Middle Tennessee New-Construction Navigator:
A Comprehensive Guide to Building Your Dream Home in Middle Tennessee
Published by Team Romines at Keller Williams Realty
Your Trusted Partners in Middle Tennessee Real Estate
Rochelle Romines, Realtor® | CRS®, ABR®, SRS®, RENE®
Andrew Romines
1507 Nashville Hwy, Suite C, Columbia, TN 38401
Phone: (941) 773-4542 (Rochelle) | (931) 922-6711 (Andrew)
Email: rromines@kw.com
Website: RochelleRomines.com
To download the Middle Tennessee New Construction Guide: Click HERE or visit www.rochelleromines.com/new-construction-guide.
Welcome to Your New Home Journey
Congratulations on taking the exciting first step toward owning a brand-new home in Middle Tennessee! Whether you're dreaming of a modern ranch in Spring Hill, a spacious family retreat in Franklin, or a custom build in Columbia, new construction offers unparalleled opportunities for personalization, energy efficiency, and long-term value.
At Team Romines, we've guided hundreds of families through the unique process of buying new builds across Maury, Williamson, and surrounding counties. With our deep roots in Middle Tennessee and expertise in Keller Williams Realty's cutting-edge resources, we're here to simplify every detail—from selecting the perfect builder to navigating incentives and closing with confidence.
This is your roadmap. Let's turn your vision into reality. Ready to chat? Give us a call today!
Warm regards,
Rochelle & Andrew Romines
Team Romines – Where Homeownership Feels Like Family
Why Choose New Construction in Middle Tennessee?
Middle Tennessee's real estate market is thriving, and new construction is at the heart of it. As of October 2025, the Nashville metro area ranks #3 nationally for new home activity, with 37% of listings being fresh builds. Home prices have risen modestly by 5.3% year-over-year, with a median of $383,700 statewide—but new builds offer modern features that enhance resale value and reduce long-term costs.
Key Benefits of New Construction:
• Customization: Tailor floor plans, finishes, and layouts to your lifestyle—open-concept kitchens for entertainers or home offices for remote workers.
• Energy Efficiency: New homes meet 2025 building codes, saving up to 20-30% on utilities with smart thermostats, LED lighting, and superior insulation.
• Warranty Protection: Builders provide 1-10 year structural warranties, minimizing surprises.
• Prime Locations: Developments in high-growth areas like Mount Juliet, Lebanon, and Nolensville offer proximity to Nashville's job hubs, top schools, and amenities.
• Market Edge: With inventory up 16.8% and 13.8% of homes selling above list price, new builds provide negotiation power in a balanced market.
Potential Drawbacks & How We Help:
• Longer timelines (6-12 months): We'll track progress and keep you updated.
• Higher upfront costs: Leverage incentives to offset (more on page 12).
In 2025, Middle Tennessee's robust job market and population influx make now an ideal time—new construction sales are up 2.6% statewide.
The New Construction Buying Process: Step by Step
Buying new isn't like resale—timelines are longer, but rewards are greater. Here's your 10-step guide, tailored for Tennessee buyers. Team Romines will partner with you at every stage.
1. Define Your Vision & Budget (Week 1) Assess needs: Family size? Commute? Must-haves like a gourmet kitchen? Use our free budget calculator at homeswithteamromines.com. Factor in 3-5% closing costs.
2. Get Pre-Approved (Week 1-2) Secure financing early—essential for builders. Explore Tennessee-specific options like THDA's Great Choice Loan (up to 96.5% financing). We connect you with trusted lenders for construction-to-permanent loans.
3. Partner with Team Romines (Week 2) Hire a buyer's agent like us—free for you, paid by the builder. We negotiate incentives and spot red flags in contracts.
4. Research Builders & Communities (Weeks 2-4) Visit model homes in Spring Hill or Franklin. Review reputations via HBAMT (Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee).
5. Select Your Plan & Lot (Weeks 4-6) Choose from ranch, two-story, or townhome designs. Secure your lot—flatter sites in Columbia cost less to prep.
6. Sign the Contract & Customize (Weeks 6-8) Review builder contracts carefully—we'll ensure protections for delays. Pick finishes: Quartz counters? Hardwood floors? Budget $10K-$50K for upgrades.
7. Secure Permits & Break Ground (Months 2-3) Tennessee requires a Residential Permit—your builder handles this, but expect 4-6 weeks. Construction starts!
8. Monitor Progress & Financing Draws (Months 3-9) Funds release in phases (foundation, framing, etc.) after inspections. We'll attend walk-throughs.
9. Final Walk-Through & Closing (Month 10-12) Inspect for quality. Close 30-45 days post-completion—bring 2-5% for costs.
10. Move In & Celebrate! Enjoy your warranty and energy savings. We're here for post-closing support.
Pro Tip: Total timeline? 6-12 months. Quick-move-ins (ready now) close in 30-45 days.
Financing Your New Build: Loans & Tips
New construction requires specialized loans—don't go it alone!
• Construction-to-Permanent Loans: One loan covers building and mortgage. Rates ~6.3% in 2025. Ideal for seamless transitions.
• THDA Great Choice Home Loan: For moderate-income buyers—3.5% down, up to $15K DPA.
• Homeownership for Heroes: 0% interest for vets/first responders.
• FHA/VA/USDA Options: Low/no down payment for eligible buyers.
Our Tip: Lock rates early. Average closing: $3,800-$9,500 for a $190K home. We partner with lenders for builder-preferred terms.
Incentives & Savings in 2025
Maximize your investment with these timely perks:
• Builder Incentives: Up to $50K in flex dollars for upgrades, closing costs, or rate buydowns (e.g., Toll Brothers' 2/1 buydown to 3.875% Year 1). 60% of builders offer specials through Q1 2026.
• THDA Down Payment Assistance: Up to $15K grants/loans for first-timers.
• Energy Rebates: TVA EnergyRight—$1,000+ for efficient HVAC/insulation in new builds. Federal IRA credits up to $3,200 for electrification (pre-Dec 2025).
• Local Perks: Maury County tax abatements for energy-efficient homes; PILOT for LEED-certified builds in Memphis (applicable statewide trends).
Savings Example: A $450K home could net $20K+ in incentives. We'll crunch the numbers for you!
Hot Communities & Market Snapshot
Middle Tennessee's new builds are booming—562 active in Nashville alone, averaging $1.2M (luxury skews high; entry-level ~$300K).
Featured Communities:
• The Highlands (Spring Hill): Affordable ranches from $400K; amenities galore. Median price: $498K (+4.9% YoY).
• Black Creek (Murfreesboro): Resort-style villas; quick commutes.
• Woodgrove (Collierville): Open-concept from Ole South; family-focused.
• Engel Park (East Brainerd): Modern homes in top schools; $500K+.
2025 Trends: Inventory up 16.3%; days on market: 75 (more buyer leverage). Sales: +1% in Middle TN.
Meet Team Romines: Your New Construction Experts
With over 25 combined years in real estate and geriatric care backgrounds, Rochelle and Andrew Romines bring empathy and precision to every transaction. For those seeking new construction homes, we specialize in:
• Builder negotiations for max incentives.
• Custom timelines and progress tracking.
• Seamless coordination with lenders/attorneys.
We're licensed in Tennessee, serving from the Kentucky to Alabama borders.
Get Started Today!
Your dream home awaits—let's build it together. Schedule a free consultation:
• Call: Rochelle (941) 773-4542 | Andrew (931) 922-6711
• Email: rromines@kw.com or aromines@kw.com
• Visit: www.RochelleRomines.com
This booklet is for informational purposes. Team Romines & Keller Williams Realty disclaim liability for reliance on contained info.