Louisville Beats Nation in Home Sales
Jul 31, 2007 Trends/Statistics
If you’ve been anywhere near a TV, radio or magazine (and who hasn’t?) then you’ve probably heard how “down” the real estate market is, right? To be exact, sales nationally fell 3.8% in June. Ouch. That’s a quite hit.
But, what about home sales here in Louisville?
Joe Simms, president of the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors, said yesterday that from January through June, 229 more property sales closed in the area, representing a 3.1 percent increase. [link]
That’s not too shabby. And by comparison is downright beautiful!
Now, not every homeowner is experiencing the rewarding sensation of a house sold, after all there are 10,711 listings on our MLS right now. But take solace in the knowledge that Louisville is doing better than other parts of the country. Remember, every house sells. It’s only a matter of time.
Is Upsizing Your Home a Smart Choice?
Jul 26, 2007 Residential
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 of the neighborhood.
It’s an interesting piece, though her numbers for the New Jersey suburbs are hardly applicable to us here in Louisville.
I think the key paragraph is this one.
That said, people who are shopping for homes in a certain neighborhood expect certain amenities in those homes, says Kermit Baker, director of the remodeling futures program at Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. “If you’re not keeping up with other homes in the neighborhood, you may have home buyers walk away from it,” he says. “There’s a limited number of folks who want to buy assuming they’re going to have to do a significant remodeling project.”
Today’s buyers don’t want to be welcomed into their new home knowing that there’s a remodeling project looming overhead. Our lives are already busy enough as is.
FBI to Build New Louisville Headquarters
Jul 23, 2007 Commercial
Just a couple more weeks and the FBI will break ground on a new 120,000-square-foot, three-story headquarters building.
The project will include a secure parking garage attached to one side of the building, as well as a security fence and controlled-access gate. The headquarters will be set back at least 100 feet on all sides from public roads and access points, consistent with federal security regulations put into effect after the Oklahoma City federal building was bombed in 1995. [link]
It looks like they won’t be able to consolidate employees until 2009 but when they do, it looks like they’ll have first-rate facilities in the Blankenbaker Station Business Park off I64.
Average Home Appreciation for Louisville, Kentucky
Jul 20, 2007 Trends/Statistics
I was looking for this information before but couldn’t find it. Then my brother sent me a link and *viola!* we’ve got it!
If you have other inquiries of a real estate nature, please pass them along.
Homearama 2007 Buzz
Jul 16, 2007 News
Ana Lagunez of the CJ has a brief article called Homearama Shows Off Trends. I’ve got my tickets. Do you?
Louisville Kentucky: A City of Parks
Jul 15, 2007 News
Before I delved into real estate, I hadn’t yet heard Louisville called a City of Parks. While the concept is worthwhile and innovative, their marketing efforts (thus far) have been a bit underwhelming.
What began in 2005 has been slowing building towards a vision of what community leaders call “Louisville’s Greenprint.” When I read news today about a 300-mile park that stretched from Georgia into our fair state of Kentucky, I thought it must have something to do with this ‘City of Parks’ effort. Turns out I was wrong and that green is apparently the new black.
For those of you who haven’t heard, here are some of the efforts underway to make Louisville a model for other park interested cities:
- Floyds Fork Greenway Project – an effort led by 21st Century Parks to create a new system of parks, trails and open spaces along Floyds Fork, from Shelbyville Road to Bardstown Road.
- Expansion of park land in Jefferson Memorial Forest and Southwest Louisville Metro.
- A 100-mile paved metro loop trail around Louisville Metro’s perimeter that will tie together Louisville’s diverse parks and neighborhoods.
- An unprecedented level of capital investment to improve existing parks.
These efforts should go a long way to set Louisville apart from surrounding states in green space and outdoor activies.
Best Louisville Neighborhoods: Broeck Pointe
Jul 14, 2007 Neighborhoods
Broeck Pointe is a small neighborhood near Brownsboro Farm and Barbourmeade of Highway 22 in Louisville’s East End. The subdivision began in the mid 1970s with homes still being built 10 years late. Like the surrounding area, Broeck Pointe has its share of mature trees and lots between 1/3 and 1/2 an acre. Home values have risen steadily in this desireable area. Read More »
Tags: best louisville neighborhoods, broeck pointe, louisville ky
Louisville’s Buyer Market Continues
Jul 13, 2007 Residential
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.
What is good news for buyers is inevitably bad news for sellers. Homes are taking longer to sell and prices are lower than in years past.
Even still, the right combination of strategy and execution will still get homes sold in today’s market. This underscores the need for sellers to bring in professional assistance. For Sale by Owner properties are finding it tougher and tougher to get the kind of exposure and promotion their properties need.
Best Louisville Neighborhoods: Ten Broeck
Jul 12, 2007 Neighborhoods
Ten Broeck is a gem of a community nestled in a very scenic part of Louisville off Highway 22 near Manor Creek and Brownsboro Farm. It’s a very small area with only a handful of properties, each one distinctive. Lots are very large and private, providing some of the city’s most beautiful settings. Read More »
Best Louisville Neighborhoods: Stone Lakes
Jul 10, 2007 Neighborhoods
Stone Lakes is a well-designed subdivision off Taylorsville Road in Louisville’s East End. Still inside the Gene Snyder freeway, this neighborhood has some gorgeous lake views and several walking paths and playgrounds. As Louisville’s Homearama site in 2001, you know Stone Lakes has been designed by experts in both home construction and layout. Just down the street from Saratoga Woods, both of these large neighborhoods have done a great job catering to Louisville’s mid-tier client base. Read More »
Tags: best louisville neighborhoods, louisville ky, stone lakes
Homearama Starts Saturday
Jul 9, 2007 News
Here’s the information for this year’s Homearama:
The 2007 Homearama at Beech Spring Farm will feature 10 spectacular homes.
Admisssion is $10 per person – per visit.Hours are:
Mon. – Fri. 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (ticket gate closes at 8:00 p.m.)
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (ticket gate closes at 8:00 p.m.)
Sunday: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. (ticket gate closes at 4:30 p.m.)Monday, July 30th there will be the after Homearama Furniture Sale and admission is FREE with your coupon from the Plans Book. Not all homes are guaranteed to be open during this event. Hours on Monday, July 30th are 1 – 7 p.m. Please call 429-6000 for any additional information.
If you’re wondering where Beech Spring Farm is, here’s the link.
Best Louisville Neighborhoods: St. Matthews
Jul 8, 2007 Neighborhoods
In the heart of Louisville resides St. Matthews. For the past 50 years, St. Matthews has been home to some of the city’s best shopping with both Mall St. Matthews and Oxmoor Mall. When a Louisvillian hears St. Matthews, they generally think shopping.
Housing ranges from cute little ranches to larger, more prestigeous homes. There are also a number of parks with Seneca Park being the largest. There’s a great deal to do in this extremely desirable location. Read More »
Tags: best louisville neighborhoods, louisville ky, St. Matthews
Open Letter To Sellers
Jul 7, 2007 Residential
Dear Seller,
First rule is do not despair. Second rule is “Make your home shine!†To begin this journey, totally lose your seller instincts and put yourself in the buyer seat.
The drive begins when your buyer pulls up to your home. This is your opportunity to provide a moment of WOW. This is the time when the buyer is engaged, open and willing to weigh what your home has to offer against their needs, as well as what the other homes they have seen had to offer.
It is called curb appeal and you should not under estimate it. It goes without saying that the façade of your home should be in excellent shape, without flaking paint or if your roof is in poor condition it is time to repair or replace it. This is the time to break out all the stops: make sure flower beds are free of weeds and edged, sidewalk and lawn free of brush, lawn freshly mowed, windows recently cleaned and above all, the front door that greets your potential buyer, should be sparkling clean. Do not underestimate curb appeal, every buyer will appreciate a well-groomed landscape and will assume that the same care and consideration given to the outside has been given to the inside. Hopefully this is true.
Second chance to WOW is with a fresh, clean odor. Forget smoking in the house, this is a true turn off! If you must smoke, go outside and don’t leave any spent butts in view. The next step is to de-clutter. Then, de-clutter some more. Remember you will be moving soon, so this is a great time to gather boxes and start packing.
Once all the clutter is removed take a look at the woodwork and moldings—they get scratched and collect lots of dust. Painting the woodwork a bright white really makes it POP! Next, clean, clean, clean. Yes, it’s a pain, but again, it reflects how you have kept and maintained your home. In kitchens, keep counters clear of unnecessary appliances, sinks clean, shiny and clear of dishes. ,In bedrooms, beds should be made and closets organized. Make your whole home shine!
Yes, wallpaper was great in the near distance past, but if it is in any room other than a powder bathroom, it’s a dinosaur. Sorry, I am just the messenger. If it is pervasive and a bigger job than you can handle, you may want to consider a decorating allowance to the potential buyer.
If you follow these suggestions, you’re well on your way to setting your house above the competition!
Cynthia Dykes is a Realtor with Semonin Realtors of Louisville. She understands that buyers need to be matched with the perfect home and she negotiates the best possible contract for a win-win outcome. Cynthia provides guidance and assistance every step of the way. She is a member of the Louisville Board of Realtors, Kentucky Board of Realtors, National Board of Realtors, Home Builders Association of Louisville and a Certified Semonin New Construction Specialist.Best Louisville Neighborhoods: Springhurst
Jul 6, 2007 Neighborhoods
Springhurst is one of Louisville’s premiere neighborhoods with wonderful options in housing, shopping and entertainment. In truth, the Villages of Springhurst are a collection of a number of smaller subdivisions with names like, Felsmere, Moorfield or Springbrook. Within the Springhurst community is another wonderful neighborhood called White Blossom which is covered on its own page.
This desirable area is located between Highway 22 and Westport Road on both sides of Hurstbourne Parkway, just north of Anchorage and south of Prospect.Read More »
Tags: best louisville neighborhoods, louisville ky, springhurst
Best Louisville Neighborhoods: Middletown
Jul 4, 2007 Neighborhoods
Middletown, like Jeffersontown, is a rather large city that contains many neighborhoods. Located around Shelbyville Road in Louisville’s East End, Middletown is home to parks, shopping, entertainment, and, of course, houses! With almost five square miles, there’s a lot to explore. Read More »
Tags: best louisville neighborhoods, louisville ky, Middletown
Aegon Center Up For Sale
Jul 2, 2007 Commercial
We don’t have a lot of commercial news here at Louisville Homes Blog but here’s a big one. Louisville’s marquis skyscraper—Aegon Center—is now up for sale as part of a three building package deal. The buildings are owned by Seneca One Realty, a New York City-based real estate investment group. The other two buildings in the package are located in Buffalo, New York and St. Louis, Missouri.
Hurry now and maybe you can get them to come off their $500 million asking price.
Best Louisville Neighborhoods: Lyndon
Jul 2, 2007 Neighborhoods
Lyndon is a great neighborhood in the center of Louisville’s east end surrounded by St. Matthews on the west, Hurstbourne to the south and Anchorage to the east. There’s a broad range of home types from very small homes built during the 1950s all the way up to 3,000 sq. ft. new construction homes currently listed in the low $300s. Lyndon is also well-known around the city for their Lyndon Recreation Association, which runs several high quality, sports programs for kids and adults. Read More »
Home Ownership Expo in Louisville
Jul 1, 2007 News
The Greater Louisville Home Ownership Expo was yesterday. I must apologize for not publishing that information earlier but to be honest, I had no idea. They might want to improve the event’s marketing efforts.
Events like these are wonderful sources of information, especially for new home buyers or buyers with credit issues.
Among the offerings were eight workshops — some conducted in Spanish — on understanding credit, home insurance, applying for a mortgage and predatory lending, to name a few. [link]
