Louisville Information
Your questions are innocent. They are well-intentioned. In fact, they are normal.
What are the schools like?
Are there children in the neighborhood?
What is the crime rate?
My response may seem anything but normal. In fact, it may seem a little idiotic.
I can't answer that, but here's a website you can go to and find out.
If you are reading this, my response may be acceptable. In fact, it might be welcome. You can get all of your questions answered at your convenience. You might even learn a few things you hadn't thought to ask. On the other hand, the response is a bit dissatisfying when you are sitting beside me in the car.
Before you write me off as a complete moron, please understand my reply is not due to lack of area expertise. Instead, it is due to knowledge of the law. Specifically, Fair Housing Law. These well-intentioned edicts were put forth to prevent discrimination against the protected classes (race, color, religion, national origin, gender, familial status, and the disabled). Intended or not, the consequence of the statutes is I am forbidden to answer even the most innocent of questions related to people not property.
If your questions about Louisville homes for sale involve market data, house values, community info, or directions to the nearest Lowe's, I can most certainly help. But the only info you are getting out of me with respect to the human side of neighborhoods is this...
Schools
Jefferson County Public Schools (Louisville)
Bullitt County Public Schools (Shepherdsville / Mt Washington)
Oldham County Public Schools (PeWee Valley / Crestwood)
Demographics
Note: When using ZipSkinny, the default zip code for Louisville is 40243 (Middletown). You can enter a different zip in the upper right hand corner.
Crime
http://www.louisvilleky.gov/metropolice
http://spotcrime.com/ky/louisville
Note: The mapping function on the SpotCrime site is easier to use than the LMPD site.
**Declaration of Indepence photo courtesy of Caveman 92233 on flickr.
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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliancein Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.
I specialize in the following areas of the Metro Louisville Area: Prospect, Middletown, Jeffersontown (J-Town), Fern Creek, Okolona, Shepherdsville, Mt Washington, Hillview, Brooks and Pewee Valley. Click the following links to learn more about Louisville and Bullitt County Real Estateor to Search for Louisville Homes
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Hi Erik - I know some buyers find it frustrating that I can't tell them some things they ask, but even if it weren't illegal, I have to wonder if it might not be a problem to assure someone that a neighborhood is crime-free and then have them find out about a crime that you just didn't hear about. Or talk about the best schools in the area based on what you have read, and then have test results come out that belie that claim. Those "facts" are not static and are subject to change daily, so it would be dangerous to make any such assurances anyway.
What is the squared root of litigation? Bingo!
Susan - You make excellent points. I have no specific knowledge or background that makes me an expert on crime or schools. Anything I would relay, would be opinion at best. Letting others form their own opinions based on the data or recommendations from experts is much more beneficial.
Paul - The time it takes to lose one's license is inversely proportional to how much one runs his mouth about things he shouldn't.
Great post, Erik! There are conversations we cannot have with our mothers without risking huge fines or the slammer!
Erik -
You really hit the nail on the head with this one. I know it frustrates our clients but I don;t think they have any idea how much trouble our answers could cause. Great way to "tell" them without saying anything!
Patricia - There are a lot of things we can't tell our parents without getting into trouble. And yes, you are right, some invlove real estate:)
Michael - I really believe discrimination, etc is the farthest thing from most people's minds when they ask the questions. However, we have to protect against even the hint of inpropriety.
Erik, you never know when things may change, so its probably always best for them to know the source directly. Nothing wrong with saying "I dont know, but here is where you find out". No one ever said you had to memorize those types of things.
John - Excellent point and one that is particularly true with respect to Louisville schools. A couple of years ago the city's bussing policy was struck down by the Supreme Court. (Yes, of the United States). Since then, changes (and lawsuits) have been fast and furious.
Thats crazy. Well, I think its great that you tell the truth. Too many people try to BS their way when someone asks a question they dont know the answer to.
Erik, this is a great post! In our purchase and sale agreements there is now a line that talks about the sex offender registry and tells the buyer that if they are concerned they should go to the website.