Louisville Real Estate News

5 Bedroom Oldham County Home ~ Hillcrest ~ $565,000

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:48:01 -0400

Quick Facts

Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4 Full + 2 Half
Basement: Yes - Partially-Finished Walkout
Total Square Footage: 5500
Acreage: 0.4

Hillcrest Home - 12819 Crestview Cove Ct

This gracious 1.5 story custom-built house was the builder's personal home, boasting top quality construction and a premier cul-de-sac lot. The professional landscape, large covered porch, and stone accents create a wonderful curb appeal.

On the main floor you will find hardwood floors, custom trim work, 2 story foyer and great room, 2 fireplaces, glassed-in porch with slate flooring, large laundry with built-in cubbies, and custom maple cabinets with granite countertops in the large kitchen, opening to a light and bright hearth room and the glassed in porch. The first floor master suite offers a double trey ceiling, his/hers vanities, his/hers walk-in closets, large shower with 2 shower heads, and corner whirlpool tub.

The second level features 3 large bedrooms with 2 full bath. Each bedroom has its own direct access to a bath.

The lower level features a large 5th bedroom, full bath, custom wet bar, pool table room, TV room with built-ins, and large office area.

This Hillcrest home also has an irrigation system, electric dog fence, security system, and audio speakers in 5 areas. A great floor plan for living and entertaining, this home has been lovingly maintained and is a must see!

Hillcrest

Loaded with ammenities and less than 10 years old, homes in Hillcrest are everything one would expect from one of the premier neighborhooods in not only Prospect but also the entire Metro Louisville area. This deed-restricted neighborhood offers a community pool, clubhouse, playground, social clubs and outings for parents and kids.

Oldham County Schools

Students who live in Hillcrest will attend school in the award-winning Oldham County school system. The Two-Time National School of Excellence elementary school is conveniently located at Hillcrest.

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliance in 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 Estate or to Search for Louisville Homes

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Shepherdsville Home for Sale - 20 Acre Farm - 401 Slate Bluff - $260,000

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:36:08 -0400

Quick Facts

Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2 Full
Basement: Yes - Partially-Finished Walkout
Total Square Footage: 3200+
Acreage: 20 - Fenced
Other: Pool, Barn, 2 Ponds

Shepherdsville Home

This 4 Bedroom Cape Cod has 3200+ square feet of living space. The updated kitchen features oak cabinets and new low maintenance flooring that flows throughout the open first level. With two bedrooms and a full bath on each floor, you can choose whether the master is upstairs or down. The large room in the walkout basement could be a family room or even a 5th bedroom.

This great home sits at the end of a dead-end street and on 20 acres. The 17 partially-wooded acres behind the house contains 2 fishing ponds, a barn, and ideal areas for horseback riding, hunting, four-wheeling, or simply allowing the animals to graze.

For the more passive outdoor lover, the new covered front porch, sunroom, and new deck offer spectacular views year-round. Additionally, the pool is a great way to stay cool all summer.

As an agricultural property, the home qualifies for a lower tax rate. City water connected this year. Security System, New Carport , plenty of storage space and more. Finally, the seller is offering a 1-year home warranty for your peace of mind.

Barn

The 60x38 barn has 5 horse stalls, a tack room, and full hay loft. There is 100a electric service and a cistern dedicated to the barn.

Location

Despite the private setting, this home is located just south of the heart of Shepherdsville and less than 3 miles from I-65. The interstate offers easy access to Louisville or Elizabethtown(~20 mins). Additionally, it is less than 30 minutes to Fort Knox.

Schools

Children who attend Bulllitt County Public Schools are currently zoned for

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliance in 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 Estate or to Search for Louisville Homes

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You Gotta Know When to Fold'Em: The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit & You

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:42:35 -0400

As the $8000 tax credit gets ready to expire, many buyers are struggling to find a Louisville home that meets their needs and wants. Feeling pressured by the looming date, some are considering just grabbing something so they can get the tax credit. As Paul elegantly expresses below, this is really not a good strategy.

Via Paul Slaybaugh, Scottsdale AZ Real Estate (Realty Executives):

GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES!

Are they good and fired up?

Great, now turn them off.

As one knocks around the internet here in late April of 2010, he or she cannot go two clicks without encountering manic encouragement to purchase a home “BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE,” or proclamations that “TIME IS RUNNING OUT” to take advantage of the first-time and move-up homebuyer tax credit; each froth-inducing pitch more fevered than the last. The only thing missing are the decrees that “THIS OFFER EXPIRES AS SOON AS YOU LEAVE THE PREMISES,” and inquisitions as to “WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GET YOU INTO A HOUSE TODAY?” P.T. Barnum had nothing on a gaggle of motivated Real Estate agents.

Here’s the thing, though, I am not a big fan of leveraging fear as a sales tool. With just over a week left in the Federal Clearing House Tax Sweepstakes, I am pulling the plug on my own hyperbole. If you are a first-time homebuyer and have not found a suitable home after months of feckless searching, it’s time to call off the dogs.

“IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE PERFECT, JUST BUY SOMETHING!!!”

“HAVEN‘T BOUGHT A HOUSE YET??? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???”

“DON’T GET LEFT ON THE SIDELINES! THERE’S STILL TIME!”

Lest your home buying ship wash up on the nearest reef, these bleating calls to action should go unheeded. The wall to wall promotion does have one thing right, though: the time is now. Just not in the way they would have you believe. Now is the time to regroup and ensure you do not make a poor purchasing decision. The tax credit has been a nice perk to those fortunate enough to find the right home over the past year, but don’t sabotage a 250k purchase because Uncle Sam is holding an 8k caliber gun to your head.

If you are just starting the hunt now, you’ll do yourself a huge disservice by attempting to shoehorn yourselves into an ill-fitting home due to the time constraint. If you are nearing your wits end after an unsuccessful months-long odyssey, you are equally likely to do the same when facing down the looming deadline. I am issuing a cease and desist order to those who have confused the priorities of their fledgling home purchases.

Let it go, folks. Let it go.

We can start again when your only underlying concern is securing the best possible deal on your ideal new home. With the throng of desperate lemmings running blindly for the cliff, you might just find yourself as king of the buyer’s mountain come May 1st. With a potential reduction in the number of suitors left after the great tax credit hari-kari, you could unwittingly stumble upon higher negotiating ground via your abstinence from the purchasing frenzy. While that 8k incentive will drive some to overbid on properties in the coming days, the smart buyer might seek to carve a larger swath out of a seller’s backside in the fertile post-April 30th hunting grounds.

“IF YOU DON’T LIKE THIS HOUSE, SEND IT BACK FOR A NO-HASSLE MONEY BACK GUARANTEE!" <or not>

The folly in the air is palpable at present. That little governmental spiff will come and go, and you won't even remember towards what end the money went. You'll be stuck with the house, however. Make sure it is the one you want. And for God's sakes, man, don't make the same mistake that we all made back in the heyday of 2005-2006 by assuming you will be able to offload the house in a couple of years if it doesn't prove suitable for your needs.

Surely we haven't forgotten this lesson while it is still being taught in excruciating detail?

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Search Scottsdale Homes For Sale At A Leisurely Pace

Jeffersontown Home For Sale ~ 10008 Lauralyn Ct ~ $142500

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:50:52 -0500

WHAT A RARE FIND! An open-floor plan, ranch home with a real master bedroom in the heart of Jeffersontown (J-Town). Anyone who has shopped for homes in this highly desirable area of Louisville knows how hard it is to come across a setup like this. In fact, only 7 similar homes sold in all of 2009. Making this home even more unique is the heated and cooled, attached 1.5 car garage. This space is perfect for a work shop, small home business, or performing vehicle maintenance on a cold day.

With a wood-burning fireplace and easy access to both the kitchen and the 15x20 deck, the Great Room provides an ideal location for family gatherings, entertaining, or just relaxing after a long day. The large Master Suite features a trey ceiling, walk-in closet, and double-vanities. And, the large fenced yard is ideal for containing children of the 2 or 4-legged variety while letting them enjoy the outdoors.

Within the last couple of years, the sellers have completed thousands of dollars worth of updates and upgrades including a new AC unit, hot water heater, patio doors, flooring and more. Additionally, they are offering a home warranty and leaving all of the appliances including the washer and dryer.

So, you can move in and keep your tax credit money to pay off bills or go to the Kentucky Derby. However, you need to act quickly. The tax credit deadline is approaching, but more importantly, Louisville homes like this do not last long.

Jeffersontown

J-town is a highly sought after area in eastern Louisville. With over 900 companies located inside the Bluegrass Industrial Park, 100+ restaurants, dozens of hotels, sporting complexes, parks, and a golf course many residents have little reason to leave Jeffersontown. Of course, if you do have a need, the convenience to I-64 and the Gene Snyder Expressway certainly makes it easy.

Every September, Jeffersontown hosts the Gaslight Festival. This weeklong series of events is attended by over 200,000 people. Activities include a balloon glow, 5K, Golf Scramble, and parade. Being able to walk to these events or even watch some from the comfort of your own home is certainly one of the benefits of buying this Jeffersontown home.

Children who live on Lauralynn and attend Jefferson County Public Schools are in Cluster 4. The reside schools are...

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliance in Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.

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Don’t Believe the Hype

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:35:30 -0400

The Big East is the toughest conference in college basketball. Every talking head with a microphone has been spouting this bit of conventional wisdom since the season tipped-off last fall. Over time, the collective psyche of the public (or at least the gambling public) was influenced. The perception of dominance was reflected in Vegas odds and in hundreds of thousands of tournament brackets. But, perception met reality in over the last few weeks. As anomalies turned into trends, recycling bins overflowed.

Were the teams overmatched? Over-rated? Or did they simply believe the hype and forget the game is decided on the court? It doesn’t matter. Seven of eight entrants are now sitting at home, with only West Virginia representing the conference well.

When you prepare to sell your Louisville home, you need to take your competition seriously. Winning in this market requires attention to detail on price, preparation and promotion. If you don’t stack up in any one of these phases, it’s game over.

Home buyers aren’t exempt from the hype either. After being inundated for months with stories of others buying homes for pennies on the dollar, it’s easy to believe you can’t make an offer low enough. In Louisville, this perception can lead to a Georgetown vs. Ohio reality check. Louisville is the second most stable housing market in the country. Many areas are appreciating and most home sellers are not giving their homes away.

How do you avoid a Big East style meltdown?

You find a Louisville real estate agent who understands the market. Someone who can provide you a scouting report and a game plan. If you are listing your home, you need an agent who knows how to price your house and how to use the internet to market it for sale. Buyers need an agent who not only understands their needs and wants, but who will prepare them to act when they find that perfect house.

When you’re ready to enter the Big Dance of real estate, call 502-921-3989 or email me. Either way come to play and play to win.

**Photo courtesy of WNPR Connecticut.

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliance in Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.

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The $6500 Tax Credit of Louisville Home Owners

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 22:18:28 -0500

By now, most people are aware of the existence of the $8000 Tax Creditfor first-time home buyers. But with the holidays, the start of UL and UK basketball and the media the way that it is, I suspect you are more likely to know Tiger Woods' mistress count than you are the details of the expanded Tax Credit Program. In particular, when Congress extended the credit until April 30th, 2010, they also added a $6500 tax credit for existing homeowners.

For those of you who were otherwise occupied, here's the answers to the questions now running through your head....

Am I eligible for the $6500 Tax Credit?

There are 3 Criteria you must meet to qualify

You must have used your current home as your principal residence for 5 consecutive years with the last 8.
To get the full credit as a single buyer, you need to make less than $125,000 annually, as a couple the limit is $225,000. Up to $145,000 and $245,000 respectively, you get a partial credit.
You have to have a written contract by April 30, 2010 and close before July 1, 2010.

How does the Tax Credit work?

Like the $8000 Tax Credit this is a refundable credit that is applied to your tax return. After you close on the home, you can apply it to your 2009 or 2010 return. Note that your favorite word in the preceding sentence is REFUNDABLE. This means you get the money regardless of what you owe on your taxes!

Do I have to repay the credit?

As long as you live in the house for 3 years, the answer is No!

SWEET! I'm eligible and I like free money, now what?

You need to get started right away especially if you plan to sell your current home before buying. Interest rates are still phenomenally low and buyers are hitting the market in droves. By getting a jump on the competition, you stand a very good chance of completing both selling your current home and buying a new one before the deadline. Call me at 502-921-3989 to setup a Free Consultation.

I'm reaching for the phone. Just out of curiosity, what was the final mistress count?

You really have more important things to worry about. But, if it will help you focus, nowpublic.comhas is at 17. A few are unconfirmed though. Despite the initial rapid-fire rate at which they started to come out, it appears Wilt Chamberlin's record will stand. Back to reality. Call 502-921-3989 now.

Photo courtesy of aresauburn.

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliance in Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.

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Kentucky Supreme Court overturns Sex Offender Law

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:51:00 -0400

Three years ago the Kentucky legislature passed a law banning convicted sex offenders from living within 1000 feet of schools, playgrounds, and day care centers. Today, the Supreme Court threw out that legislation by a 5-2 vote. According to the AP, the justices ruled, "the law is punitive because lawmakers applied it retroactively to sex offenders convicted before the restrictions were imposed."

As a parent, the possibility of a sexual predator harming one of my children is mind-numbingly terrifying. It is part of the reason I do not use their names in public settings online. However, I have a hard time believing this law had any real benefit with regards to protecting children. Kids run and play everywhere. If an offender is going to repeat, the location of his/her residence in relation to a school is of little consequence.

Despite the fact that Louisville is the 7th Safest City (pop 500,000+) there are still registered sex offenders in living in every zip code. If you are concerned and can stomach the results, here is the Kentucky Sex Offender Registry.

Photo courtesy of Mara66 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.

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Louisville Events: St James Court Art Show

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:47:47 -0400

The St James Court Art Show begins Friday Oct 2^nd and will continue through Sunday October 4^th. This year marks the 53^rd time that artists have gathered for the annual event that was voted Best Art Show in the Nation during 3 of the last 6 years.

This year, over 750 artists from throughout North America will be displaying their works for an expected 300,000 patrons. In fact, more people come to Louisville for this event than for the Kentucky Derby. Categories include Clay, Glass, Leather, Jewelry, Metal, Mixed Media 3D, Photography, Sculpture, Wood, and several others.

The show is held in the heart of Old Louisville. Booths will be setup in St James Court as well as along Third St, Fourth St, and Magnolia Ave. Official participants will be proudly displaying the 2009 Art Show Exhibitor Booth Cards and wearing similar buttons. Be aware that some homeowners allow non-participants to setup in their yards around the event.

Old Louisville neighborhood associations use proceeds from the show for the benefit of the local community. Beautification and restoration projects are completed as well as other philanthropic endeavors.

Hours:

Fri - 10a-6p
Sat - 10a-6p
Sun - 10a-5p

For more information, go to http://www.stjamescourtartshow.com

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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.

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How's the Louisville Real Estate Market? - Sept 28,2009 Version

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:22:44 -0400

Louisville real estate conditions are so fluid I considered adding a time stamp in the title. Month-to-month variances in each area can be huge and I expect it to get more interesting as the year ends and the $8000 first time home buyer credit nears its expiration date. I'd really like to tell you the water is fine and everyone should jump in the real estate pool, but you really need...

The Straight Truth

The bottom is behind us. That being said, we are still in a trough and the recovery will not be quick. Lending standards and appraisal standards have and will continue to hamper growth. In typical fashion, the fallout from the practices that lead to last fall's meltdown caused overreaction. The elimination of seller-funded down payment assistance programs and 100% financing coupled with tightened credit scores has removed 20-30% of buyers from the market. Many of them would make good homeowners, but will have to wait for another year or so.

The $8000 tax credit and 5-6% interest rates have been beneficial. Early this year, investors and first-time home buyers were the main market players. The credit drove interest and inspired confidence in buyers. As a result areas like PRP, Okolona, and Valley Station bottomed a little sooner. Several buyers were actually surprised at how much they could afford because of low rates.

We have just recently started to see a trickle-up effect. J-Town, Fern Creek (Area 7), Middletown (Area 8), and Anchorage (Area 9) are seeing more activity. That being said, Louisville homes that are even slightly overpriced are just languishing. Sellers who want to test the market are receiving 'F's and those who 'know what their homes are worth and refuse to give it away' are finding that they are going to get to live in said home for the foreseeable future.

As proof that real estate is hyper-local, the Highlands (Area 2) and St Matth

ews (Area 3) were nearly immune from any declines in price. In fact, both areas saw continued appreciation despite a slight decline in sales. At the same time sales in a few select neighborhoods were 20-40% foreclosures

Unemployment in Louisville continues to be high, but appears to have peaked. Major corporations like Ford, GE, Yum Brands and UPS have reaffirmed their commitment to the area and some are hiring (although none are likely to replace the full complement of workers laid off). The Norton-Anthem spat may even get resolved and bring more stability to the large medical workforce.

Supply is also greatly reduced. Many would-be sellers are waiting out the storm and fewer homes are on the market. These shadow-sellers have simply decided they don't need to sell and therefore aren't going to list their home. For some this is a good decision, for others it is not. I sold my personal home in 13 days and traded-up. So, it can be done.

All of this boils down to a few simple realities. Overall demand is down because fewer buyers have the resources to buy a home. The blow is being lessened by good prices, great interest rates, tax incentives, and investor activity. So far, the decreased demand has generally been countered by decreased supply and Louisville home values are essentially flat.

The next few months will be interesting. Historically, Louisville home sales drop from this point until February. Additional uncertainty is caused by the pending expiration/extension/enhancement of the tax credit. If the balance described in the preceding paragraph can be maintained until spring, the recovery will be much smoother. If demand falls off for any reason though, it will be a bumpy ride to say the least.

If you want to buy or sell a Louisville home, call a real estate agent who can guide you through the process. One absolute certainty is you need someone working for you who understands the market and won't sugarcoat or spin the truth. Accurate analysis and timely insights are required for you to achieve your goals. Consultations are free so call (502) 921-3989 now.

See Also

--photo courtesy of makelessnoise 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.

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Louisville Events September 25 - October 2nd

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:32:48 -0400

Things to do in Louisville

Tired of sitting at home?

Looking for something different or unique to do in Louisville?

Pick one or two events from this list and go have some fun!

F.A.T. Friday Trolley Hop

When: September 25

Where: Frankfort Avenue

What: A tour of dozens of galleries in the Frankfort Avenue art district. The event takes participants to several different art galleries, retail shops, and dining establishments located on Frankfort, Mellwood, and Story Avenues.

Louisville Irish Fest

When: September 25-27

Where: Bellarmine University

What: The Louisville Irish Fest is a celebration of Irish culture and heritage, featuring traditional Italian food, music, dancing, and, of course, beer.

The Bluegrass Balloon Festival

When: September 25-27

Where: Bowman Field

What: The Bluegrass Balloon Festival is Kentucky's largest hot air balloon race, even bigger than the Kentucky Derby Festival Balloon race. There are also a ton of free events and attractions for adults and children, including an art festival, balloon glow, kid's fun zone, beer and wine garden, live music, and an automobile and airplane show.

Captain's Quarters Regatta and Art Show

When: September 26-27

Where: Captain's Quarters Restaurant

What: Pull up your anchor and sail over to Captain's Quarters Restaurant at the end of September for the Captain's Quarters Regatta and Art Show. This event attracts more than 2000 people each year, including individuals from as many as four states and generally more than 200 artists.

Fall Antiques Market

When: September 27

Where: Locust Grove

What: The annual Fall Antiques Market brings professional antiques dealers from the South and Midwest to Louisville where they sell and display their products on the Locust Grove lawn. Though the show features primarily American country antiques, formal furniture, jewelry, and silverware will also be up for sale.

Taste of Louisville

When: September 29

Where: Crown Plaza Hotel

What: A Tasting Event sponsered by the Kentucky Restaurant Association. Dozens of area restaurants and beverage producers will be on hand to show off their finest food and drink.

Waterfront Wednesday

When: September 30

Where: Waterfront Park

What: Waterfront Wednesdays are free concerts at Waterfront Park sponsored by 91.9 WFPK.

---Photo courtesy of The Pug Father 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.

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Spam Sucks, but this is Worse

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:58:14 -0400

Imagine my surprise to receive the following reply to my emailed request for showing instructions...

I apologize for this automatic reply to your email.

To control spam, I now allow incoming messages only from senders I have approved beforehand.

If you would like to be added to my list of approved senders, please fill out the short request form (see link below). Once I approve you,....

The message went on to state the benefits of me completing the form and assured me I would only have to do this once.

Somewhat stunned, I decided that once was too often to deal with this foolishness. So, I called first thing in the morning. No one answered. Perhaps he also has a pre-approved call list?? Regardless, I left a message and finished scheduling appointments.

Try This Before Selecting An Agent

If you are a prospective home buyer or seller, contact your real estate agent a couple of times before deciding to work with him or her. Make sure they answer or reply in a reasonable amount of time. You most likely have questions anyway. Use this as an opportunity to kill 2 birds with one stone.

Of course agents have closings, showings, training, and personal lives that may prevent us from answering the phone or responding immediately. If you do not receive a response in a couple of hours be nervous, in 4 hours be skeptical, until the next day be fearful. If it happens more than once, put down the phone and back away slowly. Actually, run as fast as you can in the other direction.

If you are looking for a Louisville real estate agent who will answer and/or return your calls, texts, and emails, contact me immediately.

Photo courtesy of vic15 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.

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What Are You Afraid Of?

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:26:57 -0400

Fear Not!

Tonight, a cancer survivor and former chicken-catcher stood side-by-side on a Hollywood stage and awaited the results of a vote that would change one of their lives forever. Kevin Skinner and Barbara Padilla have vastly different backgrounds, but one very important commonality. When an opportunity presented itself, they jumped at it.

The easy route is to simply lament your lot in life and do nothing. The problem, of course, with this strategy is that no possible good can come from it. Without taking a chance, neither Kevin nor Barbara would have been on that stage. Without taking a chance, you will never have the opportunity to realize your full potential.

Do you want more business?

Are you afraid to knock on doors? Are you hesitant to write a newsletter? Are you reluctant to post to your blog? Why? What's the worst that can happen? Someone might tell you to get the heck off of their property or toss your hard work into the garbage or chastise you for ending a sentence with a prepostion. So what? These aren't the people you are interested in dealing with anyway. Besides, it's not like you have to stand in front of millions of Americans and smile while someone known as "The Hoff" makes fun of your background.

Stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way to big successes. This is true whether you are trying to start a company, to buy a home or to win America's Got Talent. You may fail at times, but this will only make the rewards that much sweeter. Remember, if you don't take a chance, you'll never be on that stage.

Good Luck!

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliance in Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.

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Taste of Derby Festival is an Annual Must-Do Event in Louisville

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:33:50 -0400

Louisville's Dare to Care hosted their 11th annual Taste of Derby Festival last night at Slugger Field. At the last minute (literally) my wife and I decided to attend. I really had no idea what to expect, but was blown-away by the event. From the food and drinks to the items donated for silent auction, this was a first-class event that earned itself an annual placement on our calendar.

Almost 40 restaurants showed up and prepared sample dishes for the crowd. I not sure we made it to each booth, but we came close. Morton's The Steakhousedefinitely gets the nod for best of the best. Their steaks and crab-cakes were incredible. Besides, watching them carry steaks from the grill to their table was a bit like watching the Pied Piper. People would stop talking in mid-sentence and follow the steaks. I was also very impressed by the Bonefish Grille (shrimp), Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse (Soup/Chowder). For fun, Krispy Kreme setup a booth and let individuals dip doughnuts into chocolate.

In addition to the restaurants, dozens of breweries, distilleries, and distributors showed-up with unique offerings. Four Roses had a single-barrel bourbon that was incredibly smooth. Old Forestor and Equus Run Vineyards had commemorative Derby 135 bottles. And local brewers showed up with products that all put Anheiser-Busch to shame. Whether you wanted beer, wine, bourbon, tequila, or vodka, someone had a unique drink that would quench your thirst.

And last, but not least was the silent auction. From Southwest Airline tickets to Golf clubs to Brown-Foreman gift baskets to Derby Hats to Kroger gift cards there was something for everyone. I was outbid for a night at the Galt House, but did manage to buy a Bouncer rental. This will come in useful at my kid's birthday party next month.

I strongly encourage everyone to add this event to their Derby festivities calendars. You will be able to enjoy great food and drink plus support a worthy cause.

Dare to Care is a local non-profit agency formed in 1971 to combat hunger in Louisville. Their mission is "to end hunger through partnerships, innovative programs, and community engagement." In 2007, they distributed over 10 million pounds of food to needy families. To donate, click the following link. Lend-A-Hand.

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed real estate agent 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: Jeffersontown (J-Town), Okolona, Fern Creek, 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

Louisville Investment Homes - Why you should buy one (or more) now.

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:45:33 -0400

While the local housing market has not suffered to the extent of other areas, Louisville investors still have a tremendous opportunity to take advantage of the current situation. By purchasing investment homes now, a saavy individual can set himself or herself up with solid returns for years to come. Four factors are particularly favorable for investors right now. These include 1) an increased supply of homes, 2) an increased demand for rental homes, 3) low interest rates and 4) oncoming inflation.

"Be fearful when others are greedy and be greedy only when others are fearful." ---Warren Buffett

Despite low interest rates, abundant selection and $8000 first-time home buyer tax credit, many buyers are afraid to take action. Their paralysis has caused a small glut of homes in virtually every price range and area of Louisville. In Jefferson and Bullitt County, there are 4640 and 586 homes for sale respectively. March sales were 471 and 61. A balanced real estate market has 6 months of inventory, we have 9+. The excess represents opportunity.

The economy is creating renters. The last couple of years has seen a drastic increase in the number of Louisville households that have filed bankruptcy, sold their homes as a short sale or lost their properties in foreclosure. Under current lending standards, most of these people will be renters for the next five years. Additionally, a significant amount of people have credit scores which either no longer permit them to buy a home or have priced them out of the market. As callous as it may sound, their loss is your gain. Higher demand for rental properties means higher occupancy and rental rates.

Investment property interest rates are currently below the rates that many have their principal residences financed. Lower rates mean lower mortgage payments. Lower mortgage payments mean more cash flow. If you thought you had to pass that on, reread the previous paragraph.

Sooner or later, inflation is going to read its ugly head. The US Treasury hard-wired the printing presses in the on-position about 9 months ago and hasn't really checked on them since. When the time comes to deal with this demon, rest assured interest rates will rise. Besides feeling like a genius for buying when rates were low, you will have the added benefit of a larger rental pool as potential buyers are priced out of the market.

With these four factors working for you, the time is definitely right to buy an investment home. I monitor investment grade homes on a regular basis. Call me (502) 921-3989 and I'll help you get started.

Click the link to search the MLS for Louisville Homes

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed real estate agent with RE/MAX Alliancein Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.

Jack be Nimble, Jack be Quick - How To Get the Best Deal on Investment Homes

Tue, 05 May 2009 22:43:37 -0400

You want the best deal on an REO home in Louisville? Act like Jack.

Be Nimble

Real Estate investing is not like dating. You do not want to get emotionally attached. This is a financial transaction only. If the numbers do not make sense, walk away and find a different home.

Be Quick

Louisville foreclosures sell quickly. Multiple offers are common within days if not hours. Some investors even submit bids sight unseen in hopes of getting lucky. (In general, this is not a good strategy). To get the best deal, you have to be prepared.

Search for Louisville Homes

Pre-approval is critical. Banks won't accept offers without pre-approval letters and you don't have time to get pre-approved after you find the house. Do it now.

Knowledge is power. The more you know, the better your chances of getting the best deal. Learn home prices in your area. Spend a few hours at a hardware store studying material prices. Call contractors and get estimates based on $/sq ft. Most importantly, find a Louisville real estate agent who has bought - sold and/or rented investment properties. By knowing the expected sale or rental price as well as the estimated cost of repairs, etc, you can make an offer quickly and confidently.

Don't Get Burned

You are not just trying to jump over a candlestick. Buying investment homes can be challenging and more than a little intimidating. You are putting a large amount of money at risk on the hope of earning a good return. A good real estate agent will help protect your interests.

Don't Wait Until the Flame Dies

Now is a terrific time to buy an investment home. Foreclosures, short sales, and tightening lending standards have converted would-be homeowners to renters for some time. Increased demand will raise rental rates. At the same-time low interest rates and tax credits are driving some people to buy homes. Most buyers (especially first time home buyers) want new or updated homes. You can offer that with an investment property.

If you wait until the ‘market recovers,' you will miss the best deals. The risk will decrease, but so will the potential reward. Don't let fear paralyze you. When you are ready to seize this opportunity, call me (502-921-3989) and I'll help you get started.

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliance in 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: Jeffersontown (J-Town), Middletown, Okolona, Fern Creek, Shepherdsville, Mt Washington, Hillview, Brooks and Pewee Valley. Click the following links to learn more about Louisville and Bullitt County Real Estate or to Search for Louisville Homes

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