Blog de la Lizette

347 Peachtree Drive Berea KY 40403

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:50:19 -0600

347 Peachtree Drive Berea KY 40403

Get The Most For Your Money!

Delightful brick and vinyl ranch with 3Bedrooms 2 full baths, living room, kitchen with appliances, utility room, storage shed, deck, porch, 2 car garage, landscaped, fully fenced with chain link and gates. Priced Right!

Located in Berea Kentucky. Take 1016 from Berea, left on Old HWY25, left onto Peachtree Drive.

CONSTRUCTION: Brick Veneer & Other, Vinyl FOUNDATION: Crawl Space

ROOF: Composition Shingle

HEAT: Heat Pump(s)

AIR CONDITIONING: Heat Pump

WATER DISTRICT:Berea Municipal

ELECTRIC:Berea Municipal

SEWER: Sewer Available

GARAGE/CARPORT: Garage-Double Attached

BASEMENT: None

FLOORS: Carpet, Vinyl

APPLIANCES: Range, Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Exhaust Fan

KITCHEN/DINING: Breakfast Area, Kitchen Bar

ATTIC: Partially Floored, Pull-Down Stairs

INTERIOR FEATURES: Ceiling Fan(s), Drapes, Blinds, Walk-in Closet, Smoke Alarm(s), W/D Hookup, Dedicated Phone Line

EXTERIOR FEATURES: Cable Available, Fence-Full, Landscaped, Patio, Deck, Porch, Storage Building, Storm Windows, Storm Doors, Insulated Glass

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 estateexperience. Copyright © 2008 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved..*347 Peachtree Drive Berea Ky 40403*

Richmond Kentucky Christmas Parade

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:15:54 -0600

The Annual Christmas Parade will be rolling through Richmond, Kentucky on December 5th at 7:30PM.

The Christmas Parade will be right down beautifully decorated Main Street.

I know I said that last year's parade was the best one yet...but it gets better every year!

The participants in the parade will be handing out kettle-corn, candy, balloons and souvenirs.

Also to be included in the parade are decorated vehicles of all kinds like cement trucks, huge wreckers, floats, buses and police cars.

Marching Bands will be playing Christmas music.

It always seems like it lasts for hours! Then right at the end of it all will be Santa and Mrs. Claus on the back of a fire engine. Come check it out, you will have a fabulous time.

P.S. How does Santa get around the world in one night?

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

Richmond Kentucky Downtown Gallery Hop

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:55:23 -0600

Richmond Kentucky Downtown Gallery Hop

GALLERY HOP NEWS - Chestnut Tree Gallery

The Richmond Gallery Hop is scheduled for this coming Friday evening, November 21, from 5-8 pm and we are celebrating with our biggest event to date.

Alvan Berry, a watercolor artist from Corinth, KY will be one of 2 featured artists for the evening. Alvan uses soft colors reminiscent of faded memories, and paints wonderful country scenes of times gone by, old country stores, rural churches, barns, plowed fields, and old homesteads.

Also featured during the hop will be artist and musician, Gary Bertram, of Georgetown, who will be providing live music for the event. Gary has just released a new classical guitar CD of Christmas favorites and will be playing selections from that CD and other Christmas music throughout the evening.

If you enjoy sending special Christmas cards, another treat is in store. We have selected what will be the first in a series of Kentucky Original Art Cards for Christmas.

This card is printed from an original work by Gary Bertram called "Kentucky Winter". A very limited supply of the cards has been printed and will be available for the first time this Friday during the gallery hop.

We will have special gallery hop sales, refreshments, and door prizes awarded every hour of the hop. You can also register for a free $600.00 abstract painting by RM Rollins called "Life Source" to be given away on December 23.

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

It starts this Friday with the Gallery Hop and ends with a Grand Finale on December 6th. Each day, a variety of items will be marked at least 1/2 off.

December 5th - We will be open late during the Christmas Parade, so stop in and get warm with a cup of hot chocolate.

December 6th - We will have several visiting artists on hand throughout the day.

10am - 12pm - Darrell Maggard, an artist from Berea who does both drawings and watercolor paintings will be on hand. Darrell's works were recently on display at JW's restaurant.

12pm - 3pm - Patience Fort, along with the family dog, Steel Magnolia, better known as Maggie, will be on hand to sign copies of their just released children's book "Magnolia Blossoms." It's a touching children's story written through Maggies eyes, about her life as she struggled to survive Hurricane Katrina and eventually was adopted by the Fort family in Kentucky. Jonathan Rollins was the illustrator for this book and will also be available to sign copies of the book.

3pm - 6 pm - Sarah Brown,artist and EKU student will be available to talk to anyone interested in her works. We enjoy offering EKU student artists an outlet for their work. Sarah's pieces are thought provoking, fresh and upbeat.

10am - 6 pm - Live Music throughout the day by Gary Bertram on the classical guitar, door prizes and refreshments throughout the day.

December 19 - December Gallery Hop

For information contact:

Chestnut Tree Gallery

102 East Main Street Richmond, Ky.

859-623-2144

ctgallery@bellsouth.net

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

Paying off your mortgage early

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:13:06 -0600

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!

Many of my Kentucky readers are looking for ways to save some money and I have been adding deals for coupons and ways to cut expenses in my weekly newsletter, "I Love Kentucky News".

One of the best ways for the long term is to pay off your mortgage early.

Below is an article by Russ Ravary about an easy way to take 7 1/2 years off your 30 year fixed mortgage.

Remember, it's these small steps that add up to BIG savings down the road.

Via Russ Ravary - Michigan Homes for sale - Michigan Real estate & Mortgage info:

Have you ever been approached my your mortgage company or another company to join a bi-monthly payment program?

They usually want to charge you a $250-$500 setup fee. Then they want you to send in half of your payment ever two weeks. So lets figure this out. Let's say your mortgage payment is $2000 a month. So normally you would send in a total of $24,000 a year.

But this new bi-monthly company wants you to send in a $1000 every two weeks. They hold the first $1000 until you send in the the second $1000. Then they send in your mortgage payment.

So each payment they are charging you a $3 - $6 processing fee. But the essence of the program is that they are getting you to put more money on the principal each year. But what they are doing is collecting an extra mortgage payment each year. There are 52 weeks in a year and you are paying a half a payment every two weeks.

So if you make 26 payments of $1000 it adds up to $26,000. $2000 more a year added to your principal. That's how the bi-monthly program works.

But what is neat about all of this is that you can do it your self and save yourself the set up fee. You can save the processing charge each month too. All you have to do is send in an extra payment a year. Divide your payment by 12 and add that to your payment each month.

By adding 1/12 of your payment each month you can cut off about 7 to 7 1/2 years off your mortgage. You can save thousands of dollars in interest by doing the bi-weekly program.

Kentucky River and Madison County Bridges

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:17:30 -0600

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Kentucky River and Madison County Bridges. Come take a ride down the Kentucky River and discover the beauty of nature. The I-75 Bridge connects Fayette to Madison County. The older and smaller bridge beneath connects the two counties through US25. The Valley View Ferry is the oldest continuious business in the state an there is no charge to go across. Most all the pictures have been taken in November of this year.

Whats happening with new construction in Kentucky?

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:14:43 -0600

Whats happening with new construction in Kentucky?
Well... costs are going up because prices are still rising on materials.

If you have a good credit rating and are still considering building a custom home, you should get started because prices will never be the same. New homes are actually getting smaller... but will have more amenities.
Large homes may be a thing of the past.

Compared to 2007, housing starts are down in Kentucky by about 1,500. The actual number of new homes being built so far is about 10,000. Many of them are custom homes featuring Green and Energy Star.

Spec houses that have been on the market are being discounted by builders and there are a few bargains. To sell them at a discount is better than sitting unsold. Home values are not dropping in Kentucky like some other states including California.

How have loans changed?

You may be asked for more money down. Times sound bad if you listen to the media, but Kentucky banks are still lending and you just need to get approved before shopping for a home.

You will need a bank pre-approval and if you have a house to sell. Get it under contract before you go look at homes.

Most sellers are not interested in accepting an offer contingent upon the sell of your home.

The serious buyers are out there NOW.

Now is the time to get a bargain, not months from now in the spring. That's when most buyers will be out shopping and ready to move.

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 estateexperience. Copyright © 2008 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved..*

Jessamine County Kentucky SAVE Center /Animal Shelter Urgently Needs Help...Please Read.

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:42:41 -0600

Jessamine County Kentucky SAVE Center /Animal Shelter Urgently Needs Help...Please Read.

Today this email made it's way to me from Jenise Smith.

I wanted to post it here in my blog where so many read my stories to see if you may want to adopt a sweet pet or donate after hearing their heartfelt story.

Lizette

Please forward this post on...

I wanted to take a moment of your time to tell you about me and my shelter, The Jessamine County SAVE Center. SAVE stands for shelter, adopt, volunteer and educate. If you have a minute to look at our website, it will tell you a little more about our group.

Several years ago at Christmas,I thought it would be a good learning/giving experience for my children to give something back by rescuing a puppy from a rural KY shelter, vetting it and adopting it out thru a rescue.

Well, one puppy turned into two puppies. (we couldn't leave the poor litter mate, freezing in a shelter in December--oh and they both had terrible cases of mange)

We nursed both pups back to health, adopted them out thru the rescue and decided it was too rewarding and too much fun to quit. After several years of rescue work and volunteering at another rural shelter (Lincoln County), the opportunity came up to run a shelter!

Finally, I wouldn't have to guess when the director was calling the vet! Finally, I could hold dogs for rescue! And I would actually be getting paid for doing something I felt passionate about!

Well, I've found that even at 46 years old (ugh), I can still learn new things about life and about myself. What I didn't count on was the level of responsibility that I feel for this little rural shelter. This little shelter is an older county building with 29 runs and 9 outdoor kennels. Some of the outside kennels are very small and shouldn't hold anything bigger than a Chihuahua, but you can't leave those outside, so you can guess who gets stuck in the little outdoor kennels.

I've found I feel very protective of this shelter--similar to how I feel about my children. I always need to be there and be watching over things. And, I'm these dogs and cats last chance. It's a case of " the buck stops here". As for the added bonus of a paycheck, that's kind of humorous.

First off, shelter work doesn't pay well.And, you end up buying this little Chihuahua a sweater, or the Doxie with mange needed a coat.

And then there's the sick one that the SAVE Center can't afford to hospitalize, but if you buy the meds and take them home, there's always a chance, or if you just treat this eye infection, you're sure someone will come along for that dog, etc.

Last month we received a stray that I named Emaciated Emma. She has really touched my heart. She came in with soulful eyes that just seemed to say, "I've given up". She was a bag of bones with fur and she was not a young dog. Of course no one claimed her and it was suggested that the kindest thing would be to euthanize her. However, I'm stubborn and a sucker for the underdog.I started going back to the shelter in the evening and feeding her canned food. It quickly became a routine and anytime Emma saw me, she would come trotting to the gate, expecting her canned food. Unfortunately, no one gave my sweet Emma a second glance.

It was again suggested that since we were getting very crowded, we likely had to start making choices.. The newspaper has been good to us and has allowed us to publish a cat and dog of the week.

Emma was quickly submitted as the dog of the week because of course you can't euthanize the dog of the week!! Emma is still there and I'm still very protective and hopeful that there is someone out there for her. She's starting to fill in a little now, and I'm convinced that there isn't the same look in her eyes. The hopeless and downtrodden look is gone.Maybe her hope is just that I'm bringing her special meal of canned food, but at least it's some hope.

I know that there are many rural shelters in Kentucky and other places that are just as crowded. But, they're not mine. It's my shelter that when I go home at night and after the house is quiet, contemplate what I could do to save one more dog or one more cat. Or, what I could do to make this dog more adoptable, or wonder why more of my wonderful dogs and cats aren't getting adopted or rescued.

Almost every day, people come in and tell me they can't afford to care for their dog or cat any longer. Or they're getting divorced and have nowhere to place the dog or cat. I get what information I can from them and reassure them that I will do my best to rehome their dog or cat. And then it's one more trip to the kennels to try and find a spot for the latest intake.

Frequently, they're trembling in fear and my heart breaks because that must be a horrifying experience to be taken from the human that they know, and carried off by someone they've never seen.

They are carried down a hallway of dogs that have a collectively deafening bark. I whisper to them that it will be okay--not knowing if that is really true or if overcrowding will force me to usher them into a room so that their life can quickly slip away.

I have always been a "do it myself" person. I struggle with asking for help of any kind- from asking a friend to babysit so that I can go to a Dr's appt., to asking for help with any project to asking for help for my shelter. In many ways this has been a growing experience for me.

I know I can't bring every dog and cat home with me, and I'm not going to get them all adopted locally, so I am forced to ask for help.

In my determination to protect and save these babies, I'm forced to knock on rescue doors and ask if they have room for any of my babies.

I'm forced to ask for donations so that we can continue to feed our full house,and provide the necessary care so that they stay healthy and adoptable. If it were a one time thing, it would be easier. But I know as soon as I send off one or two and breath a sigh of relief and gratitude, two or three more will come thru the door. Yesterday, I sent out two, and took in six.

So, unfortunately, I'm not saying I just need your help one time. I'm saying, please consider helping my shelter babies today and please consider helping again when you are able.

I have some wonderful animals at the shelter. I am so proud of their loving and friendly personalities. I have some that have been there since before I took over the shelter in September. The previous group didn't leave me any information, so I hate to think how long they've been there. There is Grayson, the gorgeous Shepherd/Setter or Retriever mix. He's been such a good and patient boy. http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=12082369

Then, there is Janis Joplin. She is a doll, but she's a black dog and of course overlooked. Never mind that she's as sweet as can be and knows a few basic commands, has been around children and is probably housebroken. http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=12305612

Long Timer is exactly that. He's been there longer than I have. He's not a black dog, but he's clearly part Pit, which is just as much of a strike against him. Most of the public has written him off as "one of those aggressive breeds". And the rest seem to have overlooked him for the puppies, and purse dogs. I can tell visitors that he's happy and friendly, and has huge expressive ears, but usually they smile, nod and keep going. I slip him a biscuit and tell him I'm sorry. Maybe the next person will be the right one for him. http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=12297381

There's Tolstoy's Champ, a purebred Husky. He's majestic and stunning, but still sitting at the shelter. He came in as an owner surrender, tethered with an electric cord. The owner first came into the office telling me she wanted to get rid of her son's dog. Her son had moved away and wouldn't take the dog and she didn't want him. I glanced out the window to see what I was getting.

I could see into her truck and saw a young boy smacking a Husky with the end of a cord or rope.I was stunned for a second and witnessed the Husky's reaction. He just sat there and tolerated it. It was a young child and maybe with his dense coat, it wasn't painful but must have at least been very annoying. And still he calmly sat there.

I quickly rushed outside to get him and was shocked to see that it wasn't even a rope but an electric cord. This gentle giant was eager to go with me. But, still he sits at the shelter. He does get noticed and I hear comments about what a pretty dog, but no one has wanted him. http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=12306251

This is just the tip of the shelter iceberg. I have close to 50 dogs and 75 cats. So, I'm asking if you will please consider at least one of my babies.

I understand that many of you canʼt take in a dog or cat. Please consider donating to the shelter.

If there is a specific animal that tugs at your heart, then donate in their honor. If youʼve lost your beloved pet and youʼre not ready to take that step of adopting again, please consider donating in your petʼs memory.

And everyone can take a second and forward my story to a friend, co-worker, neighbor, relative. Even that is a big help.

Rescues: Transportation is available, pull fees do not exist. The vets we work with are awesome and have extremely reasonable prices on vet work.

If you are part of a rescue, I am very eager to work with rescues and would be thrilled if we could work together to save some lives.

If you have questions or can help some of our animals, please email Jenise at smithszoo62@yahoo.com (yahoo.com) I will answer as quickly as possible.

To look at the animals I've got posted, see our website: www.jessaminecountysavecenter.comI wish I could tell you I have them all posted, but that's not the case. As we were closing today, someone surrendered a PB Cocker. A couple of JRT mixes came in earlier and I know there are others.

I thank you for taking the time to read about my shelter and hope that you will find some space to help some of my animals by adopting, rescuing or consider donating to feed and vet our animals.

Jenise Smith
Jessamine County SAVE Center

T-Mobile G1 Google Phone...My Love - Hate Relationship

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:20:09 -0600

T-Mobile G1 Google Phone...My Love - Hate Relationship

I've been wanting to upgrade my Razer Phone for awhile. I checked out many models like Blackberry and Treo750 and was almost ready to commit to one of them.

With a few phones it would mean changing carriers. My T-Mobile contract would run out in November, so I felt I might make a decision.

The very day (I think it was Oct. 22) the G1 was available for sale, I received an email from T-Mobile describing the details.

After reviewing all the amazing features, I called to order one.

Now that it is here, I am having a few difficulties.

One is that when I put in my SIM Card it didn't populate my contacts correctly. It left quite a few out. So when a call comes in, the name does not show up and I have no idea who it is.

Also, I made the mistake of uploading all my Hotmail contacts into G-Mail and it made it even harder for me to figure out that my regular contacts were missing.

Anyway, I have had to erase everything and start over twice. Also went back to my razor to write down a few contact numbers I knew were missing.

At one point, I had it packed up and ready to send back...buyer's remorse they call it. For some reason...I left it in the box on my dining room table for a few days. Then, I had a change of heart.

Maybe it's just me not wanting to learn a few new tricks.

So, I've been trying it out again for the past few days. I've still been putting my SIM Card in my Razor to make things easier to get some contact numbers.

I do like the Google maps that I need instead of buying a separate GPS. It has many more programs that I can use.

I guess I will keep it and start learning to use it better.

Have any of you readers bought this one? What are your thoughts?

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

A November Evening At The Kentucky River / Palisades

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:04:06 -0500

A NOVEMBER EVENING AT THE KENTUCKY RIVER / PALISADES

You don't have to ask me twice to go for a boat ride down the Kentucky River.

Especially now that the leaves are turning and the natural limestone rock Palisades are always so beautiful to behold. Some are 200 feet tall!

In this picture you can see the mirror image of the rock formation.

I grew up on the Kentucky River. I'm a former "River Brat".

It's only a few miles from my house. Back in the day, my Dad bought a boat for us to hang out on every weekend. My uncle owned some property with a summer camp and a dock in between Boonesboro and Clays Ferry around the corner from Halls On The River. We would ski all day and later hang out on Boonesboro Beach.

It was a busy, but fun place to be. Now it is peaceful. Gone are most all the boats and docks. I can appreciate all the beauty of it now.

My journey tonight began right between these two bridges at Riptides. See the bridge in the distance?

It is old US.25 and the one above is I-75. Both connect Fayette County to Madison County.

I was invited by Richmond Mayor Connie Lawson to an event hosted by Kentucky Riverkeeper.

A group that is focused on keeping the Kentucky River clean, recreation and tourism jobs. They are part of the Waterkeeper Alliance, a coalition of more than 150 "Keepers" around the world, one of the fastest growing environmental groups over the last decade. The Kentucky River is 259 miles long!

The mirror image here on the water creates an arrow refection on the River. As we floated leisurely along we saw a flock of wild turkeys, ducks and a few blue herons.

Also this is a natural habitat for all wildlife like raccoons, otter, beaver, deer, chipmunks, squirrels, hawks, owls, falcons, bobcats, possums and maybe a wild boar or two.

Double the trees in this river mirror!

Mirror image yellow boat dock.

You never know when nature calls there is a place to go. Nice walking horse sign on the door.

This rock Palisade looks like a double picture because of the mirror image reflection in the water!

This stretch of river with the Palisades is over 50 miles long. It continues all the way to the state capitol in Frankfort and includes eight nature preserves and state parks along with privately owned land.

Sweet little private dock on the Kentucky river...

More spectacular mirror image rock formations. These were created millions of years ago. Look how the rock has shifted. There are many waterfalls, caves and creeks all along the way.

I took about 80 pictures of the Kentucky River and it was hard to pick only a few to show you here. I'll post more in the next fews days. Stay tuned!

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

How To Not Sell A Haunted House...True Story!

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 02:56:57 -0500

In the dead of the night... I heard something from far, far away.

A familiar sound... but alarming.

I jolted awake to glance fearfully at the clock. 2 AM it blinked.

My cell phone was RINGING!

My heart starts to pound. Is it some emergency?

I don't recognize the number ....I let it go to voicemail. I wait....the cell buzzes that a message was left.

Now, I'm really awake wondering who would contact me at 2 AM and leave a message??

I call voicemail and it reveals a man calling about a house in a nearby town. He wants to schedule a tour. Could I give him a call back? WHAT? Does he think I work all night?

Finally, I get back to sleep. It's hard to get it out of my mind...but finally I do and I dream of a strange house that is deserted and boarded up.

For some reason I'm inside and climbing the stairs to the attic. I reach the top step to open the door and I hear the voice. It so soft I almost don't hear it.

Bam....I pop out of the dream and realize the voice I was hearing was my dog Chanel making little noises to get me up for breakfast.

Rubbing my eyes, I glance at the clock and see I have overslept to 8AM. As I climb out of the cozy bed, my mind skips ahead to my day.

That call! Did I dream it? I grab my cell to check to see if there really had been a message. It was real alright. I first think maybe I shouldn't call so early. I might wake him up. What? He wasn't worried that I would be bothered at 2AM. I write down the number and make the call.

The same male voice picked up the phone. The story spills out that it is a family that wants to tour one house about 20 miles away ...could I set it up for later that day? Without hesitation, I schedule them in the afternoon.

I decide to go a little early.

It's in unfamiliar territory on a street I've never been on in my life. I write down the directions.

As I arrive, the street is deserted except for a mongrel dog digging mindlessly through the dry leaves littering the yard.

I swing my car into the dirt driveway that circles around the front of the house. It's overrun with trees and weeds. One tree was almost growing out of the house.

Can this really be the place? I recheck the rusty number on the mailbox.

Hmmmm...right place alright.

The house with it's windows boarded up looked like it had been vacant for years. I open the lockbox and take out the key. I've done this a thousand times and like routine... I open the lock.

I step inside and my eyes try to focus on the dim surroundings. I suddenly feel a bit alarmed as I see the lights don't work.

That figures, the electric is off! Quickly, I walk through the rooms that have rubbish and filth scraped into disorderly piles. A broken chandelier is in the floor.

Dust and cobwebs cover everything. As I look closer, I realize that all the wood floors are unlevel and slope inward. I vacantly wonder how furniture would work to make you not notice the slope.

I move through the kitchen and decide to go out the back door to see the backyard and porch. While there I make a call to the listing agent to chat a bit about the house. Since I'm early there's not much to do but wait.

Then while we talked, I heard the door bell chime(we BOTH heard it). One of those with 8 bells. I quickly told her I needed to go, because my clients must have arrived even though I knew I had left the front door standing open. I walked back though the house to greet them.

There at the open front door...it was standing open exactly as I had left it.

No one there and not a soul on the street and the dog was gone too.

What the ****! How did the doorbell ring? Wasn't the electric off? There wasn't anyone here to ring it. Suddenly, fear was washing over me.

In that instant...I felt an icy breeze brush the back of my head!

Then, I felt something shove me toward the door like a hand on my arm. Let me tell you... I was out that front door faster than I've moved in my life!!

I decided to wait for the clients out in the car. In about 10 minutes they showed up.

Nice little family that quickly walked through and decided they didn't like the sloping wood floors. Fine with me.

I stayed out front and tried to act normal. I didn't utter a word about what had just happened. I was still in shock!

They left and then I realized I had to lock up.

Totally freaked out, I rushed through the house to get the back door locked. Somewhere upstairs, I heard a door creak... then slam!

Petrified, I tiptoed back toward the front door to get it locked.

My hands were shaking as I could barely put the key back in the lockbox. I ran to my car, got in and locked the door.

I couldn't get out of there fast enough!

What had happened in that house? I'll never know.

Something was still living there in the emptiness. Something sinister.

I found out later it was haunted and many people had mysteriously disappeared after living there.

It's still for sale.

P.S. The house in my post is not the same house (I love the look of it and it has great bones!)but was great eye candy for reliving my story don't you think?

Happy Halloween!

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

Pillow Talk: The artful placement of pillows vol II. pilling practicum

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 10:51:29 -0500

OK...what does this have to do with Kentucky?

Well, most everyone in Kentucky has a couch or bed that they pile on pillows. It doesn't all look good. OK...I do it too. Now, I need to reassess my pillow factor on the couch and the bed!

I love the visual display of Kimo Stowell to show how it should be done. Pillows as art! This article is eye candy for sure. Enjoy...

Via Kimo Stowell:

Pillow talk: The artful placement of pillows...

don't go overboard or over the Head board when piling pillows on the bed

Arranging pillows on a sofa or bed is a fairly mundane activity that in itself does not necessarily require instruction. However, if your home is on the market and your looking to give your property it's best face possible, here are some simple pointers to give your pillowed furniture practical pizazz.

Less is more, more or less: regardless of how passionate you are for pillows, the old adage that less is more applies when it comes to staging the bedroom. The best approach to pillow placement is not to cover more than a quarter of the bed with pillows and to layer them no more than four deep and five across. Ideally, you should keep the pillow count under ten for King and Queen beds and less than six pillows on full and twin sized beds including sleeping pillows. Now day beds and pune'e (Hawaiian day beds) naturally require more pillows in order to supply adequate back support when seated so you have a little more leeway here in the pillow count but remember less is more.

"...What immortal hand or eye, could frame thy fearful symmetry?" -William Blake: Of course, Blake was talking about a tiger when he wrote this poem but it applies to pillow placement too. Be fearful of over doing symmetrical patterning when it comes to the context of the room. Too much of 'two of everthing' can make a room predictable and boring. Most designers will tell you to use an odd number of pillows on beds and sofas and for the most part I agree but if you are using asymmetrical patterning else where in the room than it's OK and sometimes advisable to pair pillows up.

Size matters and variety is good thing: avoid using just small pillows on a big bed and vice verse. Proportionality is important and using different sizes, shapes, colors and textures helps to make the bed a focal point in the room.

Seven & Three

When it comes to sofas you want to be able to sit comfortably without having to move pillows around to do so. Keeping pillows closer to the arm rests makes this a little easier. On a standard size sofa try to keep the pillow count under 7 and with love seats 3 or less.

Bold & Bright

When you want to give a little more contemporary feel to transitional furniture use bright colors and bold patterns. Floral patterns are usually a traditional standard but there are many modern floral prints available today that can give a modern flare to your transitional decor.

Balance & Weight

A little color goes a long way. Adding a touch of color can give balance to a sofa. In the example below the detail of the face pillow pulls the eye to the right while the blue draws the eye to the opposite end giving equal visual weight to both sides of the sofa.

Variations on a Theme

Pillow themes can really pile on the charm factor when staging but beware of being too kitsch. Below is a ocean theme using bright red contrast, textured fabrics intimating coral, and a blue crab to define the theme. Of course this looks great in a beach house not so great in a log cabin in the mountains.

Mirth & Whimsy

Everyone can use a little laugh these days. Using whimsy to entertain potential buyers can lighten the mood of a space and create a sense of fun and interest. Unusual pillow shapes like the penguins and felt "stones" can instantly transport your imagination to another place, which is not really the purpose of staging so temper your sense of humor and keep the avant garde for your new home.

The penguins and felt stones are a couple examples of my favorite pillows. Although, I wouldn't necessarily stage with them I would definitely use them as an interior decorator. I invite you to post your favorite pillows and share how they make you feel. So lets continue the pillow talk...

Pillow Talk: the artful placement of pillows vol I. beyond the fringe

Visit us at www.RealEstateDesignOnLine.com

Designs and pillow arrangement by Kimo Stowell Copyright ©2008

How Long Have YOU Owned A Computer? Remember Your First one?

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 08:36:38 -0500

How long have you owned a computer?

How long have YOU been on the Internet?

I was commenting on posts this morning and ran across one by Tammy Lankford. She had been online for ten years! That's exactly how long I have too!

My motivation was to build a website for my art business. LIZETTE.COM

Many of my readers don't know that I am also a self taught professional artist. My start was designing PTA covers in grade school.

I wanted an online gallery to display my new "Faces Collection" paintings.

It would be the place I could send prospective gallery owners that wanted to take a look at what I could create.

I wasn't really interested in selling straight from the website just a virtual gallery.

The new computer was from Comp USA and a friend that worked there helped me put it all together.

"Free" Net Zero was my dial up provider. Then we loaded on Frontpage to get started on the website.

Together, we designed the first website. I taught myself many new programs too. I was totally addicted to my new toy.

Now 10 years and a few upgraded websites later it's time to design a new art website. Also time to design a new collection.

I'm not sure I have as much time to put it all together, so I might have to hire a teenage geek to get it done properly.

Maybe I'll advertise on Craigslist for someone. They could build it much faster than I could. There are so many new ideas that I haven't seen yet that they might know about.

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

Kentucky Fried Halloween Costumes

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 21:13:06 -0500

It's that time of year in Kentucky when we adults (well... some of us that never grew up) start planning our Halloween costumes.

This holiday is as big as Christmas around here. The house decorating is competitive and so are the costumes.

Just in case you are on the fence with what your costume will be this year... I have a video that will help with your decision.

So...There's no good excuse for you not to find something that fits your personality in this short clip of ideas.

Picking out a costume shouldn't be so difficult.

Here are some prize winning ideas.

P.S. Be sure to post here which costume you liked the best and why.

Now Vs. The Great Depression: No Comparison! Count Your Blessings.

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:39:33 -0500

In Kentucky, we aren't affected by everything going on across the country. Some in the media are saying we are in a depression.

Since I didn't live in the depression I can't imagine how that could be.

Most of us are accustomed to spending and doing all the things we want to do.

I was reading tonight in Activerain and came across this chart in a post by Mike in Tucson, AZ that compares the Great Depression to what we are going through now and there is no comparison.

This should cheer up my readers a bit!

Via Mike Jones:

Paula Swayne (AR) in Sacramento wrote a post based on a Charles Schwab Co. analysis of today's economy, and she put a link to the Schwab article in her post.

(Thanks, Active Rain, for making it so easy to communicate!)

I followed the link, and found this chart. We ought to have stuff like this on billboards in every city in the nation!

Count your blessings!

I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, Arizona mortgage lender.

Think of me as your Tucson expert.

Can You Survive On $60 Per Month?

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:07:08 -0500

Many of you don't know that I was a starving artist before being in real estate.

Well...not exactly starving, but I really knew how to hang onto my money. I paid cash for EVERYTHING.

If I saw something in the store I wanted I gave it a 3 day wait period to see if I REALLY needed it. If I was still dying for it I found a way to come up with the cash.

I also used many coupons to buy things. I am researching now to do that again. It's sort of like a game to see what you can get for almost free.

Here's Michael's post on how he survives on only $60 a month!

Via Michael Mullin ~ Spokane WA Home Loans | ~ Lake Spokane ~ Suncrest:

I'm going to share a secret with you - my allowance is $60 per month. That's right - $60 dollars to spend on dinning out, movies, coffee, and anything else I may want to treat myself to.

I wasn't always this frugal. In fact, my family can overspend with the best of them! Fortunately my wife and I decided to stop the crazy spending and put ourselves on a financial diet.

Should your allowance be $60? Well that depends. If you are putting 10% of your gross income into savings every month and have no credit card debt I'd say you could probably bump that figure up. If, on the other hand, you have less than 3 months worth of your income sitting in your regular savings account for emergencies, have any credit card balances, or are saving less than 10% of your gross income I'd suggest your number should be less than $60 until you can achieve those three benchmarks.

So how exactly do you get yourself on such a financial diet and then maintain? It's called "CASH ONLY."

For all your personal expenditures you must pay with cash from your wallet or pocket book. The amount of your allowance is not the critical part of this diet, it is the use of cash that is key. Having a finite amount of paper in your pocketbook that you can see every time you reach for some more is the only way to reign in the spending.

Pay yourself the allowance on the first of every month and then have fun! Of course, when the cash runs out you are done for that month. No reaching for the debit or credit card when you run out mid-month. No cash, no play!

We implemented this for our entire family, including our 13 year old and 10 year old. It's amazing the choices each individual will make when it is THEIR allowance on the line. There will be times that we drive through McDonalds' because one person wants to waste their money on some fries and the rest of us will not order anything and wait to get home to snack.

For each of the last 6 months I've managed to spend $20 or LESS of my allowance.

My passion is my involvement with Spokane County Search and Rescue, so I put away $40 per month to buy my SAR toys (er...equipment!). I never realized I could be THIS frugal until I had a finite amount of cash in my pocket.

How low do you think you could get your allowance to?

Feng Shui of Calumet Farm

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:09:33 -0500

Feng Shui of Calumet Farm

Calumet Farm is the first beautiful horse farm visitors see when they fly into Bluegrass Field in Lexington, KY. Miles of white fences and pristine barns.

Recently, I was talking with Monica Hess about all the work she has lately been doing for horse farm owners to create good luck. Her legendary predictions and suggestions have been right on target.

She recently did some for me that helped save my dogs life. Also, she is planning classes locally for those that wish to learn more about feng shui. Contact her for times and dates.

Below is Monica's Feng Shui of Calumet Farm. Enjoy!

Via Monica Hess:

The horses are running at Keenland. It's time to bring up the seemingly odd pairing of horses and feng shui. For a long time now I've been working on the feng shui of horse farms...figuring out whether the space in the house, farm office, and barn is being used correctly. And, what exactly would be good feng shui for a horse farm anyway? By studying Calumet and other historic farms, I've determined what flying stars will help create a great horse, and what will help that horse win.

I now have some very important data through the help of the librarians at the Equine Library at Keenland. (who knew there was such a library?) It's amazing the resources that turn up when you start digging. At any rate, I now have enough information to determine the feng shui chart of Calumet Farm. I've gone back in time to the glory days of the 30's, 40's and 50's when Bull Leah, Whirlaway, Citation and Alydar made the name of Calumet a household word, to the tragedy and bankruptcy of the 80's and 90's.

The chart of the house begins when it was built in the fourth period, 1938. It brings in the 4th period money star. There is also a prominent 5 water star, 3 energy for strong competition, and "best in the business" mentality. The 5 rules the 5th period and brings with it great accomplishments during that cycle. The stars were working for Calumet back then.

However, we're now in the 8th cycle and things have most definately changed. Things have to be done a little differently if Calumet wants to be on top again. Those same stars that built the most famous horse farm in the world are the same stars that turned on Calumet when their glory days were done.

Now the 8's rule, and their energy is gentle. Great money can still be made, but the technique will be a little different than before. The chart of the house is only part of Calumet's luck. There's also the farm office to consider, as well as the stallion barn and the barns where the mares and foals are kept. All of it counts. I have not managed to get all the details on the other buildings yet, but expect to have them soon. When I know more I'll be able to give an accurate assessment. I have my suspicions, but I'll wait.

For now, I'm enjoying digging deeper into the feng shui of this beautiful farm. I will give some serious advice though, in case anyone from Calumet is reading this blog. They need to be extra careful with transportation this year. If at all possible, keep the horses out of the south sectors of the barns. And, avoid digging to the direct north or south of any important building.

The first Saturday in May of 2009 looks like a great day for Calumet. Until then though, mind the store carefully.

Monica Hess

Feng Shui This

monica@monicahess.com

Baldwin Farm / Richmond Kentucky

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:10:20 -0500

Baldwin Farm / Richmond KY

Yesterday was the kind of day that you wish could be poured in a mason jar like mid-summer honey to savor all winter when you want to bring back good memories.

I loaded Mom in the car and went out to take some pictures of fall foliage and landscapes while the weather stays nice in the 70's.

One place I'd never been but driven past thousands of times was the Baldwin Farm.

Nice farm with lots of shade trees....

Many kids and large spiders!

The gravel road to the top of the hill.

We passed by a farm casualty from the haying season. O well...

Finally, at the top of the hill and where all the action is.

I'm hungry, lets ring the dinner bell!

Forget food! I can't resist colorful eye candy! Love these mums.

These two chickens need names and this kid is pondering...

Which one will she vote for?

To cast a vote, you put a corn cob in the basket of your favorite names.

Politics the old fashioned way.

This hay maze made me dizzy! Ohh...it may be I just feel normal!

At first I thought the dog was a statue.

Turns out he had something cornered in the corn stack.

He wasn't movin till it came out!

How about some refreshments?

Kick your feet up and relax for a spell.

Don't forget to pay for the cider!

A GAZILLION pumpkins scattered all over the hills to pick from.

I thought this was hysterical! Askem and See!

More stuff to shop for.

People have red wagons full of goodies to buy.

Mom found a funny shaped gourd! Isn't she cute?

Everyone is lined up at the check out.

Just like Walmart there are last minute items to the left of the checkout to add more on the total purchase. Good thinking!

Mom and I headed out to the country to take more pictures.

I couldn't resist taking another shot of those mums!

Baldwin Farm will be open to sell you everything

you need for your fall decor till Oct. 31st.

Later during the season you might want to go back to cut your Christmas tree.

They also have salsa, local honey, a sawmill for retail lumber,

fresh vegetables in season.

Located at 1113 Tates Creek Road in Richmond, KY.

Their website is baldwinfarmsky.com.

#######

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

Madison County / Tates Creek Road / Valley View Kentucky

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:15:49 -0500

Madison County / Tates Creek Road / Valley View Kentucky

Every creek in Kentucky has a road beside it. Well not all but most of them do.

Kentucky is second behind Alaska for the state with the most waterways. How did the roads develop? I have to wonder if they first had Indians and settlers walking along them to get to the next settlement.

The paths became wider over time with wagons and carriages. Later were paved in asphalt to become our modern day roads.

One of my favorite ones is Tates Creek Road between Richmond and Lexington.

The trees are a green tunnel that has a leafy ceiling in the spring and summer. Later in the fall turns into a multi-color petals that swirl around your car as you drive through.

What is wonderful about Tates Creek Road is that it stops at the Kentucky River at a little place called Valley View. To get across the river you will need to drive your car aboard a ferry that holds 3 cars.

The Valley View Ferry was established in 1792 and now owned by the state. It is the oldest continuest business in Kentucky. It's free of charge to use.

Last Christmas, I surprised the captain with a pretty wrapped box of chocolate truffles. I'm sure he will remember me the next time I drive across. He probably thinks I was the only paying customer last year!

I'm always amazed how beautiful it is here in Madison County. I feel a sense of pride in showing out-of-towners around before they purchase property. Just sharing a bit of paradise is fun!

#######

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

5 Surefire Ways to Turn Off a Buyer

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:19:18 -0500

All sellers would love to get their listed homes sold. These are some great tips by Brian Block.

Via Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate:

Remember when you prepared to go out on a first date? You made darn sure your clothes were ironed, your shoes polished, your teeth brushed and flossed (maybe twice), and perhaps you dabbed on a bit of cologne or perfume. In the middle of dinner, you might have even snuck into the bathroom for a spray of Binaca (do they still sell that?)

All of this was done in an attempt to impress your date, or at the very least to not turn them off. First impressions matter.

They matter when you are selling your home too. Not everyone owns the most beautiful move-in ready home with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, a perfect paintjob, and clean, stain-free carpets. So, while you may not be able to sweep every potential buyer off their feet, at a minimum, you can most certainly avoid the following

5 SUREFIRE WAYS TO TURN OFF A BUYER:

Ferocious Dogs: Nothing against pets. To many people, their dogs and cats are a part of the family. However, when you're trying to sell your home, Mr. Pit Bull or Mr. Rottweiler may make potential buyers skip your home. There have been times that I've been with clients who wouldn't even allow me to open the door when they heard loud barking inside.

When you are selling your home, it's often best to take the pets with you while your your home is being shown, leave the animals with friends or family while your home is on the market, or put Fido in a cage in the basement.

Outdated furniture and decorations: You may love the flowery wallpaper and pink carpeting, but it's unlikely that the new buyer of your home will. Most buyers understand that they'll redecorate after they buy your home, but strange colors and ugly appliances or furniture and bizarre wallhangings can certainly be a turnoff. Rooms overstuffed with clutter can also make it hard for a buyer to imagine the home without "all the stuff"

You may consider some quick, simple and inexpensive fixes such as repainted with neutral colors, storing excess clutter in a garage or storage facility. Another option is to hire a professional stager to really make your home shine.

Smelly!: There's a reason you put on cologne or perfume before that first date. Our sense of smell is very strong. Can you imagine walking into a beautiful home only to turn around after catching the first whiff? Pet odors, mildew, strong cooking smells, cigarette smoke can be the strongest odor offenders.

Take some time to thoroughly clean your home. Air fresheners can help but don't fully cover up these scents. Additionally, overdoing the air fresheners can make potential buyers suspicious of lingering odors.

Darkness: Darkness was one of the Ten Plagues that were inflicted upon the Egyptians in the Bible. Don't plague your home sale -- "Let There Be Light!" Dimly lit rooms appear gloomy. Buyers are attracted to homes and rooms with lots of natural light. Darkness may work for haunted houses, but it doens't work to help sell your house.

Make sure you replace or repair lights that don't work, keep the shades up, and clean the windows to let in the maximum amount of light into your home.

Wet Basements: In Florida, there's no such thing as a basement -- it's called a pool! In Virginia and D.C., many, if not most, homes have basements. Signs of current or past water damage are a certain turnoff for homebuyers. I've had some clients who only want to view homes after a big rainstorm to make sure that the basements do not get wet.

If you get water in your basement, get your foundation inspected for damage. You may also need to install a dehumidifier or sump pump.

If a homebuyer is going to make it past the first date and enter into a relationship with your home, you've got to make sure that your home makes a good first impression and doesn't turn them off.

Blog de la Lizette

347 Peachtree Drive Berea KY 40403

Richmond Kentucky Christmas Parade

Richmond Kentucky Downtown Gallery Hop

Paying off your mortgage early

Kentucky River and Madison County Bridges

Whats happening with new construction in Kentucky?

Whats happening with new construction in Kentucky? Well... costs are going up because prices are still rising on materials.

If you have a good credit rating and are still considering building a custom home, you should get started because prices will never be the same. New homes are actually getting smaller... but will have more amenities. Large homes may be a thing of the past.

Compared to 2007, housing starts are down in Kentucky by about 1,500. The actual number of new homes being built so far is about 10,000. Many of them are custom homes featuring Green and Energy Star.

Spec houses that have been on the market are being discounted by builders and there are a few bargains. To sell them at a discount is better than sitting unsold. Home values are not dropping in Kentucky like some other states including California.

How have loans changed?

You may be asked for more money down. Times sound bad if you listen to the media, but Kentucky banks are still lending and you just need to get approved before shopping for a home.

You will need a bank pre-approval and if you have a house to sell. Get it under contract before you go look at homes.

Most sellers are not interested in accepting an offer contingent upon the sell of your home.

Jessamine County Kentucky SAVE Center /Animal Shelter Urgently Needs Help...Please Read.

T-Mobile G1 Google Phone...My Love - Hate Relationship

A November Evening At The Kentucky River / Palisades

How To Not Sell A Haunted House...True Story!

Pillow Talk: The artful placement of pillows vol II. pilling practicum

How Long Have YOU Owned A Computer? Remember Your First one?

Kentucky Fried Halloween Costumes

Now Vs. The Great Depression: No Comparison! Count Your Blessings.

Can You Survive On $60 Per Month?

Feng Shui of Calumet Farm

Baldwin Farm / Richmond Kentucky

Madison County / Tates Creek Road / Valley View Kentucky

5 Surefire Ways to Turn Off a Buyer

Whats happening with new construction in Kentucky?
Well... costs are going up because prices are still rising on materials.

If you have a good credit rating and are still considering building a custom home, you should get started because prices will never be the same. New homes are actually getting smaller... but will have more amenities.
Large homes may be a thing of the past.