Melody Wagstaff
REALTOR®, MRP, ePro, C2EX, RENE, PSA
Realty Executives Associates
In East Tennessee real estate, trust matters as much as results. One local professional who has known REALTOR® Melody Wagstaff for more than two decades shared how Melody’s responsiveness and professionalism make her stand out.
Over the years, Melody has built a reputation not only for her market expertise but also for how she treats people. Clients and colleagues alike describe her as knowledgeable, informative, and quick to respond. That consistent communication creates calm during moments that often feel uncertain in a real estate transaction.
Melody believes that real estate is about more than listings and contracts. It is about service. She takes great pride in her work and treats every question, showing, and negotiation with honesty and care. Her upbeat personality helps clients feel seen and supported while navigating important financial decisions.
For many East Tennessee homeowners, finding a trustworthy guide can make all the difference. Melody’s blend of professionalism and personal warmth ensures that her clients feel valued and informed from start to finish.
Thinking about buying or selling in Knoxville or across East Tennessee? Connect with REALTOR® Melody Wagstaff today to experience a real estate process built on communication, trust, and local expertise.
Fall in East Tennessee is a season unlike any other. As the leaves turn golden and crimson, the hills and valleys burst into color, creating a landscape that feels almost magical. Local REALTOR® Melody Wagstaff with Realty Executives Main Street loves this time of year and often greets friends and clients with her cheerful, “It’s fall, y’all!”
To celebrate the season, Melody shared her top picks for East Tennessee’s most charming small towns, each offering its own blend of history, community, and breathtaking scenery.
Nestled at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a must-visit destination year-round, but fall brings out its true beauty. Visitors can stroll along the town’s bustling main street, enjoy local shops and restaurants, and soak in views of fiery autumn colors from every angle.
When winter approaches, Gatlinburg also becomes one of the region’s closest spots for skiing, making it a year-round favorite for locals and travelers alike.
Just next door lies Pigeon Forge, home to Dollywood and many family-friendly attractions. During autumn, the surrounding mountains provide a vivid backdrop for everything from amusement park adventures to cozy evenings at local cabins.
It’s a perfect spot for families who want to experience both the charm of the Smokies and the excitement of East Tennessee’s most popular entertainment town.
Located on the shores of Douglas Lake, Dandridge combines small-town charm with rich history. As one of Tennessee’s oldest towns, it offers a scenic blend of historic architecture, rolling hills, and tranquil lake views.
In fall, the reflections of colorful leaves dancing on the lake make Dandridge a photographer’s dream and a peaceful weekend escape for those exploring just north of Knoxville.
Sitting at the meeting point of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Tellico Plains is a gateway to nature. The town is famous for its access to the Cherohala Skyway, a nationally recognized scenic byway that is especially stunning during the fall.
Whether you’re hiking, driving, or staying at a cozy Airbnb, Tellico Plains delivers unmatched mountain beauty and a quiet, restorative atmosphere.
Known as “the peaceful side of the Smokies,” Townsend offers a calm alternative to its busier neighbors. With fewer crowds, locally owned restaurants, and small-town festivals, it’s the perfect destination for those seeking serenity amid fall splendor.
This part of Sevier County shines with charm and authenticity, giving visitors the chance to truly slow down and enjoy the beauty of the season.
Last is Rugby, a historic Victorian village originally founded as a Utopian community. Located on the Cumberland Plateau, Rugby offers a unique blend of culture, architecture, and history surrounded by brilliant fall foliage.
Exploring Rugby feels like stepping back in time with its charming buildings, welcoming locals, and seasonal festivals that celebrate the region’s past.
These small towns don’t just offer beautiful views. They tell the story of East Tennessee’s history, people, and spirit. Each destination is an invitation to slow down, explore, and connect with the region’s culture.
As Melody Wagstaff often reminds her clients and followers, “Every season in East Tennessee has its own charm, but fall is when nature truly shows off.”
In September 2025, the median sales price for single-family homes reached $380,000, a 3 percent increase compared to September 2024. Closed sales rose to 1,680....up 7.4 percent from a year earlier. New listings climbed to 2,414 (up 3 percent), and pending listings increased to 1,694 (up 14 percent). Meanwhile, the median days on market extended to 31 days, compared with 20 days last September.
This data paints a picture of balance. Prices remain stable, listings are increasing, and buyers have slightly more time to make decisions. Sellers are confident enough to list, while buyers benefit from a bit more breathing room. It’s a healthy rhythm.....not a slowdown, but a steadier pace that reflects long-term market strength in East Tennessee.
The upward movement in sales volume and prices is encouraging. Sellers who price strategically and present their homes well are still finding strong results. Slightly longer market times simply mean buyers are taking a closer look before making decisions.....and thoughtful presentation continues to matter.
Buyers can take advantage of increased inventory and more balanced conditions. Even with moderate price growth, more listings mean more options. Partnering with a local expert who understands micro-trends within McMinn, Monroe, Loudon, Blount, and Knox counties can make the difference between finding a home and missing out on one.
Melody combines over 20 years of experience as an educator with deep East Tennessee roots. Her background in communication, organization, and negotiation helps clients navigate every step with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re buying, selling, or relocating, Melody treats your real estate journey like it’s her own.
When Sharon P. decided to sell her Athens, Tennessee home, she faced an unpredictable market. Inventory was shifting, interest rates were in flux, and timing mattered more than ever. Sharon needed more than a listing....she needed a strategy.
That’s where REALTOR® Melody Wagstaff stepped in.
Melody designed a marketing plan customized to Sharon’s home and local buyer trends. From strategic pricing to online exposure across multiple platforms, every detail aimed to attract qualified buyers and create confidence in the process.
“Melody was on top of her marketing techniques,” Sharon shared. “Anytime I reached out she was quick to respond and provided educated answers to my questions.”
Even in what Sharon called an “interesting market,” consistent communication and creative marketing made all the difference. The result? A successful sale.....and a smooth transition for Sharon’s next chapter.
Selling in today’s East Tennessee market takes more than luck. It takes expertise, timing, and a partner who truly listens.
Thinking about selling your home in Athens or anywhere in East Tennessee? Let’s start with a personalized strategy session today.
As October fills the hills of East Tennessee with fiery reds and golden yellows, Melody Wagstaff, REALTOR® with Realty Executives Main Street, takes a moment to celebrate the beauty of the season and her favorite title, Santa’s Favorite REALTOR®. With the holidays right around the corner, Melody reminds everyone that if your wish list includes a new home, she is ready to help make that dream come true.
Today, she is taking a break from open houses to talk about one of her favorite East Tennessee pastimes, exploring the mountains. Even if you are not an avid hiker, these scenic trails offer some of the best places to experience the incredible fall colors that make our region so special.
Located in Gatlinburg, Alum Cave Trail winds through a tunnel of brilliant foliage before opening up to sweeping Smoky Mountain views. It is a favorite among locals who want a rewarding yet manageable hike surrounded by vibrant autumn beauty.
Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The panoramic views from the observation tower are breathtaking, especially when the valleys below are painted in every shade of fall color.
This short, scenic trail leads hikers through open meadows framed by trees glowing in orange and gold. The views from Andrews Bald are especially beautiful in the crisp fall air.
If you prefer a gentler stroll, Laurel Falls Trail is paved and easy to navigate. It leads to one of the park’s most photographed waterfalls, surrounded by dazzling fall foliage, which makes it perfect for family photos.
Cades Cove is a must-see for every East Tennessean, and Abrams Falls Trail adds a touch of adventure to the visit. The moderate hike leads to a stunning waterfall framed by fall color, offering one of the most memorable spots in Townsend.
Mount LeConte is a local legend among experienced hikers. The climb is challenging, yet the view from Myrtle Point is unforgettable, especially in October when the Smokies are wrapped in color.
Known for its blooming azaleas in spring, Gregory Bald shines just as brightly in fall. The trail offers wide-open views filled with orange, red, and amber tones that stretch across the mountains.
Ramsey Cascades features the tallest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The hike is strenuous, but the reward is a powerful cascade surrounded by hardwood trees glowing in fall color.
This easy trail winds through a peaceful forest and past remnants of old homesteads. The variety of trees makes it a colorful and educational experience, perfect for families or beginner hikers.
Rainbow Falls gets its name from the mist that creates rainbow hues in the sunlight. The hike leads to a magnificent waterfall surrounded by vibrant foliage, creating a truly magical autumn experience.
Before setting out on any of these trails, always check the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website for weather updates or road closures. Conditions can change quickly in the higher elevations. Melody also encourages hikers to follow the Leave No Trace principle, packing out everything you bring in so these trails remain as beautiful for others as they are today.
East Tennessee offers some of the most breathtaking fall scenery in the country. Whether you are exploring the trails or simply admiring the colors from your backyard, this season is a reminder of why so many people fall in love with life in the Smokies. If your fall adventure includes finding a new home, Santa’s Favorite REALTOR®, Melody Wagstaff, is here to help you make that wish come true.
