Buyers

• Covered front porch offering spectacular views
• New granite countertops in kitchen and stainless appliances
• Abundance of kitchen cabinets in the spacious eat-in kitchen
• Walk-Out Finished Basement which includes large family room/game room
• Lots of unfinished storage area
• Beautiful and oversized master suite
• Incredible covered deck stretching across the backside of this home
• 2 Car Attached Garage
• New roof, new flooring, paint and fixtures

Advantages of Building on a Wooded Home Site

Building your dream home on a wooded lot provides numerous advantages. Besides providing a beautiful and natural setting there are many tangible benefits as well.

• Modified Temperature Extremes
• Reduced Utility Bills
• Wind Control
• Wildlife Habitat
• Air Purification

According to the Outdoors/Living Green article in the Better Homes and Gardens August 2009 issue, trees have a major effect on energy savings. Although each site is unique, one study showed that mature trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30% and heating needs by 20% which can add up to substantial savings. Please visit the US Department of Energy website at www.energy.gov for more detailed information on the reduction of energy bills.

 

The Sanctuary is a gorgeous, private development located in Crestwood that provides the perfect opportunity to build your dream home on a large, wooded home site. Visit www.OldhamSanctuary.com for more information.



 

• Updated Kitchen with new cabinets, countertops and ceramic tile floor.
• 2 Baths recently updated with ceramic tile and granite counterop.
• Spacious Family Room in with built in bar and additional Kitchen for entertaining.
• Large 2 Car Garage
• Smart design floor plan!
• A well designed front yard makes an attractive entrace to this home.

• You must be purchasing a brand new home that has never been occupied.
• The home must be your principal residence for a minimum of 2 years.
• You must close on your home between July 26, 2009 and July 25, 2010.
• You must submit your application via fax only within 7 calendar days of closing on your home. The KY Department of Revenue will then notify you in writing if you qualify.
• Your application must be received before the $25,000,000 cap is reached.

• Gourmet Kitchen with top of the line appliances and Central Island, Maple    Cabinetry, Granite Countertops and Hearth gathering area.
• Gas Log Fireplace in the Kitchen and is 2 sided and can be enjoyed in the Greatroom as well.
• Extensive Millwork throughout.
• Master Suite with trey ceiling, crown moldings, large separate sitting room and 2 walk-in closets.
• Huge Master Bath with whirlpool tub and vertical spa.
• Private, screened covered 2nd floor deck with ceilintg fan.
• Finished Lower Level great for entertaining with a media center, billiard area and custom built-in wet bar.
• The exterior of this home includes a patio, wrap-around deck and professional landscaping.

• Gorgeous Stained Glass Windows
• Updated Eat-in Kitchen
• 5 Original Ornate Fireplaces
• Electrified Gas Light Fixtures are Outstanding!
• Glass enclosed front porch
• Two car detached garage-Excellent parking in rear for 4 or more cars.
• Lush landscaping includes outstanding trees, shrubs and perennials.

•  Spectacular floor plan
•  New Carpet and New Paint
•  Fenced backyard 
•  2 car attached garage
•  NEW Hvac system
•  Located on a quiet cul-de-sac
•  Mature landscaping
•  Minimal lawn to care for!

Tony Anderson
502-475-1818
http://tonyanderson.semonin.com/

The great thing about this concept i($8000 tax credit!) s it applies to Jefferson County Kentucky real estate, New Albany Indiana real estate, Elizabethtown Kentucky real estate.  Heck, it applies to the whole darn country.

I’m a Realtor though, and passed the Kentucky Real Estate Commission Exam and not the CPA exam. But, holy cow is this tax credit thing ever so confusing to some people. So, the first words out of my mouth when people ask me a question is---drum roll please--”I’m not an accountant.” But folks that I run into still need it broken down into simple English.

Frankly, some of the stuff you research can read like a constitutional amendment, and all most good people really want to know is--”What’s in it for me?” Fair enough, so here we go. By the way most of my resources come from HUD and Realtor Magazine, but enough with the bibliography:

Let’s first look at what a Deduction is versus a Tax Credit:

A Deduction shaves money off your taxable income. So, if you use a deduction it can maybe, kind of sorta lower your the taxable income bracket.  http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/ask/archive/2007/q0319.htm.

A Credit is what is called a Dollar for Dollar amount. Sounds simple enough if you work in payroll, but for us civilians what the heck does that mean? Well, look at it this way. In 2010, like most of us, you’re going to file your taxes. Let's say, after you do all your deduction stuff for 2009, you now owe the IRS $2,500.00 -- Congratulations!!! 

But, Tony sold you a house in July of 2009, you intend to live there for three years, and have never purchased a home in the past three years. So, guess what!?  You just might get an $8,000.00 tax credit!!! That is, of course, if you’re not making more than $75,000.00 to $95,000.00 a year filing single or $150,000.00 to $175,000.00 a year married and filing jointly.

If you fall into this income bracket, first of all we need to talk about Real Estate, and secondly there’s some rocket science calculus thing, that I’m sure some financial analyst invented to make adjustment in this tax credit. Which could mean zero credit or whatever your CPA can cook up for you.  So I’ll avoid the Hoof in Mouth Disease, and leave the rest to your accountant.

But let’s say you DON’T fall into this higher income bracket, you owe $2,500.00 after doing the deduction thingy next year, and you’re also entitled to the whopping $8000.00 tax credit, because I sold you a home, and you meet the above requirements. http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/faq.php#1

What‘s in it for you?  It‘s simple arithmetic---($2500-$8000) = A $5,500 REFUND CHECK.

Tony Anderson
502-475-1818
http://tonyanderson.semonin.com/

A brief note on some refreshing news.

According to the latest report of CNNMoney.com Housing stats are up by a little more than 17 percent in May. This means new homes are being built, and thus resale home sales can follow. It’s great news not just for the real estate market at large, but for other industries too. When homes are sold, appliances are needed, housing inspectors get work, and various other contractor businesses begin to become more active.

The real estate market affects so many areas of the economy that it serves as a good guidepost for the economy as a whole. In Louisville Real Estate we’ve been seeing this trend, especially in the newer continuums being erected Downtown.

This is all compounded with the excellent $8,000.00 Tax Credit for home buyers. It would be nice though to see those down payment assistance programs revive or having that tax credit available as a down payment.

Progress is coming; it may volley back and forth, but we’re definitely moving in the right direction.  For example, some builders are letting qualified buyers work off most, if not all, of their needed down payment. I think this is an excellent alternative to home ownership in Jefferson County Kentucky real estate, and would like to encourage more folks to contact me, so we can explore these options.

The industry is working hard to help make your dreams come true, and the solutions are out there.

You just have to make the move.

Moving with Children

Written by:  Suzanne Ellis, ABR, e-PRO, GRI

                        Semonin Realtors

                        (502) 327-2520

                        mailto://Suzanne@SuzanneEllis.com

                        http://SuzanneEllis.com

Buying a home can be a stressful event even if it is something you want to do.  There are so many factors to consider:  how big, in a subdivision or more towards rural, close to shopping, how big a yard, and on and on and on.   With all the focus on your new Kentucky home, it is easy to forget our youngest family members.

Some children have no problem adjusting at all to moving.  But for some the move can be very stressful.  Your child may feel like he or she has no control over his/her life anymore.  No matter what, it is very important to talk to your child about the move.  Be as honest as you can and answer your child’s questions the best you can.

As a Kentucky real estate agent I have worked with many families over the years.  My clients have found that having someone watch their children while they are out looking at houses makes it easier on all involved.  Even my clients that come from outside Kentucky sometimes leave their children with family for their first trip.  If you are not able to do that, it’s okay.  Just be sure that your agent knows that so he or she can be prepared.  I try to keep crayons and paper in my car for just such occasions.  Bringing a book or favorite toy to entertain your child is good too.

Once you decide on a house you may want to bring your child to see it.  Or you may wait until after your offer has been accepted so as not to disappoint him or her.  Walk through the house with your child, pointing out where you will place furniture.  Show her where her bedroom will be, where your room will be.  This will help her feel more comfortable in the home once you actually move.

Drive around the area and point out different features, the neighborhood pool or a library.  If possible, show your child his new school.  Let him meet the teacher and students before his first day.  If you can go to the new house a few times before closing, do so.  That way the house will be more comfortable to your child when you move in.

When packing to move enlist the help of your child.  Let her pack a small box that has her important stuff, her blanket or favorite book/toy.  Make sure this box stays with her so that when you get to your new Louisville home that she can take it to her room and it won’t get lost.  When you get to your new house, help her set up her room first before turning to the rest of the home. 

Your child will probably be sad about leaving his friends behind.  Give him a blank book where his friends can write messages and their names, telephone numbers and addresses.  Let him take pictures and put them in this book.  Make up cards with his new address and phone number that he can give out to his friends.  After you move, encourage him to write to his old friends or call them and tell them about his new house and neighborhood or school.

There are many things that you can to do to help your child adjust to the move.  There are books and other tools you can buy for your child on moving.  However, the biggest thing you can do is to make sure to be there for him or her and take time to listen.   Have fun and enjoy this time.  If you want additional information, contact me today!

The May newsletter theme is Celebration.  Some of the article topics are as follows:
 

• Quick Cleaning Tips for Your Home
• Backyard Entertaining Tips

• Finished walkout basement
• Hardwood flooring, ceramic tile, crown molding and new carpeting on 1st floor
• Custom window treatments
• New Roof in 2008 and new AC unit in 2007
• Eat-in kitchen has large bay window, custom oak cabinetry and new range
• Owner's bath has separate cherry wood vanities, deep whirlpool tub and separate shower - all remodeled in 2008
• Oversized owner's closet is HUGE
• Extra large rear deck provides the perfect place for you to relax.

Tony Anderson
http://tonyanderson.semonin.com


Working close with my partner who’s a Certified Commercial Property Specialist, I’ve cultured a degree of knowledge at Semonin. One of things in particular is what we call multi family, meaning apartment complexes (such as Louisville apartments). For the first time investor it can be an exciting opportunity. But, unless you have some handyman skills or the wherewithal to afford a crew, it can also be discouraging. You’ll also, unless paying cash, need to qualify for a commercial loan and possibly renovation funds.

Think of it like going into the vending machine business, where you buy a piece of equipment to stock with inventory. Now imagine you’re on a tight budget and buy an older apparatus. So, you acquire a soda machine that has a bad cooling compressor. Unless you’re prepared to do repairs or know someone who can, and analyzed the cost for refurbishment, you’ll be stuck with a device that can’t gain passive income.

Granted, people and tenants aren’t inventory but the principle is still the same---having said that, you should always consult a Real Estate attorney and do your homework on tenant rights.

Getting back now to the vending machine theory. Let’s say you’re new and have never purchased a retailing instrument. You meet someone who wants to sell you one, and has been in the business for years. They tell you, “This machine alone is worth $500.00 and will make you 10 percent capital gains your first year.”

Unless you’ve seen their profit and loss accounting reports, have been made aware of what comparable machines are selling for--- then how do you really know this to be true?

Since I’ve been in real estate and actively working with Louisville commercial real estate, experienced investors employ me for the ability to promote their property, and the Semonin Team I bring to bear, as well as the wealth of research we convey. Thus multi family, like The Vending Machine Theory, is one of those things you don’t want to go at alone.

If you’re new for example, and purchasing a Building that is For Sale by Owner, you could find yourself being a novice entering into negotiations with a seasoned investor pro.

So, the moral of the story---If you’re in the Market and wanting to buy an apartment building or other KY commercial real estate, consult a Realtor who has commercial experience in multi family. The seller generally pays the commission and you’ll  enter the negation a more informed consumer---thus, being made aware of the comparable value, rights to inspections, occupancy rate, rent rolls, lease agreements, who pays the utilities, previous net operating cost and potential capital gains.

It’s like buying any other investment instrument; you want to do all you can to evaluate what you can expect from leveraging your venture.  No one can guarantee a profit, but having a seasoned Realtor, who knows this type of procurement, can arm you with facts.

What do I need a buyer’s agent for?

Written by:      Suzanne Ellis, REALTOR, Semonin Realtors

                        Going the Distance for You!

http://SuzanneEllis.com

mailto:Suzanne@SuzanneEllis.com

Direct: (502) 327-2520

Fax: (502) 471-5205

I have worked as a Kentucky real estate agent at Semonin Realtors for the past ten years. In the beginning, the majority of my time was spent practicing buyer representation. I find that the question that most potential buyers ask is “why should I have representation?” I wrote this article to briefly introduce the concept of Buyer Representation to you. My hope is that if you are thinking about purchasing a new home, you will find this article of assistance.

An agent that represents you in a Kentucky home purchase is there to serve you. That agent works on your behalf to locate property which meets your requirements; to assist you by providing purchasing strategies, including information on financing, inspections, closings, possession, and contingencies, to negotiate the offer and counter-offers; to facilitate the closing process and/or; to represent your best interest at all times.

• Will I have to pay for representation? The easy answer is “no.” The listing agent negotiates a fee with the seller that generally includes compensation for the buyer’s agent. 
• Yeah, but won’t I get a better deal if I work directly with the seller’s agent? Again, the easy answer is “no.”   You may not pay less for your new home working with the seller’s agent. An agent can legally represent both parties. This is called Dual Agency (more on agency in another post). Remember that the listing agent negotiates a fee with the seller to list the seller’s home. If that agent sells the home himself/herself, that agent typically keeps the entire fee since it is not split between two agents. 
• Ok, so what will a buyer’s agent do for me? Good question. Your buyer’s agent should be an advocate on your behalf during the entire process of buying real estate in Louisville or wherever you are looking; from searching for properties, to writing the offer, financing alternatives, inspection negotiations, etc.

The agent will probably ask you to come into their office to meet to go over the process. This meeting typically takes about an hour or so.   There should be no cost or obligation for the initial meeting with you.   The agent should discuss agency law and disclose any affiliated business relationships they have with service providers (like mortgage, title, etc.).   

Some other things you want the agent to explain is the home buying process (at least a quick overview), why getting pre-approved first is a good idea and read over the contract with you, just to name a few. You may also be given an Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement. This agreement not only formalizes your relationship with the agent, but also spells out exactly what the agent will do for you, how the agent will be paid and what the agent will ask of you.

If you want an agent to represent you get her involved at the start of your search. Do not wait until you have found the property you want. I tell my clients that it is never too early to contact me. Sometimes we do our initial session a few months before they are ready to buy. Remember this is probably the biggest investment you will make in your lifetime. You want someone to guide you through the process.

These are the three main questions I get and by no means cover the entire subject of Buyer’s Representation. I have developed a booklet that covers all of these topics and more.   If you are interested in learning more about purchasing Kentucky real estate, contact me today. If you are relocating to another state, or already live in another state, and want more information, Semonin can assist you in locating an agent also.