Creative Solutions for Homebuyers
Feeling overwhelmed by high home prices, interest rates, or that nagging sense that we’re “just not ready” to buy a home yet?
You’re not alone.
According to the 2025 NextGen Homebuyer Report, nearly 60% of Gen Z and Millennial buyers believe homeownership is attainable—but only 19% think now is a good time to buy.
So what are buyers doing instead?
They’re getting creative.
Here are four of the most popular alternative buying strategies young buyers are using to make homeownership happen in 2025—and how to know if one might be right for us.
1. Buying a Fixer-Upper
Used by: 42% of buyers surveyed
Good for: Handy buyers who want more space for less money
Not great for: Those who need move-in-ready or have limited renovation budgets
Buying a home that needs some love can be one of the smartest ways to get into a neighborhood we otherwise couldn’t afford. In many markets, fixer-uppers sell for 10–30% below comparable move-in-ready homes.
Pros:
Lower upfront cost
Opportunity to build equity fast
Potential for customization
Cons:
Renovation costs can add up quickly
May require permits, inspections, and time
Harder to finance with certain loan types
If buying a fixer-upper sounds appealing, it’s worth talking to our agent about renovation loan options like the FHA 203(k), which rolls improvement costs into our mortgage.
2. Co-Buying With Friends or Family
Considered by: 21% overall, but 32% of Gen Z
Good for: Buyers with trusted partners who want to pool resources
Not great for: Those with unclear agreements or mismatched financial goals
More and more buyers—especially Gen Z—are teaming up with siblings, friends, or partners to make homeownership possible. If done right, it can cut our expenses in half and double our buying power.
Pros:
Shared down payment and monthly costs
Larger budget for a better home or location
Built-in support system
Cons:
Requires clear legal agreements
Disagreements can affect finances and relationships
Resale or exit strategy needs to be defined upfront
If we’re thinking about co-buying, a co-ownership agreement is a must. A real estate attorney can help clarify responsibilities, equity splits, and what happens if someone wants out.
3. House Hacking (aka Renting Out Part of the Home)
Used by: Nearly 1 in 5 buyers (18.6%)
Good for: Buyers open to becoming landlords or sharing space
Not great for: Those who value privacy or want a single-use home
House hacking means buying a home with rental income potential—like a duplex, ADU, or basement apartment we can rent out short- or long-term. The goal is to offset part (or all) of our monthly mortgage.
Pros:
Generates passive income
Helps cover monthly costs
Turns our home into an investment
Cons:
Zoning and local laws may limit rentals
May involve sharing space or managing tenants
Requires extra insurance and planning
Before banking on rental income, be sure to check city and county regulations. Some areas require permits or restrict short-term rentals.
4. Relocating to a More Affordable Area
Considered by: 47% of buyers surveyed
Good for: Remote workers, flexible buyers, or those priced out of current markets
Not great for: Buyers tied to a specific job, school, or community
Remote work has opened the door for many of us to explore new places—and stretch our homebuying dollars further. Nearly half of young buyers are considering relocating to more affordable areas.
Pros:
More square footage for the same budget
Lower taxes and cost of living
Greater potential for long-term equity
Cons:
May require job changes or longer commutes
Slower appreciation or fewer amenities in some areas
Harder to tour homes in person
An experienced agent can point us to hidden-gem neighborhoods just outside the “hot zones” with better value and strong upside.
Final Thoughts: Be Creative—but Be Informed
In 2025, there’s no one-size-fits-all path to homeownership. The good news? We’ve got options.
Whether we’re considering teaming up with a friend, taking on a fixer, or making a move out of state, it’s all about finding the strategy that fits our life—and our budget.
Let’s talk through what’s possible and make a plan that gets us closer to the keys.
Helping Your Kid Buy in Nashville? Here’s How to Do It Right
So your kid wants to buy a house in Nashville. And you’re thinking of helping out.
You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not crazy. But real talk: if you don’t do it right, what starts as a gift can turn into a tax nightmare, family tension, or a mess in probate court. According to a Redfin survey, almost a quarter of Gen Z and Millennial buyers recently used family money to make it happen, either as a cash gift or inheritance.
First-time buyers today are up against a beast of a market. Nashville home prices are still climbing, and interest rates are no friend. The average down payment in 2024? $63,000. Mortgage payments are at near-record highs. It’s no surprise nearly 1 in 4 Gen Z and Millennial buyers are using family money—whether that’s a gift, inheritance, or a loan from the Bank of Mom and Dad.
And while “nepo-homebuyer” might get tossed around, we’d argue helping your kid get a foothold in Nashville real estate isn’t nepotism—it’s financial strategy. The key? Doing it smart, and doing it with a plan.
Because we’ve seen how even generous, well-intended help can go sideways. Surprise tax bills. Family fallouts. And properties tied up for months because someone forgot to call the estate attorney.
Let’s not let that be your story.
Here are 3 smart ways to help your kid buy a home in Nashville—plus 3 common mistakes that’ll come back to bite.
✅ 3 Smart Ways to Help Your Kid Buy a Home
1. Gift Cash (The Right Way)
Simple. Clean. Flexible. Gifting money is the most straightforward path, if you follow the rules.
In 2025, you can give up to $19,000 per person (or $38,000 as a couple) without any IRS paperwork. Give more, and it just eats into your lifetime exemption—currently set at $13.99M. No taxes owed unless you go over that number.
If your kid’s getting a mortgage, you’ll just write a quick gift letter saying the money’s a gift, not a loan. Done right, this is a clean win for everyone.
2. Be the Bank (But Get It in Writing)
Want your kid to have some skin in the game? Consider setting up a family loan. You’re the lender. They make payments. And everyone learns something.
Even better: you can forgive part of the loan each year using that $19K annual gift limit—basically combining a loan with a smart tax strategy.
Just don’t wing it. The IRS wants formal terms, a repayment schedule, and an interest rate that matches federal guidelines. Get an estate planner or CPA to draft a proper promissory note. Trust us, it’s worth it.
3. Set Up a Trust (No, You Don’t Need a Billion Dollars)
If you’re gifting a full property—or want to protect it from future drama (divorce, creditors, siblings arguing over the beach house)—a trust is your friend.
You’ve got two main types:
Revocable trust: Easy to change. Great for passing property after your death without probate.
Irrevocable trust: More locked in, but offers better protection, estate tax benefits, and can let your kid use the property while you’re still living.
Bonus: trusts make co-ownership and income-sharing a lot easier (and way less stressful) down the road.
❌ 3 Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Putting Your Kid on the Deed
Sounds easy. Just add their name, right? Nope. Huge mistake.
You give up control. You create tax headaches. And you open the door to problems if your kid gets divorced or sued.
Plus, when they sell later, they’re taxed on your original cost, not today’s market value. That can mean a big capital gains tax bill.
2. Leaving the Property in a Will—and Only a Will
Yes, a will technically works. But it guarantees probate—a slow, public, expensive process. Wills also don’t protect from taxes, creditors, or family conflict.
A trust handles all of that. If real estate is involved, skip the will-only route and set up a smarter plan.
3. Selling the Home for $1
We’ve all heard it: “Just sell it to them for a dollar!” Cute idea. Terrible move.
The IRS still treats it like a gift, and your kid inherits your original cost basis—aka more capital gains taxes later. No protections. No clarity. Just confusion and potential IRS drama.
There are better ways.
Final Thoughts
Helping your kid buy real estate in Nashville isn’t about spoiling them—it’s about giving them a shot at stability in a wildly competitive market.
If you’ve got the means to help, that help matters.
But doing it right turns generosity into a long-term strategy.
Want to talk through your options? We’re happy to connect you with local estate attorneys, lenders, and CPAs who specialize in this. Nashville Loves You is here to make the process clear—and help your gift actually feel like a gift (not a future burden).
Because the last thing you want is to give your kid a house… and accidentally hand them a legal mess, too.
Understanding Pricing Strategy
If your home didn’t sell the first time, or you’re thinking about listing soon, there’s one question that can make or break your entire experience:
How the heck do you price your home?
Not “what’s it worth” on Zillow. Not “what you need to net” to buy your next home. Not even “what the neighbor’s house sold for.”
We’re talking about a real pricing strategy, one based on data, buyer behavior, and your goals.
Unfortunately, a lot of agents don’t have one. Instead, they lean into the number you want to hear, list the property, and hope for the best. But hope isn’t a strategy (unfortunately). And it’s showing in the data.
A Rise in Delistings
According to Realtor.com, delistings surged 47% in May compared to last year. That means homeowners across the country are pulling their homes off the market in total frustration, many of them after weeks of no showings, no offers, or disappointing (and emotionally draining) price reductions.
Even with inventory on the rise and more buyers getting off the sidelines, sellers are finding themselves stuck with outdated price expectations, while the market has already moved on.
If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll just wait for the right buyer,” or “Maybe I should try again next season,” you’re not alone.
But before you list (or relist) your home, there’s one thing you need to understand:
You need a plan.
And that plan starts with understanding the three pricing strategies every seller should know.
1. Aspirational Pricing - A Wing & A Prayer
This strategy is exactly what it sounds like: pricing high and hoping the right buyer comes along. It’s a bold move that only works in certain conditions, usually when there are no solid comparable sales (comps) or demand is red-hot.
When it might make sense:
You’re in a one-of-a-kind property with no true comps
You’re not in a rush to sell
You’re testing the market with a Plan B in place
Here’s the risk:
Aspirational pricing without a strong marketing strategy can backfire. It shrinks your buyer pool and can lead to more days on market and price reductions.If you have to do a series of price drops or have to pull and re-list, buyers often wonder what’s wrong with your home. Not a good look.
2. Comp-Based Pricing
This is the most common strategy. It’s based on recent sales of similar homes, also known as comps. These are also what an appraiser would use to determine value. It protects you from overpricing and helps your home show up in buyer searches where it matters most.
When it makes sense:
You’re in a neighborhood with recent, relevant sales
You want to attract serious buyers quickly
You’re motivated to sell within a specific timeline
What most sellers don’t realize:
There’s still room for flexibility. In fact, smart agents break comp-based pricing into sub-strategies:
High side of comps: Maximize value if demand is strong
Mid-range comps: Balance visibility and price
Low side of comps: Win attention in a crowded market
3. Event-Like Pricing
This strategy is designed to create urgency and drive competition by pricing just below comps, almost like a flash sale for real estate. The goal is to attract as many buyers as possible, fast.
When it makes sense:
You’re listing in a hot market season (like spring)
You want to sell quickly or spark a bidding war
You’re targeting first-time buyers or investors
Why it works:
Buyers are drawn to deals. And when they see value, they act. Homes priced with this strategy often generate more tours, more offers, and ultimately, a stronger negotiation position.
Don’t List Without a Plan
A pricing strategy isn’t just a number. It’s a plan.
It should be paired with:
A marketing strategy (not just photos and MLS)
A timeline strategy (based on your move-out goals)
A Plan B (in case the market shifts or your plans change)
The best decisions come from having all the right information upfront. If you're thinking about selling, make sure your strategy is built around your goals, not guesses.
Thinking about selling or re-listing your home? We’re here to help.
5 Home Seller Myths That Could Cost You Thousands
So, you’re thinking about selling your house.
Naturally, the first question is: What’s it worth? But here’s the better one: What will it actually sell for? Because the truth is, your final sale price isn’t just about square footage or neighborhood comps—it’s about the choices you make before the listing ever goes live. And according to some fresh data from Zillow, a lot of folks are still getting the basics wrong.
Let’s bust a few myths, shall we?
Myth #1: Bigger Renovations = Bigger Payday
23% of sellers think adding square footage is the golden ticket. Spoiler: it’s not. Instead of dropping $100K on an addition, focus on the stuff buyers really notice—like fresh paint, updated landscaping, and lighting that doesn’t scream 1997.
Small changes = big impact (and less dust).
Myth #2: Curb Appeal Is Everything
We love a tidy lawn as much as the next person—but in 2025, your front yard isn’t the star of the show. Buyers are falling in love with homes online—meaning your photos, videos, and virtual tours have to shine.
Still thinking curb appeal closes deals? 40% of sellers agree... and they're wrong. Pixel appeal is the new curb appeal.
Myth #3: Any Agent Will Do
One in four sellers don’t check reviews or compare agents. That’s like hiring a babysitter because they "seem nice." (We know. You would never.) You deserve a pro who knows your market, has a strategy, and can tactfully tell you to remove the leopard-print curtains before photos. Interview a few. Ask questions. Your agent can make or break the whole thing.
Myth #4: Everyone Wants an Open Floor Plan
Open layouts were the dream—until everyone started working from home and realized walls have a purpose. Today’s buyers are craving natural materials and custom details. Think: white oak floors, walnut cabinets, soapstone counters.
Only 9% of sellers realize features like these can boost your sale price by up to 3.5%. Your listing should highlight the right things—and your agent should know what those are.
Myth #5: What They Don’t Know Won’t Hurt Them
More than half of homeowners admit they’d hide known issues. Yikes. Not only is that illegal in most cases—it’s the fastest way to kill a deal and lose buyer trust.
Disclose what you know. Let your agent help you price accordingly. Honesty isn’t just ethical—it’s strategic.
Final Thoughts
Selling your home doesn’t have to be a guessing game. A little prep, smart strategy, and a great agent (hello!) go a long way.
Whether you’re weeks from listing or just starting to think about it, we’d love to help you avoid the myths—and sell with confidence.
Barbara Corcoran Says Uncertain Markets Are the Best Time to Buy a Home–Here’s Why
Mortgage rates are still high. Prices keep climbing. And the Fed isn’t exactly handing out discounts. If you're feeling hesitant about buying a home right now, you're not alone.
But according to Barbara Corcoran, the real estate mogul who turned $1,000 into a multimillion-dollar business, this kind of market is exactly when savvy buyers make their move.
In a recent interview with Realtor.com®, Corcoran laid it out clearly: when uncertainty creeps in, most people hit pause. But for those ready to act, that’s when the best opportunities show up.
““When things are uncertain, buyers hesitate before committing to a new home—they might be worried about the stock market, politics, or interest rates, but when they worry, they hesitate to move. That makes uncertain markets the best time to buy!” ”
In other words, while other buyers wait for “perfect,” smart buyers make moves.
So what exactly does that look like in actual reality? Here are three key signs that, according to Corcoran, mean it might be time to stop waiting and start shopping.
1. You Can Buy Below Market Value
Everyone loves a good deal. But when it comes to real estate, the best deals often appear when others aren’t looking. That’s because it’s your best chance to buy a home below market value.
As Corcoran puts it:
“Anything bought below market will prove a good investment, and you’ll make money on it when you sell it later.”
Right now, that opportunity is growing in some markets. According to Realtor.com's April 2025 Housing Report:
Inventory is up 30.6% year over year—the highest level since the pandemic.
Pending sales are down 3.2%, which means more listings are sitting unsold.
More sellers are dropping prices or becoming open to negotiation.
Translation? There are more homes to choose from, and many sellers are getting more flexible. That means buyers have more power to negotiate, whether it’s on price, repairs, or closing terms.
This isn’t about “timing the bottom” of the market. It’s about recognizing when the market tips in your favor, and being ready to take action when it does.
2. Sellers Are Coming Back to the Table
In hot markets, sellers often have their pick of buyers and can afford to play hardball. But now that dynamic is starting to shift.
“I’m happy to report that sellers who turned me away four months ago are calling me back,” Corcoran said.
When homes sit on the market longer than expected, sellers start to rethink their approach. That might mean they’re more willing to revisit previous offers or even accept terms they once dismissed.
For you as a buyer, this creates a real advantage. You might find:
Sellers willing to cover closing costs
More flexibility on repairs or move-in dates
Opportunities to negotiate credits or price reductions
When sellers are ready to listen, buyers can take their time, ask for what they need, and craft offers that work for their budget and lifestyle.
Corcoran’s advice? Don’t wait for a second invitation. If you find a home you love, be proactive. Reach out, make a reasonable offer, and see what comes back.
3. The Market Feels “Spooky”
You know that gut feeling when everything feels a little…off? Higher rates, political tension, and economic headlines make it easy to talk yourself out of buying when the vibe feels uncertain.
But according to Corcoran, those are exactly the moments she leans in.
“When the market is uncertain, as it is now, I realize that’s a signal that I should be out there buying property, and that’s exactly what I do.
“In the spooky economic and political market we’re experiencing, there are great deals to be had—you just have to get off your butt and make an offer!”
It’s easy to get stuck in analysis paralysis, waiting for the “perfect” rate, the “perfect” listing, or the “perfect” time. But in many cases, that wait turns into missed opportunities.
If you find a home you love, Corcoran says to trust your instincts, especially if you plan to keep it for more than a few years.
“I’ve overpaid for almost every piece of property I’ve bought. If I like it, I buy it, and I don’t live to regret it!
“The way I figure it, is if I fall in love with a property and what it has to offer, I assume there are three other people who want to outbid me, so I close the deal and move as fast as I can.”
If the home fits your needs, your long-term goals, and your lifestyle, then it might be the right move.
Decade after decade, home values tend to rise significantly. Over the past five years, Nashville home values have surged by approximately 84%, according to NeighborhoodScout, with the median price rising from $301,400 in 2019 to around $500,000 by 2024 (Axios).
Even if you feel like you’re “overpaying” in the short term, if you’re planning to stay in that home for a decade or more, equity growth can more than make up for it.
I’ll leave you with this: If you’re waiting for interest rates to drop or prices to fall, you could miss the window that buyers like Corcoran capitalize on. The best time to buy isn’t always when everything looks perfect. It’s often when others are sitting still.
Uncertainty doesn’t mean “don’t buy.” It means look closer. Opportunity could be hiding in plain sight.
Home Projects with the Highest Joy & ROI in 2025
If you've been debating whether to remodel your home or just live with the weird, we’ve got something for you to think about: the right updates can both boost your home's resale value and make you fall in love with your space all over again.
According to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of REALTORS®, Americans spent an estimated $603 billion in 2024 on home remodeling.
And those renos aren’t just for fun. With 46% of buyers today less willing to compromise on condition, your home's value could be riding on a few key upgrades.
But before you start knocking down walls or gutting your kitchen, here are the projects that give you the most bang for your buck and the biggest emotional payoff.
Highest Cost Recovery Projects in 2025
Let’s start with the financials. These remodeling projects deliver the best return on investment if you're planning to sell:
New Steel Front Door: 100% cost recovery
Closet Renovation: 83%
New Fiberglass Front Door: 80%
New Vinyl Windows: 74%
New Wood Windows: 71%
Basement Conversion to Living Area: 71%
Attic Conversion to Living Area: 71%
Complete Kitchen Renovation: 60%
Minor Kitchen Upgrade: 60%
Add New Bathroom: 56%
New Primary Suite: 54%
Bathroom Renovation: 50%
Even smaller updates, like painting a room or replacing worn-out fixtures, can make a big difference.
The Projects That Bring the Most Joy
Beyond dollars, there’s real value in how you feel living in your home. That’s where the Joy Score comes in—a 1 to 10 rating based on how happy homeowners were with their completed projects.
Here are the renovations that topped the charts for joy:
Added Primary Bedroom Suite: Joy Score: 10/10
Kitchen Upgrade: 10/10
New Roofing: 10/10
Bathroom Renovation: 9.8/10
Complete Kitchen Renovation: 9.7/10
Paint 1 Interior Room: 9.3/10
New Wood Flooring: 9.1/10
Basement Conversion to Living Area: 8.8/10
Paint Exterior Siding: 8.8/10
New Front Door: 7.5/10
New Siding: 7.3/10
Garage Door: 7/10
And the emotional impact doesn’t stop there:
64% of homeowners said they had a greater desire to be at home after remodeling
46% reported increased enjoyment in their home
55% felt a major sense of accomplishment when the project was finished
If cost weren’t a factor, 92% said they’d take on even more remodeling projects
Remodel Now, Enjoy Now—Sell for More Later
If you're not planning to sell tomorrow, that doesn’t mean these projects aren’t worth it. In fact, most homeowners (27%) remodeled simply to upgrade worn-out surfaces, and only 18% said they were remodeling because they plan to sell in the next two years.
In other words, smart improvements can serve double duty: making your home more functional and enjoyable today while also boosting future resale value.
Triple Threat: These 3 Rooms Can Make or Break a Home Sale
When it comes to selling your home, not all rooms are created equal.
In fact, there are three spaces that buyers pay the most attention to. And if you get them right, you’re more likely to get top dollar for your property.
According to the 2025 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Staging, the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen are the make-or-break spaces when it comes to staging.
Here’s how to make each one shine.
Why Staging These Rooms Matters
The 2025 NAR report reveals some pretty clear statistics about which rooms truly impact buyers' perceptions and offer decisions:
Living Room: 91% of sellers' agents stage this room, and 71% of buyers' agents rank it as very or somewhat important to stage.
Primary Bedroom: 83% of agents ensure this room is staged, with 71% of buyers' agents citing it as important to the buying decision.
Kitchen: While slightly fewer agents actively stage this area, 51% of buyers' agents say it influences buyers' perceptions.
Let’s face it: TV is partially to blame here. Nearly half of buyers (48%) expect homes to look as perfectly staged as what they see on HGTV. And 58% of buyers were disappointed when homes didn't meet those expectations. This means that going the extra mile to stage these three rooms isn't just about making it look nice, it's about aligning with buyer fantasies that are often rooted in media-driven perfection.
So, at this point, you may be wondering, “What’s the payoff?”
According to the report, staged homes not only sell faster but they can sell at least for 1% to 5% more than non-staged properties. For a $500,000 home, that’s potentially $25,000 more.
That doesn’t mean you have to go all out and hire a professional. Here are some simple things you can do before listing your home.
1. The Living Room: The First Impression Room
The living room is often the first space buyers see when they walk through the door. It’s where they imagine gatherings with family and friends, cozy nights in, and holiday celebrations. Here’s how to do it right:
Declutter and Depersonalize: Remove family photos, personal items, and excessive decor. You want a blank slate for the buyer to picture themselves in the space. Depersonalize so they can see themselves there.
Create a Conversation Area: Arrange furniture in a way that promotes conversation. Avoid pushing everything against the walls; instead, create a cozy, welcoming feel.
Neutralize the Color Palette: While bold colors can be fun, neutral tones have a broader appeal. Think soft grays, whites, and beiges.
Highlight Natural Light: Open the curtains, remove heavy drapes, and make sure the windows are clean. Natural light makes spaces feel bigger and more inviting.
2. The Primary Bedroom: The Sanctuary
For buyers, the primary bedroom represents rest, relaxation, and a personal retreat. Staging this room effectively helps them feel emotionally connected to the home.
Go Minimal: A cluttered bedroom feels smaller. Stick to essential furniture: a bed, two nightstands, and maybe a dresser. Less is more.
Layer with Soft Textiles: Add plush bedding, throw pillows, and a soft area rug to create a sense of comfort and luxury.
Neutral, Calming Colors: Shades of white, gray, and soft blues help buyers envision a peaceful escape.
Clear the Closets: Storage space is key. A half-empty closet looks bigger and suggests ample space for their belongings. Tell the story of clean, clutter-free home with lots of storage.
3. The Kitchen: The Heart of the Home
The kitchen is where buyers imagine cooking family dinners, hosting friends, and gathering during the holidays. It’s also one of the biggest decision-making areas when it comes to making an offer.
Clean and Declutter: Clear countertops of unnecessary items. We shouldn’t see your blender, toaster, and coffee maker. Less is more. Again, tell a story of a clutter-free home with lots of storage.
Add Simple Accents: A bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of flowers can bring life and warmth to the space.
Fix the Lighting: Ensure all lights are working and consider adding under-cabinet lighting to brighten dark corners.
Your Triple Threat Action Plan
Ready to implement this strategic approach? Here's a simplified checklist to get started:
Assess Current State: Evaluate each of your three key rooms objectively, perhaps taking photos to view them with fresh eyes.
Declutter Dramatically: Remove at least 50% more items than you think necessary from each space.
Deep Clean Everything: Invest in professional cleaning if budget allows.
Style Intentionally: Add back only items that enhance the space and allow for buyers to visualize themselves in it.
Remember: 29% of sellers' agents reported that staging increased offers, and 49% reported that staging decreased time on market. Those numbers translate to real dollars in your pocket and less stress during the selling process.
By focusing your efforts on the rooms that statistically matter most to buyers, you're maximizing your return on investment and positioning your home to stand out in today's competitive market.
Stressed About the Economy? Here’s What it Means for Buyers
A shrinking economy. Rising mortgage rates. Flatlining prices.
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home in 2025, it’s not shocking that you’d feel like a puddle. For many buyers, the instinct right now is to wait it out. To see what happens before making a big move.
And the headlines don’t help:
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis just reported a 0.3% drop in GDP in Q1 2025, following a strong 2.4% gain at the end of 2024. It’s the kind of data point that makes people pause.
But smart buyers aren’t freezing. They’re asking the right questions. They’re gathering the data. And they’re making a plan.
A Simple 3-Step Plan for Buyers in 2025
If you’re on the fence about buying, here’s a clear, no-pressure way to think about your next step.
Step 1: Get Clear on What’s Actually Worrying You
A lot of buyers right now are saying the same thing:
“I think I just want to wait and see what happens with the economy. I don’t want to make a mistake.”
We get it. Buying a home is a major decision, and when the economy feels uncertain, it’s natural to question what comes next.
But instead of freezing, try asking yourself: What specifically is making me nervous?
Is it interest rates? Prices? Job security? Timing?
Once you pinpoint the real concern, it becomes easier to talk through your options and make decisions based on facts, not fear.
Step 2: Understand What the Market Is Actually Doing
Right now, many buyers assume that prices will crash or rates will suddenly drop. But that’s not what the data is showing.
According to the April 2025 housing report from Realtor.com, we’re seeing some shifts that benefit buyers:
Inventory in Nashville is up 31% year-over-year, giving you more choices and less competition.
18% of listings nationwide had price reductions in April, the highest share for any April since at least 2016. That’s a sign sellers are adjusting to buyer expectations.
Homes are sitting a little longer in Nashville, with a median of 37 days on the market, nine more than a year ago. This means you have more time to make decisions.
The Nashville median list price is holding steady at $590,00, and price per square foot is up just 3.8%. Values are stable, but growth is slowing.
In other words, this isn’t a repeat of 2008. In fact, in four of the last six recessions, home prices went up. And that creates a real opening for buyers who are paying attention, asking the right questions, and prepared to move strategically.
Now, let’s zoom in.
In Nashville, we currently have 3,866 homes for sale. That’s up from 3,279 last year.
We have a little more than 5 months of inventory, and in March (April data isn’t yet in), 892 listings saw price reductions.
These local trends matter just as much, if not more, than what’s happening nationally. Because even in an uncertain economy, real estate is always local.
Step 3: Build a Plan
No matter what your timeline is, planning is key.
If you are looking to buy within the next 18 months, you have two clear options:
Option 1: Create a 6–12 month plan where you rent, save, and watch the market closely.
Option 2: Explore what’s available right now and see if there’s an opportunity to buy with less competition while others are still hesitating.
Neither option is wrong. But you should talk with a lender (and us!) ASAP because knowledge is power.
We’ll leave you with this—it can be easy to let uncertainty take over when things feel unpredictable. But often, the smartest moves are made when we stay grounded in facts, focused on our goals, and open to possibility.