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RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE IN KNOXVILLE, TENNESSSEE 

A Real Estate Process

that Actually Feels Good.

Schedule a Coffee Chat
A smiling couple sitting on the porch steps with two dogs, one Golden Retriever and one black dog, in front of a house with a wooden door and potted plants.

HEATHER ACKERMANN

MEET HEATHER

I've lived in West Knox County for over 20 years, and I can't imagine calling anywhere else home. I've raised my two daughters here, built a life here, and fallen in love with everything this community has to offer — from the Farragut Greenway (where I run with my two dogs most mornings) to the Appalachian Trail, where my family escapes on weekends.

Real estate wasn't my first career, but it's always been in my blood. I spent 25 years in sales, most of it in the home accessories industry, and before that, I studied interior design. I've always loved creating spaces that make people happy, and now I get to do that by helping clients find the right home.

By my side is my husband Andy, my partner in life and business for 27 years this April. With eight years in real estate and construction, Andy brings an invaluable perspective for clients who want to truly understand a home, not just see it. When he's not helping clients, he works as a Trade Sales Rep with Pella Windows and Doors — and every fall Friday night, you'll find him on a football field somewhere in East Tennessee as a TSSAA high school football official.

Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, or relocating to Knoxville, I'll treat your investment like it's my own. The greatest compliment I can receive is a referral from a satisfied client.

7

YEARS IN BUSINESS

PROVEN SUCCESS IN THE KNOXVILLE MARKET

2023

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40+

EXECUTIVE AWARD

HOMES SOLD

Let’s find your home!

 

HOW I WORK WITH YOU

VISION AUDIT

I. GETTING STARTED

We start by getting clear on your budget and style. I'll help you define what you truly need in a home so we're not wasting time on properties that won't work. I make sure we're searching for homes that match your vision, not just your price range.

CURATED SEARCH

II. THE SEARCH

I don't flood your inbox with every listing that hits the MLS. Instead, I actively search for properties that fit your criteria, using my market knowledge to filter out the noise. I send you only the homes worth seeing.

III. CLOSING

CONFIDENCE CLOSE

I handle the negotiations, coordinate with lenders and inspectors, and keep you informed every step of the way. By the time you get to closing, there are little to no surprises. Just keys to your new home and confidence that you made the right decision.

RECENTLY SOLD

A two-story house with a combination of brick and wood siding facade, a green lawn, trees, and a concrete driveway leading to a two-car garage. There are shrubs and flowers in front, and a ball hoop on the right side of the driveway. The sky is blue with a few clouds.
12974 PINE MEADOWS LANE
A modern two-story house with dark gray siding, a white garage door, and a small front porch with a white bench and houseplants. The house is surrounded by a green lawn, small trees, and other similar houses in the background, with a clear blue sky overhead.
3256 DENVER LANE
Front view of a two-story house with a beige exterior, gray shutters, a dark blue front door, a two-car garage, and a well-maintained lawn with shrubs and trees.
1616 DUNRAVEN DRIVE

  • FOR BUYERS

    Curated Home Search I don't send you every listing that hits the MLS. I actively search for homes that match your criteria and send you only the ones worth seeing.

    Design Insight With my interior design background, I help you see beyond the surface. I can spot deal-breaking floor plans, visualize renovation potential, and guide you toward smart investments.

    Market Knowledge I know the Knoxville and Farragut markets inside and out. I'll help you understand what homes are worth, which neighborhoods fit your lifestyle, and when to move quickly.

    Constant Communication From your first search to closing day, you'll always know where we stand. No surprises, no guesswork.

    Expert Negotiation I advocate for your best interests at every turn, ensuring you get the right home at the right price.

  • FOR SELLERS

    Strategic Pricing I use market data and local expertise to price your home competitively so it sells quickly without leaving money on the table.

    Professional Marketing From professional photography to targeted online listings, I make sure your home gets in front of the right buyers.

    Presentation Guidance With my interior design background, I help you prepare your home to make the best first impression and attract serious buyers.

    Constant Communication I keep you updated on showings, feedback, and offers so you're never in the dark about where things stand.

    Smooth Closing I coordinate with buyers, lenders, and inspectors to ensure the process moves forward with zero surprises.

MY FAVORITES AROUND TOWN

After 20 years in West Knox County, I know the best spots. Here's where you'll find me when I'm not helping clients.

An empty restaurant with modern decor, hanging pendant lights, large windows with sheer curtains, and a few patrons at the bar.
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A badge with a scalloped edge featuring the text "YOU'VE GOT TO TRY THESE SPOTS!" in green on a light pink background.
Two dogs sitting on a wooden deck in front of an orange outdoor sofa. Behind them is a sign that reads 'Welcome to Wagbar.' The setting appears to be an outdoor pet-friendly establishment.

  • Heather's perfect Saturday starts with a coffee at Empty Cup and ends with a long walk through Sequoyah Hills. Simple, slow, and exactly what a weekend morning should feel like.

  • When the pups are coming along, Heather has plenty of great options around Knoxville. Wag Bar is exactly what it sounds like — a bar built with dogs in mind, where four-legged guests are just as welcome as the humans. Abridged, with two locations across the city, is another go-to for a laid-back drink without leaving the dogs at home. And then there's Crafty Bastards, a local favorite with three locations, so there's almost always one nearby no matter where the day takes her. Knoxville takes their dog friendly scene very seriously, and these three spots prove it.

  • When it's time for a proper night out, Heather's go-to's are Amalfi and Earl's — two of Knoxville's best spots for a great meal and an even better atmosphere. Whether it's a special occasion or just a good excuse to get dressed up, these two never disappoint.

  • Heather is a firm believer in skipping the big box stores and shopping local whenever possible. Bradley's, Finch Table and Home, and Fig & Co. are her go-to spots in Knoxville — the kind of places where you always find something unique, whether it's a gift for someone else or a little something for yourself. And when she makes the drive out to Maryville, Dandylions is always on the list — a charming shop that's well worth the trip. If you're looking for great finds and want to support local businesses at the same time, these four are a great place to start.

Group of five people standing together indoors, smiling, in front of a wall with a sign that reads 'Sterling & Wilson'. Two women are on the left and right edges, and in the middle are a woman with glasses and blonde hair, a man with a cap, and a woman with glasses and blonde hair. The woman in the middle is holding a sign that says 'Just Closed with Sterling & Wilson'.
A group of five smiling people, including two toddlers, standing in front of a large poster of a scenic city view at sunset. One person is holding a sign that says 'Sold!' with a red heart.

“Heather and Andy made buying our first home such a pleasant experience! These two truly had our best interests at heart and made the whole process feel effortless. They were timely, kind, and shared so much knowledge and wisdom with us. Can't recommend them enough!”

— Lizzie B.

“I have worked with Heather and Andy several times. They are kind, trustworthy, and very hard workers! Such a great team to work with and highly recommend them to anyone looking to buy or sell. They are fantastic at what they do and will walk you through every step of the process.”

— Madison R.

“I can not say enough about the personal service I received from Heather and Andy. Moving from out of state with questions on exactly what I wanted, they were extremely patient and relentless in their pursuit of finding me the right home. Their knowledge of the market and professionalism are unmatched. You won’t find a better team to help you buy/sell your next home!!!!!”

— Ryan P.
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Let's Start the Conversation

Coffee, a phone call, or a quick email. I'm here to help.

O: (865) 588-3232 || C: (404) 216- 3561

Your Questions Answered:

  • The first step is getting pre-approved with a lender. I work with trusted local lenders who can walk you through your budget, explain your financing options, and give you a clear picture of what you can comfortably afford. Once we know your numbers, we can focus on finding homes that fit your budget and your lifestyle.

  • Start with decluttering and deep cleaning. Buyers need to envision themselves in the space, so remove personal items and excess furniture. With my design background, I can walk through your home and give you specific recommendations on what to update, what to remove, and how to present your property in a way that attracts serious buyers.

  • Yes. In this market, sellers want to know you're a serious buyer who can close. Getting pre-approved shows you're ready to move, and it helps us narrow your search to homes within your budget. It also gives you confidence when you find the right property and need to act quickly.

  • I specialize in West Knox County, including Farragut, Hardin Valley, Turkey Creek, and surrounding areas. I've lived here for over 20 years, so I know the neighborhoods, schools, and market trends. If you're looking outside this area, I'm happy to refer you to a trusted agent who specializes in that market.

  • This is common, and we have options. We can list your home first and negotiate a longer closing period or rent-back agreement to give you time to find your next property. Or, if you've found your dream home and need to move quickly, we can explore contingent offers. Every situation is different, so I'll walk you through the pros and cons of each approach and help you make the best decision for your timeline and finances.

  • An inspection almost always uncovers something. The key is knowing what matters and what doesn't. I'll help you understand which issues are deal breakers, which ones can be negotiated with the seller, and which are minor fixes you can handle after closing. My goal is to make sure you're making an informed decision and not walking into expensive surprises down the road.