Trying to make sense of Franklin’s housing market right now? You are not alone. Inventory, prices, and activity move differently by neighborhood and price tier, which can make headlines feel confusing. In this guide, you will learn how to read months of inventory, days on market, and list‑to‑sale ratios, plus what those signals mean for your plan. Let’s dive in.
Franklin’s key metrics explained
Months of inventory (MOI)
MOI measures how long it would take to sell all active listings at the current sales pace. As a rule of thumb, under 3 months signals a seller’s market, 3 to 6 months is balanced, and over 6 months favors buyers. MOI can vary by price tier and neighborhood, so you should compare within your segment, not across the entire city.
Days on market (DOM)
DOM tracks how long a home takes to go under contract. Some systems report days to contract while others count days to closing, and relisting can skew numbers. Look at cumulative DOM and compare year over year for the same season to spot real change.
List‑to‑sale ratio
This is the final sale price divided by the last list price. Ratios over 100 percent have historically pointed to bidding wars. Ratios in the mid to high 90s suggest more negotiation room and potential concessions. Read this alongside MOI and DOM for a fuller picture.
What shapes Franklin housing demand
Franklin sits about 20 to 25 miles south of downtown Nashville with access to I‑65 and SR 840, which influences commute patterns and neighborhood appeal. Williamson County has high homeownership rates and a strong school system, which keeps steady interest from families. The buyer mix often includes local owner‑occupiers, Nashville commuters, move‑up buyers, and amenity‑focused purchasers in premium neighborhoods.
Current dynamics to watch
Post‑boom normalization
From 2020 through 2022, many Nashville suburbs saw very low MOI, fast DOM, and frequent over‑list sales. As mortgage rates rose in 2023 and 2024, demand cooled, MOI increased from the extremes, and list‑to‑sale ratios pulled back. Franklin has remained relatively resilient compared to many areas, but the pace today looks more balanced than the peak years.
Price‑tier divergence
Entry and lower mid tiers usually clear faster and sit closer to list price. Upper‑mid and luxury segments tend to show higher MOI, longer marketing times, and more negotiation, especially when rates are elevated. Your price band matters as much as your address.
Seasonality and rates
Spring typically brings the most activity. When rates rise, buyer purchasing power falls, which can lift MOI, lengthen DOM, and soften list‑to‑sale ratios. When you compare numbers, match the same season or use 12‑month trends to avoid noisy month‑to‑month swings.
Price tiers: what to expect in Franklin
Entry tier
- What to expect: Lower MOI, shorter DOM, and occasional multiple offers when supply is tight.
- Seller tips: Price with the comps, prepare well, and plan for efficient timelines.
- Buyer tips: Secure pre‑approval, move quickly, and be ready with strong terms in competitive pockets.
Mid‑market
- What to expect: MOI and DOM near county medians, with condition and micro‑market driving differences.
- Seller tips: Targeted cosmetic updates and accurate pricing can lift your net.
- Buyer tips: Compare nearby neighborhoods and watch for leverage if a community’s active inventory jumps.
Upper‑mid and entry‑luxury
- What to expect: More variability, higher MOI, longer DOM, and list‑to‑sale often under 100 percent unless the home is highly unique.
- Seller tips: Be realistic on pricing, market to the right buyer segments, and expect a longer runway.
- Buyer tips: Negotiate on price, closing costs, timelines, and contingencies where the data supports it.
Luxury
- What to expect: Historically slower turnover, higher MOI, and more price adjustments, especially in cooler rate environments.
- Seller tips: Invest in high‑impact presentation, including professional staging and polished marketing. Strategic price reviews can maintain momentum.
- Buyer tips: Patience helps. Cash or strong financing terms can create room for favorable negotiations.
New construction
- What to expect: Builder pipelines can shift MOI within certain communities. Incentives like rate buydowns or closing cost help often appear when demand softens.
- Seller and buyer tips: Compare the net effective price after incentives to resale options and include lot premiums and upgrades in your analysis.
Franklin micro‑markets to watch
Historic Downtown Franklin
Smaller lots, walkability, and older homes create a unique value story with premium price per square foot in many cases. Low turnover can keep MOI tight, but sample sizes are small, so read trends with care.
Westhaven and master‑planned communities
Newer homes, varied price bands, and strong amenities can draw a broad buyer pool. Builder activity and resale competition influence MOI and DOM within each section, so evaluate by product type and price.
Leiper’s Fork and acreage areas
Rural acreage offers distinct lifestyle appeal and often shows lower sales velocity. Expect longer DOM and more variation in list‑to‑sale outcomes due to property uniqueness.
East and south Franklin subdivisions
When builders are active, inventory can cluster at specific price tiers. Track current incentives and the number of similar actives to understand your negotiation range.
How to use these signals smartly
For sellers
- Calibrate price to your micro‑market and tier. Aiming too high in a cooling segment can double your DOM and erode your list‑to‑sale ratio.
- Present the home like a premium product. Staging, selective updates, and professional visuals improve velocity and net proceeds.
- If you are preparing a higher‑value listing, consider a concierge approach for improvements and presentation. A disciplined process can shorten time to contract and protect your bottom line.
- Watch leading indicators such as weekly showing activity, price reductions among competitors, and changes in MOI to guide adjustments early.
For buyers
- Get pre‑approved and set clear boundaries for your price tier. Your leverage depends on MOI, DOM, and list‑to‑sale in that band.
- Compare similar neighborhoods side by side. A two‑mile shift can mean a different inventory profile and negotiation space.
- For new construction, model the total cost with incentives, rate options, and upgrade packages. Then compare to nearby resale comps.
- Use inspection, appraisal, and timing flexibility as tools to create a win‑win, especially in upper‑mid and luxury segments.
Your next step
You do not need to guess. A focused review of MOI, DOM, and list‑to‑sale in your segment will clarify your price, strategy, and timing. If you are planning to sell an upper‑mid or luxury home or you are relocating to Franklin, a calm, data‑driven plan can make all the difference. Connect with Donna Stumpf to translate today’s Franklin signals into your best next move.
FAQs
What is a good months of inventory in Franklin?
- Compare MOI to the standard benchmarks under 3 months seller’s market, 3 to 6 balanced, over 6 buyer’s market, then interpret within your exact neighborhood and price tier.
How long will it take to sell my Franklin home?
- Timeline depends on tier, micro‑market, and pricing accuracy, so check recent 30, 60, and 90‑day median DOM for your area to set realistic expectations.
Are over‑list offers still happening in Franklin?
- They are less common than 2020 to 2022 and now tend to appear in the lowest‑priced inventory or for exceptional homes with clear scarcity.
Should I underprice my Franklin home to spark multiple offers?
- This can work when your price band is scarce, but if active competition is thin, underpricing risks leaving money on the table, so verify MOI and actives first.
How do mortgage rates affect Franklin prices and activity?
- Higher rates reduce buying power, which tends to increase MOI, lengthen DOM, and bring list‑to‑sale ratios down, while lower rates often do the opposite.
What should I know about builder incentives in Franklin?
- Builders may offer rate buydowns and closing cost help when inventory is higher, so compare the net effective price to nearby resale homes before deciding.