Nashville and Middle Tennessee have seen a major boom in real estate over the past few years. Historic neighborhoods like East Nashville, 12 South, and parts of Madison or Murfreesboro are rapidly changing. Older homes are being snapped up, renovated, and re-listed with fresh finishes and modern appeal.

But here’s the problem: Not all flips are created equal.

If you’re a homebuyer (or agent guiding one), it’s critical to look beyond the glossy countertops and freshly painted walls. Because sometimes, what you’re seeing is… well, lipstick on a pig.

Why Flips Can Be Risky in Nashville’s Hot Market

When older homes are purchased at a premium in competitive areas, flippers often face tight renovation budgets. That means:

• Cosmetic updates get prioritized
  
• Structural or system issues are overlooked
  
• Cheap labor or materials are used
  
• Shortcuts are taken behind walls and under floors
  

In a market like Nashville’s, where homes often go under contract quickly, these issues can get buried under staging, surface-level upgrades, and smart photography.

Common Problems Hidden Behind a “Pretty Flip”

As home inspectors in Middle Tennessee, we’ve seen our fair share of flips, and some are great. But others hide major issues like:

• Aging electrical systems left unchanged behind new light fixtures
  
• Old plumbing hidden beneath new vanities or tile
  
• Rotting subflooring beneath luxury vinyl or laminate
  
• Improper structural changes, such as the removal of load-bearing walls
  
• HVAC systems at the end of life, dressed up with new vents
  
• Unaddressed moisture or mold in crawlspaces or basements
  

All of these problems can lead to expensive repairs that aren’t obvious until months after closing.

How to Protect Yourself (or Your Clients)

Whether you’re buying your first home or helping clients make smart investments, here’s how to avoid a flipped-home disaster:

• Always get a professional home inspection: A trained, licensed inspector will look at the structure, systems, and hidden elements that listing photos can’t show.

• Don’t skip the crawlspace or attic: These areas often reveal the truth about how the home was treated during renovation, especially in Middle Tennessee, where moisture, mold, and termites are common.

• Ask questions about permits and contractors: Was the renovation done by licensed professionals? Were permits pulled and closed properly? These answers matter.

• Consider add-on services: For flipped homes, it’s often wise to schedule:
  • • Sewer camera inspections
      
    • Radon testing
      
    • Termite letters
      
    • Mold and moisture evaluations
      

Local Insight Makes All the Difference

At DILIGENT, we’ve inspected thousands of homes across Nashville and Middle Tennessee. We know the neighborhoods, the common renovation shortcuts, and the warning signs of a poor flip. Our inspectors don’t just check boxes. We help buyers understand what’s really going on.

Thinking about buying a recently flipped home in Middle Tennessee?

Let us help you look past the lipstick and make sure you’re not stepping into a money pit.