Tag Archives: Ole South

Nashville New Homes: Do the math…again.

Back in my school days, I had a teacher who’s favorite response when asked advice was to “do the math.”  Whether it was about which girl to ask out, or which class to take, “do the math” was always the answer.  Pretty sound advice too!

If you don’t own a home right now,  and you are paying rent,  its time to do the math.  Home ownership isn’t for everybody, but it is an important component of your future financial health.

Here is a helpful calculator to help you “do the math,” courtesy of Ginnie Mae, aka Uncle Sam:   (Use these numbers … 4.75% interest rate, 30 Year term, and 3.5% minimum down=payment.  First time buyers may qualify for ZERO down, using a 4.85% interest rate.  Visit www.thda.org for details) 

http://www.ginniemae.gov/rent_vs_buy/rent_vs_buy_calc.asp?section=YPTH

Even if you already own your home, the low fixed interest rates of today probably have you thinking about that next home, whether larger or smaller.  Go ahead and admit it.  After all, now really is a great time to buy that new home you have always wanted.  The perfect time may not be there for you down the road.  

Recently, I heard another creative reason for now being the time to buy.  If you wait much longer, interest rates will be substanitally higher.  Those that took advantage of historically low rates will not be wanting to sell and give up their historically low interest rate for a higher one.   If  there is a home on the market that you like, and can afford, buy it.

Okay, so your existing home may not command the sale price it would have a few years back.  Neither is the new home you are wanting to buy.   Lose and save?  Gain and pay?  “Do the math.”   When doing that math, keep in mind that your house is your home first, and investment second.

Have Questions?  We have answers.  Visit any of our www.OleSouth.com Greater Nashville New Home neighborhoods and explore all of your many options.  We take the stress out of buying a home!  And we’ll give you a stress ball 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: 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: New Home or older home? You decide.

Which in the Nashville area is better to buy?   A brand new home, or an older home?   Thats a good question and the answer really depends on who you ask.   Better yet, just ask yourself!  

Let’s compare…

New Homes

  • Everything is new, clean and fresh. 
  • Everything that is man-made has a useful life.  In your new home, you get to start the useful life clock!  Before you need a new roof, your hair color will have probably changed and you will be well on your way to retirement.  You will not be replacing corroded water and sewer lines in your lifetime.  The list goes on.
  • In a new home, depending on the stage of construction, you have the flexibility to personalize your home with your own choices!
  • There are many life styles and floor plans to choose from, all in the same location.  Decide where you want to live and then decide what you want your new home to be, not the other way around.
  • Stay healthier and safer in a new home.   You don’t have to worry about lead-based paints.  You don’t have to worry about what may be looming in the HVAC ductwork.  You don’t have to think twice about what may be in that carpeting.  Your home meets all the latest building codes.
  • A new home is certainly more energy efficient, which leaves you more money to enjoy life with.   Remember, you just can’t beat fun!
  • A new home comes with a warranty.  Many of the mechanical systems carry long term warranties in addition to the builder’s warranty.
  • You are the “first link” in the equity chain.  You get first dibs!
  • Your new trees are not as tall as your new home, eliminating the chore of gutter cleaning for many years.  You will have great fun showing pictures from the cruise you took while your old-home friends were cleaning gutters.

Older, Resale Homes

  • If you like to spend vast amounts of money on tools, an older home may be just for you. 
  • You can enjoy working on your house while your friends are playing golf, boating, fishing, hunting, watching ball games, or traveling.
  • You are not the “first link” in the equity chain.  Others have come before you. 
  • An older home may not comply with the latest codes, and may not be eligible for FHA financing.  That may not be a problem for you, but it could be a problem when you want to sell.  Not everyone has 20% to put down these days.
  • Buyers tend to have more negotiation power with resale homes than new homes.  Just like they do with used cars.  Remember, there are probably issues that you don’t even know about waiting to be fixed.
  • The older home may be in a neighborhood without protective covenants.  “Terrific!” you may say.  Until your neighbor parks a mobile home in the back yard for a brother-in-law to live in, who happens to work on old trucks.

 Those of you that prefer older homes, please do not take offense with this satirical comparison.  I know that a newer home is not for everybody… just the people that want more fun out of life and do not want their second job to be at home!

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: Assafartay is going to Honduras.

Don’t you just hate it when people call you by a name that you don’t like?   I certainly do. 

On my first mission trip to Honduras many years ago, we were introducing ourselves to a local family, one that has since  become very close to each of us.   Everyone was saying their names slowly and basically playing panamines to get the name across.   Being “Trey”, I picked up the closest food tray and pointed to it.  Little did I know that food tray was an “assafartay” in Choluteca, Honduras.  Damn.  I should have started with “uno, dos ….”

But I didn’t, and that name is used regularly for me in Honduras.  That’s okay, it is great to see the Hondurans get a good laugh!   They are wonderful people and a joy to be around.  I cannot wait to be there again!

About our involvement in the area…. Hurricane Mitch devastated Honduras in 1998.  Friend and fellow Rotarian, Ronnie Strickland, went there on a mission trip and saw where Rotary International could greatly help in the region’s recovery.  Through his Rotary Club in Franklin, TN, he solicited support of Rotary International along with other clubs in Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama.  The primary focus has been to bring electricity and clean drinking water to remote villages. 

The project has grown every year, and is currently coordinated by the Lawrenceburg Rotary Club.  Each year, we focus on a new village consisting of 50-80 homes, or approximately 500 residents.   Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent on these projects, all through donations and matching grants from Rotary International.   Different clubs send volunteers for a week until the project is complete.  Our week is February 6th.

As the projects have grown, we have also expanded into dental clinics, opening school libraries, and clothing drives.  Although there is most definitely a language barrier, there is no message that cannot be communicated with a smile.  Allow me to ramble on another minute for a laugh…. The same word can mean many different things, and is differentiated only by the way you “roll your r’s.” 

One day, a woman asked me when we were leaving, in Spanish.  I pulled out the pocket dictionary, figured out what she was asking, and replied… with a best attempt in Spanish.  I didn’t roll my “r” just right.  Instead of saying “Airport on Saturday,” one of the bi-lingual guys told me I had just called her a “Saturday Whore.”  Everyone laughed.  Thank God.

Lets move on to some scenes of our past trips to Honduras.  If anyone would like to donate funds to a great cause, please send your donation to Spring Hill Rotary Club, PO Box 865, Spring Hill, TN 37174…attention Honduras mission.  Or, call me and we will make other arrangements.  I promise it will not be spent on beer.  :0)

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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: 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: A fresh look from a far.

You know the saying…”can’t see the forest for the trees?” 

That’s why we were sitting on a runway at Nashville International Airport this morning at 7:15, only to be delayed for de-icing……to get out of the forest for a fresh look at the trees….from a far.  And I mean far.

Just 3.5 knee-bending hours later, we arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah to join with a group of homebuilders in sharing marketing ideas and challenges for the coming year.  I know this meeting will be productive because it is too cold to do anything else!

One challenge I am certain will be on the agenda is the right balance of pricing and incentives.  New home values have never been greater.  But you must realize that home builders have to make a profit, and you really do NOT want to buy from one that isn’t.  

Here is a great cartoon about home buying incentives that I will borrow from Jeff Shore’s great blog, The Shore Thing.

http://www.jeffshore.com/blog/the-shore-thing-december-4th-2010/the-incentive-guy/

One thing I have already seen from a far…. Middle Tennessee has some fantastic new home prices and values!    Have a great week!

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