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The Real Cost of Selling a Home in Nashville: 2% Listings vs. Traditional Models

The Crawfords (James & Steph)The Crawfords (James & Steph)
Feb 17, 2026 1 min read
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The Real Cost of Selling a Home in Nashville: 2% Listings vs. Traditional Models
Chapters
01
Protect Your Equity

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:

  1. Who will be my primary point of contact during negotiations? How about after we go under contract?
  2. How much of my equity will go to your brokerage?
  3. 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 Valuation

About 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.

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