Category Archives: Nashville New Homes

New homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Spring Hill, Smyrna, and Murfreesboro.

Spring Hill New Homes: Let’s do it again!

Sprng Hill, Tennessee is one of the greatest areas in the United States in which to live, and probably the greatest place in the world to build a new home.  I’ve done it twice and look forward to doing it again!

I first moved to Spring Hill in late 2000, when Ole South acquired the then-new Ridgeport subdivision from another builder/developer.   The purchase came complete with a model home that we didn’t build, but did give us an immediate presence in the area.

When we launched our presence in Spring Hill, there were three positions for Ridgeport .  On-site Sales Agent, Project Manager, and Construction Superintendent.   I was all three in the begnning and it was the greatest learning experience of my entire life, well… maybe except for an IRS audit.

As our business exploded, we built a new model home and I purchased the older one, which proved to be a great vote of confidence for Ole South in the eyes of others.  It also made commuting to work a breeze!  In the five years I lived there, not one time did anyone knock on my door about anything other than a dinner or party invitation!

Approximate 325 homes later, Ridgeport was complete and I built another home in our next Williamson County neighborhood, Chapman’s Crossing.  It was such an awesome experience to see many of our Ridgeport buyers move with us to Chapman’s Crossing to accomodate their growing families.  It was even greater having them as neighbors…again!

During these years, I had the opportunity to encourage many of our home buyers to get involved in Real Estate, and those that did are doing quite well.  Its a great feeling to know you helped make a difference in someone’s life – which is what its supposed to be all about anyway.

In 2007, we moved back to Nashville to be closer to my mom after my dad passed away.  Ironically, at the same time Ole South acquired the Rivendell Woods of Cane Ridge neighborhood and needed someone to start it off.  I hated to leave Spring Hill, but it seemed like divine intervention was having its way.

While in Nashville at Rivendell Woods, Ole South presented new opportunities and I assumed the role of VP Sales & Marketing for the company.  Keeping my office in Rivendell Woods, I have been able to pull it off and still do what I love the most – helping people find the perfect home that meets their wants and needs.

Over the years, Ole South has grown to be the largest home builder in Tennessee and I feel very fortunate to be a part of the company.  This month, I took the opportunity to start off another Williamson County neighborhood in Spring Hill, so my office will be in The Arbors at Autumn Ridge for the time being. 

I’ll miss seeing the residents at Rivendell Woods on a regular basis, but will still be around whenever possible.  In the meantime, the residents and propsects of Rivendell Woods will find Annette Spicer to be a delightful addition to the neighborhood.

The Arbors at Autumn Ridge is a gorgeous location, nestled among trees in the peaceful country setting convenient to both Spring Hill and Thompsons Station.  Here, take a look a a few of the great homes we are building:

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Those that have visited this blog before know my photography skills aren’t the best.  Spring Hill and Thompsons Station’s weekly paper has much better photography skills which you can see by CLICKING HERE.

I really am excited about being back in Spring Hill on a regular basis.  And when you are in the area, please drop by for a visit!   For those of you that are familiar with Spring Hill, The Arbors is probably not where you think it is. 

Turn on Wilkes Lane, across from the McDonalds at Campbell Station, and follow approximately one mile.  The tree-lined road will let you know you have arrived!

Interestingly enough, there is an available home site, right across from the model home.  What a coincidence!

Trey Lewis is VP Sales & Marketing for Ole South Properties Inc, Tennessee’s largest independent home builder,  615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340 or emailTLewis@olesouth.com.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, Gallatin, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville New Homes: Your Very Own Dream Machine

The past few years have offered some incredible opportunities for home ownership, with many just now getting off of the fence and exploring.  What did they see, hear or feel that made them decide to act now? 

I love selling new homes.  You meet so many neat people.  While they may have different needs, they all have one common desire – they want to own something!

One prospect I recently worked with answered the question like this…. “If I don’t buy anything now, I won’t have anything to sell later!”

 

She explained her reasoning…. a friend in her office was retiring.  She and her husband were turning 60.  All of their kids were grown.  Their house was paid for.    Their dream was planned.  They wanted to see the world while they could still enjoy the experience.

They had recently sold their home of 35 years.  With the proceeds, they purchased a smaller town home so they would have a place to get the mail, or a “home base.”  They purchased a large Motor Home with plans to visit every state in the continental US, and Canada too!  They were leaving April 30th, with no firm plans other than to take a break for a 14-day European Cruise in September.  Needless to say, they still had a chunk of money left over from the sale of their home!

 

My prospect has similar dreams for her future, and like she said earlier, “If I don’t buy anything now, I won’t have anything to sell later!”

In essence, her new home is now her very own “Dream Machine.”  When she is retirement age, it will be paid for.  It will be hers to sell.  The proceeds will be hers to enjoy.  She put it even simpler…. “After 30 years of renting, all I would get is a Change of Address Form.  Now I will have something to sell!”

Everyone has a dream for the future.  Owning your own home will increase your ability to pursue that dream.  And as long as you continue to rent, you are giving your landlord the ability to pursue his or her dream.

What is YOUR dream?   There is a “Dream Machine” that can make it come true!  CLICK HERE to find yours.

Trey Lewis is VP Sales & Marketing for Ole South Properties Inc, Tennessee’s largest independent home builder,  615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340 or email TLewis@olesouth.com.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, Gallatin, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

 

 

Nashville New Homes: Thank you Gaylord for “A Country Christmas”

Nashville is a spectacular city.  People come from all over the world to visit and enjoy everything our city has to offer.  Us locals need to do more of that also!

Christmas time in Nashville is an extra special time and there are events happening all over the city.  The crown jewel of the holiday season in Nashville is Gaylord Opryland Hotel, which is celebrating “A Country Christmas.”

Remember the historic flood in May of 2010 where the Cumberland River forced its way into this hotel?

 Until recently, we had not visited the hotel since it reopened to the public last year.  We have really missed out, and you have too if you haven’t been lately!

Several weeks ago, I had the pleasure of dining at the Old Hickory Steak House, inside the Delta of the hotel.  I can now add this to the list of “must experience places” to dine in Nashville.

Words cannot describe the excellent meal and fabulous service.  The evening was so enjoyable that we loaded up family and friends and visited again last Wednesday night.  This time, we dined at “Fuse,” which had a great selection of items from a casual and less formal menu. 

And we’ll be there yet another time during “A Country Christmas”  on Christmas Day evening.  The hotel will still be in full swing, and as we found in years past, less crowded.  You should go too!  

In these uncertain and delicate times, Gaylord is to be commended and applauded for not surrendering to “politically correct” protocol and staying with the “Country Christmas” theme without apology.  Can you imagine “A Country Holiday” or worst yet, “A Southern United States Holiday?” 

Thank you Gaylord for your presence here, and especially for “A Country Christmas.”

Now, on to scenes from the hotel.  Remember, I am not a professional photographer by any means, so you are encouraged to visit and see for yourself!

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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.

Gaylord Opryland Hotel

Gaylord Opryland Hotel

The complex decks all out for the holidays with “A Country Christmas”

Nashville New Homes: The 2011 Parade of Homes – the “inside scoop”

On Thursday, the Sales and Marketing Council of the Home Builders Association of Tennessee had the pleasure of touring the 2011 Parade of Homes. 

Yesterday’s blog focused on the exteriors of the magnificent homes that are on display, through tomorrow, October 9th at Annandale in Brentwood.

Today, I’d like to show you some interior scenes from these featured homes.  Again, the disclaimer that my photography skills leave much to be desired.  Why not visit the 2011 Parade of Homes and see everything in person!

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If you are in the market for a true luxury home, this is one event you do not want to miss.  Even if you are not in the market for a new home at all, you will see many fascinating decorating ideas that can be used for any home.

One popular feature is the trend toward outdoor living areas.  Another obviously is having a wet bar of some type in every area of the home.  One home even has a wine cooler in the master bath!   Lots of diferent flooring products are used, including porcelain. 

With a little creativity, most any dream can become a reality.  With a little fresh paint, any home can begin a dramatic transformation.   Get those ideas at the 2011 Parade of Homes!

 

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, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville New Homes: The Parade of Homes is back!

Every day, the national media tells everyone just how bad things are arond the country.  I know there are many places in our great country that are suffering, but Middle Tennessee simply is not one of them!

This year, Middle Tennessee celebrates the return of The Parade of Homes.  This year’s parade takes place at the prestigious Annadale of Brentwood and is open daily through October 9th.  Click here for details  http://www.hbamt.net/

Triton Stone Group is the title sponsor of the Parade, which showcases the magnificent craftsmanship of four Middle Tennessee Builders.   These builders, and Triton Stone Group, deserve a round of applause.  Their efforts add solid evidence that the Greater Nashville market is in full recovery!

Adding more exciting evidence to our market… each one of the four featured homes are already SOLD!

Let’s take a look at the exteriors of the four showcase homes for this year’s Parade.  But before we do, please know I make no claim to great photography skills.  You really have to see each of these homes, and Annandale, for yourself!

First, from Legend Homes, a great combination of contemporary and traditional design:

Next, you will appreciate the elegance and charm of this showcase home built by Carbine and Associates:  (The brick was from an old building from 1800’s Chicago)

Across the street, you will be wowed by the European styling of this showcase home, built by Grove Park Construction.

Next door, you will appreciate the beauty of the showcase home built by Hidden Valley Homes, a design rich in “Old World” look and feel.

These homes were made even finer through the efforts of Interior Design Firms and their designers.  Featured in these showcase homes are the design efforts of Jennifer Jones of Jennifer Jones Design, Kathleen Evers of K Evers Interiors, Julie Couch of Julie Couch Interiors, and Bob Deal and Jason Bradshaw of Bradford’s Interiors. 

Not in the market for a million-dollar-plus luxury home?  Visit the Parade of Homes anyway!  There are many ideas out there that can easily adapt to any price and size of home.  At the Parade site, you will also find vendors representing many different home improvement products. 

The weather this weekend is going to be picture-perfect, so why not take the short drive out to Brentwood and visit the Parade of Homes at Annandale?

When you get there, you will feel even better about our Nashville economy.   Builders are building, people are buying, and jobs are being created. 

You don’t have to purchase a million-plus-dollar home to experience the best values in a new home.  These builders, and other member builders of the HBAMT (Home Builders of Middle Tennessee) offer the best values in every new home price range imaginable.

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, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville New Homes: The “Short Sale” can of worms.

I was showing one of our brand new Ole South homes this week to a first-time home buyer.  They loved the home and all of its many features, especially the fact that everything was NEW and under warranty too.

They had learned through others that new homes offered the best value for the money, and that in most cases, a new home could be purchased for the same price, or even less, than an older resale home comparable in size and features.  They had looked at other resales, and told me everything that was important to them, even the price range.  Well guess what?  We have the perfect home nearing completion!

This particular home was $169,990, complete with all appliances and closing costs paid.  Using THDA’s Great Start program for first-time homebuyers, their monthly payment, yes PITI, would be approximately $1153 with zero cash out of pocket at closing.  If they chose to place their own down-payment of approximately $5950, their monthly payment would drop to approximately $1076. 

They really liked the -0- down option, but developed a perplexing look on their faces.  They really wanted a NEW home, but there was another home, similar in size, just 2 miles away they had seen online.  It was listed for $84,900.  It was a “short sale.”

They asked, “Just what does that mean?”   I explained the basic process where the bank would hopefully agree to allow the current owner to sell the home for less than the bank was owed on the property.  “You mean to say the bank is going to let them sell that home for 84,900?”  No, not necessarily.  “Then why is it listed for that price?”

Great question.  And we Realtors know the answer.  It is just like fishing.  We know the list price is just to attract a prospect, who will then be encouraged to make an offer, which the bank, at some unknown point in time, will accept or counter.  We all know that in most cases, the bank will not approve a listing price on a pre-foreclosure home until an offer of some kind is on the table.  The general public does NOT know that.

So, in the meantime, those shopping for homes receive a unrealistic picture of home values.  Neighborhoods suffer.  Those trying to sell their homes without financial difficulty suffer.  Zillow’s “z-estimates” seem to pick up on the suffering too, lowering those home values that are automatically calculated.  People believe those values because they saw it on “the internet.”

Okay, let’s go ahead and open the can of worms.

 The “short sale” can be a great alternative to foreclosure and I know many Realtors that are very successful negotiating the sale of homes in this situation.  It can be a win-win situation for all involved, but only if extraordinary levels of patience can be applied.

Let’s be serious.  Wouldn’t our whole real estate economy be better off if a property could not be listed at an arbitrary price that is basically pulled out of the sky?  

Many will disagree, but ANY home listed for sale on our MLS should be able to be purchased at the price listed.  Period. 

Why can’t our MLS require all short sales to be classified a separate way without a list price, followed by the instructions?   Or, if a price has to be present, enter $1.00.  At least that way, the playing field is more level.  I know there are data fields already for short sale notations, but that still leaves the “pie-in-the-sky” listing price.  Simply put, it is “bait and switch.”  

Again, there are many great Realtors that specialize in “short sales.”  If you would like a recommendation, please feel free to contact me anytime.

Bad things happen to good people all the time.  If you know anyone that has suffered a 30% drop in income or more, that may need assistance in avoiding a foreclosure or short sale, don’t forget about THDA’s newest program, www.keepmytnhome.org.

And always remember, better times are ahead.

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, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

The aftermath of September 11th. Who will win?

Just ten years ago yesterday, Osama Bin Laden & company perpetrated the single largest attack ever on American soil.  They targeted the heart of our financial centers, and the heart of our military command.   Their plan was to bankrupt America and watch us tear ourselves apart from within.

Everyone remembers what they were doing on the morning of 9/11/2001.  I was having a morning cup of coffee when the news broke out on the TV.  Then my phone rang.  It was by Broker/Sales Manager/Mentor, Sandi Sharpe.

Over the years, Sandi acquired many friends through working with international college students.  She was their family away from home.  She was “Mom” to many.   One family, from Uzbekistan, bought a new Ole South home and became extended family to all of us.

The grandmother of this family had spent the summer in Nashville to help her grandchildren get properly settled in their new home.  She knew no English whatsoever, but was very easy to communicate with.  After all, a smile means the same thing in every language.  All of us loved her, and her family, dearly.

She was returning home to Uzbekistan on September 11th on the first flight to New York from Nashville.  She was armed with basic signs that Sandi made to hold up when she arrived in NYC.  With her smile, and those signs, she would never be lost…. well, as long as the plane landed in NYC.

But it didn’t.  The flight was routed to Raleigh, NC.  She did not understand any of the announcements, and only had her signs, which were useless in Raleigh.  The airline personnel at the gate calmed her and checked her in a nearby hotel, but none of us knew that yet.  Sandi was on the phone many hours before we knew the situation and that she was safe.  In the meantime, she is in a strange location, in a hotel room, knowing only what pictures were shown on TV.

The grandson was loading up for a drive to Raleigh, which probably was not the safest thing for an olive-skin immigrant, with a name too long to pronounce, to be doing that day.  Rumors of fuel shortages and curfews abound.  There was nothing else to do but go with him to Raleigh. 

Long story short, I will never forget the look on the grandmother’s face when she opened the hotel door and saw us standing there.  She was in tears pointing at the TV.  She had been terrified not knowing where she was, or why she was there.  That fear turned to joy and relief as we loaded her things into the car and headed back to Nashville! 

That day, America pulled together.  Democrats and Republicans joined together without unnecessary drama and rallied around our President.  America would prevail.

At least for a while.  Then we would eventually forget. 

Remember, the intention of Osama Bin Bastard and Company was to bankrupt our country and watch us destroy ourselves from within.  They did not have a specific time frame in mind. 

Fast-Forward 10 years to today and look around.  What do you see?  Democrats and Republicans constantly battling each other, our financial system struggling, and very few have respect for the Office of President of the United States, regardless of who has held it. 

Regardless of your political preference, now is the time to encourage elected officials to put politics aside and pull this country together.   This country has the resolve to fix our problems and its not supposed to be about “who will get the credit or blame.”   We don’t elect people to find blame, we elect people to find solutions… or at least that is supposed to be the plan.

It is our obligation not to forget what happened to our country on September 11th.  It is also our obligation to remember the sacrifices of countless people, that day, and every day since.  If we choose not to remember, Osama Bin Bastard wins.  We will be bankrupt and will have destroyed our country from within.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee has a 9/11 Memorial that will help all of us remember.  We need to go see it.  Often.  

 http://www.murfreesboropost.com/sheriffs-office-debuts-9-11-memorial-design-cms-27916

The steel beam, salvaged from the World Trade Center, is shown below, in its present and future surroundings:

You know, we are having tough times in this country right now.  But until you see people wading off of Miami Beach preparing to swim to Cuba, there’s still time to get it right.

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, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: Just what is Labor Day?

The first Monday in September has always been designated Labor Day.  Well not always, but officially since 1894 when President Grover Cleveland declared the holiday.  Read more details of what brought this holiday about:  

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/207792/20110902/labor-day-2011-history-origins-holiday-labor-union-workers-strike-railroad-protest-military-canada-n.htm

And if you don’t like to read, here is a video on the origins of this holiday.

Now you know the history.  Now it is time to celebrate! 

What are your plans for this last holiday weekend of summer?

Why not use Saturday and Sunday to explore purchasing a new Ole South home?  We’ve got a new home to meet your needs in Nashville, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, Spring Hill, and Clarksville.  You can see all of our Middle Tennessee new home neighborhoods online at www.OleSouth.com.

 

After you’ve found the perfect new home for your needs, why not venture out to Old Hickory Lake for a relaxing meal at Nashville’s only floating restaurant and bar, The Black Pearl at Blackjack Cove Marina.  www.blackjackcove.com

Labor Day is the last official holiday between now and Thanksgiving.  Get out there and enjoy it!  Enjoy it even more in your new Ole South 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 homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: Changing the rules…another great reason to buy now.

Perhaps the best reason to buy a new home in Nashville now is “the rules” and furthermore, knowing that the rules are going to change.

For example, on October 1, 2011, if passed by Congress, FHA loan limits will decrease in 669 counties across the nation.  These 13 Tennessee counties will be affected by the new limits:

Cannon, Cheathan, Davidson, Dickson, Hickman, Macon, Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, and Wilson.

Currently, a home buyer can acquire an FHA loan up to $432,500.  After October 1, 2011, the proposed limit will be $393,300.  Those wishing to use FHA financing on loans up to $432,500 need to act now!

http://government-mortgages.com/fha/fha-loan-limit-decreases.html

For those looking to purchase a new Ole South home in the immediate future, these changes will have no effect.  Other than with our custom built homes, our most elegant offerings are far below these proposed limits, even though they compare very favorably to homes in the 400’s.   You’ll have to see it for yourself to believe it!  www.OleSouth.com

So, if this change will not affect Ole South directly, why my great concern?

The moral of the story?  All rules and lending criteria are subject to change at any time.   

Purchase a new Ole South home using an FHA loan through Ole South Financial, and Ole South pays all of your closing costs.  There are proposals out there to restrict the amount of closing costs a seller can pay, meaning YOU will pay the difference out of pocket.  Things can change.  Act now.

Currently FHA loans require a 3.5% down payment, which can also be funded by THDA for eligible first-time buyers using the “Great Start” program.   There have been numerous proposals floating around to raise the down payment requirement.   Things can change.  Act now.

According to many experts nationwide, home affordability is at a peak.  Especially in Nashville.  Now truly is the time to buy a new home, before the rules that we know change again.

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, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee