Tennessee Real Estate Tips: Buying & Selling Made Easy

Murfreesboro has been a hot real estate market for quite some time, and while demand remains strong, we're starting to see some shifts in the landscape. As your local Murfreesboro real estate expert, I want to provide you with an update on what's happening and what it means for buyers and sellers.

Current Trends (with Murfreesboro data):

Slightly Increasing Inventory: For the past few years, we've had low inventory. We're now seeing a gradual increase in the number of homes for sale in Murfreesboro. This is giving buyers more choices, which most see as a welcome change.  There was an increase of over 20% in inventory in June of 2025 when compared to June of 2024.

Slowing Appreciation: While home values are still appreciating in Murfreesboro, the rate of appreciation has slowed compared to the frenzied pace of the past couple of years. We're moving towards a more balanced market.  There was a slight increase of 2%, indicating a modest rise, in typical home sale prices.

Days on Market Increasing: Homes are staying on the market slightly longer than they were a year ago. This means buyers have more time to consider their options and aren't feeling as pressured to make lightning-fast decisions.  For instance, homes had an average of about 26 days on the market in June of 2025 and 16 days for that same time in 2024.

Interest Rates: Interest rates are still higher than we've seen in years. This impacts affordability for buyers, and it's a factor in the overall market shift.

What This Means for Buyers:

More Negotiation Power: With more inventory and homes staying on the market longer, buyers have more room to negotiate price and terms. Don't be afraid to make a reasonable offer.

Less Competition: The days of bidding wars on every property are becoming less common. You may not have to compete with multiple offers, giving you a better chance of getting the home you want.

Take Some Time: You have more time to do your due diligence, get inspections, and make sure the home is the right fit for you.

What This Means for Sellers:

Price Strategically: It's more important than ever to price your home strategically based on current market conditions and comparable sales. Overpricing can lead to your home sitting on the market.

Presentation Matters: Make sure your home is in top condition and shows well. Buyers have more choices, so you need to make a strong first impression. Consider staging to highlight your home's best features.

Be Patient: It may take a little longer to sell your home than it did a year ago. Be patient and work with your realtor to adjust your strategy as needed.

Tips for Buyers and Sellers:

Get Pre-Approved and Be Reasonable (Buyers): 

Getting pre-approved  for a mortgage will give you a clear idea of your budget and make you a more competitive buyer. 

Prioritize Needs vs. Wants: Be clear about your must-haves versus nice-to-haves. You may need to compromise on some of your "wants" to stay within your budget and find a suitable property.

Request Repairs, Not Upgrades: It's reasonable to request repairs for items that are not functioning properly or pose a safety hazard. It's generally not reasonable to ask the seller to upgrade appliances or make cosmetic improvements.

Be Reasonable with Repair Requests: Don't demand that the seller fix every single issue. Prioritize the most important repairs and be willing to accept a credit at closing for some items.

Be Realistic and Reasonable (Sellers): 

Don't Overprice Based on Emotion: While it's natural to have an emotional attachment to your home, pricing it based on sentimentality rather than market value is a recipe for disaster.  Be open to price adjustments if needed.

Be Reasonable About the Scope of Repairs: Don't expect the buyer to accept a home with major defects.  Consider offering a credit if you are unable or unwilling to make the repairs.

In short, being a reasonable seller involves pricing the home realistically, preparing it for sale, being open to negotiation, addressing repair requests fairly, communicating effectively, and trusting the expertise of your real estate professional. A reasonable approach leads to smoother transactions and more satisfied outcomes.

Focus on the Long Term: Real estate is a long-term investment. Don't get caught up in short-term market fluctuations.

The Murfreesboro real estate market is evolving, but it remains a desirable place to live. By staying informed and working with a knowledgeable real estate professional, you can successfully navigate these changing times, whether you're buying or selling.  Contact me today to discuss your real estate goals!