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Guides

The complete playbook for Tennessee home buyers

Comprehensive, Tennessee-specific guides covering every major decision in the home buying process, from understanding what an agent actually costs to closing without one.

Featured · Scripts & etiquette

The buyer playbook: what to say, do, and expect before the offer

Copy-paste scripts for scheduling a showing, talking to listing agents, and handling multiple offers, plus what to wear and how to find the agent on Zillow or Homes.com.

Open the playbook
Tools

Free tools for smarter home buying.

Crunch the numbers before you make an offer. Our calculators help Tennessee buyers understand costs, savings, and affordability.

Blog Posts

Expert breakdowns for Tennessee buyers

Deep dives on commissions, contracts, negotiations, closing costs, and what changed after the NAR settlement.

Guides14 min read

Buying Your Next Home in Tennessee: A Strategic Guide for Move-Up Buyers

A framework for Tennessee move-up buyers: equity and affordability, sell-first vs buy-first strategy, lender prep beyond pre-approval, resale vs renovation vs new construction, neighborhoods, Tennessee contract timing, inspections, appraisal risk, and offers.

May 7, 2026
Finance11 min read

How Much Does a Buyer's Agent Cost in Tennessee? (2026)

Tennessee buyer's agent commissions average 2.42%–2.92% of the purchase price. Here's exactly what you'll pay, what you get, and what your alternatives are in 2026.

March 25, 2026
Market Insights13 min read

The NAR Settlement: A Complete Guide for Tennessee Home Buyers

The NAR settlement changed the rules on buyer's agent commissions in August 2024. Here's what actually changed, what it means for Tennessee buyers specifically, and how to use the new rules to your advantage.

March 25, 2026
Finance10 min read

7 Things Your Buyer's Agent Doesn't Tell You About Their Commission

Tennessee buyer agents earn 3.10% on every home you buy, and their incentives don't always align with yours. Here's what they won't tell you.

March 24, 2026
Legal7 min read

8 Things That Changed for Home Buyers After the NAR Settlement

The NAR settlement took effect in August 2024. Here's a fast-reference guide to the 8 specific things that changed, and what stayed the same, for Tennessee home buyers.

March 24, 2026
Legal12 min read

10 Red Flags in a Purchase and Sale Agreement Tennessee Buyers Often Miss

Tennessee's RF401 contract is deadline-driven and seller-friendly. Here are 10 contract red flags unrepresented buyers miss, and how to protect yourself before you sign.

March 24, 2026
Strategy11 min read

10 Questions to Ask a Listing Agent When You Don't Have a Buyer's Agent

When you're buying without a buyer's agent in Tennessee, the listing agent works for the seller, not you. Here are the 10 questions that protect your interests.

March 24, 2026
Strategy10 min read

8 Ways to Negotiate Directly With a Seller's Agent (Without Your Own Agent)

Going unrepresented in Tennessee? Learn 8 proven negotiation strategies for working directly with a listing agent, including how to use commission savings as leverage.

March 24, 2026
Finance11 min read

12 Fees Tennessee Home Buyers Actually Pay at Closing (And Which Ones Are Negotiable)

Tennessee closing costs run 2–5% of the purchase price. Here's the complete breakdown of all 12 fees, which ones are fixed by state law, and which ones you can push back on.

March 24, 2026
Process13 min read

9 Tennessee Home Inspection Issues That Derail Deals (And How to Handle Them)

From clay soil foundations to East Tennessee radon, these 9 inspection issues kill Tennessee home deals, and here's how to negotiate each one without an agent.

March 24, 2026
Guides9 min read

Buyer-Broker Agreements Explained: What You're Signing and Why It Matters

Tennessee has required buyer-broker agreements since 2006. Learn what you're signing, what to negotiate, and how to protect yourself, with or without an agent.

February 5, 2026
Market Insights9 min read

What the NAR Settlement Actually Means for Home Buyers in 2026

The NAR settlement changed how buyer agent commissions work. Here's what Tennessee home buyers need to know in 2026, and how to save thousands.

February 5, 2026
Finance9 min read

How Seller Concessions Work in Tennessee (2025 Guide)

Learn how seller concessions work, concession limits by loan type, and how unrepresented Tennessee buyers can negotiate thousands in closing cost savings.

February 5, 2026
Process10 min read

How BuyUnrepped Actually Works on a Real Tennessee Offer

A screen-by-screen walkthrough of a typical Tennessee resale deal using BuyUnrepped, from showing request to closing, with exact handoffs, timeline checkpoints, and what the buyer handles versus what we handle.

July 7, 2026
Guides14 min read

The Complete Guide to Buying a Home in Chattanooga Without a Buyer's Agent

Everything Chattanooga home buyers need to know: market conditions, neighborhoods from North Shore to Signal Mountain, Hamilton County closing costs, and how to go unrepresented and save $7,000+.

March 24, 2026
Finance9 min read

Flat-Fee Broker vs. Buyer's Agent: 8 Differences Tennessee Buyers Should Know

Tennessee buyer's agent commissions average 2.92%, up to $13,900 on a Nashville home. Here are 8 key differences that determine which model is right for you.

March 24, 2026
Guides16 min read

The Complete Guide to Buying a Home in Franklin and Brentwood Without a Buyer's Agent

Everything Williamson County home buyers need to know: Franklin vs. Brentwood differences, Williamson County closing costs, competitive offer strategy, and how to save $17,000+ going unrepresented.

March 24, 2026
Guides15 min read

The Complete Guide to Buying a Home in Knoxville Without a Buyer's Agent

Everything Knoxville home buyers need to know: market conditions, neighborhoods from 4th and Gill to West Knox, Knox County closing costs, and how to go unrepresented and save $7,000+.

March 24, 2026
Guides15 min read

The Complete Guide to Buying a Home in Memphis Without a Buyer's Agent

Everything Memphis home buyers need to know: market conditions, neighborhoods, Shelby County's high property taxes, offer strategy, and how to go unrepresented and keep thousands at closing.

March 24, 2026
Guides16 min read

The Complete Guide to Buying a Home in Nashville Without a Buyer's Agent

Everything Nashville home buyers need to know: market conditions, neighborhoods, offer strategy, Davidson County closing costs, and how to go unrepresented and save $11,000–$14,000.

March 24, 2026
Market9 min read

7 Tennessee Cities Where Buyers Save the Most by Going Unrepresented

In Franklin, skipping a buyer's agent saves over $22,000. In Memphis, still $6,900. See the commission math for every major Tennessee market in 2026.

March 24, 2026
Finance11 min read

8 Loan Programs Available to Tennessee First-Time Buyers in 2026

Tennessee first-time buyers have 8 loan programs to choose from in 2026, including $0-down USDA, 3.5% FHA, and THDA's Great Choice with up to $15,000 in down payment help. Here's how each works.

March 24, 2026
Legal12 min read

10 Tennessee-Specific Rules First-Time Home Buyers Need to Know

Tennessee has laws that catch even prepared buyers off guard, from Greenbelt rollback taxes to binding contracts with no review period. Here's what to know before you close.

March 24, 2026
Strategy7 min read

8 Situations Where Going Unrepresented Might Actually Make Sense

Sometimes full buyer representation isn’t the right fit. Here are eight situations where staying unrepresented, with structured support, can make sense.

March 24, 2026
Strategy10 min read

6 Situations Where You Might Actually Want a Buyer's Agent

Most Tennessee buyers don't need a buyer's agent, but some do. Here are six honest situations where representation may be worth the cost.

March 24, 2026
Finance8 min read

Buyer Agent Commissions in 2026: What You'll Actually Pay (And How to Pay Less)

Tennessee buyer agent commissions average 2.92%, about $13,900 on a typical Nashville home. Learn what's changed since the NAR settlement and how to pay less.

February 5, 2026
Guides9 min read

Do You Still Need a Buyer's Agent After the NAR Settlement?

The NAR settlement changed how buyer's agents get paid. Learn what it means for Tennessee home buyers and whether you still need an agent in 2025.

February 5, 2026
Guides10 min read

The Complete Guide to Buying a Home Without a Buyer's Agent

A step-by-step guide for Tennessee buyers going without a buyer's agent, from pre-approval to closing, with costs, risks, and legal requirements.

February 5, 2026

Ready to put it into practice?

BuyUnrepped gives you the tools, agreements, and support to buy your Tennessee home without paying a full buyer's agent commission.