Tag Archives: Nashville; New Homes; Real Estate

Nashville New Homes: It’s not personal.

In new home sales, or any sales field for that matter, there is rarely the perfect time to schedule a week-long trip.  What are you going to miss?  What will you return to?  These are questions that go through the mind.

 This year, we managed to select the perfect week for our mission in Honduras, which hopefully you read about in past postings.  We missed the largest snowfall of the year and we missed the most frigid temperatures recorded this winter.  On our return day, the weather turned near perfect!  What timing!

The warmer weather turned loose a hotbed of activity in the new home market with our sales and traffic at levels we had not seen since the home-buyer tax credit expired last year.   I am proud to say that ALL of our available new homes in Nashville’s Spencer Hill are now pending!   And we’re starting more, even a 4-bedroom home for $149,990!

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The traffic surge continues into this week too, thank goodness!   And according to this, the same trend is developing in Nashville!   http://kennethbargers.com/2011/02/09/2011-home-sales-begin-with-increase-in-the-greater-nashville-area/

 The one thing all prospects have in common right now is they all are expecting  “a deal.”   

They’ve heard all the national statistics on home sales and they are also hearing us shout “now is the time”  from our rooftops.  They are reacting by exploring their options.  We have to react smartly and cannot afford to let emotions block the way to a potential sale.    

There have been recent examples of transactions that could not be fathomed at any other time.  Mansions listed for 1.5 million selling for 800k, short-sales of homes where 180k is owed selling for 150k or less, etc.  Transactions like these are what prospective buyers have heard about.  Even though these transactions are not the mainstream in Nashville, their expectations have been raised.  It is our charge as Realtors to keep expectations in check, but most of all make everyone involved realize that “it’s not personal.”

Realtors are solutions to needs and desires.  Most Realtors have a realistic idea of what can be accomplished in a successful deal and set expectations accordingly.   Listing Agents and Buyer Agents have a duty to set parameters within reality. 

Buyer agents have an exceptionally difficult task in balancing their clients expectations and the reality of a successful offer.  Their clients have to know that they hit “rock-bottom”  without leaving a single dime on the table.  The process may start with an offer of ridiculous expectations, and it may start with an offer closer to reality.   It depends on the Buyer Agent and the desires of their client, but in neither case is to be taken “personal.”

Listing agents also have their hands full.  When was the last time you presented an offer to your “seller” only to hear  “They want WHAT?  Do they think I am a fool?  To hell with them, etc…”  The listing agent also has to set expectations, and focus much harder on taking emotions out of the picture when presenting offers.  “It’s not personal!”

Nashville is very fortunate to have a diverse population, and especially fortunate to be a destination for people relocating to the United States from other countries.  Negotiating tactics vary and must be kept in perspective.  In many countries, negotiations start AFTER everyone has agreed.  All of us have to know that this is simply a process and not an indication of the buyer’s honor or integrity.  “It’s not personal.”

In negotiating a recent contract, the laundry list of items and price concessions appeared endless.  You CAN do this and that.   Yes, technically we could.  But, we won’t.  It’s not personal.

The most important ingredient to any negotiation is the element of mutual RESPECT.  Without that, your deal will go no where.

Let the negotiations begin!

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 else does the groundhog see?

Every year on the 2nd of February, certain people brave the frigid weather to gather in their traditional spot for the “made-for-tv” event, Ground Hog Day.   That traditional spot is Punxsutawney, PA and the celebration is all about the groundhog, Phil, seeing his shadow…. or not.

There are mysteries surronding this momentous event.  Why Punxsutawney, PA?   I cannot imagine the sun having many chances to shine there any during the winter.  Why not Jacksonville, Myrtle Beach, or even better..Roatan , Honduras?  Why do people give Phil’s annual appearance any credibility at all.  He has only been right 39% of the time, much like our local weatherfolks!

Here is the history of this day in folklore, along with his predictions over the years.   http://www.stormfax.com/ghogday.htm

And the results of today’s ceremony……  http://www.examiner.com/holidays-in-providence/groundhog-day-2011-results-did-punxsutawney-phil-see-his-shadow-on-feb-2nd

OK, Phil did NOT see his shadow, which means he is not scared to come out.  Winter will soon be over and it is time to prepare for spring.  What else did Phil see?   Better yet, what are WE seeing?

According to USA Today, growth is on the upswing for 2011.  Now, you too can come out of your hole! 

   http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2011-01-24-1Aecon24_ST_N.htm

We can expect a rebound in home sales.  More people are renting now than before the boom years of 2000-07.   Some should not have been able to purchase a home in the first place, but there are many more out there that can and will purchase a home as the job market improves.    Read more:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704254304576116402472968150.html?mod=wsj_share_facebook

And speaking of job growth, the Greater Nashville area is steadily recovering, and will continue to throughout the year.   Williamson County ranks 3rd in the US in job growth.  Check it out!

http://www.wkrn.com/Global/story.asp?S=13942518

Supply and Demand:  As the economy improves, demand for homes will rise, and so will home mortgage interest rates.  Prices in the Greater Nashville area have stabiilized and will be on the rise as our economy regains its health.  Those that do not own a home should get off the fence NOW.  Nothing to lose, and all to gain.   Read more:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704268104576107923872216898.html?mod=wsj_share_facebook

Which brings me to the conclusion:  If you are considering buying your first home, or any home for that matter, you will not find a better value than in a new Ole South home.  Visit www.OleSouth.com for more information on our Middle Tennessee neighborhoods.  Just like the ground hog discovered today, it’s okay to come out and look around!

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: 2011’s going to be fun!

If last night is any indication, 2011 is going to be a great year.  Not just for new home sales, but for having fun as well!   Middle Tennessee Realtors packed the Embassy Suites Hotel Ballroom in Cool Springs to “Kick-Off” 2011 with all of us at Ole South.  Great food, drinks, music, and fun was on the agenda.  So was giving away money, lots of it!

The turnout was spectacular and the room was filled with enthusiasm for 2011.  We are fortunate to have a lot of great Realtors in Middle Tennessee and blessed that they are good friends too.  They could have spent their evening somewhere else, and we are honored that they chose to spend their time with us! 

Whenever you have that many Realtors in one place, you have to tell them all about your company and the exciting plans we have for the new year.   New things like these:

 *  ALL BRICK HOMES in Williamson County, featuring outdoor living areas, 4 BR, 3.5 bath, Formal Dining, Bonus Room, and a 3-car garage for under 300,000.

*   The most affordable new homes in Metropolitan Nashville.  Town homes from 89,990 in Old Hickory Commons and Traditional homes from 109,990 in Spencer Hill.

*   The introduction of ‘FUTURE PROOF” homes in many Ole South neighborhoods.

*   A totally new introduction of floorplans in the low 100’s in our flagship community, Evergreen Farms in Murfreesboro.

*   The introduction of new town home models featuring walk-out verandahs and covered rear porches.

*   Our recent expansion into the Clarksville, Tennessee market.

*   And too many other things to list!

On display were many fine products used in the construction of our homes.  Special thanks to Alsides, Ferguson Enterprises, Home Center Network, Marsh Cabinets, Metro Carpets, Mold Stoppers, Ole South Financial/SunTrust Mortgage, Tri Star Title and Escrow, and Union Station Brick & Stone for their participation in the program!

We also gave away $11,000 during the evening.  24 Realtors won gift cards in amounts from $100 to $1100!  Many of our vendors gave away prizes also. 

I really enjoy watching events like this one come together.  It gets even better when everyone has fun!

Speaking of fun, let’s all have more of it in 2011!

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Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, www.OleSouth.com, 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 people want.

The topic of yesterday’s meeting of the Nashville Chapter of HBAMT was “Features Most Requested by New Home Buyers,”  presented by Jayson Campbell, of Re/Max Elite.  Jayson has many years experience in new home sales.  That, combined with his general brokerage experience gives him a clear advantage in knowing first hand what buyers do, and don’t want.  Best of all, he communicates those observances well.  When he is speaking, you will enjoy listening!

I won’t share all of the detailed information because you should have been there too.   One fact is clear.  Although many people’s financial capabilties are less than they once were, their expectations are not.  Our challenge is to provide solutions that meet and exceed those expectations, and stay within financial capabilities.

You can have every design feature, the very best location, and the very best price, but THE MOST IMPORTANT thing every buyer wants is the answer to three questions:

1)     Can I trust you?

2)    Are you good at what you do?

3)    Do you care about me?

In the age of the internet, our prospects don’t want us to “feature-dump.”  They already know most of the answers.  What they don’t know, they will ask.   They don’t want canned presentations and can smell a “lack of sincerity” a mile away.  They truly want to find a place where the answer to those three questions is YES!

When I first got into Real Estate, a veteran agent told me…. “Make a friend, sell a house.”   That simple quote stuck with me.  Those three questions above will stick also and will be more useful than any “cliche” from a book.

Years ago I was working with a retired couple moving from Brentwood to Spring Hill.  Upon meeting them, I asked them very sincerely “why in the world you would want to do that?”  (That’s a no-no in the books!)  They proceded with their reasons…  Their current home was paid for.  They could pay cash for the new home in Spring Hill and have money left over to have more fun.  They also wanted to get a little further away from family, who came by and raided the pantry a bit too often!

They were very methodical and the search came down to two homes. After a few weeks of consistent visits, I was bombed with a question…. “Why should we buy your home over the other one?”    (I knew exactly what their other choice was and ours was clearly a better fit.)   We went down their list of needs and wants and addressed each one, without “trashing” the other home.  I then said, if you don’t buy this house, then I have failed to effectively communicate the exceptional value you are getting and how happy you will be in it.

“Bullshit!”  said the man with a slight grin.  “What’s the real reason?”   The real reason????  (slight hesitation)  “If you don’t buy this home, I won’t make any money.”  They both burst into laughter and the contract was signed.  And we are still friends to this day.

Back to Jayson’s three questions.  They don’t apply just to those buying a home, but building realtionships in our every day life.  The selling process really is easy.  Some of us just prefer to complicate it.

One other tidbit…. never “trash” or make fun of another home.  Someone will buy it, knowing what you said, and will never speak to you in the grocery store again.

Happy Selling!

You do not have to be an actual home builder to become involved in the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee.  There are lots of benenfits to becoming a member of this, and the HBAMT Sales & Marketing Council.  Please feel free to call me anytime for additional information.

 

 

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, www.OleSouth.com, 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 Tropical Heat Wave

My heart skipped in a beat of elation this morning when I noticed the temperature thing in my rear-view mirror showed 41 degrees.  On my way to the office, there were no icy bridges, no snow packed shoulders, and life as we know it is back to normal…whatever normal really is these days.  Just like a new home, WARM is better too!

Remember our YES DAYS OF SUMMER celebrations back in the days of warm?  That was the summer-long series of events held by Ole South, with great support from LP Building Products and the Tennessee Titans.  These events involved the entire Greater Nashville community…Realtors, our existing home owners, our dedicated staff, homebuyer prospects, and plain old friends.  Everyone pitched in, everyone played, and everyone had a good time. 

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One of the hardest tasks in marketing is deciding the most effective way to spend advertising dollars.  The most impact for the least amount of money is the game.  Back last spring, our marketing braintrust gathered to do just that, and the YES DAYS OF SUMMER came to life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jIms7RGti8&NR=1

The promotion ended at LP Field, with the give-away of the 2010 Scion that was the centerpiece of our advertising for 2010.  Here is more about that special day.

https://nashvillehomesblog.com/2010/10/31/what-a-week-it-was/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNBg9rYt0co&sns=fb

No accountant on planet earth can justify advertising expenses on paper.  Some efforts produce immediate results, while others produce long term.  Looking back, this promotion did both, and we are still getting attention from it.

Last week at the National Home Builders Association convention, or IBS as it is called, the National Sales & Marketing Council announced winners in a variety of advertising awards categories.  There are many entry categories to choose from.  At the 2009 show, we won “best black and white ad.” 

For 2010, the YES DAYS OF SUMMER was entered in the “Best Promotion” category and received a SILVER AWARD (2nd Place) over all entries from across the nation!  If we had more time and space to show every component of this promotion, it would have been first for certain.

http://www.thenationals.com/pages/winners/silver11.php

A sincere “Thank You” goes out to everyone that participated in these events.  Special thanks to LP Building Products, The Tennessee Titans, Home Center Network, BLF Marketing, and our dedicated staff at Ole South for making the YES DAYS OF SUMMER a national success.   Congratulations to each!

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, www.OleSouth.com, 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: Never Too Cold in a New Home.

My primary goal for 2011 is to have more fun at everything I do.  Whether it is work, just relaxing, or play… if it isn’t fun, we’re simply not doing it right!  With this “have fun at everything” frame of mind, we have found ourselves spending a LOT of time at the boat on Old Hickory Lake since ringing in the New Year. 

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This week’s cold snap in Middle Tennessee brings back many memories.  Many years ago, a great friend, Bobby Harden, wrote a song that was one of Mark Chestnutt’s greatest hits, “Too Cold at Home.”  At the time, he was living in a log mansion in southeast Davidson County and used to joke about coming to his boat in the winter to get warm, away from the many drafts in that house.  I can relate because our older home has them too.

Although we still own an Ole South home in Spring Hill, we currently live in an older ranch home in Nashville.  You know the saying… “They don’t build them like they used to…”   My response…. “Thank God they don’t.”   In our old home, the best method to conserve energy is to leave and go somewhere else… like to the boat.  It wasn’t that way in any of the Ole South homes I have owned.

Its never too cold in a new home.  Not only are new homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, but they address the latest trends too!  Check out this list of top trends…. and Ole South addresses each category too!

http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=26685367  

And the message that “New Homes are Better” is spreading, which is great news for our nation’s home builders.  Check this out:

http://www.mortgageloan.com/big-new-home-gains-predicted-2011-8220

But don’t wait too long to explore the new home options that are out there.  Times are “a-changing” and interest rates will be too!  Please call me anytime I can be of assistance in any way.

In the meantime, STAY WARM!

Nashville New Homes: Make home buying fun!

Every Real Estate professional I know likes to have fun, and likes to provide their clients an enjoyable buying or selling experience.  Some are better at having fun than others.

Every home buyer likes to have fun too.  They want to have fun and have an enjoyable home buying experience also.  Just like Realtors, some are better at having fun than others.

You don’t buy a new home every day, so why not make the most of the experience?  Here are a few tips:

1)     Focus on your new home as HOME!  Don’t stress on investment potential.  The very lifestyle factors that attract you to the home will attract others.  Your home will not be a “get-rich-quick” tool, but will lead to a more secure financial future.  Even with zero appreciation, you will have something to sell when it is paid for.  Try that with an apartment!  Even in today’s economic climate, homes in Greater Nashville have averaged 3.5% appreciation over the past 10 years.

2)     Explore the basics of home mortgages.  Know your financial capabilities before you shop and have a source for your required down-payment.  In Tennessee, first-time buyers may be eligible for their down-payment to be paid by THDA’s Great Start program.  Visit www.THDA.org for more information.

3)     Explore different areas close to, and further from work.  You may actually find your best quality of life in an area you have never thought of!  There are more ways to find information now than ever.  Use them!  It doesn’t cost anything to look.

4)     When choosing a Realtor or a home builder, find one that you personally like and can develop a relationship with.  After all, it is your money…you might as well have fun spending it!

5)     Contrary to popular belief, there is a perfect home at the perfect time.  When you find a home you like, that meets all of your needs, is within your budget, and gives you a warm feeling inside…that is the one.  No two homes are exactly alike, so questioning your emotions may actually cause you to miss out. 

6)     Too many cooks…. well you know the saying!   It never hurts to get advice from people you like and trust, but the more people you consult, the more opinions you will get, which most likely will add confusion.  Trust yourself first.  Others later.

At Ole South, we’ve made homebuying fun for over 25 years.  We take stress out of the equation and allow you to focus on what is most important to you…your new home.  Visit any of our Middle Tennessee locations today.  We’ll even give you a little yellow stress ball for starters!   Give me a call when you are ready to explore.

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, www.OleSouth.com, 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: There’s no place like home.

Like the song says, “There’s no place like home,”  especially when that home is a brand new home.  No toenails in the carpet and no strange smells…unless they are your own!

Having just returned from a marketing conference In Salt Lake City with many other great home builders, I can say with confidence that new homes really are better…all across this great country!   If you know anyone needing a home outside of the Nashville area, please let me know because I now have more great home builder recommendations.  Even far away!

And if you’re in the Greater Nashville area and considering purchasing a new  home, you can view all of our communities on Home Center Network on Comcast Channel 49 at 9:00 am and pm, and anytime at www.homecenternetwork.com.    

You will want to give special consideration to a life in Spring Hill.  Here’s why:

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110105/WILLIAMSON12/101050327/2044/A+look+ahead++Big+projects+on+horizon+for+Spring+Hill+in+2011

With brand new homes from the low 100’s for the first-time buyer in Cobblestone and Meadowbrook and brand new all-brick homes from the low 200’s in Chapman’s Crossing and Benevento East , look no further than Ole South for your best value.  You will then see first hand why…..

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, www.OleSouth.com, 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: Up, Up, and Away.

On my way to church this morning it was a blistering cold 26 degrees outside, but the sun was shining just like a summer day.  All of a sudden, I saw this hot air balloon being launched.  Before I could pull over for a picture, it was on its way soaring to new heights!

That reminds me of what we at Ole South are doing in 2011…. soaring to new heights… not in a balloon, but by offering unprecedented value in the homes we build.

For example, you will want to check out the new look of our maintenance-free townhomes at Villas of Rivendell Woods.  Two brand new home plans, unlike anything you have seen before.   Experience the flair of Key West or the sizzle of Bourbon Street from your private upstairs verandah, accessed only from your bedroom suite!

 Also new for 2011 are the most affordable new homes in Metropolitan Nashville Davidson County, in Spencer Hill, just minutes from downtown.  We have homes nearing completion from 109,990 to 129,990!  https://nashvillehomesblog.com/2010/11/03/let-the-cat-out/

And we’re also offering the very best ALL BRICK home value in Williamson County at Benevento East.  You simply will not believe these unprecedented values from the low 200’s.  Three-Car Garages and outdoor living areas are among the host of options.  

Did you eat your black eyed peas this year?  We did!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, www.OleSouth.com, 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: Why Black-Eyed Peas & Greens?

Why not prme rib?  Why not chocolate cake?  Why do the delicacies for the first day of the New Year have to be things that aren’t fit to eat, with a nasty coin dropped in them?  Where all has that coin been anyway?  I hope no one ate it last year.    

Here is the history of the New Year’s grub according to about.com: 

The practice of eating black-eyed peas for luck is generally believed to date back to the Civil War. At first planted as food for livestock, and later a food staple for slaves in the South, the fields of black-eyed peas were ignored as Sherman’s troops destroyed or stole other crops, thereby giving the humble, but nourishing, black-eyed pea an important role as a major food source for surviving Confederates.

Today, the tradition of eating black-eyed peas for the New Year has evolved into a number of variations and embellishments of the luck and prosperity theme including:

  • Served with greens (collards, mustard or turnip greens, which varies regionally), the peas represent coins and the greens represent paper money. In some areas cabbage is used in place of the greens.
  • Cornbread, often served with black-eyed peas and greens, represents gold.
  • For the best chance of luck every day in the year ahead, one must eat at least 365 black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day.
  • Black-eyed peas eaten with stewed tomatoes represent wealth and health.
  • In some areas, actual values are assigned with the black-eyed peas representing pennies or up to a dollar each and the greens representing anywhere from one to a thousand dollars.
  • Adding a shiny penny or dime to the pot just before serving is another tradition practiced by some. When served, the person whose bowl contains the penny or dime receives the best luck for the New Year, unless of course, the recipient swallows the coin, which would be a rather unlucky way to start off the year.

The catch to all of these superstitious traditions is that the black-eyed peas are the essential element and eating only the greens without the peas, for example, will not do the trick.

The practice of eating black-eyed peas for luck is generally believed to date back to the Civil War. At first planted as food for livestock, and later a food staple for slaves in the South, the fields of black-eyed peas were ignored as Sherman’s troops destroyed or stole other crops, thereby giving the humble, but nourishing, black-eyed pea an important role as a major food source for surviving Confederates.

Today, the tradition of eating black-eyed peas for the New Year has evolved into a number of variations and embellishments of the luck and prosperity theme including:

  • Served with greens (collards, mustard or turnip greens, which varies regionally), the peas represent coins and the greens represent paper money. In some areas cabbage is used in place of the greens.
  • Cornbread, often served with black-eyed peas and greens, represents gold.
  • For the best chance of luck every day in the year ahead, one must eat at least 365 black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day.
  • Black-eyed peas eaten with stewed tomatoes represent wealth and health.
  • In some areas, actual values are assigned with the black-eyed peas representing pennies or up to a dollar each and the greens representing anywhere from one to a thousand dollars.
  • Adding a shiny penny or dime to the pot just before serving is another tradition practiced by some. When served, the person whose bowl contains the penny or dime receives the best luck for the New Year, unless of course, the recipient swallows the coin, which would be a rather unlucky way to start off the year.

The catch to all of these superstitious traditions is that the black-eyed peas are the essential element and eating only the greens without the peas, for example, will not do the trick.

And there are even more wives tales to go with the fare of the day as Shirley Drosyk elaborates here:  

  http://www.troymessenger.com/2010/12/30/black-eyed-peas-greens-and-good-luck-in-2011/

Well that explains it!  Last year, we ate grilled chicken and steak.  This year, we’re going to go with hot dogs cooked over a fire, multiple pots of greens and cabbage, complimented by a whole roll of dimes!  Simply put…. we’re not going to take any chances!

And I bet you didn’t know that buying a new home on New Year’s eve will bring good luck also.  It will.  I promise.

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, www.OleSouth.com, 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.