A real estate transaction brings pressure from every direction. Timelines are short. Emotions are high. Competitive offers may require clients to make decisions with less leverage than they would prefer. In those moments, the people around the client shape the quality of the decision.

The realtor remains the trusted advisor. The inspector, contractor, specialist, and supporting professionals should reinforce that trust.

That is the purpose of Magnolia’s Concierge Due Diligence service.

What Is Concierge Due Diligence?

Concierge Due Diligence is Magnolia’s signature approach to luxury home inspection in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. It was designed for clients who need a more complete view of the home before they move forward. Rather than a single-inspector walkthrough, it brings the right professionals into one coordinated process. Magnolia’s inspection team working alongside trusted specialists for the areas that often carry the greatest long-term exposure.

The value is not simply that more people look at the home. The value is that the process is coordinated with care. A client can receive technical insight without being handed a disconnected collection of opinions. A realtor can protect the client’s interests without having to manage every moving part alone.

What’s Included in a Coordinated Luxury Home Inspection?

Depending on the property and transaction, Magnolia’s Concierge Due Diligence can include specialist review across any of the following:

• Structural assessment
• HVAC system performance evaluation
• Sewer scope inspection
• Chimney safety review
• Radon testing
• Termite and wood-destroying organism inspection
• Moisture and water intrusion analysis
• Property-specific environmental considerations

Not every home needs every specialist. Magnolia determines the appropriate scope based on the property’s age, condition, and the specific risks at stake in the transaction. Learn more about Magnolia’s inspection services →

Why Coordinated Due Diligence Matters Most in As-Is Transactions

This matters even more in as-is scenarios. When a buyer does not have the same leverage to request repairs or renegotiate terms, the due diligence process carries a different responsibility. The question is no longer only, “What should we ask the seller to address?” The question becomes, “What does the client need to understand before accepting this property as it stands?”

That is a higher standard.

In those situations, incomplete luxury home inspection coverage can create unnecessary exposure after closing. A general inspection may identify visible concerns, but certain systems and conditions require specialist-level review. Structural movement, drainage patterns, HVAC performance, sewer line condition, chimney safety, and environmental considerations each deserve the right professional lens when the property or transaction calls for it.

The Right Team Creates Clarity, Not Fear

The right team does not create fear. The right team creates clarity. That distinction is central to how Magnolia approaches the work. Findings should be explained in a way that helps clients understand significance.

A well-run due diligence process should help the realtor keep the client steady, informed, and focused on the decisions that actually matter. This is where coordination becomes part of client protection. When multiple professionals are involved, someone must hold the full picture understanding the timing, the client experience, the realtor’s role, and the responsibility of communicating clearly. Without that coordination, the process can become fragmented. With it, the client receives a more composed and useful experience.

How Magnolia Protects the Realtor-Client Relationship

For realtors, this is not a small detail. Every professional introduced into the transaction reflects on the realtor who made the recommendation. A calm, thorough, well-coordinated luxury home inspection process protects more than the property decision. It protects the relationship. It protects confidence. It protects the client’s memory of how they were advised during one of the most consequential purchases of their life.

Magnolia works alongside Nashville realtors as a trusted due diligence partner as an extension of the advisory team. Learn more about working with Magnolia as a realtor →

When to Consider Concierge Due Diligence

Magnolia’s Concierge Due Diligence is particularly well-suited for:

• Luxury homes and high-value real estate transactions ($4M+)
• As-is purchases where the buyer has limited leverage to negotiate repairs
• Older homes with complex systems or deferred maintenance history
• Transactions where multiple systems require specialist review
• Clients who prioritize clarity and informed decision-making over speed
• New construction inspections where quality control requires specialist eyes

The strongest real estate experiences are rarely built by one person alone. They are built by a trusted advisor who knows when to bring in the right team. Magnolia is honored to serve as part of that team.

Ready to schedule a luxury home inspection in Nashville? Contact Magnolia today →

Frequently Asked Questions: Luxury Home Inspection

What is included in a luxury home inspection?

A luxury home inspection from Magnolia goes beyond a standard checklist walkthrough. It is a coordinated residential due diligence engagement that may include structural assessment, HVAC evaluation, sewer scope inspection, chimney review, radon testing, termite inspection, moisture analysis, and additional property-specific evaluations — all coordinated by Magnolia’s team.

What’s the difference between a standard and a concierge home inspection?

A standard home inspection is typically a single-inspector walkthrough focused on visible, accessible conditions. A Concierge Due Diligence engagement from Magnolia coordinates multiple licensed specialists into one unified process delivering a more complete picture of the home with findings communicated clearly and prioritized for the client’s actual decision. View our full inspection services →

How does coordinated due diligence protect a buyer in an as-is sale?

In an as-is transaction, the buyer accepts the property in its current condition which means the inspection must answer a different question: not “what should we ask the seller to fix,” but “what does this client need to understand before they close?” Coordinated due diligence ensures that the right specialists evaluate the systems and conditions most likely to carry long-term financial exposure, giving the buyer and their realtor the clarity needed to proceed or negotiate with confidence.

Does Magnolia serve realtors as well as buyers?

Yes. Magnolia works directly with Nashville’s real estate professionals as a trusted due diligence partner. Our coordinated process is designed to support the realtor’s role — not complicate it. Learn more about Magnolia’s realtor program →

How do I schedule a luxury home inspection in Nashville?

Magnolia serves the greater Nashville and Middle Tennessee area. To schedule a Concierge Due Diligence engagement or learn which services are right for your property, contact our team here. You can also visit our FAQ page for more information about the inspection process, pricing, and what to expect.

The post Luxury Home Inspection: When Due Diligence Becomes a Team Effort appeared first on Nashville Home Inspection | Magnolia.

What makes residential due diligence in Nashville great, not just thorough? It’s a question most buyers never think to ask, but the realtors who advise them every day have thought about it a great deal. Rob and Shelly Bearden lead one of Nashville’s most successful real estate practices, built almost entirely on referrals from clients who trusted them through some of the most consequential decisions of their lives. We sat down with Rob to talk about due diligence, client trust, and what separates a professional inspection from a transactional one.

Between them, Rob and Shelly bring more than two decades of experience representing buyers across the city’s most competitive segments including a substantial book of relocation clients for whom Bearden Real Estate is often the first impression of Nashville itself.

On Representing a Client Well

Many of your clients are coming to Nashville from somewhere else. What does it mean, in practice, to represent a client well?

So many of our clients over the last few years have been moving here from out of town. We are often their first experience of Nashville. With those clients, we want to make their experience great. We want them to enjoy the city. And we want them to be happy with their purchase.

We have had a few occasions where people buy a house, walk in, and say “this isn’t it.” Then they turn around. We have learned from those times. We want to serve people in such a way that they will tell everyone they know.

We do not spend much money at all on advertising. We are almost entirely referral-based. That comes from having the best service we can possibly have, and going above and beyond.

On Managing Anxiety in a Fast-Moving Market

How do you help clients stay calm and make good decisions when the market is moving quickly?

It comes with experience. We have lost deals. We have won more than our fair share of these. We have lived through enough spring markets that we have seen just about everything.

So we can rely on past experience to know “this is all going to be okay.” Last night we lost a deal and the people were having a panic attack. We just said: “Listen, we have been through this. You did as much as you should have done. You don’t need to overextend yourself or put yourself in a vulnerable position. Feel comfortable with where you ended up. You put your best foot forward.”

That ability to stay steady is a huge part of our job. It is steering the ship through stormy water sometimes. Everything is going wrong in a house, and it is just me and Shelly and the buyer, and we have to say: “Hold on, we have got this. Stay with me. We work with good partners. We have good inspectors. We have good contractors. We will get this taken care of.”

On a Defining Experience

Has there been an experience in your own life that shapes how you advise clients today?

When Shelly and I bought our second house, the inspector we used missed something pretty catastrophic. We had a major mold incident right after we moved in. We had to move out for five months. All our cash was tied up in the down payment. Insurance didn’t cover it.

What happened was about a month and a half after closing, something went down the disposal that wasn’t supposed to. Water ran through the base of the cabinet, into a gap in the corner, and underneath. We had someone come cut the cabinet open and put a fan on it to dry. What we didn’t know was that the kitchen sink had had a decades-long leak. It was old-growth mold. Everyone who came in afterward said there is zero chance an inspector would have missed it.

The insurance company called it pre-existing. They offered $200 toward the cabinet base. When the fan went on, it blew mold all over the house. We had to rip the whole kitchen out. It was around $80,000 we did not have at the time.

That is why it is important to me to relay to every one of our clients how much trust I have in our inspectors. I know that anxiety. I lived it. It really matters.

On the Difference Between Thorough and Good

When you think about the inspectors you have worked with over the years, what separates the great ones from the merely competent?

There is an art and a science to it. The science is just how thorough the inspection is. The art is how you present it.

We have had inspectors who did a perfectly thorough job, but they made simple word-choice mistakes, little words that plant seeds and metastasize. Magnolia has done a great job of helping contextualize issues, of helping people understand them. That is the difference.

On the Cost of Word Choice

Can you share a specific example of how a single phrase changed the outcome of a deal?

There is one Shelly and I always go back to. Clients were buying a house built in the 1960s. There was a little sloping in the floors (totally normal for a house that old). Our clients weren’t terribly put off by it.

But when we did the debrief at the end, the inspector (somebody we didn’t use often) said it was “kind of like a fun house.”

The clients slept on it. They called the next morning. They said: we just can’t get “fun house” out of our head. We don’t want to do it.

That deal died on two words. Those little things really do matter.

On Confidence in a Competitive Market

In tight markets you sometimes recommend buyers waive the inspection contingency. What does it take for you to feel comfortable doing that?

We do not do that unless we have a lot of faith in the quality of the inspection we are going to get. We actually lost a competing offer situation last night. On the one we won earlier this week, we waived the inspection contingency altogether. Still getting the inspection but the buyer is saying, “Whatever it is, we will deal with it.”

I would not have done that if I did not feel confident we would get thorough residential due diligence on the back end. That is not a small thing. That is the difference between winning a house and losing one in this market.

On As-Is Offers and Deeper Due Diligence

When buyers go in as-is, how does that change the kind of due diligence you recommend?

Recently we have been working with buyers who are offering well below asking, which usually means going as-is. I tell them: if you are going as-is, you want to know every possible thing. So we have been doing the Concierge package. I have been really happy with it.

It is a different conversation with the buyer. With as-is, you do not have leverage to negotiate fixes, but you also cannot afford to be surprised after closing. That changes what good due diligence looks like.

On the Price-Conscious Agent

What would you say to an agent who still treats inspections as a commodity service?

All it takes is one time. Something gets missed. You feel like you are the one who recommended this inspector. You never want to experience that. You definitely do not want to experience it a second time.

We learned the hard way on ourselves. Fortunately, it did not have to be one of our clients. So we value the quality of the inspection tremendously.

On What They Hope Clients Say Years Later

What do you hope clients say about their experience with you years after closing?

Probably just that they would never have been in this house if not for us. That does happen quite often.

On What Future Clients Should Know

If a future client read this conversation before ever meeting you, what would you want them to understand about your approach?

That they are making one of the most important purchases of their lives. It is most likely their biggest asset.

We want them to feel totally comfortable not only in the condition of the house, but in the resaleability, in knowing they are getting good value for what they are paying. That we have done everything we can to make sure they have a good experience and start off well in that house.

The realtor’s role and the inspector’s role meet at the moment of greatest stress in a buyer’s life the moment a transaction either closes well or unravels and the quality of that intersection depends on both parties operating at the same level of professional care. Rob and Shelly Bearden have built a practice on that principle, and we are grateful for their willingness to share it here.

If you are a Nashville realtor looking for a residential due diligence partner who coordinates the process the way your clients deserve, we’d love to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is residential due diligence in a Nashville home purchase?

Residential due diligence in Nashville refers to the full process of evaluating a home’s condition before closing including the inspection itself and any specialist reviews needed to understand structural, mechanical, environmental, or system-level risk. As experienced Nashville realtors like Rob and Shelly Bearden will tell you, the quality of that process directly affects the client’s confidence and the transaction’s outcome. Learn how Magnolia approaches residential due diligence →

How does residential due diligence change in an as-is sale?

In an as-is transaction, the buyer accepts the property without leverage to negotiate repairs which makes thorough due diligence more critical, not less. The question shifts from “what do we ask the seller to fix” to “what does our client need to know before they close.” Magnolia’s Concierge Due Diligence is specifically designed for these higher-stakes Nashville transactions. Learn more →

Why do Nashville realtors recommend Magnolia for residential due diligence?

Nashville realtors who work with Magnolia consistently point to two things: thoroughness and communication. As Rob Bearden describes in this conversation, word choice and contextualization can determine whether a deal closes or falls apart. Magnolia’s approach to residential due diligence is built around both. Learn more about Magnolia’s realtor program →

The post The Art and the Science of Residential Due Diligence appeared first on Nashville Home Inspection | Magnolia.

As Nashville’s housing prices remain relatively high, many are shifting their home search a bit outside of town. That’s because some of the city’s surrounding suburbs offer lower housing prices on larger lots — providing the best of both worlds! Not to mention, regardless of the current real estate market, suburban living has always offered a laid-back way of life, a family-friendly feel, and a strong sense of community.

Nashville has an incredible selection of surrounding suburbs to choose from, some as close as 20 minutes from the heart of the city. These desirable enclaves are becoming increasingly popular amongst Middle Tennessee residents, who may still access Music City for work and play, yet retreat to their own private respite at the end of the day.

Let’s embark on a tour to encounter some of the best suburbs outside of Nashville. Who knows? Your future hometown just might be on this list!

Franklin

Although it is only about 30 minutes south of Nashville, the town of Franklin is a world all its own, with its own charming downtown area, historic homes, and strong sense of community amongst its residents. Franklin frequently makes it on lists of the “best small towns in America” or “best places to raise a family,” as several Williamson County Schools are among the best in the nation. Founded in 1799 and named after Benjamin Franklin, the town is steeped in history and tradition, with a number of historic sites and beautiful Victorian homes attracting visitors from all over the country. Franklin is extremely walkable, with local shops, restaurants, cafes and professional services lining the historic downtown area. Heads up: the undeniable charm of Franklin means the housing market can be quite competitive — and relatively more expensive than other surrounding suburbs!

Rachel Crawford Johnson

Realtor

BHHS Woodmont Realty

Cell 615-663-7958

Hendersonville

If you’re looking for waterfront living not far from the center of the city, look no further than Hendersonville. This town of just over 60,000 is nestled along the northern shore of Old Hickory Lake. Hendersonville neighborhoods weave throughout two massive peninsulas, providing miles and miles of coastline. And despite this prime waterfront location, Hendersonville still has relatively affordable housing options to choose from. Plus, the community is well-established and has avoided much of the new construction boom taking over other parts of the region, so you’ll find some older homes on larger lots. Hendersonville has long been a popular place for country music stars to call home, including Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash!

Brentwood

Considered the most affluent suburb of Nashville, Brentwood is a city of about 45,000 situated just 10 miles south of downtown. It is prized for its extravagant homes, proximity to Nashville, and excellent school district. Many residents of Brentwood commute into the city every day and enjoy the peace and quiet of this upscale community when they go home at night. Brentwood is near a number of parks and greenways, including Radnor Lake State Park and the Warner Parks. Not to mention, Brentwood residents can easily make the 20-minute drive south to Franklin for additional attractions and conveniences. Much like Franklin, Brentwood residents can take advantage of the exemplary school district that is Williamson County Schools. Before you get your bags packed, keep in mind that with an average housing price well over $700K, Brentwood is one of the most expensive cities in Tennessee!

I was Born and raised in Brentwood, getting to experience the growth we have seen over the last 20+ years has been inspiring. I knew that I wanted to find a way to remain intertwined in the city and Real Estate has given me an avenue to connect with community members and develop lasting relationships. I have truly enjoyed serving my clients in this market through buying, selling, and building. Brentwood is known for it’s peace and tranquility, everywhere you look you will find like minded individuals interested in contributing positively to the ecosystem that makes Brentwood so great. We sit just outside of Nashville with beautiful rolling landscapes, extravagant homes, and incredibly strong school districts the likes of which create a wonderful habitat for raising a family. In my opinion it is one of the cornerstone cities in the entire United Sates. If I haven’t sold you on it yet, give me a call and I can show you what it’s all about. 

Chandler Premo (615)438-3702

Village Real Estate

Bellevue

If you get sticker shock while looking at Belle Meade’s housing prices, set your gaze a bit west of the enclave to its more affordable neighbor, Bellevue. This large suburb has a wide variety of housing options, from apartments and condos to single-family homes set amongst well-established neighborhoods. And the best part? Bellevue residents only have to drive about 20 minutes to reach the heart of downtown Nashville, so it makes for an excellent home base for experiencing the city to the fullest. And yet, Bellevue has everything you need, from grocery and home improvement stores to movie theaters and parks. In fact, Bellevue is adjacent to Percy Warner Park and Cheekwood Botanical Gardens — plus, the Harpeth River winds through the suburb, with plenty of places to go swimming or kayaking.

Madison

In recent years, Madison has emerged as an up-and-coming suburb to keep your eye on — and invest your dollars in. Situated just northeast of Music City, it is considered an extension of East Nashville, and residents can easily reach the hotspots in East, including trendy watering holes and eateries, via Gallatin Pike. Many choose Madison for its more affordable single-family homes, and the value is expected to continue to rise steadily — with more development and growth on the horizon. More and more businesses are beginning to make the move to Madison, including Yazoo Brewing, which relocated their headquarters to Madison in 2019. Conveniences are within reach in the Rivergate area, which has the mall in addition to plenty of shops, restaurants and other professional services. The future is bright for Madison!

Sarah Beth Paul

Team Lead at Sarah Beth Home

Vibe Realty

4525 Harding Pk, #244

Nashville, TN 37205

(615) 398-0832 (mobile)

Nolensville

Although the population of Nolensville has doubled over the last decade, the small town of just over 13,000 has still maintained its small-town charm and family-friendly feel. Established in 1797, this historic town is well-established and steeped in history, yet is experiencing steady growth, in both population and popularity. There are several businesses in town, including the original outpost of Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, Mill Creek Brewery, and other restaurants, antique stores, clothing boutiques, coffee shops, and more. But Nolensville residents can reach Nashville with a reasonable 30-minute drive. Due to its increased desirability, Nolensville housing prices are a bit higher than some of the other surrounding suburbs. But once you experience this area’s undeniable charm, you’ll understand why!

Goodlettsville

For those pursuing a more rural, scenic way of life, look no further than Goodlettsville. This suburb just north of Madison has experienced consistent growth, with new construction neighborhoods popping up year after year. And yet, Goodlettsville is not far from Nashville — which can be reached with a short 20-minute drive south on I-65. There are plenty of ranch, farmhouse and Gatlinburg-style homes in Goodlettsville, many of which are situated on spacious lots. Outdoor recreation abounds at the nearby 147-acre Moss-Wright Park, which has walking trails, picnic tables, a playground, and sports fields.

Mount Juliet

Nestled between Old Hickory Lake to the north and Percy Priest Lake to the south, Mount Juliet is a hidden gem of a suburb — but the “secret” may be out. The suburb has a population of just over 35,000, which makes it the perfect size — small enough to get to know your neighbors, but large enough to have a variety of amenities and conveniences. Plus, the Wilson County School District has a number of award-winning schools, making Mount Juliet an especially attractive community for families. Outdoor recreation abounds, with the two major lakes nearby — not to mention the Appalachian Mountains just to the east of Mount Juliet (there’s a reason it’s called “The Gateway to the Blue Ridge!”). You’ll find a wide variety of home styles and price points in Mount Juliet, as it has a mix of older homes and new construction properties.

“The City Between the Lakes” is just a short 20 minute drive East of Downtown Nashville. With a population of 42,413 Mount Juliet is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing communities in Tennessee and has been named one of the best places to live.

With award winning schools, proximity to top-notch healthcare, low property taxes and diverse cultural & entertainment offerings, Mt Juliet has much to offer. Featuring miles of beautiful shoreline on Old Hickory Lake, the “lake life” is one of the many draws to this thriving community. If exploring the outdoors is what your into, Mount Juliet boasts 6,000 + acres of parks and outdoor activities to top off this well rounded community as a fantastic place to put down roots. We would love to help you explore this Mount Juliet further.

Jeremy & Amanda Polzel

The | Polzel | Group of Benchmark Realty, LLC

M: 615.499.8603

E: Hello@ThePolzelGroup.com

Thompson’s Station

A bit lesser-known but equally as charming as its neighbors Spring Hill and Franklin, Thompson’s Station is a rural community with just over 7,000 residents. There’s plenty of room to spread out here, as homes reside on expansive lots with old-growth trees and peaceful country views. This small town has a few amenities of its own, like Kroger, Circa Grill, 1819 Coffee, and more, and is just minutes from Spring Hill, which has additional stores, restaurants and professional services. Thompson’s Station is home to some of the area’s best parks, including Preservation Park and Heritage Park. While the town is nearly 40 minutes from Nashville, it isn’t far from Franklin, which has additional amenities and attractions for residents to access.

Kingston Springs

Nestled in the bends of the Harpeth River, Kingston Springs is a picturesque community 20 miles west of Nashville. A perfect mix of rural beauty and small town charm surrounded by nature activities. The weekly farmers market, Turnbull Provisions coffee shop, Skyking wood fired pizza, and the legendary Fillin’ Station provide just enough action for those who want be outside of the city. Truly one of Greater Nashville’s best kept secrets.

Nicolas Dobbratz | simpliHOM

510.326.7543 nicolasdobbratz@gmail.com

Need Help With Your Home Search in Nashville?

We have a network of trusted Realtors who can assist you with your home search. They are extremely knowledgeable about the Nashville housing market and can help you find your dream home — no matter the area(s) you are interested in! Contact us to get connected with a trusted real estate agent in Nashville.

The post The 9 Best Suburbs Outside of Nashville appeared first on Nashville Home Inspection | Magnolia.

Now that you’re here, you’ll be spending the next several months getting acquainted with the city and all it has to offer, including local events, small businesses and your neighbors. In order to speed up the process, we’re sharing a few tips and tricks for becoming a true local in Nashville, from getting a new license plate to frequenting local eateries, music venues and shops.

Welcome to Nashville!

Get a Tennessee License + License Plates

Driving around with an out-of-state license plate is a sure way to stick out as a newcomer or visitor. As soon as you make the move to Nashville, make a plan to get to the DMV to switch over your license plate and get a Tennessee license. And if you’re moving from elsewhere in Tennessee, you’ll still need to fill out a Tennessee DMV Change of Address! Here is more information about changing your address. And here is a collection of resources for new residents, which includes necessary documents and other requirements to be prepared for.

TIP: Obtain your drivers license at a driver service center. In Davidson County, there’s one on Hart Lane and Hickory Hollow.

Car registrations are processed at the county clerk’s office, which requires a second appointment. The Davidson County Clerk is located in various offices throughout the Greater Nashville Area, which means this will be a quick errand for you!

Pro Tip: Get to the DMV early in the morning to avoid the long wait we all dread! If possible, get there before they open and wait in line outside so you’re one of the first to be helped.

Get a Library Card

In the age of Amazon, it’s easy to forget about one of the most amazing resources at our fingertips: the public library system. And we have an excellent library system here in Nashville! The Nashville Public Library has 20 branches throughout the metro area, including the main branch in the heart of downtown. Become a true local by getting a library card to gain access to this incredible resource, including the ability to check out physical books, audiobooks, eBooks, and more. Plus, the library hosts a number of events for all ages — check out the events calendar here!

Explore Our Amazing Parks

No matter the size of your yard, you can take advantage of the shared “backyard” of the amazing parks scattered throughout the Nashville area. A few favorites include The Warner Parks, Centennial Park, Radnor Lake State Park, Beaman Park, McCabe Park, and Shelby Bottoms. Each of these parks offers a variety of amenities, including miles of trails to explore on foot, bike, or with your dog! Many locals make walking through a neighborhood park part of their daily or weekly routine.

Get Some Sports Gear

Nashville is a great place for sports fans, as we have a variety of teams to support — and a dedicated fan base! But one thing you may be surprised to find out: Nashville is quite the hockey town. Go to a Preds game to see what the hype is all about — and take it to the next level by getting some Preds gear on your way out. And with the newly built GEODIS Park, Nashville SC is turning us into a soccer town as well! And of course, we’ve always had the Tennessee Titans and the Nashville Sounds, our Minor League Baseball team. Start going to local sports games to cheer on your (new) favorite team. Bonus points if you get a t-shirt or jersey — or better yet, a flag to hang on your front porch!

Adopt a Dog

You know what they say! “If you come to Nashville without a dog, one will be administered to you.” Every morning and afternoon, you’ll see a parade of dog owners and their four-legged companions making their daily loop through the neighborhood. If you don’t already have a dog, you might consider adopting one at a local shelter! The Nashville Humane Association is a great place to start. You can even choose to foster a dog if you’re not quite sure you can take on the long-term responsibility, or go straight to adoption if you’re ready to add a new member to the family.

Pro Tip: Having a dog is one of the best ways to meet new people! The dog community is strong in Nashville, and it’s common to strike up a conversation with complete strangers just because you have a dog. Go to dog-friendly breweries, restaurants and coffee shops to meet other dog lovers in the city.

Shop at the Farmers’ Market

During the spring, summer and fall, there’s no better source for produce and pantry items than a local farmers’ market. And here in Nashville, we have plenty popping up throughout the city on a weekly basis, including the daily Nashville Farmers’ Market next to Bicentennial Park. This year-round market hosts a variety of different booths selling all sorts of things, including honey, meat, fruit, vegetables, tea, juice, and more, plus a variety of handmade products, like pottery, jewelry, candles, soap, and more. And inside, choose from an array of different types of food, including Greek, Italian, Mexican, Jamaican, and much more.

Volunteer With or Donate to a Local Non-Profit

Here at Magnolia, we firmly believe in the power of giving back to the community, whether it’s through the donation of our time, resources or money. There are plenty of organizations in our midst that are doing incredible things for those in need within our community, including the Nashville Rescue Mission, Hands On Nashville, Habitat for Humanity, Thistle Farms, and more. Find out how you can get involved with these organizations, whether you’d like to volunteer your time or donate money to support their mission.

Register to Vote

One of the best ways to get involved in a community is by registering to vote — and making your voice heard in each election, including the smaller local elections! As soon as you have become an official resident of Davidson County, you can register to vote here and learn more about upcoming elections, including polling locations and how to update your address, here.

Go to a Concert

The music scene in Nashville is second to none. There’s a reason our nickname is Music City! Once you’ve checked the iconic Ryman off your bucket list, head to some of the smaller venues scattered throughout town, including EXIT/IN, Marathon Music Works, Brooklyn Bowl, Mercy Lounge, the Basement East, and others. Here, you can hear just about any genre of music from both local and national touring artists.

Eat at Local Restaurants

When you’ve visited Nashville in the past, it’s likely you found yourself in a long line waiting to sink your teeth into the famous “hot chicken” everyone raves about. Or maybe you spent an evening dodging in and out of honky tonks on Broadway. Don’t get us wrong — we have a soft spot in our hearts for hot chicken and the music scene on Broadway, but it’s not really where the locals hang out on a regular basis. When you move here, make it a point to eat at local restaurants, rather than large chain restaurants or tourist hot spots. Don’t worry — you won’t have trouble finding exceptional local restaurants throughout the city!

Shop Local

Similarly, go out of your way to shop at local shops and boutiques when searching for a new outfit, home decor, or a gift for a loved one. There are so many talented makers and small business owners in Nashville, and one way to make sure they succeed is by giving them your business! Hit up a number of local shops at once by going to L+L Market, the Shops at Porter East, 12 South, and The Factory at Franklin.

Embrace Play

Everyone knows Nashville is the place for great music, great drinks, & great food, but don’t forget that the inner child needs a chance to shine as well! Music City has you covered with an array of options that will bring out the kid in you. Throw on a pair of socks and bowling shoes at the recently opened Eastside Bowl or staples like Donelson Bowl or Donelson Strike & Spare, brush up on everyone’s favorite Olympic sport with a little curling at Tee Line, tap into memories of school field trips with a visit to Adventure Science Center (especially on their adults only event evenings), game it up at Pins Mechanical or Up-Down, race the track or hit a hole-in-one at Grand Ole Golf & Go Carts or Music City Indoor Karting, soak up some rays at Opryland Resort’s Soundwaves or Nashville Shores, test your problem solving skills at The Escape Game, or face your fear of heights at SOAR Adventure Tower or The Adventure Park ropes course. The fun never stops in Nashville!

Make New Friends Within the Community

Allison Carriker recently moved down form New Jersey to join the Magnolia Home Inspection team and shared her experience with building a new network here in Nashville.  “Leaving behind a tight friend group who I could count on for both support and good times on the weekend was very difficult.  Making friends in a new city felt daunting but the Nashville community, with a reputation for being very welcoming,  accepted me and I quickly became connected!  If you’re not sure where to start, check out MeetUp.com to browse various social events, including workout groups, hiking clubs, happy hours for newcomers, and networking events.  Eventbrite, Facebook Groups, & local networking groups such as NTi also post events catered to new residents regularly. You’re not alone in your adjustment, many people who reside in Nashville have moved from out of state, and are ready to show you around!”

Allison Carriker

Realtor Liaison

Magnolia Home Inspections, LLC

Welcome to Music City!

Make sure you’re following our blog to learn more about Nashville living, including information related to the local real estate market.

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When a home is listed as “contingent or pending,” it means the seller and buyer have reached an agreed-upon offer, but before the deal is finalized, certain criteria must be met. In other words, the sale is contingent upon certain conditions. This could mean that the home inspection or appraisal must produce certain results, the buyer must get confirmation of financing, or the buyer needs to be able to sell their current home.

Most contingencies are favorable for the buyer, as opposed to the seller. In fact, in an ultra-competitive market, a seller may skip over an offer with contingencies in place, as they have the luxury of choosing from several other enticing offers without strings attached.

On the other hand, home inspection contingencies protect the buyer’s liability significantly, as it allows for the home inspector to discover defects that would compromise the value of the home. So it may be worth proposing a contingent offer — especially if you are uncertain or wary about the home’s condition.

Using expert guidance from Robert Murphy, Principal Broker with Armstrong Real Estate, let’s explore the several types of contingencies in real estate, and some of the benefits and downsides associated with each.

Home Sale Contingency

In order to avoid being stuck owning two properties at once (and therefore paying two mortgages), a buyer may have to include a home sale contingency, which means their current home must sell in order for them to qualify for the purchase of a new home. This may be necessary in order to have a decent amount of cash on hand for the down payment and closing costs. If they don’t include a home sale contingency, the buyer would be misrepresenting their financial situation. Keep in mind that in a seller’s market, this type of contingency may be frowned upon by the seller, who can just find another buyer not in this financial predicament. In lieu of this contingency, a buyer might consider a bridge loan, which is a short-term loan pending the arrangement of longer-term financing.

Home Inspection Contingency

A home inspection contingency means the sale of the home is contingent on a home inspection that doesn’t uncover any major issues with the home. This could include roofing problems, plumbing issues, electrical problems, structural issues, and other major findings.

These issues could be grounds for a renegotiation of the sales price or allow for an agreement to be made over who will be responsible for these repairs. Or it may give the buyer the opportunity to back out of the sale completely. Keep in mind that just because issues are found, this doesn’t necessarily mean the deal will always fall through! Depending on the severity, the buyer and seller may come to an agreement on a path forward. The contingency just gives you the flexibility to have those conversations if unforeseen issues do arise.

It’s also important to have a home inspector you can trust, who will explain the issue(s) in detail, including the estimated cost of repair and just how serious the problem is. Here at Magnolia Home Inspections, we are dedicated to protecting home buyers in the Nashville area by preparing them for successful purchase negotiations and educating them for successful long-term home ownership

Financing Contingency 

Also known as a mortgage contingency, a financing contingency allows buyers to cancel the contract of the purchase with no penalties if they are unable to secure financing from a lender. It is in place from the binding agreement date all the way to closing day. If a buyer has this contingency in place and is unable to obtain financing before closing day, they can terminate the contract and even receive their earnest money back. They will want to take extra care of their finances during this time by not taking on any debt, losing or switching jobs, etc.

Appraisal Contingency

An appraisal contingency means the sale is contingent on the appraisal confirming that the contract price is comparable to its value. This ensures a buyer isn’t overpaying for a home. And it comes down to the fact that the lender does not want to give a loan for an amount way above the home’s actual worth. In a hot real estate market, meeting the appraisal number can be difficult, but there are some ways around it. If you have cash on hand to make up the difference, you can work around the appraisal and purchase price not matching up.

Have More Questions?

Give Magnolia Home Inspections a call if you have any questions about the home inspection process — or schedule your inspection today! We promise you peace of mind or your money back.

The post What Does Contingent Mean in Real Estate? appeared first on Nashville Home Inspection | Magnolia.

A component of these conversations is that realtors who are not focused on customer service don’t show up to the home inspection with their clients.  This allows home buyers to talk more openly about their experience.  I have also had more than a few people tell me their story about a bad home inspection. Which begs the question:  Why aren’t home buyers always choosing the best realtor or home inspector? A helpful tool in answering this important question is by understanding a home buyer’s need for both Customer Experience and User Experience.

Providing the best possible service in today’s world can be easier today with advanced technology, but it has to include a focus on User Experience!  This arena of User Experience is where I see the best realtors losing market share.  The best realtors have been primarily focused on Customer Experience (keeping the client’s best interests as the primary concern) possibly even avoiding fancy tech upgrades because it is represents the antithesis of their core values, self-promotion.  Couple that attitude with a new market of home buyers who appear to be replacing Customer Experience with User Experience and you have a recipe for disaster. There are a couple lessons here: technological advance without a focus on User Experience is self-promotion; tunnel vision on Customer Service at the detriment of User Experience is perceived by the market today as not trust-worthy.

In order to stay competitive in this market, overly saturated with service providers (newly licensed realtors and inspectors), educating clients on your competitive advantages providing both excellent Customer Experience and User Experience is paramount.  Magnolia for example is focusing on better User Experience for realtors by providing a phone app for scheduling (with the ability to review schedule openings and reserve a spot, while verify the time) and a software program included to automatically create a repair addendum directly from the report.  However, forcing potential home buyers to read as opposed to watching videos of the owner or employees talking about our services may give the impression that we don’t care about User Experience.  We all have room for improvement! Promoting your User Experience advantage is a difficult topic, to be covered in the next blog!

 LinkedIn

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As I began creating a list of items that Isaac should consider when looking for his new home, I realized how valuable this list could be for anyone considering purchasing a new home. Our goal at Magnolia Property Consultants is to partner homebuyers with construction industry expertise. We do this because we understand not everyone has a brother, uncle, parent or family friend with construction experience that they can get honest, unbiased advice from when making such an important decision. Buying a home is often the largest investment a person will make in their life, and having a trusted ally that understands not only what is wrong with a house, but why it is wrong, can make all the difference between a sound investment and a terrible mistake.

Below is the list I created for Isaac. Please feel free to bring it with you the next time you are considering purchasing a home or condo. Be sure to ask all these questions below, and be thorough before making an offer.

When Selecting a Home

Walk the exterior of the house at least twice

• #1 Question: Is Water an Issue at this property?
•  Look for cracks below the windows and at the corner foundation of the home
•  Look at the quality and condition of the windows
•  Assess the quality and condition of the exterior (Are the exterior products low maintenance?)
•  Does the grading of the property drain water toward or away from the home? (You always want the law of gravity to be on your side – this is of utmost importance in regards to the landscaping and your roof construction)

Do your best to ignore the cabinets, countertops, and hardwood floor finishes and focus on the structure of the home

•  Are there cracks in the drywall corners of the rooms?
•  Are there elevation changes in the floor system or soft-spots that require further exploration into the framing
•  Door all the doors open and close?  If not, is the door striking the door jamb? (has the wall settled or was the door installed out of alignment?)

Mechanical

•  Ask for Service Records on the HVAC equipment.  Regular maintenance can be a great indication of the condition of the equipment.
•  Open the return register and see how dirty it is (lots of dirt in the ductwork would be an indication of neglect – highly recommend HVAC tech come out to service and diagnose unit at seller’s expense)

Attic

•  Check Insulation Depth
•  Check for leaks in Roof decking

The main purpose of this list is to train your brain and your eye to ignore the superficial and to focus on the important, foundational issues. Our brains can often be seduced by shiny appliances and beautiful floors, so having this list should help you stay focused on what’s important when buying your new home!

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Radon testing may not be the first thing you think of when going through the home buying process with a Client, but it is right up there in importance with home & termite inspections. In Davidson County specifically, 39% of homes tested are found to have radon levels requiring mitigation.

So Radon testing is one recommendation that is not only vital, but will show your Clients that you go the extra mile to make sure they’ll love and be SAFE in their new home.

So what is Radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas produced by decaying uranium. Yes, it sounds like something from a Bond movie, but it’s the real deal. Even though we can’t see or smell it, it’s present in nearly all soils, some building materials. Low levels are even found in most water & the air we breathe. It enters houses through a variety of methods including gaps in walls & floors, areas interacting with soil, even through pores in the concrete. The problems arise when it becomes trapped inside a structure and the occupants are exposed long term.

How is it harmful?
Radon levels found in everyday life are typically not harmful, but with home improvements, settling or damage, increasing construction, land development etc. radon levels can begin to rise. Individuals spending most of their time inside a structure with high levels of radon will eventually suffer the consequences of overexposure, including increased likelihood of lung cancer. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Knowing this and considering the local radon rates, testing for radon here in Nashville is really a must.

What to do if a radon test comes back to high?
Don’t Panic! The risks from radon are cumulative, so serious effects present from exposure to high levels over a long period of time. Just because a property comes back with high levels of radon, you don’t need to pull the offer and forget about the home. Many radon issues can be resolved very easily and at a very reasonable cost. Your Home Inspectors at Magnolia are very knowledgeable and connected. We can give you some ideas to resolve it or refer you to a trusted local contractor for professional and thorough mitigation.

Magnolia goes Digital
Not only are our technicians professional and experienced, through our digital testing method, Magnolia provides same day results for Radon Testing! You can have your 48 hours testing completed and results in hand immediately on home inspection day, not weeks later.  Magnolia uses Alpha Spectrometry, world-class app-driven technology with enhanced reporting and analysis capability to deliver the most accurate and consistent radon measurements with a streamlined process. How does it work? The measuring period is 48 hours with the testing materials onsite. Once the equipment is picked up after this period, we provide you with the results by email. So simple!

Protect your liability as a Realtor – Is your home inspector AARST certified?

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“We’re proud to be a top home inspector choice for Realtors throughout Greater Nashville,” said http://tr5tm4gn0.wwwmi3-sr26.supercp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/shutterstock_1899874807-FB-1.jpg Hammond, owner of Magnolia Home Inspections. “We are getting great intel on the real state of the area real estate market from agents that are having success closing deals for buyers down in the trenches.”

Lack of supply and price growth mean that homes that are for sale are getting hit by multiple offers very quickly, and sellers are enjoying the fruits of a hot housing market. Winning buyers and their Realtors are often the ones willing to pay a premium for the home with an offer that waives home inspection contingencies.

We’re honored to be featured in a podcast by Nashville Realtor Jacob Jones of MW Real Estate.

[quoter background=”” scheme=”light” author=”http://tr5tm4gn0.wwwmi3-sr26.supercp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/shutterstock_1899874807-FB-1.jpg Hammond” text=”Those without a home inspection contingency are now often bringing in a home inspector after closing to build a laundry list of repairs to take care of now & in the future.”]

If market conditions have “forced” you to buy a home without the inspection contingency, you can schedule a home inspection using our easy online system. We also give you a free instant quote, in case you are still in the planning phase. The home inspection takes several hours and you should plan on attending. We’ll highlight and explain issues as we come across them, and will deliver a 30+ page interactive report with photos and explanations. Here is a sample home inspection report.

Nashville’s New Construction Market – Ripe for Defects

Other homebuyers frustrated with resale home inventory are buying new home construction. There has been a surge in the number of new homes that we have been doing inspections for since the start of the new year. A new home or new condo’s home inspection report is usually much longer and more comprehensive than the report for a home that has been lived in for 5 – 10 years. This blog post explains why you need a new construction home inspection or professional builder warranty home inspection in Nashville.

[quoter background=”” scheme=”light” author=”http://tr5tm4gn0.wwwmi3-sr26.supercp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/shutterstock_1899874807-FB-1.jpg Hammond” text=”The new construction home inspection is proving to be a vital resource for Realtors and their buyers that are choosing new homes. Nashville’s high volume building conditions create the perfect landscape for new home defects.”]

Top Home Inspectors for Greater Nashville

Area Realtors and their homebuyers have relied on Magnolia Home Inspections for inspections on over 3,000 area home purchase transactions. We have 20+ years of direct contracting and construction experience in addition to our home inspection experience, and it allows our team to dig deep in the inspection of the home you are purchasing (or have already purchased).

Our inspectors are here to give you peace of mind in your home purchase, so that you can buy with confidence.

Call us with questions or schedule an inspection now!

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