Kristen’s Key to Nashville

06/03/2026

Thinking about buying a home in Nashville or Middle Tennessee but worried about the down payment?

This week's Middle Tennessee Mortgage Match breaks down two popular down payment assistance programs that could help eligible buyers purchase a home with less money out of pocket.

Many first-time homebuyers are surprised to learn there are grants and assistance programs available to help cover down payments and closing costs.

Have questions about buying a home in Nashville or Middle Tennessee? Send me a DM and I'd be happy to connect you with a lender to explore your options.

Kristen Marlor
Realtor®
Benchmark Realty
Lic. 378354
C. 615-440-7886
O. 615-288-8292
[email protected]

06/02/2026

One thing I’ve become really passionate about in real estate is helping people understand that buying a home, investing, or creating financial flexibility through homeownership is not one-size-fits-all.

I talk to so many people who assume they either need a huge down payment, perfect income structure, or that current rates automatically mean they should wait. The truth is there are often more options available than people realize, and part of my job is helping educate buyers and homeowners so they can make informed decisions that fit their goals.

Renee helped put these together to help break down some of the loan products and programs that may be available depending on your situation:

✨ Bank Statement Loans
✨ DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) Loans
✨ Asset-Based Loans
✨ THDA Down Payment Programs
✨ HELOC / HELOAN Options
✨ Homeownership for Heroes (now including teachers!)
✨ Rate Buydown Programs
✨ Down Payment Grants & Assistance
✨ Loan Comparison Chart

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, a homeowner exploring equity options, a veteran, teacher, investor, or someone who thought homeownership wasn’t possible right now, I want you to know there may be opportunities worth exploring.

If you have questions about any of these programs, send me a message or reach out to Renee directly and we can help you figure out which options may best fit your situation.

To have one (or more) of these guides sent to your email comment GUIDE and I'll send you a DM.

Education first. Strategy second. 🏡

Kristen Marlor
Realtor®
Lic. 378354
C. 615-440-7886
O. 615-288-8292
[email protected]

Renee’ Wyatt Goodrich
Sr. Loan Officer
NMLS #186540
C. 615-568-4922
O. 615-988-6014
[email protected]

05/29/2026

🏡 Open House in Avondale Park Tomorrow!

Join me at 1452 Scarcroft Ln for a special open house you won’t want to miss. This home is a great opportunity to explore comfortable Nashville living in a sought-after area.

📍 1452 Scarcroft Ln
🕚 Saturday, May 30th | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Come walk the home, explore the layout, and see what makes this property stand out in today’s Nashville real estate market. Whether you’re actively house hunting or just starting to explore your options, I’d love to help you get a feel for the neighborhood and answer any questions.

Stop by, say hello, and imagine your next chapter here.

Hosted by:
Kristen Marlor
The Moon Group at Benchmark Realty
C. 615-440-7886
O. 615-288-8292
Lic. # 378354

Listed by:
Cynthia Sullivan
Benchmark Realty
C. 615-496-9921
O. 615-510-3006
Lic. # 361771

05/29/2026

If you’re thinking about moving to Nashville, this is the guide you’ll want before you make a decision.

Nashville's neighborhoods have their own personality, price point, lifestyle, and local favorites, and choosing the right one can completely change your day-to-day experience.

My Nashville Neighborhood Guide breaks it all down in a simple, easy-to-use way so you can confidently narrow your search and find the area that actually fits your life. Inside you’ll find detailed neighborhood insights, local stats, and what makes each area unique, plus recommendations for restaurants, things to do, and everyday essentials that make each community feel like home.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating for work, or just trying to understand where you fit in Middle Tennessee, this guide helps you cut through the noise and focus on what matters most.

Ready to explore Nashville like a local and find your perfect neighborhood match? Click the link to get the guide and get updates as new listings hit the market.

https://kristenmarlor.moongroupnashville.com/ask/31d1ee86639e5d96fb78d3fe5a70c4e0

Thinking About Moving to Nashville?

05/27/2026

Tennessee Housing Development Agency has expanded its Homeownership for Heroes program to include Tennessee teachers. This program provides an interest rate reduction on THDA Great Choice home loans to help eligible Tennesseans achieve homeownership. You can learn more at the link below.

https://buff.ly/LM9xa2V

05/27/2026

One thing I truly love about real estate is getting to help the people who serve our country find a place to call home 🇺🇸🏡

If you’re active duty military or a veteran looking around Clarksville, there are some great homes currently available in the $220K-$250K range. With a VA loan, estimated monthly payments could be around $1,700-$1,900/month with $0 down for qualified buyers.

Whether you’re PCS’ing to Fort Campbell, relocating closer to family, or finally ready to stop renting, I’d love to help make the process feel less overwhelming and more exciting.

I put together a home search with properties in this price range, so click the link below to browse available homes. You can also request listing updates so you’re notified as soon as new homes hit the market 👇

https://myre.io/0BkUxzlm57od

Kristen Marlor
Realtor®
C. 615-440-7886
O. 615-288-8292
[email protected]
Lic #: 378354

05/24/2026

05/23/2026

JUST hit the market at midnight and already has 3 scheduled showings 👀🔥

If you’ve been waiting for a home in one of Nashville’s most desirable neighborhoods, this is your sign to come see it in person tomorrow from 2–4 PM. Buyers are moving FAST on this one.

The location alone is hard to beat! Close to everything people love about Nashville while still feeling like home. 🏡

Open House Sunday, May 23rd from 2–4 PM.

📍1452 Scarcroft Ln

In the spirit of summer I even made some strawberry preserves 🍓, so come grab some and say hi 😊.
Message me for details or a private showing!

Hosted by:
Kristen Marlor
The Moon Group at Benchmark Realty
C. 615-440-7886
O. 615-288-8292
Lic. # 378354

Listed by:
Cynthia Sullivan
Benchmark Realty
C. 615-496-9921
O. 615-510-3006
Lic. # 361771

05/20/2026

I’ve had a few conversations these last few weeks with buyers and sellers - both are feeling some pain in the housing market right now. The issue in Nashville isn’t necessarily a shortage of homes overall. It’s a shortage of homes people can actually AFFORD.

According to the newest Housing Mismatch Report, there still aren’t enough affordable homes available for buyers making under about $150k/year. So while inventory may feel higher overall, the affordable price points are still seeing strong competition.

🏡 Sellers:

This is important because it directly affects the size of your buyer pool.

The more affordable your home is relative to today’s payment environment, the MORE buyers you’re appealing to right now.

That’s why pricing strategy matters so much in this market. A well-presented, properly priced home in an attainable price range can still move very quickly because demand is strongest there.

🏡 Buyers:

Inventory DOES exist in Davidson County at multiple price points, but preparation is everything right now.

The buyers succeeding in this market are the ones who:

• get pre-approved early
• understand what monthly payment feels comfortable
• know their numbers before they start shopping
• move quickly when the right home hits the market

A lot of buyers are focusing only on purchase price, but monthly payment is what’s driving decisions more than ever right now.

This report is highly informative & extends beyond Davidson County - if my fellow realtors or friends want to check it out you can here:

https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/housing-mismatch-report

05/10/2025

So proud of my networking group chapter I’ve built here in Nashville. I’m privileged to be in the presence of so many women doing GREAT things! 💗