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

Aug26

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

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

Jul15

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.

Nashville New Homes: Bad economic news?….Another great opportunity for Tennessee!

Jun22

Every time you turn on the national news, or read a national headline, there is negative news about the economy, specifically the housing market. Many prospective buyers hear this news loud and clear, and sustain their “wait it out” philosophy. Why?

Because no one else is talking! I saw a great facebook post this week of a quote by Anthony J. D’Angelo, “If you have time to whine and complain about something, then you have time to do something about it.”

Yes we do! It is our responsibility as Realtors to communicate the positive to everyone, not just those already searching for a new home, but those that should be. Let’s start now:

Right now, low interest rates are resulting from a lackluster national economy. Every day the overall economic news leans toward “bad” is one more day that a home buyer can take advantage of unfathomable interest rates.

From the Wall Street Journal….”Based on incomes, this is as affordable as it gets,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics. “If you can get a loan, these are pretty good times to buy.”

It truly is a great time to buy. Not just because of low interest rates, but because of the programs that are available. In this world, especially in this Congress, loan procedures are always subject to change. Here is one potential change looming on the horizon that we have the opportunity to do something about:

https://realtorparty.realtoractioncenter.com/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1653

There are areas of the country that are suffering in this economy. But others are striving, and those areas are attracting jobs and economic activity much like a magnet. We are blessed that Tennessee is one of these areas!

http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2011/06/13/tennessee-no-6-for-2010-economic-growth.html

The Clarksville/Ft.Campbell area is a magnet all by itself, bringing industry that is thinking outside the box in attracting workers. Check out a unique approach from Hemlock Semiconductor:

Click here to learn more about Hemlock’s opportunities: http://www.clarksvillenow.com/pages/10125186.php?

And less than 50 miles away, Nashville just keeps on retaining and creating job opportunities, as reported in the Nashville Business Journal:

http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2011/06/14/employment-outlook-in-nashville-among.html

And there is even more encouragement for young adults to begin their careers in Nashville, creating many potential “first-time buyers.”

http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2011/06/20/nashville-a-top-city-for-young-adults.html

Education in Middle Tennessee is also in the national spotlight! Four Middle Tennessee High Schools are ranked among the top 500 in the nation. Below are the Tennessee schools on the list and their nationwide ranking:

Hume-Fogg Academic High School of Nashville, #33

Brentwood High School, #100

Ravenwood High School of Frranklin, #284

Page High School of Franklin, #494

The above facts are just a few examples of evidence that “Tennessee is happening” and attracting more attention and activity, just like that magnet! When you plan an evening on the town, you more than likely select a place that you have heard great things about, right? Businesses and relocating families are the same way.

Tennesseans, let’s join forces and get the word out on the economy in our great state!

When you are searching for a new home, you will hopefully consider one home builder that has been providing the area’s best new home values for over 25 years:

http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/feature/ResBuilders-061711-1.html

We at Ole South appreciate everyone’s support and continue to be optimistic about life in the Great State of Tennessee. We invite everyone to visit our model homes and neighborhoods, as well as our website, www.OleSouth.com, to discover why thousands of homeowners are proud to say:

Nashville New Homes: Work Equity as your New Home Downpayment?

Jun7

What is the one thing that everyone in this world has in common? A FUTURE.

That’s right…everyone has a future of some kind. Although there are no guarantees in life, there are steps each one of us can take to make our future more stable and secure. Owning a home is one such step that everyone can position themselves to take. Your future really can be in your own hands.

Home mortgage criteria has changed a lot over the recent years, but that doesn’t mean it has to be more difficult to purchase a home. It just means you have to provide more proof of your ability to be a responsible homeowner.

FHA loans are the most widely used programs, where 3.5% of the purchase price is required as a downpayment, without exception.

WAIT A MINUTE…. aren’t there ZERO DOWN home mortgages? Technically, NO…. but actually…. YES!

In Tennessee, there are loan programs where the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (www.THDA.org) will grant first-time buyers up to 4% of the purchase price to be used toward the downpayment and/or closing costs.

If the seller of the property agrees to pay your closing costs, which Ole South will, you can use the THDA Great Start grant for your downpayment and administrative fees. How does THDA do that? What is the catch?

There is no catch. The fixed interest rate for loans using the downpayment grants are slightly higher than those FHA loans with your actual down-payment. If used responsibly, the Great Start program can be a very useful tool in financial planning.

With today’s historicaly low interest rates, the money you would normally put down can be used to pay off other debts with higher interest rates. A trusted mortgage professional can help you evaluate your options. I happen to know many, so please let me know if you would like to know more.

There are other ways in addition to THDA to secure a downpayment. You may have a relative or close friend that will give you the money, which has to be documented in the form of a gift letter affidavit that no repayment is required or expected.

And there is another provision that has been around a long time, but has basically been forgotten….WORK EQUITY. Most builders hate it because it really is a pain in the ass to deal with. BUT, it is a tool that can bring willing homebuyers to the closing table much quicker! We offer the program at Ole South and you do not have to be a first-time buyer to participate!

FHA allows the seller to credit the buyer an amount up to $2.00 per heated square foot living area for painting the interior of the home, including all wood trim and doors. The seller can also furnish the paint! Please remember in your negotiating, that is the maximum allowed amount and the builder can get the same job done for 1/2 of that amount.

You can also receive “work equity” credit toward your required downpayment for seeding and strawing your own lawn. And the seller can furnish the grass seed and straw as well!

Lets do the math using an 1800 s/f, $150,000 new home example, which Ole South offers plenty of choices. (www.OleSouth.com)

The required down-payment is $5,250. Paint the home and you can receive $3,600 credit toward your downpayment. You can seed and straw a typical new home yard and receive approximately $750.00 credit. That leaves your total cash out of pocket at $900…. and you still get to take full advantage of the lowest rates available!

History proves that over time, owning is always better than renting. Why not improve your financial future today by visiting one of our Middle Tennessee neighborhoods in Nashville, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, Spring Hill, and Clarksville? Find out why thousands of home owners are proud to say:

Nashville New Homes: “Yes” Days of Summer – Week #1

Jun5

For all of us at Ole South, this week was the official start of summer. It was for all of the thermometers in the Nashville area also!

The “Yes Days of Summer” are officially underway and we will host numerous events throughout the summer for our residents, Realtors, and prospective home buyers. Join Ole South on Facebook for breaking news of future events. www.facebook.com/olesouthproperties.

We selected our Preserve at Old Hickory / Old Hickory Commons neighborhood to kick-off this years celebrations. The residents there had organized a neighborhood yard sale for Saturday, and this weekend was Nationwide Open House Weekend too.

My day started at Kroger at 7:00 am Saturday, purchasing the food and drink for the event. I hate shopping and I always forget something. My rationale for waiting until Saturday morning was that it would be cooler. It wasn’t.

Shopping finally complete and arrived at Preserve at Old Hickory, where Grand Central Party was waiting to unload and set-up. If you ever plan an event, you owe it to yourself to check this place out. They have everything for rent, and it is very affordable. Not only that, they make it all so easy. http://www.grandcentralparty.com/

After everything was set up and organized, we fired the grills in the blistering heat. I then told Wanda Comer, the beloved on-site manager at Preserve, to “shoot me” if I ever agreed to do this again when it was this hot. She won’t. And I am certain we’ll do it again, real soon…. because days like this really are fun! Here, take a look….

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Unlike “general” Real Estate, the best part of building and selling new homes is that we have the opportunity for continued involvment with our home buyers in shaping their community. We see marriages, we see children grow up, and we have an opportunity, and responsibility to become involved in the community to make a difference in the quality of life experience. Most of all, we make friends.

Wanda Comer takes these opportunities to make a difference and that is obvious by the admiration, love and respect her residents have for her. Here is Wanda, presenting the $100 Gift Card drawing to resident Ashanti Chunn, who just happened to be out the door on the way to the store when Wanda called!

Wanda is not the only one making a difference in the Preserve. John Donlon and Annette Spicer manage the adjoining Old Hickory Commons neighborhood of maintenance-free townhomes and were on hand all day as well. Chuck Reed, our Managing Broker, hovered over the grill to make certain all had plenty to eat. He also made some tasty snow cones. Thanks also to our construction staff for making sure the grounds were in order and everything we needed to work with was on-hand.

However, the ones that make the biggest difference are the residents of these two communities! They are very active in the HOA, have formed “Neighborhood Watch” groups, and are taking great pride in the future of their neighborhood.

We also had a visit from District 32 Councilman, Sam Coleman. Sam has been a great friend to this community, as well as our entire city. He has served two successful terms as District Councilman and will be running for Council-at-Large in the upcoming August election. Sam is worthy of our support and will have my vote for sure.

This was a fun week and a great start to the “Yes Days of Summer!” Earlier in the week, we hosted Gary Ashton & The Ashton Real Estate Group (TAREG) of Re/Max Elite (http://www.nashvillesmls.com/) for an afternoon on Old Hickory Lake followed by evening dinner at The Black Pearl Restaurant. www.blackjackcove.com

Especially these days, no one is working harder than Realtors, but we all have to play every once in a while! The saying about “all work and no play” needs to be revised to “all work and no play makes Jack a miserable person.” A great time was had by all!

Here’s to the 2011 Yes Days of Summer!

Nashville New Homes: The “Dog Days of Summer”

Jun1

I used to always wonder why people coined the phrase “dog days of summer.” Back one summer in the early 1980’s, legendary songwriter Bobby Harden asked me to bring my keyboard over to his boat to play background on a song he had just written. The song was about those old dog days of summer. The title ended up being “Too Cold at Home.” Several years later, the song was released by Mark Chesnutt. We played it a lot over the years at the lake! (Thanks Judie Wells for the antiquated picture!)

Rather than dog days, we at Ole South are having YES DAYS! The upcoming weekend has been proclaimed Nationwide Open House Weekend all across the nation! The weather is going to be perfect for an Open House also. Like the song says, it is going to be “too hot to fish,” and “too hot for golf.” Why not cool off looking at a new home?

In conjunction with National Open House Day, Ole South will kick off its 2011 Yes Days of Summer this Saturday, June 4th from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm at our Preserve at Old Hickory and Old Hickory Commons neighborhoods. Tour our newest decorated model home (5011 Preserve Blvd. 37013 for you GPS tekkies) and enjoy hot dogs, refreshments, and a variety of family fun. Yes, there’ll be a waterslide, a bounce house, as well as snow cones to give added relief from the heat.

And there is also a neighborhood yard sale as well. A great way to find bargains, and meet the great residents of this neighborhood!

Now is an unprecedented time to purchase a new home. Interest rates are lower than ever. New homes are more efficient than ever before. New homes are….well…. NEW! Why not join us this weekend at one of our Middle Tennessee neighborhoods. With brand new homes from 89,990 to 299,990, there is certain to be one for you!

Nashville New Homes: Great Deal, Necessity, or Smart Financial Move?

May15

In economic times like these, we should ask ourselves this question every time we consider purchasing something:

“Is this a Great Deal, a Necessity, or a Smart Financial Move?”

But most of us, including myself just don’t take the time. Either we really don’t want to know the real answer, or we just don’t care. We want whatever it is.

This week, a young professional couple pulled up at the model home in a brand new luxury sports car. I know it was new because it still had the temporary dealer tag in the back window. As they approached the door, I was confident that this was my next sale.

After a warm greeting, I asked them “what in a new home would be most important to them?” Their answer…. “a new home…FOR RENT.” Well damn!

Even new home sales professionals know that home ownership isn’t for everyone. So, lets find out why this couple shouldn’t buy. Were they here in Nashville on a temporary relocation? Were they expecting a transfer within the next year?

No, they are from the area and have no intention of relocating away. Further discussion revealed the reason for wanting to rent. They were just unsure of the current Real Estate market. They wanted to wait until the news media confirmed home prices have bottomed out, and appreciation certain.

I don’t want to appear cynical, but the car they drove up in was 1/3 the price of a nice home. It lost approximately 30% of what they paid for it the second they signed the purchase agreement. It has little chance of ever being worth what they paid for it. And there are no tax advantages when they do sell it for less than they paid for it (unless they are self-employed and use the car for business.) But, I know better than to make fun of something that someone purchased. The car never came up in the conversation…. well not until later anyway.

If they had asked the above question about the car purchase, the only possible answer would be “a great deal.” I bet the new car salesperson would have danced a jig around answering the question too! But, they had received a nice discount, zero down payment, and 0% financing for 72 months.

For “First-Time Buyers” in Tennessee, buying a new home is almost that easy. You can purchase a brand new home with zero-out-of-pocket money using the ‘Great Start” program, offered by THDA. Coupled with today’s record low interest rates, you can more than likely own your new home for the same, or less, than a comparable rental would be.

The new home will not go down 30% in value the day you move in. Real Estate has firm documentation of appreciation over time. Chances are very good that your new home will one day be worth more than you paid for it. Mortgage interest is tax deductible. So are property taxes. You can also turn your new home into investment property and rent it out, should you ever choose to move. Try all that out with a car. You can also borrow money on your equity. Try that with an apartment.

Ole South has brand new homes, of all shapes and sizes, in a variety of locations throughout Middle Tennessee. With prices ranging from $89,990 to $299,990, you are certain to find a home to meet your needs. For more information on our locations, please visit www.OleSouth.com. Visit any of our model homes and find out for yourself why thousands of Tennesseans are proud to say “Ole South Built It.”

And while you are there, ask yourself the above topic question. At Ole South, the correct answer is “All of the Above!”

After more discussion, the visiting couple decided the time was right to explore purchasing a new home. I am sory to say that expedition did not take very long ….. their sparkling new car payment had pushed their debt-to-income ratio way over approvable limits. For them, renting it is for a while longer. And we’ll stay in touch until the time is right for them to explore again!

Nashville New Homes: Take time to smell the mulch.

Apr20

I can now cross another item from my “bucket list.” I have lived to be 50 years old. And..other than being fat, I feel pretty darn good! I am thankful for having many good friends that helped make turning 50 more fun than it would have been otherwise!

It also helps to see that I am not the only one getting older. Remember Ruby?

Birthday week 2011 will be one to remember. From a surprise gathering at The Black Pearl at Blackjack Cove Marina on Old Hickory Lake, to dinner at Nero’s in Green Hills … the surprises keep coming. It was a pleasant surprise to learn that “Nero” is actually still alive and well. You see, man can live by corn cakes alone! Like me, this restaurant has been in Nashville for 50 years plus also! http://www.nerosgrill.com/

After spending a whole day cleaning the boat, another great surprise was coming home Monday evening to see this:

Thanks to Dana Moore and his crew, mulching is one less thing I have to do! Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy working in the yard … but there are other things I enjoy doing more…

…Like selling new homes! Fortunately, we have been quite busy lately and are starting more new homes each week to keep pace with sales! Now is a great opportunity to purchase a new home in Nashville. Our local economy is steadily rebounding, but interest rates remain historically low. Whether you are a first-time home buyer, upsizing or downsizing, or investing… the “window of opportunity” is wide open.

Don’t know where to start? Why not give me a call at 615.593.6340? Not sure where you want to live? Check out our many Middle Tennessee New Home locations at www.OleSouth.com. Come find out the many reasons why New Homes Are Better. I know first hand, because I live in an old one. The one with a freshly mulched yard that needs a new roof.

Regardless of your religious preference or faith, this time of year is all about coming back to life. Brown grass is turning green, leaves are appearing on once-bare trees, and flowers are sprouting. It looks like “its safe to come out now!” It is, and I am looking forward to it! Let’s all slow down, even if just for a moment, and enjoy watching nature come back to life.

I am going to take a few extra minutes and smell the mulch…before it washes away!

Nashville New Homes: Time to learn new tricks!

Apr4

If you are reading this, you are already part of the ever-expanding influence of “Social Media.” For many people, the only source of news is a “smart-phone,” continuously displaying Facebook updates and “tweets” of the day’s events. Social Media has re-defined the way we learn of “breaking news.” You, too can be a news-breaker!

This Thursday, April 7th, you can develop and sharpen your social media plans with Carol Flammer, the leading expert in Social Media for Real Estate. Read more about Carol here: http://www.carolflammer.com/ This is a “don’t miss” opportunity, especially for Real Estate professionals!

The session is from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm at Regions Center, 315 Deaderick Street in downtown Nashville. It gets even better for Real Estate agents, who will receive 3 CE Credits for attending. Parking is free in the garage at 350 Deaderick Street. Click here to learn more about the event and to register:

http://www.hbamt.net/social_marketing_2011.htm

If you are not a member of the HBAMT Sales & Marketing Council, you should consider joining. It is great networking fun while keeping up with the latest development in our industry!

I’m looking forward to Thursday! There has got to be more creative ways to get this message across:

SEE YOU THERE!

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: A new home or a puppy? Which is least expensive?

Mar30

Back in February, I returned from a mission trip in Honduras to find out we were getting a puppy. Here is Ruby, our new “Blue Doberman” at 6 weeks old. (Notice she has floppy ears)

For those that are keeping up with the news regarding housing, things are really looking up for a change! And the word is getting out too. Read on…. http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/flowchart/2011/03/28/one-sign-the-housing-bust-could-end-soon

Back to Ruby. She is now 12 weeks old. And her ears are now different. (I always thought a Doberman came with pointed ears until now.)

To my point.

We got Ruby on February 13. She has now had her ears “clipped” (which I still think is mean) and various other puppy charges, and the responsibility of pet ownership has already set in. And it adds up.

If someone bought a new home on February 13th, the first payment has still not come due. And when it does, with today’s historically low interest rates, that payment will not break your budget. After all, everyone has to live somewhere…why not in your own place?

FACT: You can purchase a new home, and spend less cash than purchasing a puppy.

Here is a great example combining the purchase of a new home – and cash flow management.

This brand new home in Rivendell Woods of Cane Ridge is all ready to be your next home, especially if you already have a puppy. The back yard is already fenced in! At 156,990, just bring your furniture and food. Even the window blinds and all kitchen appliances are included.

What cash flow? Using THDA’s “Great Start” program (www.thda.org) through Ole South Financial, you can move in this new home with ZERO cash out of pocket. And your first payment will not be due until July, if you want to plan it that way! Right now, you can own a brand new home in Nashville for less than $750/month, including taxes and HOA!

We’ve got a great selection of traditional homes and townhomes all over Middle Tennessee. From 89,990 to 299,990, you are certain to find the perfect home for your needs. And one that your puppy will like too!

Call me anytime and let’s explore your many options! If I cannot answer, please leave a message. I’ll probably be taking Ruby out to pee!

nashvillehomesblog.com

a fun look at new homes in nashville

Tag Archives: Middle Tennessee New Homes

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

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

Nashville New Homes: Bad economic news?….Another great opportunity for Tennessee!

Nashville New Homes: Work Equity as your New Home Downpayment?

Nashville New Homes: “Yes” Days of Summer – Week #1

Nashville New Homes: The “Dog Days of Summer”

Nashville New Homes: Great Deal, Necessity, or Smart Financial Move?

Nashville New Homes: Take time to smell the mulch.

Nashville New Homes: Time to learn new tricks!

Nashville New Homes: A new home or a puppy? Which is least expensive?

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