Ellis Gardner: Looking Forward - Trends And Leadership For The Year Ahead

  • Thursday, January 9, 2025
As we step into 2025, I am honored and excited to serve as your President of Greater Chattanooga Realtors. Having been part of this vibrant real estate community for 24 years, I’ve come to appreciate the unique role realtors play—as trusted advisors in real estate transactions and ambassadors for our Scenic City. My goal is to continue building on the strong foundation of leadership that my predecessors have established and to help our members navigate what promises to be an interesting and evolving market.

Reflecting on the past year, 2024 presented its challenges, but it also set the stage for new opportunities in 2025.
According to the National Association of Realtors there are several key homebuyer trends we should be prepared for in the year ahead. With rising equity gains, a significant portion of buyers may opt for all-cash transactions, expanding the trend of all-cash purchases that accounted for 26 percent of home sales last year. Additionally, the average first-time buyers are getting older, with the median age reaching 38 in 2024. This delay is often due to rising home prices and the need to save longer for a down payment, sometimes with assistance from family or personal investments. Also, many first-time buyers need increased wages to balance student debt payments.

Another trend shaping the market is the increase in multigenerational households, which reached an all-time high of 17 percent last year. Buyers are pooling resources for cost savings and supporting aging parents or accommodating young adults returning home. And we’re seeing more single women entering the housing market, representing 24 percent of home purchases in 2024, double the share of single men. These shifts reflect the ever-changing dynamics of the real estate landscape and the need for realtors to adapt and provide exceptional service to meet diverse client needs.

Here At Greater Chattanooga Realtors, we are committed to helping our members stay ahead and respond to these trends. Whether through cutting edge continuing education, leadership development opportunities, or advocating for policies that benefit property owners, our association provides the tools and resources needed to thrive in this dynamic industry. From designations like the Accredited Buyer Representative and Commitment to Excellence to community initiatives like Snack Packs and Habitat for Humanity, we are here to support both our realtors and our community.

I am deeply grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me to lead our Association this year. Together, we can navigate the evolving real estate market and ensure that Greater Chattanooga Realtors continues to shine as a beacon of professionalism, advocacy, and community service. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember. #ThatsWhoWeR
Real Estate
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