It’s common for homebuyers to assume that using their 401(k) to buy a home comes with heavy penalties. But there are actually ways to use your 401(k) for a down payment that might work for you.

You have some viable options: taking a loan from your 401(k) or making a withdrawal. Each one comes with different rules and costs, and one might hurt your future retirement savings more than the other.

Before you touch that retirement money, you need to know what you're giving up and whether there are better options for you, such as capitalizing on first-time homebuyer down payment assistance. The house you buy today shouldn't come at the expense of having enough money when you retire.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a financial

Building a home takes the right team to make your dream happen. You need different experts depending on what kind of home you want. A builder or contractor manages the whole project, while specialists like plumbers and electricians handle specific parts. 

For custom homes, you may need an architect, while master-planned communities may have already decided on the team for you.

There are many types of new construction homes, and your choice will dictate who you need to hire. 

Quick Tips for Hiring Your Building Team

• Find a good home builder first—they oversee everything from permits to final touches
• Get a general contractor for major projects—they manage all the different workers
• Talk to at least three builders before

When house hunting, you might wonder if those fancy gates with security guards are worth the extra money. People talk about security, privacy, and feeling safe in gated communities in Tennessee. But here's the big question—are neighborhoods with gates really safer than regular ones? The answer might surprise you.

For informational purposes only. Always do your own research if you're concerned about a particular community's safety.

Quick Safety Facts You Can Share

• The Crime and Justice Research Alliance has found that homes in gated communities have 33% lower burglary risk than homes in regular neighborhoods
• However, there may be confounding factors, such as community location
• Gates create a feeling of safety, but might not be the

Gated communities are neighborhoods that offer some level of controlled access, shared amenities, and an emphasis on upkeep and privacy. For many homebuyers, the appeal lies in the added sense of structure and convenience.

But gated communities aren’t one-size-fits-all. They can be found everywhere, from big cities like Nashville and Memphis to many of the lovely small towns in Tennessee—but they’re not for everyone. 

From homeowners’ association (HOA) fees to community rules, there’s a lot to weigh before making a decision. Here’s what to know about how these communities work so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle and needs.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before

Sometimes a new construction home needs extra attention to feel like yours. That blank canvas can feel exciting—but also overwhelming. Where do you even start?

The good news is you don't need to hire an interior designer to create a warm, personal space. When decorating a new build, focus on simple steps that add character without breaking the bank. The right interior design choices will transform your new home into one that reflects your personality.

Quick Tips for Decorating Your New Build

• Define your personal style first—save design tips and inspiration that catch your eye
• Start with neutral paint colors, then add 1-3 accent colors that make you happy
• Use statement wallpaper to create focal points that grab attention
• Choose

An ever-increasing percentage of retirees and older adults are choosing to live in active adult communities (also known as 55+ communities) designed just for them. Tennessee has become a hot spot for these communities, thanks to mild weather, no state income tax, and beautiful scenery. These 55+ communities offer a different way of living, though they have their pros and cons.

The best part? Someone else handles lawn care and home repairs, giving you more time to enjoy Tennessee's natural beauty and attractions. But watch out for those monthly HOA fees—they can take a big bite out of your budget. And those community rules might limit who visits you and even what pets you can have.

Let's look at what life is really like in a Tennessee 55+

Building a new construction home is one of the most rewarding things a homeowner can do. What many people don't realize until they get started choosing a builder is that there are actually several new home construction options to choose from. Knowing about the different types of home construction, including the benefits and disadvantages of each, can help bring you one step closer to making your dream home a reality.

Five Types of Construction Classifications

When looking at new construction homes, most buyers focus on floor plans and finishes. But there's something just as important that often gets overlooked: building code classifications.

Building codes classify structures based on their fire resistance. These classifications (Types I

The array of 55+ communities across Tennessee offers everything from amenities to busy social calendars, leaving no question as to why they're so sought-after by active adults. Whether you're interested in greater Nashville-area communities with excellent locations or more secluded retreats in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Volunteer State has something for you.

Discover the endless advantages of 55+ living in some of the best places to retire in Tennessee!

Snapshot of Top Tennessee 55+ Living

• StoneBridge focuses on low-maintenance living with great amenities and a location close to everything you need.
• Del Webb Southern Springs has a great location and the great amenities Del Webb communities are known for.
• Del Webb Lake Providence

Tennessee is a great place to retire, and choosing the right 55+ community in the Nashville area can further enhance that next phase of your life. 

The greater Nashville area has some amazing 55+ communities that most people don't know about. From gated neighborhoods with pools to affordable options with charm, Nashville has something for almost any lifestyle and budget.

The right 55+ community can enhance your day-to-day with social events, tons of ways to stay active and busy, and much more. Let's look at what Nashville offers.

Highlights of Nashville-Area 55+ Living

• Del Webb Lake Providence gives you gated, low-maintenance living with indoor AND outdoor pools in Mount Juliet
• The Cloister at St. Henry offers charming homes starting

There's something special about a brand-new house. Whether it's that fresh-built smell or the modern features, new construction homes have a ton of benefits. But you need to think about the trade-offs before you rush out to break ground. As great as new builds can be, the pros don't always outweigh the cons.

Let's get real about what you'll love (and what might drive you crazy) with new construction homes. No sugar-coating here. Just the real pros and cons of new construction homes to help you decide if new construction is right for you as a home buyer.

6 Pros & Cons of Buying a New Construction Home

• Pro: You get to pick your layout, finishes, and features—making the home truly yours
• Pro: Lower energy bills thanks to better insulation