I’m Jack Gaughan, 2026 president of Greater Nashville REALTORS®, a Nashville native, and managing broker with RE/MAX Choice Properties.
I’m a third-generation REALTOR® and a third-generation association president. Both of my parents, along with my grandfather, previously served as president of the Sumner Association of REALTORS®. Those are big shoes to fill, but I’m honored to serve our association this year and proud to work in an industry that has given my family a terrific life. More importantly, I’m proud of the role REALTORS® play every day helping clients across Middle Tennessee build stability, opportunity, and generational wealth through homeownership.
As we ease into the new year, I’ve been reflecting on the housing market over the past year to better understand what may lie ahead in 2026. It’s no surprise that 2025 was largely defined by affordability challenges. Higher interest rates, slower sales activity, and modest price increases shaped much of the year. While our local and statewide economies continued to grow, job growth slowed, and uncertainty around federal policy changes related to international trade and tariffs added another layer of caution to the market.
Despite those challenges, I’m optimistic about the year ahead. Nashville continues to demonstrate strong economic fundamentals, a balanced labor market, and measured population growth. Together, those factors are helping create a more stable and balanced housing market and opening the door to new opportunities for buyers.
While market predictions are never perfect, the outlook for 2026 appears encouraging for both buyers and sellers. After the rapid price escalation seen during the pandemic years, the Nashville market has shifted toward slower, more moderate price growth. Many forecasts for the Nashville metro area point to home price increases in the range of two to four percent this year. Single-family home prices continue to trend upward at a measured pace, supported by steady demand, particularly in desirable suburbs like Mt. Juliet, Hendersonville, and surrounding communities.
At the same time, downtown and condominium markets have experienced softer pricing and higher inventory, creating new opportunities for entry-level buyers who may have previously felt priced out.
From a broader economic standpoint, continued in-migration, job creation, and population growth across Middle Tennessee are supporting long-term housing demand and keeping our region on solid footing compared to many other markets across the country.
We’re entering 2026 with more inventory, greater price stability, and rising mortgage applications, signaling renewed momentum from buyers preparing to enter the market. With the right strategy and the guidance of a trusted REALTOR®, I’m confident that this year can be the moment thousands of Nashvillians take the next step and turn the dream of homeownership into reality.
Jack Gaughan is president of Greater Nashville Realtors. A Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors who subscribes to its strict code of ethics. You can reach Jack at 615-478-0970 or jack.gaughan@gmail.com.
