Is It Time to Downsize in Knoxville?

Is It Time to Downsize in Knoxville?

  • SHANNON FOSTER-BOLINE
  • 06/20/25

Signs you might be ready—and how to make the move with clarity and confidence.

If your home feels bigger than your needs, harder to maintain, or simply doesn’t match your lifestyle anymore, you’re not alone. Across Knoxville and East Tennessee, many homeowners are asking the same question:
“Is it time to downsize?”

Downsizing doesn’t mean settling—it can mean freedom. It can mean choosing ease over upkeep, experiences over square footage, and comfort over excess. Whether you're preparing for retirement, simplifying after the kids move out, or just craving a fresh chapter, here are some signs it might be time to explore something smaller—and smarter.

1. You Have Unused Space (And You Know It)

If entire bedrooms, bonus rooms, or even formal dining areas sit empty most of the time, your home may be out of sync with your lifestyle. You’re paying to heat, cool, clean, and insure square footage you rarely use.

2. Maintenance Is Starting to Feel Like a Chore

Lawn work. Gutter cleaning. Endless small repairs. If your weekends are starting to revolve around home upkeep—or if those tasks are starting to physically wear you out—it may be time to look for something lower maintenance. Think newer builds, smaller yards, or single-level living.

3. You Want to Unlock the Equity in Your Home

In many Knoxville neighborhoods, home values have risen steadily over the past few years. Downsizing could mean cashing in on your current home’s equity and purchasing a smaller property outright—or at a much lower monthly cost. That extra equity could help fund retirement, travel, or other lifestyle upgrades.

4. You're Ready for a Lifestyle Shift

Maybe you want to travel more. Live closer to family. Move into a walkable community. Enjoy a one-level home that works better long-term. Downsizing isn’t just about getting “less.” It’s about choosing what supports your ideal lifestyle now—and in the future.

5. You’re Considering a Simplified Financial Picture

Smaller homes often mean lower utility bills, taxes, and insurance costs. For some, that can be the difference between working a few more years or stepping into semi-retirement with peace of mind. It can also mean freeing up time and money for things that matter more than square footage.

Where Should You Start?

If you’re thinking about downsizing, consider these steps:

  • Get a free market valuation of your current home to understand its potential

  • Explore neighborhoods that offer right-sized options (condos, one-level homes, townhomes, etc.)

  • Prioritize location, layout, and maintenance needs over square footage

  • Plan for future lifestyle needs, including accessibility and proximity to loved ones

We often help clients explore downsizing options in Farragut, Downtown Knoxville, Hardin Valley, Powell, West Knoxville, and several low-maintenance communities throughout the greater Knoxville area.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

You don’t have to make a big decision overnight—but if your current home no longer fits the life you want to live, let’s talk about what comes next.

Schedule a no-pressure downsizing consultation or start browsing homes for sale in Knoxville that fit your future vision.

Is It Time to Downsize in Knoxville?
Is It Time to Downsize in Knoxville?
Is It Time to Downsize in Knoxville?
SHANNON FOSTER-BOLINE

SHANNON FOSTER-BOLINE

Real Estate Broker

About The Author

With a lifetime sales volume exceeding an impressive $233 million, Shannon Foster-Boline's reputation as an esteemed agent speaks for itself. Recognized for over seven prestigious designations and certifications including her Certified Residential Specialist® and her Graduate Realtor® Institute designations, Shannon's expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence are second to none. Clients consistently praise her responsiveness, infectious energy, and unwavering dedication to their success. When you choose Shannon as your trusted guide, you can be confident that she will be by your side every step of the way, advocating for your best interests and opening the doors to your dream home.

Shannon's unparalleled expertise extends across Knox County, Blount County, Loudon County, and the picturesque surroundings of Tennessee. She has successfully sold every type of residential real estate, from new construction to historic homes with unique architectural heritage. Actively involved in her local Realtors Association, Shannon is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has taken on leadership roles, teaching classes on these vital topics and contributing to the betterment of her community. Shannon's curiosity, creativity, and relentless drive fuel her commitment to understanding her client's unique stories and helping them find their ideal homes.

Beyond real estate, Shannon is a well-rounded individual with diverse interests. As a devoted dog lover, she shares her life with two cherished pets, Jenner the Beagle, and Xena Warrior Princess, a rescued Yorkie Australian Shepherd mix. Shannon is also an avid gardener, cultivating her own food and exploring gardens around the world through her travels. Her zest for adventure has taken her to various corners of the globe, including Germany, where she lived and studied in her twenties. These experiences have nurtured her love for travel and exploration, and she meticulously plans trips that encompass cultural immersion, physical activities, and visits to historical sites.

Above all, Shannon takes immense pride in her daughter and wife, whose happiness and success bring her great joy and fulfillment. Professionally, her tenure as President at the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors stands as a testament to her commitment to effect meaningful change and foster a thriving real estate community. As she continues to serve a diverse clientele, Shannon takes pleasure in learning about their lives. Each person's story and goals are unique, but for each of them, Shannon strives to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results.

For a truly remarkable real estate journey, trust Shannon Foster-Boline to guide you to your dream home and make your goals a reality.

Leadership & Committees

  • 2023 East Tennessee Realtors MLS Chair
  • 2023 East Tennessee Realtors Leadership Program Instructor
  • 2022 Immediate Past President East Tennessee Realtors
  • 2022 Tennessee Realtors Chair Diversity Inclusion Committee
  • 2021-2022 East Tennessee Realtors Board Liason Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • 2021 East Tennessee Realtors Chair Presidential Advisory Group Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • 2021- 2022 East Tennessee Realtors Governmental Affairs & Policy Committee
  • 2021 Tennessee Realtors Vice Chair Diversity Inclusion Committee
  • 2021 President East Tennessee Realtors
  • 2019-2020 Tennessee Realtors Diversity Inclusion Committee Member
  • 2015 East Tennessee Realtors Chair Education Committee

 

Awards

  • 2022 President’s Award East Tennessee Realtors
  • 2022 Realty Executives Associates Diamond Award
  • 2021 Realty Executives Associates Diamond Award
  • 2020 Realty Executives Associates Diamond Award
  • 2019 Realty Executives Associates Double Diamond Award
  • 2019 Wall Street Journal’s 1000 Best
  • 2018 Wall Street Journal’s 1000 Best
  • 2018 Realty Executive Awards - Southern Region Top 100 in GCI
  • 2018 Realty Executive Awards - Southern Region Top 100 in Units Sold
  • 2017 Realty Executives Associates Diamond Award
  • 2016 President's Award East Tennessee Realtors

Designations & Certifications

Work With Us

We understand the elements of the individual needs and the unique process of each transaction. At the end of the day, we want you to walk away feeling that you have received an amazing experience with our team and that you have been able to realize your dream of selling or buying a home!

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