Louisville & Bullitt County Real Estate

By now, most everyone is at least aware of CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs).  Perhaps you are even aware of the tremendous energy savings these bulbs offer over traditional lamps.  If not, I've shown the potential savings below.  What you may not be aware of is the current promotion at Lowes. 

First, the math

The average home has 50 light bulbs.  (Hang on, finish reading and then go count)

The average bulb is on 4 hours per day. 

Assuming 60W bulbs, this equates to  50*4*365*60 = 4380 Kilowatt hours (KWH) of energy consumption per year. 

The average KWH costs $0.10. 

So, your light bulbs cost you $438 / year.

A CFL uses less than 1/4 of the wattage of traditional bulbs which equates to $109.50 per year. 

Converting your house to CFLs yields a savings of $328.50 per year.

Knowing this, I assume you are rushing to your cars and headed to the store.  But, it gets even better.  For a limited time, you can buy a 7-pack of 13W (same light output as a 60) bulbs for $9.98 and receive a gift card for $10.00 off of your next $50 purchase.  That's right, the net price is -$0.02! You get paid to save hundreds of dollars.

For those of you who like to throw money away, please send a little my way.  Better yet, do something useful with it and send it here.  For the rest of you, head to Lowes. 

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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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Hurstbourne

Incorporated in 1982, Hurstbourne is actually a city within the borders of Louisville and Jefferson County.  Development started in 1965, but most homes were built in the 70's and 80s.  One of the more intriguing aspects of this community is the Hurstbourne Country Club which was strategically designed in the center of the city.  The 18 hole golf course, is popular and challenging. 

Hurstbourne homes are extremely diverse.  From traditional 2-stories to sprawling ranches, buyers have quite a range to choose from.  Most homes have 4 bedrooms, 3+ baths, and more than 3000 square feet of living space.

Due to the age of the homes, the interiors are as diverse as the exteriors.  Many have been updated over the years and rival new construction luxury homes when it comes to amenities and details.  Others are awaiting the right buyer to modernize them.  If you choose one in the latter category, rest assured that smart decisions will yield very nice returns if you ever decide to move. 

Hurstbourne homes are generally priced between $225,000 and $450,000.  However, there are a few large homes that easily clear the $1,000,000 mark.  There are no HOA fees, but the city does have it's own tax. 

Hurstbourne Neighborhood Info

This planned community offers a great deal of services and benefits to its residents.  For more information, check out the city's website.    

Schools

Students who live in Hurstbourne and attend Jefferson County Public Schools are in Cluster 5.  Reside schools include

• Lowe Elementary School
• Westport Trad Middle School
• Eastern High School

Location

Hurstbourne is located between I64 and Shelbyville Road just west of Hurstbourne Road.  In addition to the multitude of shops and restaurants surrounding this neighborhood, residents are within minutes of Jeffersontown, St Matthews and Middletown.  It is hard to find a more convenient location! 

Nearby Louisville Homes 

• Douglass Hills
• Plainview
• Owl Creek
• Willow Wood 

Click the link to search for Hurstbourne Homes.  When the search page opens, Click the Show Advanced Search CriteriaLink.  Select Hurstbourne in the Subdivisions tab and then click on the Find House / Condo Listings button.   

When you are ready to buy or sell a Hurstbourne home, please call me (502)-921-3989.  As a local expert, I will be able to make sure you get the most out of your real estate transaction. 

• Why Choosing the Right Agent Matters When Selling your Louisville Home
• How Do Buyer's Agents Get Paid
  

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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, 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

$5000 Kentucky Tax Credit

Effective immediately, the state of Kentucky is offering all non-first time home buyers a $5000 tax credit for the purchase of a new home.  This is great news for builders and for existing home owners who are ready to take advantage of the current market conditions. 

The Details

1. This money is for buyers who are not eligible for the federal $8000 first time home buyer tax credit.
2. To qualify, you must purchase a new (never been occupied) home and use it as your principal residence.
3. You must purchase your new home between July 26, 2009 and July 25, 2010 OR before the funds run out.  (Please note, $25 Milllion has been allocated, but you do not want to wait too long.)
4. This is a NON-REFUNDABLE tax credit.  In other words, the amount you get back cannot exceed the amount you owe in Kentucky State Taxes. 
   
5. You must submit your application via fax within seven (7) days of your purchase (closing) date. 

Your Plan (Louisville and Bullitt County Residents)

For all of you who have want a piece of the action, this is what you should do immediately...

1) Call me so we can discuss listing your current home.  You really want to get your home on the market before $8000 tax credit expires.  At the same time, I'll review various new construction homes in the Louisville area and you can start to think about where you want to live.  

2) Call your lender.  Make sure there are no issues with your credit and get a pre-approval letter for a new home. 

3) Call your accountant to discuss the best way to maximize your return.  Remember, this is non-refundable.

Note: If you don't have a lender or an accountant, I have recommendations for you.

Final Thoughts

It is not going to get much better than this.  Interest rates remain at near historic lows.  In fact, there is a good chance today's rates are at least 1 whole point below your current rate.  The federal government is offering tax incentives for buyers to purchase your home.  Not only is the state government offering further assistance to these buyers, but also Kentucky is giving YOU money towards YOUR next home.  This is your personal bailout plan!  You can take advantage of it and find a new home for yourself and your family or you can stay put.  I encourage you to act.

Here's a couple of other things to think about...

• Why Choosing the Right Agent Matters When Selling your Louisville Home
• How Do Buyer's Agents Get Paid
  

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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, 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

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

0 comments • Erik Hitzelberger, --Louisville-Bullitt County Real Estate • June 25 2009 11:22PM

Owl Creek

This eastern Louisville Neighborhood has virtually everything.  From stunning homes to an active home owner's association to a loaded Community Center, Owl Creek residents really have the best that neighborhood living offers.  Which, of course, explains why these Louisville homes are so sought after.   

Unlike many newer subdivisions, Owl Creek homes are pretty unique.  You will have a hard-time finding any two of these all-brick homes that are alike.  An additional benefit to the age (15-25 years) of the neighborhood is the mature landscaping.  You'll find great shade trees lining the streets as well as serving as focal points in backyards.

A lot of thought went into the aesthetic appeal of this subdivision.  Of course, the large brick entrance off of Dorsey Lane commands attention.  But, the gently winding roads and cul-de-sacs prevent you from seeing a long line of homes.  Plus, underground utilities with transformers in the back yards help hide any unsightly wires.

Owl Creek homes typically start in the low $300s and range to the mid $400s. 

Search for Louisville Homes

Owl Creek Neighborhood Info

In the community center you can find an Junior Olympic-sized pool, a full court basketball gym, a workout facility, tennis courts, a playground and more.  In fact, the community has a competitive swim team and men's basketball league.  If you just want to take a walk or ride a bike, the streets are lined with sidewalks for safety.

This eastern Louisville neighborhood has an active HOA promoting community involvement and events.  Events such as wine tastings, dine-in movies, outdoor concerts and a children's petting zoo are organized throughout the year.  In addition, the Owl Creek HOA has planned neighborhood celebrations at holidays (July 4th, Derby Day, Memorial Day, etc).  Finally, there are card-playing groups, dinner clubs, and book clubs.  Residents truly have no excuses for getting out and finding something they enjoy doing with others.

The HOA fee is under $100 / month and includes trash pickup.

Schools

Students who live in Owl Creek and attend Jefferson County Public Schools are in Cluster 5.  Reside schools include

• Middletown Elementary School
• Crosby Middle School
• Eastern High School

Location

Owl Creek is just west of Middletown and north of Douglass Hills.  As such, it is convenient to St Matthews, Middletown, Hurstbourne, and J-Town.  Residents truly have a huge selection of convenient dining and shopping locations.

Nearby Louisville Homes

• Willow Wood
• Douglass Hills
• Plainview
• Foxboro Manor
• Old Dorsey Place

Click the link to search for Owl Creek Homes.  When the search page opens, Click the Show Advanced Search CriteriaLink.  Select Owl Creek in the Subdivisions tab and then click on the Find House / Condo Listings button.   

When you are ready to buy or sell an Owl Creek home, please call me (502)-921-3989.  As a local expert, I will be able to make sure you get the most out of your real estate transaction. 

• Why Choosing the Right Agent Matters When Selling your Louisville Home
• How Do Buyer's Agents Get Paid
  

* * * * *

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

In all honesty, when my wife and I talk about going out for barbeque, my default location is Mark's Feedstore.  In fact, it is one of my top 5 picks whenever we talk about going out for dinner period.  That being said, the planets aligned perfectly tonight and we decided to take a chance on Pig City Bar-B-Que in Middletown. (Ok, we had a discount card).

First of all, Pig City gets bonus points just for having patio dining.  I enjoy sitting outside when the weather is nice and tonight it was about 80 degrees with a slight breeze.  Perfect.  Not to mention, the kids don't have to be quite as disciplined.  This takes a lot of stress of of them, us, and any nearby diners:)  As an additional bonus, they had a live band.  We were only able to see a few minutes of the performance as I had to go show homes, but it seemed like I would have enjoyed sitting there for some time.

Second and perhaps most importantly, the food was great.  I ordered the pork chop dinner and was impressed to receive an almost 1" thick pork chop that was perfectly cooked.  My wife had pulled pork and said it was very good as well.  I sampled each of the 4 sauces they offered and settled on the Kansas City style.  By the way, the Texas Hot is in a rather unassuming bottle, but really delivers some heat.  I recommend not pouring copious amounts on a portion of your meal without a) sampliing it first and b) having a drink handy.  

Third, it is very affordable.  Most menu selections run between $7-$12.  Tuesday night happens to be Kids Eat Free night and with the above mentioned discount card, the four of us ate for $20 with tax and tip!  I can barely get out of McDonalds for that price.  

So next time you are at Mark's and the line is out the door, head over to Pig City and check out their offering.

Pig City BBQ

120003 Shelbyville Road

Middletown

(502) 244-3535

www.pigcitybbq.com

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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 

Get Updates in a Reader

 Get Louisville Real Estate News by Email

Our Story

I have no comprehension of what it would be like to go through life without sight.  I have excellent vision and have never even had to wear glasses or contacts.  My children on the other hand are a different story.  They were born 15 weeks early and developed ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity).  In an attempt to prevent complete blindness, doctor's performed laser surgery to stop the improper growth of blood vessels.   

Despite later having Lens Replacement surgery (I didn't know you could do that on a 5-yr old either), my son has 20/80 vision in one-eye and 20/800 in the other and his peripheral vision is limited to about 10%.  Even if he keeps his sight (not guaranteed), he will mostly likely never play sports, drive a car, etc.  My daughter has similar problems, but not to this extreme.  As a parent, this is frustrating, saddening, and a host of other -ings including frightening. 

VIPS (Visually Impaired Preschool Services)

We are lucky to live in Louisville and to have found the Visually Impared Preschool Services(VIPS) while our kids were still young.  First of all, it is so much more than a pre-school.  The staff and therapists at VIPS help children from birth.  The conduct assessments, do in-home interventions, and offer Play Groups for those under 3.  Second, they are a resource that is unparalleled when it comes to advocating for blind or low-vision children. 

The Mission of Visually Impaired Preschool Services, Inc. (VIPS) is to offer appropriate services to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers who are visually impaired or blind and to their families; to maximize each child's development potential through direct services, advocacy, and community education.

It is easy to read this statement and skip over the "and to their families" portion.  However, the help and support they offer to parents is incredible.  VIPS has taught us so much about our children that it is not possible to document it all here.  Most importantly, they have given us the knowledge and tools to continue to advocate for them and make sure they have everything they need to succeed in school and in life.  Perhaps the greatest gift VIPS has given me is hope.  With their help, I have no doubt my children can overcome the obstacles they will face. 

Contact for Help

So, if you have a child who has vision loss, give VIPS a call at 502.636.3207.  You can also check out their website (www.VIPS.org).

Donate

For those of you who don't need their services, but would like to help, you can donate here.  Of course, please don't feel pressured.  The blind children will understand if you have better things to spend money on:)

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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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 Get Louisville Real Estate News by Email

The Question

As a result of low interest rates, high inventory, and tax incentives, I have been working with a lot of first-time home buyers in Louisville recently.  During our initial meeting, I always try to explain the Agency Relationship and how I will represent the buyers from this point forward.  I also give insight into the process of buying a home and try to answer any questions they may have. 

One question that is always on their minds is ..."How do we pay you?" 

Short Answer

You Don't.

Long Answer

A typical Kentucky real estate transaction works as follows.  A seller places his or her for sale through an agent.  As part of doing so, the seller and agent negotiate how the agent will be paid.  Often, but not always, this payment is in the form of a commission.  The listing agent also informs the seller that he/she cooperates with other brokerages and offers compensation to buyer's agents from those other firms.  At this point, the seller and the listing agent agree to the Co-operating Commission (Co-op).

If you purchase a house listed in this manner, your cost for having a local expert help with your home search, determine property values, prepare the offer, assist in negotiations, provide contacts to trusted lenders, inspectors, contractors, and make sure all other activities in a timely manner so you can get the home of your dreams under the best possible terms is nothing, nil, nada, zero, cero, zilch, zip.  You get the point.  My services are paid for by the seller.  Pretty good deal isn't it?

Exception

Occasionally, a home owner offers a reduced co-op (some even reduce it to zero).  This most often occurs with For Sale By Owner, short sale, or some bank-owned homes.  In this case, I do ask that you pay the difference up to a % or $ amount that we agree on.     

Conclusion

As a Louisville buyer's agent, my services are typically free.  However, in doing my job I can easily save you a significant amount of time as well as hundreds if not thousands of dollars.  So, the real question is not whether you can afford to use an agent, but whether you can afford not to. 

Ready to get started?  Click the link to search Louisville Homes for Sale

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First Time Home Buyer Tax Credits for Louisville Home Buyers

$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 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 

Get Updates in a Reader

 Get Louisville Real Estate News by Email

Understanding how Louisville Homes are categorized

The Metro Louisville area is divided into several real estate areas. If you are searching for a home, many publications (on-line and traditional) will separate listings by these divisions. If you are relocating to Louisville or haven't searched for a home in awhile, this can be confusing. This map is intended to help you understand the area borders and simplify your home search.

**Note: Areas 5,6,7,8, and 9 can be further divided into xA and xB. In each case, xA is inside I-265 (Gene Snyder) and xB is outside I-265.

Louisville Homes for Sale

Below the map you will find some of the listings available in Louisville. You can modify the search criteria right here to identify potential candidates.  Unfortunately, not all agents place their listings on Google.  So, click the following link if you want to see all Louisville Homes for sale.  It will open in a new window so you can reference the map.

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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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 Get Louisville Real Estate News by Email

Louisville First Time Home Buyers

Situated on a corner lot and loaded with features, this beautiful house will make a great home for anyone. At this price, a true master bedroom, eat-in kitchen and open-floor plan are hard to find. Add in oak cabinets, a new countertop, all of the kitchen appliances, updated fixtures and low maintenance tile and wood laminate flooring and this becomes an incredible deal. The owners have been meticulous in caring for the house. So, all you have to do is unpack and then relax on the front porch or rear deck. For additional peace of mind, the owners are providing a First American Home Warranty. Of course, First-Time Home Buyers are eligible for the $8,000 tax credit and may qualify for $4,500 in down-payment assistance (see below). Call now to schedule a private showing.

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credits for Louisville Home Buyers

$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

* * * * *

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 

Get Updates in a Reader

 Get Louisville Real Estate News by Email