The Moron Brothers on the Kentucky River
REQUEST A KENTUCKY RELOCATION PACKET!
Finding a new Kentucky home has never been so easy!
Just click on the link below.
Lexington KY Residential Homes For Sale
Lizette Fitzpatrick - Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.
For more information on Lexington or Richmond KY homes for sale. click on Lizette.us.
Copyright © 2012 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved
Kentucky River - The Moron Brothers - Come Sit A Spell And Take A Ride Down The River!
3 comments • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • January 23 2012 10:19AMThe 8 Absolute Truths On How to Get Your House Sold
Until the past few years in Kentucky, it was easy to get houses sold for a good price.
There were even multiple offers everywhere! Yes, we Realtors(R) were almost order takers! Ahhhh...life was good!
What I noticed overall was just HOW some houses sold faster. It wasn't because: the agent was brilliant, the marketing was spot on, open houses were held every weekend or even that there was more than one prospective buyer.
What sold the house fast was that sellers took out unnecessary stuff and added paint... then cleaned it up!
For most of you sellers, this is just everyday stuff.
1. Clean EVERYTHING! I am cleaning ZEN kind of person and I just like my house clean and fresh. I do have a little dog with mountains of hair but you would never know it when you come inside. I enjoy cleaning. Some people hate it!
Many houses I listed that sold lighting fast had pro-active sellers. They asked me to come over, I made out a list of what they could should do.
They had done their homework by checking out new homes to see how they could compete... and it worked! It was a mission and they wanted to WIN! I love this attitude.
2. Get rid of all wallpaper! The number one pet peeve of buyers when looking at homes was wallpaper. When you look at new homes it just isn't there. Not even a border. If you want to get your house sold take out every inch of wallpaper or border.
I know you thought it matched your decor, but the next buyer will probably hate it. Not only that, but he will not even want to take the time to take it off the wall. This is when he will roll his eyes and look at his agent and say..."Next". Borders and wallpaper date your home and designers rarely suggest it. Get to work and take it down.
3. That Kentucky blue paint has to go! The next in line is paint color. Again take a look at some new homes and pick out neutral earth tone colors. Stay away from pinks, purples, blues, and tutti-frutti tones.
Freshen your doors and baseboards by cleaning them and paint. Don't forget to put a fresh coat of paint on the front door too. Most times all the trim just needs cleaning. You know it's the one thing you never do!
4. One of my biggest peeves is knick-knacks and collections.
Keep in mind at all times...you want to move! Pack all that stuff like dolls, angels, toys, religious icons, stuffed animals, glass figurines, deer antlers, gun racks, china, family pictures, stacks of books and magazines, pill bottles, etc.
5. Stage the kitchen! The goal is to make surfaces look a little empty. Don't leave place mats and china on the table either. Replace it with a nice centerpiece like a bowl of fresh green apples or vase of cut flowers. Put sponges, cleaners, soap, drain stoppers, etc. under the sink and out of sight.
Take off appliances (Blenders,can openers, etc.) rarely used and box them to move.
Survey the room and pack up unnecessary objects. Less is more!
6. What in the world is that SMELL?? I started to put this at number one, but it is SMELL. Your house needs to smell nice when buyers arrive. It is the first impression they will have. I'm not talking about air freshener (that will turn them off fast too!). There is a product at hardware stores called Odor Rid. It will eliminate odors...Go get it.
Your house should have a "CLEAN" smell. Almost no smell at all. Get carpets and floors professionally cleaned to start. Clean dead bugs and cobwebs out of windows and blinds, dust off ceiling fans and light fixtures.
7. ANIMALS -They have to be out of the house to get it sold. Take them with you when the house is being shown. Cute pets in the house or yard do not help you sell your home.
Cat litter boxes are a BIG YUCK! Stick it out in the garage on your way to the car. Put away dirty dog bowls.
Some people will not even look at a house that has had dogs or cats. I don't blame them. To sell a home with pets you will have to work harder than the average homeowner just to keep it clean and hair picked up. Have a friend who doesn't have pets come by to take a front door sniff test. Take it from there on how much cleaning will get rid of the odor.
8. NO SMOKING!!!! I'm serious about this ugly truth. One of the last houses I looked at to potentially list had about 5 people sitting in the kitchen smoking. I couldn't get out of there and wash my clothes and hair fast enough! Whew!
Folks, if you want to sell your home, you can't smoke in it. Sure, you might love it... but it will turn off all the buyers. No one will love those yellow walls and sticky ceiling fans with dust balls. Smoked up houses are the last ones to sell...if at all.
I used to wonder why dust would stick on textured ceilings....it was from the nicotine! Any home that has had smokers will need EVERYTHING...paint, carpet and a deep clean. Even with all this cleaning, some buyers will still smell it's been in there.
O.K. that's the good bad and the ugly on what can get your house sold. Look at it like it is a part time job you have taken to make money. If you are out of a job, this can be your new job!
You won't have to lower your asking price. Really, I'm not kidding. I want more than anything to see your home sell fast. Sometimes it's hard to say these things to clients. That's why I wrote it all down here...so I don't have to hurt your feelings. I spend long hours taking clients through house after house and see them turn their nose up at all this stuff.
Bottom line is you are ready to move, start packing it up and concentrate on the prize...a new home!
REQUEST A KENTUCKY RELOCATION PACKET!
Finding a new Kentucky home has never been so easy!
Just click on the link below.
Lexington KY Residential Homes For Sale
Lizette Fitzpatrick - Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.
For more information on Lexington or Richmond KY homes for sale. click on Lizette.us.
Copyright © 2012 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved
*The 8 Absolute Truths On How to Get Your House Sold*
4 comments • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • January 12 2012 05:40PMMany new buyers like to look at new construction for their future home. Loved this article on how problems are not trouble-shooted early. Would you think to look this closely?
First thing I don't understand: if these folks want to put a deck on the back of the house, the ledger beam (the main support for the deck, a 2x12 that bolts to the house onto which the deck joists are attached) is interfered with by four appurtenances.
Home inspectors call objects that pass through walls that service other things, like the furnace vent, hose bib and two vent covers above APPURTENANCES.
There is only one place to put that ledger beam. It must be attached in a way that meets codes, meaning many through bolts into the house, in a W pattern. The deck structure is attached to it and has to accommodate all that stuff!
Another deck support beam could be built there instead of attaching the deck to the house, but that would set the deck out from the house a few inches and in my opinion that looks goofy.
Second thing I don't understand: the ONLY basement window is under the door. So, if, instead of a deck, these folks wanted to put in a patio and not deal with all those appurtenances, how can stairs be placed to not interfere with that window?
If a deck is there, this window provides very little lightification to the room (that's my word) and concrete stairs would cover it completely.
Third thing I don't understand: the exhaust for the furnace vents right onto or under the deck. Look at its height! The top of the plastic bell is higher than the top of where the decking would be. The deck will have to accommodate that, and that'll be perty fer sher, and the plastic is vulnerable to being stepped on. And the bell is too high to extend the exhaust to the far edge of the deck because it's too high.
Fourth thing I don't understand: it'll be really easy and fun to get to that hose bib! And wrapping the hose will be just as fun, and very good looking.
Fifth thing I don't understand: those two vents. One is a bathroom, which is marginally okay, but it still needs to deal with the deck. The other is for the dryer. This is no fun all around. It's covered with a grate and will be oh so fun to keep clean!
Sixth thing I don't understand: I think, well hope anyway, that the black drain tile (that black plastic tube) is intended to drain a window well. But the way the house is situated on the lot means that the grading will cover a large portion of the bottom of that window. So basement lightification will be restricted by the window well material even if no deck is ever placed there!
Seventh thing I don't understand: why anyone would design this? Did an architect design it? The supervisor decide that this is how all those appurtenances would be handled? Is this how all the homes are built by this builder? Is this the first house with such a "design?" If so, am I the first to point this out? No one else sees these problems in advance as I have? Ummmm...
I have a solution. A zip line attached to the rear door could wing the homeowners into the back yard to a platform built 30' from the door. What better way to get into the yard! Hey, that's certainly as well thought out as everything above! Personally I'd love it!
My recommendation: you have to think in advance. This sort of thing would have been caught had I seen the plans for the house before this was built. This design would be a problem no matter the elevation, if the future deck was high or low. These buyers are being left a problem! This is NOT a Golden Rule circumstance. And get a pre-drywall inspection!
THINK AHEAD!
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC
Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia
1 comment • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • December 09 2011 11:38AMUK Student Housing - Lexington KY Condos - University of Kentucky
South Hill Station
585 South Upper St. #113
Lexington KY 40508
Reduced price - $177,500
Why pay rent? Here's the stunningly modern UK location you've dreamed of.
Clearly the most upgraded condo in South Hill Station. Beautiful 2 bedroom 2 bath, kitchen has honey maple cabinets w/ stainless handles and black appliances. Extra cabinets have been installed. Granite counter tops too! Custom built-in closets for each bedroom.
Bathrooms upgraded with custom vanities. Living room and dining area. New paint and polished concrete floor, industrial exposed duct work, 16' ceiling, stack washer and dryer. 3 parking spaces, secured entry w/ card keys and 24 HR monitoring. High speed Internet, convenient to shopping, restaurants and school.
Unit is now cleared of furniture and freshly cleaned and painted for the new owner....you!
Check out the latest issue of I LOVE KENTUCKY NEWS!
Looking for something different?
We have more condos...click below to start your search.
REQUEST A KENTUCKY RELOCATION PACKET!
LEXINGTON KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE
RICHMOND KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE
Lizette Fitzpatrick- Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.
For more information on Kentucky Horse Farms and Lexington KY real estate
click on Lizette.us.
Photos by Blue Shirt Photography
Copyright 2011 by Lizette Fitzpatrick
UK Student Housing - Lexington KY Condos - University of Kentucky - 40508 -
South Hill Station
4 comments • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • September 19 2011 12:52PMLexington KY - Homes With Basements - Pros & Cons
In the year 2011, we really have had some extreme weather in Lexington KY along with the surrounding states and many new home buyers are considering homes with basements.
Sure, bad weather can happen most anywhere except Arizona. Do they get any natural disasters? I don't think so.
So if you are thinking of a new home and want to tour suitable houses, you need to know what exactly goes on in a basement of a house. Not all basements are good ones and neither are all crawlspaces created equal. Let's start with why homes with basements are good:
Pros:
Cons:
Maybe it's time to put your want list together for your new home. After touring a few Lexington KY homes with basements see if it fits your needs. Also, does it fit in the budget after getting pre-approval for your loan. To get started on your search click below. We are happy to assist you.
REQUEST A KENTUCKY RELOCATION PACKET!
LEXINGTON KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE
RICHMOND KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE
Lizette Fitzpatrick- Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.
For more information on Kentucky Horse Farms and Lexington KY real estate
click on Lizette.us.
Copyright 2011 - Lexington KY - Homes With Basements - Pros & Cons
0 comments • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • August 04 2011 12:32PMMy Kentucky Garden Friend With A BIG Appetite!
One of my favorite things to do in the morning is water my flowers and vegetables. It's nice to see everything growing and looking healthy.
I spent most of my adult life as a renter. About 8 years ago I bought my first home. The only gardening I could do was a few flowers in containers on a deck.
That has changed in a BIG way! I now take great pride in working in the flower beds. Seriously, it's free therapy when you have things on your mind.
There are about 30 trees that I have planted also. One pear tree has some of the best pears I have ever eaten. I laugh and tell my friends that I am living off the land!
I added a raised bed this year for vegetables and so far the results have been amazing.
Love having fresh tomatoes, kale, lettuce, spinach, red potatoes, peppers and cucumbers.
Next to harvest will be cantalope and watermelon.
Yesterday, I traded a friend veggies for fresh eggs. She has chickens in her fenced yard right near downtown Lexington.
Out front, there are flowers in the beds and a regular friend there is the "Mo" the Praying Mantis.
He's always in the same spot each day at the top of the clemitis.
These pics were snapped with my iPhone.
I love seeing this guy out there each day. He makes me smile.
Life must be so simple for him in his Kentucky garden.
REQUEST A KENTUCKY RELOCATION PACKET!
LEXINGTON KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE
RICHMOND KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE
Lizette Fitzpatrick- Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.
For more information on Kentucky Horse Farms and Lexington KY real estate
click on Lizette.us.
Copyright 2011 by Lizette Fitzpatrick - My Kentucky Garden Friend With A BIG Appetite!
13 comments • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • August 02 2011 02:56PMMy clients are always asking me whether they should sell their homes now or rent. I found this article today that I thought I'd share with my readers. Take a look at the pros and cons.
These days, when it’s tougher than ever to sell a house, homeowners are turning to renting as a way out.
Renting may be a good option when you can’t sell, but not everybody is cut out to be a landlord or landlady. And while renting may seem like an easy short-term fix, it may not be a long-term solution.
Make sure you consider all the factors before deciding whether renting will solve your problems … or create more.
2 reasons homeowners rent instead of sell
Urgency is the #1 reason homeowners rent instead of sell. They have to sell, and they have to sell quickly.
Price is the #2 reason homeowners rent instead of sell. Bottom line, they’re not prepared to ‘give away their house’ at today’s depressed prices.
So they turn to a stopgap solution. In a year or two, their thinking goes, the market will recover. At that point, they further reason, they’ll be able to sell their house for more than they can today.
But will renting solve their problems? Maybe yes. And maybe no.
11 problems with renting your house
While you may have excellent reasons for renting your house, consider the following before giving up on selling your house.
Buying again – Leaving equity behind in your house may prevent you from purchasing a new house.
Property management – Managing receipts, maintenance, repairs, emergencies, and other requirements associated with renting requires time, money, and effort. You can choose to do it yourself or you can choose a property manager to do it for you.
Market recovery or market bust – It may take longer than you think for real estate prices to recover. Right now, the economy remains weak. Downward pressure on home values will continue for the foreseeable future. Who can say how much longer … or steeper … prices will sink before an eventual upswing. Once the market is on an upward trajectory, it will take years for prices to return to previous highs.
Depreciation – While the IRS allows you to take deprecation as an expense against rental income, don’t think of ‘depreciation’ as only a tax deduction good for improving cash flow. Since tenants are unlikely to treat your home as well as you would, physical depreciation is a very real aspect of turning your home over to tenants.
Capital gains tax – If you rent your house for only two years, you can still sell your house and be exempt from paying IRS taxes on up to $250,000 of capital gain (when single) or $500,000 (when married). However, the depreciation you took against rental income may have to be recaptured. Be sure to consult your tax accountant.
Re-lease or try to sell again – In this climate, you’ll find tenants quickly. Once the first year’s lease is over, you’ll have to decide whether to continue renting your house or try selling. Either way, you’ll have to invest in cleaning, painting, landscaping, replacing carpet, upgrading appliances, and making repairs before the next tenants or buyers move in.
Damaged goods – When you’re ready to sell, your house may be considered ‘damaged goods’. Homebuyers can immediately tell if a house has been lovingly cared for or simply lived in. And they will take this into consideration when making offers.
Selling with tenants in place – Let’s face it, tenants don’t care if you sell your house or not. They don’t have a stake in the outcome. They only know it disrupts their schedule. They won’t keep the house as neat and clean as you would. They won’t be as flexible to accommodate showing appointments as you would. And they may hang around the house during showings, making homebuyers uncomfortable and eager to leave. Once their lease is up, you’ll find yourself in a negative cash-flow position and may very well be forced to rent once more.
Rental merry-go-round – After renting your house for what was supposed to be no more than a year or two ... just until the market turned around ... could turn into a long-term commitment. You may get stuck on the rental merry-go-round, unable to jump off. The window between leases will leave you with only a short time to list and sell your house. Before you know it, you’ll be back on the rental merry-go-round, still waiting for the opportunity to unload a monumental burden.
Rental prices may go down – Right now rental prices are what they are, and they may be just fine for your needs. But renting your house as a short-term solution may not be a long-term solution. With so many homeowners turning to renting as an expedient to selling, tenants will have more homes to pick from. In time, instead of facing a ‘Buyer’s Market’ on the selling end, you may very well face a ‘Renter’s Market’ on the rental end. Such a circumstance would drive rents down year to year. After factoring in rising insurance rates and property taxes, you may eventually find yourself in a negative cash-flow position.
Mortgage rates – Mortgage rates are the lowest they’ve been in recent history. But they can’t stay low forever. When the economy recovers, the Federal Reserve will start raising key interest rates. Mortgage rates will climb in lockstep, making homeownership more expensive. To make up for higher monthly costs, buyers will bargain that much harder, forcing prices down once again.
Moving out and moving on
If you have a pressing need to move out and move on, and don't want to be weighed down with renting your house, there is a way to sell quickly and still get full market value for your house.
By applying methodical price cuts, you seek out the optimal ‘sweet spot’ where buyers will be forced to make an offer. By finding the correct price, you cannot undercut the market value of your house. Best of all, you can accomplish your goal in 2 months or less.
******
JUDY CHAPMAN |What can I do for you?
Residential Sales ∙ Short Sales ∙ Residential Rentals
Evanston | Wilmette | Kenilworth | Winnetka | Glencoe | Highland Park | Lake Forest
Glenview | Golf | Northbrook | Northfield | Deerfield | Skokie | Morton Grove
Also Arlington Heights | Prospect Heights | Wheeling | Mt ProspectKoenig & Strey | 1925 Cherry Lane | Northbrook, IL 60062
Judy@JudyChapman.net | Office: 847.749.3811
© 2007-2011 www.activerain.com/blogs/NorthShoreChicago by Judy Chapman. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Portions of this content may be used with attribution. The information contained in this blog is the author’s own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of Koenig & Strey Real Living.
2 comments • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • July 29 2011 10:33AM
Sellers...please read below. It's exactly what I repeat every time I list a re-sale home. Buyers look at every problem as a red flag. Little things that the seller overlooks can turn a buyer off.
Most of the repairs I recommend are of little cost but help the seller get more money for the property. Buyers usually come along when the house is first listed. Not later as it lingers on the market because it looks neglected.
Clean and well kept homes still sell quickly.
"So," asked the owner of my upcoming new listing "is that really necessary?"
She was referring to my recommendations about her overgrown, undernourished, abused lawn. The shrubbery was overgrown, the grass threadbare from children and dogs wearing it into a grass and dirt quilt.
"Yes", I answered. "The landscaping in the front is a major part of our curb appeal. And good curb appeal is one of the methods we'll be using in order to get people to click on our online listing, and then make an appointment to view the property in person."
"Well, but what about the landscaping in the back that you're recommending? That's not part of 'curb appeal'."
"True enough" I replied "but it is an important part of that feel-good feeling that people will have once viewing your property. And we will, of course, include photos of the backyard in our online presence, so it could become part of our digital curb-appeal."
"Okay, okay, but is it really necessary to replace the kitchen countertops, the sink and the faucet? The Formica® is mostly in good shape, except for that little spot where the burning toast 'crisped' the countertop, and if we put a plant over it, nobody will notice... and that double-bowl stainless steel sink was cutting edge when we first bought it, and the faucet, while it does leak, only leaks right into the sink, so what's the harm?"
"If you'd like to try for top-dollar, as you've indicated to me that you would, we can't have a 'burned' countertop. It's bad enough that it's Formica, instead of the Corian, Granite or even Concrete that buyers are looking for today, but burnt Formica holds even less appeal. And no, we can't just put a doo-dad over the burn mark. The sink probably was cutting-edge in 1954 when it was installed, but it's only 6 inches deep, and today, buyers are looking for those deep, deep undermount sinks that can hold an entire pot... and the leaking faucet... really, do I need to explain why a leaking faucet should be replaced?"
"All-right, all-right. But the front door, and the basement floor. The front door is fine, the lock just sticks a little, you have to wiggle it, and the paint's peeling just a little. And you're recommending painting the basement floor with a grey paint. I know the paint's peeling on the floor, but that's because we used to get water in the basement... but since we've put in the French Drains, and flood-control system we don't get any water anymore. Can't we just "explain" that, and NOT paint the floor?" You're having me spend a lot of money!
"The front door is the very first thing that potential buyers see, it's our first-impression and we can't afford to make a bad one. If the lock sticks, and they have trouble getting in, or they notice the peeling paint... you've made a bad first impression and it makes them immediately wonder what else in the home hasn't been properly maintained. We don't want them to ask that question.
And sure, we don't have to paint the basement floor ... but since the water-issue has been repaired... why would we want every viewer to 'wonder' about whether the basement still gets water or not? When they look at the peeling paint on the floor, it'll cause them concern. Why not make it look beautiful, so they can see that it's a good, clean, dry basement?"
"All-right... but if I do all of those things, can you guarantee that you'll sell it for me, at top dollar?"
"No", I said shaking my head slowly and smiling "of course I can't guarantee that... but I can guarantee that if you don't do those things we definitely will not get top dollar!
"I'll call the workmen this afternoon"... You know you're expensive!!
I know, but I'm worth it!
(251 -33)
Now, can we negotiate your commission?
that answer is "no".
ALAN MAY, Realtor®
Specializing in Evanston Real Estate and North Shore Real Estate
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, 2929 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201
847.425.3779 Cell: 847.924.3313 Email: Almay@aol.com
Evanston Real Estate & North Shore Real Estate
Do not copy the content of this blog, without first contacting the author for permission. Reblogging is allowed. All other use is strictly prohibited without express permission from me. This blog is tag-resistant... Do not tag me, I don't participate in tagging, no MeMe's don't even think about it
7 comments • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • July 15 2011 11:14AM 627 Oldham Ave Richmond KY 40475 - Home For Sale
You'll feel at home when you see this well cared for, brick home with 3 bedrooms, 2 ceramic tiled baths and beautiful hardwood floors. Vaulted and spacious living room, kitchen with all appliances, breakfast area and utility closet for w/d. Privacy fenced backyard with storage shed. House comes with a 1 year home warranty. Convenient to everything!
REQUEST A KENTUCKY RELOCATION PACKET!
LEXINGTON KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE
RICHMOND KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE
Lizette Fitzpatrick- Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.
For more information on Kentucky Horse Farms and Lexington KY real estate
click on Lizette.us.
627 Oldham Ave Richmond KY 40475 - Home For Sale
4 comments • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • July 11 2011 03:43PM
We are all buzzing these days over the new iPhone apps. The new Zillow Mortgage Marketplace App is really great.
For my real estate buyers in central Kentucky, they all want to know what the rates are and how much they will have to pay in monthly payments. Knowledge is good.
These days buyers have to go to a lender first before looking at homes. Times have changed. I'm here to help with the home shopping, offer to contract, inspections and closing.
Check out Brads' post on the iPhone app for mortgage.
It's been a while since I've posted about Real Estate technology for the mortgage side of the business, so this one is for all you lenders, mortgage brokers, and bankers out there. Actually, it will also be very useful if you are a borrower, an agent, or even a renter looking to buy and own a home of your own one day.
There's a new app in town and it's already making quite an impression in the lending community, with consumers, and at the Apple iTunes store. We launched a new Zillow Mortgage Marketplace app for the iPhone last week and it ROCKS! I've had the chance to run a few of the mobile features, and already I can see why it's being called one of the best FREE mortgage, finance, and calculator apps.
"The Zillow Mortgage Marketplace App combines personalized loans, live rates and advanced calculators and tools to give home buyers an instant financial reality check while out touring homes."
What's so cool about a mortgage calculator app?
The new app offers some really easy to use features and calculators. The payment calculator is pretty common on most of these types of apps but the user-interface is what makes it easy and unique.
The affordability calculator is a unique one-of-a-kind tool that I was drawn to instantly for obvious reasons, and I think this will be a popular and commonly used tool in this app.
The refinance calculator and current rates features are perfect for someone on the go like me who is always looking for data and information that can help me lower my payments, get a more suitable loan, possibly refinance, and do it all from the local coffee shop while checking my email and between text messaging my clients and kids.
Some features and benefits for lenders:
Allows you to get in front of a whole new set of users you wouldn’t have access to otherwise.
Lenders are now able to connect with highly qualified borrowers who are likely ready to transact, since they’ve
already compared quotes, profiles, and lender ratings and have decided to proactively reach out to a selected lender.
Some features and benefits for agents:
Great tool for agents because it makes them more efficient in two specific ways: 1- It allows agents to show homes their clients can actually afford; 2 - It helps move their clients through the purchase process and secure financing.
Allows agents and professionals to track mortgage rates in real time. Knowing what's happening with mortgage rates is an important way to enhance their credibility as real estate advisers and to make informed recommendations to their clients when rates drop and when it might be a better time to buy.
Streamlines the process of getting your customers pre-approved and have their offers taken seriously by borrowers as contacting a lender is just a click away.
Since we know that "Mobile is Global" and those "on the go" always need tools and info at their fingertips, the new Mortgage Marketplace App will be perfect for anyone and everyone who needs instant access to information, data, and calculators that will be beneficial to their financial freedom and peace of mind.
Keeping up with all the technology, tools, and apps out there is a full time job for guys like me. You can be rest assured that I'll be sharing whatever I find, like, use, and think will benefit you or your clients!
Related Articles:
Zillow Unveils Mortgage Marketplace App - DSNews
Tech tools that make home buying easier - Mercury News
Zillow® Launches Zillow Mortgage Marketplace iPhone® App - Financial News
Review: Zillow releases mortgage app for iPhone - San Diego News
Zillow rolls out mobile mortgage app - The Seattle Times
1 comment • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • June 14 2011 12:20PMFirst Time Home Buyers In Lexington Ky - Resale Homes And New Construction - FHA / VA
The time is right for new first time home buyers in Lexington KY to attempt purchasing their first home.
Contrary to what you hear in the news, there are many people that have good credit, savings and good standing to be able to accuire a bank loan for resale homes and new construction.
FHA loans require a 3.5% down payment but 100% financing is available for VA loans.
Conventional loans require up to a 20% down payment.
There is a program called REACH that may be able to provide down payment assistance. At Reach they provide counseling for low to moderate income families to become financially self-sufficient and obtain affordable housing.
For some clients, new construction is still the house of choice and we at Lizette Realty guide them through the whole process of choosing a lot, builder, house plan and construction as a buyer's agent to get to a successful closing.
Others buyers contact Lizette Realty to research resale homes within specific price ranges and amenities. We set up all the appointments to tour and gather all additional information for the buyers we represent.
There is no charge at Lizette Realty for a buyer to have their own representation in the buying process. Sellers have their own listing agent to represent their interests.
Take a look at the links below to get started.
To receive one of our weekly newsletters, I LOVE KENTUCKY NEWS! on new listings subscribe here.
REQUEST A KENTUCKY RELOCATION PACKET!
Finding a new Kentucky home has never been so easy!
Lizette Fitzpatrick - Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.
859.979.2834
For more information on Kentucky Horse Farms, Richmond and Lexington KY real estate
click on Lizette.us.
Copyright © 2011 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved
*First Time Home Buyers In Lexington Ky - Resale Homes And New Construction - FHA / VA*
0 comments • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • June 08 2011 06:28PM
1.Find a REALTOR whom you can relate to. Buying a home is an emotional commitment. It's critical that the agent you choose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality. Have your own agent show you homes, not the listing agent. Call your agent if you see a home you want to tour.
Your Realtor will make all the appointments and represent YOU in the offer. The listing agent represents the seller and cannot disclose all that you will need to know about the property & the seller.
Find an agent that makes his or her career full time in real estate. Agents usually know one another so if you are unhappy working with an agent and want to change to another please let them know that you will be doing so. This alleviates miscommunications and it's just the right thing to do. An agent will work hard for you if you are loyal.
2. The right house is waiting for you. Sometimes deals just don't work out. You will know as soon as you walk into the perfect home. Everything will fall into place perfectly if it is meant to be. If not...keep looking and stay open to new ideas. If it feels right then make an offer...don't procrastinate.
3. Commission is paid by the sellers. This is how your agent gets paid. Basically, the seller has agreed with his listing agent an amount to pay the buyer's agent at closing. Your agent may show you homes for a long time or it might only be a few homes.
All negotiated commission is divided among the agents at closing.The buyer will not have to pay for this.
4. Don't ask for too many opinions from friends and family. It's natural to want reassurance for a big decision, but too many ideas will make it harder to make a decision. If Grandpa is not going to live in the house he isn't going to like all those steep stairs, pool, etc.
Negative opinions can spoil all your excitement.
5. Accept that no house is perfect. Focus in on the things that are most important to you and let the minor ones go.
6. Don't try to be a killer negotiator. Trying to "win" by getting an extra-low price may lose you the home you love. Angry sellers do not try to be helpful if you need special considerations later before closing like extra time to get the financing right. Don't be stubborn over the small stuff.
7. Get approved for a mortgage before you find a home. A good lender will see your credit report and offer help in disputing items that need to be removed. This will raise your score and possibly get you a lower interest rate. Not all lenders are skilled in this.
Same as with your agent the lender needs to fit with your personality and return your calls promptly. The best ones stay in close contact with your agent also. You can bet that your agent has a good idea of the best lenders to work with to get a successful closing.
It can all fall apart by closing time if you don't have the right lender.
8.Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even in a new home there will be some costs. Homes are not perfect and even though you have had many repairs made after a home inspection sellers are not going to patch every hole in the walls and leave it
spotless. You may have to shampoo carpet and upgrade fixtures to your liking. It's all a part of buying a home.
REQUEST A KENTUCKY RELOCATION PACKET!
LEXINGTON KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE
RICHMOND KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE
Lizette Fitzpatrick- Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.
For more information on Kentucky Horse Farms and Lexington KY real estate
click on Lizette.us.
Copyright 2011 by Lizette Fitzpatrick
8 Important Things To Do Before Looking For A New Home
1 comment • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • June 03 2011 10:33PMYou Need To Come To The Church Of What's Happening Now!
This doesn't have anything to do with real church(if you are looking for a religious story).
One of my favorite investor clients came up with this phrase a few days ago when we were discussing how to approach someone that was asking way too much for some Kentucky real estate (In his opinion).
He went through his long list of reasons for the price to be lowered then said, "He need's to come to the church of what's happening now!"
I cracked up! I told him that if there was such a church I really wanted to be a member.
Since then, that phrase has stuck in my head.
So I am finding ways to say it when I find a funny situation to use it in.
Note: This works best on new clients that haven't heard it before.
Other ways to use it:
After you walk through an extremely messing house you are showing. Say it then discuss the merits of staging.
When trying to get your point across in a meeting.
Works great to add a laugh when arguing with a family member or friend.
Diffuse any heated argument that has become way too serious! Life is short, people need to have fun.
Hope this adds some humor for your day.
You are becoming way too serious!
You need to come to the church of what's happening now!
REQUEST A KENTUCKY RELOCATION PACKET!
LEXINGTON KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE
RICHMOND KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE
Lizette Fitzpatrick- Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.
For more information on Kentucky Horse Farms and Lexington KY real estate
click on Lizette.us.
Copyright 2011 by Lizette Fitzpatrick
*You Need To Come To The Church Of What's Happening Now!*
9 comments • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • June 01 2011 10:52PMUK Student Housing - Lexington KY Condos - University of Kentucky
South Hill Station
585 South Upper St. #113
Lexington KY 40508
$177,500
Why pay rent? Here's the stunningly modern UK location you've dreamed of.
Clearly the most upgraded condo in South Hill Station. Beautiful 2 bedroom 2 bath, kitchen has honey maple cabinets w/ stainless handles and black appliances. Extra cabinets have been installed. Granite counter tops too! Custom built-in closets for each bedroom.
Bathrooms upgraded with custom vanities. Living room and dining area. New paint and polished concrete floor, industrial exposed duct work, 16' ceiling, stack washer and dryer. 3 parking spaces, secured entry w/ card keys and 24 HR monitoring. High speed Internet, convenient to shopping, restaurants and school.
Unit is now cleared of furniture and freshly cleaned and painted for the new owner....you!
Check out the latest issue of I LOVE KENTUCKY NEWS!
Looking for something different?
We have more condos...click below to start your search.
REQUEST A KENTUCKY RELOCATION PACKET!
LEXINGTON KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE
RICHMOND KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE
Lizette Fitzpatrick- Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.
For more information on Kentucky Horse Farms and Lexington KY real estate
click on Lizette.us.
Photos by Blue Shirt Photography
Copyright 2011 by Lizette Fitzpatrick
UK Student Housing - Lexington KY Condos - University of Kentucky - 40508 -
South Hill Station
1 comment • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • May 10 2011 10:59PMLexington KY Downtown Condos and Lofts for sale
Recently, 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 Lexington KY downtown condos and lofts are available in:
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
Wellington Arms
Byrd Building
Clay Villa
Lorillard Lofts
New Past On Main
What is great about many of these Lexington downtown condos and 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 lease to own lofts and condos that might be 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 toured 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- 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.
Copyright © 2011 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved
*Lexington KY Downtown Condos and Lofts for sale*
4 comments • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • May 08 2011 09:22AMChristmas In Kentucky Is The First Saturday In May - Kentucky Derby
Check out the latest issue of I LOVE KENTUCKY NEWS!
REQUEST A KENTUCKY RELOCATION PACKET!
Finding a new Kentucky home with VA Loans has never been so easy!
Just click on the links below.
LEXINGTON KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE
RICHMOND KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE
Lizette Fitzpatrick- Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.
For more information on Kentucky Horse Farms and Lexington KY real estate
click on Lizette.us.
Copyright 2011 by Lizette Fitzpatrick
8 comments • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • May 05 2011 11:20PM
Now, it's SUPER easy to search and discover homes for sale in the Central Kentucky area.
1. Click open the button below to begin your search.
2. Next save the page to your favorites to be able to quickly search anytime.
Need to see the latest listings, homebuyer information and more
delivered to your email mailbox every Thursday?
Sign up for the ONLY Central Kentucky Email Newsletter about Real Estate
I LOVE KENTUCKY NEWS!
Click the picture link below to email Lizette to subscribe:
Getting to know Lizette through her newsletter, convinced us that she was the right Realtor for us. We continue to read "I Love Kentucky News" each week. The newsletter always gives us ideas on local events to attend or new places to try.
Often when "I Love Kentucky News" comes out, my husband and I start discussing ideas in
there that very afternoon. Some of our best weekend adventures have come from it as we found out about festivals, events and places to go. We can also always count on creative ideas for home improvement projects.
Rose & Daniel Zukley
Check out the latest issue of I LOVE KENTUCKY NEWS!
REQUEST A KENTUCKY RELOCATION PACKET! Finding a new Kentucky home with VA Loans has never been so easy! Just click on the links below. LEXINGTON KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE RICHMOND KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE Lizette Fitzpatrick- Principal Broker at Lizette Realty. For more information on Kentucky Horse Farms and Lexington KY real estate click on Lizette.us. Copyright 2011 by Lizette Fitzpatrick
3 comments • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • April 28 2011 08:31PM
It's the stuff dreams are made of.
A Kentucky horse farm is a fabulous piece of property and a few are for sale in Lexington and surrounding counties.
Many people I speak with that relocate from other states tell me that a Kentucky horse farm is something they have always dreamed of.
We spend hours touring the properties within the client's price range until they find just the right fit for their equestrian needs.
The smaller ones start at 10 acres and larger farms may have more amenities like training tracks and exercise rings or buildings for extra storage.
In Kentucky our lives revolve around these beautiful horses and their needs. Lexington Kentucky is the "Horse Capitol Of The World".
In the counties surrounding Lexington there are many nice farms available for sale.
Kentucky horse farms are unique in that horses grow stronger here because of the limestone in the water and fields.
Studies show that it seems to make bones harder and horses that are born here have an advantage to become superior on the racetrack.
It takes heart and good bloodlines also.
In the past 10 years, 25 to 30 percent of north America's Thoroughbred foals were born in Kentucky.
Of the top 30 stallions, 29 of them stand in Kentucky.
Now is the time to purchase one of these Kentucky horse farms. Not later when interest rates and inflation starts to rise.
For Baby Boomers that have always loved horses, it is a great place to retire and enjoy all the activities here that surround the horse industy.
Yes, living on a Kentucky horse farm may be a dream of yours but it can be a reality.
Lizette Realty can assist you as a buyer's agent with the research, appointments, touring, inspections, offer to contract and closing on the farm of your choice.
Relocation packets and information on the Central Kentucky and horse farms area are available upon request.
Please call Lizette Fitzpatrick at 859-979-2834 or email.
To view Kentucky horse farms that are available for sale, where they are located and for how much... check in here:
Lizette Fitzpatrick- Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.
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 Kentucky Horse Farms, Lizette Realty,Fayette County,
or Lexington KY real estate click on Lizette.us.
Copyright © 2011 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved
*Lexington KY Horse Farm - Kentucky Horse Farms For Sale*
6 comments • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • April 12 2011 10:39AM
I'm always into re-inventing myself all the time. I take the time to make adjustments, move things around or throw out what doesn't work anymore.
I've been guilty of focusing upon the hard work instead of focusing on the love of the work. That had to change.
While I was pondering this...
I started taking the time to get back in touch with the people that are important to me by sending greeting cards.
When you get wrapped up in your work, you don't take time to "see the people".
Sure I show houses and go to meetings, but leisurely lunches and dinners for fun with friends usually get put on the back burner.
Somewhere along your flight path, opportunities materialize to make you more aware of where you are and what you should be doing.
It's been a busy time for me lately since I re-discovered being more true to who I am.
Back in December 2009, I was looking for a program to use for contact management. Up to then all the systems I had experimented with were boring to use and seemed mechanical.
Clients don't respond to automated emails.
Nor do they open e-cards because of viruses. Duh....I don't either!
Out of the blue, I fell into Send Out Cards after making a comment on a friend's Facebook page late one night.
Life as I knew it has changed forever.
Using this one tool in my business changed everything! This has been snowballing like crazy now.
In two months time, I have just been focusing on the love of my work. No longer is it a pain to send out cards or stay in touch with clients.
Also, just because it's been noticed by the ones on the receiving end, I have now a large group of business professionals that want to do this too. Plus the new clients!
The referrals and connections that have happened since this started is amazing! Now it's a team of creative minds instead of just my mind.
This "think tank of people" has been fantastic for business. I have plenty closings scheduled in Lexington KY and lots of new clients looking at homes. I did say that last year was my best ever.
It's all happening because I am focusing on my love of my work.
I know many of my subscribers have wondered where I have been.
There are only so many hours in the day. The blog was the last thing in my day I tried to get to... but couldn't.
My assistant and I have been working non-stop to keep up with all the new business this year. Now, I hope to post more again.
I have been writing... but it's been in Send Out Cards! LOL What a pleasure that is.
I guess great ideas and people come into our lives when we are ready.
Be aware of ideas that sudden cross your path, they may have been sent to you to use so you can focus on the love of your work too!
Lizette Fitzpatrick- Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.
For more information on Lexington KY Homes for sale
click on Lizette.us.
Copyright ©2011 *Send Out Cards - Lexington KY - Greeting Cards Can Change Your Life*
Any refrence to Send Out Cards is not a paid testimonial. In fact I pay them so I can use their service! Imagine that!
11 comments • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • March 26 2011 04:49PM
REQUEST A KENTUCKY RELOCATION PACKET!
Finding a new Kentucky home has never been so easy!
Just click on the links below.
LEXINGTON KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE
RICHMOND KY RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE
Lizette Fitzpatrick- Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.
For more information on Kentucky Horse Farms and Lexington KY real estate
click on Lizette.us.
Copyright © 2011 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved
*Lucky In Lexington Kentucky Real Estate*
9 comments • Lizette Fitzpatrick - Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes - Horse Farms • March 17 2011 10:37AMContent © 2009 'Frequent Contributors'. Design © 2009 ActiveRain Corp.
Logos and service marks owned by copyright holder.
