Nashville Real Estate Blog - Gary Ashton's Blog

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All Blog Entries by Gary Ashton

Found 632 blog entries published by Gary Ashton.

February Events in Nashville This Year

February's here, and Nashville's packed with things to do. From flea markets to fancy Valentine's dinners, ballet performances to hot chicken tastings, there's something happening almost every day this month.

Here's what's worth checking out.

2026 Nashville February Events: Quick List

  • Hot Chicken Week (Jan. 26–Feb. 1)
  • Amadeus Live (Jan. 31–Feb. 1)
  • Zoolumination (Nov. 13–Feb. 8)
  • Family Mardi Gras Party (Feb. 7)
  • Official Mardi Gras Bar Crawl (Feb. 7)
  • Nashville Chamber Music Series (Feb. 8)
  • Swan Lake (Grand Kyiv Ballet Feb. 8; Nashville Ballet Feb. 27–March 1)
  • SIX: The Musical (Feb. 3–8)
  • Dinosaur World Live! (Feb. 11)
  • Valentine's Wine Tasting Excursion Train (Feb. 14)
  • Victorian Valentine's Day Party (Feb. 14)
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How Rising Interest Rates Affect Homebuyers and Sellers

Picture this: You find the perfect home in East Nashville listed at $500,000. You're excited and ready to make an offer. But then you apply for a mortgage and realize the interest rate on your mortgage matters way more than you think.

At a 3% rate (what buyers got in 2021) and with a 20% down payment, your monthly payment—for principal and interest only—would be around $1,686. At a 6.3% rate today? That same house costs you $2,476 per month in interest and principal. That's around $790 more every single month for the exact same home.

Interest rates change what you can afford, how much competition you face, and whether you should buy or sell right now. When you’re researching the market, understanding these changes could save you tens of thousands

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What Home Maintenance Should You Do Every SeasonScheduling regular home maintenance isn't optional, but it's also not particularly intuitive for new homeowners. The key is creating a routine you'll actually follow to protect your property's value and prevent costly repairs. This guide breaks down when to tackle specific tasks throughout the year, making it easier to stay on top of your home's needs without feeling overwhelmed.

The Foundation: Monthly Walkthroughs

The most important maintenance habit is knowing your property inside and out. Set a recurring monthly reminder to inspect your home systematically:

  • Document everything: Take photos of key areas (basement corners, ceilings, bathroom walls) to track changes over time. This visual record helps you spot progressive issues like
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Get VIP Access to the Legacy South homes event 1/10/26 at www.CityLivingIntel.com

New Construction Designed for Nashville Living
Legacy South is a Nashville-based development, construction, and management company focused on building thoughtfully designed new homes that feel connected to the neighborhoods around them. Their approach is rooted in intentional planning—balancing modern functionality, curb appeal, and a strong sense of place across Nashville and nearby markets like Madison and Murfreesboro. 

For buyers who want more than “builder basic,” Legacy South communities often pair clean architectural lines with lifestyle-driven features—think gated entrances, walkable pockets, and resort-style amenities in select neighborhoods. In East Nashville,

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Register now to Get Early Access

If you’re looking for a new home in 2026 in Nashville and trying to stay under $600,000 without giving up quick access to downtown, you’re not alone.

The good news: there are still real and viable options—especially if you’re open to townhomes, efficient single-family plans, and close-in neighborhoods like East Nashville, Madison, and South Nashville.

Even better? If you want the best shot at inventory that fits your budget, the “secret” isn’t refreshing listings 20 times a day—it’s getting early access when new homes and homesites are released. This is why you need the City Living Intel from The Ashton Group.

One of the best opportunities for that is the at the City Living Intel Preview Event on Saturday,

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The Differences Between High-Rise and Low-Rise Condos

If you love convenience and access to local hot spots, exploring the different styles of condos might lead you to your perfect home. A condo is a privately owned unit within a larger multi-unit community. A few advantages to living in a condo include low-maintenance living and awesome on-site amenities.

Before moving into a condo, it's important to understand the difference between Nashville high-rise condos, mid-rise condos, and low-rise condos. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of each style of condo and decide which one is right for you.

Quick Look at Condo Building Types

  • Condos are generally categorized as high-rise (10+ stories), mid-rise (5–9 stories), and low-rise (1–4 stories).
  • High-rise condos emphasize urban
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Best January Events in Nashville

New year, new Nashville experiences waiting for you.

The weather's chilly, but not enough to keep you locked inside. January is a great time for residents to enjoy Nashville or for visitors to explore the city. Locals appreciate the thinner crowds compared to summer or fall. Hotel prices drop. The event calendar remains packed with concerts, sports, cultural celebrations, and family-friendly activities.

January 2026 brings a series of major events, including MLK Day celebrations, Predators hockey, Monster Jam, big-name concerts at the Ryman, and the legendary Grand Ole Opry. Plus museum exhibits, comedy shows, kid-friendly activities, and the kind of live music Nashville does better than anywhere else.

Whether you're planning a staycation, a

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Investment Property Loans

Thinking about buying your first rental property, but confused by all the loan options? The financing part stops most people before they even start.

Getting a loan for a rental property is different from buying a house you'll live in. Lenders want bigger down payments, higher credit scores, and proof you can handle the monthly payments even if the place sits empty for a while.

Once you understand your options, financing a rental property becomes much simpler. This guide breaks down every investment property loan type, shows you what lenders actually look for, and gives you the real numbers you need to make smart decisions.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or home loan professional before proceeding with

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How to Buy Your First Rental Property

Tired of watching your savings earn next to nothing while property values keep climbing?

Your friend bought a rental property three years ago. Now she earns $500 extra every month, while you're still wondering if you should just keep your money in a savings account earning 0.5% interest.

Here's the truth: Real estate investing can build real wealth. But only if you avoid the expensive mistakes that cost most beginners thousands.

From calculating real costs to finding properties that can actually make money, this guide shows you exactly how to buy your first investment property without getting burned.

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

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Best Neighborhoods in Brentwood, TN

The wide range of picturesque neighborhoods in Brentwood, Tennessee, presents a challenge: finding the best option for you.

Brentwood, one of Nashville's most luxurious suburbs, has become one of the best places to live in Tennessee. With tree-lined streets, luxury homes, and well-known schools, Brentwood offers a lifestyle that's hard to beat. But with so many neighborhoods to choose from, where do you start?

The city has options for every budget and lifestyle. From gated golf communities with million-dollar estates to established neighborhoods with more accessible price points, the best neighborhoods in Brentwood deliver that coveted blend of small-town charm and big-city convenience.

Quick Facts About Brentwood, TN

  • Median home price:
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