The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 authorized a $7500 tax credit for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing homes on or before April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. If you are in the market to purchase a home now or in the near future and  would like more information regarding eligibilty and how this new program works, I would be happy to answer your questions and can send you more information.  Call 502-291-2881 or email me debkrealtor@aol.com

We recently took a guest from out of town to Lynn’s Paradise Cafe for brunch.  She was amazed to find a restaurant with so much personality. From the plastic flowers and tea cups outside to the most…unusual…lamps and decor inside. There is a wonderful gift shop, to browse through while you wait. Our guest purchased a set of glass cats.  I brought this crazy hat just for the fun of it. The restaurant was packed as always, but we were lucky to find a table for four fairly quickly .  With one quick glance at the menu we knew we were going to find it tough making our decisions. When we finally did order and the food arrived and we were all extremely pleased with our choices. The portions are huge, so we all sampled each others dishes. Every morsel was savored by all of us. The service was excellent, the food was fabulous  and our guest said it was the best place she had visited while in Louisville.

July 24th 7:00 P.M. Book Discussion-Carmichael’s Bookstore  on Frankfort Ave

William McKeen will discuss and sign his novel “Outlaw Journalist: The Life and Times of Hunter S. Thompson

Have you seen what has happened in the park lately? The Woodlands Restoration Campaign has planted over 3500 trees in Cherokee and Seneca Parks.  Since I live a block from the Park, I have witnessed hundreds of volunteers over this past year planting and removing vines that have taken over in some areas. In addition there are wonderful trails for walkers, bikers and our dogs. We are so lucky to have this beautiful Park right in the middle of our neighborhood. I used to run through Central Park in New York when I was on business and I honestly like our Park much better. The Olmsted is to be congratulated for a job well done.   

As we all know, today’s real estate market is  changing. Investing in today’s market is still an excellent decision. Interest rates are still low, buyers have a wide selection of homes to choose from, and the Louisville market continues to see appreciation, especially in the Highlands.

However, a few things have changed. In the past buyers could find their dream home, write a offer with a contingency on the sale  of their home and then proceed to put their home on the market.  In strong markets such as the Highlands, most sellers will no longer accept contingencies.  Sellers are pricing their homes to sell and do not want to accept these offers when there are so many buyers out there who are ready to purchase with good credit and no strings attached. With a contingency offer, the sellers agent will continue to market the sellers home, but many  buyers will past it by, as they have so many others to choose from and are not interested in writing back up offers. The best suggestion I can make is put your home on the market first,  price it right, have it in sparkle condition and your agent will do the rest. Be prepared to  rent for awhile after your home has sold. Then you can take your time finding that wonderful home that you have dreamed about. In the end you will feel less stressed and probably make a better decision.

If you have other questions regarding real estate,  please call us.

Debby Kaufman

Professional agents advice for selling your home successfully and for top dollar.

1. Sellers should have an independent appraisal performed. It is important to know how much your home is worth before listing it on the market.

2. It is crucial to fill out a seller’s property disclosure. This form is given to the buyers and protects the seller from liability in the future.

3. Have a home inspection performed by a licensed home inspector prior to listing your home. Any issues or repairs that need to be addressed can be fixed prior to listing your home and you will feel more confident and less likely to have major surprises after your home in under contract.

Debby Kaufman

As a realtor living and selling in the Highlands, I am often asked how is the market, are prices up, what about appreciation? Recently an appraiser by the name of Robert Hall wrote a very interesting article in the April issue of the Highlander. After speaking to many professionals in the business they said  business for 2007 was about the same as the previous year. In looking closer he narrowed his focus just to the Highlands and found prices were actually up more than 7% in 2007 as compared to 2006, the supply had dropped off some, while sales volume was down only1.3% as compared to 3.6% overall in Louisville. Bottom-line the Highlands  and Louisville seem to be weathering the recession and the mortgage crisis better than most areas. It is a good time to buy. The article appeared in the Highlander’s email:the highlander@attglobal.net

Debby Kaufman

                                                Harrell Tague and Bo Derek

If you see a famous person in town for the Kentucky Derby, take a picture and we will post it on our blog.

 On May 2 the Barnstable sisters will host their 20th annual Barnstable Brown party benefiting diabetes research. This event is quite a happening in the Highlands. The former Doublemint twins are famous for putting together a list of the rich and famous, who come to see the Kentucky Derby and attend this lavish affair. The week before the party, Spring Drive is bustling with camera men, dancers, stages being erected, caterers while the local police make sure everything is ready for the big night.

The neighborhood locals prepare to take their spot on the lawn down the hill, camping out on Spring Drive-in front of the Barnstable’s home. One by one the limousines start to arrive and continue into the night as the crowd outside screams and yells hoping to get a glimpse of the beautiful stars. Every once in a while a star will step out of their limousine, walk over to the crowds lined up along the street,  shake hands and give autographs, as the crowd burst into applause. It is Louisville’s version of the Oscar’s red carpet. Each year Highland neighbors come together to celebrate one of Louisville’s most important claims to fame The Kentucky Derby. We are very lucky to live in a neighborhood rich in tradition. Our neighborhood is filled with diversity and fellowship with an array of special events throughout the year.

Watch for my next post with pictures of celebrity sightings.

Debby Kaufman

 About 220 artist and craftsmen will participate in the 37th annual Cherokee Triangle Art fair schedule for Saturday and Sunday on April 26-27 from 10:00 am to 6:00pm each day. The fair is held in Louisville historic Cherokee Triangle neighborhood. The fair has increased in popularity of the artist since about 350 made application to participate. And the quality and diversity of art and craft work is excellent due to a “jurying” process that helps select the best of the best each year.

It takes a lot of effort and time behind the scenes to to prepare. Planning for the next almost begins when a fair is completed .So much of the succes of the fair depends on volunteers and the great cooperation and involvement of the neighbors and residents in the Cherokee Triangle. Come out and enjoy all the wonderful art,crafts, food ,music etc. Be a volunteer too.