the more precarious these situations become. Broader Market Disruptions Beyond flood insurance, government shutdowns typically trigger a cascade of delays that slow the entire real estate process. IRS income verification—essential for mortgage approval—can grind to a halt. FHA and VA loan processing, which many first-time homebuyers and veterans in our region rely on, faces significant backlogs. Federal housing program funding may freeze, affecting affordable housing initiatives in communities throughout East Tennessee. These disruptions hit particularly hard in a market already grappling with affordability challenges and limited inventory. East Tennessee has experienced strong demand and rising home prices in recent years, and any additional friction in the transaction process could sideline buyers who are already stretching their budgets. Economic Impact The stakes extend beyond individual transactions. According to the National Association of Realtors, the NFIP alone supports roughly half a million home sales annually, generating 1 million jobs and contributing $70 billion to the U.S. economy. Housing represents nearly 20% of the national economy, meaning prolonged shutdowns affect not just real estate professionals but contractors, home inspectors, title companies, and countless other businesses that depend on a healthy housing market. For East Tennessee's growing economy, a stable real estate market is essential. Local realtors continue advocating for swift congressional action to reauthorize the NFIP and end the shutdown, ensuring families and businesses can move forward with confidence.
More Posts
Collins & Co. Realtor And Auctioneers Logo with MLS #364 - Firm #265789 - P.A.L. #4465

Collins & Co. Realtors And Auctioneers provides comprehensive real estate and auction services. Voted Best Real Estate Agency, Auction Firm, and Realtors by The Johnson Press and The Elizabethton Star Readers' Choice Awards, you can trust our experts to help you achieve your goals. Come see the difference our professional team of auctioneers and real estate agents can make! Contact us to get started today.

Go ahead... We're listening!


(423) 543-5741

collinsandcoinfo@gmail.com


David Collins - Real Estate Broker & Auctioneer

MLS Brokerage #364 - Real Estate Firm #265789 - P.A.L. #4465