Tennessee Real Estate Tips: Buying & Selling Made Easy

Moving to Murfreesboro? Welcome to a vibrant, growing community full of history, amenities, and friendly neighbors. As your local realtor, I understand that the first few days in a new home are crucial, setting up utilities, updating your address, and connecting with the community. Whether it’s exploring local parks, visiting historic sites, or finding the best restaurants and events, I’m here to help make your transition smooth and exciting. Let me guide you in discovering the perfect home and neighborhood in Murfreesboro or Rutherford County, your new community awaits!

1. The First 72 Hours: Essential Actions

• Utilities: This is crucial. Contact all utility providers (electricity, water, gas, internet, and trash) within three days of closing on your new home to transfer services into your name. Don't delay this step, you don't want to face any interruptions in service! Have your closing documents handy, as you'll likely need your address and closing date. Your realtor should find out who the current owner uses for utilities and provide you with the contact information for those providers so you can have the services put into your name.
• Address Updates: Update the billing address on all your credit cards, bank accounts, insurance policies, and any other regular bills. This will ensure you receive important statements and avoid late fees. 

2. Get Connected with the Community

• Attend Community Events: Check out www.mainstreetmurfreesboro.org and www.boropulse.com for local event listings. There are also several community Facebook groups that share what's happening around the area.  I have some blogs below that go into some detail about what Murfreesboro offers.
• Discover Local Attractions: Explore Murfreesboro's historical sites, museums, parks, and recreational areas. Visit Stones River National Battlefield, Cannonsburgh Village, Medical Center Parkway for lots of shopping and restaurant options, The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, and Cason Trailhead and Park/Bark Park off entertainment for all ages.  We have a Farmers Market on the Square on Saturday mornings that normally last from late spring until early fall.  There are also events and festivals at the Ag Center, near Sam's,  most of the year.
• Driver's License and Vehicle Registration: Tennessee requires you to obtain a Tennessee driver's license and register your vehicle within a certain timeframe of establishing residency. Car tags are handled by the County Clerk.  Drivers licenses are handled by the Driver Services office.  In the Blackman location, near Blackman High School, both of these services are in the same building but in different parts of the building.  Check the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website for specific deadlines and requirements as well as locations near to you.
• Voter Registration:

       Register to vote in Rutherford County! This allows you to participate in local elections and have a voice in your new community. You             can find voter registration information on the Rutherford County Election Commission website.

3. Responsible Waste Disposal and Recycling

• Convenience Centers: There are several Convenience Centers (which you may hear locals refer to as recycling centers or possibly the dump, even though the actual dump/landfill is a much larger facility) around Rutherford County.  They take household trash, cardboard, cans and most of them take other items.  To find out more about city recycling convenience centers and solid waste collection, go to murfreesborotn.gov. 
• List Used Packing Materials Online: There are ways to avoid tossing those used packing boxes, packing peanuts, and bubble wrap. List them for free on local online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Nextdoor. Many people are looking for affordable moving supplies, and you can help them out while keeping these materials out of the landfill.  If you'd rather recycle the boxes they can be taken to the Convenience Centers/Recycling Drop Off Centers.
• Trash Collection: Homes within the Murfreesboro city limits are provided with a trash can by the city. This can remains with the home, even when homeowners change, so it should be there for you from day one at an existing home. However, for new construction, you may need to call and have one delivered. You can call the city at 615-893-3681 to find out what day your trash is picked up. You will likely also see several of your neighbors put their can on the edge of the street the night before trash pickup day, so that is also a good way to find out when to put your trash can out.  If you are outside of the city limits, you will likely need to purchase a large outdoor trash can and hire a private company to take away your trash or take it to a convenience center yourself. Familiarize yourself with any specific guidelines the city has for trash disposal.

4. Home-Specific Tasks

• Change or ReKey Locks: For security reasons, it's always a good idea to change the locks on your new home shortly after moving in.
• Check Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure that all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Replace batteries if necessary.
• Locate Important Shut-Off Valves: Familiarize yourself with the location of the main water shut-off valve, gas shut-off valve, and electrical panel. This knowledge could be crucial in case of an emergency.
• Review Homeowner's Insurance: After settling in review your homeowner's insurance policy to ensure it provides adequate coverage for your needs.

5. Enjoy Your New Home and Community!

Moving is a big undertaking, but you've done it! Take some time to unpack and enjoy your new home and community. Murfreesboro has a lot to offer, so get out there and explore! I have some blogs below that go into some detail about what Murfreesboro offers.

Welcome home!

Utility Providers in Rutherford County

Electricity Providers:

Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE)

Service Areas: Primarily serves Rutherford County, including Murfreesboro and Smyrna.

Phone: (615) 890-9762

Website: mte.com

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

Service Areas: Provides electricity across various regions, including parts of Rutherford County.

Phone: (615) 232-6007

Website: tva.com

Water Providers:

Consolidated Utility District of Rutherford County

Service Areas: Serves various parts of Rutherford County.

Address: 709 New Salem Hwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Phone: (615) 893-7225

Website: cudrc.com

Murfreesboro Water Resources Department

Service Areas: City of Murfreesboro

Address: 316 Robert Rose Dr., Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Phone: (615) 890-0862

Website: murfreesborotn.gov

Smyrna Utilities

Service Areas: Town of Smyrna

Phone: (615) 355-5740

Website: smyrnatn.gov

Gas Providers:

Atmos Energy

Service Areas: City of Murfreesboro

Phone: (888) 286-6700

Website: atmosenergy.com

Smyrna Natural Gas

Service Areas: Town of Smyrna and City of LaVergne

Phone: (615) 355-5740

Website: smyrnatn.gov

Residential Trash Pickup:

Murfreesboro Solid Waste Department

Service Areas: City of Murfreesboro

Phone: (615) 893-3681

Website: murfreesborotn.gov

Smyrna Public Works Department

Service Areas: Town of Smyrna

Phone: (615) 459-9766

Website: smyrnatn.gov

*There are also several independent trash pick up companies that people outside of the city limits will ofter use. 

Television Cable, Internet and Phone Companies:

Comcast Xfinity

Services: Cable TV, Internet, and Phone

Phone: (800) 934-6489

Website: xfinity.com

AT&T

Services: Cable TV, Internet, and Phone

Phone: (800) 288-2020

Website: att.com

Google Fiber

Services: Internet and TV

Phone: (866) 777-7550

Website: fiber.google.com

*There are other Phone companies in the Murfreesboro area which can be found by using Google to search.

Please note that service areas can vary within Rutherford County, and it's advisable to contact the providers directly or visit their websites to confirm availability at your specific address.

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