Buying a Home in Tennessee Without an Agent
Skip the buyer's agent and save $10,200 on a median Tennessee home ($340,000).
A step-by-step guide for Tennessee buyers who want to keep the commission.
Tennessee Closing Requirements
Attorney Required at Closing
No — Title Company Can Close
Buyer Agent Required by Law
No — Agent Is Optional
Standard Inspection Period
10 Days
Potential Savings
$10,200 at median price
Title companies handle most Tennessee closings. No buyer agent is legally required.
Transfer Tax
Seller pays Tennessee realty transfer tax ($0.37 per $100). Buyers pay no state transfer tax.
8 Steps to Buy Without an Agent in Tennessee
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Before searching for homes, get a pre-approval letter from a lender. This tells sellers how much you can borrow and shows you're a serious buyer. Compare rates from multiple lenders — even a 0.25% rate difference on a $340,000 Tennessee home saves thousands over the loan term.
Search for Homes
Use Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and local MLS portals to find listings in Tennessee. Set up alerts for your target criteria. You can also drive neighborhoods and look for FSBO signs — those sellers have no listing agent and may be open to direct offers.
Research Comparable Sales
Before making an offer, research what similar homes have sold for in the last 90 days. Zillow, Redfin, and Tennessee county tax records provide recent sale prices to help you make a fair offer.
Schedule a Showing
Contact the seller's listing agent directly to schedule a showing. The listing agent represents the seller but is legally obligated to treat you fairly. You don't need your own agent to tour homes in Tennessee.
Write and Submit Your Offer
Prepare a written offer including purchase price, contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal), closing date, and earnest money. In Tennessee, the inspection contingency window is typically 10 days — make sure it's in your offer.
Complete Inspections
You have 10 days to complete inspections in Tennessee. Hire a licensed home inspector to evaluate the property. Tennessee seller disclosure requires disclosing known defects but is limited in scope. In Nashville and Memphis, ask specifically about foundation grading and drainage — both cities have areas with known water intrusion patterns in older homes.
Secure Final Mortgage Approval
Work with your lender to complete underwriting, appraisal, and final approval. Respond quickly to any document requests and avoid major purchases or new credit during this period.
Close on Your Home
A title company handles your Tennessee closing — reviewing title, preparing the deed, and coordinating the transfer of funds. Review and sign all closing documents, pay your down payment and closing costs, and receive the keys.
Resources for Tennessee Buyers
Partner services to help you buy without a buyer's agent.