Tag Archives: Nashville; New Homes; Real Estate

Nashville New Homes: What about “Festive Friday?”

For years, we’ve all known that the Friday after Thanksgiving is the “kick-off” shopping day for Christmas.  When I was a kid, it was real simple…the “after Thanksgiving sale.”    In recent years, the mood has shifted into calling the Friday after Thanksgiving, “Black Friday,” with a meaning that for many can only be be explained by CPA’s and economists with beards.

One thing I love about selling new homes is being able to meet so many different people, and many that have moved here from other parts of the world.  One particular resident stopped in the other day asking about “Black Friday” and what its significance was.  He already knew all about the traditions of Memorial Day, Indepence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and had even studied “Black Monday” in economics, when during the 80’s the stock market crashed on a Monday in October.   This “Black Friday” was a complete mystery to him.

OK, so I explained that retailers in the United States typically do not show profitability for the year until the Christmas shopping season starts, and all these sales are simply to get them in the “black,” or out of the “red” for the year, with the rest of the season being total profit.

Although the concept now made total sense to him, “the marketing makes no sense to me” was his response.  You know, it really doesn’t to me either!   The marketing guru’s have spent entirely too much time around the calculator on this one.

So, why not “Festive Friday?”  Many workers have the day off, which is reason to be festive.  Many families have relatives in town (that might buy you a nice gift while shopping) which is another reason to be festive.  We’ve just finished a holiday dinner and given thanks for everything in our lives…again, another reason.

“Festive Friday” is a great day to search for a new home, too!  You have all the family together, and all Ole South model homes are open today for your viewing.  And if you simply drop by anytime this weekend, you will get a certificate for a free flat screen HDTV for your Ole South home, if you purchase before June 11, 2011. 

Take a minute to look at the very best values in new homes in Middle Tennessee, including Nashville, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Spring Hill.  Brand New Homes from $89,990 to $299,990 is another reason to be festive!  Here, take a look: 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

By the way, do you have a lot of left-overs from yesterday?   If the answer is yes, then you have another reason to be festive.  All new Ole South homes come with a complete kitchen appliance package, and that includes a built-in microwave and refrigerator!

Happy “Festive Friday!”

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: Pass the mustard!

As one gets older, (ok, me…), you sometimes think back to your younger years and the stupidest things are usually the first to come to mind.  Funny thing, if you read into those stupid things analytically like old people do, you can usually find a hidden meaning.

Back in the college days, did you ever incoherently go to the Krystal late at night with the munchies?  Go ahead, admit that you did.   Then the competition began for who could get the most pickles to stick against the windows? 

We found that the more mustard you put on the pickle, the greater the odds of the pickle sticking to the window….and holding too.   So, what’s the hidden meaning in all this?

It doesn’t take an economist with a nice beard to know that we are in a sluggish economy.  Mortgage interest rates are the lowest in 59 years and inflation in construction, although present, has yet to be passed on to the consumer.  But, there are still a lot of people capable of buying their “first-time” new home that haven’t gotten into the market yet.   Don’t they realize the importance of home-ownership to their future financial security?

Home-ownership is the pickle and we simply have to put more mustard on it to get it to stick.  And that is what we are doing at Ole South.  We are constantly improving the new homes we offer, and including even more reasons to act now. 

For example, visit any of our model homes over “Black Friday” weekend and get a certificate for a flat-screen HDTV to use with your new home purchase before June 11, 2011.  And on select inventory homes, you’ll even get a Stainless Steel appliance package at no extra charge.  Closing costs?  What closing costs? 

You can also visit our website, www.OleSouth.com, and register to win (2) tickets to see Garth Brooks live at Bridgestone Arena December 16th.  After we get your email address, you can bet you will become aware of all the reasons to buy a new home…now!

  We are expanding into even more communities where we can offer the very best new home value in Middle Tennessee.  You simply have to pay us a visit…and tell your “new-home-less” friends too!  We look forward to seeing you!

And until then, pass the mustard!  And the ketchup too.

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville New Homes: Realtors will go to heaven.

Well, most of them anyway!

One of the great things about getting old is forming new habits.  Habits like going to bed early only to find that you are not tired enough to sleep.  And there you find yourself scrolling through the TV guide thingy looking for a good movie that you’ve already seen a hundred times.

That was the case with me the other night and the movie I chose to watch again was “The Bucket List” starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson.  If you haven’t seen it yet, watch your TV guide thingy and it will be shown again soon I am certain.

There is one scene when both of them were sitting on top of the Great Pyramids and Morgan Freeman shared this with Jack Nicholson:

“You know, the ancient Egyptians had a beautiful belief about death. When their souls got to the entrance to heaven, the guards asked two questions. Their answers determined whether they were able to enter or not. ‘Have you found joy in your life?’ ‘Has your life brought joy to others?’”

WOW…This great comedy had just turned into a thought-provoking drama of self-reflection.   But don’t get out the violins just yet.. Jack Nicholson’s smart-ass reply brought the movie back into the “comedy zone.”

If those really are the two questions we will one day be asked, then most all Realtors can count on going to heaven.  After all, it is our vocation to bring joy into the life of others.  We witness the joy and excitement of people buying their homes!  That joy and excitement is taken to a whole different level when they purchase a brand new home, and an even higher level if that new home was built by Ole South in one of our Middle Tennessee neighborhoods!

We have the opportunity to bring joy into the lives of others every single day and everyone has the opportunity to participate.  Even the guy cooking McRibs at McDonalds can take comfort and joy that the McRib promotion will soon be over so he can go back to making kids happy with “happy meals.”    The only people that experience joy from a McRib are the makers of Tums. 

(McD’s needs to read the definition of madness – the one that says “madness is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results.”  And they keep trying to resurrect the McRib…I don’t get it.  McPizza would be better!)

We are now entering a time of year that can be difficult for many people.  It is important to remember that we don’t have to give someone the newest “Wii” or “Xbox,” or jewelry big enough to choke a dog to bring joy into someone’s life.   A can of King Leo candy sticks might do the trick.  Or, a kind word and a simple gesture of happiness may be just the right thing.  Especially for strangers too!   In the “Bucket List,”  the two men were complete strangers from two totally diffrerent walks of life, and their paths crossed to bring joy into each other’s lives, just when that joy was needed the most.

Just look around.  An opportunity arises every day.  Take it.  You will then find more joy in your life.

And Realtors, with interest rates at historic lows for who knows how much longer, we have an even greater opportunity to bring joy into the lives of others…the joy of home ownership. 

So, lets all go show some some homes this week!  And make a note, all of our model homes will be open on “Black Friday” and anyone visiting before 5:00 pm on Sunday, November 28th will get a flat screen HDTV certificate, good with any new Ole South home purchased before June 11, 2011. 

The “Bucket List” plays even better on a flat screen HDTV too!  

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville New Homes: Just add water.

Need to put some relaxation in your life?    Need to put some fun back in your life?  Just add water.  

Ever since the beginning of time, mankind (and womankind too) have had an attraction to living near water.  And living on the water was a lifestyle reserved only for the rich and famous.  Not any more!

Ole South has always built the most affordable maintenance-free town homes known to mankind, and we always will.  How do you transform an affordable maintenance-free town home into a vacation retreat and investment all at once?  Just add water. 

Along the shoreline of Tims Ford Lake in Winchester, Tennessee, you will find the perfect gated lakefront community, Twin Creeks Village.  Ole South has built a collection of colorful, elegant town homes in Phase 1 of the community.  Phase 2 is slated to offer traditional homes in a lakeside setting.  Take a closer look at what we have READY RIGHT NOW!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A city park, complete with boat launching ramp adjoins the neighborhood.  A marina has also been approved by TVA and the City of Winchester for construction in the future.

In different economic times, these brand new town homes would sell for $250,000 +.  Right now, you can purchase any of the remaining homes we have at a fraction of that.  Put a waverunner or boat in the garage and you have the perfect new home, for full-time or vacation living. 

We have 2 homes available at 169,990, 2 at 174,990, and 2 at 179,990.  The slideshow thingy above shows the actual homes we have available!   Buyer agents will receive a FIVE PERCENT COMMISSION at closing.   All kitchen appliances are included too! 

Don’t miss this great lakefront living opportunity. Life is a whole lot more enjoyable when water is added to it!   Call me today for all the details and for viewing information. 

To make your good life even better…Just add water!

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: Go and tell.

Yesterday’s blog topic was about students from Cane Ridge High School’s Construction Career Academy visiting the new home construction site of Rivendell Woods of Cane Ridge.   Yesterday, the students got to see first-hand examples of the trades they have been studying.   ( Photos are posted on yesterday’s blog thing.   Home Center Network will be airing excerpts on Comcast Channel 49 at 9:00 am and 9:00 pm daily.)

Ole South has had involvement with Cane Ridge since its opening and have watched the Career Academy concept evolve into a successful program format.  And it is getting better each and every day.  With guidance from educators such as Harold Cunningham and Lance Lott, even better things are on the horizon for Cane Ridge.

Which leads me to another subject … involvement in our local schools.  There are many wonderful things happening in schools all across Middle Tennessee.   We need to constantly find out what these things are and spread the good news to all that will listen!   There may be one disfunctional student that carries a knife to school, but there are thousands more carrying books, notebooks, and pencils. 

Everyone can help in some way, even if it is just talking positive.  Our quality of life is directly impacted by the quality of our schools, so we each really do have skin in the game!  The better our local schools perform, the better our local economy performs. 

Parents want to raise their families where there is a great quality of life.  Employers want to locate their businesses where they can attract great employees.  The benefits of quality education go on and on and can never be underestimated.   

 About the quality of education in Metropoltan Nashville,  did you know that US News & World Reports publishes a list of the “Best 100 High Schools in America?”   Guess what?  There are only TWO Tennessee High Schools on this list.  BOTH of them are Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools!   Tell people about that!

 http://education.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/sections/education/high-schools/index.html

 There are great things going on with education in Nashville.  Let’s all get more involved whenever we can and see if we can add even more area schools to that list next year.

Then watch the value of your new Ole South home in Nashville, Smyrna, Murfreesboro and Spring Hill climb even more.

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.

Nashville New Homes: A Great Day to …

… LEARN! 

Those that read this blog thing probably thought I was going to say it was a great day to buy a new home in Nashville!   It was that also.  It will be all weekend, too!

But more importantly, have you seen Nashville’s new Cane Ridge High School?  If you haven’t please drop in for a visit and ask to look around.  The school, now in its third operational year, will have its first graduating class this school year.   Congratulations to the CRHS Class of 2011! 

 The structure of the school’s curriculum is focused on Career Academies, with many classes offering future college credits!  Students attending this school have access to all of the tools needed to further the career of their choosing.

Ole South was fortunate to have students from Cane Ridge High School’s Construction Career Academy visit  the new Villas at Rivendell Woods today.   These students, under the direction of Harold Cunningham, are taking indepth looks at various construction trades, to include Carpentry, Electrical Wiring, and HVAC.  On their visit to Rivendell Woods, they were able to see examples of each in the “rough-in” stage.  They even brought members of their yearbook staff to document the visit!  Bob Cummings from Nashville’s Home Center Network (www.homecenternetwork.com) was also on hand.  Here is the broadcast from Comcast Channel 49, shown daily at 9 am and pm.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hglo8UqlUso&feature=player_embedded

Our Senior Project Manager (yes, he is the oldest one we have) Joe Diaferia was on-hand to take the students through our step-by-step construction methods.   Joe  is an excellent Project Manager, and he certainly would make a great teacher too!   I’m glad I was there, because I learned some new things today also.

Let’s take a look at the group and what they saw.  I won’t go into details about the many new construction features we are now offering because that is “top-secret” information.  To learn more, you’ll have to pay us a visit!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

It was our pleasure to host these students.  It was an even greater pleasure to see the genuine interest they had in learning.  Not only did they want to learn how to build a home, but they also wanted to know how to buy one!  We are excited to have the opportunity to work with the students of Cane Ridge High School and look forward to seeing that new school evolve into one of the finest examples in the state!

Now that you know even more great things about the Greater Nashville area, why not visit our new home neighborhoods in Nashville, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Spring Hill this weekend.  We’ve got Otis Spunkmeyer cookies in the oven just for 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: Thank you, Sir! (or Ma’am)

November 11th is the day we as Americans celebrate and honor the sacrifice of all U.S. Veterans.   This isn’t one of those holidays created by Hallmark.  It isn’t one of those holidays to give bankers a day off.  It is a official day for all of us to say, “Thank You” to a veteran.  Let’s carry the tradition one step further and say “Thank You” to the active-duty soldiers too!  And remember, those “thank-yous” aren’t confined to November 11th, they are deserved and appreciated every day!

But why November 11th?   Back in 1918, on the eleventh minute of the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, an armistice, or treaty of sorts, was signed to end hostilities in what we now call World War I.   It was called the Great War back then because no one was planning a sequel at the time.

Here is an interesting link to the history of this all-important day:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20101110/pl_ac/7163596_veterans_day_history_background_and_key_dates

Many are not fully aware of the differences between Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day.  Here is another link of interest:

http://www.military.com/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day.htm

These are official days set aside to honor, celebrate, and remember.  But there is nothing at all wrong with doing that every day.  So, to all the Veterans out there, Thank you, Sir!  (or Ma’am)

There are many soldiers that have returned, or will be returning from deployment.  Please do not forget that the Homebuyer Tax Credits of $8,000 and $6,500 are extended for certain members of the US Military.  Click here for all of the information on eligibility. 

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/service_mem.php

Veterans can also purchase a home with ZERO money out of pocket and take advantage of today’s incredible fixed interest rates.  And we at Ole South, www.OleSouth.com, have a new home waiting for you in Nashville, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, or Spring Hill…and coming very soon to Clarksville!  (OOPS..more on that later!)

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 Homes Blog: Let’s Pause. Let’s Remember. Don’t Forget.

Today in the Christian year is known as “All Saints Sunday,” which is always the first Sunday of November.   When I was growing up, I always referred to it as “Halloween Sunday.”   But its not really, that was last Sunday!

Who really knows exactly how Halloween evolved to be the debacle that it is, but the evening before All Saints Day,  “All Hallows Eve” was definitely its origin.  Who knows, or really cares, just how that evening became one where we are encouraged to scare the doo-doo out of people and dress up like fools.  It is what it is.  And it also can be fun.  You can’t beat fun, right?

Now back to the topic…   “All Saints Day” is always falls on November 1st and today, churches all over the world are celebrating “All Saints Sunday” to honor those that have lived and died in faith.

We are fortunate to have had all those departed souls that came before us.  They made a difference in our lives.  Without their presence here on planet earth, we would not be who we are today.   Whether a parent, a sibling, family member, friend, or acquaintance, or a total stranger, many people have played a part in shaping our lives.

So, let’s pause a few moments today.  Let’s remember everyone we miss, their presence and the difference they made while they were here.  

And don’t forget, we’re still here on planet earth, which gives us all the perfect opportunity to influence and shape the lives of others. 

Peace.

P.S.  After you have paused and reflected, this is a perfect afternoon to search for a new home!

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: 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.