Buying a home may seem overwhelming. We've compiled our top tips to make buying a house simple. From mortgage pre-approval to the closing process, we've got you covered.

If you’re living with a physical disability, then you’ve probably conquered your fair share of adversity. Rampless entryways, cramped corridors, and poor lighting can make it feel like the world is conspiring to annoy you. Thankfully, home buying doesn’t have to be this hectic, even for people living with a disability or those who have a disability income. Home ownership has never been more accessible, but before you start your search to buy a house, here are some tips to empower you throughout the homebuying process.

## Know Your Home Buying Rights
There are a number of housing laws in place that help safeguard the rights of the disabled and ease the process of finding a residence. Originally, the [Fair Housing Act](https://www.felixhomes.com/resources/fair-housing), or FHA, was included as part of a broader piece of Civil Rights legislation. Section 8 of this legislation, passed in 1968, prohibited certain protected classes, like race and gender, from facing discrimination in the housing market based on their inclusion in one of these categories. In 1988, people with disabilities were added as a protected class to Section 8 of the Fair Housing Act (FHA). This means they are protected from discrimination throughout the home buying process. Essentially, if you're a home-buyer with disabilities, you deserve a level playing field, and federal housing authorities are there to make sure you get to participate in the dream of home ownership.

### No steering or discrimination
Real estate agents aren’t allowed to steer people with disabilities toward certain properties, and sellers can’t consider a buyer’s physical disability when fielding an offer on their home. Basically, if your physical disability alters the way you are treated, then you have grounds to submit a discrimination complaint to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

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### Accessibility requirements for multi-family homes
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The 1988 addition to the Fair Housing Act also extends to accessibility within dwellings. As long as it was first occupied after March 13, 1991, any multifamily housing structure with more than four units must have options that meet these <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/PDF/FAIRHOUSING/fairfull.pdf">7 accessibility requirements</a>:
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1. An accessible building entrance on an accessible route
2. Accessible and usable public and common use areas
3. Usable doors
4. An accessible route into and through the housing unit
5. Accessible environmental controls, such as light switches and thermostats
6. Reinforced walls for grab bars
7. Usable kitchens and bathrooms

These stipulations, unfortunately, **do not apply to multifamily dwellings of four units or less, or to single-family homes**—even those built after 1991. However, home-buyers seeking an apartment or condo absolutely need to become familiar with these expectations.

## Who Can Help With Your Home Buying Process?
Every person, disabled or otherwise, has their own set of requirements when buying a home. Factors like your age, financial flexibility, and type of disability all affect which style of housing you wish to pursue, and what type of financial assistance you might seek. We suggest you talk to someone about your housing and mortgage loan possibilities. An experienced real estate agent can help you understand your options and might expose you to ideas you’ve never even considered. Some real estate agents even specialize in working with disabled clients. You may also seek advice from a mortgage loan expert who can guide you through how to qualify for a mortgage and what financing options are available.

### U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development advisors
You can also talk to an advisor associated with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Every state has HUD-approved housing counselors that offer insight into your homebuying process, and they'll give you the most specific information on what to do before you buy a home and how to save money.

## What Is The Most Convenient Home Buying Option?
The most straightforward residential option is **contemporary multi-family housing**, for its adherence to those previously-mentioned FHA regulations, and its more limited income threshold. But if you seek more space, privacy, or just a different housing experience, there are plenty of options that could suit your needs.

## What Other Homeownership Options Are Available?
While they might not be perfectly designed for accessibility, certain housing styles are often adaptable to the needs of people living with a disability. Ranch, craftsman, and bungalow-style homes usually allow for ease of access and often feature open, user-friendly floor plans. If you favor construction that’s more move-in ready, many of today’s builders are creating spaces with universal design in mind.

Universal design is an innovative concept that prioritizes convenience and ease to create accessible homes. Think lots of natural light, wall-mounted sinks, generous sightlines, and paddle door handles. By implementing design concepts that accommodate almost all needs, these properties are move-in ready for nearly anyone. That being said, some of these properties are more adaptable than accessible, which means you might have to make a few alterations based on your particular needs.

## What Are Your Financing Options?
If you’re looking to buy a home or make your property more accessible, there are plenty of financial assistance programs available to people with disabilities. Depending on your location, age, and type of disability, there may be dozens of programs designed to help you either find or create your perfect home. Some of these are nationwide programs, while others are geared to certain local housing options. Not thrilled about the government route to securing a home loan? Assistance programs like Habitat for Humanity are easily accessible. You might have to do a little research to find out which programs apply to your area, but a few great places to start include:

### Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loans
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<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fhaloan.asp">These federally-insured loans</a> are ideal for low-to-moderate-income households looking to secure a mortgage with the help of disability income. As long as you have a credit score of at least 580, you can receive a loan for up to 96.5% of your home’s value. They even have a loan option that includes the cost of necessary repairs on a new property. First, you’ll have to find an FHA-approved lender, but that’s a speed bump on the otherwise clear road to accessible homeownership.
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One advantage of this loan assistance program is the wide variety of mortgage options they offer. People age 62 and above can get their home equity payment quickly turned into cash through the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program. The FHA even offers a type of mortgage that includes resources to upgrade a home's energy efficiency. Depending on your financial needs, this is a flexible, accessible mortgage assistance program that's likely to work for you.

### Section 8 Homeownership Voucher Program
<p>
For first-time, low-income homeowners that can stand to wait a little while for approval, this homeownership voucher program, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/homeownership">courtesy of HUD</a>, is often the best financial option for buying a home.  Most associate the HCV with securing rent, but this homeownership option can also help cover monthly mortgage payments and expenses associated with making a home accessible. There are a few drawbacks to this homeownership voucher program: not every Public Housing Authority offers the program, and waiting lists can be many months long. However, with mortgage payments adjusted to be about 30% of a household's monthly earnings, many first time home buyers find that the savings are worth the delay. After all, this voucher program covers an impressive range of mortgage expenses including:
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- Mortgage insurance
- Maintenance and major repairs
- Costs to make a property accessible

### Fannie Mae
Fannie Mae partners with HUD to provide a range of mortgage and rental services. First, Fannie Mae makes it easy to get pre-approved for, and eventually secure, a mortgage through low down payment options and an acceptance of non-traditional income sources. The company is even willing to approve a mortgage based completely on one's long-term disability income. Fannie Mae's Community HomeChoice program can help many people with disabilities and disability income secure a mortgage, and their HomeReady mortgage can finance up to 97% of a home purchase. Forgiving debt-to-income, credit, and down payment requirements all help lower the threshold to get you in your ideal dwelling. Buyers also tend to get these loans at a competitive interest rate that keeps people in their homes for years to come.

Another advantage to Fannie Mae is their HomePath program, through which home-buyers can gain access to exclusive company-owned houses. This can get you in a quality home for a below-market price. Programs like these work to get people with disabilities into the living situation they need, with as little hassle as possible.

### Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is renowned for working with qualified families to create accessible environments. Their designs tend to have wide openings and no-step entries that cater to all individuals. Home-buyers can avoid making a down payment on their house by logging hours of "sweat equity", in which they work to build other homes for the organization. Habitat houses also usually feature a mortgage loan interest rate between 0% and 2%, which makes them reasonable for almost anyone with an acceptable credit history. Along with the hours on the worksite, you’ll have to show your commitment to owning a house by attending classes on responsible home-ownership. The organization also performs a fairly extensive background check to make sure that applicants are properly equipped to take advantage of this housing privilege. Luckily, if you complete the process you are in line for a well-built, affordable house that fits your needs.

### USDA Single Family Direct Home Loans
The Direct home loan program provides subsidized home loan options for low-income households in rural areas.  For those struggling to get an affordable mortgage, or find safe housing, this program offers some mortgage loans with no down payment. An interest rate for these mortgages can also be as low as 1%. As long as this home is your primary residence and you stay in it for an extended period of time, these benefits could be yours.

As a more flexible USDA option for home loans, the USDA Guaranteed loan program allows for a higher income and more square footage. Also, there are more potential lenders because the program is backed by the government through private mortgage companies. 

### Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Disability Programs
Low-income families or individuals dealing with disabilities, if they've paid Social Security taxes long enough and recently enough, might qualify for this service provided by the Social Security Administration.  Under the Social Security Disability Insurance program those who are "insured", meaning they've met the payment guidelines, qualify for a social security disability benefit. This benefit can be pretty substantial, and there's no asset limit for those who qualify. Recipients are often entitled to large back payments, and as long as your credit is strong enough to weather the application and approval process, the SSDI can help with a down payment and getting approved for a mortgage on a house. You can even buy a house without living in it and it won't affect your eligibility for the benefit.

Those with disabilities who don't have the luxury of Social Security can still receive disability benefits through its sister program, SSI.  This financial assistance program offers low-income households monthly help, provided that their assets don't exceed the $2,000 limit for an individual, or the $3,000 limit for a family.  Any disabled person can apply for this, and there is now an easy online application for those between the ages of 18 and 65. 

## Options For Upgrading Your Home To Meet Accessibility Standards
<p>
There is a multitude of assistance programs that help disabled individuals alter their homes. Although many are geared toward specific conditions/demographics, like blindness or retired people, there’s a good chance that if you have a disability someone is out there just waiting to help. Rebuilding Together Americorps, The Gary Sinise Foundation, and ModestNeeds.org, among others, make sure that you don’t break the bank for suitable housing. For a more exhaustive list of these options tailored to your area, check out <a rel="nofollow" href="https://homemods.org/national-directory/">this directory</a>.
</p>

Many of these assistance programs aren't national but are administered through state and local agencies. In Tennessee, for instance, programs like Emergency Repair and Home Modifications and Ramps offer resources to help people with disabilities improve their living conditions. Getting to know these programs will likely put you in contact with those best positioned to meet your specific needs.

## Options for Disabled Veterans
Apart from conventional VA loans, disabled veterans—even those not injured in the line of duty—have special financing options for accessible housing. Veterans with certain service or aging-related disabilities can qualify for a Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant, which allows one access to user-friendly housing and home modifications. Not all disabled veterans qualify for this loan program, but those who do can apply for assistance with up to three different projects, provided that they don't exceed the maximum budget, which in 2020 was $18,074. Those injured in the line of duty after September 11th, 2001 might qualify for the Homes for Our Troops program, which offers accessible housing to disabled veterans. This remarkable charity builds homes adapted to a specific veteran's needs, right where they want to live. Then they donate those homes to veterans with no mortgage requirement. It's an exceptional program, but the waiting list can be long for those who just can't stand to put homeownership on hold.

Whatever your situation, there’s always a housing option to fit your needs. If you’re in the Nashville, TN area and want to have a conversation about buying a home—or any other residential situation—feel free to give Felix Homes a call at [615-354-5731](tel:6153545731), or send us an email at [contact@felixhomes.com](mailto:contact@felixhomes.com). We always strive to be accessible to you. 

Homeownership has never been more accessible for individuals with disabilities. Here are some tips to empower you throughout the homebuying process.

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Tips For Buying A Home If You Are Disabled

Buying a home can be stressful, emotional, time-consuming, and expensive, especially if it's your first time! Between the realtor commission, [closing costs](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/a-definitive-guide-to-closing-costs), and moving costs it's no wonder why most people fear the process of buying or selling a home. Believe it or not, some of the most common questions we get asked center around real estate agent commission rates both for the home buyer and seller. For instance, many of our clients ask us - [are commission rates negotiable](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/are-realtor-commissions-negotiable), who pays the [buyer agent commission](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/how-does-a-buyers-agent-get-paid), and is a home buyer rebate legal? There's a lot of misinformation on these topics, but we're here to clear the air.

## What Does A Buyer's Agent Do?

As unconventional as this may sound, the reality is, when it comes to being a real estate agent, buyer agents don't do all that much these days.

### What did a buyer's agent do before the internet?

Rewind the clock 15 or 20 years, and yes, these agents had their hands full working on behalf of the home buyer. They would literally have a big binder filled with properties listed for sale. Nothing was online so if a home buyer wanted to see what inventory was available, they would first call up a realtor who would manually look through their binder and pick a few properties that met the buyer's needs. 

If the potential home buyer was then interested in making an offer on the property, doing a [comparable market analysis](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/comparative-market-analysis) wasn't as easy as it is today. The same agent would have to seek out all of the recent comps in their binder to manually compute their opinion of the home's value. These old-school agents didn't even have electronic signature software so every time a document needed to be signed by the home buyer meant hopping in their car and driving over to their client. With all this work, buyer agent commission rebates were never brought up until the advent of technology caused a huge shift in the industry.

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### What did a buyer's agent do after the internet?

In today's technological age, so much of these manual buyer agent tasks can be accomplished with the click of a mouse, or simply by scrolling on your phone. The internet and apps allow the home buyer to do most of the work! Buyers are able to preselect their 'requirements', and the [home-search website](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/nashville) will automatically show them homes in their desired area that meet these requirements.

If you want 4 bedrooms, there's a filter for that. If you need a two-car garage, there is a filter for that. All you need to do is ask your realtor to unlock the front door so you can see if the pictures live up to the hype! If you're interested in making an offer on a home, your agent can easily do a comparable market analysis to determine what a fair price for the home should be. There is no longer the need to manually compute these critical numbers! No wonder it's fairly typical for a buyer's agent to rebate a portion of their commission.

## Should I Use A Buyer Agent Or Represent Myself?

Don't get us wrong, a buyer's agent is still helpful, and we encourage you to work with one. After all, purchasing a home may be the largest investment you make. It's good to have a professional in your corner to help answer any of the questions you may have and help you negotiate the purchase. But the reality is, in today's technology-driven world, buyer's agents are just not worth 3% of the final sales price. This is why many folks are starting to ask for a home buyer rebate from real estate agents.

## What Is The Buyer Agent Commission?

The buyer agent commission is the fee the agent charges who helps their client (the buyer) with the process of buying a home. In the state of Tennessee, the buyer agent commission is typically 3%. Considering how the internet has allowed the homebuyer to do much of the home searching themselves, the 3% commission seems drastically inflated, right?

## Who Pays The Buyer Agent Commission?

Any rational person would suggest that the seller would pay for the listing agent commission, and the buyer pays the buyer agent commission. This is a big misconception. **As the home seller, you are responsible for paying the agent commission for both the buyer and seller**!

On average, this is a total of 6% of the purchase price in commission fees the seller ends up paying. The buyer's agent gets a 3% fee, and the listing agent would get a 3% fee. On a $400,000 home, that is $24,000 in realtor commission fees. That's a lot of money by any standards.

Just because the buyer does not have to pay out of pocket to use the services of a buyer's agent doesn't mean they are free. A simple economics course would teach you that the buyer's agent commission is factored into the sales price. This is why so many buyers attempt to bypass the services of an agent to get a better price. Luckily, with a home buyer rebate, home buyers can have their cake and eat it too by both saving money thanks to the commission rebate and also benefitting from the experience of a licensed agent.

## What Is A Home Buyer Rebate?

A home buyer rebate is when a buyer's agent gives their client back a portion of their commission they receive from the seller. For first time home buyers, think of a commission rebate like cash back on a credit card. For instance, if a buyer's agent collected a 3% commission, or $12,000, they may elect to keep $6,000 of that commission and give their client a commission rebate of $6,000. A realtor may decide to do this as a token of appreciation, a simple thank you, or as a way to get more clients! Commission rebates allow agents to compete for a buyer's business, not just on the level of service they provide but also the price they charge for that service. It's a win-win! 

The concept of a buyer's commission rebate has become increasingly popular in recent years as buyers understand that they take on more of the legwork in the home search process. Buyers also understand that as home prices continue to appreciate, especially in the Nashville area, a 3% commission on a $100,000 home in 1980 is a lot less than a 3% commission on a $400,000 home today.

## Can Real Estate Agents Give Part Of Their Commission To Buyers?

In the vast majority of the country (currently 40 of the 50 states), rebates are legal meaning agents are able to give any amount of their commission back to their clients. This unique business model can save home buyers save thousands. Many buyers ask for a commission rebate as they realize there isn't a great deal of work that goes into representing them in this modern era. They also understand that the job of a buyer's agent has gotten more efficient through technology and the internet.

### What are the rules in Tennessee?

<p>
Tennessee is one of 10 states that makes it illegal for an agent to give a buyer rebate. As crazy as this sounds, it's the absolute truth. According to the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec.html">Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC)</a> and the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://tnrealtors.com/">Tennessee Association of Realtors</a>, an agent is not allowed to give a commission rebate to their client nor are they allowed to directly pay for their client's closing costs. At Felix Homes, we are actively working on fighting for a change to this outdated law by starting a <a rel="nofollow" href="http://chng.it/mQLpfG5tDV">petition</a> that we encourage you to sign.
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### In what other states is it illegal for a buyer's agent to refund their commission?

There are just 10 states that do not allow a buyer rebate. These states are:

- Alaska
- Alabama
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Tennessee

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Although it's not legal for an agent to give part of their commission to the buyer, the commission rate can still be negotiated. There is no law mandating that the buyer's agent must take 3% of the purchase price as their commission. As a buyer, you should certainly ask your agent to take a lower commission which can make your offer look more appealing to a home seller. While it's not exactly the same as getting cash back on your home purchase, asking your buyer's agent to reduce their commission is in effect the same as a commission rebate.

## Does Felix Homes Offer A Rebate?

Our real estate brokerage believes the Tennessee law making it illegal to give a commission rebate is absolutely crazy. The real estate transaction process is expensive, and many clients save up for years just to have enough money to afford a home. Not only that, commission rebates are legal in 40 out of 50 states.

In Tennessee, instead of offering a cash back style rebate, our process looks a little different. **Instead of requiring the seller to pay a full 3% commission fee when we represent a buyer, we ask for just 1.5%**. Since we are reducing our commission in half, we include language in all of our offers stating that 1.5% must be paid by the seller towards the buyer's closing costs. In practice, this achieves the same thing as a traditional commission rebate. If you plan on purchasing a home for $400,000, you'll end up saving $6,000 off your closing costs. I don't know about you, but that's a meaningful saving. This is a loophole in the law that is completely legal and **we're the only brokerage in Tennessee that does it**!

## How Can Felix Homes Help?

Felix Homes is a Nashville-based [low-commission](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/low-commission-real-estate-agents-nashville) real estate brokerage. We work with both buyers and sellers and help keep more profit in your pocket on each real estate transaction.

Not only do we charge half the rate on the buy side, we charge a flat [1% commission fee](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/one-percent-commission-realtor-nashville) when we sell a home for our clients. On average, we help our clients save $8,100 when they choose to list their home with Felix. Our clients are able to save on commissions and use that cash for other important expenses such as a home renovation, family vacation, or downpayment on their dream home!

## Why Do We Charge 1%?

This is such a common question, and we love answering it! The fact of the matter is, we believe technology changed the real estate industry, but traditional realtors are holding onto a higher commission fee for obvious reasons. Many years ago, paying a 6% commission fee may have been appropriate, but in today's world with all the real estate apps, online photos, home search websites, and virtual tours, that fee is no longer needed.

In addition, the average home price in Nashville has skyrocketed. Commissions on a $400,000 are a lot more than what they would be on a $100,000 home. The 6% commission rate has stayed relatively unchanged, but all the variables that make up the rate (effort and price) have changed!

## Above And Beyond

You can expect to pay less when you choose to work with [Felix Homes](https://www.felixhomes.com/), but don't expect any degradation of service. We are a complete, full-service realtor that leverages a talented role-based team to help buy the home that's just right or help you sell your existing home. We have a team of employees, not independent contractors, that handle all of our marketing, photography, social media, and technology, which enables our agents to be 100% focused on you.

If you're in Tennessee and you're looking to buy a home, or interested in selling your current home, contact us. We represent both the buyer and the seller and would be more than happy to help answer any of your real estate questions or needs, provide you with more information, and assist you with any real estate transaction. Drop us a line at [615-354-5731](tel:6153545731) or send us an email at [contact@felixhomes.com](mailto:contact@felixhomes.com).

Tennessee's 1 of 10 states that makes it illegal for a buyer's agent to refund their client any part of their commission. But, now there's a way around the law.

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How To Get A Buyer Agent Commission Rebate In Tennessee

One of the most polarizing topics in real estate is the 'should unmarried couples buy a house together' debate.  There are two different opinions here, and for good reason. This answer isn't black and white, but we'll dive into some of the commonly asked questions and review a pros and cons list below!

## Can You Buy A House With Someone You Aren't Married Too?

An unmarried couple can certainly buy a home together, and people do it all the time. It's not uncommon for unmarried couples to buy a home together, as there are many benefits of homeownership. In fact, you don't even need to be a 'couple' to buy a home. Often times, friends will purchase a house together as an investment property.

## Why Would An Unmarried Couple Consider Buying A Home Together?

There are many reasons why a couple may want to buy a home together. Here are a few of the most common reasons:

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### Rent can be expensive

If two partners are renting their own home/apartment, this can get rather expensive quickly. Keep in mind, many couples choose to spend the night at one another's home most days of the week, so one may find themselves paying for rent on an apartment they don't spend much time in. This may seem wasteful, and combining incomes/forces may appear to be the smart financial move.

### Smart financial decision

Couples believe buying a house together is a smart financial decision. After all, the sooner a home is purchased, the quicker you start establishing equity in the home and begin laying a financial foundation for your long term future. 

### Sense of independence

Couples are getting married later in life, but there is still a desire to move out of their parent's house as quickly as possible. Many people believe renting is simply throwing money out the window, and as a result, they want to purchase a house as quickly as possible. 

### Mortgage pre-approval

One partner may be interested in buying a house but may not have a great credit score. A mortgage lender may be more willing to lend money to an individual if they have a co-signer. The significant other may be the most logical co-signer option. By using a co-signer, the bank will feel more comfortable lending money despite the initially low credit score. 

Whether for financial reasons, social reasons, or to begin laying a foundation early, more and more people are electing to purchase a home before marriage in today's age than ever before. 

## What To Consider Before Buying A Home Together?

If you're not married, and you're thinking about buying a home with your partner, there is a lot to consider. 

### Spend time living together first

First and foremost, you will want to be sure you can live together as a couple. If you're currently only spending 2-3 nights together per week, consider ramping that up before you purchase property together. Living with someone full-time is certainly an adjustment and you should get acclimated to this before making a major financial decision such as buying a house together. 

### Consider why you're looking to buy a house together 

If it is to save money, you can still do this while renting. Instead of both parties paying rent for their own apartment, considering moving into a larger apartment together as a middle ground between your current state and homeownership. This doesn't need to be long term, but a year or two under your belt certainly won't hurt. 

### Consider your long-term goals 

If you're looking to buy a home to live in for the next year or two before moving onto something else, you may want to hold off and continue renting. Owning a house for less than two years typically isn't a great financial investment.

### Understand the responsibilities of homeownership

Buying a house is often more than just a financial decision. Homeownership is a lifestyle, there's a lot that goes into owning a home. There are legal ramifications that could become present, additional responsibility, and significantly more work. 

## Who Claims The House If We're Not Married?

Unmarried couples may have concerns when it comes to taxes. If one person owns the property and is the only name on the mortgage, they are the one that can [claim the house on their yearly tax return](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/mortgage-interest-tax-deduction-tennessee). It doesn't matter if the house is being paid via a joint bank account that both partners contribute to. 

If both people own the home equally, the unmarried couples or individuals can only claim the portion of property taxes, or interest, they actually paid. The full interest expense deduction can not be received by both parties. 

A married couple tends to file jointly, which would eliminate any confusion when it comes to claiming this benefit. 

## Can You Get A Mortgage With Someone You're Not Married Too?

Yes, you absolutely can and it is completely legal. This does not only apply to couples who are in a relationship together. Business partners, friends, and colleagues may choose to purchase a home together for various reasons. 

The bank's primary concern is to ensure their loan is safe and the borrowers will repay the balance plus the interest expense. Banks are designed to view things through a financial lens and are not designed to judge your relationship or marital status.  The reality is, married couples can also get divorced, which is a risk a bank takes all the time. 

## Can Someone Be On The Title And Not The Mortgage? 

Understanding the title and mortgage breakdown is critical. There are various ways/reasons why someone may be paying for the mortgage, but not on the actual title of the property. 

For example, imagine if John purchases a home before meeting Susan. The title and mortgage would be in John's name entirely. However, once the relationship gets serious and the couple decides to use a joint bank account, they both may be contributing to the mortgage equally each month. Just because one partner is paying a portion of the mortgage does not mean they have ownership rights to the home. If their name is not on the title, they do not own the home. 

Following the above example, if John and Susan break up, Susan can technically be homeless despite all her contributions to the mortgage over a period of time because she does not legally own any portion of the home. John has sole ownership of the home. 

If the above example concerns you, and you're not willing to contribute to the mortgage unless your name is on the title, you and your partner should consider various other refinancing options to get your name added to the title. 

Alternatively, your name can be on the title but not the mortgage. A couple may decide it's easier to just have one name listed on the actual mortgage, but both names may in fact be represented on the title. In this case, the person who signed the mortgage is obligated to pay the mortgage lender, but both parties can legally have joint ownership of the property. 

## What Happens If You Own A House With Someone And You Break Up?

The risk of break up is one major deterrent an unmarried couple must consider. If the couple was simply renting separate apartments, it would be pretty straight forward. Each partner would return to their apartment, and carry on with life post break up. 

However, when you own a home together, things get a bit more complicated. After all, if you're both on the mortgage and title, it is both of your responsibility to continue paying for the home. The two most common outcomes of this situation are:

### One partner buys out the other partner

If homeownership is split 50/50, one partner could buy out the other partner through a refinancing deal. Generally speaking, to successfully buy out the other party, one would need to buy out the other party's equity accordingly. For example, if $300,000 is owed on the mortgage, but the house is worth $350,000, there is $50,000 of equity in the home. If each party owns an equal share of the home, each party would have $25,000 of equity in the home. The home can be refinanced into one person's name, but the party parting ways with the home will want to make sure they get their fair cut of the profit! 

### Sell the property and split the proceeds

Both parties choose to sell the property entirely and walk away from the home. Again, the same principles apply here where each party will want to make sure they get their fair share of equity after the sale of the home. 

The above options are the most common ways to manage a property owned by an unmarried couple that just broke up, but both options certainly present their fair share of challenges. Breakups can be ugly, and people can be selfish and stubborn. Often times, each partner will need to be represented by legal counsel to ensure they are getting their fair share of the money, and one is not taking financial advantage of another. This can make the sales process a bit more time-consuming, and often more expensive considering the legal cost. 

## What Does Tenants In Common Mean?

Tenants in common is often referred to as TIC. Tenants in common is when two or more parties share ownership rights on a particular property.  Tenants in common does not mean the property is split equally. Each owner may own an equal, or different percentage of the home. For instance, person A may own 60% of the property, whereas person B owns 40% of the property. When an owner dies, the ownership percentage is passed onto the deceased tenant's estate. One owner may choose to buy out the ownership percentage from the estate, or they may continue to keep their share of ownership the exact same. 

No one person can claim full ownership of the property or parcel of land in a TIC agreement. All areas of the property are owned equally -  in other words, no specific owner can claim ownership over any specific part of the property or piece of land. The ownership or interest in the property may change between parties, but it does not provide anyone with exclusive or favorable rights to any part of the home or property. 

## Thinking About Buying A Home?

If you're thinking about buying a home, whether you're a married or unmarried couple, there are a few things you may want to consider before even getting started with the experience. 

### Work on your credit

Work to pay off your debt, and credit cards, as quickly as you can. The more debt you have, the higher your debt-to-income ratio will be which can impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage. At Felix Homes, we would recommend setting a strict monthly budget and using your savings to pay down any high-interest debt such as credit card bills, car loans, and student loans.

### Save up for a downpayment

Make sure you have enough money to cover your down payment. Depending on which financing option you choose, you will typically be required to put down at least 3%. If you want to own a home in the near future, the sooner you can start saving for a downpayment, the better. 

### Figure out the details

Consider whose name the home will be under. Will the home be jointly owned, or will there be a co-owner? Start thinking about these options now even if you are married. 

### Set a budget

Determine what your comfort level is with mortgage payments. Just because a bank approves you for a $2,000 monthly mortgage does not mean you need to take it. Perhaps your comfort level is $1,400. 

### Come up with a plan
Consider using a legal written agreement with your partner if you're not married. Lawyers have experience crafting such agreements and although it seems like a pessimistic step, it can be a financial lifesaver. 

## How Can Felix Homes Help?

[Felix Homes](https://www.felixhomes.com/) is a Nashville-based real estate brokerage servicing middle Tennessee. We have one simple mission - to be the most financially responsible way to buy or sell a home. 

We make our mission possible by not only charging a [low commission fee](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/low-commission-real-estate-agents-nashville) on both the [buy](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/buyers-agent-commission-rebate-tennessee) and [sell side](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/one-percent-commission-realtor-nashville) of the transaction, but our brokerage also has a fundamentally different business model when compared to traditional brokerages. We are a tech-enabled real estate firm and instead of having independent contractors agents, we have full-time employees who specialize in specific tasks such as marketing, finance, photography, technology, and of course, being a real estate agent. 

Don’t be mistaken, a discounted price doesn’t mean a discounted service. We are a full-service brokerage! Our agents' only job is to focus on you, the client. Our average client keeps an additional $8,100 in their pocket after they sell their home using our low commission model. If you’re interested in hearing more or need any support on any real estate matter, we can be reached at [contact@felixhomes.com](mailto:contact@felixhomes.com) or [615-354-5731](tel:6153545731).

Should unmarried couples buy a house together? We'll dive into some of the most commonly asked questions and review a pros and cons list in this article!

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What Unmarried Couples Should Consider Before Buying A House Together

Tips for Buying a Home

The Tennessee real estate market is booming and for good reason. Cities like Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville have a lot to offer. See our tips for moving to Tennessee.

## Tennessee's Real Estate Market On The Rise

The Tennessee area real estate market is booming! The more and more we drive around the downtown area, the more license plates we see from all across America. People from the northeast, midwest, and even southeast are flocking to Tennessee in the masses, and for good reason. The mild climate, lower cost of housing, good healthcare facilities, and pretty views of the great smoky mountains make Tennessee a great place in terms of quality of life. **But did you know Tennessee is also one of the best states for retirees?**

## Why Is Tennessee A Good State For Retirees?

More and more retirees are coming to The Volunteer State to live out their golden years. Retirees find this state a great location to call home for numerous reasons.

### Affordable housing and cost of living

Overall, Tennessee has an affordable cost of living. The basic rules of supply and demand will apply here as well, and as more people enter the state, and very few leave, house prices are certainly expected to rise. That said, you can still get a lot of bang for your buck as the median household price is still affordable and new homes are being developed in popular cities such as Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville.

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### The tax rates are favorable

Seldom do the words taxes and favorable go together, but in the case of Tennessee, they do! There is no tax on your retirement income. So if you have a pension from another state, or you're living off of your 401k income, moving here will be a great way to put more money in your pocket. Who doesn't want to do that? In addition to no state income tax, the overall property tax rates are on the lower end. On average, the effective tax rate on your property is 0.74%. Although Davidson County, which the city of Nashville is located in just increased property taxes by 34%, they are still competitive with growing metropolitan cities like Charlotte and Atlanta. This low rate is difficult to pass up compared to other areas in the nation.

### The mild climate

The northeast can see bitter cold winters and the south can be excessively hot in the summer. Tennessee is a nice blend of both extremes. Our climate is mild. We get the beautiful 4 seasons, but our winters are not nearly as cold as our friends up north, and our summers are not as humid as the more southern states. Seeing as most retirees prefer warmer climates, this makes Tennessee a great option to consider!

### Tennessee has a beautiful landscape

The beauty in Tennessee is hard to describe. There is arguably nothing prettier than having the great smoky mountains as a backdrop or living along the hundreds of lakeshore miles throughout the state. Tennessee is also known for its rolling hills and open farmland.

### Our culture and history

Country music, southern hospitality, and a slower pace of life are certainly popular attributes that catch the hearts of most retirees. Our cities still have that small-town feel, but provide a tremendous amount of entertainment. The list goes on and on. There are so many reasons why people consider retiring in Tennessee. The only difficult decision is finding the right town or city to call home!

## What Is The Best Place To Retire In Tennessee?

This is one of the questions we get asked a lot at Felix Homes. There are plenty of great cities to live in, or near, picking between popular cities like Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville is nearly impossible. Instead of choosing just one, we collected our list of the top 10 best places to retire in Tennessee.
Before we get into the list, if you're searching for a retirement community, [we wrote another article specifically focusing on that](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/best-retirement-communities-tennessee). But, if you're just hoping to live out your retirement years in Tennessee, and not necessarily searching for a retirement community, here is a list of our top 10 places you should considering spending your retirement years.

### #10 - Chattanooga
If you want to embrace mother nature and all her beauty, consider moving to Chattanooga. Between the banks of the Tennessee River and Appalachian mountains, you'll be surrounded by beauty 365 days a year. Not only is Chattanooga a pretty place to call home, but it is also well known for being affordable. The median home value is $230,000 per year.

### #9 - Memphis
Despite having a population of over 650,000 people, Memphis still very much feels like a small country town. Situated on the great Mississippi River, Memphis has a unique character that cannot be duplicated in any other city on our list. There are plenty of activities to do inside of the city, or if you're looking for a more laid back lifestyle in your retirement years, the suburbs of Memphis and neighboring communities make for a great place to call home. The median home value is on the low end, so you'll really be able to stretch your retirement dollar here!

### #8 - Murfreesboro
Well known for its American Civil War History, Murfreesboro makes our list at spot number eight. The affordable median home price of $250,000, and affordable tax rates, make this area a great place for retirees to live. Retired residents can enjoy playing golf at the Old Fort Golf Club, or relax at one of the beautiful outdoor parks. The large Middle Tennessee State University campus keeps the city young at heart, and you'll enjoy plenty of entertainment, shows, and restaurants in the heart of downtown Murfreesboro.

[PRO TIP: See homes for sale in Murfreesboro](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/murfreesboro)

### #7 - Knoxville
Situated just an hour north of the great smoky mountains national park, and home to the legendary University of Tennessee college football team, Knoxville surely makes our list of best places to retire in Tennessee. The city of Knoxville is located in East Tennessee and is nearly 1/4 the size of Memphis with a population of 180,000 people. Housing is rather affordable with the average home price being $215,000.


### #6 - Nashville
Located in Davidson County, Nashville has our heart and is arguably the gem of Tennessee. There's no question Nashville makes our list of best places to retire. The residents here not only enjoy an international airport which makes traveling convenient, but they are also spoiled with amazing food choices, an endless amount of live entertainment, over 100 parks, and plenty of social clubs and recreation activities all across the city. Between the art scene, and the birthplace of country music, this is undoubtedly amongst the best places to retire in Tennessee.

[PRO TIP: See homes for sale in Nashville](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/nashville)

### #5 - Oak Hill
Although this area is more expensive than other areas of Tennessee, Oak Hill is attracting more and more retirees. This is far enough outside of Nashville if you're seeking a laid back lifestyle, but just a short drive into the city where you can enjoy tons of shows, plays, concerts, restaurants, and museums.

### #4 - Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg
Just 40 minutes west of the North Carolina border sits Pigeon Forge. We promise, there is nothing more satisfying than having your morning coffee on your back deck overlooking the natural beauty of the great smoky mountains. No matter the season, the smoky mountains of Tennessee will always be a magnificent sight to see. Pigeon Forge is a small town that is well known for its amazing retirement benefits. The low cost of living, pretty views, and ease of access in and out of larger cities, makes this one of the best places to retire in Tennessee.

### #3 - Franklin
Why is Franklin one of the best places to retire in Tennessee? Franklin is not only a historically rich town, it's also an affluent town. The active downtown surely promises a great culture. With plenty of restaurants to choose from, museums, and a fantastic music culture, Franklin is nothing shy of an amazing place to be. Your life can be as active as you'd like. There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. From walking trails, various parks, and several public golf courses, it's no secret why the population is on the rise!

[PRO TIP: See homes for sale in Franklin](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/franklin)

### #2 - Kingston Springs
Kingston Springs is a beautiful town located in Cheatham County just 20 miles southwest of the big city (Downtown Nashville). The population is shy of 6,000 residents. Residents of Kingston Springs love the several outdoor adventures this rural town provides. Between hiking, fishing in the river, golf, or canoeing, you won't be bored here. Kingston Springs is an incredibly safe place to be with a very low crime rate. Better yet, if the outdoor activities do not keep you busy, you can drive 25 minutes to Downtown Nashville and enjoy all this large metropolitan city has to offer. Most homes in Cheatham County are on over an acre of land so Kingston Springs is our pick for retirees who prefer some privacy.

[PRO TIP: See homes for sale in Kingston Springs](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/kingston-springs)

### #1 - Tellico Lake
The Tellico Lake community tops our list as the best place to retire and for good reason. Anywhere along Tellico Lake is nothing shy of a dream. The lake is 33 miles long and provides over 357 miles of beautiful shoreline. Entertainment and recreation activities are endless. Between boating, fishing, golfing, hiking, and walking trails, you'll love spending your life on the lake! Roughly an hour drive to the smoky mountains and half an hour away from Knoxville, Tellico Lake provides the best of both worlds.

## Areas To Avoid
Now that we covered the top 10 best places to retire in Tennessee, what are some places you should avoid?

### Davidson County
While the city of Nashville is located in Davidson County, if you're looking to avoid rising property taxes in your retirement years, we would suggest looking for homes outside of county limits. If you're able to put up with [higher property taxes](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/davidson-county-real-estate-tax-hike), Davidson County has a lot to offer.

### Dyersburg
Dyersburg is one of the cities we'd recommend you avoid. With a population of roughly 17,000, it's surprising how high the crime rate is compared to the national average. The city has struggled to expand and develop over the years. It's located on the west end of Tennessee, and hours away from vibrant, culturally rich, cities.

### Jackson
70 miles east of Memphis is Jackson Tennessee. Unfortunately, Jackson makes the top 100 most dangerous cities in America list. Much of the city has a household income below the poverty line.

## Looking To Retire In Tennessee?
If you're looking to retire in Tennessee, we're here to help. At [Felix Homes](https://www.felixhomes.com/), we've helped countless clients find their retirement dream home. We understand everyone has their own unique goals and desires for their retirement years.

Some of our clients chose to live in an active retirement community amongst other seniors seeking a social atmosphere full of amenities. Whether they are relaxing in the clubhouse, enjoying a swim at a beautiful pool, or playing golf a few times a week, these communities make for a great place to live.

But many of our clients don't want to adhere to the various restrictions or rules a 55+ community can put in place. We've helped clients find homes deep in the mountains, or right in the heart of a vibrant downtown area. From Chattanooga to Nashville, from a mountainside to a lakeshore, and everything in between, we have you covered.

## About Felix Homes
Felix Homes is a local Nashville based [low commission real estate broker](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/low-commission-real-estate-agents-nashville). On average, we help our clients save $8,100 when buying or selling a home. How is that even possible? We're glad you asked.

Most real estate agents charge a 3% commission fee to help you sell, [we charge a 1% fee](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/one-percent-commission-realtor-nashville).

Seniors, in particular, love our rates as they want to keep more money in their pockets given the nature of retirement.

If you need any help or have any questions, we can always be reached at [contact@felixhomes.com](mailto:contact@felixhomes.com) or [615-354-5731](tel:6153545731). Feel free to drop us a line!

More and more retirees are coming to Tennessee to live out their golden years. See our list of the top 10 places they're calling home.

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Best Places To Retire In Tennessee

Top 10 List Of Best Places To Retire In Tennessee

We know, we know, you’re focused on the election right now. But if you live around Nashville and pay any attention to local politics, you’ve probably heard about another controversial topic: The 34% increase in Davidson County property taxes.

This historic tax hike is already causing some political theater worthy of Shakespeare, complete with angry protests, constitutional conundrums, and even an anti-hike campaign involving the infamous Koch brothers. For those starting in the middle of this story, we’re here to explain what might happen, and how it could affect you.

## The Tax Increase

The 34% property tax hike raises the property tax rate from $3.155 to $4.221 per $100 of a property’s assessed value. This means that annual taxes on a $290,000 home—roughly the average home value in Nashville—will increase by $772.85, from $2,287.38 to $3,060.23. This is sure to frustrate homeowners and potential buyers already struggling to cope with the pandemic. Businesses, which face a 15% higher assessed value than residential properties, have even more reason to be unhappy to see this levied at a time when revenues are dwindling. That being said, this isn’t necessarily a disaster.

## What This Means For Nashville

Davidson County’s earlier tax rate of $3.155 per $100 of assessed value was, frankly, quite low. It was easily the lowest property tax rate of any large metropolitan area in Tennessee and hadn’t been raised since 2012. Some would argue that we were simply due for a hike. Even after this historic raise, Nashville’s property tax rate is still competitive with places like Memphis, and better than others, like Charlotte and Atlanta. However, considering the difficult timing and the city’s seemingly exponential growth in the past twenty years, it’s hard to justify this new tax imposition

For one, Nashville real estate has been basically bust-proof under the current tax conditions. Even as home values across the country have stagnated since 2018, our market has surged upward. Property taxes are often used to compensate for sagging market property values, but this strategy shouldn’t apply to Nashville, where home values were projected to spike about 4.5% in 2020. This growth already generates more tax revenue, so why impose a higher rate, especially since it could actually jeopardize that growth.

The pandemic already has some homebuyers insecure and hesitant. Add an extra $1,000 per year, or so, in property taxes to the equation, and some might cool on buying in Davidson County. If just one in every ten potential buyers were to go in a different direction, the decreased competition would almost guarantee a lower rate of growth in property values. Thus, the property tax increase could actually drive tax revenue down as property values stagnate.

The consequences for Davidson county’s commercial sector could be even more dire, as companies struggle with the higher overhead. Companies like Amazon, Bridgestone, GM, and Mitsubishi are all expanding their Nashville operations this year, partly due to reasonable property taxes. In raising the tax rate, Davidson County threatens that business growth, along with its added tax revenue. These businesses also attract employees who buy houses. When they aren’t hiring, there’s less competition in the housing market, which leads to—you guessed it—lower property values. There’s nothing wrong with supporting schools and city employees, but burdening your business sector in times like these is a risky way to do it. 

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## The Fight Against The Hike

This threat to business is why the Koch brothers, controllers of Koch Industries, the second-largest privately-owned company in the U.S., have helped lead the fight against the tax hike. Their advocacy group, Americans for Prosperity, is one of the parties backing a referendum to see it repealed. They coordinated the collection of over 27,000 signatures in opposition of the tax hike. As of today a judge is about to rule on whether support for the referendum is legitimate, and whether the repeal would violate state law. If the judge rules in favor of the referendum, then it will be on the December 5th ballot. The passing of this measure would ensure that the Metro cannot raise property taxes more than 2% without voter approval.

This would both preserve the real estate market’s momentum, and protect us from a dangerous precedent. The last thing we need is the county deciding it can just jack up property taxes every time it wants some extra cash. 

Nevertheless, the referendum might not pass, or even make the ballot. If this happens, don’t panic. Property in Nashville will still be a strong—if more expensive—investment, and businesses have many more reasons to operate in this area than just low property taxes. If you’re one of the many Nashvillians who just can’t stand paying this extra tax chunk, however, there are still plenty of other wonderful places in the Nashville area to call home.

## Still Want To Avoid The Tax?

Some of the most sought-after suburbs in the entire Southeast are right outside of Davidson County and have refreshingly low property tax rates. In Nolensville, just south of town, you’ll pay only $2.37 per $100 in assessed value. Spring Hill ($3.07), Franklin ($3.23), and Brentwood ($2.58) aren’t far behind. Even Murfressboro’s rate of $3.50 comes in well under Davidson County’s new tax rate. The fact is, this tax hike may be inconvenient, but there’s no reason for it to keep you out of the Nashville area. As far as Davidson County goes, though, the situation remains murky. Just remember that even after Election Day, there might still be a reason to cast a vote.

If you live around Nashville and pay any attention to local politics, you’ve probably heard about another controversial topic: The 34% increase in Davidson County property taxes.

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What Davidson County Real Estate Tax Hike Means For Nashville

If you want to make like Johnny Cash and Walk the Line, then look no further than the place where he became a legend: Nashville, Tennessee. Music City may be known for hot chicken and bachelorette parties but Nashville’s most walkable neighborhoods provide surprisingly high levels of walkability, especially for a Southern city. To liberate yourself from a life spent behind the wheel, we suggest you take a look at these **walkable Nashville neighborhoods**.

## Historic Edgefield - The Eclectic Neighborhood

At the **top of Nashville’s most walkable neighborhoods** is this East Nashville neighborhood, right on the other side of I-24 from Nissan Stadium. Is East Nashville walkable? With a walk score of [78](https://www.walkscore.com/TN/Nashville-Davidson/Historic_Edgefield), it’s about as convenient as you can get outside of downtown proper. The beautiful East Park neighborhood is home to trails, ball fields, and the impressive East Park Community Center, which sits right in the middle of the walkable neighborhood. Around this nucleus revolves an accessible assortment of shops and restaurants diverse enough that you won’t have to cross the river unless you want to (we suggest Yeast Nashville for breakfast, and Bolton’s for lunch). It’s even home to the East Nashville Farmers Market, open every Tuesday afternoon from 3:30-6:30, so that you can go farm-to-table without ever stepping inside a restaurant.

If you want to take a longer excursion either by foot, bike, or car, you can’t really do better than Edgefield’s situation. Downtown is just a mile away, and other walkable neighborhoods like Shelby Hills and East End are right down the road.

## Hillsboro Village And 12 South

Music City is also renowned for its neighborhood hangout scene and the 12 South and Hillsboro Village neighborhoods set the standard for low-key comfort and accessibility. 12 South's main drag of boutiques and restaurants essentially stitches together historic boroughs, making that night out on the town feel like taking a neighborhood stroll. Here you’ll find an unpretentious mix of class and comfort, with barbecue and burger joints bookending chic boutiques.

If you feel like expanding your treading territory, take advantage of Belmont University within easy walking distance. Belmont University and the sweeping lawns of Vandy’s Peabody campus are just up the road from Hillsboro Village if you’re looking for a little relaxing area near this busy district south of the big city.

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## Germantown - Nashville's Hip Neighborhood

Just north of the Capitol Mall, Germantown offers a cosmopolitan mix of historic townhomes, upscale condos, shops, and restaurants—all within easy walking distance. It’s like having your own private downtown nook, without ever really having to go downtown. One of the neighborhood’s advantages is its proximity to a handful of Nashville’s premier cultural draws. Besides the Capitol Mall and the State Museum, the expansive Nashville Farmers Market is well within walking distance. This is also the best spot for Nashville sports fans. If you can tear yourself away from the awesome neighborhood sports bars, First Horizon Park, the home of the Nashville Sound plays baseball just a block away; and Top Golf is right across the river if you find yourself wanting to get a few swings in.

It doesn’t hurt that Downtown is just a stroll up the hill, right past the Capitol building. With Germantown’s walkability makes trendy coffeehouses and a hip restaurant scene a stroll away.

[See Germantown Homes For Sale](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/germantown)

## Downtown Nashville - The Tourists' Neighborhood

We’d be remiss not to mention the most walkable neighborhood in the entire state of Tennessee: Downtown Nashville. You may have to dodge a few bachelorette parties, but the reason people are always milling about this area is that there’s no reason to step in a vehicle (unless it’s one of those Bar Bike outfits). Downtown is the epitome of walkable neighborhoods with a walk score of [86/100](https://www.walkscore.com/TN/Nashville-Davidson/Downtown) which might actually be underselling the foot-friendly experience. Sure there are dizzying amounts of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops—all set to around-the-clock live music— downtown's walkability is truly unmatched.

Grocery stores like H.G. Hill Urban Market, and barber shops like Collins and Co. allow you to have your fun with a side of functionality. And if you’re looking for a little quiet, the popular Nashville Public Library is just a few blocks down from the Ryman. Nashville is also one of the few cosmopolitan centers that offers easy escapes from the concrete jungle. Run along the Cumberland River, or hike up the hill to check out the State House’s sprawling grounds. It’s the perfect mix for downtown living, and while downtown Nashvegas rarely sleeps, at least you’ll never have to use a car to get around either.

## East End - The Locals' Neighborhood

The tourists can have downtown, as long as the locals get 5 Points, the exceedingly cool East Nashville neighborhood for nightlife, restaurants, shops and pretty much whatever else you can imagine. East End’s location just to the south of this district makes it one of the most walkable (and enviable) neighborhoods in all of Tennessee. Walkscore.com, in fact, rates it as the [most walkable Nashville neighborhood](https://www.walkscore.com/TN/Nashville-Davidson). Whatever trendy, high-end service or shops you can imagine are probably within walking distance, and the restaurants are so varied and niche that there’s even one dedicated to Grilled Cheese (The Grilled Cheeserie—you’re welcome). The area also drips with close, eclectic coffee shops we recommend you check out—like Bongo East and Donut Distillery—that can turn a breakfast craving into an all-day hangout. There’s no better place to spend a workday than the nearby coffee shop.

It’s no surprise that neighborhoods this walkable are also a popular place for other exercise-based forms of transportation. The neighborhood supports both a skateshop and a bikeshop, and the East Nasty Running Club meets there every Wednesday night for a community run a couple hundred strong. It’s probably a good idea to burn a few calories before walking over to Five Points for a couple of beers and some live music.

## The Gulch - The Trendy Neighborhood

If you think you have to leave the South to get that true urban living experience, then you haven’t looked hard enough at The Gulch, home to Nashville’s shamelessly swanky hotels and entertainment located just a few blocks from Downtown. It's home to classic downtown living, with new highrise condos over sophisticated shops and popular breweries, you won't find any single-family homes here. The complex covers everything from nearby nightlife to groceries; and while you may put the elevator to good use, your car will wonder where you’ve been. 

The Gulch even complements your emission-free choice of locomotion through its status as a LEED community. This means it was designed at the cutting edge of sustainable technology, resulting in an attractive mix of convenience, class, and conservation at the very core of Nashville.

[Check Out Homes For Sale In The Gulch](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/the-gulch)

## West End And Midtown

West End is a local business district-turned high-rise paradise just west of 12 South and nestled between two urban oases: Centennial Park and the lovely Vanderbilt University. With the help of these neighbors, Midtown pulls off a laid-back, collegiate vibe that’s rare in a conventional cityscape. It’s no surprise, then, that this eclectic community is home to one of Nashville’s most diverse restaurant districts around. Sure you get a few of those chain restaurants and cheap pizza joints that cater to the college crowd (although who doesn’t enjoy a greasy late-night slice every once in a while?), but peppered among them is a loaded slate of spots within walking distance. 

In the true spirit of education, coffee shops like Cafe Coco offer plenty of patio seating tailor-made for a leisurely workday. Then dinner is a veritable smorgasbord. Feeling Sushi? Go with Samurai Sushi. Crave an Indian food fix? Sitar is right down the street. Wanna load up at a Brazilian steakhouse? Try Texas de Brazil next to Centennial Park. We won’t even go into the batch of excellent less-exotic grub options (except for Clyde’s sports bar, that is), or the accessible upscale bars that dot the local area. Ultimately, Midtown is everything its name suggests, with all your needs covered within just a few city blocks.

## Hope Gardens Neighborhood

With a walk score of 76, this Nashville niche just edges out Germantown—it’s nextdoor neighbor—for convenience. It’s not difficult to see why Hope Gardens gets the nod. With its location close to the foot of the Statehouse lawn, the neighborhood’s front yard is essentially the Bicentennial Mall, and the Nashville Farmers Market might as well be its cafeteria. This basically ensures that you’ll never run out of options for food or outdoor entertainment.

The best part is that all these urban amenities inlcude plenty of neighborhood feel. Most of the homes are quaint, unattached, single-family dwellings on small lots. There are a few apartment buildings, but not enough to threaten the sensation that you’ve found a cozy village in the middle of a new metropolis. Oh, and if you still want a little taste of that highfalutin cosmopolitan lifestyle, you can always hop over to Germantown. It’s an easy walk right across Jefferson Street.

## Edgehill Neighborhood

Edgehill, with over 4,000 residents, makes the list as one of Nashville’s larger distinct neighborhoods. Edgehill Road offers a consistent mix of new restaurants and other community businesses right in the district’s heart. Between this main drag and the few satellite business districts that orbit it, residents are never far from fulfilling their needs. 

Perhaps its greatest attribute, however, is that it provides a family-friendly alternative to Nashville’s more cosmopolitan, antiseptic areas. Parks, including Reservoir and Rose Park, take up significant percentages of the neighborhood real estate, and at Edgehill’s center is a quality elementary-middle school combination. For those who need to steal a break from the family grind, though, Edgehill still has you covered with classy touches like Barcelona Wine Bar.

Those willing to tack on a few extra steps might also appreciate the neighborhood’s unique position in the city. With The Gulch to the north, Midtown to the west, and Belmont University to the south, this sleepier residential district rests right between some of Nashville’s hippest areas. There’s nothing wrong with checking these out and then strolling back to your quieter Edgehill haven.

Want to find your own walkable Nashville residence? Felix Homes is here to take the steps with you. Give us a call at [615-354-5731](tel:6153545731), or send us an email at [contact@felixhomes.com](mailto:contact@felixhomes.com). After all, it’s best not to walk alone!

Nashville’s most walkable neighborhoods provide surprisingly high levels of walkability, especially for a Southern city. We suggest you take a look at these walkable Nashville neighborhoods.

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Most Walkable Neighborhoods In Nashville

If you're thinking about selling your home, you'll have to make many decisions. Not only do you need to figure out what town/state you're moving to, how much you'd like to sell the home for, and the timeline of selling your home - you'll also have to choose how you want to sell your home.

Believe it or not, there are many options out there. Some people elect to sell their home themselves, also known as a [for sale by owner](https://www.felixhomes.com/resources/sell-without-an-agent-nashville) transaction. However, more commonly, people choose to work with a real estate agent to oversee the entire transaction. After all, with most things in life, it pays to higher a professional.

Working with a real estate agent can be expensive, as **many realtors charge a 6% commission rate**. In Nashville, the average home price is $300,000, and the average realtor commission 5.8%. This means on your average home sale, the homeowner pays **$17,400 in commission fees**. We agree, it pays to work with a professional, but why should you pay that much? You shouldn’t, you should work with a low commission real estate agent.

A low commission real estate agent is a real estate agent, or brokerage, that helps you list your home and charges you a discounted agent commission structure. And yes, this is completely legal! Realtors are allowed to discount their commission - although many agents won't advertise that for obvious reasons. Your average realtor will charge a 6% commission.

## Unwilling To Pay 6%? Then Choose A Discount Real Estate Model

If you're unwilling to pay a 6% commission fee on your home, we don't blame you. There are lower-cost options on the market, which will help keep more profit in your wallet when the transaction settles. The two most common low commission real estate options are:

### Flat-fee MLS

For a flat-fee, you can pay a company, typically $300 - $1,000 in the Nashville area, to list your home on the MLS. This is all you'll get. These companies typically do not provide any listing agent support or assist in facilitating the transaction. [Flat fee MLS companies](https://www.felixhomes.com/resources/low-commission-realtor-or-flat-fee-mls) also will not assist with helping you determine a list price or other crucial aspects of the home selling process. Most sellers that choose the flat-fee MLS option do so solely for the reduced commission fee. Keep in mind that with the flat fee MLS option, you are still expected to offer a buyers agent a competitive commission of between 2.5% - 3%.

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### You can work with a full-service low commission realtor

Also known as discount brokers, these are real estate companies that in many cases offer the same full-service support a traditional realtor would, but charge a reduced commission. Felix Homes is a low commission realtor or discount broker who is a top white-glove, full service, real estate company. At Felix Homes, our services go beyond that of a flat-fee MLS company as we provide the same services any traditional agent would such as assistance in determining a list price to hosting an open house and so much more.

## Commonly Asked Questions About Real Estate Commissions In Nashville

### How much do low commission real estate agents charge as a listing fee?

Discount brokers all charge different rates, but they are all less than the typical 3% listing agent commission rate a traditional real estate agent charges. For example, Redfin charges 1.5%, whereas Homie and Trelora charge a flat dollar fee. We keep it simple at Felix Homes, with a low commission rate of just [1% for our services](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/one-percent-commission-realtor-nashville).

### How can these low commission real estate agents charge sellers less?

In almost every case, a low commission brokerage will leverage employees instead of contractors. This creates efficiencies, and greater efficiency leads to these top real estate agents or brokers being able to sell more homes. This is a different business model when comparing it to the typical franchise/contractor model of some of the well known real estate groups.

### What are some of the pros of having an employee-based business model as a discount real estate brokerage?

At Felix Homes, we have an employee-based business model. Here's why this model works for us. We embrace the concept of specialized roles. Our in-house team is the aggregated sum of highly talented individuals in their own respective areas. We are not trying to be the jack of all trades like a traditional realtor. Instead, we have employees that lead our marketing team, manage our technology, take care of prospecting, and even shoot professional photos for the home. This allows us to keep our agents focused on what they do best, selling a house!

Considering an agent doesn't need to spend time running their finances or creating a new social media post, our agents are able to spend more time focused on selling a home. Our top agents at Felix Home's sell 3x more homes than the typical agent in the Nashville area.

Felix Homes' agents don't pay outrageous brokerage fees either. A traditional agent typically needs to pay their brokerage 50% of their agent commission, which is part of the reason why they refuse to operate on a low commission structure. Our agents don't have to pay this fee most brokers charge.

We leverage better technology for a quicker sale. Because we actually employ technology experts, we leverage the top tools to help us sell your home more quickly. Whether we use this technology to improve your home's position online or when we take a beautiful aerial view photo of your home, we're leveraging the best in class tools, software, and equipment to get your house in front of more buyers.

Our agents pride themselves on providing the full white-glove service for all of our clients. Our level of service is what we're known for, and frankly, the top marketing tool we could ask for. By simply providing an over-the-top customer experience, our sellers and buyers become our biggest advocates. Word of mouth is a free form of marketing, so we have a very low customer acquisition cost! Despite being a discount real estate brokerage, you will not be getting a discounted service level!

### What are the cons of the independent contractor model?

Quite candidly, the independent contractor model most brokers employ is too expensive. These contractors are required to pay 50% of their commission to the broker, despite the broker having little to no involvement with the sale. Therefore, these contractors aren't willing or able to discount the commission they charge on their services, because the broker is already taking a large cut.

Most traditional agents in the Nashville area only do one sale per month. This is because these agents are essentially their own business. They have to do everything from; their own marketing, their bookkeeping, prospecting, and selling. They aren't just focused on the sale, but instead, have to adapt the jack of all trades approaches just to run their business. There are only so many hours in a day and your agent should spend their time focused on activities that will lead to a successful sale for you, the seller.

Most real estate brokers lack sophisticated marketing techniques. This complements the above point, but if the seller's agent is focused on all other aspects of running a business, how can they possibly dedicate enough time to properly market their homes? Unless you have a dedicated marketing team, you can't leverage the best, most sophisticated marketing tools, or technology, in the business.

There is nothing that differentiates one 6% broker from others. Traditional real estate agents are the most common as many feel like being a traditional agent has the most upside potential. Instead of following the herd, we step to the side and go in our own direction as a discount broker.

### What kind of homes do low commission agents specialize in selling?

Most low commission real estate agents are focused on listing homes from $175,000 - $1,500,000. This includes single-family homes or condos. Home's that are unique, such as properties priced above $1.5M, homes with 10+ acres, homes located in rural areas, or homes in disrepair are better managed through a traditional real estate agent.

### Are low commission agents licensed?

Absolutely! Just because we are a discount real estate agent doesn't mean we can skip out on our education. We go through the same state licensing requirements as any other realtor. We became a low commission agent by choice, to help you save money. But our education and licensing is the same.

### Do low commission realtors provide less service to sellers?

This is a complicated answer, as every low commission agency has its own set of practices and service levels. Some low commission realtors, such as Homie - a Utah based company - focuses on a digital-agent experience. They will not meet with you in person, nor will they visit your home or host open houses. Their listing agent services are done electronically.

On the other hand, other low commission realtors, such as Felix Homes, provide you with a full list of agent services. In fact, because we have a dedicated team that specializes in specific roles within our company, we believe we can provide a better service and experience to our sellers. This may include; listing your home, running multiple open houses, leveraging [top-notch marketing](https://www.felixhomes.com/marketing), and providing prompt customer service, you can count on us to sell your home.

## Introduction To Felix Homes

Our company, Felix Homes, started in 2018. Our objective is to create the best, full-service real estate experience for our clients and simultaneously provide the most financially responsible way to sell a home. We're a local real estate company serving Nashville and neighboring communities.

Our objective is to help sellers get the highest price while charging them a lower commission. That said, just because our listing commission fees are lower than typical agents doesn't mean we offer a lower level of service to sellers. We are still a full-service real estate firm committed to our clients. Our discount real estate business is not the cheapest way to go, folks can certainly list their home as a for sale by owner transaction - but if you're looking for a professional, we're the agents that can help.

Our lower commission approach allows us to sell more homes. On average, our agents sell 3x more homes than the Nashville average. More and more people in the Nashville market are looking for a listing agent who won't charge the full 6% commission fee to sell your home.

## The Possibilities We Provide Each Home Seller

We're on a mission to sell your house for less commission because we truly want to help more and more Americans live a more financially responsible life. The debt crisis is weighing heavily on many Americans, and many of us can benefit from having a bit more money in our bank account each month.

On average, when we sell your home, the homeowner keeps $8,100 more profit in their pocket. Imagine what you could do with an extra $8,100.

Some of our sellers; paid off a large chunk of their student loans, took a family vacation, or got rid of a credit card expense that was costing them a few hundred dollars per month! If you're looking to sell a home just to buy a new home, think about how much money you can save per the lifetime of that loan if you put down an additional $8,100.

## The Unspoken Reality

When technology is done right, it makes life easier. The same is true for real estate. Most buyers find their own homes these days. The days of driving up and down streets for hours on the weekend are long gone. Zillow, Realtor.com, and Felix Homes' [search tool](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale) can help you find your perfect home all from the comfort of your living room couch. The job of a real estate, in today's modern world, is so much easier than it was many years ago. The same can be said for the life of a real estate agent. All of the technology tools from customer relationship management software to electronic signature platforms make the job of an agent easier.

Yet the 6% commission rate hasn't changed. Most agents are afraid to admit the truth, that the job is easier today. The more the public realizes this, the less accepting they'll be of paying a high fee just to sell. The public will look for either flat fees, or discounted fees, as they realize the traditional realtor is [getting too much money](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/how-much-commission-does-a-realtor-make).

Additionally, home prices are surging. A higher commission rate made sense when you could buy a home for $100,000. But those days are also long gone, especially in Middle Tennessee and now your average Nashville home is roughly $300,000. A 6% commission on $300,000 is a lot of money!

## The Felix Homes Approach

In addition to saving you money, we believe in offering sellers an increased level of transparency. We're proud of our proven system and would love to give you a glimpse into our process and the services we provide to help a home seller get the best price for your home.

### Step 1 - The fact find

Our in-person home valuation is when a Felix Agent conducts their initial fact find of your home. We get a sense of your home's most appealing selling features, inform you of the target price we should shoot for, and even help you identify minor home improvements to complete before listing your home on the MLS.

### Step 2 - Professional photos

Our professional photographers will come to your home and capture the best photos possible. We provide props for stagings, such as artwork, flowers, and accent pieces to really make these photo's pop for the photoshoot. We'll take roughly 40 HD photos, including photo's taken from the sky with our drone. Our editing team edits the photos accordingly, and in under 48 hours, these photos are ready to be shared with the world.

### Step 3 - Your home is now on the market

Roughly 48 hours after the photoshoot, the actual home selling process can begin by getting it listed on the MLS. This syndicates with over 70+ real estate websites, allowing a buyer easy access to finding your home. We'll take to social media and run various Facebook and Instagram ads. We're no stranger to hosting an open house event, providing you with a professional yard sign, or listing your home in our weekly email newsletter. Each home gets a custom marketing approach because each home is different. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We want to help the seller get the best offer possible. The only way to do that is to make sure the right buyer can find the home through a [custom marketing campaign](https://www.felixhomes.com/marketing).

### Step 4 - The offers will begin flowing in

Not long after your house goes on the MLS, your agent will begin to get various offers. We're not just a listing agent with the goal of selling a home, we're also educators. There are various types of offers we will receive from a buyer. These offers can include a full cash offer, conventional loan, FHA loan, or a VA loan to name a few. We'll review each offer together and help you understand the pros/cons of each. There are many variables to take into consideration. For instance, will there be a financing contingency, appraisal contingency, or inspection contingency? As a seller, these waters are difficult to navigate alone, but with our experience, we'll help you get through them as efficiently as possible.

### Step 5 - Accepting an offer

Once we accept an offer, the closing process starts. During this time, many clients have questions. Have no fear, your dedicated agent will always be just a phone call away. We'll help you get the price you want from your home, and ensure the offer you accepted was the right one from the pool of offers received.

### Step 6 - Closing day

Congratulations! You've officially sold your house! A new owner will move in and create many fond memories in that beautiful home.

## Why Do 6% Agents Love To Hate On Discount Real Estate Agents?

That's it, that's our process. It's straightforward, comprehensive, and complete. Why would a traditional realtor throw shade at a model which saves the buyer and seller thousands in commission fees?

A traditional realtor may throw shade at our process because they feel threatened by the way our industry is changing. Discount real estate brokers are disrupting the real estate industry, reducing the agent commission, listing fee, and working with sellers. Most folks are scared of change, we embrace it. We realize the fee you pay to work with a traditional realtor is too much, and we're not going to tolerate it anymore. After all, you work day after day to pay your mortgage in an attempt to build home equity as an investment for your future. When it comes time to sell, why should this hard-earned equity go to the realtor?

Not only do we have a lower commission, but we also provide superior service. You can fact check our data. Our average sales to list price is 100.04%, which is industry-leading and well above the [Nashville average](https://www.felixhomes.com/real-estate-agents/nashville). Additionally, most of our homes stay on the market for just 33 days, another industry-leading statistics.

## Let's Meet

If you're in the Nashville area and have more questions about selling your home or just general questions about low commission real estate agents, we'll be happy to chat! Our passion is real estate, we can talk about it at any time of the day.

Felix Homes has full-service agents who will help you sell your home for the best price possible. We only get paid after your home sells, and we'll keep more profit in your pocket. If we act as both the seller and buyers agent, you'll keep a **windfall of profits** as our all in **commission fee will be just 2.5% instead of the standard 6%**. That's right, we also represent buyers and when we combine both the buy and sale in one transaction, everyone wins!

Discount brokers are here to stay. The real estate industry was positioned for change, and we're proud to be part of it.

Please contact us today for any support you may need at [contact@felixhomes.com](mailto:contact@felixhomes.com) or [615-354-5731](tel:6153545731).

If you're thinking about selling your home, you'll have to make many decisions. Not only do you need to figure out what town/state you're moving to, how much you'd like to sell the home for, and the timeline of selling your home - you'll also have to choose how you want to sell your home.

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Nashville Low Commission Real Estate Agents

It's no secret, the Nashville Tennessee area is attracting more and more people to it. Between the excellent job market, the mild climate, and the culturally rich city that promises tons of entrainment, people are coming in by busloads! Of which, more and more folks in their retirement years are deciding to call Nashville home.

Nashville is a fantastic city! Between the hiking trails, short drive to the smoky mountains, nightlife, and school systems, Nashville is a great place to raise a family. But the state of the art health care facilities, affordable cost of living, and terrific retirement communities also make it a great place to spend your freedom years.

Tennessee retirement communities are popping up all over, and if you're considering making the move into one of these beautiful communities, we'll be glad to help you out.

We're going to cover these communities below, explain why they are so popular, and even share with you our top-10 favorite retirement community in Tennessee.

## What Is A Retirement Community?

Simply put, these are communities made up of residential homes, or a housing complex, where folks in their golden years choose to live. These communities are **not nursing homes or long term care communities**, but rather a community filled with men and women enjoying their golden years while being able to take care of themselves.

In Tennessee, these communities typically include many amenities that will keep you happy and entertained. Common amenities include; a pool, a community center, and a fitness center. Some are even situated on a golf course or lakefront and promote an active adult lifestyle.

### Is a retirement community the same as a 55 community?

There are numerous 55 communities in TN, are they the same as a retirement community? Yes, they are. More and more people are starting to realize the amazing benefits Tennessee has, whether you're raising a family or enjoying the golden years, Tennesse has it all.

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## What Are The Benefits Of Retiring In Tennessee?

Tennessee is a fantastic place to live and retire. In particular, the greater Nashville area is the most sought after area in all of Tennessee. What's all the buzz and excitement about, and is it for good reason? It certainly is! Tennessee is becoming a leading retirement destination for numerous reasons:

### The cost of living

Nashville Tennessee provides a great bang for your buck. Many people are choosing to leave the Northeast or West Coast, not only in search of a more desirable and mild climate but also because of the cost of living and tax advantages.

Tennessee is one of the few states that won't tax your retirement income. Retirees don't pay taxes on their IRA, pensions, or 401k income if they reside in Tennessee. You've paid income tax your entire life, it's now time to enjoy some tax benefits and stretch that dollar!

### The culture

Nashville Tennessee is a culturally rich city. Nowhere else in Tennessee do you have such a great music scene, a wide selection of fantastic restaurants, and diverse nightlife. The residents embrace the southern charm and the city has a warm, welcoming feel.

### The healthcare system

Without question, healthcare must be a major point of consideration when you're looking to enjoy your retirement years. Tennesse is well known for its excellent healthcare system. In fact, healthcare makes up the largest industry in Nashville with prominent hospitals and research facilities such as Vanderbilt University Medical Center or St. Thomas Hospital.

### Ease of access

With just a short plane ride, you can be on the sandy beaches of southern Florida, or within the greater New York City or Boston metropolitan area. The airports in Tennessee are easy to access and can get you really anywhere in the country in just a short ride. Visiting family, old friends, or vacationing to another state will be a breeze!

## What To Look For When Choosing A Retirement Community In Tennessee?

Finding the right community is entirely contingent on what you're looking for. There are a wide range of communities you can choose from, such as;

- **A golf centered community** - The homes in a golf centered community will be situated on a beautiful golf course. Live on the country club year-round and play golf any day of the week!
- **Lakefront living** - If you love fishing or the outdoors, you may want to find yourself in a lakefront community. Between hiking, swimming in the lake, enjoying the beautiful views, and casting a line into the beautiful Tellico lake water off your own dock in the backyard, what's not to love?
- **One with nature** - There's arguably nothing more relaxing and beautiful than enjoying a nice cup of coffee on your deck overlooking the great smoky mountains. If nature is your calling, be sure to check out communities that blend seamlessly with nature. Generally speaking, homes in these communities are a bit more spaced out, but still provide a close community lifestyle.
- **Active adult communities** - The active adult communities are becoming increasingly popular as many folks want to get or stay healthy in their golden years. Between a fitness center, tennis courts, walking trails, the active adult communities are truly a fantastic place to be.
- **Let's not forget about city living** - If you're into the hustle and bustle of a city, you can certainly find a community to complement your lifestyle. Catch a performance downtown and walk over to your favorite restaurant for dinner, you can do it all!

It's also important to consider the number of rules, regulations, and fees the community has. There can be various age restrictions, max home occupancy rules, and fees that are worth taking into consideration. You certainly want a community feel, but you may not be willing to compromise on some of the rules you'll be required to live by.


### What's the cost of buying a house in a retirement community?

Buying real estate in a Tennessee retirement community is certainly cheaper than in other areas of the country. Considering the amenities that come with these communities the price of a home is typically more expensive than buying a house outside of a community. Homes typically range from the mid $300,000's to over $1,000,00 on the high end and everything in between. The price of the home cannot be the only thing considered. You also must take into account the amenities!

These amenities and benefits also come at a price. Retirement communities will have monthly fees that must be paid to the association. These fees help pay for all the benefits and amenities you are provided. The fee typically covers; a grounds crew which will keep all properties looking like a resort at all times, the upkeep of the pool, gym, tennis courts, roads, and even some major exterior home repairs.

[PRO TIP: See Nashville area homes for sale](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/nashville)

### What are some of the amenities typically offered in a 55 community?

Typically, a Tennessee retirement community will feel very much like a country club! Between a gym, clubhouse, beautiful lawns, mountain or lakefront views, golf courses, and beautiful new single-family homes or townhomes - you'll have no problem enjoying an active lifestyle

### Is there a lot of maintenance for homeowners in a 55 community?

Owning a home in one of these Tennessee based communities can be a great experience. Typically, these homes are low maintenance, but not all. To start, many of the homes are new homes built by reputable builders. Additionally, the fees you pay each month will help cover a lot of maintenance expenses.

You may be able to throw away your lawnmower, as a professional grounds crew will tend to the lawn and make it look resort-quality all the time. The pool will be cleaned and maintained daily, the entertainment and gym center will always be cleaned and ready for use, and the roads will be well maintained.

You'll be free to tinker with the inside of the home as you choose. If you want to add a backsplash to the kitchen, paint the walls, or upgrade the vanities, you're more than welcome to do so.

## Top 10 Retirement Communities In Tennessee

### #10 - Sherrill Hills

[Sherrill Hills](https://rlcommunities.com/tennessee/sherrill-hills-retirement/) is an apartment-style living that is fully all-inclusive. From dining to their no fee for pets policy, seniors are able to maintain their independence and live in a beautiful setting.

### #9 - Reid Hill Commons

Reid Hill Commons in Franklin Tennessee is another active adult community where folks can enjoy an active lifestyle. Each condo is beautiful, fairly new construction, and various activities will help foster the community vibe with your neighbors.

### #8 - Avenida Cool Springs

[Avenida Cool Springs](https://www.avenidapartners.com/senior-living/tn/franklin/mallory-station-rd/), in Franklin Tennessee, are beautiful apartment homes designed with the active adult in mind. If you're not interested in buying and owning your home, this is a perfect option for you. There are a variety of floor plans to choose from and the amenities will keep you entertained. With beautiful outdoor seating and firepits, group rooms, and swimming pools, you'll love to call this place home.

### #7 - The Cottages of Providence

Mt. Juliet is home to The Cottages of Providence. Enjoy walking trails, views of a lake, aquatic activities, and homes priced from the mid $200k - low $300k. This active community is a lovely place to call home.

### #6 - Fairfield Glade

[Fairfield Glade](https://fairfieldglade.net/) is home to 11 lakes, 25+ miles of walking and hiking trails, 5 golf courses, recreation, and fitness complexes, and overlooks a beautiful mountain backdrop. Less than 60 minutes outside of Knoxville Tennessee sits this beautiful community.

### #5 - Lenoir City Wind River Lakefront and Golf Resort

If you're looking for luxury, look no further than the beautiful [Lenoir City Wind River Lakefront and Golf Resort](https://www.windriverliving.com/). Homes are typically around $500,000 - $1,500,000 and are absolutely gorgeous. You'll have access to all the benefits of living on Tellico lake and in just a 30-minute drive, you'll be in downtown Knoxville.

### #4 - Tellico Village

[Tellico Village](https://tellicovillage.org/) in the Great Smoky Mountains is such a beautiful place to live. Their website states "the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains are clearly visible from Tellico village and provide unique and beautiful views for its residents." Who wouldn't want to breathe the fresh air, and make new memories hosting a wonderful dinner party with the mountains as your backdrop? Watch how the beautiful mountains evolve with each season.

### #3 - Tellico Village at Tellico Lake

Another Tellico Village option, but this time we trade the mountains for the beautiful lake. Spend the day fishing, or stare at the beautiful lake views, you are also situated on a pristine golf course!

### #2 - Lake Providence by Del Webb

[Lake Providence](https://www.dwlphoa.com/) by Del Webb is a gorgeous place to call home. Their 24,000 sq/ft clubhouse is certainly one of its main attraction pieces. Residents also enjoy an indoor spa, beautiful swimming pools, a walking track, a billiards room, a library, and a fantastic fitness area. Folks are sure to keep an active, yet peaceful, lifestyle here.

### #1 - Southern Springs

Just south of Lake Providence is another beautiful Del Webb community, Southern Springs. New homes start at $361k, and they are sure to pack a lot of punch. [Southern Springs](https://www.delwebb.com/homes/tennessee/nashville/spring-hill/southern-springs-209577) has 16 tennis courts, a gigantic pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and a grand group entertainment room.

## Looking To Sell Your Home In Favor Of Moving To A Retirement Community?

We don't blame you. These communities are becoming increasingly more popular and for good reason. If you're approaching that age where you're tired of taking care of your property or the age where you are looking to reduce your income tax, considering moving to one of the many Tennessee retirement communities.

Between Fairfield Glade, the beautiful Del Webb communities, or a home situated on Tellico lake, our agents at Felix Homes are prepared to help you find your perfect spot to call home and live your life to the fullest.

## About Felix Homes

[Felix Homes](https://www.felixhomes.com/) is a 1% realtor servicing the greater Nashville Tennessee area. [What's a 1% commission realtor?](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/one-percent-commission-realtor-nashville) We're glad you asked.

On average, we help our clients keep an extra $8,100 in their wallet after they sell their home. We only charge our clients a 1% commission fee, compared to the 3% industry average.

If you're looking for the perfect home in Tennessee, we're happy to help. We represent both the buy and sell-side of real estate transactions and know the area inside and out. Whether you're looking for a new house, condo, townhouse, golf retirement communities in TN, or over 55 communities in Tennessee, we have you covered!

If you're in Tennessee or thinking about locating to this beautiful state, and would like to hear more information about Felix Homes, what we do, and how we can help your real estate goals, please reach out for more information at [contact@felixhomes.com](mailto:contact@felixhomes.com) or [615-354-5731](tel:6153545731).

It's no secret, the Nashville Tennessee area is attracting more and more people to it. Between the excellent job market, the mild climate, and the culturally rich city that promises tons of entrainment, people are coming in by busloads!

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The 10 Best Tennessee Retirement Communities

- **New housing sales have remained nearly flat at roughly 1,467 new homes per year, even as the demand for homes has skyrocketed.**
- **The median sales price of a new home in Davidson County has increased by 27% since 2015 from $339,000 to $430,920.**
- **The median price of a new home in Davidson County to cost $550,000 by 2025.**
- **The most affordable new homes in Davidson County are located in Antioch with a median sales price in 2020 of $304,400.**
- **Ryan Homes has been the most active home builder in Davidson County with 566 new home sales since 2015.**

It’s no secret, Nashville is a booming city! Each year, more and more out-of-state residents flock to Nashville looking to establish roots and call this great city home. The desire to move to Nashville is mainly driven by how unreasonably priced other major cities are, such as; New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Nashville is also experiencing tremendous economic growth. The mature healthcare industry, and it’s gaining popularity as a tourism destination, help fuel the expansion. Coupled with a mild climate, and a favorable tax system, Nashville is positioned well for more years of growth and expansion. 

All of this economic growth may lead one to believe new home construction is growing at an equal rate. That simply isn’t the case. Over the past five years, the number of new homes being built has remained constant at around 1,450 per year. The lack of supply, and an increasing amount of demand, has caused house prices to rise at a record pace - and there are no signs of this slowing down any time soon.

## What’s Leading To Growth In Nashville?

### A lower cost of living

Compared to New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, $430,920 for a brand new home seems like a downright steal. Not to mention for that price, you can enjoy being just 15 minutes away from Downtown Nashville while still enjoying the advantages and luxuries of suburban life. Your money will certainly go further in Nashville in part due to the local tax environment which we will touch on in just a bit.

The trend of moving from more expensive cities to more affordable cities is nothing new although we’ve seen this trend accelerate in part due to more flexible working conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the desire for millions of Americans to leave packed cities in search of single-family homes, with backyards, in a suburban environment. More and more companies are becoming more flexible with working from home, which in return, has people looking to leave their small bungalows or apartments in San Francisco for spacious [single-family homes in Nashville](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/nashville).

### A favorable tax environment 

Taxes. Emotions run through your mind when you hear that word. If you feel like you pay too much money in taxes, you’re not alone. Our friends to the north, west, and south of us all feel the same way. 

For many reasons, the tax environment is favorable throughout all of Tennessee. The vast majority of clients we take on from out of state mention they moved to Tennessee because:
1. There is no state income tax. If you’re from New York, this can really hit home! 
2. There is no state tax on retirement accounts, such as; pensions, or 401-k’s. 

These reasons not only make Nashville a great place to kick your career off and start a family, but it makes it equally as popular with [retirees](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/best-places-to-retire-in-tennessee).

Property taxes in Davidson county [increased by 34%](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/davidson-county-real-estate-tax-hike) recently from $3.155 to $4.221 per $100 of a property’s assessed value. While this may seem like a large increase, Nashville’s property taxes are still lower than similar cities such as Charlotte and Atlanta.

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### Thriving economy

Nashville’s local economy is thriving! It seems like every other month, another fortune 500 company announces plans to move their headquarters to Nashville. Just in the past couple of years, Nashville has welcomed AllianceBernstein, iHeartMedia, The Daily Wire, and many other large companies. Nashville will also be home to a new Amazon Operations Center located in [The Gulch](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/the-gulch) that promises nearly 5,000 six-figure jobs. 
<p>
Nashville is known as a tourist destination and bachelorette hotspot. The downtown broadway strip welcomes <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tennessean.com/story/money/2020/01/27/a-record-16-m-visitors-came-to-nashville-in-2019/4589033002/">16 million</a> tourists per year and it’s professional football, hockey, and soccer teams continue to gain national appeal.
</p>


## How Many New Homes Are Built Each Year?

Davidson County has averaged 1,467 new homes per year over the last five years. While this may sound like a lot, it pales in comparison to the demand for housing in the county. By the last measure, over 100 people were moving to Nashville each day. The city certainly does have a robust makeup of older homes, it’s still important to note new home sales make up a shockingly small percentage of total sales.

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As alluded to above, new home construction isn’t keeping up with the demand Davidson County continues to experience. Dating back to 2015, new construction has remained relatively stagnant.

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As basic economics tells us; when supply doesn’t match demand, expect the price to increase. That holds true to the prices of homes, as new home prices have jumped 27% over the past five years.

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## What’s The Most Affordable Neighborhood To Buy A New Home In Davidson County?

Luckily for home buyers, the most affordable neighborhood in Davidson County, [Antioch](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/antioch) also happens to be the place most builders are focused on. In the past 5 years, over 1,150 new homes have been built in this up and coming neighborhood and the median sales price for a new home in 2020 was a reasonable $254,267. 

## Who Are The Most Active Home Builders In Davidson County?

The most active home builders in Davidson County made up 18.5% of all new homes built in the past 5 years. They typically prefer to build 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathroom homes which appeal mostly to growing families.The most active builders over the past five years are:

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## What Was The Most Expensive New Home Sold In Davidson County?

The most expensive new home in Davidson County closed in August 2020 and brought in $4,500,000. This custom home was built by Cates Builders and includes features such as an inground pool, French reclaimed oak floors, and sits on nearly an acre of land.

<ol>
<li><a rel="nofollow" href="https://go.realtracs.com/0DqowDl">4416 Sheppard Pl, Nashville, TN 37205</a> ($4,500,000)</li>
<li><a rel="nofollow" href="https://go.realtracs.com/0DqosFX">869 Battery Ln, Nashville, TN 37220</a> ($3,320,000)</li>
<li><a rel="nofollow" href="https://go.realtracs.com/0DqoqEW">725 Westview Ave, Nashville, TN 37205</a> ($3,250,000)</li>
<li><a rel="nofollow" href="https://go.realtracs.com/0Dqok0y">2232 Chickering Ln, Nashville, TN 37215</a> ($3,000,000)</li>
<li><a rel="nofollow" href="https://go.realtracs.com/0Dqok0y">2232 Chickering Ln, Nashville, TN 37215</a> ($3,000,000)</li>
</ol>

## What Should We Expect In 2021?

If history is any predictor, we should expect the number of new homes constructed in Davidson County in 2021 to remain fairly constant at just over 1,400. Given the small number of new home sales, it is likely home prices will continue to rise as the housing supply is further squeezed. At this rate, by 2025 the median price of a new home in Davidson County could reach almost $550,000. At that rate, would Nashville lose some of its appeal for being an affordable city? Or, would the climate, culture, convenience, and tax incentives continue to attract more and more Americans? 

## About Felix Homes

[Felix Homes](https://www.felixhomes.com/) is a local [low-commission](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/low-commission-real-estate-agents-nashville) real estate brokerage. What does that mean? For home sellers, we charge a 1% commission compared to the 3% the vast majority of agents charge. This low fee, on average, keeps $8,100 of profit in the home seller's pocket! 

Not only do we save our clients money when we sell their homes, but we also save them money when they choose to buy a home. [We believe a 3% buyers commission is ridiculous](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/buyers-agent-commission-rebate-tennessee), and only charge 1.5%. 

## Less Expensive Doesn’t Mean Less Attention

Just because we offer to buy and sell homes for a lower commission doesn’t mean you, as our client, will receive a lower quality of service. At Felix Homes, our dedicated real estate agents will walk you through the entire process from start to finish. Our business model is different, and all our agents do is focus on you, the client. Behind the scenes, we have a marketing, writing, finance, and technology team that focuses on running the business. 

Our unique business model allows us to maximize efficiency, ultimately enabling us to sell more homes than the average real estate agent in the area. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in the Nashville area, contact us at [contact@felixhomes.com](mailto:contact@felixhomes.com) or [615-354-5731](tel:6153545731).

The lack of supply, and an increasing amount of demand, has caused house prices to rise at a record pace - and there are no signs of this slowing down any time soon.

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Nashville Home Builders Can’t Keep Up With Demand

Stick around Nashville long enough, and you’ll find it goes by many names. Of course, most know it as “Music City”, being the seat of all things country music, but that just scratches the surface of this crazy town. Some call it “The Athens of the South” for its renowned collection of colleges. Partiers love “Nashvegas”, hockey fans yell “Smashville”, but whatever you choose to call it, there’s no question that Nashville is everybody’s destination city—at least, almost everybody’s.

Nashville has added around half a million residents in the last decade, and over 15 million visitors walk its streets every year. Basically, it’s in the middle of an unprecedented boom, and while the town’s incomparable music scene, sports teams, and nightlife keep the social calendars full, there’s still one attraction that Nashville would be happy to make room for: a Major League Baseball team. Plans are already in the works to bring Nashville its fourth major sports franchise, The Nashville Stars. Adding this baseball team would be an impressive sign of Nashville’s recent prosperity, but the city isn’t looking for a status symbol. Rather, it’s the logical next step for a baseball-crazed town with deep and meaningful roots in the game.

![Image of a woman singing on a stage at a bar](https://felix-homes-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Singing_e30a550725.jpg)

## Nashville Baseball: Then And Now

The MLB may have been founded in 1869, but Nashville was playing ball well before then. The [first official game](https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/baseball/2015/04/15/nashville-professional-baseball-history/25854311/) was reportedly played in the [Historic Edgefield neighborhood](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/historic-edgefield) (when it was just called Edgefield), in 1860. This started a groundswell of enthusiasm for the game, and, unlike the South at the time, baseball was for everyone. Soon Nashville was a destination for the Negro Leagues, with the Standard Giants representing the city in the famed Capitol City League. Some of the country’s greatest baseball players made stops in Nashville, to play the Giants, the Vols (Nashville’s top non-Negro League team), and even—you guessed it—the Stars. This Negro League team that called Nashville home from the 1930s through the 1950s was an important piece of the city’s baseball tradition; repurposing the “Stars” name for the town’s newest franchise serves as an homage to Nashville’s rich and diverse baseball heritage.

[PRO TIP: check out the newest homes listed for sale in Nashville](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/nashville)

## Why Does A Nashville MLB Team Make Sense?

Indeed, these diverse baseball roots are part of what makes the city so perfect for MLB’s current expansion plans. The Stars would be the [first MLB team named after a Negro League franchise](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2020/07/07/nashville-stars-mlb-expansion-baseball/5391425002/), and in the last few weeks, Major League Baseball made the long-overdue decision to include Negro League statistics in the MLB record books. Including the Stars would be another way for the league to honor the game’s neglected past while expanding for its future.

The name, however, doesn’t just pay tribute to the past, it’s also an indication of the kind of people who are passionate about bringing a Major League team to Nashville. We can’t verify this, but we have a feeling it’s the only prospective franchise whose roster of supporters looks like a [CMA after-party guest list](https://www.mlbmusiccity.com/leadership-roster/). The likes of Justin Timberlake, Maren Morris, Darius Rucker, and Eric Church headline a rolodex of celebrity representatives and advisers to the franchise. Tony La Russa, manager of three World Series teams, is at the helm of a star-studded baseball advisory committee, and the Executive Board is chaired by none other than former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Between that all-star leadership and a city that already boasts the third-highest minor league attendance in the country, the Major League has no choice but to take notice.

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## Is An Expansion Team The Only Avenue For Nashville To Become Host To An MLB Franchise?

MLB expansion is still not a foregone conclusion, but all signs indicate that it’s just a matter of time before Nashville has its own franchise. Although the trials and tribulations of 2020 have gotten in the way of expansion momentum, Nashville still hopes to have a team in town by 2025, and MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has [repeatedly made it clear](https://theathletic.com/2315404/2021/01/11/rosenthal-mlb-expansion-on-hold/) that he thinks it’s time for growth. Even if the league owners don’t vote to expand, franchises like the Oakland As and Tampa Bay Rays could soon be looking for a new home. Either way, Nashville tops the list of potential franchise destinations. The question is, once a team is secured, where will they play, and what will it mean for Nashville’s flourishing real estate market?

## Where Will The Nashville Stars' Stadium Complex Be Built?

Franchise leadership is currently evaluating multiple locations that could house the ballpark complex. The leader in the clubhouse, though, is the parcel of land just across the Cumberland River from downtown, right next to Nissan Stadium. This centrally-located spot would be another boon to the already surging [East Nashville neighborhood](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/east-nashville).

Plans indicate that construction would involve much more than just a baseball field. Surrounding the [42,000-seat stadium](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2020/07/07/nashville-stars-mlb-expansion-baseball/5391425002/), a transformative entertainment and commercial complex would be the crown jewel of Nashville’s recent real estate developments. Swanky office space, upscale condos, a hotel, and shops are all [part of the proposal](https://www.mlbmusiccity.com/), with new parking garages to accommodate the activity. There’s even a plan to transform the stretch of river into Cumberland Cove, a marina and greenway development—think UT’s Vol Navy with a Nashville twist. It would be perhaps Downtown Nashville’s most ambitious real estate project to date and could have dramatic implications for the surrounding neighborhoods.

## How Will A New Sports Complex Impact The Surrounding Real Estate Values?

East Nashville, just across the river from [Downtown](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/downtown), is a mostly residential district that has historically provided convenient inner-city residential options. Lately, East Nashville real estate has been on a historic rise. Homes in the district are currently fetching an average of $243 per square foot, making it one of the city’s most expensive areas. Redevelopment efforts usually update or raze older construction, often replace them with large, modern homes carrying million dollar price tags. All signs suggest that a new East Nashville ballpark would only raise these home values even higher.

### A case-study from our neighbors to the south: Atlanta

When the Atlanta Braves, the Southeast’s preeminent baseball franchise, announced plans to relocate to a new ballpark just outside of town in Cobb County, [home values quickly responded positively](https://patch.com/georgia/smyrna/suntrust-park-spark-cobb-homes-rise-value-braves-move). Before the park was even built, homes within a two-mile radius of the stadium started selling for an average of 7% more. Once the Braves started playing in their new home, that number jumped to 8.5%. We know, we know, it’s a bit of a stretch to compare real estate trends along a beltway in Northwest Atlanta to those in the heart of Nashville. However, the complex built by the Braves’ development team, complete with chic shops, restaurants, and hotels, mirrors the multi-use super-site envisioned by the Stars’ top brass. With any luck, home values in East Nashville will get something like the “Suntrust Park Spark” enjoyed by surrounding properties in Atlanta.

The Atlanta stadium real estate bump may not be enough to suggest how a new stadium will affect home values. After all, the Braves are an established franchise relocating to the suburbs—not exactly across the river from Broadway. Fortunately, a recent local example suggests that the same spike in property values will occur. Nashville is currently in the midst of a development frenzy surrounding the construction of Nashville’s new Major League Soccer stadium at the Fairgrounds. Even though the new home for Nashville SC is still under construction, the property gains are already in full swing. 

### How did the Nashville SC stadium impact the local real estate market?

The [Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/wedgewood-houston), just north of the Fairgrounds toward downtown, has seen its average home sale price jump by 13.4% over the past 12 months, to around $590k. The price per square foot on these homes is steep, usually between $260 and $280. Even though the area has some older homes, newer [horizontal property regime](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/buying-an-hpr-real-estate) developments, some constructed as a response to the soccer stadium news, are helping to drive prices higher. The Nashville SC complex is relatively close to downtown, in an older residential district, just like the potential East Nashville Stadium. Therefore, it’s likely that the new ballpark would inspire a similar spike in the residential real estate market.

## What Are The Skeptics Saying?

Skeptics of the Stars stadium project argue that East Nashville is so close to the downtown action that a new ballpark won’t make much of a difference in home values. This is a reasonable, but probably unfounded concern. Just because East Nashville is close to downtown doesn’t mean its home values are anywhere near maxed out. Having a baseball stadium close only adds buyer interest, and would likely accelerate the residential property transformations already taking place in the neighborhood. In all likelihood, property values would reach unprecedented heights as people snatched up homes with easy access to 81 Major League baseball games a year.

Still, nothing is written in stone. The Titans have indicated that [they aren’t thrilled](https://ballparkdigest.com/2020/09/21/stars-titans-disagree-on-potential-ballpark-location/) about these new stadium plans, and alternative building sites are being explored near Tennessee State University and around [Franklin](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/franklin). No matter where the stadium ends up, though, look for the area to become Nashville’s hottest real estate destination.

## Our Conclusion: Nashville Is Built For The MLB

There’s no question that Nashville deserves a Major League baseball team. It has the history, the leadership, the brand, and the enthusiasm. Sure there are a few things to work out, but as Stars supporter, Maren Morris says, “When the bones are good, the rest don’t matter”. Nashville is built for Major League Baseball, it’s just a matter of time before a team moves in.

Plans are in the works to bring Nashville its fourth major sports franchise, The Nashville Stars. What does another sports team mean for Nashville real estate?

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Nashville Stars Baseball Team Is Good News For The Local Real Estate Market

Those looking to buy a home in Nashville have plenty of incredible suburban options. We're here to break down the top 10 best Nashville suburbs of 2021.

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2021 Top 10 List Of The Best Suburbs Of Nashville To Live In

The Tennessee real estate market is booming! So much so, [builders are struggling to keep up with the increasing demand](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/nashville-new-construction-report). The [U.S. Census](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/TN) suggests the population for the entire state is just shy of 7 million people and is positioned to grow rapidly over the next decade. Between the natural beauty of the state, the low cost of living, and the unparalleled culture, Tennessee is welcoming an increasing number of residents each year. Tennessee is not only known for being one of the [best places to retire](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/best-places-to-retire-in-tennessee) but it's also a great place to raise a family!

More families with children are calling Tennessee home. The mild climate, outdoor amenities, low crime rate, and fantastic school system make this state a great place to raise a family. We've canvased the entire state and compiled a list of our top places families with children should considering living. Whether you're looking to [move to Tennessee](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/moving-to-tennessee), or simply relocate within the state, this list is for you! 

[PRO TIP: Check out our top 10 list of best Nashville suburbs in 2021](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/best-suburbs-of-nashville-real-estate)

## #10 - Murfreesboro 

[Murfreesboro](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/murfreesboro) may be known as the home of Middle Tennessee State University but the city has so much more to offer. Murfreesboro's population is quickly approaching 140,000 residents and is among the fastest-growing cities in all of Tennessee. Why's that? There's so much to love about Murfreesboro from its rich Civil War history to the affordable cost of living. 

Additionally, the city has a fantastic school system, plenty of outdoor parks, and a diverse culture. If you're a foodie, you're in luck. Murfreesboro has many delicious restaurants to choose from, a cute downtown, and is located less than 40 minutes outside of Music City.

The real estate market is diverse and very competitive. The median home price is just over $300,000.  But make no mistake, you get a lot of value for your buck. 

## #9 - Green Hills 

If you're looking to live in Nashville proper, [Green Hills](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/green-hills) may be the right neighborhood for you! Located just 13 miles from the international airport, folks here love the convenience this area has to offer. High-end new construction is popping up all over, and it's causing housing prices to surge! It's not uncommon to pay close to one million dollars for a home in Green Hills.

With that said, families who live here agree it is well worth the investment. The value really comes from everything this neighborhood has to offer. Between the notorious Bluebird Cafe, various music venues, Lipscomb University, and an endless amount of restaurants, there's so much to like about Green Hills. That being said, many families who live in Green Hills decide to send their children to private schools. If a strong public school district is important to you and your family, we would recommend looking for homes in Williamson County.

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## #8 - Signal Mountain 

Signal Mountain is a suburb of Chattanooga located in Hamilton County. Signal Mountain is without a doubt a fantastic place to live! Residents here enjoy picturesque views year-round, but autumn is arguably the most beautiful time of year.  

If you love the outdoors, this may be the perfect place for your family. Rainbow lake trail is a popular hiking trail, with plenty of beautiful waterfalls to admire along the trail.  Not only does Signal Mountain glow with natural beauty, but it is also one of the safest towns in Tennessee with low crime rates. 

Most people who live in Signal Mountain commute less than 25 minutes to work, and housing will likely run you less than $400,000. The school system is top-rated, and the median household income is above the national average. 

## #7 - Nolensville 

[Nolensville](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/nolensville) is located about 30 minutes southeast of downtown Nashville and is split between Williamson and Davidson counties. It's well known for its beautiful landscapes and rolling hills. The average household income is roughly $130,000 and the folks who live in this town enjoy some of the lowest unemployment numbers in the entire state. 

Make no mistake, this is a small town with a population of fewer than 8,500 people. Residents living here enjoy the beautiful view nature provides, and some of the best school systems in middle Tennessee. The vast majority of residents in this town own their homes and have children. 

Housing costs generally range between $450,000 - $650,000 for a single-family home, many of which were built within the past five years. Considering the school district, low crime rate, and location, Nolensville is one of the most popular places for families to settle down. Many people have said that Nolensville is the next Spring Hill and we're anticipating the population to continue to increase in the coming years. 

## #6 - Hendersonville

![Image of Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville Tennessee](https://felix-homes-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Old_Hickory_36592b6520.jpg)

When you think about what it's like to live in Tennessee, [waterfront property](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/hendersonville/waterfront-homes) may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But that dream is possible for the folks who live in [Hendersonville](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/hendersonville). Just 20 miles north of Nashville sits this gorgeous family orientated community. Hendersonville is situated on Old Hickory Lake, and offers plenty of lakefront homes, activities, and views! 

Families with children love to call this place home. There are plenty of small businesses and shops which really compliment the community's southern charm. The school district is excellent and, all things considered, Hendersonville has a rather affordable cost of living. There are not many places in Tennessee where you can combine lakefront living, a strong school system, low crime rates, and affordable housing costs. It's no wonder why so many people choose to raise their children here. 

## #5 - Franklin

![Image of main street in Downtown Franklin Tennessee](https://felix-homes-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Downtown_Franklin_ffc300a612.jpg)

Just south of Nashville is [Franklin, Tennessee](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/franklin). This town has a population of close to 80,000 residents and while it can sometimes be overshadowed by downtown Nashville, make no mistake that Franklin is one of the premier cities in the south. The vast majority of residents own their homes and there is certainly a strong suburban vibe. There are plenty of restaurants, entertainment, parks, and cafes sprinkled throughout. Families do not only enjoy a lively town with great entertainment, but the school system is also one of the best in Tennessee.

The median house will cost you north of $400,000 and it's not uncommon to see [luxury homes in Franklin](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/franklin/luxury-homes) listed for $700,000 or more. Franklin is a young city in the sense of the average resident is 37 years old according to the [U.S. Census](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/franklincitytennessee/PST045219). However, Franklin also has a deep history with ties to the Civil War, creating the perfect blend of modern and historic culture - making it one of the best places to live in Tennessee. 

## #4 - Germantown 

Germantown is a suburb of Memphis, Tennessee with a population just shy of 40,000 people. Germantown's economy is primarily retail or the commercial industry. The average working professional commutes roughly 22 minutes to their job. 

Convenience isn't the only selling point to Germantown. Housing is extremely desirable and you can expect to spend between $375,000 - $450,000 on a nice single-family home. The public schools are award-winning and some of the best in West Tennessee.

Families not only appreciate the fantastic schools, but they also have some of the best healthcare facilities in the Memphis area. This Memphis suburb has plenty of restaurants, parks, and gorgeous neighborhoods - making it undoubtedly one of the best places to live. Route 72 is filled with countless shopping centers, restaurants, and grocery stores. 

## #3 - Mount Juliet

You'll find the "City Between the Lakes" just 20 miles east of Nashville. [Mount Juliet](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/mount-juliet) of course needed to make our list! Families from all over want to live in Mount Juliet, which is causing the local housing market to quickly rise. Homes in Mount Juliet typically range from $400,000-$600,000, and for good reason.

Mt. Juliet has fantastic schools, low crime rates, delicious restaurants, and an endless amount of activities on the lake. With Old Hickory Lake to the north and Percy Priest Lake to the south, residents can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming right in their own backyard. Could you imagine a better quality of life?

It's common for many Mt. Juliet residents to commute to downtown Nashville, which typically takes 20-25 minutes. Household income is around $85,000 making this an affordable place to live for the time being. But as more people decide to move to Tennessee, we anticipate the housing market to continue to rise in this area. 

## #2 - Spring Hill 

Less than 40 miles south of the capital is the city of [Spring Hill](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/spring-hill). This suburb, much of which used to be farmland was primarily developed within the past 10 years. If you're looking to take a break from city life, look no further! Spring Hill is made up of roughly 45,000 friendly residents, most of which are young professionals or families who own single-family homes. 

Spring Hill has it all! The location is beautiful and convenient, the school system is excellent, and the town attracts a lot of educated young professionals with families. Not to mention, the cost of living is still favorable! The vast majority of homes were built after 2000, and homes are generally priced between $320,000 and $550,000. If you're looking to buy a home in Spring Hill, pay close attention to which county you are in. Spring Hill is split between Williamson and Maury Counties. Homes in Williamson County can command a steep premium due to the stellar school district.

We're predicting the Spring Hill real estate market to rise for the years to come. Its location, low crime rates, and strong school system make this the perfect community to live and raise children.

## #1 - Brentwood

Just 15 minutes from downtown Nashville, [Brentwood](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/brentwood) is arguably Nashville's preeminent neighborhood. Known not only for its convenience in and out of Nashville but also for its luxury. The town is made up of roughly 42,000 residents and young families love Brentwood for its school system, which is consistently ranked the best in the entire state.

Everything about Brentwood is absolutely stunning. The town center is lively and well maintained. The homes are big and gorgeous and the school system is top-notch. The vast majority of residents own single-family homes and their average commute to work is less than 30 minutes. Families who live here enjoy all the luxuries the location has to offer, while still maintaining a small-town community feel. Families aren't concerned about the crime rates, as Brentwood is considered one of the [safest communities in Tennessee](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/safest-places-to-live-in-tennessee). 

With that said, entry into this suburb [doesn't come cheap](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/brentwood/luxury-homes). It's difficult to find a quality home for less than $800,000 and, the cost of living is nearly 25% above the national average. Home prices are high for a reason as many people rate Brentwood as one of the best places to live in the south.

## You Can't Go Wrong With Our Top 10

It's not easy limiting our list to just 10 suburbs. The state of Tennessee is certainly large and diverse. Between the metropolitan cities like Nashville and Memphis, lakefront living, or beautiful country views of the smoky mountains, you can have it all. Our list is centered around suburbs or communities that families consider a great place to live. No matter where you end up on this list, you will not be disappointed! 

## What Makes Tennessee A Great Place To Live

Now that we've identified the best places to raise a family in all of Tennessee, let's briefly review why so many folks want to live in Tennessee. 

### No state income tax

Taxes, a small word that ignites so much anxiety in countless families.  It seems like everyone is looking to pay fewer taxes, and if you live in Tennessee, that's possible! Tennessee does not have a state income tax. That's part of the reason why so many people from the North East, or even the West Coast are flocking to Tennessee in busloads. You're able to keep more of your paycheck and spend it on what matters to you and your family. Taxes are not the only financial incentive the state offers. The overall cost of living is favorable, and families are able to get a lot of bang for their buck. 

### A lively culture of food, history, and music

If you love music, southern charm, and fantastic food, look no further. Tennessee's culture is second to none. That said, Tennessee has quite a few desirable cities to live in, all with their own history, unique culture, and southern charm twist. 

### The local economy and the job market

The overall economy is booming in Tennessee and for good reason. Many corporations are choosing to call Nashville, Knoxville, or Memphis home. Not only are companies able to save money with the tax laws in the state, but these corporations also realize they can attract top talent considering the universities and colleges within the state. Tennessee's population continues to rise as more companies park their headquarters in the Volunteer State. 

### The convenience of living in Tennessee

Tennessee has numerous international airports, which makes international or domestic travel a breeze. In just a short flight you can visit your friends in the North East, or dip your toes in the beautiful clear water off the coast of Florida. 

Between the favorable cost of living, great schools, mild climate, culture, economy, and healthcare system, it's no wonder why Tennessee is considered one of the best places to live, not only for families but for [retirees as well](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/best-retirement-communities-tennessee)! 

## How Can Felix Homes Help?

[Felix Homes](https://www.felixhomes.com/) is a Nashville-based real estate brokerage servicing middle Tennessee. We have one simple mission - to be the most financially responsible way to buy or sell a home.

We make our mission possible by not only charging a [low commission fee](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/low-commission-real-estate-agents-nashville) on both the [buy](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/buyers-agent-commission-rebate-tennessee) and [sell-side](https://www.felixhomes.com/sell) of the transaction, but our brokerage also has a fundamentally different business model when compared to traditional brokerages. We are a tech-enabled real estate firm and instead of having independent contractors agents, we have full-time employees who specialize in specific tasks such as marketing, finance, photography, technology, and of course, being a real estate agent.

Don’t be mistaken, a discounted price doesn’t mean a discounted service. We are a full-service brokerage! Our agents' only job is to focus on you, the client. Our average client keeps an additional $8,100 in their pocket after they sell their home using our low commission model. If you’re interested in hearing more or need any support on any real estate matter, we can be reached at [contact@felixhomes.com](mailto:contact@felixhomes.com) or [615-354-5731](tel:6153545731).

More families are calling Tennessee home. The mild climate, outdoor amenities, low crime rate, and fantastic schools make it a great place to raise a family.

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Top 10 List Of Best Places To Raise A Family In Tennessee

In real estate, there are three words that really matter–Location. Location. Location. 

But what exactly does location mean, and why is it so important? Location isn't just about the street the property is located on, although that plays a major role. The location also includes; the town, the proximity the home is to various amenities, and how safe the neighborhood is. Why is this so important? You can change the color of your house, update the kitchen, and add an extra bathroom. But you can't change the location of the home. Safety is a key piece to this puzzle, and we've compiled a list of the 10 safest places to live in Tennessee. 

## What Are The Different Types Of Crime That Are Tracked?

Before we dive into the list of safest places to live in Tennessee, let's first define what safety means, and how a city or town tracks its safety level. There are two main crime statistics that are tracked; violent crimes and property crimes. A key thing to note is that crime rates are benchmarked per 1,000 residents. For example, if 'the violent crime rate in a city is 2 per 1,000.' That simply means, on average, 2 in every 1,000 people are victims of a violent crime. 

### Violent Crimes

According to the [FBI](https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2018/crime-in-the-u.s.-2018/topic-pages/violent-crime), violent crimes are "composed of four offenses: murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Violent crimes are defined in the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program as those offenses which involve a threat of force." A town with a low violent crime rate will have fewer reported violent crimes per year. 

### Property Crimes

The [FBI defines](https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2018/crime-in-the-u.s.-2018/topic-pages/property-crime) property crimes as the following offenses; "burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson." A town with a low property crime rate will have fewer instances of these crimes being reported per year. 

If you're looking to [raise a family](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/best-place-for-families-to-live-in-tennessee) or [retire in Tennesee](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/best-places-to-retire-in-tennessee), you should be looking for a town with low property crime and violent crime rates! 

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## Safest Cities In Tennessee

### Brentwood 

[Brentwood Tennessee](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/brentwood) which happens to be our pick for the [top Nashville suburb in 2021](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/best-suburbs-of-nashville-real-estate) is located just 15 minutes south of Music City. Everything about Brentwood screams luxury, especially the [high-end homes and mansions](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/brentwood/luxury-homes). From the small-town feel to their award-winning public school system, families from all over want to live here! Undoubtedly, this suburb is often considered one of the safest places to live in all of Tennessee. 

It should be no surprise that the safety and luxury Brentwood offers come at a premium. The median income is among the highest in the state and the median home price can cost you over $750,000. The population of this town is just over 42,000 residents, and the crime rates are low! 

The violent crime rate per 1,000 is just 0.89, which is well below Tennessee's average of 5.95! Not only is the violent crime rate low, but the property crime rate is also well below the national median. Coming in at 8.74 per 1,000 residents, it's clear this gorgeous town surely ranks as one of the safest places to live in Tennessee.

The town's own police department does a great job and law enforcement is present in the public schools, patrolling the downtown area, and will even attend sporting events. This suburb deserves its reputation as one of Tennessee's safest cities.

### Atoka

Located north of Memphis Tennessee is the town of Atoka. The town's population is just shy of 10,000 residents, with a house median income of roughly $90,000. Most residents own their homes and the average home price is an affordable $231k. 

According to an FBI report, this town is considered one of Tennessee's safest cities. The chances of being a victim of a violent crime are low, coming in at 96.7 per capita. 

A nonviolent crime, such as vehicle theft or property damage, is a rare occurrence in this small town. On the crime index scale, property crime in Atoka received a score of 17.4, whereas the state of Tennessee received a score of 42.8. Remember, the lower the score, the better. 

PRO TIP: [See the pros and cons of moving to Tennessee](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/moving-to-tennessee)

### Hendersonville

![Image of Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville Tennessee](https://felix-homes-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Old_Hickory_36592b6520.jpg)

Situated on Old Hickory lake is the gorgeous family orientated community of Hendersonville. This town is located just 20 miles north of Nashville and is considered one of Tennessee's safest cities. The town's population is roughly 57,000 people. Residents of Hendersonville not only enjoy an endless amount of water activities, but they also enjoy phenomenal schools and a gorgeous downtown. 

The cost of living is higher here, but you pay for what you get. The crime data suggests the residents of this town appreciate a great deal of safety with their day to day lives. [Homes in Hendersonville](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/hendersonville) typically cost between $350,000 - $650,000.

Data from 2020 suggests the violent crime rate here is nearly half the national U.S. average! And property crime is also well below the national average. Law enforcement patrols 500 miles of roadway and the 40+ square miles that make up the lakeside town. The [Hendersonville police department](https://hvillepd.org/) has over 90 patrol vehicles as well. 

### Maryville

South of Knoxville is the town of Maryville Tennessee located in Blount County. The population of this town is roughly 24,000 residents. Most of the residents that live in this town commute to Knoxville for work and the median home cost is below the USA average. This goes to show that you don't need to break the bank in order to live in a safe town.

Crimes per 1,000 are certainly low by any standard. Violent and property crimes are well below the U.S. average. On a scale from 1 (low crime) to 100 (high crime), data from a 2020 study suggests Marville's violent crime is 12.1 whereas 22.7 is common in most small towns across the nation. 

The property crime rate was 34.9. Although this is higher than violent crimes, it is still below the national average making it one of the safest cities in Tennessee.

### Nolensville

![Image of the front of a single family home located in Nolensville Tennessee](https://felix-homes-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Nolensville_0f58090021.jpg)

If you're traveling on route 41A, you'll come across Nolensville Tennessee south of Nashville. The town has a beautiful southern charm feel to it and has a total population of roughly 8,500 residents. The median home price is on the higher end and will cost a family between $500,000 and $650,000 to purchase a [house in Nolensville](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/nolensville). Between the sense of security the town provides, low crime rates, and a highly rated public school system, it's no wonder why families love this town. 

The crime rate per 1,000 residents is on the low end. The violent crime rate is just 1.87 per 1,000 residents. Although you should always be cautious no matter where you live, law enforcement does a great job keeping this Nashville suburb safe. On the crime index scale (1-100), Nolensville scored 21.1 for property crime rate - which is 14.3 points lower than the national standard. Without question, this is one of the safest cities in Tennessee. 

### Spring Hill

![Image of the front of a single family home located in Spring Hill Tennessee](https://felix-homes-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Spring_Hill_f6394491c2.jpg)

Another suburb south of Music City that makes our list of the safest places to live in Tennessee is Spring Hill. This town has a population just shy of 40,000 citizens and is conveniently located off of route 31, sandwiched between Franklin and Columbia. 

The violent crime is 69.2 per the 40,000 citizens or 1.72 per 1,000. To put that in perspective, the nation's typical score is 4.49 per 1,000.

The population is rising in Spring Hill due to its great school district and favorable cost of living. Spring Hill ranked #2 on our [2021 list of best places to raise a family in Tennessee](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/best-place-for-families-to-live-in-tennessee). The level of safety this suburb brings is attracting more residents, but you can still get a nice place to call home in [Spring Hill](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/spring-hill) between $350,000 and $550,000. 

### Church Hill

In the northeast corner of Tennessee is Church Hill, a town of roughly 6,700 people. This area is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. The tax rate, location, and low crime are causing this area to see a surge in home values. 

Citizens of Chuch Hill not only appreciate the natural beauty, but also the safety of the town. Per 1,000, the violent crime rate is 1.8. That's incredibly low! 

The property crime rate is 4.2 per 1,000. Even though Chuch Hill is a small town, it has its own law enforcement which helps keep its reputation as one of Tennessee's safest cities. 

### Signal Mountain

Directly outside of Chattanooga, and to the west of Soddy Daisy, is Signal mountain, a town known for its hiking trails and serene lakes. There are less than 9,000 residents of the town, and beauty isn't the only thing this area has going for it! The public school system is well above the state average, and most folks own their own home. Families love it here, and it's no secret why. 

The town's community certainly appreciates how safe Signal Mountain is. The combined violent crime rate and the property crime rate is under 5 per 1,000! In isolation, the violent crime rate is 0.46 per 1,000, and the property crime rate is 4.53. Without a doubt, those numbers make this area one of the safest cities in Tennessee. 

### Kingston Springs

![Image of the front of a single family home located in Kingston Springs Tennessee](https://felix-homes-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Kingston_Springs_24e14194c9.jpg)

Kingston Springs is yet another safe suburb located just outside of the infamous Music City.  The town is made up of roughly 2,800 citizens. It takes less than 30 minutes to get to Downtown Nashville from Kingston Springs, making this a perfect commuting town. 

This picturesque community has a ton of natural beauty. Located on the Harpeth River, you will find plenty of outdoor activities to do with your family in the summer months. The school system is strong, and the town has minimal violent and property crimes. Kingston Springs isn't just a great city for families, it also ranks as one of the [top places to retire in Tennessee](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/best-places-to-retire-in-tennessee). [Homes in Kingston Springs](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/kingston-springs) typically cost between $300,000 - $550,000 and many homes are located on at least an acre of land.

### Watertown

If living in a small rural town is more your speed, be sure to consider moving to Watertown Tennessee. This town has a population of roughly 1,700 people. You're far enough outside of the closest city, Lebanon, which allows residents of Watertown to buy homes situated on a large piece of land without breaking the bank. But you're close enough to the city where you can still enjoy a date night. [Homes in Watertown](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/watertown) typically cost anywhere from $275,000 to $1,000,000 depending on how much land the property includes.

According to [areavibes.com](https://www.areavibes.com/watertown-tn/crime/), the violent crime rate, and the property crime rate, is well below the national average. Residents in Watertown enjoy small-town country living, with just one town center where you'll find all your necessities. 

### Other honorable mentions

We wanted to limit this list to just 10, but there are other great cities that are worth mentioning. Oak Ridge, Franklin, Collegedale, and Germantown are all considered desirable places to live within Tennessee and provide a sense of comfort and security. 

## Is Tennessee A Safe State?

Many people are proud to call Tennessee home. This is for good reason. The state has a favorable tax system, a mild climate, and is in a convenient location. Not only that, for the most part, this state is a safe place to live! Of course, there are some parts of the state that inflate the overall crime rate, and we'll touch on that below. 

The safest area of Tennessee is located in the suburbs just outside of Nashville. Many of the suburbs listed above are all within 40 minutes of Nashville. Our pick for the safest city in Tennessee is Brentwood!

## What States Are Considered The Safest In The U.S.?

The North East is well known for being the safest part of the country. Maine is the safest state, but Vermont is a close second. New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Connecticut are all in the top 10 safest states in America. 

## How Does Nashville Compare To Similar Cities?

How does Nashville stack up against other well-known cities? Overall, Nashville ranks safer than Atlanta from both a property and violent crime rate. However, Austin, Denver, and Charlotte all have a slight safety advantage. 

## What Are The Top 10 Safest Cities In The U.S.?

According to [safe wise](https://www.safewise.com/safest-cities-america/), the top 10 safest cities in America are:

1. Broadview Heights, Ohio
2. Hopkinton, Massachusetts
3. Oakland Township, Michigan
4. Ridgefield, Connecticut
5. Bergenfield, New Jersey
6. New Castle Town, New York
7. Franklin, Massachusetts
8. Bedford Town, New York
9. Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
10. Bernards Township, New Jersey

## What Cities In Tennessee Are The Least Safe?

Now that we covered what are the safest areas in Tennessee, let's review the more dangerous areas. 

### Johnson City

Johnson City has a crime rate of 41 per 1000, making it one of the highest crime rates in America compared to other communities of the same size. Property crime is also common, impacting nearly one person per every 24! 

### Memphis

A 2020 study suggested Memphis Tennessee was ranked the most dangerous city in the country! The crime rate is 81 per 1,000 residents. 

### Dyersburg

Dyersburg has one of the highest crime rates in Tennessee and compared to cities of the same size across the country, its safety rating isn't looking good. The crime rate is 67 per 1,000 - well above the national median.

### Nashville Metro

The crime rate for the Nashville Metro is 54 per 1,000. Unfortunately, despite the wonderful music and food culture this city has to offer, crime does not stay away. That said, not all neighborhoods in the Nashville metro have a high crime rate. Neighborhoods such as Green Hills, Sylvan Park, or Oak Hill are safe. The overall Nashville crime rate gets dragged down by up-and-coming neighborhoods such as North Nashville, Antioch, or parts of East Nashville.

### Jackson

Located on the western side of the state is Jackson Tennessee. This city has a population of roughly 70,000 citizens. The crime rate is 47 per 1,000 - which is high when compared to all communities of similar sizes. 

## About Felix Homes

[Felix Homes](https://www.felixhomes.com/) is a Nashville-based [low-commission real estate brokerage](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/low-commission-real-estate-agents-nashville) servicing middle Tennessee. We have one simple mission - to be the most financially responsible way to buy or sell a home.

We make our mission possible by not only charging a low commission fee on both the [buy](https://www.felixhomes.com/buy) and [sell-side](https://www.felixhomes.com/sell) of the transaction, but our brokerage also has a fundamentally different business model when compared to traditional brokerages. We are a tech-enabled real estate firm and instead of having independent contractors agents, we have full-time employees who specialize in specific tasks such as marketing, finance, photography, technology, and of course, being a real estate agent.

Don’t be mistaken, a discounted price doesn’t mean a discounted service. We are a full-service brokerage! Our agents' only job is to focus on you, the client. Our average client keeps an additional $8,100 in their pocket after they sell their home using our low commission model. If you’re interested in hearing more or need any support on any real estate matter, we can be reached at [contact@felixhomes.com](mailto:contact@felixhomes.com) or [615-354-5731](tel:6153545731).

Safety is a key consideration when buying a home. As Tennessee real estate experts, we've compiled a list of the top 10 safest places to live in Tennessee in 2021.

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2021 Top 10 Safest Places To Live In Tennessee

Tennessee is a great place to visit but is it also an ideal place to move? We've put together a comprehensive 2021 guide for folks who are thinking about moving to Tennessee.

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Pros And Cons Of Moving To Tennessee In 2021

It’s time to bust out your dancing shoes if you’re moving to either Nashville or Austin. Or perhaps we should say boots for these two country music hot spots! 

At first glance, the cities are pretty similar. Nashville, Tennessee famously holds the name of Music City and is home to a number of Broadway Honky Tonks and local music venues. Alternatively, Austin, Texas gains recognition for being the music capital of the world. 

![Image inside Tootsies honky tonk located in downtown Nashville Tennessee](https://felix-homes-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Tootsies_d0bfa53eb9.jpg)

If you're planning to move, the debate between the two is not easy. Nashville takes the lead in our hearts since [Felix Homes](https://www.felixhomes.com/) is based here, but we’ll provide an unbiased analysis below so that you can decide.

## Comparing The Cost Of Living In Austin vs Nashville

When moving, the cost of living is one of the most important factors. The United States national cost of living average is 100. City indexes that score over 100 represent a more expensive cost of living and vice versa. The metric evaluates costs for basic living expenses, such as food, shelter, transportation, and healthcare. Exact expenses may vary due to lifestyle preferences and family size.

According to a [2021 study](https://www.bestplaces.net/compare-cities/austin_tx/nashville-davidson_tn/costofliving), Austin is 15% more expensive than Nashville. On the surface, that might not sound like a big difference, however, depending on income and spending habits it can add up fast.

### Cost of living in Austin TX

[Sperling’s Best Places](https://www.bestplaces.net/compare-cities/austin_tx/nashville-davidson_tn/costofliving) gives the city of Austin an overall cost of living score of 119.3. The makeup of this score looks at food, healthcare, housing, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous expenditures.

Austin averages 96.7 for food and groceries. This is reflective of key staple grocery items. If your preference is to shop at specialty grocery stores, it’s best to anticipate higher expenses in this category.

Average healthcare costs are less in Austin, scoring 94.4. This overview estimates daily hospital rates, the price of a doctor’s visit, and standard dental checkups. 

The biggest expense differentiator between the two is housing, notating Austin 159.6. The metric evaluates both renters and buyers and reflects median home costs. The price of utilities is almost equal in both cities.

You can anticipate higher expenses for transportation in Austin. This includes prices for gasoline, car insurance, and maintenance.

The last category evaluated by Sperling is miscellaneous expenses, such as clothing, entertainment, and restaurants. In Austin, you can expect to shell out roughly 13% more than in Nashville.

## Cost of living in Nashville TN

You can anticipate lower total expenses in Nashville, with a cost of living score of 101.4. For a fair comparison, we’ll reference the same metrics cited by [Sperling’s](https://www.bestplaces.net/compare-cities/austin_tx/nashville-davidson_tn/costofliving) Best Places for Nashville.

Grocery expenses rank slightly higher in Music City, scoring Nashville at 102 for traditional food staples. 

Nashville healthcare costs measure in at 96.7, roughly 2% higher in comparison to Austin. However, the metric falls lower than the national average.

The cost of housing is significantly lower in Nashville, averaging 29% lower. Sperling notes the **median home cost** in Nashville is $262,000, while Austin's median is a whopping $369,000.

You'll also save when it comes to transport in Nashville. Although this doesn't account for the vehicle cost or registration, it does refer to maintenance, insurance, and gas.

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## Comparing The Safety Of Each City

We’ll compare crime in two main categories; violent crime and property crime.  The [National Institute of Justice (NIJ)](https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/crimes/violent-crime) identifies violent crime when a victim is harmed by or threatened with violence. These crimes include robbery, assault, rape, sexual assault, and murder. 

[NIJ](https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/crime/property-crimes) establishes property crime when a victim's property is stolen or destroyed, without force or threat. Property crimes include vandalism, arson, and burglary.

Crime levels within a city lend higher in comparison to most rural towns. Based on [Sperling's 2021 crime comparison](https://www.bestplaces.net/compare-cities/austin_tx/nashville-davidson_tn/crime), Austin favors safer for violent crimes, whereas Nashville takes the lead in safety for property crimes.

### Is Nashville a safe city?

[Numbeo](https://www.numbeo.com/crime/compare_cities.jsp?country1=United+States&city1=Austin%2C+TX&country2=United+States&city2=Nashville%2C+TN) notes Nashville's safety score at 52.22. Location plays a factor when evaluating the city's safety metrics. The metropolitan area offers plenty of safe neighborhoods, such as [The Gulch](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/the-gulch), 12 South, and [Germantown](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/germantown). Alternatively, some areas are still in a transition stage and have a higher crime rate.  If venturing beyond the city center, expect to find several [safe places throughout the state of Tennessee](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/safest-places-to-live-in-tennessee).

### Is Austin a safe city?

Austin leads on [Numbeo's](https://www.numbeo.com/crime/compare_cities.jsp?country1=United+States&city1=Austin%2C+TX&country2=United+States&city2=Nashville%2C+TN) safety scale at 64.13. [Additional sources](https://www.paulypresleyrealty.com/blog/best-neighborhoods-in-austin-which-areas-are-the-safest.html#:~:text=Austin%2C%20Texas%20crime%20rates%20are,safest%20city%20in%20the%20country.) note Austin to be one of the safest places in the United States. Neighborhoods around the University of Texas, Rosendale, and Hyde Park reflect low crime rates. However, although the city has less crime, Austin faces immense backlash for its prevalent homeless population.

## How Big Is Nashville Compared To Austin?

Nashville offers more space throughout its city boundaries, measuring approximately 475 square miles. Whereas Austin is made up of 320 square miles. The population of Austin is also denser, equating to 916,906 people. Nashville's total population only amounts to 654,187- based on the 2021 findings conducted by [Sperling's Best Places](https://www.bestplaces.net/compare-cities/austin_tx/nashville-davidson_tn/people).

## Where Are The Best Places To Live In Austin vs Nashville?

Both cities have several desirable neighborhoods. However, if you prefer living outside of the hustle and bustle of the big city, we suggest exploring the suburbs. Nashville and Austin have outstanding surrounding suburbs, perfect for retiring or starting a family.

### What are the top suburbs of Nashville?

#### Brentwood

The suburb of [Brentwood](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/brentwood) ranks #1 on our list of [2021 best suburbs of Nashville](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/best-suburbs-of-nashville-real-estate). Located only 15 minutes from downtown, this family-oriented town offers many recreational activities perfect for kids. Brentwood's school district is also one of the best in the state of Tennessee!

#### Mount Juliet

Another favorable Nashville suburb is [Mount Juliet](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/mount-juliet), also known as the city between lakes. You can find this suburb nestled between Old Hickory Lake and Percy Priest Lake. With beautiful waterfront properties and a convenient daily train to downtown, it's no wonder people love it here. Mt. Juliet ranks #3 on our list of [best places to raise a family in Tennesse](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/best-place-for-families-to-live-in-tennessee) just behind Brentwood (#1) and Spring Hill (#2).

#### Spring Hill

[Spring Hill](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/spring-hill) gains popularity for its affordable [new construction](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/spring-hill/new-construction-homes). The attraction for living in Spring Hill continues when considering the remarkable schools and family-friendly atmosphere.

#### Franklin

The charming city of [Franklin](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/franklin) gives Nashville a run for its money. The Tennessee town offers a delightful downtown district, filled with boutique shops, dining options, and live music. Keep your eye out for celebrities here, you never know when you’ll spot a famous face during an open mic night. Franklin also ranks #3 on our list of [best places to retire in Tennessee](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/best-places-to-retire-in-tennessee) in 2021.

#### Nolensville

Roughly 30 minutes from downtown is [Nolensville](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/nolensville). If you're looking for a rural suburban feel, we suggest checking out this spot. The downtown and dining scene are still in the development stage, but locals love the Amish Country Market at The Feed Mill.

### What are the top suburbs of Austin?

#### Cedar Park

Cedar Park rings in as a favorite Austin suburb. Rooted within, you’ll find a blend of new construction and charming fixer-uppers. One of the town's main attractions is its renowned education system.

#### Round Rock

If outdoor activities are your jam, you'll want to consider living in Round Rock. You can find plenty of recreational parks, restaurants, and shopping throughout the popular spot. Many also favor the impressive schools here too.

#### Lakeway

Appealing to outdoor enthusiasts is the suburb of Lakeway. Situated beside the beautiful Lake Travis, you’ll find several stunning waterfront homes.  

#### Leander

Roughly 40 minutes from Austin sits Leander. This rural hotspot makes our list for top Austin suburbs, especially for families. The community hosts many kid-friendly events, such as the annual kite fest.

#### Georgetown

Deemed home to the most beautiful town square in Texas, locals love Georgetown. The charming town is filled with Southwestern University pride, several parks, and remarkable Victorian-style homes.

## Is It Worth Moving To Nashville?

![Image of the exterior of Bridgestone Arena located in downtown Nashville Tennessee](https://felix-homes-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Mask_Group_4f76977b54.jpg)

Nashville is home to outstanding food joints, a rocking nightlife, and has a low cost of living. If those perks seem enticing, which we imagine they do, then we suggest exploring your options in Music City further.

### Pros to moving to Nashville

![Image of a hot chicken sandwich](https://felix-homes-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Hot_Chicken_a734cc2568.jpg)

- **A Music Lover's Dream** - Whether you're an aspiring musician or just love live music, you're sure to enjoy the abundance of talented artists jamming out in Nashville.
- **Low Unemployment Rate** - Young professionals are flocking to Nashville to further their careers, especially in healthcare. As of December 2020, The [U.S. Department of Labor](https://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.tn_nashville_msa.htm) estimates Nashville to have only a 5% unemployment rate.
- **Lively Bar Scene**  - You won’t be short of bar options in this city! Whether you prefer a cheap dive bar or an uppity cocktail lounge, you're sure to find your favorite spot here. 
- **Delicious Food** - Although famous for hot chicken, Nashville restaurants are serving up more than southern comfort. The options seem endless and it’s only growing.
- **Professional Sports** - Get ready to cheer on the Tennessee Titans if you're living in Nashville. Or if hockey is more your style, the city is also home to the Nashville Predators. Nashville might also be adding a [professional baseball team](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/nashville-stars-real-estate-impact) in the near future!

### Cons to moving to Nashville

- **Summer Humidity** - The Tennessee summertime humidity takes some getting used to. Temperatures average in the 90s and humidity levels can be extreme.
- **You'll Likely Need A Car** - Unfortunately Nashville doesn’t have many public transportation options. Depending on where you live and work, you can likely count on needing a vehicle.
- **Traffic** - Although common in most metro cities, Nashville streets are known for their heavy traffic. 
- **Expect Construction** - You won’t be the only one moving to Nashville. To support the rapid growth, construction seems to be everywhere. 
- **Tourism** - There’s no denying it, tourism is prevalent in Nashville. Large crowds and parties can be rowdy, but as long as you're aware it isn't too bad.

## Is It Worth Moving To Austin?

![Image of many children playing in a river on a Summer day in Austin Texas](https://felix-homes-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Austin_River_e5742a2c04.jpg)

Austin is an exciting city centered around music, food, and fun. If you're drawn to the profound culture and are up for keeping Austin weird, we recommend exploring options for living in this city. 

### Pros to moving to Austin

![Image of a plate of tacos](https://felix-homes-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Tacos_f97a7b48ef.jpg)

- **Low Crime** - Austin is overall very safe. You’ll find remarkable low crime rates throughout the city. 
- **Devine Food Options** - Like Nashville, there's no shortage of wonderful food options in Austin. You’ll even find a variety of food trucks available too.
- **The Music And Arts Scene** - Austin has a strong culture built around its music and arts industry. Festivals like SXSW (South by Southwest) and Austin City Limits are packed with live music, art, and food.
- **Booming Job Market** -  Watch out Silicon Valley, Austin is taking over as the leading tech hub. Many large firms, such as Google, Facebook, and Apple, announced their expansion to this metropolitan city.
- **Various Outdoor Activities** - If you favor spending time outside, you’ll love the abundance of activities available in Austin. Locals readily enjoy spending time in nature and venturing out to popular spots like Barton Springs.

### Cons to moving to Austin

- **Housing Is Expensive** - The cost of housing is not cheap in Austin. The high prices can be a major setback for living in this city. 
- **Homeless Population** - Many believe the staggering housing prices contribute to Austin’s spiraling homeless population. The city also has one of its shelters centered within the downtown district, causing an increase in congregations and campsites. 
- **Anticipate Heavy Traffic** - Similar to Nashville, Austin lacks public transportation. You’ll likely need a car and expect a lot of traffic. 
- **Limited Sports Options** - Sports fanatics may want to reconsider living in Austin. Unless you favor college sports, you’ll need to travel to enjoy professional games. 
- **Excessive Summer Heat** - Although winters are incredibly mild, the Texas summer heat is no joke. Air conditioning is an absolute must while living in Austin. 

## How Can Felix Homes Help?

[Felix Homes](https://www.felixhomes.com/) is a Nashville-based real estate brokerage servicing middle Tennessee. We have one simple mission - to be the most financially responsible way to buy or sell a home.

We make our mission possible by not only charging a [low commission fee](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/low-commission-real-estate-agents-nashville) on both the buy and sell-side of the transaction, but our brokerage also has a fundamentally different business model when compared to traditional brokerages. We are a tech-enabled real estate firm and instead of having independent contractors agents, we have full-time employees who specialize in specific tasks such as marketing, finance, photography, technology, and of course, being a real estate agent.

Don’t be mistaken, a discounted price doesn’t mean a discounted service. We are a full-service brokerage! Our agents' only job is to focus on you, the client. Our average client keeps an additional $8,100 in their pocket after they sell their home using our low commission model. If you’re interested in hearing more or need any support on any real estate matter, we can be reached at [contact@felixhomes.com](mailto:contact@felixhomes.com) or [615-354-5731](tel:6153545731).

Thinking about moving to Nashville, Tennessee, or Austin, Texas? Nashville takes the lead in our hearts, but we’ll provide an unbiased analysis below so that you can decide.

Split image of the skylines of Nashville Tennessee and Austin Texas

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Real Estate Guide–Moving To Nashville vs Austin

Tennessee Living

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or seller or you're a seasoned real estate investor, we've simplified the process and put the real estate jargon in terms you can understand.

There are a lot of costs associated with buying or selling a home. In particular, closing costs like title insurance and home inspection fees get a lot of attention, and for good reason. The [average homebuyer](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/closingcosts.asp) in the U.S pays $4,876 in closing costs. While it’s important to be aware of closing costs, the largest cost associated with any real estate transaction is the commissions paid to the real estate agents. Many people believe realtor commissions are set in stone. What your realtor does not want you to know is that these commissions are negotiable.

## What Is The Standard Real Estate Commission?

Real estate agents get paid a commission when the sale of a home is finalized. Typically, this commission is **6% of the sale price** of the home. This commission is paid to the agent representing the seller, who then splits the commission with the agent representing the buyer.

The realtor commissions on the sale of a $500,000 house would typically be $30,000. This $30,000 comes off the $500,000 sale price leaving the seller with $470,000 after commissions are accounted for.

Since the commission is taken from the sale price of the home there is a common belief that the seller pays the full cost. However, realtor commissions are factored into the sale price of a home. This drives up the price that the buyer must pay for the home. In this way, buyers indirectly pay for realtor fees even if it is the seller who signs the check.

[PRO TIP: Learn about buyers agent commission rebate in Tennessee](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/buyers-agent-commission-rebate-tennessee)

## Realtor Fees Rise With Home Prices

Since most realtors collect a 6% commission, their compensation rises and falls with the price of real estate. As you are probably aware real estate prices have been rising dramatically over the past 10 years in Middle Tennessee. The hotter the market, the more you pay in realtor fees.

If you bought a house in Nashville in 2012 you would have paid about $10,000 in realtor commissions. If you sold that same house today, you would pay nearly $21,000 in realtor commissions. The realtor does the **same amount of work** on the deal today as they did in 2012, but they collect over twice the commission.

If you are happy paying that amount of commission when you buy or sell a house, then read no further. If you want to discover an easy way to save thousands of dollars in realtor commissions, keep reading.

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## Real Estate Commissions Are Negotiable

The standard 6% commission has become so ingrained in society that many people believe that there is some sort of law mandating a 6% commission fee. This is not true! No law says that real estate commissions need to be 6% of the selling price. All real estate commissions are negotiable.

Just because realtor fees are negotiable does not mean realtors are compelled to lower their commission below 6%. It is your legal right to **ask** a real estate agent to lower their commission. The realtor is free to refuse your request–which most do.

## Are there any other options?

A model that is quickly gaining popularity is the [1% commission](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/one-percent-commission-realtor-nashville). Under this model, the listing agent only charges a 1% commission fee instead of the typical 3%. With the 1% model, it is still recommended that you offer a buyer’s agent a 3% commission to incentivize them to show your home to their clients.

This model is made possible due to technology which has made the job of a real estate agent much easier and more efficient. Since technology has made the listing process more efficient, many real estate firms are passing their savings onto the consumer. The firms that offer these discounted rates are commonly revered to as [low commission real estate agents](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/low-commission-real-estate-agents-nashville).

## How Much Can You Save With The 1% Model?

Let’s say you wanted to sell your house for $500,000. If you used a real estate agent at a traditional brokerage, you would pay $30,000 ($500,000 X 6%). This $30,000 would then be split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent.

If instead, you decided to use Felix Homes, you would pay $20,000 ($500,000 X 4%). Of this $20,000, $5,000 would be paid to Felix Homes and $15,000 would be offered to a buyer’s agent. **By using Felix Homes, you would save $10,000.**

[PRO TIP: Compare services - 1% agent vs 3% agent](https://www.felixhomes.com/resources/traditional-vs-low-commission-agent)

## What Could You Buy With $10,000?

If you want to have your mind blown, consider this. **If you took $10,000 and invested it, after 30 years you would have more than $100,000** assuming an 8% average rate of return on your investment. If you don’t think that is a life-changing amount of money, consider the fact that the [average 401k balance](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/010616/whats-average-401k-balance-age.asp) of Americans between the ages of 60-69 is $195,000. If a 35-year-old invested their $10,000 in savings and never saved another dime, they could have more than half the amount of money in retirement savings than the average American.

When it comes down to deciding whether to use a Traditional agent or Felix Homes, think about the true cost of those commissions and ask yourself if your realtor is providing enough value to justify those commissions. If they aren’t perhaps it’s time to consider another option.

## About Felix Homes

[Felix Homes](https://www.felixhomes.com/) is a 1% commission real estate brokerage in the Nashville area. Our goal is to help maximize your home equity by getting you the highest price for your home while charging the lowest commission fees. How can we offer a full-service real estate experience for just 1%? We leverage the power of technology to make our licensed real estate agents more efficient. We also employ top [property marketing](https://www.felixhomes.com/marketing) techniques to sell homes quicker than the competition. To learn more about selling your home with Felix, give us a call at [615-354-5731](tel:6153545731) or email us at [contact@felixhomes.com](mailto:contact@felixhomes.com).

The largest cost associated with any real estate transaction is the commissions paid to the real estate agents. Learn how to negotiate a lower commission.

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Are Realtor Commissions Negotiable?

There is no doubt that the economy has taken a hit from the Coronavirus pandemic. Nearly ten million people lost their jobs in the last two weeks of March. While they might not be facing foreclosure yet, they are struggling to make their mortgage payments and their savings are dwindling each day

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## Does My Lender Still Require I Pay My Mortgage?

Thanks to the recent actions made by some of the largest banks, you can likely breathe a small sigh of relief. Banks are working with their clients to offer flexible solutions such as mortgage assistance programs and home equity lines of credit (HELOC).

Below is a list of banks and the associated mortgage assistance program they are offering due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

**Ally Bank**: Offering payment deferral for up to 120 days with no impact to your credit on home loans for customers affected by COVID-19.

**BB&T**: Offering mortgage forbearance for a minimum of 90 days for customers impacted by the current crisis.

**BMO Harris**: Offering payment relief options on mortgages, home equity, loans, and credit cards. Contact BMO Harris directly for more information.

**Charles Schwab Bank**: Offering customers with mortgages or home equity lines of credit through Charles Schwab Bank and Quicken Loans can request payment relief for up to 90 days.

**Chase**: Offering assistance with mortgage payments. You must call 800-848-9380 for more information.

**Citi**: Offering various hardship programs for eligible mortgage customers. Call 1-855-839-6253 for more information.

**Comerica Bank**: Offering loan deferrals on various lending products. Call 888-444-9876 to discuss options for residential mortgage loans.

**East West Bank**: Offering temporary mortgage payment relief options for those who are unable to make their mortgage payments due to a disruption of income related to COVID-19.

**Fifth Third Bank**: Offering 90-day payment forbearance with no late fees on mortgages and home equity loans.

**HSBC**: Offering financial assistance programs to help with customers’ mortgage or home equity loan payments who have suffered financial hardship. Call 855-806-4657 for more information.

**Huntington National Bank**: Offering up to 90 days of payment deferral on all consumer loans, including residential mortgages, for those experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19.

**M&T Bank**: Offering mortgage and home equity repayment assistance to customers whose income has been reduced due to COVID-19 impact.

**New York Community Bank**: Offering 90-day residential mortgage payment forbearances for customers whose income has been negative impacted by events linked to COVID-19.

**PNC Bank**: Offering to postpone payments for up to 90 days with no late fees for customers with mortgages or home equity loans, among other lending products that are eligible.

**Regions Bank**: Offering consumer mortgage payment relief upon request for 90 days for those negatively impacted by COVID-19.

**SunTrust**: Offering mortgage forbearance for a minimum of 90 days for customers impacted by the current crisis.

**TD Bank**: Offering payment deferral program for mortgages and home equity loans or lines of credit, as well as waiving late payment fees on each type of home loan product.

**Union Bank**: Offering assistance with your mortgage or home equity account. For more information, call 800-237-0561.

**U.S. Bank**: Offering a payment forbearance up to 90 days with no late fees on mortgages for those negatively impacted by the current crisis.

**Webster Bank**: Offering options for payment deferrals on mortgages, home equity or personal loans, and small business loans, based on need. Webster is also putting in place a 90-day moratorium on foreclosure of residential loans.

**Wells Fargo**: Offering payment deferral plans for customers with mortgages, credit cards, auto loans, small business loans and personal loans who have been impacted by COVID-19.

## What If I’m Already At Risk Of Missing A Mortgage Payment?

If you think you are at risk of missing your mortgage payment, you should call your lender today. They can work with you to develop a personalized gameplan that fits your situation.

Most lenders are willing to be flexible and many have suspended foreclosures and evictions during the coronavirus outbreak.

Why? They know that they will be helped out by money made available through federal legislation. Also, during these tight times, they would rather stay with an existing client than try to find a new buyer. Use this circumstance to your benefit, to give yourself space and time to get back on your feet without losing your home.



While they might not be facing foreclosure yet, people are struggling to make their mortgage payments and their savings are dwindling each day.

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Do I Have To Pay My Mortgage During The Coronavirus Pandemic?

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’ve come to the right place. At [Felix Homes](https://www.felixhomes.com/), we’re here to cover everything you need to know before you put it on the market. The goal of this series is to let you in on trade secrets with the goal of empowering you, the home seller so that you can get the highest price in the shortest amount of time.

One of the most common questions we get at Felix Homes is how much are closing costs and who pays for them? Before we dive into who pays what, it’s important to go over what closing costs are. Closing costs are simply the upfront fees that are associated with closing a real estate transaction.

## What Closing Costs Do Sellers Typically Pay

Let’s say you just sold your house for $500,000. We all know that you won’t necessarily walk away with that amount and in most cases, nothing even close to it. Here is a list of closing fees that a seller typically pays:

### 1.   State Property Taxes (Prorated)
The seller is responsible for any state property taxes that were accumulated between their last payment and the closing day.

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### 2.   HOA Fees and Transfer Fees (Prorated) 
The seller is responsible for any HOA Fees that were accumulated up to the closing day. Additionally, depending on the details of the purchase contract and the HOA, the seller may also need to pay a fee to their HOA to transfer the property to the buyer.

### 3.   Title Fees 
The seller typically pays a title company to do a comprehensive title search and transfer the title over to the buyer. Additionally, Sellers will also handle the new owner’s title insurance, which protects them in case there are any issues with leans against the property. Many title companies also handle the escrow account for the transaction, which they’ll include in their fee to the seller.

### 4.   Realtors’ commission 
This is where you’ll be able to save mega-$$$ with Felix Homes. The home seller is responsible for any fees charged by the real estate agents involved in the home sale. This includes both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. In most cases, this is usually around 6% of the sales price (3% to the listing agent and 3% to the buyer’s agent) which for a $500,000 home is $30,000! At Felix Homes, we’ve done away with the 6% commission. Instead, we charge a 1% commission on the listing side and we still encourage our clients to offer a buyer’s agent a 3% commission so they are incentivized to bring their clients to your listing. Our 1% model saves the average homeowner over $15,000 in Realtor commissions!

### 5.   Real Estate Transfer Tax 
This varies from state to state but in Tennessee, the current deed transfer tax is $0.37 per every $100 of the sales price. So for a $500,000 home, the transfer tax would cost the seller $1,850.

## About Felix Homes
As real estate experts, we know the process of selling your home can be stressful, especially if you don’t know exactly how much it can cost. In addition, at Felix Homes, we are doing our part to decrease the cost of selling a home by lowering the fees we charge compared to other agents all while providing a better home-selling experience. If you’re interested in other home selling tips, head over to our blog and if you’re interested in selling your home, feel free to get a [free home value report](https://valuations.felixhomes.com/) on our website.





How much are closing costs when buying a selling a home and who pays what? What are the top ways to save on closing costs?

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A Definitive Guide To Closing Costs

Are you thinking about buying a home but not sure whether you should use a buyer’s agent? You may be wondering, what does a buyer’s agent do, how much do they cost, and why should I use one?

## What Does A Buyer's Agent Do?

### Help you determine your budget

A buyer’s agent’s first goal should be to help you determine your budget. If you are planning on using a mortgage to finance the purchase of your new home, your buyer’s agent should introduce you to a trusted lender who will pre-approve you for financing.

### Narrow down your options

Once you have a budget in mind and are pre-approved for financing, the next step is to prioritize what you are looking for in a home. Are you interested in a particular number of bedrooms or bathrooms? Do you prefer a certain style of architecture? Are you open to older homes built in previous decades or do you only want to consider homes built in the past 5 years?

After these questions are answered, your buyer’s agent should determine what you are looking for in your ideal neighborhood. Do you prefer an urban, suburban, or rural neighborhood? Are you looking for a neighborhood that is family-friendly with a great school district or are you interested in a neighborhood filled with young professionals and great nightlife?

Now that your agent has an idea for your budget and preferences, they will search for available inventory using a system called the Multiple Listing Service or MLS. This system will allow your agent to see all of the available listings currently on the market and help them filter listings that meet your criteria. Your agent will then send you a list of between 10-20 listings that meet most of your preferences. When you review the list of homes, you should keep track of which ones you would like to tour and let your agent know so that they can set up a private showing on your behalf.

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### Schedule private showings

Your agent will then accompany you to each private showing and as you are touring the property, a good agent will point out small details you should take note of such as the condition of the HVAC. A good agent will also help you make the right decision. For example, if you have a dog and one of your ‘must-haves’ is a fenced-in yard, don’t get discouraged if a particular home’s yard does not have a fence. Perhaps the home meets all of your other criteria and at the end of the day, adding a fence is a fairly straightforward and inexpensive upgrade you can make if you decide to purchase the home.

### Make the best offer

At this point you’ve found a home that you love! How do you know what price you should offer the seller? What if there are other buyers interested in the property? This is where using a buyer’s agent becomes extremely important. Your agent should first determine what a fair price for the property is, independent of the current list price. They should use recent sales in the neighborhood and choose comparable homes with similar features and characteristics at which point they should determine the average price per square foot of those homes. Making a good offer goes beyond the offer price. Are you offering to pay cash or will there be a financing contingency? Do you include a contingency stating that you must sell your current home first? How are you going to split the closing costs?

### Navigate the closing process

Assuming your offer is accepted, your agent’s final task is to help you through the closing process. They should make sure that the inspection comes back clean and they will work alongside the title company to ensure everything goes off without a hitch.

## How Much Does A Buyer’s Agent Cost?

In the United States unlike other countries, the buyer’s agent is compensated from the commission that the seller pays. Taking a step back, when you sell your home, traditionally your listing agent would have you sign a listing agreement where the total Realtor commission amounts to 6% of the sales price of the home. This 6% commission is split evenly with 3% going to the listing agent and 3% being offered to a buyer’s agent to incentivize them to bring their clients to the listing. This means that as a buyer, there is no out-of-pocket cost to using a buyer’s agent to help you through the process.

## Why Should You Use A Buyer’s Agent?

Using a buyer’s agent is important because the stakes are so high. For most families, purchasing a home is their single largest investment and while hiring a Realtor who is a friend of the family can seem like a good idea, it’s important to make sure they are experienced. We suggest hiring an agent who has successfully completed at least 15 transactions in the past 12 months.

We also advocate interviewing multiple agents so that you can get an idea for what services they offer. For example, while nearly all agents will have access to the same inventory via the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), some firms, such as Felix Homes, offer a free moving service so that you don’t have to go through the hassle of hiring a moving company or, even worse, taking the DIY approach.

Are you thinking about buying a home but not sure whether you should use a buyer’s agent? You may be wondering, what does a buyer’s agent do, how much do they cost, and why should I use one?

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How Does A Buyer’s Agent Get Paid?

If you’re thinking about getting a divorce, deciding what to do with your house is a major challenge and can add to an already stressful situation. After all, for most families, their house is their largest asset and most young families do not have enough equity to pay the expensive fees that are associated with selling. You may be asking “how much will it cost to sell my house”, “how will the proceeds get divided up” and “do I have enough equity to pay for the closing costs and Realtor commissions”?

If neither spouse wants to continue to live in the home or if neither spouse can afford to buy the other out, then the best option is to put the home up for sale. If this is the case, there are a few things you should consider before contacting a local Realtor. If this sounds like you, don’t worry as this article will explain all of your options and will provide tips on what you should do.

## Determine How Much Equity You Own

The majority of home buyers choose to use a mortgage to finance the purchase of their home. If you took out a mortgage, keep in mind that the majority of your initial monthly payments went towards paying off the interest on the loan while only a small percentage of the early payments went towards accruing equity in the home. This is an important concept to understand when calculating how much equity you actually own and can influence what you decide to do.

Calculating how much equity you own is important because selling your home comes at a cost. There are fees associated with selling such as Realtor fees, closing costs and applicable taxes. If you don’t own enough equity in your home, these fees may come directly out of your pocket as opposed to being paid out of the equity you own in the home.

## Choose The Best Way To Sell Your House

There are three primary ways to sell your home — using a Realtor, selling directly to an iBuyer or real estate investor, or selling your home for sale by owner (FSBO).

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### Option 1: Using a traditional 6% realtor

Most folks decide to sell their home using a local Realtor. That being said, not all Realtors are created equal. For example, depending on your location, the typical Realtor commission is 6% of the sales price of your home. This fee is paid at closing and typically comes out of the equity you have accrued in the home. Of this 6% commission, 3% is paid to the listing agent and 3% is offered to a buyer’s agent to incentivize them to bring their clients to your house. Realtor fees can amount to $18,000-$30,000 or more depending on the value of your house.

In return for their commission, your listing agent should help you determine a fair listing price by researching comparable homes that have recently sold in the neighborhood. They should pay for professional listing photos and put your home on the local Multiple Listing Service or MLS which is a platform that Realtors use to see available inventory. Your Realtor may also choose to market your home directly on social media or create marketing material such as flyers and postcards. Once you receive an offer it’s your Realtor’s job to help you negotiate the best terms and guide you through the closing process.

### Option 2: Using a 1% realtor

The 1% Realtor model is quickly gaining popularity as homeowners continue to find it hard to justify the high commissions most traditional Realtors charge. This also happens to be the model we offer at Felix Homes Realty. Under our model, you only pay a 1% commission! As for the buyer’s agent’s commission, we still recommend you offer them the market-standard commission to incentivize them to bring their clients to your home although we leave this completely up to you. Like the traditional Realtor model, the full commission is paid at closing only if your home sells. The simple comparison is (1% Felix Commission + 3% Buyer’s Agent Commission) VS (3% Traditional Realtor Commission + 3% Buyer’s Agent Commission). On average, our clients end up saving roughly $15,000.

Even though you are paying less in Realtor commissions, you shouldn’t expect lower quality service from a flat-fee Realtor. In fact, many of our Realtors used to work at traditional firms such as Keller Williams, Remax, and Century 21. With Felix Homes, your dedicated agent will be by your side throughout the entire process. Like the traditional model, your Felix agent will determine a list price for your home by analyzing recent sales in the neighborhood, schedule professional listing photos, upload your listing to the MLS, negotiate the terms of the sale, and walk you through the closing process. In fact, at Felix, our goal is to go above and beyond what a traditional Realtor would provide which is why we include a complimentary home staging consultation with an interior design consultant and promote your home on social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to get your listing in front of the estimated 52% of first-time homebuyers.

### Option 3: Selling to an iBuyer or real estate investor

This is a great option if you need to sell in a hurry. An iBuyer is a company that will purchase your home directly from you and then flips it for a profit. The biggest drawback of this model is while it is convenient, it comes at a hefty price. Most iBuyers purchase homes at a 15%-17% discount to fair market value. This large fee can make selling to an iBuyer nearly impossible for homeowners who do not have a substantial amount of home-equity.

### Option 4: Selling ‘For Sale By Owner’

Selling your home FSBO may sound like a great way to avoid paying Realtor commissions altogether. In reality, most folks who decide to sell their home themselves typically still offer a buyer’s agent a 3% commission. Furthermore, most homeowners do not have the tools necessary to accurately price their home. Going by online valuation estimates such as Zillow’s Zestimate may cause you to leave tens of thousands of dollars on the table and many appraisals may determine that your home is worth more than a buyer is willing to pay which would result in your listing sitting on the market for a long period of time. It can also be a hassle to schedule showings, negotiating the terms of the sale and navigating the closing process without the help of an experienced Realtor.

If you’re thinking about getting a divorce, deciding what to do with your house is a major challenge. Learn the top tips for a stress-free sale.

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Selling After Divorce? Here’s What To Do About Your House.

## What Is A VA Loan?

A VA Loan is a type of home mortgage available to Veterans, Service Members, and select military spouses that allows them to borrow money to purchase a home while receiving certain benefits, like a $0 downpayment, compared to a traditional mortgage. It was created in 1944 as a way to help returning service members purchase homes without needing a down payment or excellent credit.

## How Does It Differ From A Traditional Mortgage?

1.  Down Payment: VA Loans allow Veterans, Service Members, and select military spouses to put $0 down when purchasing a home. A traditional mortgage on the other hand typically requires a homebuyer to put down 20% of the purchase price.

2.  Private Mortgage Insurance: Since VA Loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the borrower does not need to purchase private mortgage insurance. Traditional borrowers, by contrast, must purchase private mortgage insurance if they borrow more than 80% of the home’s purchase price.

3.  Cheaper Interest Rate: Since VA Loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs lenders deem them to be less risky allowing them to offer cheaper interest rates which can save thousands in interest payments over the life of a 30-year mortgage.

4.  VA Loan Funding Fee: Most VA Loans come with a funding fee that goes directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs and helps back the VA loans of the future. Fees range from a little over 2% of the home’s purchase price for first-time VA loan recipients to 3.3% for repeat home buyers. The good news is you can roll this fee into your total loan amount. That said, not everyone has to pay the fee, such as military men and women with a service-related disability.

5.  VA Loan Funding Limit: It’s important to note that with a VA Loan, you can get a $0 down mortgage up to $484,350 which was a new limit imposed in 2019. That said, in some high-cost housing markets like Middle Tennessee, the limit actually extends up to $534,750!

## What Are The Qualifications I Need To Meet For A VA Loan?

To qualify for a VA Loan, you generally need to meet one of these qualifications:

1.  If you have completed at least 90 days of active service during wartime.

2.  If you have served at least 181 days of active service during peacetime.

3.  If you have at least 6 years of service either in the Reserves or National Guard.

4.  If you’re the spouse of a military service member who has either died in the line of duty or as a result of a service-related disability.

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## What’s The Application Process Like?

1.  See if you are eligible for a VA Loan: In order to secure your VA home loan, you’ll need to produce your lending institution with your Certificate of Eligibility or COE. This shows that you’ve qualified for this military benefit.

2.  Find a VA Home Loan Lender: A common misconception is that the federal government is the one who is lending you the money. In actuality, it is actually private lending institutions that give you the loan. The Federal Government through the Department of Veterans Affairs does, however, guarantee your loan which allows the private lender to give you very favorable terms on the loan.

3.  Find your dream home: This is where Felix Homes comes in. You’ll work with one of our experienced Agents to find the right home for you. We’ll walk you through each step of the process and show you the latest inventory to hit the market. Once you find a home you love, we’ll leverage our technology to come up with an offer price and do all the negotiating on your behalf so you get the home for the best price. Once the paperwork is signed, we’ll provide you with a free local moving service so you don’t have to lift a finger.

4.  VA Loan Processing: Once the offer is accepted, your lender will conduct an appraisal of the home and double-check all of your loan documentation including your credit, debt information, employment records, etc.

5.  Closing: After the appraisal, all that’s left to do is close on your new home with the help of a title agent. Then, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your new home.


A VA Loan is a type of home mortgage available to Veterans, Service Members, and select military spouses that allows them to borrow money to purchase a home while receiving certain benefits.

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VA Loan What You Need To Know

Taxes. This small word packs mighty anxiety and uncertainty punch! It seems like everywhere you look, there's a tax on something. Despite Tennessee having attractive state tax laws, you can't entirely avoid paying taxes in the volunteer state. If you're interested in buying a home, what's commonly referred to as 'real property', you'll pay your fair share of closing costs including transfer taxes. 

Transfer tax is not something that is typically discussed unless you're making a transfer of an interest in real estate from one owner to another. However, if you're looking to buy or [sell a home](https://www.felixhomes.com/sell), you'll hear about this term thrown around quite a bit. 

We'll dive into this topic in greater detail below, discuss the ins and outs of transfer taxes, and help you be more informed in all of your future real estate transactions!

## What Is A Real Estate Transfer Tax?

Not a day goes by where a realtor doesn't discuss transfer tax with a client who is hearing the term for the first time. If you haven't heard of it before, you're certainly not alone! 

It's important to understand the Tennessee state transfer tax if you're thinking about buying or selling a home here. But what is transfer tax exactly and do you have to pay it on your property?

**Real estate transfer tax is imposed on all transfers of realty** defined by any instrument evidencing the transfer of real property from one owner to another. This includes a court deed, deeds of trust, deed decree partition deed, or other instrument evidencing the transfer of ownership.  The important thing to remember is that it's a **one-time tax** that occurs any time you buy or sell a home, and the title of the home or property moves from one owner to another. Real property isn't just residential homes but also includes land and commercial buildings as well. 

This tax liability must be paid upon recording the property deed with the local register of deeds office. The actual consideration is based on the property's market value or consideration for the transfer, whichever is greater. It's then recorded under oath, which helps the assessor determine exactly how much money is owed in transfer tax. If the recorded oath was intentionally filled out incorrectly to represent a lower number, the party can be charged for perjury.

## Who Pays Real Estate Transfer Taxes Tennessee?

The law in Tennessee suggests either the buyer or seller can pay the transfer tax on the property. However, in practice, the buyer typically pays this tax as part of their closing costs. In the state of Tennessee, buyers aren't stuck with all of the closing costs. The seller is typically responsible for [title insurance](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/who-pays-title-insurance-in-tennessee), and the title search fee. It's important to mention, all closing costs are up for negotiating. It's best to work with a [top real estate professional](https://www.felixhomes.com/real-estate-agents/nashville) like the ones at [Felix Homes](https://www.felixhomes.com/)! Real estate agents aren't just here to help you find the right home, in the right neighborhood. They can provide you with a lot of other valuable tips and feedback, including negotiating various closing costs.

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## How Much Is The Real Estate Transfer Tax In Tennessee?

The Tennessee State Department of Revenue controls the Tennessee real estate transfer tax rate, which shall be **$0.37 per every $100** indebtedness of property value. For example, if your home, land, or commercial building sells for $400,000, there shall be a required $1,480 in real estate transfer tax due upon the finalization of the sale. In comparison to some of the states that border Tennessee, this is on the higher end. 

The state of North Carolina for example has an indebtedness transfer tax rate of $1 for every $500 and Georgia has a transfer tax rate of $0.50 for every $500 of property value. Despite Tennessee's higher rate of $0.37 per $100, Tennessee does offer a lot of tax incentives and a low cost of living. Many people from other parts of the country are coming to Tennessee in busloads for the attractive cost of living and tax incentives! Transfer tax can't be the only thing taken into consideration and should consider the total value of the property and the price you pay for it. 

## Do All States Have Real Estate Transfer Tax?

Not only does the actual real estate transfer tax amount vary by state, so does the law. This transfers of realty tax is not required in a handful of states, including:  

- Alaska
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Kansas
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oregon -rates change by county 
- Texas 
- Utah
- Wyoming 

Whereas they may not have real estate transfer tax, there may be other taxes specific to those states that Tennessee does not have. 

## Is It Possible To Write Off Real Estate Transfer Taxes?


This is another great question many of our clients ask us. 

Whereas you cannot deduct real estate transfer taxes on a tax return, the home seller may be able to use this as a way to decrease the overall capital gains tax they'll pay on the sale of their home. 

If the one selling the home ended up paying the real estate transfer tax, they can deduct this from the overall profit they made on the sale. This can end up saving you a thousand or so dollars, but you may need to work with a local CPA to be sure you're doing everything correctly. 

## Who Gets To Keep The Money?

The transfer taxes get paid to the local government, who use this tax money as an instrument to pay for whatever the town may need.  This includes paying public government employees, paving the roads, maintaining parks, or building a new school. 

## Other Tax Considerations Worth Noting 

Tax is collected in just about every commercial aspect of life, in just about every state. Buying or selling a home is a major financial transaction, so it makes sense there is a tax involved in the sale or purchase of a property. Transfer taxes are not the only taxes you need to be aware of. There are a few other taxes a home buyer or home seller will need to know. 

### Capital gains tax

When you're selling a home, you may be worried about how much money you'll pay in tax from the profit of your home. This amount can vary, but it really depends on how long you owned and live in the home, and the total amount of profit you made. 

If you owned and lived in the residence for 2+ years before selling it, then up to $250,000 of profit is yours tax-free as a single filer. If you're married and file a joint tax return, that number jumps to $500,000. Considering the average sale price on a home in Tennessee, many of our clients don't need to worry about this! 

It's important to note, conversely, if you sold your home for a loss, the loss in the value of the property does not deduct your overall taxable income. 

### Mortgage tax

Mortgage tax is another tax that a homebuyer will need to keep in mind. This can vary by state and is not imposed by the federal government. In Tennessee, the first $2,000 of debt is exempt from any taxation. Beyond that, the rate is $0.115 per $100 of indebtedness.

### Property tax

Property tax is paid to the local county or town. This can either be rolled into your monthly mortgage payment, or the town will require this to be paid either bi-yearly or yearly with a direct check. This isn't necessarily due at the point of closing, but certainly useful in determining your all-in monthly payment for owning the home. 

[PRO TIP: See how the Davidson County property tax increase will impact Nashville](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/davidson-county-real-estate-tax-hike)

### Interest tax deductions

The interest tax deductible rule is forever evolving, but you can deduct the mortgage interest you paid during a given tax year up to a certain amount. This can help reduce your overall tax liability at year-end and keep more money in your pocket. 

Just like real estate, where it's encouraged to work with a local real estate agent, we recommend you work with a local CPA. After all, tax law can be tricky. A local CPA will help you navigate the various tax liability questions you'll have as a new home buyer or as someone who is thinking about selling their home. 

## Felix Homes Is Here To Help

Death and taxes are a given but you know what's not? Paying a real estate agent a 6% commission when you sell your home. Despite what some agents may tell you, paying a [6% commission](https://www.felixhomes.com/resources/traditional-vs-low-commission-agent) is not a requirement, nor does it need to be standard practice. 

The commission can be negotiated. Felix Homes is a local Tennessee real estate company, and we believe no one should pay a 6% commission fee to sell their home. The 6% rates may have been warranted 20 or 30 years ago, but in today's modern world this high rate is simply too much! 

Our [low-commission agents](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/low-commission-real-estate-agents-nashville) at Felix Homes are committed to helping homeowners keep more profit in their wallets once the transaction is finalized. On average, we help homeowners keep an additional $8,100 in home equity on our average sale. You may be wondering - 'how is that even possible!?' 

If so, you aren't alone. Many of our clients have never heard of a [1% commission realtor](https://www.felixhomes.com/blog/one-percent-commission-realtor-nashville) before choosing to sell with Felix. We charge you a 1% fee to sell your home instead of the standard 3% fee many agents charge. Not only is our fee less, but we also have a [track record](https://www.felixhomes.com/reviews) of helping you get more for your home and sell it in a quicker timeframe. 

We're passionate about Tennessee real estate and will help you find the home you're looking for. Whether you want to search right here in the heart of [Nashville](https://www.felixhomes.com/homes-for-sale/nashville), or any other city or suburb in the great state of Tennessee, you can trust our team of agents to help you search and find the perfect place to call home!  

We value your questions and would love to provide you with more information. Feel free to drop us a line at [615-354-5731](tel:6153545731) or [contact@felixhomes.com](mailto:contact@felixhomes.com).

Real estate transfer tax is imposed on all transfers of realty defined by any instrument evidencing the transfer of real property from one owner to another.

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A Guide To Tennessee Real Estate Transfer Tax

All home improvements add value, right? We’ve all seen shows on HGTV featuring folks who invest tens of thousands of dollars in home improvements before listing their house on the market. Many home sellers think that these improvements are a sure-fire way to increase the value of their home but in reality, there are a number of home improvements that will do exactly the opposite.

No homeowner ever wants to devalue their house, but unfortunately many wind up doing just that because they assume all home improvements add value. While a kitchen remodel, new front door and garage addition are a few of the best ways to increase the value of a home, there are a few things that will actually lower its value or cause it to sit on the market longer.

## Home Improvement 1 – Elaborate Landscaping

Sure, lush landscaping in the front yard can add serious curb appeal! Planting trees, shrubs, and flowers—not to mention the labor cost of building beds, laying mulch, and adding hardscape—are expensive and actually don’t add anything to your home’s selling price.

Plus, potential buyers might see elaborate landscaping as something they’ll have to spend time and money maintaining when they’d rather just mow the lawn and be done with it.

## Home Improvement 2 – A Swimming Pool

![Image of a backyard swimming pool with a pool house and outdoor fireplace in the background](https://felix-homes-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Pool_5da006d4a8.jpg)

According to [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/swimming-pools-hot-tubs-and-saunas/inground-pool/) , the average cost of a swimming pool is $45,280. Then, there’s all the ongoing costs: electricity and gas, maintaining the equipment, chemicals, surrounding landscaping, insurance, and more.

Many buyers will see a pool as a liability, not an amenity. They may also be wary of the upkeep and ongoing costs—so much so that it could keep them from wanting to make an offer.

Under the right circumstances, though, a pool can actually be a selling point. But that’s the key—it has to be under the right circumstances. In places where you can swim most of the year, or in neighborhoods where most houses have pools, Houselogic estimates a pool could actually boost your home’s value by as much as 7%.

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## Home Improvement 3 – Carpet Everywhere

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54% of homebuyers are willing to pay more for a home with hardwood floors, says USA Today. The reason for that might be that carpet isn’t great at hiding damage, is easily stained, and holds lots of dirt and dust, which is a negative for people with allergies. Plus, potential buyers may flat-out hate the color and texture of the carpet in the home, so if you do have carpet, make sure it’s something that most people can agree on.

## Home Improvement 4 – Bedroom Converted To An Office

With remote jobs becoming increasingly popular, many homeowners are looking to create a dedicated workspace in their homes. But instead of taking out that closet and adding in a built-in desk and bookcase, make non-permanent changes and keep bedrooms. Losing a bedroom can actually drop a home’s price by 10%!

## Home Improvement 5 – Sunroom Addition

Ahhh, imagine sitting in your gorgeous sunroom every morning with a cup of coffee as you scroll through your Instagram feed. Sounds pretty nice, right?

It’s a lovely image, but what isn’t so lovely is that sunroom additions have the lowest return on investment (just 48.5%, according to Remodeling magazine) of any home renovation project.

If you want to find out whether your house amenities add any value to your property, Felix Homes is here to answer any questions you might have.

Many home sellers think that these improvements are a sure-fire way to increase the value of their home but in reality, there are a number of home improvements that will do exactly the opposite.

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