Tag Archives: Real Estate

Nashville New Homes: The “Dog Days of Summer”

I used to always wonder why people coined the phrase “dog days of summer.”   Back one summer in the early 1980’s, legendary songwriter Bobby Harden asked me to bring my keyboard over to his boat to play background on a song he had just written.  The song was about those old dog days of summer.  The title ended up being “Too Cold at Home.”   Several years later, the song was released by Mark Chesnutt.   We played it a lot over the years at the lake!  (Thanks Judie Wells for the antiquated picture!)

  

Rather than dog days, we at Ole South are having YES DAYS!  The upcoming weekend has been proclaimed Nationwide Open House Weekend all across the nation!   The weather is going to be perfect for an Open House also.  Like the song says, it is going to be “too hot to fish,” and “too hot for golf.”  Why not cool off looking at a new home?

In conjunction with National Open House Day, Ole South will kick off its 2011 Yes Days of Summer this Saturday, June 4th from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm at our Preserve at Old Hickory and Old Hickory Commons neighborhoods.   Tour our newest decorated model home (5011 Preserve Blvd. 37013 for you GPS tekkies) and enjoy hot dogs, refreshments, and a variety of family fun.  Yes, there’ll be a waterslide, a bounce house, as well as snow cones to give added relief from the heat.

And there is also a neighborhood yard sale as well.   A great way to find bargains, and meet the great residents of this neighborhood!

Now is an unprecedented time to purchase a new home.  Interest rates are lower than ever.  New homes are more efficient than ever before.  New homes are….well…. NEW!    Why not join us this weekend at one of our Middle Tennessee neighborhoods.  With brand new homes from 89,990 to 299,990, there is certain to be one 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 homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

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Nashville New Homes: 2011 is looking up!

The New Year of 2011 is upon us, and I couldn’t be happier!  Even the media is spreading positive news about the housing industry.  Here’s one example:

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-12-28/housing-seen-rising-to-3-year-high-with-boost-for-jobs.html

The time is now to buy a new home.  Not just because fixed interest rates are historically low and rising, Not just because costs are going up and not yet being passed on to the consumer.  Not just because of great incentives and selections of brand new homes at www.OleSouth.com. 

Buying a new home offers many tax advantages for those that can itemize expenses.  Your closing costs are deductible.  Your property taxes are deductible..and the list goes on.  Here is a list of 2011 tax tips.  Pay special attention to #4!

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/10-tasty-tax-tips-for-2011-1.aspx?ec_id=cmct_003

If you weren’t able to purchase a new home in time for Christmas, inking a contract before the New Year could be the next best thing!

Nashville New Homes: ‘Tis The Season.

My first real job after college was a National Accounts Representative for a furniture manufacturer…in other words, a furniture salesman that travelled around the country.  The year had been pretty good, and to show appreciation during the holidays,  I sent my customers sausage and country ham from Early’s Honey Stand.  I felt real good after the packages were sent until my Dad said…OH NO, YOU DIDN’T!   

So, most of these buyers were sent food they are not supposed to eat, for a holiday that they do not celebrate.  Call me a fool, but I never thought to ask what religion these furniture buyers were.   Well, guess what…no one got offended, no one got mad.  They all appreciated the gesture and probably remembered me as a dumbass!

As you know, we have delicious Otis Spunkmeyer cookies at our model homes and we offer them to everyone that visits.   I’ve made the cultural “faux pas” of offering these cookies to international home buyers during Ramadan.  No one got mad, no one got offended, and I learned more about that tradition.  And we are still friends.

One thing I think everyone can agree on is… ’tis the season!  Regardless of your religious preference or tradition, this is a season for kindness and being thoughtful to others.  Lets throw out political correctness and just be human.   Acts of kindness should not have cultural or religious boundaries.   And if myrhh and frankencense were suitable gifts for a king, a simple smile and kind word should suffice for all of us.

We all need a good laugh every now and then too!  Here is a cute parody on the modern day Nativity:

And what happened at this shopping mall in Canada is simply incredible.  The first time I watched it, I kept waiting to see mall security burst in and break it up.   I then remembered it didn’t happen in this country!   Take a look:

And now, everyone is glued to the local weather forecast!  Could it be that Nashville has the first “White Christmas” in 17 years?  Read more on this here:

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20101222/NEWS01/12220345/Will+Nashville+get+its+first+white+Christmas+in+17+years

Way cool!  I am excited about the possibility of snow for Christmas.  But there is another thing on my “bucket list.”  Spending the Christmas holidays somewhere warm….

And one year, we will.  Just not this year!

Merry Christmas!  (or Happy Holidays, if you prefer)

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: Santa is coming to town.

Actually, Santa recently passed through Nashville.   And he brought a lot of great things to the Greater Nashville area with him!   And not to worry, he will be back again… very soon!

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Nashville now celebrates the opening of Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville in the downtown business district.  Everyone knows that Margaritavilles only locate in the most popular of tourist destinations!  Here you can learn more about this new iconic venue from the Nashville Business Journal:

http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2010/11/22/margaritaville-opens-in-downtown.html

And another spectacular event happened earlier this month, the re-opening of Opryland Hotel – transformed from $200 million in flood damage to a collection of over 2 million Christmas lights! 

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/40197429/ns/travel-news/

Another holiday spectacular you will not want to miss is the Season of Celebration, at Nashville’s Cheekwood Botanical Gardens.  The Arts are alive in well in Nashville, Tennessee!

http://www.cheekwood.org/Art/Season_of_Celebration.aspx

These events are just a few of the many things that Santa has brought to Nashville this year.   Back in 1986, he brought Ole South Properties to Middle Tennessee and we have been building the very best new home values in Nashville, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Spring Hill ever since!   From 89,990 to $299,990, we have a brand new home to meet your needs.

Santa can’t bring a new home down your chimney, but he certainly can point you in the right direction to find one – www.OleSouth.com.   Join us on Facebook too!  www.facebook.com/olesouthproperties

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: 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: 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.

Nashville New Homes: Soon it will be Christmas Day.

In a previous blog topic, it was revealed that Santa Claus works for Ole South and is feverishly building new homes just in time for the holidays.  Well, here is proof!

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Did you know that the average apartment rent within a 10-mile radius of downtown Nashville is $937 per month?  For those struck with disbelief, click this link.  http://www.rentjungle.com/average-rent-in-nashville-rent-trends/  

Now that you are a believer, guess what?  Ole South offers BRAND NEW homes with monthly payments less than that.  They are only 5 miles from downtown Nashville.   YOU can easily own one!

In the above gallery you will see new maintenance-free town homes under construction in Rivendell Woods of Cane Ridge, in southeast Davidson County.  First time buyers can  purchase one of these new homes with ‘ZERO DOWN for less than $800 per month, including taxes, insurance, and HOA maintenance fees, with approved credit of course.  If you ask nicely, all kitchen appliances are included too!  (We also have new town homes 3 miles away at Old Hickory Commons for less than $750 per month)  No this is not a trick folks….FIXED INTEREST RATES also! 

Think you would rather have a traditional neighborhood home with a 2-car garage?  We’ve got those too!  Each of the homes displayed above in the “picture gallery thing” can be yours for less than $1000/month, including taxes and insurance!  Don’t tell anyone, but we’ll include all of the kitchen appliances on these as well!

For those desiring an all-brick home in Williamson County, Santa and crew are building your dream home right now in Benevento East.  Buy now and choose your interior selections – or buy later and like what I like.  You make the choice!

If you are looking for a home in the Greater Nashville area, including Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Spring Hill, you owe it to yourself to explore the benefits of buying a NEW home from Ole South, Tennessee’s #1 Home Builder.  You just might be “one-click” away from your new home!  www.OleSouth.com  

There are many good reasons to live in Nashville.  Now you’ve got reasons to call it home!   You can reach me  anytime by e-mail (tlewis@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.