Louisville & Bullitt County Real Estate

WHAT A RARE FIND! An open-floor plan, ranch home with a real master bedroom in the heart of Jeffersontown (J-Town).  Anyone who has shopped for homes in this highly desirable area of Louisville knows how hard it is to come across a setup like this.  In fact, only 7 similar homes sold in all of 2009.  Making this home even more unique is the heated and cooled, attached 1.5 car garage.  This space is perfect for a work shop, small home business, or performing vehicle maintenance on a cold day.   

 With a wood-burning fireplace and easy access to both the kitchen and the 15x20 deck, the Great Room provides an ideal location for family gatherings, entertaining, or just relaxing after a long day. The large Master Suite features a trey ceiling, walk-in closet, and double-vanities. And, the large fenced yard is ideal for containing children of the 2 or 4-legged variety while letting them enjoy the outdoors.

Within the last couple of years, the sellers have completed thousands of dollars worth of updates and upgrades including a new AC unit, hot water heater, patio doors, flooring and more. Additionally, they are offering a home warranty and leaving all of the appliances including the washer and dryer.

So, you can move in and keep your tax credit money to pay off bills or go to the Kentucky Derby. However, you need to act quickly. The tax credit deadline is approaching, but more importantly, Louisville homes like this do not last long.

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliancein Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.

I specialize in the following areas of the Metro Louisville Area: Prospect, Middletown, Jeffersontown (J-Town), Fern Creek, Okolona, Shepherdsville, Mt Washington, Hillview, Brooks and Pewee Valley.  Click the following links to learn more about Louisville and Bullitt County Real Estateor to Search for Louisville Homes 

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By now, most people are aware of the existence of the $8000 Tax Creditfor first-time home buyers.  But with the holidays, the start of UL and UK basketball and the media the way that it is, I suspect you are more likely to know Tiger Woods' mistress count than you are the details of the expanded Tax Credit Program.  In particular, when Congress extended the credit until April 30th, 2010, they also added a $6500 tax credit for existing homeowners. 

For those of you who were otherwise occupied, here's the answers to the questions now running through your head....

Am I eligible for the $6500 Tax Credit?

There are 3 Criteria you must meet to qualify

1. You must have used your current home as your principal residence for 5 consecutive years with the last 8.
2. To get the full credit as a single buyer, you need to make less than $125,000 annually, as a couple the limit is $225,000. Up to $145,000 and $245,000 respectively, you get a partial credit. 
3. You have to have a written contract by April 30, 2010 and close before July 1, 2010.

How does the Tax Credit work?

Like the $8000 Tax Credit this is a refundable credit that is applied to your tax return.  After you close on the home, you can apply it to your 2009 or 2010 return.  Note that your favorite word in the preceding sentence is REFUNDABLE.  This means you get the money regardless of what you owe on your taxes! 

Do I have to repay the credit?

As long as you live in the house for 3 years, the answer is No!

SWEET! I'm eligible and I like free money, now what?

You need to get started right away especially if you plan to sell your current home before buying.  Interest rates are still phenomenally low and buyers are hitting the market in droves.  By getting a jump on the competition, you stand a very good chance of completing both selling your current home and buying a new one before the deadline.  Call me at 502-921-3989 to setup a Free Consultation.

I'm reaching for the phone.  Just out of curiosity, what was the final mistress count?

You really have more important things to worry about.  But, if it will help you focus, nowpublic.comhas is at 17.  A few are unconfirmed though.  Despite the initial rapid-fire rate at which they started to come out, it appears Wilt Chamberlin's record will stand.  Back to reality.  Call 502-921-3989 now. 

Photo courtesy of aresauburn.

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliance in Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.

I specialize in the following areas of the Metro Louisville Area: Prospect, Middletown, Jeffersontown (J-Town), Fern Creek, Okolona, Shepherdsville, Mt Washington, Hillview, Brooks and Pewee Valley.  Click the following links to learn more about Louisville and Bullitt County Real Estate or to Search for Louisville Homes 

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Three years ago the Kentucky legislature passed a law banning convicted sex offenders from living within 1000 feet of schools, playgrounds, and day care centers.  Today, the Supreme Court threw out that legislation by a 5-2 vote.  According to the AP, the justices ruled, "the law is punitive because lawmakers applied it retroactively to sex offenders convicted before the restrictions were imposed."

As a parent, the possibility of a sexual predator harming one of my children is mind-numbingly terrifying.  It is part of the reason I do not use their names in public settings online.  However, I have a hard time believing this law had any real benefit with regards to protecting children.  Kids run and play everywhere.  If an offender is going to repeat, the location of his/her residence in relation to a school is of little consequence.

Despite the fact that Louisville is the 7th Safest City (pop 500,000+) there are still registered sex offenders in living in every zip code.  If you are concerned and can stomach the results, here is the Kentucky Sex Offender Registry.

See Also: Everything you want to know about Louisville Homes that I can't tell you.

Photo courtesy of Mara66 on flickr.

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliancein Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.

I specialize in the following areas of the Metro Louisville Area: Prospect, Middletown, Jeffersontown (J-Town), Fern Creek, Okolona, Shepherdsville, Mt Washington, Hillview, Brooks and Pewee Valley.  Click the following links to learn more about Louisville and Bullitt County Real Estateor to Search for Louisville Homes 

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The St James Court Art Show begins Friday Oct 2^nd and will continue through Sunday October 4^th.  This year marks the 53^rd time that artists have gathered for the annual event that was voted Best Art Show in the Nation during 3 of the last 6 years. 

This year, over 750 artists from throughout North America will be displaying their works for an expected 300,000 patrons.  In fact, more people come to Louisville for this event than for the Kentucky Derby.  Categories include Clay, Glass, Leather, Jewelry, Metal, Mixed Media 3D, Photography, Sculpture, Wood, and several others.

The show is held in the heart of Old Louisville.  Booths will be setup in St James Court as well as along Third St, Fourth St, and Magnolia Ave.  Official participants will be proudly displaying the 2009 Art Show Exhibitor Booth Cards and wearing similar buttons.  Be aware that some homeowners allow non-participants to setup in their yards around the event.

Old Louisville neighborhood associations use proceeds from the show for the benefit of the local community.  Beautification and restoration projects are completed as well as other philanthropic endeavors.

Hours: 

• Fri - 10a-6p
• Sat - 10a-6p
• Sun - 10a-5p

For more information, go to http://www.stjamescourtartshow.com

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliancein Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.

I specialize in the following areas of the Metro Louisville Area: Prospect, Middletown, Jeffersontown (J-Town), Fern Creek, Okolona, Shepherdsville, Mt Washington, Hillview, Brooks and Pewee Valley.  Click the following links to learn more about Louisville and Bullitt County Real Estateor to Search for Louisville Homes 

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Louisville real estate conditions are so fluid I considered adding a time stamp in the title.  Month-to-month variances in each area can be huge and I expect it to get more interesting as the year ends and the $8000 first time home buyer credit nears its expiration date.  I'd really like to tell you the water is fine and everyone should jump in the real estate pool, but you really need...

The Straight Truth

The bottom is behind us.  That being said, we are still in a trough and the recovery will not be quick.  Lending standards and appraisal standards have and will continue to hamper growth.  In typical fashion, the fallout from the practices that lead to last fall's meltdown caused overreaction.  The elimination of seller-funded down payment assistance programs and 100% financing coupled with tightened credit scores has removed 20-30% of buyers from the market.  Many of them would make good homeowners, but will have to wait for another year or so.

The $8000 tax credit and 5-6% interest rates have been beneficial.  Early this year, investors and first-time home buyers were the main market players. The credit drove interest and inspired confidence in buyers.  As a result areas like PRP, Okolona, and Valley Station bottomed a little sooner.  Several buyers were actually surprised at how much they could afford because of low rates.

We have just recently started to see a trickle-up effect.  J-Town, Fern Creek (Area 7), Middletown (Area 8), and Anchorage (Area 9) are seeing more activity.  That being said, Louisville homes that are even slightly overpriced are just languishing.  Sellers who want to test the market are receiving 'F's and those who 'know what their homes are worth and refuse to give it away' are finding that they are going to get to live in said home for the foreseeable future.  

As proof that real estate is hyper-local, the Highlands (Area 2) and St Matth

ews (Area 3) were nearly immune from any declines in price.  In fact, both areas saw continued appreciation despite a slight decline in sales.  At the same time sales in a few select neighborhoods were 20-40% foreclosures

Unemployment in Louisville continues to be high, but appears to have peaked.  Major corporations like Ford, GE, Yum Brands and UPS have reaffirmed their commitment to the area and some are hiring (although none are likely to replace the full complement of workers laid off).  The Norton-Anthem spat may even get resolved and bring more stability to the large medical workforce. 

Supply is also greatly reduced.  Many would-be sellers are waiting out the storm and fewer homes are on the market.  These shadow-sellers have simply decided they don't need to sell and therefore aren't going to list their home.  For some this is a good decision, for others it is not.  I sold my personal home in 13 days and traded-up. So, it can be done.

All of this boils down to a few simple realities.  Overall demand is down because fewer buyers have the resources to buy a home.   The blow is being lessened by good prices, great interest rates, tax incentives, and investor activity.  So far, the decreased demand has generally been countered by decreased supply and Louisville home values are essentially flat.

The next few months will be interesting.  Historically, Louisville home sales drop from this point until February.  Additional uncertainty is caused by the pending expiration/extension/enhancement of the tax credit.  If the balance described in the preceding paragraph can be maintained until spring, the recovery will be much smoother.  If demand falls off for any reason though, it will be a bumpy ride to say the least. 

If you want to buy or sell a Louisville home, call a real estate agent who can guide you through the process.  One absolute certainty is you need someone working for you who understands the market and won't sugarcoat or spin the truth.  Accurate analysis and timely insights are required for you to achieve your goals.  Consultations are free so call (502) 921-3989 now.

See Also

• Why Choosing the Right Agent Matter When Selling Your Home
• How to Sell a Louisville Home

--photo courtesy of makelessnoise on flickr

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliancein Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.

I specialize in the following areas of the Metro Louisville Area: Prospect, Middletown, Jeffersontown (J-Town), Fern Creek, Okolona, Shepherdsville, Mt Washington, Hillview, Brooks and Pewee Valley.  Click the following links to learn more about Louisville and Bullitt County Real Estateor to Search for Louisville Homes 

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Things to do in Louisville

Tired of sitting at home?

Looking for something different or unique to do in Louisville?

Pick one or two events from this list and go have some fun!

F.A.T. Friday Trolley Hop

When: September 25

Where: Frankfort Avenue

What: A tour of dozens of galleries in the Frankfort Avenue art district. The event takes participants to several different art galleries, retail shops, and dining establishments located on Frankfort, Mellwood, and Story Avenues.

Louisville Irish Fest

When: September 25-27

Where: Bellarmine University

What: The Louisville Irish Fest is a celebration of Irish culture and heritage, featuring traditional Italian food, music, dancing, and, of course, beer.

The Bluegrass Balloon Festival

When: September 25-27

Where: Bowman Field

What: The Bluegrass Balloon Festival is Kentucky's largest hot air balloon race, even bigger than the Kentucky Derby Festival Balloon race. There are also a ton of free events and attractions for adults and children, including an art festival, balloon glow, kid's fun zone, beer and wine garden, live music, and an automobile and airplane show.

Captain's Quarters Regatta and Art Show

When: September 26-27

Where: Captain's Quarters Restaurant

What: Pull up your anchor and sail over to Captain's Quarters Restaurant at the end of September for the Captain's Quarters Regatta and Art Show. This event attracts more than 2000 people each year, including individuals from as many as four states and generally more than 200 artists.

Fall Antiques Market

When: September 27

Where: Locust Grove

What: The annual Fall Antiques Market brings professional antiques dealers from the South and Midwest to Louisville where they sell and display their products on the Locust Grove lawn. Though the show features primarily American country antiques, formal furniture, jewelry, and silverware will also be up for sale.

Taste of Louisville

When: September 29

Where: Crown Plaza Hotel

What: A Tasting Event sponsered by the Kentucky Restaurant Association.  Dozens of area restaurants and beverage producers will be on hand to show off their finest food and drink.

Waterfront Wednesday

When: September 30

Where: Waterfront Park

What: Waterfront Wednesdays are free concerts at Waterfront Park sponsored by 91.9 WFPK.

---Photo courtesy of The Pug Father on flickr

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliancein Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.

I specialize in the following areas of the Metro Louisville Area: Prospect, Middletown, Jeffersontown (J-Town), Fern Creek, Okolona, Shepherdsville, Mt Washington, Hillview, Brooks and Pewee Valley.  Click the following links to learn more about Louisville and Bullitt County Real Estateor to Search for Louisville Homes 

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Imagine my surprise to receive the following reply to my emailed request for showing instructions...

I apologize for this automatic reply to your email.

 To control spam, I now allow incoming messages only from senders I have approved beforehand.

 If you would like to be added to my list of approved senders, please fill out the short request form (see link below). Once I approve you,....

The message went on to state the benefits of me completing the form and assured me I would only have to do this once.

Somewhat stunned, I decided that once was too often to deal with this foolishness.  So, I called first thing in the morning.  No one answered.  Perhaps he also has a pre-approved call list??  Regardless, I left a message and finished scheduling appointments.   

Try This Before Selecting An Agent

If you are a prospective home buyer or seller, contact your real estate agent a couple of times before deciding to work with him or her.  Make sure they answer or reply in a reasonable amount of time.  You most likely have questions anyway.  Use this as an opportunity to kill 2 birds with one stone.  

Of course agents have closings, showings, training, and personal lives that may prevent us from answering the phone or responding immediately.  If you do not receive a response in a couple of hours be nervous, in 4 hours be skeptical, until the next day be fearful.  If it happens more than once, put down the phone and back away slowly.  Actually, run as fast as you can in the other direction.

If you are looking for a Louisville real estate agent who will answer and/or return your calls, texts, and emails, contact me immediately.

See Also:  Why Choosing the Right Agent Matter When Selling Your Home

Photo courtesy of vic15 on flickr

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliancein Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.

I specialize in the following areas of the Metro Louisville Area: Prospect, Middletown, Jeffersontown (J-Town), Fern Creek, Okolona, Shepherdsville, Mt Washington, Hillview, Brooks and Pewee Valley.  Click the following links to learn more about Louisville and Bullitt County Real Estateor to Search for Louisville Homes 

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Fear Not!

Tonight, a cancer survivor and former chicken-catcher stood side-by-side on a Hollywood stage and awaited the results of a vote that would change one of their lives forever.  Kevin Skinner and Barbara Padilla have vastly different backgrounds, but one very important commonality.  When an opportunity presented itself, they jumped at it. 

The easy route is to simply lament your lot in life and do nothing.  The problem, of course, with this strategy is that no possible good can come from it.  Without taking a chance, neither Kevin nor Barbara would have been on that stage.  Without taking a chance, you will never have the opportunity to realize your full potential. 

Do you want more business?

Are you afraid to knock on doors?  Are you hesitant to write a newsletter?  Are you reluctant to post to your blog?  Why?  What's the worst that can happen?  Someone might tell you to get the heck off of their property or toss your hard work into the garbage or chastise you for ending a sentence with a prepostion.  So what?  These aren't the people you are interested in dealing with anyway.  Besides, it's not like you have to stand in front of millions of Americans and smile while someone known as "The Hoff" makes fun of your background. 

Stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way to big successes.  This is true whether you are trying to start a company, to buy a home or to win America's Got Talent.  You may fail at times, but this will only make the rewards that much sweeter.  Remember, if you don't take a chance, you'll never be on that stage.

Good Luck!   

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliance in Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.

I specialize in the following areas of the Metro Louisville Area: Prospect, Middletown, Jeffersontown (J-Town), Fern Creek, Okolona, Shepherdsville, Mt Washington, Hillview, Brooks and Pewee Valley.  Click the following links to learn more about Louisville and Bullitt County Real Estateor to Search for Louisville Homes 

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Louisville Real Estate Market Report for Area 8 (40223, 40243, 40245)

This report analyzes property sales trends for Louisville homes over the last few months and versus the same time period last year.  The report includes number of Louisville homes sold, average listing price, average sales price, days on market (DOM), and current inventory as well as analysis for buyers and sellers.

Area 8 of the Louisville MLS covers homes for sale in Douglass Hills, Hurstbourne, Middletown as well as areas outside of the Gene Snyder expressway.  Zipcodes for this area include 40223, 40243, and 40245.  In addition to those already mentioned, some of the larger subdivisions in this area are Lake Forest, Locust Creek, Owl Creek and Polo Fields

See Also: Louisville Real Estate Map

Search for Louisville Homes

Louisville Real Estate Market Report

Area 7 of the Louisville MLS covers homes for sale in FernCreek, Hikes Point, and Jeffersontown (J-town).  Some of the larger subdivisions in this area are Breckenridge Meadows, Glenmary, Little Spring Farm, Orchard Lakes, Saratoga Springs and Saratoga Woods.

See Also: Louisville Real Estate Map

Search for Louisville Homes

Key Points

1. Home sales have definitely picked-up in this area of Louisville.  Through the first 3 months of the year, the number of homes sold was off by 40%.  That number is down to 8% now.  We are seeing the trickle-up effects of existing homeowners being able to trade-up once first time home buyers jump into the market.  The $8000 tax credit is certainly making a difference.    
2. For sellers, this is an indication that you can sell your Louisville home if you have a Louisville real estate agent who understands how to help you prepare, price, and promote your home.
3. Buyers should take note that selection is great.  As word spreads that buyers are actually taking advantage of the low interest rates, tax credits, etc, more sellers are putting their homes on the market.  If you want to live in this part of Louisville, you should certainly be able to find a home that meets your needs.  When you find a home that you really want, make a strong offer based on a comparative market analysis.  Homes are selling 3-5% below list price.  Low-balling someone with an offer of 90% or worse may well cost you the home. 

Additional Market Reports (July 09)

• Louisville Homes - Area 8 Douglass Hills, Hurstbourne, Middletown
• Bullitt County Homes
• Shepherdsville Homes 
• Mt Washington Homes 

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credits for Louisville Home Buyers

• Time is Running Out
• $4500 Down Payment Assistance - Get Down payment Assistance money through KHC.
• $8000 Tax Credit - Get an $8000 Tax Credit on your 2008 or 2009 Tax return when you buy a home.
• $8000 Tax Credit Amended - Find how how to use the Tax Credit for a portion of your downpayment

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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliance in Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.

I specialize in the following areas of the Metro Louisville Area: Prospect, Middletown, Jeffersontown (J-Town), Fern Creek, Okolona, Shepherdsville, Mt Washington, Hillview, Brooks and Pewee Valley.  Click the following links to learn more about Louisville and Bullitt County Real Estateor to Search for Louisville Homes 

Get Updates in a Reader

 Get Louisville Real Estate News by Email