Would-be to Should-be

Would-be to Should-be

  • SHANNON FOSTER-BOLINE
  • 04/11/23
 
Some would-be buyers have emotional reasons to own a home like having a place of their own where they can raise a family, feel safe and secure, and enjoy their friends’ company. Other buyers’ dominant reasons might be financial in nature such as building equity or lowering their cost of housing.
 
Regardless of what might be motivating people to want their own home, it is easy to justify that now is a good time to purchase. Let’s look at a $250,000 example using an FHA loan.
 
The total payment will be about $1,835 dollars a month. If the payment is lower than the rent a person is paying, that should encourage a person to continue investigating.
 
In this example, when you consider the monthly principal reduction, the monthly appreciation, and the tax savings, even with money added for monthly maintenance, the net cost of housing is less than half the total house payment.
 
Considering all those advantages, the would-be buyer is spending over $1,100 per month more to rent than it would be to own. In a year’s time, they would lose close to $14,000 which is more than the down payment of $8,750 required on this price home.
 
Most would-be buyers understand that a home is a big investment but they may not understand the advantage of the leverage caused by the low down payment mortgage. The benefits extend beyond a return on the down payment but to the value of the home.
 
In this example, the $8,750 down payment grows to an equity of $73,546 in seven years based on 2% annual appreciation and normal amortization on a 30-year loan. If you calculated that as a rate of return, you’d be challenged to find anything that could compare with it.
 
SHANNON FOSTER-BOLINE

SHANNON FOSTER-BOLINE

About The Author

ABOUT SHANNON FOSTER-BOLINE

Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions people make — and it deserves thoughtful, strategic guidance, not pressure.

I’m Shannon Foster-Boline, a Realtor serving the Greater Knoxville area, including West Knoxville and surrounding communities. I work with buyers, sellers, and relocation clients who value clear communication, strong preparation, and a calm, informed approach — especially in higher-value and more complex transactions where details truly matter.

My role goes far beyond opening doors or managing contracts. I help clients evaluate options, anticipate challenges, and make confident decisions aligned with their long-term goals. Many of my clients are busy professionals, move-up buyers, and established homeowners who want an experienced advisor they can trust to manage the process efficiently and thoughtfully.

With more than 1,100 homes sold and over $270 million in lifetime sales, I bring deep local market knowledge and real-world experience to every transaction. I’ve represented a wide range of clients — from first-time buyers to luxury sellers — and I tailor my approach to fit each client’s priorities, timeline, and decision-making style.

MY APPROACH

Clients often describe working with me as steady, strategic, and reassuring.

I believe:

  • Strategy matters more than urgency

  • Local market insight matters more than national headlines

  • Clear communication reduces stress and leads to better outcomes

  • Preparation creates leverage — whether you’re buying or selling

My approach is best suited for clients who are prepared to engage thoughtfully in the process — with clear financial readiness, defined priorities, and an appreciation for strategic guidance.

I’m especially well-suited for clients navigating:

  • Move-up purchases and higher-value sales

  • Coordinated buy-sell timelines

  • New construction and well-designed modern homes

  • Established and architecturally distinctive neighborhoods

  • Complex negotiations requiring experience and composure

EXPERIENCE & LEADERSHIP

In addition to client work, I’ve been deeply involved in real estate leadership and education throughout East Tennessee. I’ve served in multiple leadership roles within East Tennessee Realtors® and Tennessee Realtors®, including President of East Tennessee Realtors®.

I hold several advanced professional designations, including:

  • Certified Residential Specialist (CRS®)

  • Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI®)

  • Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®)

  • Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE®)

  • Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®)

These credentials reflect my commitment to education, ethics, and professional excellence — but my focus always remains on delivering thoughtful guidance and strong results for my clients.

BEYOND REAL ESTATE

Outside of work, I’m a mom, partner, and avid gardener who values community, connection, and a well-lived life.

I love travel, historic architecture, and exploring neighborhoods — both locally and abroad. Those experiences shape how I connect with clients who are navigating meaningful transitions and making big, often emotional, decisions.

CONSIDERING A MOVE?

Whether you’re actively planning a move or simply thinking ahead, I believe good decisions start with good information.

If you’re looking for an experienced, steady, and strategic real estate advisor — someone who values quality over volume — I’d be honored to help. If you’d like to better understand my approach and who I work best with, you can learn more about how I work with clients here.

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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