Wallace TN Website Admin, Author at Wallace Real Estate

Knoxville, Tenn. — July 27, 2026 | Wallace Real Estate has been named a recipient of the Knoxville News Sentinel’s 2026 Greater Knoxville Top Workplaces award. This marks the third consecutive year Wallace has been recognized as a Top Workplace, following honors received in 2024 and 2025.

The Top Workplaces list is based solely on employee and affiliate feedback collected through a confidential, third-party survey administered by Energage LLC, an employee engagement technology partner. The survey measures key elements of the employee experience, including whether team members feel respected and supported, enabled to grow, and empowered to execute.

“Being recognized as a Top Workplace is especially meaningful because this honor comes directly from our people,” said Andrew McGranaghan, CEO of Wallace Real Estate. “Our culture is one of the things that makes Wallace special, and we are committed to creating an environment where our agents and staff feel supported, valued, and equipped to do their best work. To receive this recognition for the third consecutive year is an incredible reflection of the people who make Wallace what it is.”

Wallace Real Estate earned the No. 4 overall ranking in the midsize employer category, making it the highest-ranked real estate company represented.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

Founded in 1936, Wallace Real Estate is East Tennessee’s leading independent brokerage offering residential, luxury, commercial, and property management services. With 12 offices and more than 500 real estate professionals serving communities throughout the region, Wallace remains focused on providing knowledgeable guidance, meaningful support, and a strong culture for its agents, employees, and clients.

July is National Ice Cream Month, and there may be no better excuse to enjoy a cold treat on a hot East Tennessee day. The tradition dates back to 1984, when July was officially proclaimed National Ice Cream Month and National Ice Cream Day was designated as a summertime celebration.

Fortunately, around Knoxville and across East Tennessee, there are plenty of local places to grab a cone, milkshake, sundae, scoop, paleta or frozen custard. Whether you are strolling downtown, exploring a nearby neighborhood or taking a summer drive, here are a few sweet stops to keep in mind.

Cruze Farm

No East Tennessee ice cream list would be complete without Cruze Farm. Known for fresh-churned ice cream from its local dairy farm, Cruze Farm has become a Knoxville favorite with a nostalgic, cheerful feel and a menu full of cones, cups, milkshakes and floats.

The Downtown Knoxville location on Gay Street is a fun stop before or after dinner, a show or a walk through Market Square. Cruze Farm also has an East Knoxville location on Asbury Road with inside dining (pizza!) and drive-thru service, plus additional East Tennessee locations in Sevierville and Morristown.

The Sugar Queen Creamery

For a South Knoxville treat, The Sugar Queen Creamery is a great stop for homemade ice cream with a creative twist. Their mission centers on creating memorable ice cream and soft pretzels using quality ingredients and thoughtful technique.

The Sugar Queen Creamery has a South Knox location on E. Young High Pike, as well as a Belltown location in Powell, making it a convenient option whether you are south of the river or closer to North Knox.

The Phoenix Pharmacy & Fountain

If you love a little nostalgia with your dessert, The Phoenix Pharmacy & Fountain in Downtown Knoxville offers a classic soda fountain experience. Located on Gay Street, The Phoenix serves old-school dipped ice cream, malts and sodas, along with pharmacy services.

It is the kind of place that feels like a step back in time, and it makes a fun stop for families, date nights or anyone who appreciates a vintage downtown experience.

Kilwins Knoxville

Also located on Gay Street, Kilwins Knoxville is a sweet stop for ice cream, chocolates, fudge and other treats. The Knoxville shop is part of the well-known Kilwins tradition of handcrafted chocolates and classic confections, making it a great place to pop in while enjoying downtown.

UT Creamery

The UT Creamery is another Knoxville option with a story behind it. Located on Neyland Drive, the storefront ice cream shop is part of the UT Culinary Institute and Creamery and gives visitors the opportunity to support a student experiential learning program while enjoying a scoop.

This is a fun choice for Vol fans, folks visiting campus or anyone who enjoys seeing local education and food come together.

Inskip Grill

Ice cream does not always have to come in a cone. Sometimes, the answer is a milkshake. Inskip Grill, a longtime Knoxville neighborhood favorite, is known for burgers, craft beer and over-the-top milkshakes.

For anyone in North Knoxville or Fountain City, this is a fun spot to cool off with a shake and make it a full meal.

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

For a familiar neighborhood favorite, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream has several area locations, including Cedar Bluff, Emory Road, Rocky Hill and Maryville. The Knoxville-area Bruster’s shops feature handmade ice cream with a variety of flavors and mix-ins.

It is a convenient choice for families, post-ballgame treats or a simple summer evening outing.

Capitol Theatre Coffee & Ice Cream Parlor in Maryville

For a sweet stop in Blount County, Capitol Theatre Coffee & Ice Cream Parlor brings a little nostalgia to downtown Maryville. Tucked next to the historic Capitol Theatre lobby, this local spot offers an old-fashioned ice cream parlor experience with plenty of charm. It is a fun choice for families, date nights or anyone looking to enjoy a cold treat while spending time in downtown Maryville.

Kyle’s Creamery in Lenoir City

If you happen to find yourself in Loudon County, Kyle’s Creamery in Lenoir City offers a nostalgic ice cream parlor feel with classic flavors, fresh waffle cones, sundaes, hand-spun milkshakes, malts and floats.

Located on East Broadway Street, it is a fun stop before or after exploring downtown Lenoir City or spending time near the lake.

La Vaca Gourmet in Dayton

With our most recently opened TN Valley office in Dayton, Tennessee, we knew we’d be remiss if we didn’t include La Vaca Gourmet on our ice cream round-up list! This local Dayton spot offers gourmet ice cream, paletas and handcrafted frozen treats.

It is a great reminder that cold treats come in many forms, from traditional scoops to colorful paletas perfect for a hot summer afternoon.

Custard Cabin in Crossville

For those in Cumberland County, where our Wallace Upper Cumberland Office can be found, Custard Cabin in Crossville is a local stop for frozen custard and summer treats. Located on Peavine Road, it is a convenient option for cooling off while enjoying time on the Cumberland Plateau.

A Sweet Way to Explore East Tennessee

One of the best parts of living in East Tennessee is discovering the local places that give each community its own personality. From downtown soda fountains and family-owned scoop shops to neighborhood milkshakes and frozen custard, there are plenty of ways to make the most of summer close to home.

Whether you are new to the area, exploring a different part of town or simply looking for your next favorite local stop, these sweet destinations are a delicious place to start.

*Hours and seasonal flavors can change, so please check with each individual location before visiting!

And if you are thinking about making a move, remember that choosing a home is about more than square footage. It is also about finding the community, lifestyle and local spots that feel like home.

More Options, Steady Demand and a More Strategic Market

The East Tennessee real estate market continued to show signs of balance in June. While buyers have more options than they did a year ago, homes are still selling, prices are holding steady and well-prepared properties are continuing to move.

June brought slightly fewer new listings than May, which is fairly typical as we move deeper into the summer. However, new listing activity was still higher than it was in June of last year.

That means more sellers are choosing to enter the market, even as buyers become more selective about price, condition and location. For sellers, this is an important reminder: homes still need to be prepared, priced correctly and positioned well in order to stand out.

More inventory means buyers have more choices, and a home cannot rely on limited supply alone to attract attention.

Active listings increased again in June, both compared to May and compared to last year. Across the market, East Tennessee now has more than 10,000 active listings.

For buyers, this is encouraging. More inventory means more opportunities to compare homes, evaluate options and make thoughtful decisions. The pace may feel less rushed than it did in the extremely competitive market of the past few years.

However, this does not mean the market is weak. It simply means the market is becoming more balanced.

Pending sales dipped slightly from May, but they remained ahead of June 2025. That tells us buyer demand is still present.

Buyers may be taking more time, asking more questions and negotiating more carefully, but they are not sitting completely on the sidelines. Well-priced homes in good condition are still attracting serious interest.

One of the strongest signals from June was the increase in closed sales. Closings were up both month over month and year over year, which confirms that transactions are not just being discussed. They are getting to the finish line.

That is good news for both buyers and sellers. There are still active buyers. There are still motivated sellers. And there are still successful transactions happening across East Tennessee.

The difference is that today’s market requires more strategy, preparation and guidance than the faster-paced market of a few years ago.

Even though inventory increased, months of supply actually declined slightly in June, landing around five months.

That is an important detail. It means that while buyers have more choices, homes are still being absorbed at a healthy pace. In other words, buyers have more breathing room, but they are still buying.

The median sales price in June reached approximately $390,000, which was modestly higher than May and ahead of June 2025.

This shows that prices remain resilient across the East Tennessee market. We are not seeing a market where broad price reductions are automatically required. At the same time, sellers should be careful not to overprice and assume the market will catch up.

Today’s pricing strategy should be based on current competing inventory, recent pending activity and comparable sales that take condition, updates and location into account.

Average days on market was higher than it was last year, but the number has improved from earlier in the spring.

For sellers, this means expectations matter. A home may not sell instantly, and that does not necessarily mean something is wrong. We are moving in a more normal market environment where buyers have time to compare options.

However, if a home is not getting showings or receiving feedback early, the market may be signaling that price, condition or presentation needs to be adjusted.

Buyers have more options and a little more room to make thoughtful decisions. Sellers are still seeing strong opportunities, especially when their homes are priced well and presented effectively. Pending sales and closings show that demand remains real, while pricing trends show continued stability.

This is not necessarily an easy market, but it is a healthy one for those who approach it with the right strategy.

Whether you are thinking about buying, selling or simply watching the market, having a clear understanding of today’s conditions can help you make more confident decisions.

**Stats provided with permission from the East Tennessee Realtors Multiple Listing Service. As reported by Claudia Stallings, Wallace Real Estate COO.*

Timeless Lakefront Living on Beautiful Watts Bar Lake

Classic lakefront charm, thoughtful updates, and an exceptional waterfront setting come together at 281 Cottage Drive, a beautifully maintained luxury lake property on Watts Bar Lake. Offered for the first time, this remarkable home is positioned on a large cove just off the main channel, creating a peaceful waterfront setting with quick access to open water.

Set on a picturesque 0.63-acre lot, the property offers a rare combination of privacy, beauty, and easy lake access. The grounds gently extend toward the TVA 750-foot contour line and continue to the shoreline, creating a park-like backdrop that feels both expansive and inviting.

Offering approximately 3,861 square feet of living space, this 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home blends timeless cottage-inspired architecture with generous interiors and quality finishes throughout. A covered front porch, mature landscaping, plantation shutters, and classic design details create a welcoming first impression.

The dramatic great room serves as the heart of the home, with soaring cathedral ceilings, a cozy fireplace, and expansive windows overlooking the backyard and lake. Electronic shades add convenience while allowing the natural beauty of the setting to remain the focal point. The adjoining kitchen features custom cabinetry, quality appliances, generous workspace, and an open layout that connects easily to the breakfast area. A separate formal dining room offers an elegant space for holidays, special gatherings, or memorable evenings at home.

Completed in 2019, the stunning sunroom addition is one of the home’s signature spaces. Surrounded by walls of windows, this light-filled room captures panoramic views of the manicured lawn and the peaceful waters of Watts Bar Lake. Whether enjoying morning coffee, an afternoon read, or a quiet evening with lake views, this space beautifully extends the home’s connection to the outdoors.

The spacious primary suite offers a private retreat, highlighted by a beautifully renovated spa-inspired bath completed in 2019. The bath features an oversized tiled shower, freestanding soaking tub, separate vanities, tile flooring, and elegant finishes that create a calm, elevated atmosphere.

Upstairs, two guest bedrooms, a full bath, and a large bonus room provide additional flexibility. The bonus room could serve as a media room, office, hobby space, or additional guest area, depending on the needs of the next owner.

The lower level expands the home’s versatility with a full second kitchen, recreation room, guest accommodations, abundant storage, and direct access to the backyard and lake. This level is ideal for entertaining, extended stays, or creating separate spaces for relaxation and recreation.

Outdoor living is where 281 Cottage Drive truly shines. The gently sloping grounds lead to the shoreline with unusually easy, level access to the water. The private dock features two covered boat slips, a floating personal watercraft dock, and a spacious lounging deck, creating the perfect setting for boating, swimming, fishing, or simply enjoying lakefront views.

From peaceful mornings in the sunroom to afternoons on Watts Bar Lake and evenings gathered by the water, 281 Cottage Drive offers a rare opportunity to enjoy timeless East Tennessee lakefront living in a beautifully maintained and thoughtfully updated home.

A Custom Revival-Style Residence with Timeless Architectural Drama

Architectural elegance takes center stage in this custom-built residence, where Greek Revival and Classical Revival influences are beautifully blended into a distinctive twentieth-century home designed by architect Doug McKamey. From its grand proportions to its ornate detailing, this property offers a rare sense of character, craftsmanship, and sophistication.

Upon entering the home, the foyer immediately makes a statement. A wrought iron circular stairway serves as a dramatic focal point, surrounded by hand-painted faux marble columns and door facings that frame the stenciled panel doors. The result is a memorable first impression that feels both refined and artful. An elevator provides access to all three levels, adding everyday convenience to the home’s impressive design.

To the right of the foyer, the living room offers an elegant setting anchored by a beautiful fireplace. Two French doors open to a private deck, extending the living space outdoors and creating a lovely area for enjoying fresh air, quiet moments, or entertaining. To the left of the foyer, the dining room provides a graceful space for hosting, with a half bath conveniently located nearby.

The kitchen offers abundant cabinetry along with a breakfast bar and desk area, providing both storage and functionality. Whether preparing meals, organizing the day, or gathering with guests, this space is designed to support the rhythm of everyday living.

The upper level features two large bedrooms and three baths, including two with walk-in showers. One of the bathrooms is designed for wheelchair accessibility, and the elevator access to all three levels adds to the home’s thoughtful long-term livability.

The basement level offers additional flexibility with an office that could also serve as a third bedroom. French doors open to the backyard, where a fenced dog lot adds practical convenience. This level also includes a half bath, laundry area, walk-in closet, and a one-car garage.

With its blend of ornate architectural details, functional living spaces, elevator access, and timeless Revival-inspired design, this one-of-a-kind residence offers a truly distinctive luxury living experience.

Beautifully Updated Traditional Colonial Home in Village Green

Timeless curb appeal, generous living space, and thoughtful updates come together beautifully in this Traditional Colonial home located in Village Green. With 3,540 square feet, this well-appointed residence offers a spacious and functional layout designed to support both everyday living and entertaining.

Upon entering the home, classic style and comfortable design set the tone. The main level features multiple living and gathering spaces, including a formal living room, formal dining room, spacious kitchen, comfortable gathering room, dedicated study or office, laundry room, and abundant storage. The kitchen is equipped with a gas cooktop, adding both function and convenience for those who enjoy cooking and hosting.

The home offers 4 bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom. Three bedrooms are located upstairs, while an additional bedroom is located in the basement, creating flexibility for guests, extended stays, or private living space. A half bathroom on the main level adds everyday convenience.

The basement expands the home’s versatility even further. This additional flex space can serve a variety of needs, including a recreation area, media room, hobby space, guest retreat, or additional lounge area. Whether used for work, relaxation, or entertainment, this level offers valuable square footage that can adapt over time.

Outside, the home is enhanced by beautiful landscaping, night lighting, and a large deck that extends the living space outdoors. The deck provides an inviting setting for outdoor dining, relaxing, or enjoying the surrounding landscape. A 2-car garage adds convenience for parking, storage, and daily routines.

Located in Village Green, the property also offers access to neighborhood amenities and a convenient Farragut location near shopping, restaurants, and everyday services. With its classic architecture, updated interior spaces, ensuite bedrooms, and flexible basement layout, this home offers an exceptional opportunity in a well-established community.

Prime 33.37-Acre Development Opportunity Near I-40, the Great Smoky Mountain Expo Center, and Walters State Community College

Opportunities like this are becoming increasingly rare in East Tennessee. Back on the market for reasons unrelated to the owner or property, this 33.37-acre tract offers a compelling combination of visibility, acreage, infrastructure access, and long-term development potential in White Pine.

Positioned directly across from the Great Smoky Mountain Expo Center and Walters State Community College, this property sits in a high-traffic area with strong surrounding demand drivers. The Expo Center is a regional destination that hosts more than 60 events annually, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the immediate area each year. That built-in activity creates a unique setting for a wide variety of possible commercial, industrial, recreational, or mixed-use concepts.

The location adds even more appeal. With road frontage, direct interstate exposure, and proximity to I-40, the property offers excellent accessibility for businesses, visitors, residents, and future users. It is positioned less than two minutes from I-40, approximately 15 minutes from Morristown, and about 45 minutes from Knoxville, giving it regional reach while still offering the space and flexibility of a large-acreage tract.

For developers and investors, the versatility of this property is one of its strongest features. Potential uses may include industrial or manufacturing facilities, RV park and storage concepts, event-aligned commercial uses, multifamily development, or equestrian and agricultural facilities connected to the ongoing demand generated by the nearby Expo Center. With more than 33 acres available, there is room to envision a project that takes advantage of both the location and the surrounding growth.

Another important advantage is the apparent path forward for rezoning. According to the listing information, the City of White Pine and Jefferson County have already been contacted regarding a potential zoning change and have indicated that this site aligns with area growth plans. The seller is also willing to assist the purchaser throughout the rezoning process, helping create a more informed path for future redevelopment. Any intended use, zoning change, or development plan should be independently verified by the buyer.

Utilities are also within reach. Water, sewer, and power are located at the end of the road and can be brought onto the property, with estimated costs ranging from $200,000 to $350,000 depending on the scope, scale, and intended use of the project. For buyers evaluating long-term upside, that infrastructure access adds meaningful value to the overall opportunity.

The property also offers flexibility in how it could be structured. The house and 32×60 building located toward the rear of the property may potentially be split off, creating additional options for future planning, use, or resale strategy.

With its acreage, accessibility, surrounding activity, and future-use flexibility, this tract presents a strategic opportunity for private or institutional investors seeking a well-positioned property in a growing East Tennessee corridor.

Forever Young Cabin Offers Smoky Mountain Views, Turnkey Comfort, and Rare Bonus Space

With sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains and a long list of desirable features, Forever Young cabin is a standout opportunity in one of East Tennessee’s most sought-after vacation destinations. Fully furnished and ready for continued use, this mountain retreat offers the comfort, convenience, and flexibility buyers often look for in a Smoky Mountain property.

Designed for both relaxation and entertainment, the cabin features inviting outdoor living areas where the mountain views take center stage. Whether enjoying a quiet morning surrounded by the beauty of the Smokies or ending the day in the hot tub, the setting creates a memorable experience from sunrise to sunset.

Inside, the cabin offers plenty of room to gather, unwind, and enjoy time together. A theater room provides a comfortable place for movie nights, while the pool table adds another fun entertainment option. Two spacious primary suites add comfort and privacy, making the layout well-suited for hosting guests or enjoying the property as a personal mountain getaway.

Another major highlight is that Forever Young comes fully furnished and has a strong rental history. For buyers looking for a turnkey investment, the setup is already in place to help make the transition seamless. For those dreaming of a personal retreat in the Smokies, the cabin is equally appealing as a place to relax, recharge, and enjoy the beauty of East Tennessee.

What makes this property especially unique is the large outdoor metal building included with the cabin. This rare bonus space is already equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, opening the door to a variety of possibilities. It could potentially be used for storage, business needs, or future income-producing opportunities, subject to any applicable approvals.

From its mountain views and entertainment features to its turnkey furnishings and additional flexible building, Forever Young cabin offers a rare combination of lifestyle and investment potential in the Smokies.

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