Life...Fun and Kentucky Real Estate

I couldn't resist snapping this picture one day as I sat in my car at the red light over in Hamburg Pavilion Lexington, KY.

Sometimes, I spend my time making a quick call or review notes to pass the time while I wait. I was in the right place at the right time for this photo.

I decided to use it this week for my header in my weekly newsletter "I Love Kentucky News!" I'm always looking for fresh pictures or ones that are unique. I want the header to represent what I see in Kentucky everyday. There is beauty if you just stop to look.

This one was taken with my cell phone in Nonesuch, KY. I had stopped at the end of the road and was about to turn left. I took a quick shot out the window. Quite often, I don't see the true beauty of the picture till I am editing it. Then I am amazed I took such a random picture that was awesome! Now I use this one for my blog headers. Blog N Kentucky and Kentuckyology.

We had some warm weather today... almost 70! I wish I could have spent the day looking for a few good photo opportunities. I know I'm lucky to live in Kentucky and enjoy all the lush countryside and horses. Now, I'm already wishing for spring!

Lizette Fitzpatrick- Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.

#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, Lizette Realty, Madison County, Fayette County, Richmond or Lexington KY real estate click on Lizette.us.

See for yourself what Lizette's extraordinary clients have to say about their Kentucky Real Estate experience. Copyright © 2009 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved..*Kentucky Eye Candy Opportunities*

 No...I'm not talking about real estate!

I'm in charge of our Kentucky Christmas dinner at my house this year. So I'm looking at this frozen turkey and trying to wish it to be thawed.

This will be the first time I have baked one. I feel better that I have watched Christina Ferrare on Oprah bake chickens and a turkey. I have baked a few to test the recipe. It was awesome! I have her recipes and a video if I get stuck. 

My Mom called on Sunday to see if I had put it in the refrigerator. She's always early for everything. She already has pecan tarts and cranberry salad made. I let her know I was in charge of this bird and it would start thawing soon! 

I read on the Butterball helpline to allow one day for every 4 pounds. So I though I would start on Monday. Well Monday night it was still quite frozen! So I sat it out for an hour or so. Today...it still has a ways to go. I keep checking on it. Poking it with my finger as a thawing indicator.

Hopefully, Christmas morning it will be ready to bake. This is quite the experience!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Create An Elegant Holiday Chandelier Masterpiece!

Yes...You can!

It's an easy way to dress up your chandelier and your guests will be amazed how dazzling it is!

I think I first saw this on Oprah about 5 years ago at a dinner party she had. I recreated it using Christmas ornaments and ribbon.

If you don't have a chandelier, go check out some of your local flea markets or yard sales for antique ones. Some sell for little of nothing if the bulbs are missing. The key word is to haggle for what you want!

Even if they are a bit beat up, you can spray paint them black or use a textured paint. Crystals can be purchased online.

This one was purchased at a local flea market and I added the crystals and bulbs first. My handyman installed it after carefully checking out the wiring.

You will need holiday balls and ribbon for this one I have displayed.

For more sparkle, use iridescent or glitter ribbon. That way it will catch the light better.

Cut them at various lengths so the ornaments and balls will be at different levels.

Be sure to lay a towel under the chandelier so if you accidentally drop an ornament on the table it won't break. (I learned this the hard way)

I piled larger gold balls in the middle and draped a beaded garland around the middle post.

One secret is to only tie the ribbon with one knot on the arms. Later after the holidays, I slip a letter opener through the knot to loosen and I pack all the ribbons and balls in a box to reuse next year. 

Now, when I unpack the box it's easy to re-create this over the years.

I like to leave it up for New Years.

My next creation to show you will be a wreath for the New Year Celebration.

Stay tuned.

Hope this adds a little sparkle to your holiday!

Magic Jack or Skype :  Which Internet Phone Do You Choose?

While cutting costs in the home office back a few months ago, I got rid of my home phone and started using Skype. I think my cost was around $29.95 a year for unlimited local or long distance calls.

I have liked Skype fairly well. Only a few issues with the sound every now and then. It also has webcam where you can see your friends as you talk and you can do conference calls. I've used this feature once.

I thought I was happy saving over $500 a year from not having a land line.

While talking with a client, he told me he was using Magic Jack on his computer and could hook up regular portable phone to it so he could carry it around the house like a regular phone.

From the Magic Jack website you can try it free for a month.

Now... that caught my interest because I'm known to multitask and pace the floor while on the phone. I haven't enjoyed being tied to a headset and computer while using Skype.

I'm wondering if you have tried Magic Jack and what you think of it. I checked reviews and YouTube videos online and it sounded good. I ordered one from the website so I could compare both.

Lizette Fitzpatrick- Broker of Lizette Realty in Richmond, Kentucky.

#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, Lizette Realty, 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 © 2009 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved..*Magic Jack or Skype :  Which Internet Phone Do You Choose?*

Activerain's Monica Hess of "Feng Shui This" Featured In The Lexington Herald

It couldn't have happened to a nicer person!

An interview with The Lexington Herald showcases Activerain's Monica Hess and her Kentucky Feng Shui business called "Feng Shui This".

I met her a couple of years ago by phone as an Internet lead that she might be looking for a home in Central Kentucky.

When we got to know each other by looking at homes, I found out more about her Feng Shui business and how it could help others in real estate.

Over time, she has really impressed me with her quiet knowledge and kindness. She's a steadfast friend that is there to listen and truly I value her advise.

I'm always amazed at her easy ideas to create harmony for me or my listings so they will receive offers. So much better than burying St. Francis under the yard sign!

Now, she has even used her Feng Shui to assist horse farms to be more in harmony and successful. Here is a re-blog of a post she wrote on Calumet Farm.

I was excited for her that a comment she made on an article in the Lexington Herald led to an interview and showcase for all to she how good she is.

Monica Hess has worked hard to bring her services to Lexington and I look forward to seeing her giving some classes to enlighten others on the importance of Feng Shui.

Please give her a call at (859) 492-0582 or check out her website for more information.

Lizette Fitzpatrick- Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.

#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, Lizette Realty, Madison County, Fayette County, Richmond or Lexington KY real estate click on Lizette.us.

See for yourself what Lizette's extraordinary clients have to say about their Kentucky Real Estate experience. Copyright © 2009 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved..*Activerain's Monica Hess of "Feng Shui This" Featured In The Lexington Herald* 

208 John Ballard Rd,

Berea KY 40403

For Sale

WITHDRAWN

Comfortable brick ranch in a well established neighborhood.

1400 SF, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen w/appliances, Living Room, 3 car side entrance garage.

Large new deck, black plank fenced backyard. Spacious level corner lot in a handy location near a new Duncanon exit #85 off I-75.

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

#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..*I Love Kentucky News Central Kentucky Email Real Estate Newsletter*

I Love Kentucky News!

Central Kentucky's Weekly Real Estate Email Newsletter

Read all about it! Get the latest edition hot off the press!

I Love Kentucky News

Central Kentucky's only weekly newsletter on the latest real estate listings, listings sold, local events, giveaways, homebuyer and home seller tips, fun and entertainment. Delivered fresh each and every Thursday. 

Why pick up a stale home's magazine when you can have all the hottest new listings delivered to your email?  Subscribe today to stay informed each week.

Lizette Fitzpatrick- Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.

#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, Lizette Realty, Madison County, Fayette County, Richmond or Lexington KY real estate click on Lizette.us.

See for yourself what Lizette's extraordinary clients have to say about their Kentucky Real Estate experience. Copyright © 2009 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved..*I Love Kentucky News Central Kentucky Email Real Estate Newsletter*

Short Sale? What's THAT? (Short Answer) 

Some houses are sold below what is owed on a mortgage. Sometimes there is more than one mortgage, like a 2nd mortgage(equity line). Usually, on the second mortgage, the lender will have to be willing to take little of nothing. It is a bit more difficult to get bank approval if the mortgages are at separate banks.

When an offer is made by a buyer for a short sale it may be accepted by the seller, but then it has to be approved by the lender(s). This may take 30-45 days or more.

The buyer may be required to provide bank approval, earnest money, commitment letter and a HUD(settlement statement w/ title search prepared by a real estate attorney). It just depends on what the bank asks for.

All sellers need to have their documents ready to submit to lenders if they are listed as a short sale and they recieve an offer. The seller will need to provide the past 2 years tax returns, last 2 pay stubs, bank statement, hardship letter and other supporting documents that the bank requests.

Even after all this... it may not be approved. The lender may send back a counteroffer. Or it could just be rejected. The wait may all be worth it in the end because you will close on a house priced below appraisal value.

During this time it can be stressful on all parties. There are a lot of unknown factors that the listing agent must deal with. It's just not business as usual.

Please take note that I am not a short sale expert. My comments are only based from my personal experience with short sales. Not all transactions will be the same.

It's just a part of the real estate landscape that we will all have to see for awhile. On a good note... I have seen a lot of action with buyers and sellers this week.

Things are getting better in Central Kentucky!

Hey, I even saw gas at $1.49!

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

#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..*Short Sale? What's That?*

Christopher "Kit" Carson - Born Christmas Eve In Madison County 1809

Kit Carson is legendary in American History. He only lived to be 60 years old but back in those days that might have been a long time.

He was the ninth child born ourt of 14 brothers and sisters. His family moved to Missouri when he was an infant.

His father died when he was only nine and because of having to go to work he did not get a formal education.  

Despite a lack of education he did marry three times and lived on to become quite a legend in the Southwest.

A friend once said, "His word was as sure as the sun comin' up," he was noted for an unassuming manner and implacable courage.

Kit Carson died in Fort Lyons on May 23, 1868 and was later buried in Tao, New Mexico.

On Tates Creek Road where this sign used to be posted is Kit Carson Elementary School named in his honor.

Other early legendary figures from Madison County were Daniel Boone and Cassius M. Clay.

Lizette Fitzpatrick- Principal Broker with LIZETTE REALTY in Richmond, Kentucky.

#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, Lizette Realty, 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..*Christopher "Kit" Carson - Born Christmas Eve In Madison County KY 1809*

Are we lucky in Kentucky?

I remember a conversation I had with my Dad long ago when were watching TV and the newsman said we were in a recession. We had no idea that we were supposed to be feeling different...  till we saw it on TV!

Now what do we do??

We laughed a long time over that one!

Why would anyone know there was a name for some situation like a recession unless it was announced that you were in one? 

Isn't it just a moment in time? Our lives seem to change with an announcement of how we should be or what we are supposed to be experiencing.

What if it were just another day....really that's all it is.

So today the buzz word is buyer's market.

Instead of a seller's market.

What does that mean for you?

As a seller, you might wonder if your home was going to sit on the market longer that you want it to. A buyer might feel he can get a better deal or take his time looking.  

Traditionally, sales of property in Central Kentucky are always slow through the holidays and start to pick up again second week in January.   

My investor clients are out there right now snapping up all the great deals with cash in hand. Bankers are still able to lend money.   Just like in the stock market, you buy when prices are low... like right now.

We may even see interest rates fall to 4.5 by next week. It will be time to work your deal if you get started on pre-qualifying with your lender now. Rates won't stay low forever.  

It's strange how a few words like recession and lower interest rates can change a whole real estate market. Even with what is happening around the USA,  we are pretty lucky in Kentucky!

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

#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..*Getting Lucky In Kentucky!*

Just a short sale in Kentucky.

Just a SHORT SALE? It made my day. Just that one phone call.

The short sale has been approved. APPROVED!

Music to my ears. Play it, boys!

Short sales are so difficult on everyone involved.

The sellers are at the end of their rope,

the seller's agent has to do all the negotiating that might not work out at all,

the buyers get their hopes up and have to invest in a HUD,

the buyer's agent is fretful that it might not work out for her buyers,

the bank's loss mitigation agent is surely overworked by now, but she is actually curtious and kind,

and the closing attorney is willing to do everything to get this to a successful closing.

We all got to where we wanted to be today. Approved to go to closing!

Everyone involved in this stressful situation is relieved and thrilled! Things don't always work out so nicely.

Short sales are not the ideal situation for our sellers.

Anger and demands do not get it done faster or make it happen at all.

Through the process, I worked at remaining calm and comforting. In the end, it will work out. I'll be so glad when we all get beyond these short sales and back to normal contracts and closings.

Thanks! I just had to tell someone.

Lizette Fitzpatrick- Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.

#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, Lizette Realty, Madison County, Fayette County, Richmond or Lexington KY real estate click on Lizette.us.

See for yourself what Lizette's extraordinary clients have to say about their Kentucky Real Estate experience. Copyright © 2009 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved...*Just A Short Sale In Kentucky*