Even if you have never considered public education for your children in other parts of the country, you should look at what is offered in the Louisville public school system. It will really surprise you!
Moving to a new home can be an ordeal for any family. The issues that you face while house hunting is compounded even more when it involves school-aged children. Relocating to Louisville may be one of the most difficult transitions because the school system is so complex. The good news is that Louisville offers some pretty amazing educational opportunities. The bad news is that you have to be very well informed in order to make the best choice.
In Terri Cullen's piece, The McMansion Effect, she delves into the idea of homeowners opting to renovate rather than relocate and how home values rise and fall based on trends…
While the housing market is showing signs of increasing in terms of the number of transactions, it still remains a strong buyer’s market. What this means is that inventory—the number of homes currently listed—is quite high and that gives buyers more choices. More choices mean more competition for the sale which, in turn, pushes prices down.
New construction has been moving higher but will that continue to be the case?(more…)
The first rule is do not despair. The second rule is “Make your home shine!” To begin this journey, totally lose your seller instincts and put yourself in the buyer’s seat.
Read my open letter to sellers and you’ll have a better grasp on what to do to sell your home fast!(more…)
There is so much that goes into a home-buying decision. With Homearama 2007 starting in just a few short weeks, I know many people (hey guys… this means you!) are thinking about new home theater options or another cool technology that you might want to incorporate into your home.
Home Theater is hot! One of the leading high-tech toys for home buyers.(more…)
Louisville generally doesn't experience the highest highs nor the lowest lows, which generally makes for a more sane situation. On the housing front, today we learn: Building permits for one-…
It’s not just the wealthy who are buying second homes anymore. More and more baby boomers are working towards having a second home ready and waiting for their retirement years.
There's a growing trend towards smaller, less expensive houses here in Louisville. "It seems like the trend is going back down to ranches and smaller homes," Miles said "We are…
I culled through the official Realtor yearly Making Home Improvements Pay report to see how Louisville compares with the nation. From the look of things, we more than hold our own.
With Derby right around the corner, what could possibly be worth the risk of renting your Louisville home to total strangers? How does $20,000 sound? That’s something certain homes will garner when renting your home for Derby.
Generally speaking, I try to focus on the positive. But every once in a while a problem is so great that we can't help but pay attention and then, hopefully,…
The Courier-Journal is reporting that a 7-home, elevated development is being planned for Highway 42. The primary obstacle is the severity of the land's grade. The 4.1-acre wooded site at…
I came across this How to Buy Your First House today. Not all Realtors are the same so finding the right Realtor is key.
The dumb guy?!
The piece includes some common sense and valuable points, such as setting a budget and finding help, but I do have to take issue with the following section:
1. Hire the dumb guy. The top agents want to make money from the top houses. You’re more of a hassle with your small budget. But the dumb guy? He’s not making as many sales. He wants to work for you (especially if he knows you want to upgrade in a few years and will need someone to sell your house and take you out to find a new house). Yet the greatest reason for hiring the dumb guy? He’ll have the inside story on everything. “He’s made it to where he is through his people skills. Other agents don’t take him as a serious threat; they look at him as a friendly guy. He’s the one to share a beer with. He’ll joke about beating up cops. Other agents tell him anything. Sure, his words might embarrass the heck out of you. Yet your agent could be the one who accidentally took the key to the new house with him on vacation, so no one else could view your prospective house. Other agents will just laugh at his slip. What a silly guy! Then they might give him some hot tips because what’s he gonna do?”
There are a number of factors to consider when buying a second home. Up front and center are the variety of tax implications based on the amount of time you’ll use the property yourself and how much time the property will be rented out. Be sure to check with a CPA on the exact numbers.
