TRUNA is committed to strengthening long-term neighborhood stability by encouraging owner-occupied homes. In this interview, a local real estate professional shares practical insights on how sellers can reach buyers who want to live in the Tar River/University neighborhood while still achieving strong market value.
The Tar River/University Neighborhood Association (TRUNA) is committed to preserving a balanced, stable, and welcoming residential community. One important part of that effort is increasing the number of homes that are owner-occupied, helping ensure long-term neighborhood investment, stronger community connections, and a diverse mix of residents.
To support this goal, TRUNA established the Committee to Increase Owner Occupation, a volunteer-led group that has been meeting and working since 2024. The committee focuses on educating homeowners, engaging real estate professionals, and identifying practical ways to ensure that homes in the neighborhood are visible and accessible to buyers who want to live in the community—not just invest in it.
When homeowners need to sell due to relocation, family circumstances, or other life changes, they are often approached quickly by real estate investors and may assume that selling to a landlord is the only way to achieve a strong sale price. In reality, the Tar River/University neighborhood remains highly desirable to families and owner-occupants. To better understand how sellers can reach these buyers and achieve competitive outcomes, the committee sat down with local real estate professional Katie Holloman of Haystack Realty for an in-depth conversation. The full interview appears below.
Sellers in the TRUNA area who may want to sell to a family often believe that the only way they can get the best price for their home is by selling to a real estate investor. How do you respond to that seller?
I completely understand where that belief comes from, investors are often quick to make offers and speak confidently about pricing. But the truth is, when a home is thoughtfully prepared and marketed well, it can absolutely sell to an owner-occupant for equal or even greater value. In fact, the homes I've sold recently in the TRUNA area all went to buyers who fell in love with the home and we were able to sell for well above market value with multiple offers. The key is exposure. Investors are typically trying to buy off-market so they can get a deal before the home hits the broader market. But when you work with an agent who understands the neighborhood, your goals, and the value of your property, you can reach a wide pool of qualified buyers who see your home not just as an investment, but as their future. And those buyers are often willing to pay more because they truly value what the home offers.
What is the best way for a seller to have their home be seen by as many realtors as possible?
Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the gold standard for reaching agents across the region. It syndicates your listing to all the major platforms: Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, etc. But, just listing a home isn't enough. We also invest in high-end marketing: professional photography, creative descriptions, beautiful signage, and strategic social media placement. I personally reach out to agents who may have buyers for that style of home or neighborhood and leverage local networks to build buzz. The more eyes we can get on a home, especially early on, the stronger the momentum, which often leads to multiple offers and a better outcome for the seller.
When choosing a listing agent, how can a seller be sure that the agent will focus primarily on finding an owner who will occupy the home?
This really comes down to open communication and shared values. I always start by asking my clients what matters most to them—whether it's price, timing, or who ends up in the home. If a seller expresses a preference for selling to a future owner-occupant, we tailor our strategy accordingly. That might include how we position the property, who we market it to, and how we manage offers. It's also okay to ask a potential agent about their past sales, their buyer network, and their approach. A good agent will welcome those questions and show you a thoughtful plan aligned with your goals.
How can we mitigate the trend towards student overpopulation in the TRUNA area?
This is a layered issue, but one part of the solution is educating homeowners about their options. Many sellers don't realize they can sell at strong prices to families or professionals; they just get approached by investors and assume that's the best route. By increasing awareness, encouraging community-minded selling, and continuing to advocate for zoning that balances student housing with long-term residency, we can help preserve the character and diversity of the neighborhood. It's also important that buyers and agents share a vision for the area, not just as an investment opportunity, but as a place to live, connect, and grow roots.
How can we get other realtors to work with us to increase owner occupation in TRUNA?
Most agents want what's best for their clients, and many also care deeply about their communities. I've found that when you start with relationship building and shared purpose, collaboration follows. Hosting informal agent tours, sharing insights about the neighborhood, and even creating a list of interested owner-occupant buyers can go a long way. If we keep highlighting success stories, like homes that sold well to families or professionals, other agents will see that prioritizing owner-occupants doesn't mean compromising on price. In fact, it often means the opposite.
How would you market a home to attract a potential family buyer as opposed to an investor?
First and foremost, it's about letting families and owner-occupant buyers know the home is available. A lot of people would love to live in the TRUNA area, but opportunities to buy there can be rare, and off-market investor sales often mean those families never even get the chance. That's why the first step is making sure the home hits the open market and is marketed thoughtfully. From there, we focus on the story, highlighting the lifestyle, the charm of the house, the walkability to parks and downtown, the beauty of historic details, and the overall sense of community. We help people envision a future in the home, not just a return on it. Our marketing includes targeted digital ads, direct outreach to buyer agents who work with families, and open houses that feel welcoming and informative. It's about creating a connection and showing what makes this house, and this neighborhood special. That resonates with the right kind of buyer and often leads to a stronger, more meaningful sale.
Do realtors in Greenville have established relationships with investors?
Some do, yes. Just like in any market, there are agents who specialize in working with investors or have built long-term relationships through repeat business. In full transparency, some agents are investors themselves. But every seller deserves an agent who prioritizes their best interest. I'm personally committed to honoring that trust, whether its helping a seller get top dollar, ensuring their home goes to someone who will love and care for it, or simply giving them honest guidance.
By Jon Wacker
