With more than two decades in Nashville’s luxury real estate market, Therese Winnington has watched the city transform from what she describes as a “value play” into something far more nuanced. Today’s market, she explains, is driven by strategy and intention. Buyers are increasingly sophisticated, approaching purchases not only through the lens of lifestyle but also long-term performance.

You’ve been in Nashville’s luxury real estate market for over 20 years. How has it evolved, and what stands out to you today?

Nashville once offered a value play. Today, it demands a strategy.

What has changed most is not just pricing — it is the level of intention. Buyers are sharper, more design-aware and far more focused on long-term positioning. They are not just asking, “Do I love this home?” They are asking, “Will this outperform?”

What stands out now is that the market rewards those who know how to create value, not just recognize it — and that is where I have built my edge.

Which neighborhoods in Nashville do you believe offer the best combination of luxury, lifestyle and long-term investment?

The right neighborhood isn’t about hype — it’s about trajectory. 

Belle Meade and Forest Hills will always hold legacy value. Green Hills and 12South deliver lifestyle with liquidity. But what excites me most are the areas just outside the spotlight — places like Madison — where you can still get ahead of the curve. 

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What’s one feature buyers often think they want but might regret later?

Excess for the sake of excess. 

Bigger isn’t better — smarter is better. I’ve seen clients chase square footage or over-the-top features, only to realize later that the home doesn’t actually support their lifestyle. 

A well-designed, intentional home will always outperform a larger, poorly thought-out one — both in daily living and resale.

What’s your favorite thing about living and working in Nashville?

Nashville rewards people who move with intention. 

It’s a city where relationships still matter, but there’s also a real opportunity for those who know how to see ahead of the market. You can build something meaningful here—and do it on your own terms. 

That combination is rare.