Category Archives: Real Estate

Nashville: A Rising Global City

Well, just what is a “global city?”

According to Wikipedia:

A global city (also called world city or sometimes alpha city or world center) is a city generally considered to be an important node in the global economic system. The concept comes from geography and urban studies and rests on the idea that globalization can be understood as largely created, facilitated, and enacted in strategic geographic locales according to a hierarchy of importance to the operation of the global system of finance and trade.

It would be a lot simpler to call it “a place where the world wants to be!”

Nashville definitely falls into that category.

Global Trade Magazine just named Nashville among the top 50 cities in the US for Global Trade.  CLICK HERE

International Business is being conducted all around us and has become a significant factor in our area economy.  You will find a lot of information on the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce website HERE.

In my 13 years of selling new homes, I have been involved in many sales to international buyers, with each bringing new cultures to our region.  Many arrive because of political unrest in their home countries while others are here to pursue new opportunities.

Regardless of reason, Nashville is a true destination.  Nashville is where the world wants to be.

And when you get here, we have a brand new home waiting at one of our Ole South neighborhoods.

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, Gallatin, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

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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.

We can get better… but only when WE want to.

The older I get, the more I look back.  Sometimes I just laugh, and sometimes I probably should cry.

I remember when the internet was the phone book and a set of World Book Encyclopedias.  If you wanted to know something, you either found it in there…or you asked someone else.

I can also remember life without cell phones, although I will readily admit I was among the first to succumb to the addiction in the early 80’s.  My first was a Motorola hand-held, which was purchased for $2850.  Then the monthly service fee plus every nanosecond that it was used.  But it was cool.

Just a few short years ago, our only means of communicating in business was either face-to-face, a phone call, or by mail.

Fast-Forward to today’s times.  We have the internet, we have “google.”  We have Facebook and Twitter to keep abreast of everyone’s last known move.  We have websites instead of showrooms.  We have remote-control home systems.  And now, everything can be accessed by our own personal cell phone.

It amazes me.  Communication has never been easier, while at the same time it has never been more difficult.  People are simply overwhelmed with information and cannot comprehend, or react to, it all at one time.

Those that are getting the messages across are those that know exactly how to attract someone’s interest.  They know exactly what information people search for.  They know how to make themselves stand out in the crowd.

We all can be one of “those” people.

This Thursday morning, yes TOMORROW, the HBAMT Sales & Marketing Council is proud to have Mike Lyon visit Nashville.  Mike is author of the best-selling book “Browsers to Buyers” and will conduct a workshop on just how the internet can be used to build and improve today’s businesses.

The event is hosted by Piedmont Gas at their corporate offices.  Registration and continental breakfast is from 8-9, with the workshop from 9-12.  CLICK HERE for all of the details!

Folks, new technology and the internet is not going away.  There are no “app” substitutes for being likeable and sincere.  And no “app” can take the place of a personal visit.  However, we can position ourselves better for our message to be heard.

But first, we’ve got to learn how to send it.  See you there!

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: The HBAMT Home Show – Don’t miss it!

You know Spring is just around the corner when it is time for the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee’s HOME SHOW.  The event is being held at the Williamson County Agricultural Center and it is going on NOW through Sunday!

CLICK HERE for all the details.

Exhibitors began setting up their booths early Thursday morning and from what I saw then, this year’s show will be better than ever.  Not only will new home builders (LIKE OLE SOUTH) be there, but you will also see the latest in home improvements and services!

Whether by choice or not, we are all spending more of our free time at home.  Why not check out the latest trends in home enjoyment, especially outdoor living?  You will be happy that you did.

And while you are there, drop by and see Ole South.  Yes, you really can buy a $275,000 all brick home in Williamson County without making a down-payment!  While you’re there, register with Annette Spicer to win a $100 Gift Card.  Find out why thousands of Tennesseans are proud to say, “Ole South Built It.”

 

 

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: Need a helping hand? Know someone that does?

The past several years have been financially hard on many Tennessee families.  Even though the Middle Tennessee economy is rebounding, there are still those that may need a helping hand.

Tennessee is one of 18 states that is eligible to receive funds from the “Hardest Hit Fund.”   The great folks at THDA are the ones administering this program, which is called “Keep My Tennessee Home.”

From the THDA Keep My Tennessee Home website:

Homeowners who qualify for financial assistance may receive up to 18 months of monthly mortgage payments and/or funds to pay past due mortgage payments to bring the mortgage current; these funds are paid directly to the loan servicer/lender.

To qualify for the Keep My Tennessee Home program, a homeowner must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Be unemployed or underemployed (a 30% reduction of income) through no fault of their own. The event or incident which results in unemployment or substantial underemployment must have occurred after Jan. 1, 2008.
  • Have a mortgage for a single-family home or condominium (attached or detached) in Tennessee that they occupy as their primary residence. This includes manufactured homes on foundations permanently affixed to real estate that they own.
  • The combined amount of your mortgage principal, interest, taxes and insurance must be greater than 31% of your household income after the job loss/reduction of income.
  • Not have more than six months’ reserves of liquid assets, that is, liquid assets equal to six months of their mortgage principal, interest, taxes and insurance.
  • Have a household income less than $74,980.
  • Have a total unpaid principal balance not exceeding $226,100.

Above are the basic eligibility criteria. Meeting these criteria does not guarantee eligibility for the Keep My Tennessee Home program.

This is one program that many people are not aware of.  It is out there and it is available. 

Now YOU know.  Others need to know.  Please pass the word!

 

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.

Nashville New Homes: Fall is going to be fun!

Fall in Middle Tennessee is already off to a great start!

Leaves are beginning to turn, the Tennessee Titans first season under Head Coach Mike Munchak is underway, the Nashville Predators host their first home game of the season tonight, and Ole South rolls out its very first “Facebook Friends Friday” tomorrow.

You can find out more about Facebook Friends Friday on “The Ole South Blog,” where you will also learn just how easy and fun buying a new home can be!

Another reason Fall is off to a great start is the Real Estate market in Middle Tennessee.  Interest Rates are “stupid-low.”  Incentives are terrific, and there are still a lot of new homes to select from.   With the US Economy in the doldrums, and our local economy growing again, don’t miss exploring this great opportunity to purchase a new Ole South home!

 

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Whether you choose your new Ole South home in Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Spring Hill, or Clarksville, you can be assured you are receiving the very best new home value…period.  Visit our website OleSouth.com for the location nearest you.  Find out first hand why thousands of Middle Tennesseans are proud to say

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 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.