Life...Fun and Kentucky Real Estate

SKYPE... SKYPE, BABY! On WKYT TV NEWS With Sam Dick

My handyman calls me "Primetime" as a nickname now. He is teasing me about WKYT TV being at my home office to film a news segment on using Skype for my Lizette Realty business in Central Kentucky.

News Anchor, Sam Dick contacted me earlier in the month after he had Googled "Skype Kentucky "and came across an Activerain post I had written on using Skype in my business.

I use Skype's Internet phone service to call out of state clients and I love the video conferencing with other Skype users. I no longer have a dedicated home phone line. I cut the cord to save $500 a year. I only pay $29.95 a year for Skype.

This has really been great to use for business in Lizette Realty.

I see clients or consultants and they can see me. I can show them houses, pictures and documents.   

After numerous emails and phone calls, Sam arrived with a cameraman to film me using Skype.

I figured it would be a good time to get my office clean and clear off my desk!

Now I can't find anything! LOL

The WKYT TV News segment is scheduled to be aired on April 1st at 5PM.

I will come back to update this if this changes. I hope it's not an April Fool's joke! 

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*SKYPE... SKYPE, BABY! On WKYT TV NEWS With Sam Dick*

Stop and Go For Two World Famous BBQ Recipes in Richmond KY

When you live in the South, you grow up eating BBQ.

You learn pretty quick that people have their favorite recipes passed down through the family or invent new ones that are fabulous.

Summer weekends at festivals have backyard chefs competing for trophies and bragging rights of whose sauce reigns supreme!

Growing up in Madison County, Kentucky, I can remember my parents taking me to some wonderful BBQ joints in the area and Mom has a great recipe that I still use.

Over time I have traveled around and out of state to be able to taste some wonderful Bar-B-Q. Maybe, I have become a fan of BBQ after lifetime of tasting all the varieties. Wet, dry, hot, mild, spicy, exotic, but mainly the top-secret Southern BBQ sauce.

There's something down home about Bar-B-Q. It's comforting and filling. No wonder there are so many people that absolutely love it and have cook offs to prove how good the recipe might be.

The other day, I finally made it to the Stop and Go on Water Street in Richmond, Kentucky. I had heard for years that the Bar-B-Q of Robert Miller and Russell Cantrell was legendary.

What I didn't know beforehand, was that the famous sauce was actually two separate recipes.

Robert's sauce is used on chicken wings and Russell's sauce is for beef brisket, pulled pork & ribs.

As I walked inside the diner, I was warmly greeted at the counter by Christine Chadwell, cashier.

Both owners, Russell and Robert were busy cooking but you could easily tell they were the heartbeat of the Stop and Go, winners of the 2009 Minority Business of the Year from The Chamber of Commerce.

As I settled in to do a taste test, I noticed how busy the place was. There were three patrons at the counter but lots of folks would stop to pick up food...then go!

My tasty review included BBQ beef brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken wings, cole slaw, potato salad and baked beans.

Russell uses his secret recipe on the ribs, pulled pork and brisket. It was my first time to eat beef brisket and he knew I was going to love it!

The pulled pork, brisket and ribs had just the right amount of sauce and flavor after marinating overnight and smoked up to 10 hours over hickory, apple and pecan wood before grilling. It was clearly some of the best BBQ I have ever tasted.

Next up was Robert's chicken wings in his secret sauce. Amazing taste and the wings would surely be something to disappear first off the table at a party.

By now it was hard to pick a favorite. Robert also prepares the baked beans and gives them some extra seasonings.

The cole slaw was creamy and had just the right ingredients. The menu also includes a fish sandwich and he does the special breading.

Christine's potato salad was heavenly and just the perfect blend.

There's something for everyone on the menu even hamburgers.

It's plain to see that the Stop and Go is a well maintained diner that has all the perfect ingredients of great BBQ, happy atmosphere and a down home charm. They do catering too!

Give Russell or Robert a call at 859-353-5451 or see them in action at 115 East Water Street in Richmond, KY.

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*Stop and Go For Two World Famous BBQ Recipes in Richmond KY*

Keeneland race Track / Spring Meet 2009 / Lexington Kentucky - Thoroughbred Racing & Sales

Out-of-towners show up to see the horses but Kentuckians go there to watch the people.

Keeneland Race Track in Lexington Kentucky is quite a legendary place and horse race aficionados will tell you that there is no place in the world like it.

An exquisite jewel set in the center of The Horse Capitol Of The World. 

It is with out a doubt the most beautiful race track in the world.

A showcase for owners to present their best horses to well heeled spectators and serious horse people.

It's hard to put it into words, but here it is about pageantry, nobility, elegance and thrill of Thoroughbred racing.

The feel here is very much like racing in England.

My picture is of the walking ring where the brightly dressed jockeys get final instructions from trainers and get ready to be walked to the track.

The elegant atmosphere at Keeneland has been the same since the 1930's. Amazing to many is that it is only open for racing twice a year...in the spring and then in the fall.

One of the big spring races is The Bluegrass Stakes...a prep race that sometimes determines what colts are ready to go to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. 

Everything at Keeneland Race Track is built with comfort and beauty in mind. 

Many people like the Phoenix Room that has a view of the paddock. I visited with good friends and snapped a few pictures from the windows of the horses.

The Keeneland Spring Meeting begins on April 3rd and continues through April 24th. No racing on Monday or Tuesday or on Easter, Sunday, April 12.

Go early around 7 AM and watch the horses workout. A tasty breakfast is served at the track in the Equestrian Dining Room. Click here for a video.

Last fall season, Keeneland became North America's first high-definition racetrack with live race coverage and limited simulcasts in high-definition format. Additional HD broadcasts of Keeneland will be available via on-track television monitors, infield LED tote board and also HD-compatible ESPN telecasts.

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*Keeneland Race Track / Spring Meet 2009 / Lexington Kentucky- Thoroughbred Racing & Sales*  

What is up with that crack???

Living in the South we see plenty of homes that have cracks in foundation or brick veneer.

Many times as I walk around a home with clients we ponder why there are cracks and the cause. FHA now has a 203K loan to help buyers that wish to purchase property that might have a few structure flaws. Some cracks are easier to fix than others.

The story below actually is a show and tell from Charles Buell of what happens to the house in some cases when a crack begins and really causes damage. This crack would be costly!

THE BENNETT HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST - RICHMOND, KY

Richmond KY's Little Biltmore

I grew up on the streets in Richmond Kentucky. We lived on the west end and I used to ride my bicycle to town. My Dad owned a Greyhound Station on Water Street that was totally interesting to hang out in. As I would leisurely ride my bike in the 1960's along Main Street, I would pass by some truly beautiful old historic homes. I would wonder what their lives were like and just who had lived there in the past.

One house that I truly loved to gaze upon was right across the First Christian Church on 419 West Main Street. Back then it was named Westover Terrace Antiques and owned by Mrs. Coy.

When it was built in 1891, it was known as the "Bennett Place" by Mrs. Elizabeth Chenault Bennett. The Cincinnati architect Samuel E. des Jardins built this one and several other historic homes in Richmond.

The Queen Anne style one and a half story brick has Romanesque detailing, a high hipped slate roof complete with a domed turret, a balcony coved grand double door stained glass entrance. Open those doors to a sweeping cherry wrap around staircase that leads to the second story. Gleaming hardwood floors and eight fireplaces enhance the house that has original hand carved mantles and tiles.

Later, it was home many other members of the Bennett family until 1957 then sold to Nay and Farry Coy. Mrs. Coy owned the house till her death and Pam Jones Price inherited the house and sold it to Pat Vencill and Sharron Oxendine that established the Bennett House Bed & Breakfast.

Since 2000 the fabulous Bennett House Bed & Breakfast has been owned and operated by Richard and Rita Smart.

Fast forward to 2008 and out of town guests, locals friends and neighbors all enjoy a plethora of wonderful experiences in this historic Bed & Breakfast. Drawing upon skills as a professional home economist, Rita Smart has offered up a heaping helping of southern charm and hospitality. Her exquisite tastes in Southern décor and attention to detail complement the aroma of baking coming from the kitchen.

Hungry guests wait patiently amid the fine antiques to sample the tasty food whether they are there for Saturday tea, private dinner or attending a little girl's tea party. Many are overnight guests that have enjoyed a good night's sleep in one of the bedrooms or suites and are now ready for breakfast. 

The best compliment a good cook gets is when someone wants their recipe. I'm sure Rita has been asked many times for her culinary secrets gathered over the years. So much in fact, she finally put them all together in one place. Rita can now add "famous author" to her resume as she spends time at book signings promoting the Bennett House Cookbook: Kentucky Delights.

Come step back in time and take a moment to enjoy this historic "experience" we have in Richmond, Kentucky. Bennett House Bed & Breakfast, Share it with a good friend or two!

"Life is an experience, where you want to stay, it should be an experience. When you fix food for people...it's the experience." Rita Smart says with a smile.

Lizette Fitzpatrick - Broker of Lizette Realty 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, Lizette Realty, Kentucky Horse Farms,  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 by Lizette Fitzpatrick 2009 *The Historic Bennett House Bed & Breakfast In Richmond KY*

310 Bold Forbes Road Richmond KY 40475

$188,000

2663 Sq. Ft.

Conveniently located to everything! Right off I-75 exit 90.

Stately raised ranch on a full basement with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen w/appliances, Pergo flooring, enclosed sun porch, screened deck, bonus room and family room w/gas fireplace in the basement, 2 car garage, fenced yard, beautifully landscaped and mature trees in the yard.

Well established neighborhood only minutes from Lexington, shopping, schools and churches all nearby.

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 onLizette, 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..*210 Bold Forbes Road Richmond KY 40475* 

I want to see flowers!

Like most of you, I have been patiently impatiently waiting for Spring to arrive.

Seeing the Buttercups and Crocus in the past few days has given me hope that this cold weather is behind us.

Since the flowers haven't all started blooming, I was thinking of the pictures I took last year of some awesome eye candy. I know you took some great pics too.

So post them here and get us in the mood for Spring!

Here is my favorite:

The Midnight Cereus: meaning, "transient beauty."

Given to me by a friend that has passed away. This was a leaf stuck in the dirt that started doing strange things.

An aerial stem started growing...and growing and almost shot skyward 5 feet! It was like the Jack and the Beanstalk story.

In fact the plant didn't ever bloom until the 1 year anniversary of my friend's death. That was weird!

I had no idea what this plant was at the time.

After some research I found out it was a Midnight Cereus. Discovered in 1753 in South America jungles. Cuttings were brought over to Europe.

Then the strange red bud started forming until it grew to almost a foot long from the edge of the leaf. I started watching it each night with my Mom or friends to see if suddenly the white bloom would pop out. I had moved it out on the deck by the door so I wouldn't miss the moment.

When it does bloom, the fragrance is a similar to a  Jasmine or Gardenia. Last year I counted 13 blooms all in one night. It was a major event!

Lets fill this post with all your lovely blooms.

Tell how you got your picture or why you love the flower. 

SPRING HAS ARRIVED!

With so many homes on the market, the ones that get sold last are sometimes the ones need structural repair.

I can recall one nice house that I showed many, many times and all the clients were turned off after they saw all the cracks in the basement slab. This would have been a great house to buy other than that flaw.

The FHA 203k loan provides the extra financing to roll in the cost of the repairs (even cracked foundations)into the loan.

All work has to be done by qualified and licensed professionals and to be completed within 60 days of closing.

Many of these homes are expertly repaired and great bargains for clients. Find out more about this financing in the article below...

Is shopping for  a home giving you...Analysis Paralysis? 

There's so much information out there now on buying a home.

Over 84% of buyers will be shopping online. All the information overload can be extremely confusing.

The fuzzy area for most folks that are just starting the search is the financing. This is the most important part.

If I ask you about this in one of our first conversations, I'm just concerned and fussy like a mother hen watching over you. 

I want to be sure you know what is involved in getting loan approval.

It's not easy like it was a year ago.  

This will need to be addressed well before you go out and look at houses with an agent.  

If you have your present home to sell,  this will be what you need to know to buy the next one. 

What will lenders ask for?

What are the new guidelines and programs?

How can YOU prepare now?

I've got it all here...

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 onLizette, 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..*Before You Go House Shopping...Check Into Financing* 

 Skype Use In Kentucky Real Estate?

Staying in touch with clients is a big part of how my Lizette Realty company is successful.

Skype is an Internet phone/video service that can connect you most places in the world for for less than $30 a year!

Say goodbye to your land line!

Last fall, I was reassessing how I could cut costs in my home office. I guess my intuition was already telling me that hard times were on the way. Look how it is now! We are all trying to save money. Here is the post I wrote in Kentuckyology on my quest to save money on long distance.

Since choosing Skype and cutting off the land line, I have forever changed how I use the telephone. Now I can call anyone using a headset plugged in to my laptop. If you prefer to be wireless, you can use a bluetooth headset. I haven't purchased one, but that might be next.

I am able to call any cell or phone line. If calling another Skype user... the bonus is the full screen video. The camera is in my laptop.

This feature is fantastic to use in business when showing a client the inside or outside of homes, the neighborhood, a picture, document, plat or anything instantly without sending a file by email or fax. The examples of use are endless.

I can also instant message, conference call or send money with Paypal while online.

Oprah uses it on her show to interview out of town guests. She no longer needs to send a full film crew to go to the location! Maybe she sends them a new computer for participating! She's always giving away stuff!

This past week, I was contacted by Sam Dick of WKYT News to demo my use of Skype in my home office. We should be taping this week. I'll post about the experience later in this blog.

So if you haven't Skyped...go check it out and discover all the ways it will fit in with your life. Ahhh...life is good!

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 onLizette, 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..*Skype Use In Kentucky Real Estate?*