Louisville & Bullitt County Real Estate

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Louisville Homes ~ Area 7 Real Estate Market Report ~ July 2009

Louisville Real Estate Market Report

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 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

Louisville Homes

Louisville Homes ~ Historical Sales Price

Louisville Homes ~ Historical Sales

 

Louisville Homes ~ Historical DOM

Louisville Homes ~ Historical Absorption Rate

Key Points

  1. Home Sales in this area of Louisville have really picked up!  Except of June, this month had the highest number of sales since 2007. 
  2. While sales price is down, this is not a declining market.  Certainly, there are some neighborhoods that are struggling woth foreclosures and short sales.  However, this area of Louisville remains desirable and many home sellers are able to get a fair price.  First time home buyers are as much the cause of the average price drop as anything else. These buyers are taking advantage of the $8000 first-time home buyer tax credit and tend to purchase entry-level homes. 
  3. For sellers, this is an indication that you can sell your home if you have a Louisville real estate agent who understands how to help you prepare, price, and promote your home.
  4. 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.    

Additional Market Reports (July 09)

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credits for Louisville Home Buyers

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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

 

Louisville Homes ~ Area 8 Real Estate Market Report ~ July 2009

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

Louisville Market Report

Louisville Market Report

 

Louisville Market Report

 

Louisville Market Report

Key Points

  1. Back-to-Back strong months for sales!  Not since this time last year have we sold 150+ homes in a 2-month span.  Further, there are several reasons to be optomistic the worst is behind us.  First, activity from first-time home buyers has been stron over the last few months.  Due to the price ranges in this area, there has not been a strong direct effect.  However, as more first-time home buyers make purchases, more existing home owners are trading up.  Area 8 continues to be a highly desirable section of Louisville and a good number of people are activiely looking to buy here. 
  2. While the Sales Price to List Price ratio is low versus other areas of Louisville, the average sales price is creeping back up.  This was slightly inflated by a handful of sales above $500,000, but still shows a strengthening trend that needs to be watched.   
  3. In these rapidly changing times, property valuation is critical and expertise is essential.  Sellers need to find a Louisville real estate agent who can help them price, prepare, and promote their home correctly.  Buyers also need a local expert who can help them find the ideal home and achieve a successful closing.  
See Also:
Why Choosing the Right Agent Matter When Selling Your Home
How to Sell a Louisville Home
How do Buyer's Agents Get Paid?

Additional Market Reports (July 09)

  • Louisville Homes - Area 7 Fern Creek, Hikes Point, J-Town
  • Bullitt County Homes
  • Shepherdsville Homes 
  • Mt Washington Homes 

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credits for Louisville Home Buyers

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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

How to Sell a Louisville Home - Tease them with Photos

 

Give Buyers What They Want

Buyers love to look.  Good photos satisfy this urge and make them want to see more.  Poor photos and disturbing and may be a turn-off.  Only having one photo says "the inside is a disaster." I have had multiple buyers (including my wife) refuse to go see homes that don't have photos. 

Even if the house needs a little work, it is better to give prospective buyers an understanding of what they are getting than to surprise them when they step in the house.  This serves no purpose other than wasting everyone's time including your own.

My Own Story

We recently decided to sell our home and purchase a new one.  During the search process, we looked at hundreds of homes online.  Unless the price was ridiculously low, we skipped every property that had no photos.  We also discounted many that had few or poor quality photos.  Like many buyers, I have neither the time nor the energy nor the desire to look at a home where the agent and home owner don't care enough to add decent photos. 

Four Simple Rules

  1. Your real estate agent must have a wide-angle lens or be willing to hire a professional to take photos.
  2. Your agent must take as many pictures as possible and place them on the MLS.
  3. Whenever possible, photos of neighborhood or nearby amenities should be included.   
  4. If you don't like the photos, be proactive and tell your agent to retake them.

Heritage Hills Golf Course Louisville Homes - Little Spring Farm

Louisville Homes - Lake Forest Louisville Homes - Owl Creek

 

 

 

 

This the 6th post in a 7-part series.  For more, click the following links...

 

 

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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

How to Sell a Louisville Home - The Paperwork

Louisville Homes

How to Sell a Louisville Home - Part 5

When you are ready to sell your Louisville home, there are a handful of documents that need to be signed.  Some of these documents are designed to disclose the roles and responsibilities of the sellers (you) and their real estate agent.  Others detail the property characteristics and make sure that all material information is correct and will be available to buyers. 

The process is not quite as painful as you may believe. I'll complete as many of the forms as possible prior to our meeting.  Of course, I want you to ask as many questions as you need in order to understand each document in detail.

Listing Documents

We will primarily cover 7 forms during the listing appointment.  The basic purpose of each and a few relevant details are shown below. 

1) Consumer Guide to Agency Relationships

As a Kentucky real estate agent, I am required to review this document with you at our first meeting or prior to any discussion relating to confidential information.  I will discuss the different forms of agency relationships (Buyer, Seller, Dual) and cover how my fiduciary responsibilities would apply in each case.  I'll also review the fact that our brokerage does cooperate with other brokerages and the Fair Housing requirements. 

When you sign this document, you are acknowledging that you have received it and under the contents.  This does not obligate you to use my services in any manner.

2) Listing Agreement

Selling a Louisville Home

This is the contract between you and my brokerage to list your home for sale.  Your home address and the terms of the listing (price, commission, length, etc).  Unlike the Consumer Guide, this is a legally-binding contract.  By signing this document you are committing to move forward with RE/MAX Alliance representing you.

3) Greater Louisville MLS Input form

This form has roughly 7,342 fields to be completed.  Fortunately for you, I will complete most of it when I complete your CMA.  However, it is critical that we review the data carefully.  Any mistakes here could cause your property to come up ,or worse not at all, during searches.

4) Seller's Disclosure

In Kentucky, we have a 3 page Seller's Disclosure that must be completed for residential home sales unless a builder is offering a 1-year warranty. 

Selling a Louisville Home

You are responsible for revealing any and all known issues that have arisen since you owned the home.  DO NOT under any circumstances stretch, bend or hide the truth.  Buyers understand that things happen.  As long as you have corrected the problem (or made a concession) those who like your home will be willing to move forward.  It is a huge understatement to say courts tend to side with buyers when it is determined the seller omitted an issue.  So, DISCLOSE, DISCLOSE, DISCLOSE.

5) Lead Base Paint Disclosure

The Federal Government banned lead-base paint in 1978.  This disclosure notifies buyers homes built before that year may contain lead-base paint.  If you have had any testing done to determine the presence of lead, you must disclose the test and test results.

6) Home Warranty

We'll discuss the pros and cons of offering a home warranty to prospective buyers.  On this page, you simply accept or refuse to offer the warranty.

7) Estimated Seller's Net Proceeds

An estimate of the amount of money you will receive when your home sells.  Taxes, closing costs, commission, and your mortgage balance(s) are subtracted from the estimated sales price.  I try to be realistic but conservative in order to avoid confusion at closing. 

 

This the 5th post in a 7-part series.  For more, click the following links...

How to Sell a Louisville Home - Part 1 - Overview

How to Sell a Louisville Home - Part 2 - Why Price Matters

How to Sell a Louisville Home - Part 3 - Comparative Market Analysis

How to Sell a Louisville Home - Part 4 - Preparing your Home

 

'Pen' photo licensed via Creative Commons from tmab2003 on flickr.

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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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Real Estate Lessons from a Neighborhood Dog

A black lab ran up to me while I was working in my yard this morning.  This is odd for multitude of reasons.  Due to leash laws, neighborhood covenants, and general caring for the well-being of pets, this is the first dog I've seen running free.  Additionally, I would normally be at work.  I was only there because I wanted to mow / weed eat before it rained for the next few days.  

As I think back on the 15 minutes it took to get her home, my mind turned towards real estate (can't help it).  Surprisingly there were several parallels and good lessons to consider.

During our initial meeting, we were each a little cautious.  I took control, let her sniff my hand and checked her tags to determine where she belonged.  Grasping her collar, I called her by name and we started towards her house.

Lesson 1:  Buyers and Sellers are often unsure how to proceed. You are the expert. You know how to solve their problems.  Don't be timid.

Since she seemed to be following be willingly, I let go of her collar.  She walked along side for a moment and then bolted into someone else's backyard.  It took a few minutes, but I finally tracked her down.

Lesson 2: It takes time to build loyalty and trust especially when distractions abound.  Keep clients close.

We were four houses away when the skies opened up.  I learned a lot about her in the next few moments.  Clearly she was an inside dog as she did not like being wet.  In fact, she seemed afraid of the rain.  Two houses from safety, she froze under a tree and refused to go forward.  I told her about her home, that we were almost to the door and that things were going to be ok.  Nothing.  After coaxing, calling, encouraging, etc, I finally simply pulled hard enough to get her moving again.   

Lesson 3:  Fear often prevents clients from acting in their own best interests.  Educate then to help overcome their fears.  Be firm when necessary.

We finally made it to the door where a very relieved owner greeted us and confirmed the dog's fears.  I declined a ride back as I couldn't possibly get any wetter.  Just as I returned the rain stopped.  Taking advantage of the opportunity I finished running the weedeater.  As the garage door was closing, I heard thunder and the skies reopened.

Lesson 4:  Take what you will from this part, but as far as I'm concerned, good deeds do get noticed. 

 

**Photo licensed from emery_way via Creative Commons.

 

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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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How to Sell a Louisville Home - Pimp Your House

Louisville Homes

Staging Your Louisville Home to Sell

In case you are unfamiliar with the term, Staging is simply the concept of making your home as attractive as possible while it is on the market.  The context is the same as washing and waxing your car before trying to sell it or batheing your children before church.  You want people to have a favorable impression.

Buyers (especially the first-time home buyers currently dominating the market) often cannot imagine what a house could look like.  Instead they see what it does look like.  So, if they see a dirt, clutter, or colors they do not like, they walk away.  Occasionally this is to their own detriment as they may pass on an excellent home over something that has little relevance.  However, it is ALWAYS a problem for you as a seller. 

I am not a Stager nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.  I do, however, know what Louisville buyers expect when they enter a house.  More importantly, I know what they do NOT expect.  An unkept, odor-filled house comes in third after dead-bodies and functioning meth labs. 

Excluding price and location, the difference between a home selling and languishing  is generally its condition.  The good news is that most issues can be resolved quickly and inexpensively.  Best of all, professional Stagers do exist in Louisville and can help address the critical items that would otherwise cause problems.  During the listing appointment, your real estate agent (me, of course) will talk about these things so they can be addressed prior to putting the house on the market.

Key Points

Cleaning

On multiple occasions, I have entered a home with clients only to turn around and walk back out.  This only occurs because the home is a mess or has a strong odor.  Each time, it is disappointing as the clients obviously had an interest in the home.  As sellers, cleaning is possibly the best investment you can make in your home.  A few hours of work and $50 worth of supplies could put hundreds if not thousands of dollars in your pocket.  If you are too busy, spend the money and hire a cleaning service.

Clean and Clutter freeClutter

Your pictures, bowling trophies, thimble collections, etc are great.  They reflect who you are and make help turn your house into a home.  You should display these items proudly UNLESS you are trying to sell.  Buyers have their own stuff and want to try to envision it in the house.  This is hard enough under the best of circumstances, but nearly impossible if your stuff is in the way (see paragraph 2).  So pack it up.

While you are at it, pack everything that is not an absolute necessity for the next few months.  This includes out of season clothes, extra dishes, towels, linens, shoes, books, children's toys, etc.  Countertops should be mostly clear, closets should be 1/2 full, and walls should have a minimal number of items hanging from them.  The object is to make the home look as spacious as possible.  When in doubt, pack it. 

Yikes!Color

The black paint supports your teenager's Goth image, the blue dining room shows your dedication to the University of Kentucky, and the purple inspires passion in the master bedroom.  I get it.  Now paint over it.  The chances of another sex-crazed, Wildcat fan with a manic-depressive kid buying your home are low.  You need to appeal to the masses.  Again, buyers can't see past color.  It's such an easy thing to do.

Purpose

Finally, remember that each room should have one purpose.  Take the computer out of the kitchen.  Remove the card table from the center of the living room and take the home gym out of the master bedroom.

Summary

Simple things can prevent your home from selling for top dollar or even from selling at all.  By properly preparing your home for the market, you can influence buyers.  Take a few minutes, start at the front door, and walk through your home as a buyer would.  Ask yourself if you notice the house or the stuff.  Are things out of place or dirty?  Can you move through it easily and does everything make sense?  If you see something wrong, buyers will too.  You need to fix it before the house goes on the market.  

There are professional Stagers in Louisville who can help for a fairly minimal cost.  During the listing appointment, I'll be glad to give you some contact names.

 

This the 4th post in a 7-part series.  For more, click the following link...How to Sell a Louisville Home

 

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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

 

How to Sell a Louisville Home - The Price Puzzle

Determining the proper price for your Louisville Home

Now that you understand Why Pricing Your Home Correctly is so important, the next step is to actually understand the process.  Determining the proper list price for your home is a lot like constructing a puzzle.

Selling Louisville homes

Start with the Outside

The process starts by constructing the framework.  Your real estate agent --that's me of course:)-- will review information from you, past and current homes for sale, tax records, and Google Maps to determine the basic characteristics of your home.  Among other things, I am looking for

  • Style
  • Square Footage
  • # of Bedrooms
  • Number of Baths
  • Presence of a Garage
  • Presence of a Basement
  • Features (Hardwood, Granite, Tile, Deck, Fireplace, Pool, etc)
  • Lot Size and Description
  • Surrounding Amenities that help values (golf course, parks, playground) and,
  • Those which hurt (cemetaries, highways, and prisons).

Gathering and organizing all of this data is equivalent to assembling all of the edge pieces.  The borders are now defined, but a lot of work still needs to be done before the picture is clear.

Working on the Big Picture

The next step is to start filling in the center.  This is often best accomplished by gathering similar pieces that define large or unique sections of the puzzle.  Likewise, your agent researches the homes in your area of Louisville that have been on the market in the last 6-12 months.  As I look at each home, I try to determine whether it is related to yours or if it needs to be set aside and worked into the puzzle later.  The most similar properties are studied in attempt to determine why they sold (or didn't sell) for a given price.  Your home is then compared versus each of the similar properties to identify strengths and weaknesses.  After some time, a very large section of the puzzle is defined.

Filling in the Fringe Details

Neighborhood data comes next.  During this portion of research, my main concern is to see how the market is doing.  Louisville real estate is hyper-local and one neighborhood may be flourishing while the next is floundering.  I'll look at how long it takes homes to sell, number of homes on the market, recent sales, number of foreclosures or short sales, etc.  Most likely, I'll drive through the neighborhood and past your house to make sure I understand why the data is what it is.  Once these trends are understood, the puzzle is 95% complete.  I am now able to see enough to determine a fairly accurate price range and am ready to visit your home.

The Final Pieces

The puzzle comes together during the tour of your home and our subsequent conversation.  No CMA can completed accurately without seeing the home.  (This is why I have such disdain for "Automated CMAs," but that is the subject of another post).  The condition of your home is a major factor in determining whether you will be able to sell at the top of the price range or whether an Arsonist would be a more appropriate hire.

After touring your home, we'll discuss your motivations and schedule for moving.  Any items that need to be corrected will also be discussed.  These are the last pieces of the puzzle.  I can now recommend a sales price and listing price that will give you the best chance to get your house sold.

Special Note

At no point in the process do I consider what you owe, need, or want to get out of the house when determining price.  Simply put, the market doesn't care whether you own the house free and clear or are so far underwater you can't even tell which way is up.  I, of course, care deeply about making sure you get every last penny you can.  Later in this series, I'll discuss a few tips that will put a few coins in your pocket but pricing unrealisitically is not one of them.

This the 3rd post in a 7-part series.  For more, click the following link...How to Sell a Louisville Home

 

*Photo licensed via Creative Commons from Jared on Flickr.

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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

How To Sell A Louisville Home - Price

Pricing your Louisville Home to Sell

"I'm not giving my house away!"

"I won't take a dime less than $300,000."

"I put $50,000 into this house and I expect to get every penny of it back."

I imagine playing ball with Timmy in Waverly Hills Sanatorium would cause me less consternation than sitting across a kitchen table from a seller who just uttered those words.  Hair-raising, spine-tingling, bowel-loosening horror is the closest description I can come up with. As a listing agent, my job is protect your interests while helping you achieve your goal of selling the house.  This is generally accomplished by working WITH you to get the most possible money in the shortest amount of time.  Exclamations like those above, indicate we are not only not on the same page, but also not reading from the same book.

Value - Capitalism Style

The value of any Louisville home is the price a willing buyer and willing seller agree upon.  Buyers and their agents are educated.  Buyers have access to automated CMAs, tax records, and other tools that can give them an indication of where your home should be priced.  Agents have even more data as well as algorithms, market knowledge, and experience to draw upon.  If either or both think your Louisville home is overpriced, they will not waste their time scheduling a tour.

Having your home sit, will cost you even more money.  First, you continue to make mortgage payments every month.  Much of that payment is interest that you will not recover in a sale.  Second, properties that have been on the market a long time tend to become stigmatized.  Even if you lower the price to market value, buyers think there must be something wrong with it.  The end result, is you have to make as additional reduction.

If you really want to get the most money when selling your Louisville home, you will price it at or slightly (2-3%) above market value.  This value is determined by analyzing active and sold homes in your area with similar square footage, features and amenities.  Please note that what you want or need is not a factor in this equation.  Although, the calculated price will hopefully cover both.

The best part of accurate pricing is the chance for a quick sale.  Studies have proven that homes get the most activity within the first 6-8 weeks.  When the price is right, buyers will want to see the home.  Of course, the more buyers who show-up at your door, the higher the odds are you will get an offer.

So, as we sit down to talk about listing your home, the correct statement should be "I want to price my home at market value so it will sell and I can get on with my life."  If you say this, I promise I'll have a huge smile on my face as soon as I get back up off the floor.  I'll know you are serious and that together we will accomplish your goals.

 

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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

How to Sell a Louisville Home

Louisville Homes

How to Sell a Louisville Home

Chances are you haven’t sold a home in a while, if ever.   To do so properly requires teamwork between the real estate agent (aka me) and the homeowner (aka you).  If we work together and follow the principles discussed below, we can create a win-win situation.  You will be able to sell for the most money in the shortest amount of time and move on with your life.  I will earn your undying gratitude and be the namesake to your first born.  (Ok, I’ll settle for a referral).

There are 3 main factors influencing your ability to sell your home – Price, Preparation, and Promotion.  This post and the linked articles attempt to explain why each matter and how we can influence each to achieve your goals.  Several of the links contain “Insider’s Secrets” so be sure to click on each.  

Sell Your Louisville Home - Price

1.  Capitalism at its Finest

Pricing your home properly is the single most important aspect of getting your home sold.   If you price too high, no one will see the home.  If you price too low, you will give your equity to the buyer.  Both are lousy alternatives.  The goal is to find the correct listing price based on market conditions. 

For more, see: How to Sell a Louisville Home - Price

2.  What is a CMA? (Hint – Not Country Music Awards)

As a Louisville real estate agent, I believe in a 3-step process for completing the Comparative Market Analysis on your home.  The initial step is to create a rough valuation model based on general features of other homes for sale and recently sold in your area.  Items such as the number of bedrooms, number of baths, presence of a garage or basement and size of the home are included.  The estimate is then further refined based on additional home and feature amenities.  The model is completed after an in-home tour to verify curb appeal, condition, and floor plan. 

3.  The Price is Right

Completion of the CMA is a starting point when it comes to pricing your home.   The result of the CMA is the price your home is likely to sell at in reasonable amount of time.  However, you have particular wants and needs that can affect the list price.  For instance, I recently had clients who wanted to sell their home and move before their next child was born.  As she was 7 months pregnant, we were a bit more aggressive on the pricing.

For More See - The Price Puzzle

Sell Your Louisville Home - Preparation

4.  Pimp Your Home

The condition of your house is the second biggest contributor to whether your home will sell for the most money possible.  Many buyers, especially the first-time home buyers, who currently dominate the market, cannot see past dirt, clutter, or even the color of your home.  By cleaning, decluttering, and neutralizing your home, you can sell faster and for more money.

For more See - Preparing Your Louisville Home for Sale

 

Sell Your Louisville Home - Promotion

5.  Paperwork - Ugh

Of course, a perfectly price and staged home cannot sell if no one knows about it.  When we meet to discuss the sale of your home, I will have a handful of forms for you to fill out.  (Don’t worry; this isn’t as painful as going to the dentist….  That part comes later).  This post will describe the key forms and give you a little background on why you need to complete them.   

6.  Real Estate Porn – Buyers love to look

Just like you, buyers are busy.  They want information that is accurate and easy to understand.  Quality photos are the most efficient way to meet their needs.   By having good photos attached to your listing, the buyers who show up at your door are more likely to be very interested.  This will be important to remember when you have to walk out the door when there is still 2 minutes left on the game clock. 

7.  Syndication – Ready for Prime Time

Like the lottery, finding buyers is a numbers game.  Putting your listing on the MLS only, is no longer a valid strategy.  There are 795,643 websites that list properties, but do not syndicate from the MLS.  (I know this number is accurate because each of them feels obligated to call me weekly).  When you list your home with me (not that you really have a legitimate other choice), your Louisville Home will show-up on dozens, if not hundreds of locations. 

Let's Get This Party Started

Now that you understand the basics of getting your Louisville home sold, call me (502-921-3989) and let’s get started.

 

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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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 Get Louisville Real Estate News by Email

Two Chicks & Co Louisville Kentucky

Two Chicks Louisville

 

My friend, Kim Daughtery mentioned she might be coming to Louisville.  Now Kim likes to shop so I wasn't surprised when she asked, "If I wanted to buy a unique gift representing Louisville where would I go?"  Without hesitation, I answered, "Two Chicks & Co."  This is far and away my wife's favorite store for all things Kentucky, Louisville, Derby, etc.  

I've seen bag after Pink and Green bag come through the door to our house, but I had never actually been in Two Chicks until a few days ago.  (For one, I do not like to shop and two, it always kinda seemed like a chick place:).  Since I gave this recommendation to Kim, I decided I better go and check it out.  Plus, with an upcoming anniversary, I could kill 2 birds with one stone.  Surely they would have something we didn't already own. 

When I went into the store, I could easily see why my wife was such a fan.  She loves all things Fleur de lis and Two Chicks has a lot of Fleur de lis things.  From bottle openers to barware to platters to throw pillows, they had quite a lot to choose from.  I spent several minutes browsing before finding a few things to add to her collection.  The staff (particularly Barabara) was very helpful and I even got a recommendation or two from another customer. 

Rather than trying to explain, the multitude of unique gifts that Two Chicks & Co, offers, I'll share a few pictures....

Two Chicks Kentucky Two Chicks Louisville  Two Chicks Wedding Gifts

Two Chicks Gifts Two Chicks Jewelry Gifts for Little Chicks

Despite the fact, it was closing time on Saturday, there were probably 10 other people in the store with me.  The ladies behind the counter never told anyone it was time to go,etc.  Instead they stepped out to offer assistance, made recommendations, wrappped gifts, and wished everyone a good day.

Perhaps the best part, was they wrapped everything and placed it in a gift bag.  (I'm a huge fan of anyplace that simplifies my life).  So, my only remaining challenge was getting the pink and green bag into the house and stored for a few days.

If you are looking for unique gifts featuring

  • Kentucky
  • Louisville
  • Kentucky Derby
  • University of Louisville
  • University of Kentucky

you really should check out Two Chicks. 

 

Two Chicks & Co

12121 Shelbyville Road

Louisville, KY 40243

502-254-0400

TwoChicksAndCompany

 

* * * * *

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