Providing More Than a Key to the Front Door

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REAL ESTATE
Wakeeld Reutlinger Realtors, a Berkshire Hathaway Aliate 1st Quarter 2017

Louisville and National Market Update

The Greater Louisville Area Association inventory to choose from.
of Realtors reported another stellar year, Nationally, sales rose just .7% in 2016,
with 2016 sales up 8% compared to 2015. but it was still the best year in a decade.
Sales in December 2016 were up 1.3% Sales slowed slightly in December due to
versus December 2015. The median ongoing affordability issues and
price was up 5.2% and the average price historically low supply levels, according to
was 3.0% higher than 2015. the National Association of Realtors.
NEW
In Jefferson County, sales rose 6.8% in According to Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief
PROGRAM! 2016. The average price in December Economist, Solid job creation throughout
2016 was $198,357, up 4% and the 2016 and exceptionally low mortgage
Parklands median price was $162,000, up 6.2%. rates translated into a good year for the
Inventory in Jefferson County was 21.1% housing market. Going forward, Yun
Explorer lower than December 2015, resulting in a says, There are just not enough homes
strong sellers market for entry-level available for sale. Without new home
Join us as we set out
to explore all 47 miles homes. The market for move-up homes construction, we will continue to see
of trails in 2017! is more balanced, and the luxury home home prices easily rising ahead of
market is slightly in favor of buyers due to peoples incomes. He expects sales to
All hikes will start at a larger rise 1 percent in 2017.
10:00 a.m.

MARCH 4
BIKE BECKLEY
LOUISVILLEReal Estate U P D A TE

Miles Trailhead All MLS Areas Jefferson County

Jan. 1 - Dec 31 Jan. 1 - Dec 31 Jan. 1 - Dec 31 Jan. 1 - Dec 31
% Change % Change
MARCH 11 2015 2016 2015 2016
RIPARIAN RAMBLE HIKE Houses Sold 16,337 17,653 8.06% Houses Sold 11,299 12,064 6.77%
Broad Run Park
Avg. Selling Price $191,132 $196,901 3.02% Avg. Selling Price $190,783 $198,357 3.97%
Median Selling Price $155,500 $163,600 5.21% Median Selling Price $152,500 $162,000 6.23%
MARCH 25
LIMESTONE GORGE HIKE
Broad Run Park
Oldham County Bullitt County
Jan. 1 - Dec 31 Jan. 1 - Dec 31 Jan. 1 - Dec 31 Jan. 1 - Dec 31
% Change % Change
2015 2016 2015 2016
Houses Sold 1,052 1,108 5.32% Houses Sold 1,103 1,243 12.69%
Avg. Selling Price $291,385 $295,971 1.57% Avg. Selling Price $167,696 $175,811 4.84%
Median Selling Price $255,000 $264,000 3.53% Median Selling Price $154,700 $161,400 4.33%
P age 2
Eating &
Real Estate Values
What do escalating neighborhoods,
such as the Highlands, Crescent Hill,
Clifton, Germantown and Norton
Commons have in common? They
each have easy access to parks, local
small shops and businesses,
innovative cuisine, and fresh food.
These Louisville areas have the ability
to bring people together, creating a
strong sense of community which
means an increase in real estate value.
The relationship between food and real
estate values is spurring on the
creation of new developments that
include access to fresh food through
farm-to-table restaurants, community
gardens and farmers markets. These
things enrich the overall prosperity,
sustainability, and livability of our
flourishing neighborhoods.
Resale Issues to Think About:
Evaluating Adverse Situations When Buying a Home
Power Lines. You have found your dream
home. You and your whole family are in
love. Perfect oor plan, perfect neighbor-
hood, perfect style, perfect price. And
the easement in the back of your property
for the power lines gives you more green
space and privacy. Should you be con-
cerned about the power lines? You dont
believe the no-on debunked by govern-
mental studies that low-level radia-on
emi.ed by high voltage lines cause illness.
But what about re-sale? Percep-on is
everything. Even if the radia-on is not an
issue to most buyers, they know the belief
is out there. And the aesthe-c appear-
ance may be enough to be a deal-killer.
What are some other adverse situa-
-ons?
Neighboring a Business. The house you
are buying backs to the rear of a grocery
The Home Energy Audit
Have you done yours yet?
The average energy audit saves home-
owners between 5 and 30 percent off
their utility bills each year, according to
the U.S. Department of Energy.
EnergyStar estimates the average house-
hold spends $2,060 a year on energy
bills, which means an audit could save
between $103 and $618 annually. Over
time, those numbers really add up.
Professional energy audits can cost up to
$500, according to HomeAdvisor.
However, as LG&E customers we are in
luck - the cost is $25.00! Besides saving
on utility costs, you may be eligible for
cash incentives.
Step 1. Sign Up. By logging into your
LG&E account or calling 800-356-5467.
Step 2. Schedule an appointment. A
certified energy analyst will test the
homes air tightness by performing a
blower door test and using infrared
camera technology to determine how
much air may be leaking OUT and how
much outdoor air may be leaking IN.
Step 3. Make energy-saving improve-
ments to save on your bills and earn
incentives. You will be mailed a
customized report with your usage data
store, with a nice brick wall and land-
scaped berm. But what -me do grocery
stores get their deliveries? Typically, all
night long. Bordering commercial proper-
-es requires a li.le more research.
New Subdivisions. You get to help design
your brand-new house, you get incen-ves
from the developer bene4ng your
bo.om line. What could make this an
adverse situa-on? If you end up having
to move while your subdivision and others
in the area are s-ll under construc-on,
and energy-saving recommendations, as
minor as installing a low flow shower
head to having insulation professionally
added in the attic. You have 36 months
to complete the recommendations.
Step 4. Schedule final verification
inspection by the audit company after
making the home improvements.
Step 5. Earn financial incentives ranging
from $150
to $1,000,
depending
on the
increase in
your
homes en-
ergy effi-
ciency.
From agents in our office:
We added some weather stripping, up-
dated the fridge and added insulation.
Well worth our time!
Susannah Stevenson
After new windows, insulation, lots of
spray foam and some other stuff, I got
$1,000 back. I recommend it to all my
clients. Mary Lowry
you will be compe-ng with the new hous-
es, making it more dicult to sell.
Subtle Noises. Its easy to be aware of
noise from nearby airports, highways and
train tracks. What about the barking dogs
next door, or the chicken coop, or the late-
into-the night hobbyist garage workshop,
or rock band prac-ce? Something to con-
sider.
Bordering Vacant Land. Its a beau-ful
horse farm. You enjoy living there for a
few years, then voila, up crops a new sub-
division. What has happened to your re-
sale price? It could be a plus, or a minus
depending on the development. Make
sure you are aware of possible planning
and zoning issues in this situa-on.
With all this said, no ma.er what the
adverse situa-ons, in the end its all
about price to value. Theres always a
buyer for every house.
Source : REALTOR Mag.
Real Estate Insider
Feelings During the Buying and Selling Journey
Going through a process as life-
changing as buying and selling a home
can feel like a roller coaster ride. It is a
complex process which produces com-
plex emotions and decisions. Its im-
portant to be aware of these strong
feelings, as they can cloud judgement.
Remember, the ultimate goal in every
real estate transaction is a successful
closing.
Emotions which may come up for
buyers:
Getting Ready for the Home Search
Why You
For first-time buyers especially, looking
for a new home can lead to apprehen-
Starting
Need a
sion about finding the right
them and whether or not
property for
the process
they will be
able to afford it (especially with inven-
Realtor...
tory at such low levels).
Looking for Homes
Buyers can fall in love with homes, and
that could work to their disadvantage.
On a property with multiple bids, buy-
ers can lose their objectivity and with it
their bargaining power if they show
their hand and allow the seller to know
how much they want the home.
Making the Offer
Buyers can get exasperated if a seller
counters their offer multiple times.
Adding Value:
Dont Forget About the Garage
Most sellers understand the importance of decluttering and staging their
home before putting that sign in the yard. Many even see the advantage of
cleaning and organizing their unfinished basements. But garages are ne-
glected when preparing to
sell ones home.
Ideally, the garage should be
drywalled and painted, espe-
cially if it is attached to the
house. It should have plenty
of shelving, hooks, or cabi-
netry, in order to organize
tools, ladders, bicycles and
miscellaneous seasonal
items. A clean, orderly gar-
age makes a subtle, yet
powerful impression on a
potential buyer. The buyer sees the home-owner as someone who values
their space and who maintains their home.
They also might consider backing out if
the seller wont accept a particular
clause in the contract.
The Negotiation/Inspection Process
The negotiation process can be slow
with a lot of back and forth over issues
found in the inspection, especially if
there are multiple issues. Buyers may
then wonder if there are more prob-
lems which may be lurking or if possi-
bly the seller didnt take proper care of
the home.
The Closing
Buyers are excited to get the keys to
their new home, but at the same time
they are realizing what a large respon-
sibility they are taking on.
Emotions which may come up for
sellers:
Getting Ready to List
There are many reasons a homeowner
may be selling their home including the
need for a larger home, downsizing or
perhaps divorce. So, they may be glad
to be moving or it could be a sad event
for them.
Placing the Home on the Market
When a home is placed on the market,
sellers can become apprehensive over
P age 3
how it is received by potential buyers,
how often its being shown and how it
compares to other properties. They
can even become upset when others
dont see in it what they do.
Reviewing Offers
Sellers can easily get
angered, especially if a buyer submits
a low offer. If a buyer is critical of the
condition of the home and doesnt want
to pay full price, a seller may become
offended and not want to sell the home
to those buyers.
The Negotiation/Inspection Process
Again, the negotiation process can be
slow. Buyers want the sellers to pay
for issues found during the inspection
and sellers may feel the buyers are
being nit-picky and are trying to take
advantage of them.
The Closing
This can be exciting for a seller who is
ready to move on to the next phase of
their life, but it can be a sad time for a
seller who is moving because of un-
wanted circumstances.
Kitchen Design
Trends for 2017
Black and white. It never goes
out of style.
Upper and lower cabinets done
in different finishes and
materials.
Concrete and quartz counter-
tops.
Black matte and white matte
appliances.
Touch-activated faucets.
Transitional designs.
Dramatic lighting.
Brass and gold-toned fixtures.
Colorful Sinks
Kitchen technology.
 Janet Hendricks, Broker Associate
"I met Janet through a friend. I chose her as my agent
because she's experienced, professional and trustworthy.
Selling my home was a financial decision--but it was not easy
for me. Janet made everything less painful! She was patient
with my questions and lack of knowledge regarding real
estate regulations. I would recommend her in a heartbeat.

A total professional and a lovely person."

Joanie

Kristen English, REALTOR

Since we were relocating from out of town Kristen English's
knowledge of the area was a huge help. She was fantastic to
work with and she helped to make a really stressful time a bit
easier. She was extremely knowledgeable about the
process and she communicated very clearly what we could
expect next. Kristen went above and beyond in every way!"

Becca & Vince

Louisvillians Love Our Olmsted Parks!

Many of us are Olmsted Park Nuts by being members of
the Olmsted Parks Conservancy, whose mission is to
restore, enhance and forever protect the 19 parks and
parkways. And some of us support their fundraisers, or
volunteer a day or two pulling weeds. Have you thought
about being more involved? Graduate from being a Park
Nut to being a Park Steward! You will learn the basics
of botany and horticulture techniques, gain hands-on
experience restoring the parks, develop leadership skills, and volunteer along-
side others who share a passion for our historic parks. Join us March 7th at
6:30 to find out more. Call 456-8125 or go to olmstedparks.org to register and
check out the program and training schedule. As a Park Steward, I can
personally attest to the worthwhile training, camaraderie, and satisfaction of
seeing a difference!
Ellen Bland