Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Home Under $300,000 in Murfreesboro?

If you can move quickly and you are pre-approved, yes. Homes under $300,000 in Murfreesboro are selling fast right now. Inventory is tight and competition is real. But mortgage rates are lower than last year and lenders are finding ways to get qualified buyers into the 5s. If you are ready, the opportunity is there.

Here is what you need to know before making your move.

How Tight Is Inventory Under $300,000?

Very tight. As of the week ending January 25, 2026, there were only 123 active listings under $300,000 in Rutherford County. That includes Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne, and surrounding areas.

In that same week, 21 of those homes went under contract. That means 17 percent of the available inventory in that price range was absorbed in just seven days.

When one out of every five homes goes under contract in a single week, you are looking at a competitive market.

Why Is Inventory So Low?

A few factors are at play. First, new construction in this price range is limited. Building costs have gone up and most builders are focused on higher price points where margins are better.

Second, many homeowners who bought or refinanced a few years ago are locked into mortgage rates in the 2s and 3s. They are not eager to sell and take on a higher rate, even if rates have come down from last year.

Third, demand is up. The MBA Purchase Application Index just hit 194.1, the highest level since January 2023. Buyers are coming back into the market, but the supply has not kept pace.

What About Mortgage Rates?

Rates are better than they were a year ago. At this time in 2025, the average 30-year rate was above 7 percent. Right now we are seeing averages around 6.09 percent.

But here is the key. Most lenders I talk to in Rutherford County are getting qualified buyers approved with rates starting with a 5. Depending on your credit score, loan type, down payment, and debt ratios, you may be able to do better than the national average.

It is worth having a conversation with a local lender to see where you stand.

Should I Wait for More Inventory?

That is a personal decision, but here is what the data shows. New listings are coming on slower than pendings are going out. Last week we had 65 new listings across all price ranges but 121 homes went under contract. If that trend continues, inventory will keep shrinking.

Waiting could mean fewer options and more competition down the road. It could also mean higher prices if demand keeps pushing values up.

On the other hand, if you are not financially ready or you are not sure what you want, rushing into a purchase is not the answer either. The best time to buy is when you are prepared.

What Should Buyers Do Right Now?

If you are serious about buying a home under $300,000 in Murfreesboro or Rutherford County, here is what I would recommend:

Reach out to a Turner Victory Team Agent first. They are experts in the Murfreesboro Real Estate Market and can represent you buying a home in Rutherford County or anywhere in middle Tennessee.

They will help you with the process of getting preapproved for a mortgage. Know exactly what you can afford before you start looking. In a fast market, this is not optional.

Be flexible on location. Murfreesboro is competitive. Smyrna, La Vergne, Christiana, and Eagleville may have options that fit your budget.

Move quickly when you find the right home. Homes in this price range are not sitting around. If you wait too long to make an offer, someone else will.

Work with someone who knows the local market. National data is one thing. Knowing what is actually happening on the ground in Rutherford County is another.

Is It a Good Time or a Bad Time?

It depends on your situation. If you are pre-approved, know what you want, and can act fast, this market has opportunity. Rates are lower than last year and there are still homes available if you know where to look.

If you are not ready, that is okay too. Take the time to get your finances in order and learn what you can afford. When the right home comes along, you will be ready to move.

Have Questions?

The Turner Victory Team helps buyers navigate the Murfreesboro market every day. If you want to understand your options and what homes in your price range actually look like right now, reach out. We are happy to help you get clarity before you make any decisions.

Download our free Homebuyer Guide to get started, or check out our weekly market updates to stay informed.

John Turner

Turner Victory Team | Onward Real Estate

Since 2000, John and his team has helped families buy and sell over 4,200 homes across Middle Tennessee and has earned more than 421 five-star reviews.

Cell: 615-586-0900

Office: 615-234-5020

Email: john@turnervictory.com

Website: www.turnervictory.com

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