Category Archives: New Homes – General Information

New Homes in the Greater Nashville, Tennessee Real Estate Market.

Nashville New Homes: 2011’s going to be fun!

If last night is any indication, 2011 is going to be a great year.  Not just for new home sales, but for having fun as well!   Middle Tennessee Realtors packed the Embassy Suites Hotel Ballroom in Cool Springs to “Kick-Off” 2011 with all of us at Ole South.  Great food, drinks, music, and fun was on the agenda.  So was giving away money, lots of it!

The turnout was spectacular and the room was filled with enthusiasm for 2011.  We are fortunate to have a lot of great Realtors in Middle Tennessee and blessed that they are good friends too.  They could have spent their evening somewhere else, and we are honored that they chose to spend their time with us! 

Whenever you have that many Realtors in one place, you have to tell them all about your company and the exciting plans we have for the new year.   New things like these:

 *  ALL BRICK HOMES in Williamson County, featuring outdoor living areas, 4 BR, 3.5 bath, Formal Dining, Bonus Room, and a 3-car garage for under 300,000.

*   The most affordable new homes in Metropolitan Nashville.  Town homes from 89,990 in Old Hickory Commons and Traditional homes from 109,990 in Spencer Hill.

*   The introduction of ‘FUTURE PROOF” homes in many Ole South neighborhoods.

*   A totally new introduction of floorplans in the low 100’s in our flagship community, Evergreen Farms in Murfreesboro.

*   The introduction of new town home models featuring walk-out verandahs and covered rear porches.

*   Our recent expansion into the Clarksville, Tennessee market.

*   And too many other things to list!

On display were many fine products used in the construction of our homes.  Special thanks to Alsides, Ferguson Enterprises, Home Center Network, Marsh Cabinets, Metro Carpets, Mold Stoppers, Ole South Financial/SunTrust Mortgage, Tri Star Title and Escrow, and Union Station Brick & Stone for their participation in the program!

We also gave away $11,000 during the evening.  24 Realtors won gift cards in amounts from $100 to $1100!  Many of our vendors gave away prizes also. 

I really enjoy watching events like this one come together.  It gets even better when everyone has fun!

Speaking of fun, let’s all have more of it in 2011!

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Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, www.OleSouth.com, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: What people want.

The topic of yesterday’s meeting of the Nashville Chapter of HBAMT was “Features Most Requested by New Home Buyers,”  presented by Jayson Campbell, of Re/Max Elite.  Jayson has many years experience in new home sales.  That, combined with his general brokerage experience gives him a clear advantage in knowing first hand what buyers do, and don’t want.  Best of all, he communicates those observances well.  When he is speaking, you will enjoy listening!

I won’t share all of the detailed information because you should have been there too.   One fact is clear.  Although many people’s financial capabilties are less than they once were, their expectations are not.  Our challenge is to provide solutions that meet and exceed those expectations, and stay within financial capabilities.

You can have every design feature, the very best location, and the very best price, but THE MOST IMPORTANT thing every buyer wants is the answer to three questions:

1)     Can I trust you?

2)    Are you good at what you do?

3)    Do you care about me?

In the age of the internet, our prospects don’t want us to “feature-dump.”  They already know most of the answers.  What they don’t know, they will ask.   They don’t want canned presentations and can smell a “lack of sincerity” a mile away.  They truly want to find a place where the answer to those three questions is YES!

When I first got into Real Estate, a veteran agent told me…. “Make a friend, sell a house.”   That simple quote stuck with me.  Those three questions above will stick also and will be more useful than any “cliche” from a book.

Years ago I was working with a retired couple moving from Brentwood to Spring Hill.  Upon meeting them, I asked them very sincerely “why in the world you would want to do that?”  (That’s a no-no in the books!)  They proceded with their reasons…  Their current home was paid for.  They could pay cash for the new home in Spring Hill and have money left over to have more fun.  They also wanted to get a little further away from family, who came by and raided the pantry a bit too often!

They were very methodical and the search came down to two homes. After a few weeks of consistent visits, I was bombed with a question…. “Why should we buy your home over the other one?”    (I knew exactly what their other choice was and ours was clearly a better fit.)   We went down their list of needs and wants and addressed each one, without “trashing” the other home.  I then said, if you don’t buy this house, then I have failed to effectively communicate the exceptional value you are getting and how happy you will be in it.

“Bullshit!”  said the man with a slight grin.  “What’s the real reason?”   The real reason????  (slight hesitation)  “If you don’t buy this home, I won’t make any money.”  They both burst into laughter and the contract was signed.  And we are still friends to this day.

Back to Jayson’s three questions.  They don’t apply just to those buying a home, but building realtionships in our every day life.  The selling process really is easy.  Some of us just prefer to complicate it.

One other tidbit…. never “trash” or make fun of another home.  Someone will buy it, knowing what you said, and will never speak to you in the grocery store again.

Happy Selling!

You do not have to be an actual home builder to become involved in the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee.  There are lots of benenfits to becoming a member of this, and the HBAMT Sales & Marketing Council.  Please feel free to call me anytime for additional information.

 

 

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, www.OleSouth.com, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: New Home or older home? You decide.

Which in the Nashville area is better to buy?   A brand new home, or an older home?   Thats a good question and the answer really depends on who you ask.   Better yet, just ask yourself!  

Let’s compare…

New Homes

  • Everything is new, clean and fresh. 
  • Everything that is man-made has a useful life.  In your new home, you get to start the useful life clock!  Before you need a new roof, your hair color will have probably changed and you will be well on your way to retirement.  You will not be replacing corroded water and sewer lines in your lifetime.  The list goes on.
  • In a new home, depending on the stage of construction, you have the flexibility to personalize your home with your own choices!
  • There are many life styles and floor plans to choose from, all in the same location.  Decide where you want to live and then decide what you want your new home to be, not the other way around.
  • Stay healthier and safer in a new home.   You don’t have to worry about lead-based paints.  You don’t have to worry about what may be looming in the HVAC ductwork.  You don’t have to think twice about what may be in that carpeting.  Your home meets all the latest building codes.
  • A new home is certainly more energy efficient, which leaves you more money to enjoy life with.   Remember, you just can’t beat fun!
  • A new home comes with a warranty.  Many of the mechanical systems carry long term warranties in addition to the builder’s warranty.
  • You are the “first link” in the equity chain.  You get first dibs!
  • Your new trees are not as tall as your new home, eliminating the chore of gutter cleaning for many years.  You will have great fun showing pictures from the cruise you took while your old-home friends were cleaning gutters.

Older, Resale Homes

  • If you like to spend vast amounts of money on tools, an older home may be just for you. 
  • You can enjoy working on your house while your friends are playing golf, boating, fishing, hunting, watching ball games, or traveling.
  • You are not the “first link” in the equity chain.  Others have come before you. 
  • An older home may not comply with the latest codes, and may not be eligible for FHA financing.  That may not be a problem for you, but it could be a problem when you want to sell.  Not everyone has 20% to put down these days.
  • Buyers tend to have more negotiation power with resale homes than new homes.  Just like they do with used cars.  Remember, there are probably issues that you don’t even know about waiting to be fixed.
  • The older home may be in a neighborhood without protective covenants.  “Terrific!” you may say.  Until your neighbor parks a mobile home in the back yard for a brother-in-law to live in, who happens to work on old trucks.

 Those of you that prefer older homes, please do not take offense with this satirical comparison.  I know that a newer home is not for everybody… just the people that want more fun out of life and do not want their second job to be at home!

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, www.OleSouth.com, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: A Tropical Heat Wave

My heart skipped in a beat of elation this morning when I noticed the temperature thing in my rear-view mirror showed 41 degrees.  On my way to the office, there were no icy bridges, no snow packed shoulders, and life as we know it is back to normal…whatever normal really is these days.  Just like a new home, WARM is better too!

Remember our YES DAYS OF SUMMER celebrations back in the days of warm?  That was the summer-long series of events held by Ole South, with great support from LP Building Products and the Tennessee Titans.  These events involved the entire Greater Nashville community…Realtors, our existing home owners, our dedicated staff, homebuyer prospects, and plain old friends.  Everyone pitched in, everyone played, and everyone had a good time. 

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One of the hardest tasks in marketing is deciding the most effective way to spend advertising dollars.  The most impact for the least amount of money is the game.  Back last spring, our marketing braintrust gathered to do just that, and the YES DAYS OF SUMMER came to life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jIms7RGti8&NR=1

The promotion ended at LP Field, with the give-away of the 2010 Scion that was the centerpiece of our advertising for 2010.  Here is more about that special day.

https://nashvillehomesblog.com/2010/10/31/what-a-week-it-was/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNBg9rYt0co&sns=fb

No accountant on planet earth can justify advertising expenses on paper.  Some efforts produce immediate results, while others produce long term.  Looking back, this promotion did both, and we are still getting attention from it.

Last week at the National Home Builders Association convention, or IBS as it is called, the National Sales & Marketing Council announced winners in a variety of advertising awards categories.  There are many entry categories to choose from.  At the 2009 show, we won “best black and white ad.” 

For 2010, the YES DAYS OF SUMMER was entered in the “Best Promotion” category and received a SILVER AWARD (2nd Place) over all entries from across the nation!  If we had more time and space to show every component of this promotion, it would have been first for certain.

http://www.thenationals.com/pages/winners/silver11.php

A sincere “Thank You” goes out to everyone that participated in these events.  Special thanks to LP Building Products, The Tennessee Titans, Home Center Network, BLF Marketing, and our dedicated staff at Ole South for making the YES DAYS OF SUMMER a national success.   Congratulations to each!

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, www.OleSouth.com, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville New Homes: Never Too Cold in a New Home.

My primary goal for 2011 is to have more fun at everything I do.  Whether it is work, just relaxing, or play… if it isn’t fun, we’re simply not doing it right!  With this “have fun at everything” frame of mind, we have found ourselves spending a LOT of time at the boat on Old Hickory Lake since ringing in the New Year. 

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This week’s cold snap in Middle Tennessee brings back many memories.  Many years ago, a great friend, Bobby Harden, wrote a song that was one of Mark Chestnutt’s greatest hits, “Too Cold at Home.”  At the time, he was living in a log mansion in southeast Davidson County and used to joke about coming to his boat in the winter to get warm, away from the many drafts in that house.  I can relate because our older home has them too.

Although we still own an Ole South home in Spring Hill, we currently live in an older ranch home in Nashville.  You know the saying… “They don’t build them like they used to…”   My response…. “Thank God they don’t.”   In our old home, the best method to conserve energy is to leave and go somewhere else… like to the boat.  It wasn’t that way in any of the Ole South homes I have owned.

Its never too cold in a new home.  Not only are new homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, but they address the latest trends too!  Check out this list of top trends…. and Ole South addresses each category too!

http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=26685367  

And the message that “New Homes are Better” is spreading, which is great news for our nation’s home builders.  Check this out:

http://www.mortgageloan.com/big-new-home-gains-predicted-2011-8220

But don’t wait too long to explore the new home options that are out there.  Times are “a-changing” and interest rates will be too!  Please call me anytime I can be of assistance in any way.

In the meantime, STAY WARM!

Nashville New Homes: Make home buying fun!

Every Real Estate professional I know likes to have fun, and likes to provide their clients an enjoyable buying or selling experience.  Some are better at having fun than others.

Every home buyer likes to have fun too.  They want to have fun and have an enjoyable home buying experience also.  Just like Realtors, some are better at having fun than others.

You don’t buy a new home every day, so why not make the most of the experience?  Here are a few tips:

1)     Focus on your new home as HOME!  Don’t stress on investment potential.  The very lifestyle factors that attract you to the home will attract others.  Your home will not be a “get-rich-quick” tool, but will lead to a more secure financial future.  Even with zero appreciation, you will have something to sell when it is paid for.  Try that with an apartment!  Even in today’s economic climate, homes in Greater Nashville have averaged 3.5% appreciation over the past 10 years.

2)     Explore the basics of home mortgages.  Know your financial capabilities before you shop and have a source for your required down-payment.  In Tennessee, first-time buyers may be eligible for their down-payment to be paid by THDA’s Great Start program.  Visit www.THDA.org for more information.

3)     Explore different areas close to, and further from work.  You may actually find your best quality of life in an area you have never thought of!  There are more ways to find information now than ever.  Use them!  It doesn’t cost anything to look.

4)     When choosing a Realtor or a home builder, find one that you personally like and can develop a relationship with.  After all, it is your money…you might as well have fun spending it!

5)     Contrary to popular belief, there is a perfect home at the perfect time.  When you find a home you like, that meets all of your needs, is within your budget, and gives you a warm feeling inside…that is the one.  No two homes are exactly alike, so questioning your emotions may actually cause you to miss out. 

6)     Too many cooks…. well you know the saying!   It never hurts to get advice from people you like and trust, but the more people you consult, the more opinions you will get, which most likely will add confusion.  Trust yourself first.  Others later.

At Ole South, we’ve made homebuying fun for over 25 years.  We take stress out of the equation and allow you to focus on what is most important to you…your new home.  Visit any of our Middle Tennessee locations today.  We’ll even give you a little yellow stress ball for starters!   Give me a call when you are ready to explore.

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, www.OleSouth.com, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville New Homes: There’s no place like home.

Like the song says, “There’s no place like home,”  especially when that home is a brand new home.  No toenails in the carpet and no strange smells…unless they are your own!

Having just returned from a marketing conference In Salt Lake City with many other great home builders, I can say with confidence that new homes really are better…all across this great country!   If you know anyone needing a home outside of the Nashville area, please let me know because I now have more great home builder recommendations.  Even far away!

And if you’re in the Greater Nashville area and considering purchasing a new  home, you can view all of our communities on Home Center Network on Comcast Channel 49 at 9:00 am and pm, and anytime at www.homecenternetwork.com.    

You will want to give special consideration to a life in Spring Hill.  Here’s why:

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110105/WILLIAMSON12/101050327/2044/A+look+ahead++Big+projects+on+horizon+for+Spring+Hill+in+2011

With brand new homes from the low 100’s for the first-time buyer in Cobblestone and Meadowbrook and brand new all-brick homes from the low 200’s in Chapman’s Crossing and Benevento East , look no further than Ole South for your best value.  You will then see first hand why…..

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, www.OleSouth.com, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville New Homes: Up, Up, and Away.

On my way to church this morning it was a blistering cold 26 degrees outside, but the sun was shining just like a summer day.  All of a sudden, I saw this hot air balloon being launched.  Before I could pull over for a picture, it was on its way soaring to new heights!

That reminds me of what we at Ole South are doing in 2011…. soaring to new heights… not in a balloon, but by offering unprecedented value in the homes we build.

For example, you will want to check out the new look of our maintenance-free townhomes at Villas of Rivendell Woods.  Two brand new home plans, unlike anything you have seen before.   Experience the flair of Key West or the sizzle of Bourbon Street from your private upstairs verandah, accessed only from your bedroom suite!

 Also new for 2011 are the most affordable new homes in Metropolitan Nashville Davidson County, in Spencer Hill, just minutes from downtown.  We have homes nearing completion from 109,990 to 129,990!  https://nashvillehomesblog.com/2010/11/03/let-the-cat-out/

And we’re also offering the very best ALL BRICK home value in Williamson County at Benevento East.  You simply will not believe these unprecedented values from the low 200’s.  Three-Car Garages and outdoor living areas are among the host of options.  

Did you eat your black eyed peas this year?  We did!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, www.OleSouth.com, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville New Homes: 2011 is looking up!

The New Year of 2011 is upon us, and I couldn’t be happier!  Even the media is spreading positive news about the housing industry.  Here’s one example:

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-12-28/housing-seen-rising-to-3-year-high-with-boost-for-jobs.html

The time is now to buy a new home.  Not just because fixed interest rates are historically low and rising, Not just because costs are going up and not yet being passed on to the consumer.  Not just because of great incentives and selections of brand new homes at www.OleSouth.com. 

Buying a new home offers many tax advantages for those that can itemize expenses.  Your closing costs are deductible.  Your property taxes are deductible..and the list goes on.  Here is a list of 2011 tax tips.  Pay special attention to #4!

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/10-tasty-tax-tips-for-2011-1.aspx?ec_id=cmct_003

If you weren’t able to purchase a new home in time for Christmas, inking a contract before the New Year could be the next best thing!

Nashville New Homes: “Needs” & “Wants”

In Nashville, new homes come in all shapes and sizes.  Somewhere out there is the perfect home that meets all of your needs, so get out there and find it!  You can start by visiting the new homes offered at www.OleSouth.com.   

One of the first questions I ask our visitors is “what in their new home is most important ?”   The answer tells if your prospect has given serious thought and preparation in purchasing a new home.   Think about it.  We are in the business of satisfying NEEDS first, and WANTS second.

Before you begin your quest for a new home, make two lists….one list of things that you need and another list of things you want.  Then, beside each item, write down how that item will make your life more enjoyable, or just how necessary that item will be.  

Many put a formal dining room at the top of the list, because their family comes for Thanksgiving every other year.  Let’s do the math!   The average home with a separate, formal dining room costs at least $10,000 more to purchase than a similar home with a breakfast room.  That’s approximately $70/month.  You will spend $1,680 in your higher payment just to have Thanksgiving at your house every other year.  That doesn’t even include the cost of the dining furniture either.   Will a few card tables and chairs in the Great Room suffice?  What about going to Cracker Barrel?

Others want a 4th bedroom because family comes to visit a week in the summer.  That extra 4th bedroom will cost at least $15,000, or approximately $100/month, not including the furniture.  Feel like you really need to pay $1200/year to give Mom and Dad their own room for a week?   A motel would be cheaper, and the visit more enjoyable too.  

Lets dig on.  Will that smooth-surface range really make food taste better?  Does an “undermount sink” actually accomplish anything?  If you have a double-vanity, will you really use both sinks at the same time?   Are you going to pay extra for a room full of hardwood, and then cover it with a rug?

Don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting a lot of extra features in your new home.   Ole South offers a great selection of home plans and options to satisfy your wants, while our included features will satisfy most all needs.   Knowing the difference between wants and needs will lead to more happiness..not just with your new home, but everything life has to offer. 

I once had a couple that had just gotten engaged tell me they HAD to have an upper AND lower Owner’s Suite.   I was expecting to hear that they were taking care of an aging parent when I was informed that “we fight a lot and need space from each other.” 

So….  Lets get married and buy a home.  Might as well go ahead and have a baby too!

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee