Lockeland Springs
Bungalows, foursquares, and period cottages make this a useful starting point for buyers drawn to older architecture.
Start with: retained character and renovation scope.
East Nashville / Old charm or new build?
Old charm.
Old charm.
New build.
Your call.
Drawn to a Craftsman porch, but curious about a newer floor plan? Compare what you love with what you’ll live with—then build a search around the right trade-offs.
A conversation about your budget, priorities, and next move.
Original · Renovated · Newly built
One thoughtful search, with room to compare
A more useful comparison
Compare the life.
Compare the life.
Then compare the home.
Age is a starting point. Condition, layout, construction details, and the site tell you far more about how a home will work for you.
| What to look at | Original or renovated | New construction |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Walk through room connections, storage, stairs, and any additions. Decide which original features improve daily life—and which create a compromise. | Test the floor plan with real furniture and routines. An open layout is only useful if the rooms, storage, and circulation fit how you live. |
| Condition | Separate cosmetic updates from work on the roof, structure, plumbing, electrical, and heating or cooling systems. Ask what was retained. | Arrange an independent inspection. Review construction details, drainage, unfinished items, and the specific warranty terms provided by the builder. |
| The site | Look at the yard, parking, grading, trees, and relationship to neighboring homes. Lot size alone does not describe usable outdoor space. | Check setbacks, privacy, access, and shared features. If homes share a site or driveway, review the recorded documents with the appropriate professionals. |
| The record | Request renovation scope, available permits, and supporting records. Clarify the rules that may affect the changes you want to make. | Request plans and specifications, applicable completion records, builder documentation, and any association or shared-maintenance information. |
A renovated home may combine older architecture with updated systems. Judge the actual work and supporting records. Neither age nor appearance is a substitute for due diligence.
Put the comparison on the map
Different streets.
Different streets.
Different possibilities.
The field guide shows original homes and newer construction across East Nashville. Compare examples in more than one area before deciding which combination suits you.
Cleveland & McFerrin Park
Original cottages and detached new construction appear in the guide’s overview of these neighborhoods, creating a useful old-versus-new comparison.
Start with: floor plan, access, and the site.
Inglewood
Postwar ranches and cottages mix with renovations and newer infill. Consider both the building and how the lot supports your plans.
Start with: single-level living, yard, and upkeep.
Neighborhood notes drawn from Matthew’s guide. Read the East Nashville field guide
Your showing checklist
Keep the trade-offs
Keep the trade-offs
in plain sight.
Bring the same questions to every home. A consistent comparison makes it easier to see which differences matter.
01
Choose three non-negotiables.
For example: a main-level bedroom, a usable yard, or a covered porch. Be specific enough that you can test each priority during a showing.
02
Plan for ownership, not just move-in day.
Ask about the work a home may need, the documents still missing, and any recurring responsibilities. Obtain property-specific estimates rather than relying on age alone.
03
Leave room for a third option.
If you love older architecture but want a different layout, consider a carefully renovated home. If a new build has the proportions you like, look past the style label.
A collection to explore
Open collection on Compass
Explore East Nashville Gems
Browse Matthew’s public Compass collection, then bring the homes you like to your buyer call.
Before the first tour
A few good
A few good
questions.
Is a Craftsman-style home always old?
No. Craftsman describes architectural features, and newer homes can draw on the same style. Verify the year built, renovation history, and condition of each property. The pictured home is a past sale in Lockeland Springs, shown for architectural context rather than current inventory. The photo is not evidence of the home’s age.
Does a new home still need an inspection?
An independent inspection can help you understand construction details and identify items to address. Ask about the appropriate timing, scope, and any builder process before you make assumptions about what is covered.
What should I ask about two homes on one lot?
Start with ownership, access, parking, maintenance responsibilities, and any shared areas. The recorded documents—not the appearance of the buildings—explain how the arrangement works. Review them with the appropriate professionals.
Your East Nashville search
Find the right balance
Find the right balance
of charm and function.
Bring the homes you have saved and the compromises you are weighing. Matthew can help you build a clearer comparison and a focused plan for your East Nashville search.
- Your prioritiesWhat makes a home work
- Your budgetWhere to focus the search
- Your next stepA useful plan for touring
A 30-minute intro call by phone or video.
Matthew Marcus · Team Principal, Compass
Experience in residential real estate, renovation, and new construction.
Experience in residential real estate, renovation, and new construction.