Nashville broker Jack Gaughan on coaching agents through today’s market

In this episode of RealTrending, Tracey Velt talks with Jack Gaughan, president of Greater Nashville Realtors and managing broker at REMAX Choice Properties, about what’s really happening in the Greater Nashville housing market. Jack explains how the market has shifted from a post-COVID boom to a more balanced, hyper-local environment, where conditions can look completely different just a few miles apart. With buyers enjoying more choice and longer decision timelines, smart pricing and clear communication are no longer optional—they’re essential.

Tracey and Jack dig into how brokers should be coaching agents differently in this climate. Newer agents, many of whom started during the boom, are now facing their first compressed market and need guidance on building a sphere, handling rejection, and setting realistic goals. Seasoned agents are wrestling with noise around lawsuits, mergers, and new models, and Jack urges them to stay grounded in the fundamentals that built their businesses rather than chasing every shiny object.

They also explore how Nashville’s transit referendum ties directly into housing affordability and long-term growth. Jack makes the case that transit, sidewalks, and smart density planning along key corridors can unlock underutilized neighborhoods, support multiple generations—from young professionals to aging boomers—and ease inventory pressure. At the association level, he highlights two big priorities: leading on affordable housing solutions and deepening broker engagement so policy, MLS, and legislative decisions truly reflect what’s happening on the ground.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Nashville has moved from a boom market to a balanced, hyper-local landscape where micro-markets matter.

Buyers now have more choice and time, making sharp pricing and strategy critical.

Agents must set honest expectations upfront instead of overpromising to win listings.

Newer agents need help building a sphere, resilience, and realistic goals in a slower market.

Seasoned agents should lean on proven processes rather than chase every new model or tool.

Economic uncertainty and headlines can cool even “hot” neighborhoods quickly.

Nashville’s transit plan is tightly linked to affordability and smart neighborhood growth.

Sidewalks, multimodal transit, and smart density can unlock underused areas and support local economies.