The Big Picture
For most Nashville homeowners, equity isn’t just a number on a spreadsheet—it’s the down payment for your next chapter or a significant part of your retirement. When you decide to sell, the traditional 6% commission model can feel like an inherited rule that no longer fits the modern market. In a city where median home prices have climbed significantly, that percentage translates into tens of thousands of dollars.
By the Numbers: What You Actually Net
Transparency matters. Here is a side-by-side comparison of what it looks like to sell a $600,000 home in Middle Tennessee using a traditional model versus our boutique 2% listing approach.
| Expense Type | Traditional (6%) | Nesting in Nashville (2%) |
|---|---|---|
| Listing Commission | $18,000 (3%) | $12,000 (2%) |
| Buyer Agent Comp | $18,000 (3%) | $15,000 (2.5%) |
| Total Estimated Fees | $36,000 | $27,000 |
*Buyer agent compensation is negotiable and determined by the seller. This example uses common market averages for illustration.
The "No Hand-off" Guarantee
A common misconception is that a lower listing fee means "limited service." At Nesting Realty, we operate as a boutique firm. This means:
- No Assistants: You work directly with Stephanie and James from the initial walkthrough to the closing table.
- Expert Marketing: High-end photography, virtual floor plans, strategic staging advice, and targeted digital reach are standard, not extras.
- Local Data: We use RealTracs and tax data to help you price your home for the current market, not last month's headlines. We never rely on a Zestimate, though we do use AI to strategize.
The Practical Takeaway
Before you sign a listing agreement, ask these three questions:
- Who will be my primary point of contact during negotiations? How about after we go under contract?
- How much of my equity will go to your brokerage?
- Can you provide a net sheet based on closing costs?
Protect Your Equity
Ready to see a custom net sheet for your home? We provide clear, data-informed valuations without the high-pressure sales pitch.
Request Your Home ValuationAbout the Authors: Stephanie and James Crawford are lifelong Nashvillians with over 20 years of local real estate experience. They specialize in boutique service that prioritizes client relationships over transaction volume.








































