Tag Archives: Ole South

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 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.

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: And what a week this is going to be!

Forbes Magazine just released a list of the most affordable places to live in America and Nashville ranks #5!  However, the list is somewhat perplexing to the mind because Birmingham is rated #11.  Seriously folks, who would pay MORE to live in Birmingham when they could live in Nashville for less?  I just don’t get it.

We at Ole South continue to do our part in making these great rankings possible. With brand new town homes from $89,990, traditional neighborhood new homes (with garages too!) from 119,990, up to all brick masterpieces with 3-car garages under $300,000 and all points between – you simply will not find a better new home value than with Ole South.

You owe it to yourself to visit our website, http://www.OleSouth.com. Even better, pay a visit to one of our 20+ neighborhoods in the Greater Nashville area, to include Cane Ridge, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Spring Hill. Eat an Otis Spunkmeyer cookie or two while you are there.

It is just now Monday, and so much is happening that I cannot begin to tell you all about it…so I won’t. Stay tuned though.  A new home in Metropolitan Nashville Davidson County will soon be more affordable than ever.  

Folks, tomorrow is Election Day and I truly hope that everyone will exercise their right to vote.  And regardless of the outcome, each one of us should make an effort to get involved in matters that are vital to our future.  If we don’t voice our opinions and concerns openly, our elected dummies have no choice but to vote for what benefits them the most.   So let’s all vote, become more involved, and earn the right to bitch!  :0)

That said, last week while cruising on the Carnival Triumph, I discovered what just might be my second favorite place to live, right behind living in a brand new Ole South home in Greater Nashville.  That place is Roatan, Honduras.  Carnival Cruise Lines just spent a zillion dollars developing the newest cruise port on the Caribbean, Mahogany Bay.   Check out John Heald’s Blog for the details.  

http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/12/13/mahogany-bay/

And here are pictures from our visit:

Roatan is almost like Disneyland for adults.  There is a lift-chair thingy that carries you from the ship to the beach areas.  The beachfront rivals anything you have ever seen.  Air-conditioned cabanas are available for rent to those that have more money than good sense.  Food and bar service is everywhere and the place is super-clean too!  I wish I had more pictures to show of this awesome place.  Actually, I do, but you can’t see them.

Remember, it is only Monday.  Check back often for exciting updates that are sure to be revealed this week! 

Happy Monday!

 

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: How will we know?

How will we know when our business is picking up?  That may seem like a dumb question, but seriously, how will we know?  

There are those that think the best sign of recovery is when the telephone starts to ring.  Our prospects will call and let us know when things are better.  Some will answer an ad.  Some will register online for more information.   They will let us know, but until they do, let’s just complain some more. 

Fixed interest rates are already at a 59-year low and inflation remains in check, but for how much longer?  Folks, the time really is right to purchase a new home.  We have to do a better job getting that message to the buying public.  Here is an interesting commentary:    http://www.realtor.org/research/reinsights/economistcommentary

So, now what.  I wish the answer was as simple as posting comments and articles to a blog thingy.   According to National Association of Realtors (NAR), almost 90% of homeowners would do business with their real estate agent again.   That says a lot!   However, the NAR goes further to say that only 11% of those surveyed can remember who their real estate agent was!  I will bet the statistics would be similar in other business fields too.

The simple truth…our past clients want to do business with us again.  They want to recommend us to their friends.  They already know us and trust us.   They just can’t think of our names! 

The housing economy will not recover on its own.   Rather than waiting on the phone to ring, why not pick it up and place a call to a past client?  At least we will make ourselves easier to remember.  (And while you are on the phone with them, be sure to tell them about the great new home values at www.OleSouth.com.)

Statistics are just numbers waiting to be changed.  Let’s change them!

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: 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: A neat Christmas Gift!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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?”

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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.