Nashville New Homes: Good News Everywhere You Look!

There is a lot of good news out there, especially about Nashville, Tennessee being the perfect place to live!  Forbes Magazine has recently ranked Nashville in the top ten slots of several lifestyle categories:

According to Forbes, Nashville is the 5th most affordable place to live.  They also rank Nashville #7 in the top places to call home.  Folks, the Greater Nashville area is happening! 

Everone has got to remember that the national news is just that – news from all across the nation.  To apply the national news scenarios to every city would be like having one national weather forecast.  I can just see us now dressing for a snowfall in Denver when it is 75 and sunny in Nashville!

So, if you live in Nashville, you need to feel good about your choice!  If you don’t own your home yet, give home ownership serious consideration.  Don’t just rely on my advice …there’s more out there.  Check out the Top Ten Reasons To Buy A Home that was recently published in the Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703376504575492023471133674.html

Convinced yet?  Why not visit one of our Ole South new home neighborhoods in Greater Nashville?  Whether you want to live in Nashville, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, or Spring Hill… you will certainly find the right home in the right neighborhood for you!

Today, if you are trapped at work, or just hanging out on the couch at home with nothing planned, tune in to Talk Radio 99.7 FM today at 12:00 noon and you’ll have even more knowledge about today’s market!

Buying a home is great.  Buying a new home is even better!

 

 

 

 

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, but not limited to, Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville New Homes: A First-Time for Everything…why not a NEW HOME?

Are you tired of hearing people, especially me, keep saying that NOW is an unprecedented time to purchase a new home?   Don’t get mad at the messenger…. get mad at yourself if you don’t take action!

Buying a first home is a serious decision to make.  After all, home ownership really isn’t for everyone.  Before deciding to buy your first home, you’ve got to ask yourself some questions.  Just don’t let people see you talking to yourself or they might think you’ve gone off the deep end!

1)   Are you planning to reside in your new Nashville home for at least 2 years, if not longer?  If so, lets go to the next question!  If not, keep renting or enjoy living free with Mom and Dad.

2)   Just how much of a monthly house payment can you comfortably afford?  If you are currently renting and paying $700 or more each month, you can own a new Ole South home in Nashville for about the same monthly cost.  Put some more payment money with that and the size and features of your new home can grow even more!

3)  But can I qualify for a mortgage?  Great question!  The rules and guidelines are constantly changing, but if you have a steady job and are paying all of your bills timely, there is most likely a loan for you!  A minimum 620 credit score is typically required for first-time buyers, and that number will be raised in the very near future.  As a matter of fact, many lenders are already requiring 640 or higher.

4)   How much house payment can I qualify for?  Everyone’s financial situation is different, so there is no definite answer without knowing all of your information.  For now, take your annual gross income (before taxes) and multiply that by .45.  That is the amount of money you are typically allowed for annual debt payments, including your new home payment.   Divide that number by 12.  Subtract from that figure any monthly credit card minimums, car payments, or installment debt that you have.  Don’t count your current rent, groceries, child care, utility bills, or party money…that’s already accounted for in the formula.  After deducting those payments, the remainder is typically the monthly house payment a first-time buyer can be approved for, with little to no down-payment using THDA’s Great Start program for first-time buyers.  (www.THDA.org)  

Using the Great Start program, the State of Tennessee basically pays your required 3.5% down payment, and charges a slightly higher interest rate.  If you would rather pay your own down-payment, it is possible to be approved with a higher debt ratio and also receive a lower interest rate.  Consult a mortgage professional for a detailed analysis of your financing needs.  I happen to have one to recommend, Chris Meagher or David Prince at Ole South Financial, 615.898.7152.

4)   I am now comfortable with getting a loan aproval, so what is next?   First off, please visit www.OleSouth.com for information on the many different neighborhoods you may choose to live.  We have a decorated model home in most communities, so plan a visit at your earliest convenience!  If you are working with an independent Realtor, please bring them along too!  Our on-site new home specialists will be able to direct you to the perfect new home for your needs.

5)   How much money do I have to have in order to purchase?   All that is required to contract to purchase is an earnest money deposit, which is negotiable between buyers and sellers.  At Ole South, we ask for a $500 deposit at the time of contract.  You will be responsible for bringing the balance of your down-payment to closing when you are ready to get the keys to your new home!  By the way, veterans and active-duty military are eligible for a VA loan, where no down-payment is required!

Although I am old (and fat too), I still remember buying my first home.  I had no clue about anything and was very nervous to start the process.  I am ashamed to admit that I actually could have, and should have, bought several years earlier than I did.  I was just scared of the unknown.

There is really no need to be apprehensive, or afraid to start exploring purchasing your first home… especially now!  I promise that I won’t go into the fact that interest rates are at a 59 year low and that inflation will soon kick-in.  Let me just say with confidence that NOW truly is an unprecedented time to purchase a new home if the timing is right for you.

The best part of my job is being able to assist people in making the dream of home ownership a reality.  I would love to discuss the possibilities with you as well!  Please feel free to contact me anytime at 615.593.6340 or via email, TLewis@olesouth.com.

One last thing, wherever you decide to purchase, spend some quality time in that neighborhood before you buy.  Not only will you learn more about your new area, but you’ll have more neighbors on hand to welcome you when you move in!

Have a great weekend!   And remember…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 The Cat Out!

Now that all of the excitement of the 2010 Election is all over, it is time to move on!  Regardless of who won, and what they are going to do, nothing is going to jump-start the economy until people start buying things again.  After all, nothing happens anywhere until someone buys something!

All of the bearded economists say that home sales will be the driving force of our economic recovery.  Everyone already knows that Ole South is the best at building the most affordable new homes in Middle Tennessee.  With this newest introduction, the best is getting even better! 

The cat is now being let out of the bag!  Ole South just purchased the remaining lots in the Spencer Hill neighborhood of Nashville, just minutes from downtown between Interstates 24 and 65.

Construction started today and here is a first look at the inventory homes we are building there:

Priced at $109,790 check out this 3 BR, 2 Bath home with 1133 s/f living area:

Need something larger?  Check out this 3 BR, 2 BA, 1248 s/f living area plan at $116,990: 

Here is another awesome plan with 3 BR, 2 BA and 1316 s/f living area at $116,990

And for those wanting a larger 2 story home, check out this 3 BR, 2.5 BA 1615 s/f living area home..priced at $129,990!

All kitchen appliances are included!  And we will even pay ALL of your closing costs, using Ole South Financial, our SunTrust Mortgage Joint Venture.  ZERO-DOWN financing is even available for first-time buyers!

Forbes Magazine ranks Nashville #5 on the list of most affordable cities to live.  ( I still cannot undertand why it costs more to live in Birmingham!)   If Forbes had only known about this new Ole South neighborhood, Nashville certainly would have been ranked #1!  For more information on Spencer Hill, or any of our Middle Tennessee communities, please contact me!  615.593.6340 or TLewis@olesouth.com.

Another cat got out of the bag last month and you will not believe the unbelieveable new home values we are offering in Williamson County!  Check out this monster-all-brick-home at $254,990 in Benevento East:

The election of 2008 was all about change.  The election of 2010 was all about changing the change.  You can bet on one thing, this is an unprecedented time to purchase a new home! 

Interest rates are historically low.  This will change.  Inflation, although present, is not yet being passed to the consumer.  This too will change.  The foreclosure crisis we keep hearing about is going to make lending procedures criteria more difficult, which always means more costly.  Again, more change.

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of owning a new Ole South home,  take a LOOK NOW, before more change takes effect!

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: What a week it was!

Last week certainly was exciting, and it started off with a bang at LP Field, home of The Tennessee Titans!

While I was at sea chasing Hurricane Richard on the Carnival Triumph, our six finalists for “Win in 2010” gathered at the LP Party Deck to find out who would win the 2010 Scion.  I really did want to be there, I swear I did.

Each of the contestants picked a key out of a Titans helmet, held by our owner, John Floyd.  No, the contest was not rigged.  I wasn’t there, remember?

But Kelly Ford, an Ole South home owner in Murfreesboro’s Puckett Station was there to turn the winning key.  Here she is, shown with Ole South owner, John Floyd, who was kind enough to stand in for me.  Lucky John!

Here is Kelly, with husband Kevin, after calming down a bit!

LP Field really was THE place to be last Sunday.  Even Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen showed up to get in on the excitement! So, while Kelly enjoys her 2010 Scion, let’s also once again congratulate Brenda McMillan, John Betts, Glenda Garriott, J.J. Love, and John Black.  Although they didn’t win the car, they did enjoy the game from the exclusive LP Party Deck!  We thank them, and everyone for your continued support of Ole South, Tennessee’s #1 Home Builder.

It really was a great week, and other than missing this exciting event, it was a great week for me also.  Selling the best new home values in Greater Nashville, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Spring Hill is always fun, but every once in a while, you just have to take a break and rest up for even more exciting news from Ole South.  Yes, something exciting is happening and more people are going to be able to afford a brand new home just minutes from downtown Nashville!

The cat is still in the bag, and it is going to stay in there a bit longer.  First, I have to unpack!

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: Excitement is building!

What an exciting time of year to live in Nashville, Tennessee!   The Tennessee Titans are having a great season, The Nashville Predators hockey season is underway, and there is something exciting happening every day!

Ole South is bringing added excitement to LP Field this coming Sunday.  Not only will the Tennessee Titans defeat the Philadelphia Eagles, but someone is going to win a 2010 Scion – courtesy of OleSouth – Tennessee’s #1 Home Builder!

 

Marketing is fun!  Rather than give away a cheap set of steak knives, we decided to do something different this year.  We not only wanted to attract potential home buyers,  but also show appreciation to those who have shown support for Ole South in the past – our area Realtors, and those that had already purchased an Ole South home.  We wanted a contest that everyone would be eligble to win!   The result:  “Win in 2010.”  Nice rhyme too!

After one visit to Beaman, the 2010 Scion was deemed the perfect selection for our contest.  The eye-catching graphics and the all-encouraging “Yes” ball brought the car to life.  Since the contests introducton, the Scion has visited all of Ole South’s neighborhoods and has also been seen at events all around town…. 

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 And now, it has just been delivered to the LP Party Deck at LP Field to meet it’s new owner at Sunday’s game!  Who will it be?  John Betts, John Black, Kelly Ford, Glenda Garriott, Brenda McMillan, or J.J. Love?  Each of these contestants, and their guests, will be hosted by LP Building Products on the LP Party Deck.

Now that the Scion is there, they are now getting the field ready for Sunday’s game!  This is the view of LP Field from the LP Party Deck:

The six individuals listed above were chosen at random from almost 2000 eligible entries!   The drawing was “scion-tific” and used the integer services of www.random.org.      

Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend this exciting event.   Travel plans with family and friends were made before the NFL 2010 schedule was released so, on this Sunday, here is the view we will have (unless Hurricane Richard gets in the way):

 

In closing, I would like to personally thank everyone that participated in “Win in 2010.”  Special thanks to LP Building Products and The Tennessee Titans for making this contest possible.  Congratulations to each of the winners too!

Even though this contest is nearing the finale, everyone can still “Win in 2010” by purchasing a new home from Ole South.  We truly do offer the very best values in new home construction in every neighborhood we build.

So, what’s next for 2011?   There’s got to be a rhyme somewhere!

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: More good news!

Hi Folks!

Every day, we are blessed that we live in such a great area of the country!  Nashville truly is a “world-class” city, but without “world-class” problems.  We have a great quality of life here and Forbes is letting others know too….look what just came out: 

 http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2010/10/19/nashville-is-7th-most-popular-city-in.html

Well, I beg to differ.  Where can you see a beautiful downtown skyline like this?

Or see scenes from your back yard like this:

You see, Nashville really is the #1 place in the US to live.  But for now, we’ll have to settle with being #7 according to Forbes!  Another unique factor, the Greater Nashville area, including Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Spring Hill, has a vast supply of affordable, high-quality, brand new homes… thanks in no small part to

You just knew that was coming, didn’t you!

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: How will we know?

How will we know when our business is picking up?  That may seem like a dumb question, but seriously, how will we know?  

There are those that think the best sign of recovery is when the telephone starts to ring.  Our prospects will call and let us know when things are better.  Some will answer an ad.  Some will register online for more information.   They will let us know, but until they do, let’s just complain some more. 

Fixed interest rates are already at a 59-year low and inflation remains in check, but for how much longer?  Folks, the time really is right to purchase a new home.  We have to do a better job getting that message to the buying public.  Here is an interesting commentary:    http://www.realtor.org/research/reinsights/economistcommentary

So, now what.  I wish the answer was as simple as posting comments and articles to a blog thingy.   According to National Association of Realtors (NAR), almost 90% of homeowners would do business with their real estate agent again.   That says a lot!   However, the NAR goes further to say that only 11% of those surveyed can remember who their real estate agent was!  I will bet the statistics would be similar in other business fields too.

The simple truth…our past clients want to do business with us again.  They want to recommend us to their friends.  They already know us and trust us.   They just can’t think of our names! 

The housing economy will not recover on its own.   Rather than waiting on the phone to ring, why not pick it up and place a call to a past client?  At least we will make ourselves easier to remember.  (And while you are on the phone with them, be sure to tell them about the great new home values at www.OleSouth.com.)

Statistics are just numbers waiting to be changed.  Let’s change them!

Happy buying and selling!

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: Waterfront Living…YOU CAN turn a Dream into Reality!

The horrendous flood of May 2010 brought much devastation to Nashville and Middle Tennessee.  Many homes were damaged, many families were displaced, and many hearts were broken.

But the Nashville Flood of 2010 has also created opportunities to own waterfront property at a fraction of pre-flood values.   There is a finite supply of buildable sites on navigable waterways.  They simply aren’t making any more of them.  The next-best thing to owning a new Ole South home (unless you are Charlotte and Bill on the Great Loop) is most definitely living on a navigable lake or river, especially if you like boats! 

My wife Beth is now listing one of these great opportunties.  Located directly on the Cumberland River in Pennington Bend is this unique craftsman-style home.   (Please understand the home did receive flood damage.  Mold-remediation has been performed and the home is now ready for reconstruction – the way you want it to be!)

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 The home features one-level living with an upstairs office area and loft overlook.   The home has many other unique features to include an indoor hot-tub, multiple decks, an outdoor kitchen and bathroom.  Excessive foliage adorns the park-like setting, complete with underground irrigation.    

The home is priced to sell quickly, in as-is condition, at $189,900.  

If you have a vision for what life “could be,” you really need to see this home before you miss out. 

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: What are YOU waiting for?

It is another fine fall day in Nashville.  Why not fill your day doing some fun things for a change?  Before you hit the streets to search for your new Ole South home, start out with Sunday Brunch at The Black Pearl Restaurant on Old Hickory Lake.  The atmosphere is incredible, the food is great, and prices are affordable too!  Check out their website www.blackjackcove.com.  

No, I am not there today, but many of my friends are.  I am consuming a bowl of raisin bran before someone buys new home today.  I am here:

But, I will be at The Black Pearl after 5:00!  OK, enough about eating, drinking, and being merry…let’s talk about new homes!   If you do not own your home, right now go look in the mirror and ask yourself “WHY NOT?”  Now, if Sandra Bullock is still insisting that you move in with her, you would be stupid to buy your own home.  Very stupid.

Home affordability is at a peak right now.  Fixed interest rates are at a 59-year low.  This is not snake oil folks, this is real.  It says so right here:  http://www.tradingmarkets.com/news/stock-alert/fre_mortgage-rates-at-59-year-low-1230803.html.  Another great reason to buy NOW is that prices are low and will soon start to rise.  I can tell you factually that building material costs are rising, but have not been passed on to the consumer YET.   Change your financial future and BUY NOW.  And buy from OleSouth.com.  What are YOU waiting for?

We had a company dinner this past Thursday evening at our owner’s home.  As I walked down the driveway, I quickly realized that this was not going to be an evening  where I wish I was a horse so I could sleep standing up.   Here is what I saw when I arrived:

And FUN it was!  The food was incredible.  Anyone that is familiar with Ole South knows that we are the best at what we do – and that is building the best value into every home we build.  The coming year will be no exception because the “best” is getting even “better.”   Visit any of our 20+ Nashville area neighborhoods and see for yourself.  With new homes in Nashville, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Spring Hill, you will find the perfect home for your needs.   If you cannot get out today, start with a visit to our website, www.OleSouth.com.

Have a great day!

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.