How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home in Nashville, TN?

by Nik Shewmaker

What to Expect From Start to Finish

Buying a home is one of the most exciting — and often stressful — journeys you can take. Whether you're relocating to Music City or upgrading your current home, understanding the timeline can help you feel prepared and confident.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when buying a home in Nashville, TN, along with tips to make the process smoother.

Phase 1: Financial Preparation (1–4 Weeks)

Before you start looking at houses, you’ll need to:

Review your credit and address any issues
Gather financial documents like tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements
Get pre-approved for a mortgage

Tip: Most lenders in Nashville can issue a pre-approval in 24–72 hours, but gathering your paperwork ahead of time can speed this up. Some buyers take 2–3 weeks to feel fully ready.

Phase 2: Home Shopping (1–6 Weeks)

Once you're pre-approved, the fun begins — looking at homes!

In Nashville, the average homebuyer views 6 to 12 homes before making an offer. The time you spend shopping depends on:

Your price range and must-haves
Availability in hot neighborhoods like East Nashville, 12 South, Sylvan Park, or Green Hills
Market competition and seasonality

If inventory is low or you’re in a competitive price range (think under $500K), expect to move fast.

Nik Shewmaker, a top local REALTOR®, recommends narrowing your must-haves before starting to tour homes so you don’t waste time.

Phase 3: Making an Offer and Negotiations (2–7 Days)

When you find the right house, it’s time to make an offer. In Nashville’s competitive market, homes can go under contract in less than 48 hours, especially in desirable neighborhoods.

Your offer process might take:

1–2 days for you and your agent to draft and submit
1–3 days for back-and-forth negotiation (price, closing costs, repairs, etc.)

Once the seller accepts, you’re officially under contract.

Phase 4: Under Contract to Closing (30–45 Days)

This is where the majority of the timeline happens. Here’s what you’ll go through:

1. Home Inspection (Day 1–7)

Schedule an inspection within 3–5 days.
Negotiate any repairs.

2. Appraisal (Day 7–21)

Required by your lender.
Delays can happen if appraisers are backed up.

3. Loan Processing (Day 1–30)

Lender gathers all final documentation.
Underwriting approval and conditions.

4. Title Work and Closing Prep (Day 20–40)

Title search and clear-to-close.
Final walkthrough and signing.

Once you receive clear to close, you’ll schedule your closing day.

In Tennessee, most closings happen in person and take about 1 hour.

Fast-Tracking Your Home Purchase

Some buyers ask: Can I close faster than 30 days?

Yes — but only with:

A strong pre-approval
Quick response to lender requests
A cash offer or reputable lender

If you’re buying with cash, closing in 7–14 days is very possible in Nashville.

What Can Slow You Down?

Some common delays include:

Appraisal delays
Last-minute credit or income changes
Title issues
Incomplete documentation

That’s why working with a knowledgeable real estate agent like Nik Shewmaker is essential. She anticipates roadblocks before they become costly delays.

Nashville Market Insights (August 2025)

As of this month:

Average days on market: 36
Median home price: $484,000
Interest rates: 6.4% (conventional)
Inventory is low in Donelson, East Nashville, and Madison, meaning faster timelines for move-in ready homes

Final Thoughts: So, How Long Does It Take?

If you’re ready to go — with your pre-approval and a solid agent — you can close on a home in 30–45 days. But for many buyers, the full process takes 2–3 months from the moment they decide to buy to the day they move in.

The best way to stay on track? Work with a local agent who knows the ins and outs of the Nashville real estate market.