Relocating to Franklin and Williamson County — Mortgage Planning Before You Move
For buyers moving to Franklin, Brentwood and the rest of Middle Tennessee from another state, who need financing that works around a move.
A relocation puts a lot on one calendar: a new job, a home to sell, a short house-hunting trip and a closing you may attend from out of state. I’m based in Franklin, I shop your loan with more than 30 lenders, and I keep the financing lined up with your move so you’re ready to make an offer when you find the right home.
“The process of buying a house can be overwhelming, UNLESS you have RL Hesson. He is knowledgeable, patient, and respectful. We are so grateful for his leadership and highly recommend his services to anyone seeking a mortgage loan. Thank you RL! We are occupying a new home now!”
Annette W.
Franklin, TN
Who This Page Is For
Moving from out of state changes the order of things. The loan has to fit your job start, your current home and your travel dates.
Relocation Financing Fits If You:
Most of the relocating buyers I work with are in one of these situations:
Are moving to Middle Tennessee for a new job or to be near family
Want to be pre-approved before your house-hunting trip
Need to buy before your current home sells
Will close while you still live out of state
Are buying above the conforming loan limit in Williamson County
Planning Your Move to Middle Tennessee
A few things to settle early, so your financing is ready when you find the right home.
Pre-Approved Before Your Visit
When you only have a few days to tour homes, a pre-approval lets you make an offer on the spot. Most of the process happens online and by phone, so we can finish it before you fly in. Start your pre-approval.
Buying Before Your New Job Starts
Many lenders can approve you with a signed offer letter before your first paycheck, as long as the start date is close to closing and the offer meets their rules. A transfer with your current employer is usually simpler. I’ll find a lender whose rules fit your timeline.
Selling Your Current Home
If your down payment is tied up in the home you’re leaving, you can buy first by qualifying with both payments, opening a home equity line or using a bridge loan. See buy before you sell.
Closing From Out of State
You don’t always need to be here for closing. Depending on the title company and the lender, you may be able to sign by mail or with remote notarization. I confirm what your lender allows early, so the plan is set before you’re under contract.
Tennessee Costs to Know
Tennessee doesn’t tax wage income. At closing, buyers pay the state’s transfer tax of 37 cents per $100 of the price and a mortgage tax of 11.5 cents per $100 of the loan above $2,000 (Tennessee Department of Revenue). Property taxes are set by the county and, inside city limits, the city, so your escrow is based on the exact address. My mortgage calculator has the county, city and FSSD rates built in for Franklin, Brentwood, Nolensville, Spring Hill, Thompson’s Station and Fairview. For every line, see what it costs to close on a home in Franklin. For Franklin prices and the tax rate for each part of the city, see buying a home in Franklin.
Loan Limits in Williamson County
In 2026 the conforming loan limit for a single-family home in Williamson County is $1,029,250. Loans above it are jumbo loans, which I also shop; see jumbo loans in Tennessee.
From a Recent File
A couple I worked with at the end of 2024 was relocating to Middle Tennessee. Buying a home while you move your life to a new state can be overwhelming, so I walked them through each step at their pace and made sure they knew what came next. We closed on December 19, and they’re settled in their new home now.
Common Questions About Relocating
Yes. Most of the process is online and by phone. I’ll review your income, assets and credit before you visit.
Often, yes, if the offer is signed, the start date is close to closing and the lender’s rules are met. Some lenders also want to see savings left over after closing.
No. You can qualify with both payments, use a bridge loan or a home equity line, or rent the old home out. See buy before you sell.
Often. It depends on the title company and the lender, and I’ll confirm it early.
Some employers cover closing costs or offer to buy your current home. Send me the details and I’ll build them into your numbers.
$1,029,250 for a single-family home in 2026. Above that is jumbo financing.
Related reading: Mortgage Pre-Approval vs Pre-Qualification · Mortgage Closing Delays: Causes and How to Prevent Them
How I Approach Relocations
Your loan on your moving calendar.
Financing on Your Timeline
I map the loan steps to your move date, your job start and the sale of your current home.
Local From Day One
I’m based in Franklin and work with buyers across Tennessee, so you have someone here while you’re still there.
More Than 30 Lenders
Offer-letter income, bridge financing and jumbo loans vary by lender. I find the one whose rules fit your move.
One Person, Seven Days a Week
You work directly with me from first conversation through closing. No call centers. No rotating contacts.
Same-day calls and texts, 7 days a week, and consistent follow-through at every step.
Planning a Move to Middle Tennessee?
Call or text me before your house-hunting trip and we’ll set up your pre-approval. Same-day calls and texts, 7 days a week.
Start My Pre-Approval
Book a Strategy Call
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