Tag Archives: Homeownership for the Brave

Good News for Veterans, and Active-Duty too!

With Veterans Day being this week, I would like to take the opportunity to reach out to all Veterans and Active-Duty military personnel that may be thinking about purchasing a new home.

The great folks at THDA are always on the forefront of great programs that encourage home ownership, and they have a special program just for Veterans and Active Duty military.  You don’t even have to use your VA Eligibility to use the program either… but you can and save even more!

This exciting program is called “Home Ownership for the Brave.”  For more information, CLICK HERE.   I just had the honor of welcoming a veteran who used this program into his new home last Friday!

This program is a valuable tool and can be used in many circumstances.  Already have another VA Loan?  Already used your VA acquisition limit?  Debt Ratio issues?  Simply want a lower interest rate?  If you answered yes to any of these, you need to explore this program!

If you have a preferred mortgage lender, give them a call.  If you don’t call me and I will recommend one!

Mortgage interest rates are lower than they have ever been.  Why not pursue the dream of owning your home?  An Ole South model home is a great place to start

 

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, Gallatin, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

 

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Nashville New Homes: Need more reasons to buy now? You’ve got em!

If you’ve been waiting for the planets to become perfectly lined up before buying your first home, wait no longer!

Buying your first home is a big decision, and if you haven’t thought much about it, you need to start now.  According to HUD, home prices have stabilized and will start rising.

Read more…..

http://www.housingzone.com/housingzone/sales/hud-secretary-home-prices-set-rise

If you have a stable job, and plan on staying in the Nashville area, what are you waiting for?  The rent to go up?

No agency is better developing programs for first-time buyers than the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, THDA, who announced today a further drop in their program rates effective Monday, July 18th.  Check this out:  (shown are current rates, edited January 2012)

THDA Great Rate – 3.95%     This loan is perfect for a first-time buyer that already has their 3.5% downpayment funds secured, but has high “front-end” ratios.  With this loan, the house-payment can actually be as high as 44.99% of gross income, as long as no other installment debt is present.

THDA Great Advantage – 4.25%   This plan is great for those that may be just a little short on cash.  With this plan, the buyer receives a 2% grant, which can be used toward the required downpayment, or closing costs.

THDA Great Start – 4.55%   This plan is terrific for those wishing to save their cash for other plans.  The buyer receives a 4% grant, which can be used toward the required downpayment, administrative, and closing costs.  With a seller paying all closing costs (which Ole South does), this is truly a “ZERO CASH REQUIRED” loan.

Homeownership for the Brave – Veterans and active duty military ned to explore this great program.  Pick any plan listed above and subtract 1/2% from the fixed interest rate.  No first time buyer requirement, and if you have another home financed through VA, you can still use this program and not sell that other home…as long as the new home will be your principal residence.

Targeted Counties – The first-time buyer requirement is waived in designated “targeted counties.”  Maury County is one such area and you will want to explore to great selection of new homes in Ole South’s Meadowbrook and Cobblestone neighborhoods of Spring Hill.

Detailed information is available at THDA’s website, www.THDA.org.

 

Want to learn more?   Whether you are exploring purchasing your first home, looking to move-up or downsize, or would simply like to know more about all home financing issues and programs, drop by Bridgestone Arena this Sunday, July 17th from 1:00 to 5:00 pm for the 2011 Mayor’s Homeownership Fair.   THDA will be there.  And so will Ole South!

For more information, visit the website  http://www.nashville.gov/housingfair/

Come on down and learn more about why NOW is the time to purchase a new home!

And you are always invited to drop by any of our Middle Tennessee model homes.  We’ll be excited to explore your options with 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 homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: Let’s keep welcoming home the 101st!

No one could be any prouder of this country’s accomplishments in the “War Against Terror” than the members of the 101st Airborne, stationed at Fort Campbell.   Their commitment and vigilance thousands of miles away are the very actions that have preserved our freedoms to this day. 

Since January, members of the 101st have been welcomed home from tours of duty each week.  In airports, grocery stores, and shopping malls they are graciously thanked for their service.  If you haven’t had a chance to thank a soldier for their service lately, please do so.  Our troops, active-duty and retired, deserve our thanks.

The events of the past few days gave the troops returning to Fort Campbell this week added satisfaction and pride in their mission.  Osama Bin Laden, the leader of Al-Quieda had been killed.  It was also the 101st’s own 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (The Night Stalkers) that executed the plan to deliver the Navy SEALS Assault Team to Bin Laden’s compound.   Mission Accomplished!

Yesterday, May 6th, President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden arrived at Fort Campbell.  The President met privately with the assault team and then publicly addressed the members of the 101st.  Click here to see the transcript of his address:

http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20110507/NEWS08/105070317/President-Barack-Obama-s-speech-Fort-Campbell?odyssey=mod%7Cdefcon%7Cimg%7CFRONTPAGE

A Presidential visit to a military installation, such as Fort Campbell, is a very special event, regardless of anyone’s political preference.  I was surprised to learn that President Barack Obama is the sixth US President to visit Fort Campbell.  This is the second time President Obama has met with members of the 101st, the first time in Afghanistan.

Here is the history of Presidential Visits to the post, from the website www.welcometoclarksville.com:

The post received particular attention from George W. Bush, who visted three times while president and made a Fort Campbell appearance one of the final events of his years as commander-in-chief.

 2008: Bush spoke to an audience of about 7,500 soldiers at Hangar 9 on Nov. 25, 2008, before having lunch with 11 soldiers from 101st Airborne Division at Son’s Cafe.

During his speech, in reflecting on his years in office, Bush said, “Above all, I’m going to miss spending time with men and women who have volunteered to serve the United States of America, the fine men and women who wear the uniform.”

2004: Bush made his second visit to Fort Campbell March 18, 2004, following a difficult but victorious 101st Airborne deployment in Iraq.

 Bush addressed more than 12,000 members of the 101st Airborne Division, along with 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and 5th Special Forces Group troops.

 He was introduced by then-commanding general of Fort Campbell Maj. Gen. David H. Petraeus. Bush had lunch with a group of soldiers and went to the post’s Pratt Museum to meet with the families of 46 soldiers who were killed during the global war on terrorism.

 2001: Bush first visited Fort Campbell for a Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 22, 2001, two months after the 9/11 terror attacks. More than 10,000 soldiers at the Division Parade Field greeted the president with chants of “USA” and cries of “Hooah” and “Air Assault.”

 Bush told the soldiers that terrorism will be snuffed out and the Screaming Eagles should be ready if they’re deployed to fight the “evil ones.”

 Several 5th Special Forces Group soldiers were already in Afghanistan, helping to root out the Taliban regime. Two months later, in January 2002, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne deployed to Afghanistan.

2000: President Bill Clinton arrived briefly at Fort Campbell aboard Air Force One, shook hands with well-wishers, and was flown via Marine One helicopter to an Owensboro, Ky., appearance.

 1992: President George H.W. Bush landed at Fort Campbell in 1992 for a speech at Austin Peay State University. The former president also stopped at the post later that year on his way to a campaign rally in Paducah, Ky.

1985: President Ronald Reagan came to Fort Campbell for the Gander memorial after more than 200 soldiers died in a plane crash over Newfoundland.

 1984: Reagan made a stop at Fort Campbell on his way to Bowling Green, Ky., to inspect Mammoth Cave National Park.

 1966: President Lyndon Johnson came to Fort Campbell to inspect weapons captured from North Vietnamese soldiers.

 Compiled from Leaf-Chronicle archives.

Yesterday, Friday May 6th was “Military Spouse Appreciation Day.”  Even though the official day has passed, it is never too late to show appreciation to the spouses and family of our brave service men and women.

Now is also an unprecedented time for military families to purchase a new home.  Normally I would not throw a “home sales message” into a post of this context, but I also feel we have an obligation to inform, espeically when the information can change a financial future.

We all know that Veterans can purchase a new home without a down-payment using a VA Loan.  The State of Tennessee has made that loan eligibility even more attractive with its “Homeownership for the Brave” program for active duty and retired military, and those that have served in the armed forces. 

The interest rate savings are tremendous and I will be sharing more information and savings examples in a future posting.  In the meantime, if you would like more information on this exciting program, please call me at 615.593.6340.

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 stupid questions are the ones you don’t ask!

After the good-ole days of school, the thought of owning a home seldom crossed my mind.  I knew nothing about the process and was living under the assumption that I would have to have a large down-payment whenever the time came.  I didn’t feel comfortable asking questions.  I did not want to appear stupid.

A few years later, a friend who was a mortgage geek asked me why I had not purchased a home.  Being self-employed, I really did not know where to start, and did not want to admit it.   Swallowing my stupid pride, I finally laid all the pieces to the puzzle out there and purchased a home weeks later.  Then, I backed up to the “ass-kicking machine” for not asking someone sooner!  It really was that easy…and still is today!

Every year you do not own a home is another year you will not build financial security.  If the home you purchase does not go up in value at all, it will still be yours when it is paid for and you still have something to sell.  Home Equity loans have also put many children through college.  No apartment complex has ever managed to do that… except for its owners!

Lets address a few of the many questions that our first-time buyer of today might want to ask:

1)   How much down-payment will I have to have?     Don’t you just hate hearing the answer, “it depends.”  I do, and refuse to use that as an answer.  In most cases, you will have to have a minimum down-payment of 3.5% of your home’s purchase price.  In Tennessee, first-time buyers using THDA’s Great Start can purchase a new Nashville area home with ZERO down payment and ZERO cash out of pocket.  Of course, certain credit and income restrictions apply, but the program is relatively easy to qualify for.   Visit www.thda.org for more details.

Members of our US Military, Veterans and Active-duty, are also eligible for ZERO DOWN financing and can now receive a 1/2% reduction in their fixed interest rate under THDA’s new “Homeownership for the Brave” program.    Please contact me anytime and I will tell you all about these great options!  615.593.6340.

2)  Just what are closing costs?   Much like purchasing a car, closing costs include sales taxes and various fees.  The costs of obtaining your loan are also closing costs, and there are many options there as well.  Also included is an escrow account where you property taxes and insurance is pre-paid into the future.  Typical closing costs to range between 3 to 4% of the purchase price of your home.  This amount is due at the time of closing.

3)  Who pays closing costs?  Everybody pays in one way or another!  Who gives the money at closing is negotiable.  It is very common for buyers to negotiate with the seller to pay closing costs.  If you purchase a new home with Ole South, ALL of your closing costs are paid when using our network of preferred lenders.  In any case, we will pay 2% toward your closing costs with any lender.  We make it easy to own a new home.

4)  How much money do I need when I decide to contract on a home?  The deposit amount you place when you contract is a negotiable figure between buyer and seller.  That deposit is called “Earnest Money” and is held in escrow to apply toward your cash requirements at closing.  We at Ole South ask for a minimum $500 deposit at the time of contract.  If you use the THDA Great Start program through Ole South Financial, you will receive this deposit back at closing!

5)  When do my payments start?  Payments on your new home do not start until the home is completed and the transaction is closed.  Typical first payments are due 30 days forward to the 1st of the next month.  If you close on April 15th, your first payment will be due on June 1.

So get out there and explore the many homeownership options that are in front of you!   See for yourself how new homes are better.  Start by visiting the new home neighborhoods of Ole South.  And remember, if you have questions….. we have the answers!   www.OleSouth.com

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

Nashville New Homes: “Homeownership for the Brave” – Breaking News for Veterans and Active Military!

The Tennessee Housing Development Agency just hit a “home run” in their newest program, “Homeownership for the Brave.”   Those that are eligible will receive a ONE-HALF PERCENT permanent reduction in their fixed interest rate on their home purchase!

This program is valid for purchasing a home, preferably a new one!   Here is a list of those that are eligble for this great program:

*   All Veterans

*   Active Duty Military

*   Retired Military

*   Active Duty Reservists – or Reservists who have served 180 days minimum active duty

*   Personnel discharged under conditions other than dishonorable

*   Spouse of Veteran, or Surviving Spouse of Veteran

There are  certain income and purchase price restrictions, per existing THDA guidelines.  Click here for more eligibility information:  http://www.thda.org/singlefamily/dpchoices.html

This program is BRAND NEW and not even listed on THDA’s website yet.  (www.thda.org)   If you would like additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime at 615.593.6340, or your favorite mortgage lender.  If you don’t have a favorite lender, why not give Chris Meagher or David Prince at Ole South Financial a call at 615.898.7152.  Remember, if you use Ole South Financial for your new home mortgage needs, ALL CLOSING COSTS ARE PAID on your new Ole South home.

And don’t forget that certain military personnel are still eligible to take advantage of the Home Buyer Tax Credits!  This was discussed in a previous blog post here:  https://nashvillehomesblog.com/2010/11/10/thank-you-sir/

We have new homes all over Middle Tennessee, including Clarksville!  For detailed information on our neighborhoods and available homes, please visit our website, www.OleSouth.com.  Even better, visit one of our model homes and see for yourself why “New Homes Are 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 Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee