Brian Kolb - Benchmark Realty, LLC

06/08/2026

The “Not So Secret Secret” To Getting Top Dollar For Your Home

This may sound like common sense, but it's one of the biggest mistakes I see sellers make.

Bottom line...your home and yard should look so good before you list it that you'll second guess whether or not you really want to sell.

I’m not talking about a quick declutter and depersonalize. I’m talking spotless from under the couch to the top of the ceiling fan blades. I’m talking everything from staining decks to cleaning gutters. Your yard should look like a photo out of Better Homes and Gardens.

And here’s the kicker...it should stay that way until Closing Day! Don’t let those weeds creep up through that fresh mulch.

I realize not everyone is able to do this for one reason or another, but the more elbow grease you put into your home before listing, the better chance you'll have of selling quicker and for more money.

Common sense? Yes.
Always possible? No.

But my advice is to do the absolute best you can to outshine the competition and it'll pay off at the closing table.

06/02/2026

If you're looking to buy raw land that doesn't have city water available, one of the first things I'd do is decide which well drilling company you want to use and get on their waiting list.

I put my name on a waiting list a year ago and just got the call that they're ready to drill my well.

It doesn't always take that long, but sometimes it can take even longer depending on where their other jobs are located.

A lot of construction loans are designed to roll into a permanent mortgage after 12 months. If you don't have water, you won't get your certificate of occupancy. If you don't get your certificate of occupancy, you may miss that 12-month deadline and end up paying additional lending fees.

If you're not ready to drill when you get the call, just tell them to keep you on the list and you'll call when you're ready.

Each driller may operate slightly differently, so make sure you ask the right questions once you land on a company.

This isn't rocket science, but it can save you a lot of headaches. Hope this helps!

05/31/2026

Can I build whatever I want in Waverly, TN?

We actually did build an igloo during the ice storm...but we were in the county!

I'd say the #1 question I'm asked is, "Can I do x, y, or z on this property?"

I’m usually like, "Well...it depends."

Around Waverly, we're basically looking at three different areas:

~ Inside the City Limits
~ Inside the Urban Growth Boundary
~ The County (outside the UGB)

For starters, remember that regardless of the location, there could be deed restrictions or subdivision restrictions that limit what you can do.

For properties inside the City Limits or the Urban Growth Boundary, you'll need to look at the Waverly Zoning Ordinance to see what's allowed. These areas are subject to building codes, inspections and zoning regulations.

Properties in the county don't have restrictions...it's basically the Wild West! That said, you'll still need a septic permit and to pass electrical inspections if you're building.

This is obviously the simplified version, but knowing whether a property is in the City Limits, the UGB or the county is the first step in figuring out what's possible.

Reach out if you'd like a copy of the Waverly Zoning Ordinance or Subdivision Regulations.

05/26/2026

How To Subdivide Property In Humphreys County, TN

Most properties in Humphreys County can be subdivided, but there are a few things you’ll want to verify before getting too far down the road.

First, make sure there are no deed restrictions or subdivision restrictions prohibiting the property from being divided. That’s always step one.

If the new tract will be at least 5.01 acres, the process is generally much simpler. In this situation, no Planning Commission approval is required and you'll need at least 50 feet of road frontage.

If the tract will be 5 acres or less, you’ll need approval through the Humphreys County Planning Commission. The commission meets on the Monday of the fourth week each month, and they’ll need a plat submitted at least 10 business days before the meeting date.

The plat should show:
~ proposed boundaries
~ road frontage / access
~ septic site location
~ and any other necessary information related to the subdivision

Once submitted, the plat will be reviewed for final approval.

A few other important things to know:
~ each tract must have at least 50 feet of road frontage (unless otherwise approved)
~ front setbacks are generally 30 feet
~ side and rear setbacks are generally 15 feet
~ wells must be at least 50 feet from septic areas

As with anything involving land, every property can have its own quirks, so it’s always a good idea to verify details with the county before making plans or spending money on surveys, engineering or improvements.

05/22/2026

Can I Subdivide My Property In Humphreys County?

In many cases, yes - but there are a few things you’ll want to verify before getting too far down the road.

First, make sure there are no deed restrictions or subdivision restrictions prohibiting the property from being divided. That’s always step one.

If the new tract will be at least 5.01 acres, the process is generally much simpler. In this situation, no Planning Commission approval is required as long as the tract has at least 50 feet of road frontage.

If the tract will be 5 acres or less, you’ll need approval through the Humphreys County Planning Commission. The commission meets on the Monday of the fourth week each month, and they’ll need a plat submitted at least 10 business days before the meeting date.

The plat should show:

~ proposed boundaries
~ road frontage/access
~ septic soil site locations
~ and any other necessary information related to the subdivision

Once submitted, the plat will be reviewed for final approval.

A few other important things to know:

~ each tract must have at least 50 feet of road frontage/access
~ front setbacks are generally 30 feet
~ side and rear setbacks are generally 15 feet
~ wells must be at least 50 feet from septic areas

As with anything involving land, every property can have its own quirks, so it’s always a good idea to verify details with the county before making plans or spending money on surveys, engineering or improvements.

05/14/2026

Just listed in White Bluff, TN!

127 Bell Circle

🏡 Open kitchen & living area
🏡 Split bedroom floor plan
🏡 Granite countertops
🏡 Kitchen island
🏡 Covered pergola
🏡 Privacy fence & storage shed
🏡 Garden beds ready for your vision

Great location too:
~ 5 min to Montgomery Bell State Park
~ 15 min to Harpeth River access
~ Easy drive to Dickson & Nashville

MLS # 3211086

Reach out to schedule a private showing!

Listed By: Brian Kolb
C: 615-500-1586
O: 615-510-3006

Benchmark Realty
7618 Hwy 70 South #102
Nashville, TN 37221

05/07/2026

Here’s the Middle Tennessee market update through April 2026. The increase in New Under Contract is a good sign, as that’s a leading indicator of what will likely be closing over the next 30–45 days. It’ll be interesting to see how that translates into the May closing numbers.

I’ve been seeing a lot of new listings hit the market and I’m expecting inventory numbers to keep ticking up. Median sales prices are basically unchanged from this time last year, which shows our market is still acclimating from the boom a few years ago.

Given rising gas prices, roller coaster mortgage rates and the conflict in Iran, I’m honestly feeling pretty good about these numbers.

I’m always happy to do a deeper dive into your specific market…just shoot me a message!

04/30/2026

Just Listed! - $2,500,000
1070 Leatherwood Rd
White Bluff, TN.

Over 170 acres of rolling hills, mature timber, scenic trails, a beautiful pond tucked back in the hills and multiple building sites with the potential for sweeping views of the Harpeth River valley.

Whether you're dreaming of a private estate, family compound, hunting retreat or peaceful place to call home, Leatherwood checks the boxes.

✔️ 170+ Acres
✔️ 3,400 Ft of Road Frontage
✔️ Multiple Entrances
✔️ Pond
✔️ Trails
✔️ City Water at the Road
✔️ Electricity at the Road
✔️ 30 Minutes to Nashville
✔️ 15 Minutes to White Bluff & Kingston Springs
✔️ 1.5 Miles to Harpeth River State Park

Come see for yourself what Leatherwood has to offer, it's truly a masterpiece full of opportunities.

Listed by: Brian Kolb
C: 615-500-1586
O: 615-510-3006

Benchmark Realty
7618 hwy 70 S #102
Nashville, TN 37221

04/23/2026

04/20/2026

Have a great week!