Category Archives: Personal Thoughts & Observations

Nashville New Homes: Realtors will go to heaven.

Well, most of them anyway!

One of the great things about getting old is forming new habits.  Habits like going to bed early only to find that you are not tired enough to sleep.  And there you find yourself scrolling through the TV guide thingy looking for a good movie that you’ve already seen a hundred times.

That was the case with me the other night and the movie I chose to watch again was “The Bucket List” starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson.  If you haven’t seen it yet, watch your TV guide thingy and it will be shown again soon I am certain.

There is one scene when both of them were sitting on top of the Great Pyramids and Morgan Freeman shared this with Jack Nicholson:

“You know, the ancient Egyptians had a beautiful belief about death. When their souls got to the entrance to heaven, the guards asked two questions. Their answers determined whether they were able to enter or not. ‘Have you found joy in your life?’ ‘Has your life brought joy to others?’”

WOW…This great comedy had just turned into a thought-provoking drama of self-reflection.   But don’t get out the violins just yet.. Jack Nicholson’s smart-ass reply brought the movie back into the “comedy zone.”

If those really are the two questions we will one day be asked, then most all Realtors can count on going to heaven.  After all, it is our vocation to bring joy into the life of others.  We witness the joy and excitement of people buying their homes!  That joy and excitement is taken to a whole different level when they purchase a brand new home, and an even higher level if that new home was built by Ole South in one of our Middle Tennessee neighborhoods!

We have the opportunity to bring joy into the lives of others every single day and everyone has the opportunity to participate.  Even the guy cooking McRibs at McDonalds can take comfort and joy that the McRib promotion will soon be over so he can go back to making kids happy with “happy meals.”    The only people that experience joy from a McRib are the makers of Tums. 

(McD’s needs to read the definition of madness – the one that says “madness is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results.”  And they keep trying to resurrect the McRib…I don’t get it.  McPizza would be better!)

We are now entering a time of year that can be difficult for many people.  It is important to remember that we don’t have to give someone the newest “Wii” or “Xbox,” or jewelry big enough to choke a dog to bring joy into someone’s life.   A can of King Leo candy sticks might do the trick.  Or, a kind word and a simple gesture of happiness may be just the right thing.  Especially for strangers too!   In the “Bucket List,”  the two men were complete strangers from two totally diffrerent walks of life, and their paths crossed to bring joy into each other’s lives, just when that joy was needed the most.

Just look around.  An opportunity arises every day.  Take it.  You will then find more joy in your life.

And Realtors, with interest rates at historic lows for who knows how much longer, we have an even greater opportunity to bring joy into the lives of others…the joy of home ownership. 

So, lets all go show some some homes this week!  And make a note, all of our model homes will be open on “Black Friday” and anyone visiting before 5:00 pm on Sunday, November 28th will get a flat screen HDTV certificate, good with any new Ole South home purchased before June 11, 2011. 

The “Bucket List” plays even better on a flat screen HDTV 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 home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville Homes Blog: Let’s Pause. Let’s Remember. Don’t Forget.

Today in the Christian year is known as “All Saints Sunday,” which is always the first Sunday of November.   When I was growing up, I always referred to it as “Halloween Sunday.”   But its not really, that was last Sunday!

Who really knows exactly how Halloween evolved to be the debacle that it is, but the evening before All Saints Day,  “All Hallows Eve” was definitely its origin.  Who knows, or really cares, just how that evening became one where we are encouraged to scare the doo-doo out of people and dress up like fools.  It is what it is.  And it also can be fun.  You can’t beat fun, right?

Now back to the topic…   “All Saints Day” is always falls on November 1st and today, churches all over the world are celebrating “All Saints Sunday” to honor those that have lived and died in faith.

We are fortunate to have had all those departed souls that came before us.  They made a difference in our lives.  Without their presence here on planet earth, we would not be who we are today.   Whether a parent, a sibling, family member, friend, or acquaintance, or a total stranger, many people have played a part in shaping our lives.

So, let’s pause a few moments today.  Let’s remember everyone we miss, their presence and the difference they made while they were here.  

And don’t forget, we’re still here on planet earth, which gives us all the perfect opportunity to influence and shape the lives of others. 

Peace.

P.S.  After you have paused and reflected, this is a perfect afternoon to search for a new home!

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 home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville New Homes: And what a week this is going to be!

Forbes Magazine just released a list of the most affordable places to live in America and Nashville ranks #5!  However, the list is somewhat perplexing to the mind because Birmingham is rated #11.  Seriously folks, who would pay MORE to live in Birmingham when they could live in Nashville for less?  I just don’t get it.

We at Ole South continue to do our part in making these great rankings possible. With brand new town homes from $89,990, traditional neighborhood new homes (with garages too!) from 119,990, up to all brick masterpieces with 3-car garages under $300,000 and all points between – you simply will not find a better new home value than with Ole South.

You owe it to yourself to visit our website, http://www.OleSouth.com. Even better, pay a visit to one of our 20+ neighborhoods in the Greater Nashville area, to include Cane Ridge, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Spring Hill. Eat an Otis Spunkmeyer cookie or two while you are there.

It is just now Monday, and so much is happening that I cannot begin to tell you all about it…so I won’t. Stay tuned though.  A new home in Metropolitan Nashville Davidson County will soon be more affordable than ever.  

Folks, tomorrow is Election Day and I truly hope that everyone will exercise their right to vote.  And regardless of the outcome, each one of us should make an effort to get involved in matters that are vital to our future.  If we don’t voice our opinions and concerns openly, our elected dummies have no choice but to vote for what benefits them the most.   So let’s all vote, become more involved, and earn the right to bitch!  :0)

That said, last week while cruising on the Carnival Triumph, I discovered what just might be my second favorite place to live, right behind living in a brand new Ole South home in Greater Nashville.  That place is Roatan, Honduras.  Carnival Cruise Lines just spent a zillion dollars developing the newest cruise port on the Caribbean, Mahogany Bay.   Check out John Heald’s Blog for the details.  

http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/12/13/mahogany-bay/

And here are pictures from our visit:

Roatan is almost like Disneyland for adults.  There is a lift-chair thingy that carries you from the ship to the beach areas.  The beachfront rivals anything you have ever seen.  Air-conditioned cabanas are available for rent to those that have more money than good sense.  Food and bar service is everywhere and the place is super-clean too!  I wish I had more pictures to show of this awesome place.  Actually, I do, but you can’t see them.

Remember, it is only Monday.  Check back often for exciting updates that are sure to be revealed this week! 

Happy Monday!

 

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 home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville New Homes: Man in the Mirror

What a beautiful day it is here in Nashville, Tennessee!  Not a cloud in the sky, and the chilled morning air will soon turn into a near-summertime afternoon.  Today would be a great day to purchase a new home, wouldn’t it?

Earlier this morning, I checked my e-mails on the droid-phone thingy and found the usual “chain-forwards” from friends.  You know, the e-mails that you really want to delete but you are afraid you may be asked about it later?  Yes, those kind.

One such e-mail grabbed my attention.  It said:

10-10-10  – This day will not happen again for another 1000 years.  You will not be here for it.  Make this day count.

Ok, so today is a special day.  Shall we plan now for next year’s 11-11-11 special day?   Surely there is something we can do.  Anyway, it is Sunday and I am running late for church.

While driving, I was thinking through everything that I simply have to get done this week.  The list keeps growing and I am avoiding admitting that there simply will not be enough days in the week to accomplish everything.  Some things simply won’t get done.  Its that simple.  I’m doing all I can do, right?  Or wrong?   

In many churches, the time of year is now focused on Stewardship.  You know, where you are asked to search far and wide within your soul and give everything you are capable of  – and then just a little-bit more.  (If you don’t feel you are doing your part in your church, these are great Sundays to miss.)  :0)

A friend at church shared a poem.   It applies to women too, but was written before “gender-neutral” verbage became the norm.  You can change the reference to “woman” or “person”  if it makes you feel better.

Allow me to share it with you because it was just what I needed to hear today:

The Man In The Glass

When you get what you want in your struggle for self

And the world makes you king for a day

Just go to the mirror and look at yourself

And see what that man has to say.

For it isn’t your father, or mother, or wife 

Whose judgment upon you must pass

The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life

Is the one staring back from the glass.

He’s the fellow to please ‘ never mind all the rest

For he’s with you, clear to the end

And you’ve passed your most difficult, dangerous test

If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years

And get pats on the back as you pass

But your final reward will be heartache and tears

If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.

 

Then I got in my car and turned on the radio only to hear Michael Jackson singing “Man in the Mirror.” 

Yes, this really is a special day. 

(It will be even more special when someone buys a new home!)

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 home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville New Homes: Affordable Housing…Provide it, or it will create itself.

I have been tossing this blog topic around in my head for some time now, just waiting for the inspiration to address it.  Just minutes ago, today became the day.

Bank of America just announced they are suspending foreclosure actions in all 50 states.  Don’t just take my word for it, click here for the full story.  http://money.cnn.com/2010/10/08/real_estate/bank_america_50/. 

Okay, now that you read the story, lets take a real indepth look at the situation… and we’re going to have to look way back!

I was fortunate to enter my Real Estate career in 2000.  Business was good.  Along came 9/11 and America pulled together as a nation.  Values and home ownership were prevailing themes.  With demand for new homes increasing and no end in sight, inflation and greed took over.  Land prices skyrocketed.  Development projects went to the higest bidder willing to pay the premium for quick response.   The cost of building materials soared.  Many predicted there was no end to the good times in sight.  I believed them too, and had a lot of fun in the meantime!

Then one day, we look around and see that affordable housing had all but disappeared.   Home prices had escalated over the capabilities of the typical first-time buyer.  Rather than allowing market forces to adjust pricing THEN, along comes the mortgage industry to further facilitate the ever-growing “bubble.”  Interest-only loans, Adjustable Rate Mortgages, and Stated Income Loans allowed buyers to continue paying even higher sale prices.  If you could breathe and move toward light, you could be approved for a home loan with certain unscupulous lenders, even with them knowing you could not afford it. 

Consciencious and Professional Mortgage Originators and Underwriters continued to use the established and acceptable lending criteria that were in place.  Unscrupulous Mortgage Originators and Underwriters did not.  Rules are rules only when they are being enforced and these guys knew no one was watching.  Greedy investors lined up with money to lend.  Increased rates for increased risk.  Everybody wins!  After all, the properties were increasing in value exponentially each year.

YEP!  They sure were…until the first-time buyer segment of our economy put their foot down and said “NO MORE.”  The first-time buyer’s inability to participate in the housing market was about to topple the very market that they had helped create.  There were no more logs to place on the fire.

Fast-forward to “the wake-up-call.”  Housing values dropped, and will continue to fall until the housing market is once again within the grasp of the first-time buyer.  In my opinion Government has over-reacted with numerous new lending criteria initiatives.  These initiatives are sound fundamentally, but a wiser path would have been to simply enforce the criteria that was already there.  The fire was already burning down as a result of market forces, and government poured mass-buckets of cold water on it – and that continues to this day.  Lots and lots of affordable housing options have now been created, mostly at the expense of the taxpayer.

Thankfully, the Greater Nashville housing market was not hit as hard as other areas of the country.  I truly believe that is because of our accessibility to affordable housing. 

At Ole South, our mission has always been to provide the very best selection of  homes that address the needs of the first-time buyer.  That mission is alive and well today!  With brand new maintenance-free town homes starting at $89,990 and brand new traditional neighborhood homes starting at $119,990, we remain committed to keeping the Greater Nashville area an affordable place to live.

But that’s not all… We have become very good at building new homes for the “move-up” buyer, as well as the buyer that wishes to down-size and simplify their life.  Learn more at www.OleSouth.com.

We’ve always worked with responsible lenders too!  Ole South Financial, our SunTrust Mortgage Joint Venture, has made new-home ownership a reality for thousands of buyers and they are ready to assist you too!  Give them a ring at 615.907.2296.

Please do not hesitate to contact me anytime we can be of assistance in any way.  You can rest assured that our neighborhoods in Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill will be your best new home value…guaranteed!

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 home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville New Homes: Blessed are the “Risk-Takers”

Have you ever noticed just how obsessed some people are on making life decisions based on what is guaranteed?  Very seldom is there reward without risk, and reward is never guaranteed.

Face it, we all love guarantees.  Guaranteed income.  Guaranteed performance.  Guaranteed success.  Guaranteed results.  Guaranteed home values?  

In real life, there are no real guarantees.  There are no defined patterns on which to base a guarantee.  Staying put in our “comfort zone” could turn out to be more risk than the alternatives.  Be the risk-taker!

Let’s look at home-ownership.  The print media in this country is having a field day saying “The American Dream” of home ownership is “The American Nightmare.”  Even funnier, many people actually believe what those idiots print!   Now that most have stopped reading print media, they now place their gloomy garbage online.

Every day, I hear people say “I’m not going to buy until ‘things’ get better…”  What “things?”  Do you have a steady job?  Can you pay your bills?  Are you planning to stay in the area for a while?   If you answered “YES” to those questions, then you need to act now before the rules change again and take you out of the game!    Be the risk-taker….and get a historically low fixed-rate mortgage payment to boot…..guaranteed!   If you don’t take the risk, how will you ever know when “things” are better?  You damn sure won’t read about it.

Think interest rates will get even lower?  Considering that the current Federal Reserve Rate is ZERO, how can they go much lower?  And even if they do, you can count on inflation to offset any perceived savings.  The lower rates are, the tighter lending criteria will get too.   Be the risk-taker!

Think home prices will fall?  In some areas of the country, they might.  No one can guarantee your home’s future value, but the one guarantee is that YOU will one day own it! 

Assuming you have a good job and want to stay in the area, the only reason I can think of NOT to buy a home would be if your world-travelling parents have a palatial estate complete with a guest house, which they have given to you as long as you want to live there – at no cost of any kind, not even yard work.   Another possible exception would be if Sandra Bullock wants you to be her “roomie.”

Regardless of what property values do, you are better off owning your home than renting it.  Rents rise.  Leases not always renew.  Every day you continue to rent is an added day that you will pay for your home, if and when you do buy.  Thirty years may seem like an eternity, but it goes by really fast.  After 30 years of renting, you own nothing.  After 30 years of owning a home, you own the home out right… unless you borrowed money against your equity.  I’ve never heard of an “apartment equity loan” either. 

That said, how old do you want to be when your home is paid for?   Could it be that being a risk-taker is not really a risk at all?

The Greater Nashville area is loaded with new homes for every need and lifestyle.  At Ole South (www.OleSouth.com) you will find new homes from 99,000 to 299,000 in a variety of desirable neighborhoods – in Nashville,  Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Spring Hill.  You can be assured you will receive the very best new home value – not just in price, but quality and service too!

Please contact me anytime I can be of assistance in any way!  615.593.6340 or e-mail TLewis@olesouth.com.

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 home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

To blog, or not to blog…

My name is Trey Lewis, VP of Sales and Marketing for Tennessee’s #1 Home Builder, Ole South Properties. (www.OleSouth.com)

The way we communicate has been changing since the beginning of time.  How we embrace those changes really does have an outcome on our ability to be the best we can be at what we do.  I truly want to be the very best I can be at everything that I do.

For some time now, many friends and colleagues  have been telling me that these blog thingys are the “panacea” for doing business.  So, to keep from being left behind in the past, here we go!   

Hopefully, my comments will offer realistic, and somewhat humourous insights into the new home market of the Greater Nashville area. 

We really are blessed to live in such a great area and I look forward to sharing my hometown with all that want to take the time to read and participate in this blogging endeavor.  Questions and comments are always welcome, well…most of the time, anyway!

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 home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.