Tag Archives: Nashville

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a great weekend!   And remember…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Nashville New Homes: Let The Cat Out!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nashville New Homes: What a week it was!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nashville New Homes: Excitement is building!

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Nashville New Homes: More good news!

Hi Folks!

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

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

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

Or see scenes from your back yard like this:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nashville New Homes: What are YOU waiting for?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a great day!

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

Nashville New Homes: Fond, Floating Farewells

Today is a perfect day to take a blogging-break from all the many reasons to purchase a new home and talk about something else for just a bit.  

This is a bittersweet day.  Today, we bid farewell to our dear friends Charlotte and Bill Langford, who are beginning a 6,000 mile journey aboard their boat, Precious Time, a 39 foot Mainship Trawler.  Say hi, or bye rather, to Charlotte and Bill.

The next-best thing to living in a brand new Ole South home is living on a boat.  The greatest advantage is when your neighbors get on your nerves, you can easily move.  I hope that is not the case with Charlotte and Bill!    OK, back to the story…..

They are starting a voyage that is called “The Great Loop.”   From Nashville, they will follow the Cumberland River, go through the Barkley Canal, and proceed upstream on the Tennessee River, until reaching Joe Wheeler State Park in Alabama.  There, they will join many other boaters for the annual Great Looper’s reunion, or whatever they call it.  Then,  they will join others and float down the Tombigbee Waterway to the Gulf Of Mexico, where their travels will  become totally at the mercy of the weather.  (That is when they will certainly miss my wife Beth, the weather-witch!)   Take a look at where this journey will take them.

There is one glitch that makes this journey difficult to schedule.  Charlotte still has not retired!  As Executive Director of Park Manor, she has truly made huge differences in the lives of others…  such a difference that they cannot replace her! 

She will continue to manage that operation online, with a long occasional commute (weekly,I bet) from wherever Precious Time is docked.  Park Manor is an independent living facility for seniors, much like a cruise ship on land!  If someone in your family wants to get the most out of their senior years, this is the place.  I know first-hand.  My mother lives there.

Last Friday night, a few of us “boat-people” gathered at the home of Angela and Bart Bagsby.  It was a great “send-off” evening.  This morning, we were able to join Charlotte, Bill and friends for breakfast at the marina.  Then we untied their lines, and pushed them away.

We are blessed to know Charlotte and Bill, and look forward to following their journey online, and maybe parts of it in person!   Until then, may God be with them until we meet again.   Bon Voyage!

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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 home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville New Homes: A neat Christmas Gift!

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Very few cities around the country have such great architectural examples as Nashville, Tennessee.  One particular architectural firm is celebrating 100 years of design and has published a wonderful book detailing the many contributions they have made to our city’s landscape.  Here is the link for more information on this great Christmas gift:

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20101014/DAVIDSON/101014071/New-picture-book-portrays-Nashville-s-unique-buildings-?GID=CUwLbLWjEcza8zrl41A2b3u4mHej0xs83K0D1SSsp4I%3D

There is nothing like the contrast between the old and the new.  You will enjoy the link below, which will take you back in time for views of what Nashville’s landscape was like long ago.  Click it and see for yourself!

http://nashville.about.com/cs/nashvillephotos/l/bloldpics1.htm

Isn’t it cool to reminisce?   Now that you have done that, why not take a look at what the future has in store for you by visiting the new homes and communities offered by Ole South Properties?  We have a home for every lifestyle.  See for yourself at www.OleSouth.com.

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: But its not Christmas Yet!

Greetings!

I must apologize for jumping the gun and venturing into Christmas themes earlier this week, even if Santa Claus really does work at Ole South and truly is building new homes for the holidays all over Middle Tennessee.  That just simply was not being fair to Summer!

What better way to pay tribute to summer than to show a few scenes from Ole South’s “2010 Yes Days of Summer?”

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Special thanks to our many loyal home owners, area Realtors, The Tennessee Titans, LP Building Products, our dedicated staff, and 95.5 FM “The Wolf” for making the 2010 “Yes Days of Summer” a summer to remember!

I am sad (but happy for the soon-to-be-winners) to see our “Win in 2010” contest coming to a close.  The “scion-tific” drawing for the winners will soon take place and suspense is building to know who the six winners will be.  Each winner, and a guest, will be joining us on the LP Party Deck at LP Field on October 24th to witness the Titans victory over the Eagles!

 

Game day promises to be very exciting for the six winners, who will be announced on Friday, October 15th on Ole South’s website, www.olesouth.com, and Ole South’s Facebook Fan Page, www.facebook.com/olesouthproperties.   (Why not become a fan now if you aren’t already?)

At the game, one of those six winners will become the proud owner of the 2010 Ole South Scion.  Cheerleaders not included.

 Ole South proudly uses LP Building Products in our new homes.  We appreciate the support of LP Building Products and The Tennessee Titans in making our “Win in 2010” promotion possible.

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.