Nashville New Homes: ‘Tis The Season.

My first real job after college was a National Accounts Representative for a furniture manufacturer…in other words, a furniture salesman that travelled around the country.  The year had been pretty good, and to show appreciation during the holidays,  I sent my customers sausage and country ham from Early’s Honey Stand.  I felt real good after the packages were sent until my Dad said…OH NO, YOU DIDN’T!   

So, most of these buyers were sent food they are not supposed to eat, for a holiday that they do not celebrate.  Call me a fool, but I never thought to ask what religion these furniture buyers were.   Well, guess what…no one got offended, no one got mad.  They all appreciated the gesture and probably remembered me as a dumbass!

As you know, we have delicious Otis Spunkmeyer cookies at our model homes and we offer them to everyone that visits.   I’ve made the cultural “faux pas” of offering these cookies to international home buyers during Ramadan.  No one got mad, no one got offended, and I learned more about that tradition.  And we are still friends.

One thing I think everyone can agree on is… ’tis the season!  Regardless of your religious preference or tradition, this is a season for kindness and being thoughtful to others.  Lets throw out political correctness and just be human.   Acts of kindness should not have cultural or religious boundaries.   And if myrhh and frankencense were suitable gifts for a king, a simple smile and kind word should suffice for all of us.

We all need a good laugh every now and then too!  Here is a cute parody on the modern day Nativity:

And what happened at this shopping mall in Canada is simply incredible.  The first time I watched it, I kept waiting to see mall security burst in and break it up.   I then remembered it didn’t happen in this country!   Take a look:

And now, everyone is glued to the local weather forecast!  Could it be that Nashville has the first “White Christmas” in 17 years?  Read more on this here:

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20101222/NEWS01/12220345/Will+Nashville+get+its+first+white+Christmas+in+17+years

Way cool!  I am excited about the possibility of snow for Christmas.  But there is another thing on my “bucket list.”  Spending the Christmas holidays somewhere warm….

And one year, we will.  Just not this year!

Merry Christmas!  (or Happy Holidays, if you prefer)

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: “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

Nashville New Homes: Surprised, Appreciative, and Humbled.

It is now officially Christmas Week.   There have been times that I thought 2010 would never end, and now I look back and wonder where it went!

Thursday night, I was honored to receive the “2010 Sales Manager of the Year” award from the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee’s Sales & Marketing Council.   It truly is an honor to be recognized by your peers.  It is a greater honor to work with the team we have at Ole South.  This year, ten of our thirteen full-time on-site agents received Circle of Excellence awards! 

The evening would not have happened had it not been for those that got off the fence and purchased a new home.  Thank you for believing in us, and the new home industry!  

We gathered at Nashville’s fashionable Hutton Hotel and enjoyed the company of other builders, industry professionals, and on-site agents that also made it through 2010.   Connie Nicley and the staff of HBAMT are to be commended for making this year’s event spectacular as always!

At this event, it became apparent that 2011 is going to be a year of recovery!  Why, you ask?

At the 2008 HBAMT banquet, only one agent received a Platinum Award for over $10 million in closed sales – our own Lynn Harrison.  At the 2009 banquet, there were no Platinum Award recipients.  This year, there were two!  Tommy Jarrett from Southeastern Builders and Joni Wilson of Norfolk Homes.   The market is turning!

This hasn’t necessarily been a banner year for the home building industry, but it has been an exceptional year for those wanting to purchase a home, especially first-time home buyers.   Those opportunities still remain, at least right now.  Those sitting on that fence are going to have blisters of regret if they keep waiting on the planets to align more favorably than they are now.   Keep waiting and pay more… in price, interest rate, or both.

Our HBAMT Sales & Marketing Council brings cutting-edge program topics and speakers to our meetings.  In September, we had the honor of spending the morning with Jeff Shore, a well-known “guru” of new home sales.   If you are in Real Estate, especially new home sales, his blog is a “must-follow.”    His Christmas Message will make you reflect, and make you proud to be a Realtor. 

http://www.jeffshore.com/blog/the-shore-thing-december-18th-2010/merry-christmas-2010/

Merry Christmas!

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: Ten more days…

Isn’t it hard to believe that in just 10 days it will be Christmas morning?   The Christmas programs that everyone has been rehearsing for will be over, another Christmas Eve will have passed, you’ll have a new supply of King Leo candy sticks, and if you need anything at the grocery store, you’ll be out of luck and have to wait, or go visit Habib at the Kwik Sak.  Get a lottery ticket too while you are there.

Its also hard to believe just how bitter cold it is right now.  Very few things beat coming into a warm home when it is cold and I had the pleasure of welcoming a first time buyer into their brand new, warm Ole South home today.  That’s always a special time, but it was especially meaningful to me today… I had left my coat in the car!

If you haven’t bought the perfect Christmas gift for the family yet, consider a new home if you don’t own one already.  Can you think of a good reason not to?    You can own a brand new home in Nashville for less than $800 per month, including taxes and insurance.  And you can also pay more if you would like!

No matter how energy efficient your new home is, cold weather like we are experiencing right now will spin your meters like a roulette wheel.   Everyone knows that new homes have proper insulation, energy efficient windows, high efficiency heating systems,  efficient appliances, etc.   But here are a few helpful hints to save a few extra heating dollars with any home this holiday season:

1)  Try setting your heat at 65.   That sounds crazy, but we started that at our house several winters ago and it really has saved a fortune.  (If you think that is cold, go outside for a few minutes and then come back in) 

2)  If you have a central heating unit, switch the fan from automatic to MANUAL mode.   Warm air rises and cold air falls – leaving the fan on manual keeps the air evenly blended and actually reduces the time the heating elements are on. 

3)  If you have a heat pump, whenever you need to set the temperature higher, do it in small increments of 2 degrees.  This will keep the electric coils from kicking in, and slowly raise your temperature. 

4)  Build a Fire?????   I know people say not to use a fireplace because all the heat goes up the chimney and I think that is a bunch of crap.   If that is true, why do people build fires in the fireplace to keep warm when the power goes out?  Just a thought….

Also, no matter what type of home you live in, keep a pair of gloves, a flashlight, and a blanket in your car and keep the gas tank full.  This time of year, anything can happen on your way home from work.

Bottom line….Stay warm and take time to enjoy the season before its gone!

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: We told you so… But its still not too late!

Remember all the talk over the recent months about NOW being THE time to purchase a new home?   Realtors and Mortgage bankers have been preaching it.  Every financial planner has been agreeing.  I’ve written numerous blog posts about it too.  Many people listened and bought a new home.  Many people did not.  They are still renting.

Well, it still is a great time to buy a home….BUT…. you really should have bought when you were asked to several weeks ago!   No one wants to hear “we told you so” so I won’t say it.  

If you haven’t heard, interest rates have inched upward in recent weeks.  Here’s the story:  http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-mortgage-rates-20101210,0,1978719.story

But rates are still incredibly low, and there are many incentives to buy a new home right now.  The fact that a first time buyer can buy a home with little to no cash out of pocket, and have a 4.55% fixed interest rate is still incredible!  If you would like to know more about buying a home, call me…or your favorite Realtor.

A good credit score is a necessity for obtaining a mortgage loan, car loan, or most any loan for that matter.  Here is an interesting article about credit scoring, or as it says, credit ranking:  And we thought we had it all figured out!

http://www.zillow.com/blog/new-twist-your-credit-score-is-a-ranking-not-a-rating/2010/12/10/

Something else to think about… You will stay WARM in the winter and COOL in the summer, all while saving energy, in a brand new Ole South home.   Think about it, why shouldn’t you own a new home?

OK, lets say it again:  “If you have any desire at all to own a home, act now.”   You will be glad you did!

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: Its Friday.

Are you tired of the recent cold snap?  I certainly am.  This week has been a struggle and its almost over…its Friday.

Update on our friends Kathey and Chuck Payne…. Chuck remains at his father’s bedside, where he has been since last Saturday.  Good news…Kathey’s father is now back at home and doing well from his recent hospital stay at St. Thomas.  Continued thoughts and prayers for this awesome family.

This morning, Beth and I said our final “good-byes” to our black lab, Bill.  He certainly brought much happiness into our world, and to everyone he ever met while here.    Why does “doing the right thing” feel so wrong?   To end an animal’s suffering is humane, but we must watch humans linger in suffering.  I know this is God’s world and yes, I do have many questions.  Enough of this for now.

A dear friend shared this poem with me this morning.  I would like to share it also, in tribute to Bill The Dog.

The Rainbow Bridge

inspired by a Norse legend

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,

Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

Where the friends of man and woman do run,

When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,

Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

On this golden land, they wait and they play,

Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,

For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,

Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,

Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,

Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;

Together again, both person and pet.

So they run to each other, these friends from long past,

The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,

Has turned into joy once more in each heart.

They embrace with a love that will last forever,

And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.
© 1998 Steve and Diane Bodofsky. All Rights Reserved

Nashville New Homes: Tough times.

Many of you know our black lab, Bill.  For those that don’t, here is a picture of him in action:

Last week, the vet diagnosed Bill with terminal cancer.   Yesterday evening at the lake, reality set in.  Our Sunday evenings are almost always spent at the lake with a group of dear friends.  Many people think all of us are weird, but being at the lake has a calming effect – even in the most difficult of times.

And Bill loves being there too!  He knows his way around at the marina.  After a “business trip” to land, accompanied by our dear friend and animal lover Teresa, Bill trotted back to the boat and made his usual hop on the deck…but this time he missed – and fell between the boat and the dock into the icy water of Old Hickory Lake.  Thank goodness Teresa heard the splash, because the rest of us were inside doing what “boat people” do…eating.

We all run outside in panic and there is Bill, calmly swimming around behind the boat, almost like he really wanted to be there.  When we fished him out, he was calm, did the usual dog shake and proceeded to be wrapped up in towels inside.  It was almost like that swim was on his “bucket list.”  Since this incident, his appetite is better, and he doesn’t seem to be in pain.  He is watching TV right now as I am typing.  We do know that his condition has moved from “if” to “when” and I pray God gives us the ability to know when “when” is, for Bill’s sake.  I also hope God has a leather couch.

Also this weekend, our boating family mourns the passing of Grady DeVan.  When you think of boating on the Cumberland River, Grady and his wife Ann are among the first people that come to mind.   Deepest condolences to Ann and we wish Grady the best up there on the great river.

There is a special family that could certainly use our thoughts and prayers right now – Kathey and Chuck Payne, and their family.   For as many years as I can remember, they have cared for BOTH sets of parents in their home, which they joking refer to as the “Evergreen Nursing Home.”

Tonight, Chuck continues his bedside vigil with his father, under hospice care.  While I was talking with Chuck this evening, I was re-living the experience of my final time with my father 5 years ago.   After humming every song in the hymnal while holding his hand, he peacefully passed – and although sad, was comforting at the same time.  I pray for Chuck to feel the same comfort.

Meanwhile, Kathey’s father was admitted to St. Thomas Saturday with heart-attack symptoms and will be there a few more days.   Kathey is right there by his side too.   There are angels here on earth and their names are Kathey and Chuck.

Earlier today, today’s blog topic was going to be a satirical look at needs and wants.  It is going to have to wait. 

For right now, all I want is for everything to be all right and that I really need to say a prayer.  I hope you will too.

Goodnight.

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: Let’s share some laughs.

There is one thing that can make everyone’s day brighter and that is a good laugh!    Rather than ramble on about all the valid reasons to purchase a new home right now (especially if you are a first-time buyer), let’s share a few laughs about Real Estate, the economy, and life in general.

This Realtor takes the art of “overcoming objections” to an entirely new level:

And we all have had similar showings to this one:

And here is one especially for buyer agents working with “wanna-be” investors:

Listen to our own Brandon Wise talking about buying a NEW home:

Winter is coming.  You can avoid this scenario buy purchasing a new Ole South home with your own garage:

And lastly, let’s have a laugh about the economy.  Sure beats crying!

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: Do the math.

Back in my school days, I had a teacher who’s favorite response when asked advice was to “do the math.” Whether it was about which girl to ask out, or which college to attend, “do the math” was always the answer. Pretty sound advice too!

If you don’t own a home right now,  and you are paying rent,  its time to do the math.  Home ownership isn’t for everybody, but it is an important component of your future financial health.

Here is a helpful calculator to help you “do the math,” courtesy of Ginnie Mae, aka Uncle Sam:   (Use these numbers … 4.75% interest rate, 30 Year term, and 3.5% minimum down=payment.  First time buyers may qualify for ZERO down, using a 4.85% interest rate.  Visit www.thda.org for details) 

http://www.ginniemae.gov/rent_vs_buy/rent_vs_buy_calc.asp?section=YPTH

Even if you already own your home, the low fixed interest rates of today probably have you thinking about that next home, whether larger or smaller.  Go ahead and admit it.  After all, now really is a great time to buy that new home you have always wanted.  It may not be there for you down the road.   Let’s “do the math.”

Recently, I heard another creative reason for now being the time to buy.  If you wait much longer, interest rates will be substanitally higher and no one will be wanting to sell and give up their historically low interest rate for a higher one.  

Okay, so your existing home may not command the sale price it would have a few years back.  Neither is the new home you are wanting to buy.   Lose and save?  Gain and pay?  “Do the math.”   When doing that math, keep in mind that your house is your home first, and investment second.

Have Questions?  We have answers.  Visit any of our www.OleSouth.com Greater Nashville New Home neighborhoods and explore all of your many options.  We take the stress out of buying a home!  And we’ll give you a stress ball 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 New Homes: Santa is coming to town.

Actually, Santa recently passed through Nashville.   And he brought a lot of great things to the Greater Nashville area with him!   And not to worry, he will be back again… very soon!

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Nashville now celebrates the opening of Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville in the downtown business district.  Everyone knows that Margaritavilles only locate in the most popular of tourist destinations!  Here you can learn more about this new iconic venue from the Nashville Business Journal:

http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2010/11/22/margaritaville-opens-in-downtown.html

And another spectacular event happened earlier this month, the re-opening of Opryland Hotel – transformed from $200 million in flood damage to a collection of over 2 million Christmas lights! 

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/40197429/ns/travel-news/

Another holiday spectacular you will not want to miss is the Season of Celebration, at Nashville’s Cheekwood Botanical Gardens.  The Arts are alive in well in Nashville, Tennessee!

http://www.cheekwood.org/Art/Season_of_Celebration.aspx

These events are just a few of the many things that Santa has brought to Nashville this year.   Back in 1986, he brought Ole South Properties to Middle Tennessee and we have been building the very best new home values in Nashville, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Spring Hill ever since!   From 89,990 to $299,990, we have a brand new home to meet your needs.

Santa can’t bring a new home down your chimney, but he certainly can point you in the right direction to find one – www.OleSouth.com.   Join us on Facebook too!  www.facebook.com/olesouthproperties

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