3 Reasons Your Home Didn't Sell in 2023

Things To Consider If Your House Didn’t Sell

If your listing has expired and your house didn’t sell, it's completely normal to feel a mix of frustration and disappointment. Understandably, you're probably wondering what may have gone wrong. Here are three questions to think about as you figure out what to do next.

Did You Limit Access to Your House?

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when selling your house is restricting the days and times when potential buyers can tour it. Being flexible with your schedule is important, even though it might feel a bit stressful to drop everything and leave when buyers want to see it. After all, minimal access means minimal exposure to buyers. ShowingTime advises:

“. . . do your best to be as flexible as possible when granting access to your house for showings.”

Sometimes, the most determined buyers might come from far away. Since they’re traveling to see your house, they may not be able to change their plans easily if you only offer limited times for showings. So, try to make your house available as much as you can to accommodate them. It's simple – if no one’s able to look at it, how will it sell?

Did You Make Your House Stand Out?

When you're selling your house, the old saying matters: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Putting in the work to make the exterior of your home look nice is just as important as how you stage it inside. Freshen up your landscaping to boost your home’s curb appeal so you can make an impact upfront. As an article from U.S. News says:

“After all, if people drive by, but aren’t interested enough to walk through the front door, you’ll never sell your house.”

But don’t let that impact stop at the front door. By removing personal items and reducing clutter inside, you give buyers more freedom to picture themselves in the home. Plus, a fresh coat of paint or thorough floor cleaning can work wonders in sprucing up the house for potential buyers.

Did You Price Your House at Market Value?

Setting the right price is key. While it might be tempting to push the price higher to maximize your profit, overpricing your house can actually turn off potential buyers and slow down the selling process. Forbes notes:

“Pricing a home too high could lead to a slower sale or force the seller to drop their price.”

If your house is priced higher than others like it, it may discourage buyers, resulting in increased time on the market. Pay attention to the feedback people give your agent during open houses and showings. If lots of people are saying the same thing, it might be a good idea to think about lowering the price.

For all these insights and more, rely on a trusted real estate agent. A great agent will offer expert advice on relisting your house with effective strategies to get it sold.

Bottom Line

It’s natural to feel disappointed when your listing has expired and your house didn’t sell. Let’s connect in 2024 determine what happened, and what changes you should make to get your house back on the market.

Get Ready To Buy a Home by Improving Your Credit Score

Get Ready To Buy a Home by Improving Your Credit Score

With the new year here, the idea of buying a home might be on your mind. It’s an exciting goal to set, and it's never too early to start laying the groundwork. One crucial step to prepare for homeownership is building a solid credit score.

Lenders review your credit to assess your ability to make payments on time, pay back debts, and more. It’s also a factor that helps determine your mortgage rate. An article from CNBC explains:

“When it comes to mortgages, a higher credit score can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. This is because your credit score directly impacts your mortgage rate, which determines the amount of interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan.”

This means your credit score may feel even more important to your homebuying plans right now since mortgage rates are a key factor in affordability, especially today.

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the median credit score in the U.S. for those taking out a mortgage is 770. But that doesn’t mean your credit score has to be perfect. An article from Business Insider explains generally how your FICO score range can make an impact:

“. . . you don’t need a perfect credit score to buy a house. . . . Aiming to get your credit score in the ‘Good’ range (670 to 739) would be a great start towards qualifying for a mortgage. But if you’re wanting to qualify for the lowest rates, try to get your score within the ‘Very Good’ range (740 to 799).”

Working with a trusted lender is the best way to get more information on how your credit score could factor into your home loan and the mortgage rate. As FICO says:

“While many lenders use credit scores like FICO Scores to help them make lending decisions, each lender has its own strategy, including the level of risk it finds acceptable. There is no single “cutoff score” used by all lenders and there are many additional factors that lenders may use to determine your actual interest rates.”

If you’re looking for ways to improve your score, Experian highlights some things you may want to focus on:

  • Your Payment History: Late payments can have a negative impact by dropping your score. Focus on making payments on time and paying any existing late charges quickly.

  • Your Debt Amount (relative to your credit limits): When it comes to your available credit amount, the less you’re using, the better. Focus on keeping this number as low as possible.

  • Credit Applications: If you’re looking to buy something, don’t apply for additional credit. When you apply for new credit, it could result in a hard inquiry on your credit that drops your score.

A lender will help you navigate the process from start to finish, from assessing which range your score falls in to telling you more about the specifics for each loan type.

Bottom Line

As you set your sights on buying a home in the upcoming year, a focus on boosting your credit score could help you get a better mortgage rate when the time comes. If you want to learn more, connect with a trusted lender.

Where do you go when the inventory is low?

When You Sell Your House, Where Do You Plan To Go?

If you’re thinking about selling your house, you may have heard the supply of homes for sale is still low, and that means your house should stand out to buyers who are craving more options. But you may also be wondering, once you sell, how does the current supply impact your own move? And, will you be able to find a home you want to buy with inventory this low?

One thing that can help you find your next home is exploring all your options, including both homes that have been lived in before as well as newly built ones. Let’s look at the benefits of each one.

The Pros of Newly Built Homes

First, let’s look at the advantages of purchasing a newly constructed home. With a brand-new home, you’ll be able to:

  1. Create your perfect home. If you build a home from the ground up, you’ll have the option to select the custom features you want, including appliances, finishes, landscaping, layout, and more.

  2. Cash-in on energy efficiency. When building a home, you can choose energy-efficient options to help lower your utility costs and reduce your carbon footprint.

  3. Minimize the need for repairs. Many builders offer a warranty, so you’ll have peace of mind on unlikely repairs. Plus, you won’t have as many little projects to tackle.

  4. Have brand new everything. Another perk of a new home is that nothing in the house is used. It’s all brand new and uniquely yours from day one.

Boxwood has multiple New Construction homes currently listed and coming soon! Be sure to check out Bell Forge, a micro-burb in White Bluff. All of our floorplans include Primary Bedroom on main! If you’re looking in Davidson County, be sure to check out our coming soon: 1500 Sevier Court. This home is nearing completion, and we have two more coming from the same builder in West Nashville. Built by Skymont Building Group.

Coming Soon! Built by Skymont Building Group.

The Pros of Existing Homes

Now, let’s compare that to the perks that come with buying an existing home. With a pre-existing home, you can:

  1. Explore a wider variety of home styles and floorplans. With decades of homes to choose from, you’ll have a broader range of floorplans and designs available.

  2. Join an established neighborhood. Existing homes give you the option to get to know the neighborhood, community, or traffic patterns before you commit.

  3. Enjoy mature trees and landscaping. Established neighborhoods also have more developed landscaping and trees, which can give you additional privacy and curb appeal.

  4. Appreciate that lived-in charm. The character of older homes is hard to reproduce. If you value timeless craftsmanship or design elements, you may prefer an existing home.


The choice is yours. When you start your search for the perfect home, remember that you can go either route – you just need to decide which features and benefits are most important to you. As an article from The Mortgage Reports says:

“When building, you gain more freedom to tailor the design, materials, and features, but it demands more time and involvement. Conversely, buying an established home offers immediate occupancy . . . yet may require compromises. Your choice should align with your budget, timeline, customization preferences, and the local real estate landscape.”

Either way, working with a local real estate agent throughout the process is mission-critical to your success. They'll help you explore all of your options based on what matters most to you in your next home. Together, you can find the home that’s right for you.

Bottom Line

If you have questions about the options in our area, let’s discuss what's available and what's right for you. That way you’ll be ready to make your next move with confidence.

Boxwood's Shop-Local Guide to Nashville

Over 30 retailers, restaraunts and shopping districts listed. Mostly positive opinions about what I love in these Nashville stores. Links to their websites and address to their stores to show your support in our local community! Nashville is one of the most creative cities in the US (actual statistics from Homes.com). Because we are surrounded by such brilliant creatives and entrepreneurs, it’s no surprise that our list of local places to shop this weekend is so extensive.

BRICK AND MORTAR RETAILERS

Parnassus Books - Author Ann Patchett’s cozy local bookstore. Parnassus is located at 3900 Hillsboro, known as Greenbriar Shopping Center, where you’ll find other local favorites and the best donuts in Nashville I will fight you at Fox’s Donut Den.

Bella Vita - Fresh out of Memphis and New to Nashville, Bella Vita is delivering top notch home goods, cozy jammies and sweaters, and an amazing selection for wedding registry items. I’ve had the good fortune to meet the owners recently, and they are a fantastic addition to Nashville. You’ll find Bella Vita across from Bandywood Plaza at 2205 Bandywood Drive in Green Hills.

Hey Mavens - Lingerie, Gifts, and some apparel. FOR ALL. Their inclusive sizing never ceases to amaze. Hey Mavens could also qualify for local online retailer, I’ve honestly ever bought straight out of their instagram sales!

Apple and Oak in East Nashville has an endless array of gifts, home goods, cards, vintage and new rugs. Their inventory is absolutely delightful, and freshly stocked. You can find Hey Mavens & Apple and Oak in the Porter Rd shops at 727 and 717 Porter Rd, respectively.

Cumberland Transit is a Nashville Staple. “Nashvilles’ Oldest Outdoor and Bike Shop” carrying favorites for activities like Camping, Climbing, Fishing, Biking and more. Cumberland Transit still sits on West End near Vanderbilt University at 2807 West End Ave

Starland Vintage & Unusual Formerly Pre- to Post-Modern on 8th Ave, this shop is a Melrose Staple. Especially fun to shop during the holidays for vintage Santa blow-molds and other holiday themed delights. You’ll find Starland in 2110 8th Ave South.

Vinnie Louise is a Nashville based Boutique. The female owned business has a fantastic selection of affordable boutique clothing choices for women. They have two locations in Nashville on either side of the river! One location in 12th South and one on Gallatin in East.

Music City Golf for the the golfer in your life. In my life I’m the only non-golfer, but my family loves this store. Conveniently located in Belle Meade Plaza 5133 Harding Pike

Thistle Farms Total wiff if you’ve been in Nashville a while and don’t know about Thistle Farms! First of all, the cafe, is out of this world. Always a filling meal and good coffee. Their retail lines are developed and produced through their social enterprise program providing housing and community for women coming out of prostitution and sex exploitation. Retail includes oils, bath and body, apparel and more. You absolutely should shop in person, and grab a coffee this Saturday.

If you think I missed your favorite stops, check the Shopping Districts section below to make sure I covered all the bases!

ONLINE RETAILERS & MAKERS

N.B. Goods Hats, Pins, Pennants and more - oh my! You can also request custom orders. Nashville based with Nashville flair on many items. Brilliant for stocking stuffers.

Brownlee Luxury Terry clothing. Small batches and sustainably sourced, these terry garments feel great, and definitely can be worn outside the house. Totally fine if you want to be a lush around the house in them this holiday season, though.

Woven Together Handmade jewelry and “other fun things” out of Nashville. Their collections are fresh, innovative, and stylish in a most delightful way! Currently looking to add the “Nashville Dangles” to my shopping cart.

Nisolo A fashion retailer based in Nashville that is making huge strides to make consumers aware of the environmental impact of fashion. We can have fashion and not kill the planet at the same time, who knew. See their Sustainability Statement then uplift your wardrobe.

Daybreak Arts while you can shop in person on Studio days (highly recommend), you can browse online and support a local non-profit from the comfort of your office chair on Cyber Monday. We have partnered with Daybreak Arts a few times over the years, and had the opportunity to participate and get to know the artists. For the Art-Lover in your life, there is no gallery that can compete with the level of Social Impact and Joy that Daybreak provides for Artists and Patrons.

SHOPPING DISTRICTS

L&L Market - Located at 3820 Charlotte Ave, you’ll find more local shops and eateries here. Favorites include Happily Grey, Daphne, and This is the Finale featuring private shopping events - Shop with a Drag Queen. Absolutely, yes, sign me up.

Fatherland District A great retail hub in East Nashville (1006 Fatherland St) includes retailers and snacks! Don’t miss The Gift Horse, Guerilla Bizkits (vegan!), and Tenn Gallon Hat.

12th South - Just find a place to park and you’ll be set for the day. Some hyper local stops include coffee at Frothy, Imogene + Willie, Savant Vintage and more. You’ll also find brand name faves like Madewell, Marine Layer, and the Krewe permanent-pop-up trailer.

Hillsboro Village - another walkable district filled with local and brand names. Your coffee and snack stop here is absolutely Fido, For Shopping: The Impeccable Pig, Rebecca James Clothing, and UAL, fashion liquidators.

Downtown Franklin is my Black Friday Tradition. There’s a Frothy Monkey here too! Olivia Olive Oil with an extensive selection, Rock Paper Scissors, Hester & Cook, are my regular stops for stocking stuffers.

What did we miss? Tell us in the comments!

Nine Must DO Holiday Pop-ups and Festive Activities in Nashville this Season


Holiday Pop-Ups


Union Station seems tailor-made for the enchanting Harry Potter-themed 9 3⁄4 pop-up experience. This holiday season, the hotel lobby is transformed with the grandeur of Hogwarts house banners, floating candles, a secretive golden snitch, owls, and an iconic luggage cart. The pop-up menu is a wizarding delight, featuring cocktails and bites inspired by the beloved series, such as the Goblet of Fire, the mystical Dark Magic, and a delectable Two Brooms burger. Immerse yourself in the magic of this enchanting world at Union Station. The pop-up runs through December 29 and opens at 1 p.m. daily.


In the heart of East Nashville, Jane's Hideaways invites you to join the fourth annual Candy Cane Jane's holiday pop-up. This cute pop-up has a delightful Christmas ambiance and a menu brimming with seasonal delights. Savor the flavors of the season with Jane's Holiday Meatballs, infused with cranberry, ginger, goat cheese, and a tantalizing strawberry barbecue sauce. Create your own gingerbread masterpiece with a Build-Your-Own-Gingerbread station, complete with frosting, sprinkles, and a variety of candies. And for those seeking a warm and festive sip, indulge in spiked hot chocolate. Candy Cane Jane’s will run until January 1, seven days a week from 5 p.m.- 1 a.m.

In Layer Cake's Cherry Lounge, you can find the enchanting world of Santa Baby: A Mrs. Claus Pop-Up, featuring extravagant décor that follows Mrs. Claus style throughout the years. Enjoy the IG worthy holiday spirit with a menu that's bursting with seasonal delights, including a peppermint espresso martini, a whimsical ornament shot ornament, bespoke cakes, and the awe-inspiring Christmas Surprise. This grand dessert masterpiece, painstakingly crafted over two days, arrives in a custom-built chocolate box brimming with over a dozen delectable treats, ensuring a truly magical holiday experience. The pop-up is open seven days a week until January 5.

RECURRING FESTIVITIES

Cheekwood Lights: Nashville’s classic holiday tradition returns, featuring a one-mile walking path with elegant and creative displays of lights that set Cheekwood Estate & Gardens aglow. With over one million lights twinkling throughout the gardens, s’mores, seasonal libations and a Holiday Marketplace, Holiday LIGHTS is a memory-making experience for visitors of all ages.

Predators Hockey Games. The Nashville Predators (commonly referred to as the Preds) are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Predators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division in the Western Conference, and have played their home games at Bridgestone Arena since 1998.

Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo Chinese artists have reimagined Chinese folklore in bright and colorful scenes throughout the Zoo. Visit North Pole Village This festive area is a must-see, full of lights, trees and holiday fun! Santa will visit each night, Nov. 24 to Dec. 24.

Festive Events - One Night Only

Gimme Gimme Disco at Brooklyn Bowl If you can’t get enough of ABBA, boy do we have THE dance party for you! We are a DJ based dance party playing all your favorite ABBA tracks, plus plenty of other disco hits from the 70s & 80's like The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Cher, & so much more. So honey honey, take-a-chance and you’ll be dancing all night long. Grab tickets, put on your best disco attire, bring your friends, and have the best night of your life! Friday December 22, Doors at 7:00 Show at 8:00 18+ Event

City Winery Nashville Presents Nashville Beatles Brunch Featuring Forever Abbey Road & More live in concert on December 17th at 12pm Nashville Beatles brunch will feature John Salaway with an amazing band of touring pros plus special guest stars each month! Get your tickets now to enjoy the most famous monthly brunch show in town-Nashville Beatles Brunch!  Purchase Brunch Buffet at the show for $35.99!

The Electric Jane Drag Brunch Series: What is Christmas without Dolly Parton!? Don't miss an ALL Dolly Parton Drag Brunch filled with her hits and Christmas favorites. Costumes and Christmas outfits are welcome. We encourage singing and dancing. Additional Shows include Mariah Carey, the Grinch, and Nightmare Before Christmas.