Surprised Kentucky Buyer Finds BIGFOOT In House Bought At Auction

There he was! BIGFOOT! Asleep in the basement!! The new owner was shocked to say the least! He thought he had gotten a bargain but instead he had a monster of a problem.

Soon, his life would spin out of control.

Imagine...you do your homework on a house that has gone through foreclosure.

You have all your ducks in a row to be able to bid at auction.

You are buying it without the benefit of a home inspection. There could be bats in the belfry too.

I have had so many people call me to see if I keep up with foreclosed houses that go to auction. I actually do not. I almost bought one about 4 years ago.

Lucky for me, there was something that came up on my credit report at the last minute that I had to dispute. I hated it at the time, but it was a blessing in disguise. I think of it now every time I pass by that house. Now I have a much nicer one down the street for about $6000 less and 4 years newer. (With zero problems)

At the time it was going to be up for auction, prospective bidders could not go in and inspect it. I would peep in the windows and wonder the layout of the house. I found out later that because of water problems over the winter, there was black mold in the walls downstairs. Now that would be a monster in the basement.

I have heard from others that they have bought some of these sadly neglected homes. Please be careful and do what you can to inspect these houses before you buy at an auction or from a bank. Not all are fantastic bargains. You never know where Bigfoot may be living!

*****

Lizette Fitzpatrick - Baby Boomer Real Estate Relocation Specialist with Prudential Don Foster in Richmond, Kentucky.

Rated number #1 featured Kentucky Realtor®  on Activerain.com and Localism.com. Publisher/Author for the only Central Kentucky email newsletter on local real estate listings and sold properties, Kentucky relocation, local events, homeowner information and fun! For more information on Lizette, Kentucky Horse Farms, Prudential Don Foster, Madison County, Fayette County, Richmond or Lexington, Kentucky click on Lizette.us.

See for yourself what Lizette's extraordinary clients have to say about their Kentucky real estate experience.

Previous Blog Post - What Sellers Can Do To Add Appraisal Value To Their Homes

 Copyright © 2008 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved..*Surprised Kentucky Buyer Finds Bigfoot In House Bought At Auction*

Kentucky State Fair Louisville KY

The excitement builds as you arrive off I-65 to the Kentucky State Fair exit ramp.

As Monica Hess (AR's fabulous KY Feng Shui  blogger) and I drove up to the ticket booth we joked with the attendant that we wanted 2 senior citizen tickets.

He wasn't buying our story and waved us on through with a big smile.

Would it be the same as I remembered? Would I find lots of neat stuff? What would be new? What are they giving away? What have I been missing out on all these years?

I have to admit I had not been to the Kentucky State Fair since the 80's. I think I saw Dolly Parton in concert and a championship horse show. I'm sure it has changed since then.

As we pulled into parking lot N, we wondered where to go next. We crossed the street to the shuttle pickup that was a farm tractor pulling a blue wagon that had seats on each side. Our tour guide shouted out the points of interest so we would know where to go.

Freddy Farm Bureau has been a fixture of the Kentucky State Fair for as long as I can remember.

When I was a little girl, I talked to him and was amazed how he saw me. Yes, he really does talk to anyone that comes close!

There were two boys that approached him after I took the picture today. As they hung out at the fence he said, "Boys, you two look tired." They laughed and kept talking to Freddy. He's pretty smart!

Freddy Farm Bureau is always at the front entrance to the Kentucky State Fair. There are also numerous booths for food of all sorts and and entertainment.

It's a good idea to visit the information booth on the way in to ask questions and to be able to find out if your favorite animal, show or exhibit is going to be there.

Monica was dying to see mules. So we asked at the info both to see where they would be. She told us they had left that morning. We had to make due with cows instead. So off we go to see some cow judging.

This guy was waiting patiently for his turn at stardom. He had been scrubbed, primped, sprayed and polished to win a blue ribbon.

We wished him the best of luck and headed out to get something good to eat.

Pulled pork Bar B Q sounded tasty so we placed our order then headed into the entertainment tent to enjoy the show while we chowed down. The group that was delivering some down home music was the Whiskey River Boys. They sure were good!

 With our bellies full of Bar B Q, we plotted what was to be next on our tour. Monica studied the fair schedule and decided we needed to see the world's largest dog over in Ehibit Hall B.

We were off on our search for the dog...but we never found him. Instead we saw lost of booths to sell just about everything under the sun.

Slice N dicers, car polish, hot tubs, rocking chairs, belly button jewelry, sheets?, sun glasses, windows, ring cleaners, time shares, t-shirts, crafts, Ginsu knives, toenail decals, candy, miracle cloths, sore foot pads, Craftmatic beds and FUDGE!

This guy was making the fudge while we watched. He had a BIG crowd cheering him on!

After the fudge show, we wondered over to the prize winning entries that had been judged. Earlier when we were in the last exhibit hall, I had told Monica about this fun show I liked to watch on TV called "Cash Cab."

We were inspecting the homemade wines that had won ribbons and there was one labeled "Cash Cab!" How bizarre is that!  

Here is a handmade guitar I thought was beautiful and original.

As we headed back out to the entrance to give our feet a rest, I took a pictures of the fountain.

I think we are about ready to call it a day!

Last call for cotton candy before we pile back onto the shuttle tractor.

Kentucky State Fair in Louisville KY will stay open until August 24th.

Come on out and have some fun! It's a great attitude adjustment!

*****

Lizette Fitzpatrick - Baby Boomer Real Estate Relocation Specialist with Prudential Don Foster in Richmond, Kentucky.

Rated number #1 featured Kentucky Realtor®  on Activerain.com and Localism.com. Publisher/Author for the only Central Kentucky email newsletter on local real estate listings and sold properties, Kentucky relocation, local events, homeowner information and fun! For more information on Lizette, Kentucky Horse Farms, Prudential Don Foster, Madison County, Fayette County, Richmond or Lexington, Kentucky click on Lizette.us.

See for yourself what Lizette's extraordinary clients have to say about their Kentucky real estate experience.

Previous Blog Post - What Sellers Can Do To Add Appraisal Value To Their Homes

 Copyright © 2008 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved..*Kentucky State Fair / Louisville KY*

What Sellers Can Do To Add Appraisal Value To Their Homes

I was talking today to an appraiser about adding value to a home for an appraisal. I had planned to use it as a topic on the Welcome Home Show that I taped today. I decide to go ahead and share the ideas with my newsletter clients and blog subscribers.  

If you have the best house in the subdivision don't upgrade inside. If your home is of less of lesser value to the neighbor's homes it will add value.

Add square footage extensions like extra bathroom, bedroom, family room....basements don't count for much. 1st floor and above floors can add value of $65 - $85 per sq ft.

Add hardwood, tile, crown molding, concrete or asphalt driveway or professional finishing inside.

In kitchens - new surfaces: Cabinets(re-paint), countertops, sinks, range tops, built in ovens, flooring. Repaint the walls.

Bathrooms - New Tile floor, double vanity(higher level in master), garden or whirlpool tub, , separate tile shower, toilet, Re-paint walls

Other additions that add value: porch, deck, fireplace, garage, carport or patio.

The condition of your home will add value if it looks well taken care of inside and out.

Buyers are really liking garage hanging storage wall systems even better than jazzed up kitchens, formal dining or big backyard! Who would have thought this?

Buyers decide whether to get out of their car based on the outside appearance of your home.

Take the time to wash windows, trim bushes, repaint the front door, mailbox and pull weeds. It tells a lot about how you care for your property. These homes all appraise well. 

*****

Lizette Fitzpatrick - Baby Boomer Real Estate Relocation Specialist with Prudential Don Foster in Richmond, Kentucky.

Rated number #1 featured Kentucky Realtor®  on Activerain.com and Localism.com. Publisher/Author for the only Central Kentucky email newsletter on local real estate listings and sold properties, Kentucky relocation, local events, homeowner information and fun! For more information on Lizette, Kentucky Horse Farms, Prudential Don Foster, Madison County, Fayette County, Richmond or Lexington, Kentucky click on Lizette.us.

See for yourself what Lizette's extraordinary clients have to say about their Kentucky real estate experience.

Previous Blog Post - St. James Art Show In Louisville KY

 Copyright © 2008 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved..*What Sellers Can Do To Add Appraisal Value To Their Homes*

St James Art Show In Louisville KY

I can hardly believe that almost a year has gone by and it will be time once again to see all the wonderful art at the St James Art Show. This is one of my favorite Kentucky Festivals!

The 52nd annual show will be on October 3rd - 5th this year. Hopefully, we will have some cooler weather than the last time I attended. My Mom and I almost melted from the over 90 degree weather.

My suggestions for your visit might be:

Dress in something cool.

Drink plenty of liquids.

Wear comfortable shoes to be on pavement all day.

Park in the neighborhood surrounding St. James Court. Residents rent out spots in their yards or driveways. That way you can carry back goodies to your car or just take a break and relax. Pay them...it's worth the price.

To check out more pictures and get official info check out St. James Art Show Website. There are some awesome pictures or the booths, art and festival attendees.

The show is in old Louisville, a historic preservation district. The houses date to 1870's and are made of brick with loads of stained glass windows. The neighborhood is the largest preservation district featuring almost entirely Victorian architecture in the USA.

Most of the homes are in the Victorian-era styles of Romanesque, Queen Anne, Italianate.

More about the history.

Plan to stay the day because it will take that long to visit all the booths with art.

The first time I visited, I went back on the last day(Sunday) to bargain for a particular piece of art. I have to say that the artist really did let me have a good deal.

One thing I did was pick up a few seeds(Indian Cigars my Dad used to call them) from a stately Caltapa tree in St. James Court and now I have two of the offsprings growing in my yard. 

Determine your strategy and go have a good time. I will be counting the days till October 3rd!

*****

Lizette Fitzpatrick - Baby Boomer Real Estate Relocation Specialist with Prudential Don Foster in Richmond, Kentucky.

Rated number #1 featured Kentucky Realtor®  on Activerain.com and Localism.com. Publisher/Author for the only Central Kentucky email newsletter on local real estate listings and sold properties, Kentucky relocation, local events, homeowner information and fun! For more information on Lizette, Kentucky Horse Farms, Prudential Don Foster, Madison County, Fayette County, Richmond or Lexington, Kentucky click on Lizette.us.

See for yourself what Lizette's extraordinary clients have to say about their Kentucky real estate experience.

 Copyright © 2008 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved..*St James Art Show In Louisville KY*

Woodland Art Fair Lexington KY

For 33 years, art lovers have been flocking to Woodland Park for the annual arts fair. August 6 & 17. The park is nestled in the heart of Lexington, KY sheltered by ancient trees and Bluegrass Trust homes line many of the historic streets.

Two hundred juried artists participated in this two day event held under a cool canopy of stately trees. White tents were scattered throughout the park displaying their wares.

The Woodland Art Fair usually attracts over 60,000 visitors. Craftsmanship displayed - jewelry, paintings, wood, metal, ceramics, clothes, photography and unique one of a kind items.

Food vendors offered some temping treats such as Italian Ice and hot kettle corn.

Mom and I stayed for a few hours enjoying the art. There is also a swimming pool and skateboard park on the grounds. It was amazing to see the skateboarders doing some daredevil feats in the air off concrete ramps.

If you missed the Woodland Art Fair this year be sure to mark your calender for next year.

*****

Lizette Fitzpatrick - Baby Boomer Real Estate Relocation Specialist with Prudential Don Foster in Richmond, Kentucky.

Rated number #1 featured Kentucky Realtor®  on Activerain.com and Localism.com. Publisher/Author for the only Central Kentucky email newsletter on local real estate listings and sold properties, Kentucky relocation, local events, homeowner information and fun! For more information on Lizette, Kentucky Horse Farms, Prudential Don Foster, Madison County, Fayette County, Richmond or Lexington, Kentucky click on Lizette.us.

See for yourself what Lizette's extraordinary clients have to say about their Kentucky real estate experience.

 Copyright © 2008 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved..*Woodland Art Fair Lexington KY*

WLAP 630AM Welcome Home Show With Kentucky Realtor® Lizette Fitzpatrick 

Here we go again! I was invited back to the The Welcome Home Show by Larry Frakes to join him and his sidekick Jamie Mortimer of Guardian Savings Bank in Lexington KY. We taped the show that will air this Saturday August 16, 2008.

The topics? Localism, Real estate and what sellers can do if their listing has expired.

My first debut was last month that I blogged about in my post,  WLAP 630AM Welcome Home Show With Kentucky Realtor® Lizette Fitzpatrick.

I have to admit, the first time I was a bit nervous. This time it was a whole lot easier to talk about what I know best.

I also spent some time to tell sellers about the new service I offer through Prudential Prea Center.

I can give all my sellers daily updates on their listings by email that includes hits, views, new competition listings nearby, any competition's price changes and also if the viewer of their listings has bookmaked them to save. 

Sellers are thrilled to see this in their mailbox from me everyday!

Sellers love Realtors® to stay in touch.

I also talked about Localism.com and what it means to our communities.

It is a place to brag about what we have in our towns. Places of interest, restaurant reviews, history, articles, pictures, videos and more. Research any place you would like to visit in the USA before you go.

Yes, time really goes by fast in six minutes! I hope to be back again soon. Check it out when it airs this Saturday.

 Click on LISTEN LIVE on WLAP at 10AM Saturday.

*****

Lizette Fitzpatrick - Baby Boomer Real Estate Relocation Specialist with Prudential Don Foster in Richmond, Kentucky.

Rated number #1 featured Kentucky Realtor®  on Activerain.com and Localism.com. Publisher/Author for the only Central Kentucky email newsletter on local real estate listings and sold properties, Kentucky relocation, local events, homeowner information and fun! For more information on Lizette, Kentucky Horse Farms, Prudential Don Foster, Madison County, Fayette County, Richmond or Lexington, Kentucky click on Lizette.us.

See for yourself what Lizette's extraordinary clients have to say about their Kentucky real estate experience.

 Copyright © 2008 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved..*WLAP 630AM Welcome Home Show With Kentucky Realtor® Lizette Fitzpatrick*

24 Hours in Central Kentucky: List A House In Richmond Ky then...BAM! Multiple Offers and Accepted Contract!

That was yesterday. It actually first started by one of my closings disappearing because of financing problems. Not a good way to start a day. The seller was not happy. Actually, I wasn't happy either but I appeared to be calm. We are back to square one on this listing.

On to the next deal of my day.

My brand new, formerly FSBO, listing, a cute little house on a quiet street in Richmond,KY. I called it my "Jewel with a pool."

I had just popped it on the two MLS systems. MCBR and LBAR.

There is a competing listing 2 doors down the street. It's been on the market awhile. The task was to make our new listing standout.

The owner spent her time painting every wall and kitchen cabinets, cleaned everything, new shower curtain, took out all but some furniture to look lived in, flowers on the breakfast table, nice pictures on walls, pulled weeds, cleaned up landscape and yard, nice vanilla air freshener wall units. Plus numerous last minute details.

She turned on all the lights and wished for the best.

I had already scheduled 2 showings for the evening. By 5:15PM the first ones arrived. At 6PM another agent wanted to tour it with her client. They were out front of the house.

Hmmm, I pondered,"go ahead because the next showing isn't until 7:15PM."

Then I get a call from both agents that they are writing offers!!

I call the third agent that hasn't even made it to the house with her client. She was running late but I wanted her to be in the offer situation if she wanted to be.

I inform the seller and she is beyond ecstatic! I inform the agents this is a multiple offer situation. Both agents were aware that they were competing to write the best deal.

By around 9PM one of the offers was accepted. I was thrilled for my seller who will get the money she wanted for her house and can close in a couple of weeks. 

In a nutshell, it's all about a good price, cleaning everything and staging. Put your best foot forward when you start and everything will fall in place for you. 

    *****

Lizette Fitzpatrick - Baby Boomer Real Estate Relocation Specialist with Prudential Don Foster in Richmond, Kentucky.

Rated number #1 featured Kentucky Realtor®  on Activerain.com and Localism.com. Publisher/Author for the only Central Kentucky email newsletter on local real estate listings and sold properties, Kentucky relocation, local events, homeowner information and fun! For more information on Lizette, Kentucky Horse Farms, Prudential Don Foster, Madison County, Fayette County, Richmond or Lexington, Kentucky click on Lizette.us.

Lizette Fitzpatrick, Realtor ®,Speaker, Artist and Author. Reach Lizette at: 859-979-2834

 Copyright © 2008 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved..*24 Hours in Central Kentucky: List A House In Richmond Ky then...BAM! Multiple Offers and Accepted Contract!*              

Loft Photography: Lexington KY Downtown Condos and Lofts

This afternoon I spent some time exploring the condo and lofts available in downtown Lexington KY.

The clean lines of contemporary and modern are really looking good to me.

There is something for everyone and the convenience of being in the heart of the city is intoxicating.

If you are looking for something new in the way of housing, there are some good buys in real estate downtown. More people are thinking of moving to the city that work nearby. With gas prices and the cost of living it will be the trend of the future.

Some of the condos and lofts I toured today were:

The Lofts At Main & Rose

Nunn Building Lofts

City Court Lofts

Kimball House Square

Cigar Flats

Campbell-Hagerman Flats

Centercourt

South Hill Crossing

500's On Main

600MAX

Artek Lofts

South Hill Station Lofts

Wellington Arms

Byrd Building

Clay Villa

Lorillard Lofts

New Past On Main

What is great about many of these lofts are the high ceilings, stainless steel appliances and fixtures.

Most every unit I toured had granite countertops in the kitchens and bathrooms.

Also, the darker hardwood floors seemed to give the lofts a rich and warmer feel.

                                                                          There will be numerous factors that you will have to weigh when deciding what floor plan might work best for you.

Take time to tour different ones to see which ones offer the most amenities and are close to work or the city transit system .

The pricing and floor plans all vary so let me know if you need more information. There are rentals available also.

As you can see some of the designs are fabulous.

I really loved this bookcase painted black on a blue wall.

All of these downtown lofts or condos I viewed today are either for sale or there are nearly identical ones available. Just give me a call and I can send more information to you.

Lizette Fitzpatrick - Baby Boomer Real Estate Relocation Specialist with Prudential Don Foster in Richmond, Kentucky.

Rated number #1 featured Kentucky Realtor®  on Activerain.com and Localism.com. Publisher/Author for the only Central Kentucky email newsletter on local real estate listings and sold properties, Kentucky relocation, local events, homeowner information and fun! For more information on Lizette, Kentucky Horse Farms, Prudential Don Foster, Madison County, Fayette County, Richmond or Lexington, Kentucky click on Lizette.us.

Lizette Fitzpatrick, Realtor ®,Speaker, Artist and Author. Reach Lizette at: 859-979-2834

 Copyright © 2008 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved..*Loft Photography: Lexington KY Downtown Condos and Lofts*              

More information that you might need to know about "Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008″ and why you need to be buying your home now if you can. Weeks ago, I blogged about this and as a new buyer there is no time to waste for you to be out there looking at homes and nailing down your loan. Let's get busy! Call me to set up some listings to view. Below is an article by Brian Foxworth .

Lizette 859-979-2834

Tomorrow, I will be touring the downtown condos and lofts in Lexington Kentucky. The photography opportunities are endless.

I find myself leaning more and more toward the clean lines of a modern loft. Many people are making their homes in the new buildings in the heart of the city. It's nice to see new homes created along with new stores. Teresa Boardman's pictures are always exquisite! Love her attention to detail!

1808 Jacks Creek Rd. Richmond KY 40475

$239,500

3205 Finished Sq. Ft.

 Country Setting in Northwest Madison County... brick ranch on a full basement that features 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, open floor plan, custom tile shower in master bath, whirl pool tub, tray ceilings, security system, all laminate 1st floor, recreation room with bonus room for office or 4th bedroom, wired and plumbed for 2nd kitchen/wet bar and 2nd garage, 1 acre lot, backyard deck to view beautiful sunsets and scenic farmland.

Call Lizette for appointment - 859-979-2834.

Lizette Fitzpatrick - Baby Boomer Real Estate Relocation Specialist with Prudential Don Foster in Richmond, Kentucky.

Rated number #1 featured Kentucky Realtor®  on Activerain.com and Localism.com. Publisher/Author for the only Central Kentucky email newsletter on local real estate listings and sold properties, Kentucky relocation, local events, homeowner information and fun! For more information on Lizette, Kentucky Horse Farms, Prudential Don Foster, Madison County, Fayette County, Richmond or Lexington, Kentucky click on Lizette.us.

See for yourself what Lizette's extraordinary clients have to say about their Kentucky real estate experience.

EVERYTHING You Need To Know About The Tax Credit For First Time Home Buyers.

Finally, some good news has arrived to stimulate a new home purchase for the first time home buyers.

The tax credit is $7500!

This will also benefit renters that finally have a way to buy a home and gain equity.

Say "goodbye" to renting and throwing away your money!

Say "hello" to home equity!

Sellers can put their homes on the market and know that buyers will be there to buy them.

This will also be a plus because the sellers will have to purchase their next home creating even more buyers in the market.

The next 11 months will be the boost the real estate market needs to recover.

Congress just approved The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 that authorizes a $7,500 tax credit for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing homes on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. 

Questions and Answers about the tax credit for first time home buyers.

Time to get pre-qualified with a lender and get started on finding the right home.

Please give me a call to get started. I'm excited for you!

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lizette Fitzpatrick - Baby Boomer Real Estate Relocation Specialist with Prudential Don Foster in Richmond, Kentucky.

Rated number #1 featured Kentucky Realtor®  on Activerain.com and Localism.com. Publisher/Author for the only Central Kentucky email newsletter on local real estate listings and sold properties, Kentucky relocation, local events, homeowner information and fun! For more information on Lizette, Kentucky Horse Farms, Prudential Don Foster, Madison County, Fayette County, Richmond or Lexington, Kentucky click on Lizette.us.

See for yourself what Lizette's extraordinary clients have to say about their Kentucky real estate experience.

Copyright © 2008 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved..*EVERYTHING You Need To Know About The Tax Credit For First Time Home Buyers*

Madison Bank Opens New Financial Center In Historic Richmond Kentucky

History and tradition is thriving in Richmond Kentucky.

Downtown Richmond Main Street renovations have all included a nod to the past when it comes time to remodel or restore the heritage of the county. Madison Bank has lovingly restored this building that as I first remember in the 60's as the Begley Drug Store then later was an antique store.

This financial center will offer a quaint atmosphere with enhanced services along with a full range of products. There will be a second location added in Kingston Center by late summer 2008. The Madison Bank main office is located in Gibson Bay in Richmond, KY.

Lizette Fitzpatrick, Realtor ®,Speaker, Artist and Author. Reach Lizette at: 859-979-2834

Copyright © 2008 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved..*Madison Bank Opens New Financial Center In Historic Richmond Kentucky*