RE/MAX Properties East Louisville Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog postshttps://www.homesinlouisville.com/blog/Copyright HomesInLouisville.com2014-05-05T10:52:00-07:00tag:homesinlouisville.com,2012-09-20:7343The Realistic 'Wish List' <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/436/image/png.png" width="389" height="550" alt="wish list " title="wish list" class="img_box_center" />
When you Google "tips for home buyers," you get a plethora of real estate advice. 99% of this advice is great and you should follow it. Set a budget, get pre-approved, find a great real estate agent, understand the true costs of ownership, etc. One of the the tips that I didn't see on a lot of these sites was the realistic 'wish list' tip.
When buying a home you should come up with a 'wish list' of what you would like your home have, and the location you would like it to be in. Now, when you come up with this list you have to keep your budget in mind. We would all love an infinity pool and full gym but if your budget is $200,000 you're dreaming a little too big!
Once you have comprised your list, you need to look it over and decide what your deal breakers are. These are the things that you have to have. If you have kids and a dog, a large fenced in back yard might be one of those deal breakers. If you love to cook, an updated kitchen might be the deal breaker. Once you identify your must-haves, take a look at the rest of your list. Would you be willing to compromise on the other things on that list if a house in your price range had your must haves? Unless you are building a house, or just stumble upon real estate nirvana, you are probably not going to get absolutely everything you want. There are things that you must be willing to compromise on.
It's good to have this list ahead of time so that your real estate can know which direction to take you in.
Comment below and let us know what's on your Wish List!! 2014-05-05T10:31:00-07:002014-05-05T10:52:00-07:00Kati Taguetag:homesinlouisville.com,2012-09-20:7217Organize Those Taxes!We all know tax time can be very stressful. If you are like me, every year you curse yourself for not being more organzied and vow to be better next year......hopefully this year it will happen! With these super easy tips I think it's possible! Do you have any great tax tips?
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/436/image/TEXT_HERE.png" width="550" height="778" alt="Tax Tips " title="Organize your taxes" class="img_box_center" />2014-04-09T07:55:00-07:002014-04-09T08:03:08-07:00Kati Taguetag:homesinlouisville.com,2012-09-20:7163Does Home Staging Really Work?We have all heard real estate agents talk about 'staging' before, we have even included it in some of our blog posts. But what is it exactly? Is it worth it? Let's take a look....
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/436/image/home-staging_5029188de0a8d_w1500.png" width="650" height="3136" alt="Benefits of Home Staging " title="Benefits of Home Staging" class="img_box_center" />
A big thanks to Column Five Media for this great infographic! 2014-03-27T07:42:00-07:002014-03-27T07:53:39-07:00Kati Taguetag:homesinlouisville.com,2012-09-20:7136Tips for Having a Successful Open House Hey guys! Happy Sunday! Sunday is OPEN HOUSE DAY for sellers and it can be stressful. Check out our 5 easy tips to making sure you get the most out of your open house day!
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/436/image/5_ways_1.png" width="500" height="750" alt="Open House Tips " title="Open House Tips" class="img_box_center" />2014-03-23T09:04:00-07:002014-03-24T06:53:33-07:00Kati Taguetag:homesinlouisville.com,2012-09-20:7109Tips For Moving With Children<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/436/image/blog/20140318-image1.jpg" width="148" height="222" /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/436/image/blog/20140318-image2.jpg" width="227" height="222" /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/436/image/blog/20140318-image3.jpg" width="225" height="225" />
We are days away from spring, and the busiest season in real estate. While buying and/or selling a home can be exciting, the move can often be stressful. Especially if you have school aged children and your move falls during the school year. Here are a few tips to help make your move more successful and less stressful.
Before the Move
- Discuss it with your kids.
The best way to prepare them is to talk about it. Give them as many details as you can and answer their questions truthfully. A move is a big change and can be scary to a child. Try to be sensitive to them and their feelings, especially if they have a negative reaction.
-Allow them to be part of the process.
When you are house hunting ask for their input. Ask what they think about the house, what they like best about it, what room they think might be theirs, etc.. If your child is moving to a different school, let them be part of the search. Once you decide on a house, let them map out their new room.
During the Move
-Give them a job.
Make them feel like they are a part of the moving process by giving them a job to do. Let them label the boxes or draw pictures on them of what room they go in, watch a younger sibling or family pet, or even pick out paint colors for their new room. By invloving them in moving day activites they won't feel left out, and they will allow you to do everything you need to do.
-Make them feel special.
Moving day is busy and stressful and often kids can feel neglected and sad leaving a familar place for a new, unknown place. Take some time, maybe five minutes every hour, and interact with them. Take pictures, ask them their favorite memories of the old house, and what they are most excited about in the new house. This will not only help them to feel loved and ease their anxiety about the change, it will give you a short break, put things in perspective, and keep you from getting completely overwhelmed.
After the Move
-Get them involved.
Encourage your children to join groups, clubs, and sports teams at their new school. This will help them make new friends and feel more comfortable in their new environment. It is also important that you support them in what they are doing. Go to games, school plays, parent teacher conferences, etc..
Moving is tough on everyone, so be prepared for some ups and downs. Just be patient and stay positive!
Do you have any more great tips and tricks for moving with kids? Leave them below in the comment section, we would love to hear from you!
2014-03-18T11:06:00-07:002014-03-18T12:42:27-07:00Kati Taguetag:homesinlouisville.com,2012-09-20:7064Kid-Friendly Spring Cleaning IdeasSpring is only TEN days away!! AND it's finally starting to feel like spring outside! I don't know about you, but I was so ready for warm, sunny days!
A few weeks ago we published a post about spring cleaning, with lots of tips and lists. I know I told you I was going to attack spring cleaning head on.....come out with my guns blazing.....well that hasn't happened just yet but I am warming up to the idea! I just found a post on Home Depot's website about getting kids involved in spring cleaning. What a great idea!! Here are a few kid-friendly spring cleaning tasks....
Dusting
You know that sock that is missing it's mate because the dryer ate it? Have your child stick it on their on hand and dust all the surfaces that they can reach, like dressers and coffee tables. Make sure they take everything off of them first!
On a side note, if you manage to only have ONE sock that is missing it's mate because the dryer ate it, tell me your secret!! I some how manage to have at least one sock-mate casualty EVERYTIME I do the laundry!
Clean out the Fridge
This task is great for two reasons: 1. This can help hone a child's reading skills, as well as help them with dates. Have them look at all of the expiration dates and throw out anything that is expired. 2. If you are like me, some leftovers just get lost in the fridge and 3 weeks later you are stuck trying to decide if you want to take the risk of opening the container or just throw it away all together. But when you have someone else cleaning...you get my drift?
Wash the Windows
This one is pretty self explanatory. You can have them use a cleaner like Windex or for an all natural, chemical free cleaner you can mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Clean Under the Bed
When I was little and my mother told me to clean my room all I did was shove everything under the bed. Eventually my parents bought me a new bed, and it was time to move the old one out....BUSTED. Even as an adult, every now and then I will just kick something under the bed because I just don't want to pick it up! Such a bad habit! Have the kids clean out from under their bed and put everything away.
For the full list of 10 kid-friendly spring cleaning activites go to <a href="http://ext.homedepot.com/community/blog/10-kid-friendly-spring-cleaning-tasks/#20156594" title="Kid Friendly Cleaning Ideas" target="_blank">http://ext.homedepot.com/community/blog/10-kid-friendly-spring-cleaning-tasks/#20156594</a>
Be sure to leave a comment and let us know how it goes!
2014-03-10T05:50:00-07:002014-03-10T06:22:40-07:00Kati Taguetag:homesinlouisville.com,2012-09-20:6989Things That Can Go Wrong in a Real Estate Transaction It is the wise client that prepares for problems before they happen! For this reason, we would like to share with you some of the things that can go wrong during a real estate transaction. Since no transaction is closed until it is closed, the folowing are potential road blocks. We have also given you a delay of closing estimate next to each problem. The ones with asterisks (*) are potential deal killers. Here we go!
Things that go wrong with the . . .
LENDER . . . Approx. Delay
1.Lender does not properly pre-qualify borrower .... 2 weeks to*
2.Lender decides last minute they don’t like borrower .... 2 weeks to*
3.Lender decides last minute they don’t like the property .... 2 weeks to*
4.Lender wants property repaired or cleaned prior to closing .... 1 - 3 weeks
5.Lender raises rates, points or costs .... 2 weeks to*
6.Borrower does not qualify because of a late addition of info .... 2 weeks to*
7.Lender requires, last minute, a reappraisal .... 2 weeks
8.The borrower does not like the fine print in the loan <br /> documents they receive 3 days before closing .... 3 days to*
9.Lender loses file .... 1 - 3 weeks
10.Lender does not simultaneously ask for info from buyer, <br /> they ask for info in bits and pieces .... 1 - 4 weeks
COOPERATING AGENT . . .
1.Won’t return phone calls .... 1 - 3 weeks
2.Transfers to another office .... 1 week
3.Did not pre-qualify the client for motivation .... 2 weeks to*
4.Goes on vacation, leaves no one to handle file .... 1 - 4 weeks
5.Does not understand or lacks experience in Real Estate .... 1 week to*
6.Poor people skills with buyer .... 1 - 3 weeks
7.Gets client upset over minor points .... 1 - 3 weeks
8.Does not communicate with their clients .... 1 - 4 weeks
BUYER . . .
1.Did not tell the truth on the loan application .... 1 week to*
2.Did not tell the truth to their agent .... 1 week to*
3.Submits incorrect tax returns to lender .... 4 weeks to*
4.Lacks motivation .... 1 week to*
5.Source of down payment changes .... 1 week to*
6.Family members do not like purchase .... 1 week to*
7.Is too picky regarding condition .... 1 week to*
8.Finds another property is a better deal .... 1 week to*
9.They are “nibblers” (always negotiating) .... 1 week to*
10.The buyers bring an attorney into the picture .... 2 weeks to*
11.They do not execute paperwork in a timely manner .... 1 week to*
12.They do not deliver their money in “good funds” at closing .... 1-2 days
13.Job change, illness, divorce or other financial setback .... 3 weeks to*
14.Come up short on money .... 1 week to*
15.Does not obtain insurance in a timely manner .... 1-4 weeks
TITLE COMPANY. . .
1.Fails to notify agents of unsigned or unreturned documents <br /> so the agents can cure the problems relating to same .... 1 week to*
2.Fails to obtain information from beneficiaries, lien holders, title <br /> companies, insurance companies, or lenders in a timely manner .... 1 week to*
3.Lets principles leave town without getting all necessary signatures .... 1-2 weeks
4.Incorrect at interpreting or assuming aspects of the transaction <br /> and then passing these items on to related parties such as <br /> lenders, attorneys, buyers and sellers .... 1 week to*
5.Too busy .... 1-3 weeks
6.Loses paperwork .... 1-3 weeks
7.Incorrectly prepares paperwork .... 1-3 weeks
8.Does not pass on valuable information .... 1-4 weeks
9.Does not coordinate well so that many items can be done <br /> simultaneously .... 1-4 weeks
10.Unknown special assessments show up at last minute .... 1-3 weeks
11.Does not find liens or problems until last minute .... 1 week to*
12.Does not bend rules on small problems .... 1-3 weeks
SELLER . . .
1.Loose motivation (i.e. job transfer did not go through, etc.) .... 1 week to*
2.Illness, divorce, etc. .... 1 week to*
3.Has hidden defects that are subsequently discovered .... 1 week to*
4.Unknown defects are discovered .... 1 week to*
5.Home inspection reveals average amount of small defects <br /> that seller is unwilling to repair .... 1 week to*
6.Gets an attorney involved .... 1 week to*
7.Removes property from the premises that the buyer <br /> believed was included .... 1-3 weeks
8.Is unable to clear up problems or liens .... 1 week to*
9.Last minute solvable liens are discovered .... 1-3 weeks
10.Seller did not own 100% of property as previously disclosed .... 1 week to*
11.Seller thought partners signatures were “no problem” <br /> but they were .... 1 week to*
12.Seller leaves town without giving anyone power of attorney .... 1-3 weeks
13.The notary did not make a clear stamp when notarizing <br /> the seller’s signatures .... 3-7 days
14.Seller delays the project move-out date .... 1 week to*
15.Septic or water tests fail (rural properties) .... 2 weeks to*
ACTS OF GOD . . .
1.Tornado, fire, flood, etc. .... 1 week to*
APPRAISAL . . .
1.The appraiser is not local and misunderstands the market .... 1-3 weeks
2.No comparable sales available .... 1 week to*
3.Appraiser delays (too busy, etc.) .... 1-3 weeks
4.Incorrect appraisal .... 1-3 weeks
5.Appraisal too low .... 1 week to*
INSPECTION COMPANY . . .
1.Too picky report .... 1 day to 8
2.Scares buyer .... 1 week to*
3.Infuriates seller .... 1 week to*
4.Makes mistakes .... 1-3 weeks
5.Delays report .... 1 week to*
We want you to understand these issues for the following reasons...
1.A transaction cannot close until everything has cleared up on all of the previously mentioned problems.
2.To let you know that an agent will have great experience in heading off these potential pitfalls.
3.To make you aware of these pitfalls so that you can warn your agent of any potential problems.
2014-02-24T09:18:00-07:002014-02-24T09:53:48-07:00Kati Taguetag:homesinlouisville.com,2012-09-20:6945How Pre-Packing Your Home Can Help it SellSpring is just around the corner! Before you know it For Sale signs will be popping up left and right. How can you make sure that your home stands out among the hundreds and thousands of others? The RE/MAX "Fit to Sell" series is here to help! Today we are discussing the topic of the most recent video in the series, pre-packing your home.
Pre-packing can serve multiple purposes. Not only is it nice to get a jump start on packing for moving day, but it helps with the sale of your home. By pre-packing you can help a buyer visualize themselves in your home.
Some of the items to consider pre-packing are:
Personal items such as photos, nicknacks, children's art, etc.
Anything that you have in storage areas. Storage is almost always at the top of a buyer's list so if you can show the buyer how much storage you have, that's a plus.
Any items that aren't used regularly should be pre-packed.
Check out the full video below from the RE/MAX Fit to Sell series.
2014-02-17T10:50:00-07:002014-02-17T12:04:14-07:00Kati Taguetag:homesinlouisville.com,2012-09-20:6904If I Start Spring Cleaning, Will Spring PLEASE Come NOW?! Ok, is anyone else through with this weather?! I can appreciate lots of snow with the best of them, but this is just ridiculous. Poor school kids are going to have a three day summer vacation by the time they make up all of the snow days they've had. Not to mention the FREEZING cold temperatures!! We are in Kentucky, not North Dakota, I think Mother Nature needs to brush up on her geography a little bit.
This morning as I was dreading getting out of my cozy bed, I started thinking about spring. It's only 38 days away! That seems so close...yet so far! One of my favorite days of the year is that first warm, sunny day when you can drive with your window down. Wind in your hair, sun on your face, arm out the window, singing your favorite song that you may or may not be playing just a little too loudly. Ah, does life get any better? Another exciting thing about springtime (some may not agree with this one..) is spring cleaning! Ok, ok, I know it's not the most exciting thing to do, BUT just like working out, when it's all over it was so worth it! Who doesn't love a clean house? I'll be the first one to admit that over the years I have majorly slacked off in the spring cleaning department, but this year I have my game face on! I am going to scrub, and dust, and organize my house until every little nook and cranny is pristine! Who's with me?!
Obviously since this is indeed my first rodeo, I need a little guidence. I am going to post a great room to room checklist I found on imperfecthomemaking.com, but first I want to share with you her extra tips that were really helpful!
Set aside at least a week for a thorough spring cleaning. Work from one end of your house to the other.
Plan some easy meals for the days you will spend cleaning. Consider using your slow cooker. A crockpot full of stew at the end of a day of intense cleaning is a beautiful thing!
As you clean, keep a list of any jobs you notice that need to be done around the house: little paint touch-ups or a pillow that needs to be mended. Don't get distracted by these chores during your cleaning, save them for when you are done. (Or else you may never be done!)
Keep another list of things you notice you need. Especially when you clean out your fridge and pantry, you will probably become aware of some supplies you are out of or running low on.
Take an empty laundry basket and pile in it anything you need your hubby to sort through (miscellaneous receipts you're not sure you need to keep, random bolts and screws you've found in his pocket a year ago but you're afraid to get rid of because if you do he's sure to come to you tomorrow asking if you've seen that little bolt that is vital for something or other, that singing Christmas tie you're really hoping he'll finally part with... you get the point!) Ask him to sort through the basket when he has a chance.
Purchase one, or serveral bottles of wine for celebrating when you are all done....or for drinking along the way.
Ok, that last one was mine, but come on, wine probably helps.
Below is the link to imperfecthomemaking.com's indredibly thorough room to room checklist. If this is one is a little too much for you this year, MarthaStewart.com has a great one that isn't quite as in depth. Check it out, and be sure to comment and let us know how your spring cleaning turns out!
<a href="http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com/p/thorough-spring-cleaning-checklist.html">http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com/p/thorough-spring-cleaning-checklist.html</a>2014-02-10T09:29:00-07:002014-02-10T13:30:50-07:00Kati Taguetag:homesinlouisville.com,2012-09-20:6879Are You Sold on Louisville Yet? When I was younger I couldn’t wait to get out of this city. To me, Louisville was boring and ugly…and who wants to say they’re from Kentucky?! As I got older, I began to truly appreciate the beauty and character of this place I call home. Over the past 10 or 15 years, Louisville has blossomed into not only a city that people want to visit, but a city that people love.
Everyone knows about the little pony race we have on the first Saturday in May, and everyone knows that we are home to the Louisville Slugger and heavy weight boxing champion Muhammad Ali. I would even venture to say that most know that the majority of the world’s bourbon comes from our great state. However, there are a few things I bet most people DON’T know about us….
Louisville was named “Top Travel Destination 2013” by Lonely Planet. We have also been in the top ten “Best Cities for Familes” and “Tastiest Towns in the South.”
Kentucky has over 120 parks and is home to the nation’s largest urban forest.
We have produced some pretty famous people….Diane Sawyer, Jennifer Lawrence, and Tom Cruise to name a few.
Louisville hosts the nation’s largest fireworks show (2nd largest in the world), over 60 tons of firework shells are used each year during Thunder Over Louisville.
Our local delicacy is the Hot Brown. An open faced turkey and bacon sandwich covered in cheese sauce and invented at the Brown Hotel. (YUM!!)
Old Louisville is the largest Victorian neighborhood in America.
On Memorial Day Weekend, we host the largest annual Beatles festival in the world.
The cheeseburger and Benedictine were both invented in Louisville.
Oh, and 90% of the nation’s disco balls are made here.
Bourbon and disco balls…does it get any better?! I think not. Check out this stop motion video posted to YouTube by Eric Stemen. How lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place!
2014-02-05T10:01:00-07:002014-02-06T10:03:55-07:00Kati Taguetag:homesinlouisville.com,2012-09-20:6842A Little Free Advice.... This 'song' came out when I was in 7th grade....at the time, it didn't really make much sense to me. Now, however, this might be some of the best advice you can ever hope to get. Enjoy.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of '99. Wear sunscreen.<br />If I could offer you one tip for the future, sunscreen <br />would be it. The <br />long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by <br />scientists whereas the <br />rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my <br />own meandering <br />experience... I will dispense this advice now<br /><br />Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh, <br />nevermind, you will not <br />understand the power and beauty of your youth until <br />they've faded. But trust <br />me, in 20 years you'll look back at photos of yourself <br />and recall in a way <br />you can't grasp now, how much possibility lay before <br />you and how fabulous <br />you really looked. You are NOT as fat as you imagine. <br /><br />Don't worry about the future; or worry, but know that <br />worrying is as <br />effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by <br />chewing bubblegum. The <br />real troubles in life are apt to be things that never <br />crossed your worried <br />mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle <br />Tuesday<br /><br />Do one thing everyday that scares you.<br /><br />Sing.<br /><br />Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't <br />put up with people who <br />are reckless with yours. <br /><br />Floss. <br /><br />Don't waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you're <br />ahead, sometimes you're <br />behind. The race is long, and in the end, it's only with <br />yourself. <br /><br />Remember compliments you receive. Forget the <br />insults. If you succeed in doing <br />this, tell me how. <br /><br />Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank <br />statements. <br /><br />Stretch. <br /><br />Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do <br />with your life. <br />The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 <br />what they wanted to do <br />with their lives; some of the most interesting 40 year <br />olds I know still <br />don't. <br /><br />Get plenty of calcium. <br /><br />Be kind to your knees, you'll miss them when they're <br />gone. <br /><br />Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll <br />have children, maybe you <br />won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40. Maybe you'll dance <br />the funky chicken on <br />your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, <br />don't congratulate <br />yourself too much or berate yourself either - your <br />choices are half chance, <br />so are everybody else's.<br /><br />Enjoy your body, use it every way you can... don't be <br />afraid of it, or what <br />other people think of it... it's the greatest instrument <br />you'll ever own. <br /><br />Dance... even if you have nowhere to do it but in <br />your own living room. <br /><br />Read the directions, even if you don't follow them. <br /><br />Do NOT read beauty magazines they will only make <br />you feel UGLY. <br /><br />Get to know your parents, you never know when they <br />might be gone for good. <br />Be nice to your siblings; they're your best link to your <br />past and the <br />people most likely to stick with you in the future<br /><br />Understand that friends come and go, but for the <br />precious few you should <br />hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography <br />and lifestyle because the <br />older you get, the more you need the people you knew <br />when you were young. <br /><br />Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes <br />you hard. Live in <br />Northern California once, but leave before it makes <br />you soft.<br /><br />Travel. <br /><br />Accept certain inalienable truths. Prices will rise, <br />Politicians will <br />philander, you too will get old. And when you do, you'll <br />fantasize that when <br />you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians <br />were noble, and children <br />respected their elders. <br /><br />Respect your elders. <br /><br />Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe <br />you have a trust fund, <br />maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse; but you never <br />know when either one might <br />run out. <br /><br />Don't mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're <br />40, it will look 85. <br /><br />Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with <br />those who supply it. <br />Advice is a form of nostalgia; dispensing it is a way of <br />fishing the past <br />from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly <br />parts, and <br />recycling it for more than it's worth. <br /><br />But trust me on the sunscreen.
Click the link below for the full music video for Baz Lurhmann's Wear Sunscreen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTJ7AzBIJoI2014-01-30T08:18:00-07:002014-01-30T08:27:55-07:00Kati Taguetag:homesinlouisville.com,2012-09-20:6822Bread and Milk, the Science Behind Stockpiling.When the weatherman predicts a snow storm, what is the first thing people do? They go to the store to buy milk and bread....like the world is going to end. If you are like me, you find these people funny and irritating all at the same time. Why, oh why buy milk and bread, perishable items, if you think you are going to be snowed in? In the great state of Kentucky, "snowed in" generally means an inch of snow so your perishables won't actually have the chance to perish while you are stuck inside, but what about those in North Dakota? Won't their milk spoil and bread get moldy if they are stuck in 3 feet of snow? As it turns out, there is psycology behind the need or the want to buy perishable food when a storm is on the way. Yes, canned beans and tuna fish would be the smart thing to do, but it would be admitting to yourself that you might just be stuck in your home for a while. Milk and bread are staples but yet they give you the psycological comfort of thinking the storm will be over soon. Perishables are all about optimism. Check out this article below that details this interesting look at our stockpiling ways.
<a href="http://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/natural-disasters/buy-bread-and-milk-before-storm1.htm">http://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/natural-disasters/buy-bread-and-milk-before-storm1.htm</a>2014-01-28T07:42:00-07:002014-01-28T08:18:28-07:00Kati Taguetag:homesinlouisville.com,2012-09-20:6816Have We Recovered? Have we recovered from the housing crisis? This is the question on everyone's mind. As 2013 came to a close, we were all watching the numbers...expecting to see a vast improvement from the years before. Here in Louisville we have seen a great comeback. The housing market is now moving foward, where we were moving backward several years ago. RE/MAX Properties East saw a year (2013) unlike any we have seen since before the crash. We sold 403 more homes in 2013 than we did in 2012! But how did the rest of the country fare? According to the RE/MAX National Housing Report, a survey of MLS data in 52 metropolitan areas, the December median home price was 11.9% higher than the median price in December of 2012. It would appear that we are headed in the right direction! It's only January 27, but 2014 at RE/MAX Properties East looks promising! We couldn't be more excited about the year ahead. For more information on the national housing market, please click the link below from RE/MAX International.
<a href="http://files.a2.remax.com/content/REMAX_National_Housing_Report_Jan_2014.pdf?rmxaid=20320645">http://files.a2.remax.com/content/REMAX_National_Housing_Report_Jan_2014.pdf?rmxaid=20320645</a>
2014-01-27T07:09:00-07:002014-01-27T07:43:35-07:00Kati Taguetag:homesinlouisville.com,2012-09-20:6806RE/MAX 'Fit to Sell' Series Thinking about selling your home? The goal of every seller (and their real estate agent!) is to sell as quickly as possible at the best possible price. This type of real estate magic doesn't just happen on its own, you must prepare your home for a quick, successful sale. Click on the link below to see a serious from the RE/MAX YouTube Channel called "Fit to Sell." There are eight 2-6 minute videos discussing everything fron flooring to air quality. It's worth the time to take a look at them!
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLadTd4NPtlV7ikJMZ2cGSa699ZjhYXeqj">https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLadTd4NPtlV7ikJMZ2cGSa699ZjhYXeqj</a>2014-01-24T09:52:00-07:002014-01-24T10:06:38-07:00Kati Taguetag:homesinlouisville.com,2012-09-20:6772Winterizing Your Home Baby, it's COLD outside! There are so many things we hate about cold weather, one of them being the toll it takes on your home and your electric bill! While it is best to go through the winterization process in the fall, before it gets cold, there are still a few things you can do to prevent any major issues or high utility bills.
Make sure to disconnect your garden hose from the faucet (turning off your main water supply and then turing on your outside faucet to let all remaining water out is an extra step you can take to protect your pipes).
During times of really cold weather, make sure to leave the water running on any faucet that is on an non-interior or outside wall. A drip should be fine. It is also a good idea to open up the cabinets under the faucet, this allows a little extra heat into the area with the pipes.
If you have large or drafty windows you can get thermal drapes or cover them with plastic.
Reverse your ceiling fan to circulate warm air.
For a more in depth list of things you can do to winterize your home please click on the link below.
<a href="http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=13107899">http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=13107899</a>2014-01-22T06:53:00-07:002014-01-22T07:11:42-07:00Kati Taguetag:homesinlouisville.com,2012-09-20:6763Dear Client...An open letter to buyers and sellersDear Client,
Thank you for choosing RE/MAX Properties East. It is our hope that we exceed your expectations in providing caring, timely, knowledgeable professionalism throughout your real estate transaction.
But……..THERE IS A PROBLEM!!
In the world of real estate today you may, and probably will, experience some problems. Some of these problems you will expect and know ahead of time, others will be unexpected. Some of these may seem major to you, but are, in fact, typical and will be easily and routinely handled by our agents. Others will be major and/or unanticipated because of the massive change in the real estate environment over the last few years.
Like those of today, most transactions in the past had their share of problems. Many of the previous problems were similar in nature and we merely applied the best solutions we had developed over time with adjustments for the specific situation. Now we are seeing challenges which we have never seen before, and cannot be anticipated. They continue to be created by changes in rules, regulations, and guidelines. These things can happen after you have entered into a contract or even a few days before closing.
This is particularly true as it applies to financing. For decades the main situation which angered clients and agents alike was: After being told the lender had everything they needed and things should proceed smoothly until closing, at the last minute the lender asks for two more things before they will make the loan. In most cases this was the result of the borrower omitting or forgetting about a past loan or obligation. For example: a student loan or something they co-signed for a friend or family member.
Over the past few years the situation has become much more complicated. Lenders and each of their loans are being scrutinized closer than ever before.This coupled with constant changes in guidelines and what is required by governmental regulations has created many angry borrowers and sellers. Ironically, most of these problems were created by trying to protect buyers and sellers, as well as the general public.
BE PREPARED
Under present conditions there are few perfectly smooth transactions. Even if a buyer is paying cash, there are opportunities for frustration created by inspections, closing dates, possession dates, appraisals, title issues and many others.
Be prepared to be irritated by some things that happen.
You should not take any of this personally. Even things that may seem ridiculous. We have seen buyers with an annual income of hundreds of thousands of dollars asked to write a letter of explanation about a disputed $12.00 Sear's bill from 3 years in the past.
Do not assume that you will close on a specific date even if the closing date has been set, unless you are given a "clear to close" by the lender's underwriter.
ABOVE ALL
Remember, the agent, the loan originator, the lender, and the closing attorney are all working hard to make this happen in a system which has been in great turmoil. They all must work under a strict set of rules. They have no choice and it is nothing personal. Also remember, if things don't work out and you are put in a bad situation and are angry, these same hard working, caring people will be disappointed and angry for you...AND they will recieve no compensation for all of their hard work on your behalf.
The buying and selling process is an exciting time, a new beginning. Understand that things will go wrong, and allow yourself to enjoy this life changing process.
Harrell N. Tague
Broker/Owner
2014-01-20T07:41:00-07:002014-01-20T08:18:07-07:00Harrell Taguetag:homesinlouisville.com,2012-09-20:6386Tips to Save Energy and Add ValueWhen it comes to energy efficiency, look for smart features and expertise to help you save energy and money and add value to your home.
1. Begin with a Right-Sized Home.
If the home you buy is simply too large for you or your family’s needs or plans, you stand a good chance of wasting energy through excessive heating and cooling costs. If it’s too small, you’ll feel cramped and uncomfortable. It’s a big investment, so seek balance and buy it “right” from the outset.
2. Purchase Energy Star Appliances Such as Your TV, Dishwasher, Washer and Dryer, and Microwave.
And especially the refrigerator, as it alone contributes about 10 percent of the energy use in a home. Also, unplug electronics not in use or turn off power strips to avoid phantom charges.
3. Install Efficient Lighting Such as Compact Flourescent (CLF) or LED Bulbs in Every Fixture.
Lighting accounts for about 6 percent of an energy bill each year.
4. Get an Energy Audit and Have Tests Performed to Identify Ways of Improving Your Efficiency.
You can always upgrade your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as your thermal envelope, which includes insulation, windows, and doors and the seals or weather stripping around them. Visit <a title="Energy Saving Tips" href="http://energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver" target="_blank">energy.gov/energytips</a> for more tips.2013-11-06T13:29:00-07:002013-11-06T13:32:49-07:00Angie Evans