NASHVILLE REAL ESTATE Search Homes

Coast to Music City · Relocation Specialist

Your move to Music City.

I made the move. Let me help you make yours.

Five years ago I moved my family from Los Angeles to Nashville. Today I help buyers from California and across the country find the right home and the right neighborhood, even from 2,000 miles away.

Search Nashville Homes Call Gary

Calling from California? 310-383-0740

21 Years Experience Relocated from LA Licensed in TN & CA 4.9★ on Zillow · 45 Homes Sold

The difference

Most agents know the neighborhoods. I also know the questions you're asking, because I asked them myself.

Movie-poster style photo titled Road Co-Pilot: Gary in sunglasses with a cat on his shoulder on a desert highway at sunset, with an inset photo of Gary and Yvette
Starring Gary & Yvette, with co-pilots Ivanka, Terrance & Tucker.

My story · From LA to Music City

I've made this exact move.

I know the logistics, the culture shock, and the wins: trading freeway traffic for front porches, learning that summer here comes with humidity, and finding out how much more home your budget buys. After 21 years in real estate across two very different markets, I can translate Middle Tennessee into California terms, so you can decide with confidence.

21Years in real estate
5Years a Nashvillian
2States licensed
A hand holding up a phone on a live video call with a smiling couple, in front of a Nashville craftsman home at golden hour
Live video tours, wherever you are.

Buy from anywhere

Confidence from 2,000 miles away.

You can't be here every weekend, so my process is built for long-distance buyers. And because I'm licensed in both Tennessee and California, I understand both sides of your move, including timing the sale of your California home with your purchase here.

  • Live video walkthroughs, with honest commentary on what the photos don't show
  • A curated scouting trip that packs the right homes into one weekend
  • Digital paperwork and clear explanations of how Tennessee contracts differ
  • A local network on day one: lenders, inspectors, movers and contractors

Neighborhoods

Find the place that sounds like home.

Brick bungalows and front porches, historic main streets, old oaks and rolling hills. Every community has its own character. Here's where I help families land.

Davidson County

Nashville

The heart of Music City: walkable pockets, big energy, and live music every night.

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Davidson County

Belle Meade

Historic, stately and tree-lined, with large lots and classic estates close to town.

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Davidson County

Madison

Up-and-coming and more affordable, minutes from downtown and East Nashville.

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Davidson County

Donelson

Mid-century ranches on generous lots, minutes from downtown and the airport.

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Davidson County

Hermitage

Established east-side neighborhoods near Percy Priest Lake and plenty of green space.

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Williamson County

Franklin

A charming historic Main Street and a small-town feel with big-city access.

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Williamson County

Brentwood

Upscale suburban living with spacious homes, green space, and a quick commute.

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Wilson County

Mt. Juliet

Fast-growing and family-friendly, close to the lake and the airport.

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Wilson County

Lebanon

More land for the money, a historic square, and room to breathe.

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Rutherford County

Murfreesboro

A lively college town with a historic square, newer neighborhoods, and more home for the money.

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Who I help

Made for your next chapter.

01 / 05

01 · Relocation

California transplants

Leaving LA, the Bay Area, Orange County or San Diego? I've done it. Get honest comparisons on space, taxes, schools and pace, and a plan that works from the West Coast.

02 · Remote workers

Remote & relocating professionals

Healthcare, tech, entertainment or a corporate move: find the neighborhood that fits your commute, or your home office, before you ever book a flight.

03 · Families

Growing families

More room, a real backyard and a community to grow into. I'll help you weigh school zones, lot sizes and commutes side by side.

04 · Local buyers

First-time, move-up & downsizing

Already a Middle Tennessean? The same straight answers and 21 years of negotiating experience, whatever your next step looks like.

05 · Sellers

Local sellers

Much of Nashville's demand comes from out of state. I market your home with cinematic presentation that reaches those buyers where they're searching.

On YouTube · Move to Nashville

Tour Nashville before you ever book a flight.

Real prices, new-construction tours, neighborhood deep dives and the local spots I love. Weekly videos for anyone thinking about making the move.

140+ videos

Subscribe on YouTube

What $500K Actually Buys in Nashville Right Now

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From the blog

Guides for making the move.

September 29, 2025 · 5 min read

Simplifying the Home Buying Process in Tennessee

August 25, 2025 · 4 min read

Steps to Buying a Home in Tennessee

August 9, 2025 · 6 min read

Essential Steps to Buying a Home in Tennessee

Read all posts →

The relocation playbook

Five steps from first call to front porch.

  1. 01

    Strategy call

    Budget, lifestyle, schools and timeline, translated from California to Tennessee.

  2. 02

    Neighborhood match

    Honest side-by-side comparisons of the areas that fit.

  3. 03

    Remote tours

    Live and recorded video walkthroughs of every serious contender.

  4. 04

    Scouting trip

    A curated itinerary so one weekend covers everything.

  5. 05

    Close & welcome home

    Negotiation, inspections, closing, then help getting settled.

Experience
21 years
Licenses
TN 381898 · CA 01476679
Service areas
10 communities · 4 counties
Brokerage
Elam Real Estate
Touring
Live video · Recorded · In person
Offices
Nashville · Murfreesboro

Client reviews

Clients say it best.

4.9 on Zillow · 15 reviews · 45 homes sold

★★★★★

If you're looking for a realtor who truly goes the extra mile, look no further than Gary at Elam Real Estate. Gary is exactly the kind of professional you want in your corner for a real estate transaction. I'd use him again without hesitation and would recommend him to anyone buying or selling in the Nashville area.

Shane Ruffin Nashville, TN

From my Los Angeles years

★★★★★

"He help us buy our first home. He took the time to answer ALL our questions and he was sensitive to our budget. My wife and I highly recommend Gary."

Pablo S.First-time buyer · Culver City, CA
★★★★★

"I have known Gary for over 16 years and can honestly say he is one of the 'good guys' in this industry. He is great with both buyers and sellers and is always available when you need him."

A. IacobellisBuyer · Granada Hills, CA
★★★★★

"He always acts with integrity, professionalism and courtesy. His sense of humor helps reduce stress and anxiety that is always present in real estate transactions."

Thomas I.Bought & sold · Northridge, CA

Read all reviews on Zillow →

Start here

Find your encore in Music City.

Browse every listing on my custom home search, or start with a relocation strategy call. It's the first step of every move I guide.

Gary Dempsey

Relocation strategy call

Complimentary

30 minutes with Gary

  • One-on-one video call with Gary
  • California-to-Tennessee neighborhood translation
  • Custom home search set up around your criteria
  • A clear timeline for your move
Search Nashville Homes Book a Call

Or call 615-442-3717 · California: 310-383-0740