Published May 6, 2025

How a Real Estate Agent Can Help You Challenge a Property Tax Increase in Nashville, Tennessee

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Written by Wes Postlethwaite

Opening your property tax assessment notice in Nashville and seeing a sharp increase can be a stressful moment. Fortunately, homeowners in Davidson County have the legal right to appeal their property tax assessments, and one of your most helpful allies in this process might not be a lawyer—it’s your local real estate agent.

Here’s how a real estate agent in Nashville can help you contest a property tax increase and potentially save you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars a year.


1. Provide a Local Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)

One of the strongest pieces of evidence in a property tax appeal is proof that your home isn't worth as much as the Assessor’s Office says. A Nashville-based real estate agent can generate a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) using data from recently sold homes in your neighborhood—especially those with similar size, features, and age.

If your new assessment is significantly higher than comparable sales in the area (especially for neighborhoods like East Nashville, The Nations, or Antioch where values vary block by block), this can serve as powerful evidence during your appeal.


2. Identify Errors in Your Property Record

The Davidson County Assessor’s Office bases its assessments on property records that sometimes contain mistakes. A local agent knows how to read these records and spot issues such as:

  • Incorrect square footage

  • Features you don’t actually have (extra bathrooms, decks, garages, etc.)

  • Misclassification of property type or condition

Your real estate agent can help you correct these inaccuracies—reducing your home’s assessed value and your property taxes.


3. Help Navigate the Davidson County Appeal Process

Nashville’s appeal process involves multiple steps with strict deadlines:

  • Informal Review: Homeowners can request an informal review through the Davidson County Assessor’s Office, usually online or by mail.

  • Formal Appeal: If the informal review doesn't result in a change, you can file a formal appeal with the Metropolitan Board of Equalization (MBE).

  • Further Appeals: If necessary, you can appeal to the State Board of Equalization.

A real estate agent familiar with the local system can guide you through these steps, help prepare documentation, and explain what to expect from each stage.


4. Connect You with Trusted Professionals

If your case requires expert testimony or a formal appraisal, a Nashville real estate agent likely has connections with:

  • Licensed appraisers in Middle Tennessee

  • Real estate attorneys

  • Property tax consultants

These professionals can bolster your case, especially if you’re presenting before the MBE or the State Board.


5. Explain Local Market Trends

Property values across Nashville are rising—but not equally. A real estate agent can help you understand whether your increased assessment is in line with actual market trends. For example:

  • Are prices really rising that fast in your neighborhood?

  • Have nearby developments skewed values?

  • Has your property appreciated as much as others nearby?

If the answer is no, you might have a strong case for appeal.


Final Thoughts

Property tax increases are common in a fast-growing city like Nashville, but that doesn’t mean your assessment is always fair or accurate. Partnering with a local real estate agent can give you the data, insight, and support you need to challenge an unfair increase.

Don’t wait until your appeal deadline passes. Most property tax appeals in Davidson County must be filed by mid-May or early June depending on the year. Reach out to a trusted local real estate agent today—they might just save you more than you expect.

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