Louisville & Bullitt County Real Estate

I have repaired lawnmowers and appliances,

I have stripped a kitchen bare and remodeled every inch,

I have installed a new roof and re-shingled a house,

I have laid tile, laminate flooring, and carpet,

I have even sold a home FSBO.

I undertook each of these projects because the money was worth more to me than the time I EXPECTED to put into the endeavors.  In a few cases, this actually turned out to be true.  Often, the time exceeded expectations and the monetary savings were simply not worth the stress and frustration incurred.

As the years and projects have passed, I have learned to estimate the ACTUAL time involved better and to value PROFESSIONAL assistance more.  I have determined the rate that I am willing to pay someone correlates to the amount of stress and frustration that I expect to encounter.  

So, this summer I plan to finish the remaining areas of my basement and add a bathroom, bedroom, and family room.  I'll do all the framing, electric, and drywall because I WANT TO.  I enjoy the work and consider the monetary savings well worth the time spent.  However, I will hire a plumber to rough-in the bathroom and someone to install the flooring.  To me, the money is well worth the savings in pain and agony.  

For those searching for the meaning of this post, questioning why you have invested 5-minutes of your finite existence to read my drivel, here it is:  PROFESSIONALS make our lives better.  They enlighten the unknowing, they calm the unsettled, and they unburden the troubled.  Best of all, professionals give us the gift of TIME. 

If you are considering selling your house FSBO, talk to a real estate agent first.  Listen to the services that we offer and understand how these tools will benefit you.  Enlightenment doesn't cost a penny and you may save yourself more time, stress, frustration, and money (yes, I said money) than you realize.

* * * * *

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

I specialize in the following areas of the Metro Louisville Area: Jeffersontown (J-Town), Okolona, Fern Creek, 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 the Metro Louisville MLS.   

This afternoon The Wall Street Journal is reporting that General Electric (GE) has contracted with Goldman Sachs to auction its Appliances Division.  The Louisville-based division has been hit hard by the US housing slump and has been struggling over the last several quarters.  Today's blow may be much harder to recover from.

The news came as a surprise to employees, union leaders, and community leaders.   Mayor Jerry Abramson issued a statement to local news organizations which concluded with "Officials told me they were looking at possible reductions throughout their global operations, including Louisville, but they did not indicate that selling Appliance Park was part of their plan."

Appliance Park was opened in 1951. In the late 1970's the park over 25,000 people were employeed at the 1000 acre facility.  Today, about 5,000 people remain.  Refrigerators, Dishwashers, and Washing machines are still produced in Louisville.

In addition to Louisville, GE also has US-based appliance manufacturing sites in Decatur, AL, Bloomington IN, Selmar, TN, and Northern GA. 

Early speculation lists potential buyers as LG Electronics, Haier, and Royal Philips.

* * * * *

I am a licensed real estate agent with RE/MAX Alliance. I work with buyers and sellers in Louisville and Bullitt County including Shepherdsville, Mt. Washington, Brooks, and Lebanon Junction. Whether you are relocating to Bullitt County or simply moving across town, feel free to send me an email or contact me.

Despite the fact that there are numerous Bullitt County homes available that are very fairly priced and mortgage rates are low, buyers seem unwilling or unable to take advantage of the current situation.  Unable may be the key phrase here as only 58 of the 74 pending sales from March closed this month.  Of course, inspection issues certainly played a part in a few cases.

Average Sale Price was at an 8-month low, offsetting part of the first quarter gains.  The good news is that we are still up 3.1% year-over-year.  This is consistent with the historical growth of the area.  

Looking at Pending real estate sales for Bullitt County reveals more good news.  Over 115 homes are currently pending.  For qualified buyers, now is still a good time to buy.       

Note: Higher Index numbers indicate a Buyer's Market while Lower Index numbers indicate a seller's market.

Search for Bullitt County Homes

* * * * *

Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliance in Louisville. If you need a Bullitt County 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 Bullitt County Homes 

Get Updates in a Reader

 Get Louisville Real Estate News by Email  

For the first time in 8 years, my wife and I took a vacation alone.  Shirking virtually all responsibility (I did take my phone and computer so that clients could keep in touch and I could check AR), we took to the skies and headed south to the Big Easy.  

The start was a little rough as our 2 3 5-hour layover in Alabama left little to do but ponder Andrew Lenza's Depression post against the LCD backdrop of newly-minted millionaires created by the NFL Draft.  The good news was that we closed down the bar / grill; a feat that we have not accomplished in quite some time.  Admittedly, doing so at 8:00p is not much of an triumph.

The rest of the trip exceeded expectations.  New Orleans is a fabric woven with truth and legend held together by stitches of time that are visible here like no place else.  We wandered aimlessly, following new threads and absorbing as much as we could; awe-inspiring churches, fascinating museums, quaint shops, sensational dining, unrivaled nightlife, and some of the most unique historical sites in the country, all the while single handedly double-fistedly invigorating the economy.  In fact, we may have staved off the Depression that Andrew predicts. (Note to Dept of Revenue - please forward Stimulus Check to Visa - PO Box...).

Yes, we saw the frayed edges as well and we talked the people who said, "it's not the same."  As with any tragedy, normal is forever redefined.  New Orleans will never be the same as it was pre-Katrina.  The fabric has been washed and the dye of innocence carried away with the retreating waters.  (I know associating innocence with the French Quarter is a stretch of relativity that only Einstein could truly appreciate). 

However, the reality of the human spirit is that we adapt and survive.  That spirit is on full display in New Orleans.  Not only are the city and her residents surviving, but also they are willing and able to cater to your needs, wants, and desires.  The city maintains its heritage but is passionate about rebuilding.  It is a normal that was perfectly fine with us.

I encourage all who read this to go or go back.  Go and Explore, Learn, Eat, Drink, Sleep (if you have to), but just GO.  

As for my wife and I, we would like to say, "Thank you New Orleans! We will be back."

* * * * *

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 

Get Updates in a Reader

 Get Louisville Real Estate News by Email  

Certain sports records are controversial (60, 61*, 70 or 73*).  Others are impressive in that the represent consistent above-average performance over time (Ripken's 2,632).  But, some are truly special.  They are the result of an awe-inspiring performance that we mortals cannot fathom seeing repeated (DiMaggio's 56 game hitting streak, Wilt's 100 point night, Larson's perfect game).  Among the last set of records, is Secretariat's 2:24 world record time at the 1973 Belmont Stakes.   The race is legendary and his 31-length victory remains unparalleled in horseracing history. 

Watch it on Youtube

What is less commonly known is that Secretariat also holds the Kentucky Derby record at 1:59 and 2/5s.  In the 112 years since the 3-year olds have been running 1-¼ miles, only one other horse has broken the 2-minute mark (Monarches-1:59.97). Less than 1 second separates the two and yet it is an eternity.  The paradox of time.

This year, the first Saturday in May brings with it the start of the 134^th Kentucky Derby and another field anxious to challenge the bar set by Secretariat.  At the end of the day, the record will still be intact, but no one will speak of it.  Instead, all will focus on the horse standing in the winner's circle wearing the blanket of roses.  They will laud the new Champion.  However, before the first petal begins to wither, they will question his ability.  Is he fast enough for the Preakness?  Will he have the stamina for the Belmont? Does he have the desire, heart, pedigree, upbringing, to join Secretariat as a Triple Crown winner and as a Legend?  The paradox of success.

The challengers....

* * * * *

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 

Get Updates in a Reader

 Get Louisville Real Estate News by Email   

Trailing by 12 lengths with 18 beasts blocking the path to greatness, he showed restraint.  Running effortlessly while hugging the rail through the first ½ mile, he showed wisdom.  Finally, it came.  The loosening of the reins, the urging from above, and he showed power.  His strides lengthened as lesser competitors tired and slowed.  The path cleared and the leaders loomed larger.  Moving off the rail, he dispatched another foe and suddenly there was but one before him.  With a ¼ mile left, the race was over.  Hard Spun put for a noble effort, but he showed determination.  Even when his jockey, caught up in the moment, raised his arms toward the heavens, he showed discipline.  Never relenting, Street Sense thundered across the wire to become the 133^rd winner of the Kentucky Derby.  

Including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 156,635 people watched the race from Churchill Downs.  Millions more watched on TV.  None have denied that the Fastest Two Minutes in Sports lived up to its billing once more. 

* * * * *

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, and Brooks.  Click the following links to learn more about Louisville and Bullitt County Real Estate or to Search for Louisville Homes 

Get Updates in a Reader

 Get Louisville Real Estate News by Email