House hunting is a lot of work, especially if you're moving to a new state. You have to choose what cities to visit, what to eat, where to stay, and things to do while traveling. Planning a housing hunting trip is like planning a jam-packed vacation full of to-do lists. If you aren’t prepared, it can be pretty overwhelming. 

Since our team is constantly keeping an eye on Middle Tennessee markets, we wanted to share a helpful resource. Here are a few helpful tips on where to stay and what to do while house hunting in Middle Tennessee:

Where to Stay While House Hunting

The greater Nashville area offers an abundance of hotels. Everything from large luxury hotels to smaller motels awaits guests all over Middle Tennessee. One of the beautiful things about the greater Nashville area is how interconnected the cities are. So, visitors can stay in a community like Hendersonville or Mount Juliet and still have a decent commute to view houses in Nashville. But, unless you are planning to tour the entire Middle Tennessee market, we suggest staying near the neighborhoods on the top of your house-hunting list. That way, you have an easier commute between houses, and you have an opportunity to eat and shop in the local venues.

 

*Pro Tip: check an online events calendar before planning the trip. Nashville and the surrounding communities have plenty of events throughout the year that could impact traffic. If you have a tight housing hunting schedule, you’ll want to make the most of your time!

 

Nashville and the surrounding cities also host numerous Airbnbs. Staying in an Airbnb can give you a first-hand experience within a local neighborhood. During your stay, you can get a feel for how friendly or quiet the area is. You might even have a chance to meet some neighbors and ask their thoughts on the community. (If you’re traveling to Nashville, our team leader has an incredible Airbnb in Nashville that you are welcome to check out—view it here.)

What to Do While House Hunting

Someone planning to move to a new state has likely narrowed their search to a general area. If not, social media community groups might be useful for crowdsourcing information about jobs, schools, and family activities. Once you determine what areas you would like to visit, take this to-do list with you:

The Logistics

  • Drive through the neighborhoods. Online images can only reveal so much about a given area. Take an in-person tour through the neighborhoods on your list and get a feel for the community. 

  • Visit some local shopping areas and restaurants. Check out the stores and eateries you would frequent if you lived in a specific community. Be sure to make notes about your favorites to remember when you come back!

  • Meet someone local. While you’re visiting the local sites, introduce yourself to a few people in the area. Ask about their favorite aspects of the city or what elements they think could use some improvement.

  • Contact a real estate agent who can set up house tours. Connect with an agent and let them know when you will be visiting. Set up a few walkthroughs while you are in town. If you want to see additional homes you come across during your trip, reach out to them to ask for a last-minute showing. (We’d love to help! Send us an email—info@teamhhg.com.)

  • If you have time, check out some of the things Nashville is famous for! Attend a live concert; they happen almost nightly in Nashville! You can also tour the Ryman, take a photo with a mural, stop by Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, or visit the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Hotel. Check out the things that so many people know and love about the city.

 

We know house hunting is a significant amount of work. Let us help take some of the burdens off your shoulders before you travel to the area. We can set you up with a custom house search to send properties straight to your email. We can also recommend some of our favorite restaurants, coffee shops, or stores within a radius of where you’ll be visiting. You can also visit our blog for more information about Middle Tennessee communities, including Nolensville, Lebanon, Murfreesboro, Nashville, and more. If there is any way we can serve you in your real estate journey, let us know—info@teamhhg.com.