Greetings from Lexington, Kentucky!! Recently, I had a closing with my client Meghan pictured below. She is soon starting Pharmacy school at the University of Kentucky. I enjoyed working with her and her family and helped Meghan land just the perfect home with an easy commute to campus.
(Meghan & I at her closing)
During the summer months, I work with several college age students and their families. Many families are interested in purchasing a home for their college or graduate school student instead of having them rent or live in the dorm for 4 years.
Think about it, renting costs thousands of dollars over 4 years. What if you took that money and invested into a condo or home? You might just start building your nest egg before graduation. With rates at an all time low (I’ve even seen them as low as 3.75%) it makes perfect sense to invest. Real estate prices are good and there are many bargains are out there. In fact, The Wall Street Journal just named Lexington, Kentucky one of the Top 10 best cities for investing in real estate. Nobody knows money and finances like The Wall Street Journal does.
As good as owning a place sounds, with anything there are risks to consider:
1.It is a good ideal to own the place for 4 years or more in order to try to maximum the appreciation. If you will be staying in the home less than 3 years, you may not be giving the home time to appreciate. If your student is attending university then graduate school in the same city, it truly is a no-brainer that buying is the right move. 2. Neighborhoods that cater to college students will probably have less appreciation than more stable neighborhoods. With many students populating a specific area, you are mixed in with rentals and those who don’t properly treat and maintain the homes, thus creating a less desirable neighborhood.
3.Will the cost of the loan, property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance costs and homeowners association fees offset the dues of what a rental payment may be? If I know anything about rentals here in Lexington, I do know that you can pick up a nice home for a lot less than what one would pay in monthly rent fees on an apartment.
If you find the benefits of owning outweigh the risk, I will help you and your student find just the right place to call home. Also, think about the loan options. If you want your student to have title to the property, the minimum loan requirement is with FHA financing and you can secure a property with 3.5% down. I also do know of a local bank here in Lexington, KY that has a program where the borrower puts down as little as $500.00 and can obtain a fixed 30 year loan with no private mortgage insurance. Several of my first-time home buyers have used this program and it is truly an incredible deal. Bottom line:if this is something you have considered or would like to discuss more in detail, I am always here to chat or meet with you. Together we can workup a personalized worksheet of pros and cons to see if this would be a benefit to you and your student. You may be surprised with our findings! Call me today!
**Your life is too busy without having to worry about the hassles of a real estate transaction. Focus on your job, family & life while I do my job as your Realtor. From
Horse Farms to Homes, work w/ Lexington's Hometown Agent! **
When you think of Lexington KY real estate, think www.KimSoper.com and let's get started today!
Kim Soper, REALTOR Residential, Kentucky Horse Farms & Commercial Real Estate www.KimSoper.com Multi Million Dollar Producer Relocation Specialist CMS Certified e-Marketing Specialist Cypress Residential Group,
151 Patchen Drive, Suite 53 Lexington, KY 40517
If I had a real estate diary, the topic of avoiding real estate heartbreak may be the most important chapter in my diary! I truly say this time and time again and you might think it sounds silly but don't fall in love too soon! I mean, who doesn't fall in love at first sight with their dream home?! Trust me, I know, it is easy to do. But my advice to you is try your best NOT to fall in love!
So here's the story: we have house hunted and you found a great home - it has everything you want and more - and you're excited as all can be. You decide to make an offer. We get the price & term negotiations squared away with the seller and now you are even more excited! You should be excited, as you are on your way to home ownership. At this point, I will let you *like* your home, but you can not *love* it just yet. Lets chill out for a bit and keep in mind that just because the house looks good on paper, and in your eyes, doesn't mean it truly is a good solid home. We need to have a complete home inspection before we allow ourselves to fall in love.
(My client Brian is an expert house buyer and looks for issues as we do a walk thru)
The home inspection is by far the most important and critical aspect of making sure your home is the right place and safe you and your family. With a home inspection, a licensed home inspector will spend several hours at the home and inspect the major systems in the home, the mechanicals, appliances, and the overall condition of the structure as well as look for health concerns and potential issues.
If the home gets a clean bill of health, good news! You can start to like the home a little bit more. If it does not get a clean bill of health, you must make a major decision - should you continue with the buying process (and deal with the issues on your own after purchasing) or withdraw your contract on the home. Many hearts are broken during the inspection process and that is because the buyer fell in love too quick.
So always remember, do not fall in love too quickly because you never know the full story about a home until after the home inspection. And if the home does not work out, hey, it wasn't meant to be and there are better homes out there for you.
**Your life is too busy without having to worry about the hassles of a real estate transaction. Focus on your job, family & life while I do my job as your Realtor. From Horse Farms to Homes, work w/ Lexington's Hometown Agent!**
When you think of Lexington KY real estate, think www.KimSoper.com and let's get started today!
Kim Soper, REALTOR Residential & Commercial Real Estate www.KimSoper.com Multi Million Dollar Producer Relocation Specialist CMS Certified e-Marketing Specialist Cypress Property Group 153 Patchen Drive, Suite #51 Lexington, KY 40517 (859) 509-8008 cell (859) 269-0065 fax
Here is a picture from the Ball Homes Gold Key Club breakfast recently held here in Lexington, Kentucky. I am pictured with my good friend Meredith and Kentucky Basketball Coach John Calipari. Well, it's not the real Coach Calipari, but close enough!
The Ball Homes Gold Key Club breakfast is an annual program by Ball Homes to honor those agents who have a consistent track record of selling their new construction homes year after year. I have been a member of the club for several years and my clients love their Ball Homes. Ball is the oldest builder and the largest builder in Central Kentucky and have been building in the area since the 1950's. Ball Homes is locally owned and operated and have developed many great neighborhoods in Lexington, Georgetown, Versailles, Richmond and Nicholasville.
Are you thinking of building a new home? Let me guide you from the ground up! There are many aspects of building and you need a proven agent with extensive new construction experience. Building is an exciting and fun process and you can truly create the home of your dreams. Call/email/text me today and let's discuss your next home!
**Your life is too busy without having to worry about the hassles of a real estate transaction. Focus on your job, family & life while I do my job as your Realtor. From Horse Farms to Homes, work w/ Lexington's Hometown Agent!**
Wishing you all my best! Reporting live here in Lexington, Kentucky! www.KimSoper.com!
When you think of Lexington KY real estate, think www.KimSoper.com and let's get started today!
Kim Soper, REALTOR
Residential & Commercial Real Estate www.KimSoper.com
Multi Million Dollar Producer
Relocation Specialist CMS Certified e-Marketing Specialist
Cypress Residential Group
153 Patchen Drive, Suite #51
Lexington, KY 40517
(859) 509-8008 cell
(859) 269-0065 fax
Black Friday 2009 is just 2 days away! Oh, the madness that comes along with that day. It feels like National Door Buster Special day! Shoppers hop in lines during the wee hours of the morning, or even camp out the night before. If you ask me, it’s simply crazy…but exciting at the same time! But what do all these bargain hunting buyers have in common? Besides getting a bargin on anything and everything, they usually have one red-hot ticketed item at the top of their wish list.
Have you ever waited in line all night? You’re freezing to death and burning up your Blackberry minutes chatting away to kill time. Then finally it’s time for the doors to open! You roll into the store only to find you were merely seconds away from getting your frostbitten hands on your prized possession! You’re heartbroken and exhausted, and it’s not even 5 a.m. yet! Frustrating huh?
Okay, how would you feel if you found your dream home, the home you’ve waited for months to hit the market! You're excited right? It’s the place you truly can’t live without! So you call your Lexington Kentucky Realtor only to hear them say: I’m sorry it’s already sold! You’re heartbroken and frustrated once again! Hello Black Friday, hello to missing your dream home!!
My clients and I don’t miss those dream homes! In fact, most of the time, we are the first ones in to see a home as soon as it hits the market! We are the kings and queens of securing the door buster specials! That’s because I offer my clients a service called the Home Buyer’s Scouting Report (HBM). This free-to-you service matches your personal home search criteria with properties that are currently listed for sale and in your price range. It’s online…available 24/7. At your convenience, you login in with your private password and view all the homes, pictures, prices, addresses, directions, maps and more. You have total control over your search; you can create a very specific search to focus on a certain neighborhood or broaden your search area to include the entire city, or several cities. You also have the ability to save a property to a notebook to review later for easy reference and will receive updated information on those properties.
Many busy homebuyers have heard about a great property only to find that it had already been sold! Just ask my buyer’s Michael and Sara. A home in a downtown Lexington real estate neighborhood hit the HBM Scouting Report at 3:00 p.m. on a Wednesday and an hour later we were in the home and made an offer! They were so happy we had the upper hand. In fact, there was a great deal of interest on that home. And in case our home inspections did not pass our standards, there was another buyer waiting on the sideline to get their hands on Michael and Sara’s dream home! The home received a clear bill of health and Michael and Sara are still counting their blessings everyday that they secured their dream home!
With the HBM Scouting Report you can receive daily updates on new listings and best of all, there is no obligation! Truly, you will fall in love with this service and it will allow you to get a real sense of the current housing marking in the privacy of your own home. Whether you are looking to buy a new home soon or just thinking about a new home; I believe this is the best home finding service available and as a preferred costumer, I would like you to know about it. So throw on your pajamas, login and start shopping online!
If you are interested in learning more about the Scouting Report, please click here and I will email you video demonstration on how this tool will benefit you. Feel free to call/email/text and I will be happy to answer any questions. If you know of someone, who might benefit from the Scouting Report, make sure you tell them to visit my website at: www.kimsoper.com to sign up!
Are you ready to house hunt in the Lexington real estate market? I am ready to team up with you!
**Your life is too busy without having to worry about the hassles of a real estate transaction. Focus on your job, family & life while I do my job as your Realtor. From
Horse Farms to Homes, work w/ Lexington's Hometown Agent!**
Reporting live here in Lexington, Kentucky, your LexVegas Blogger, AKA www.kimsoper.com!
When you think of real estate, think www.kimsoper.com and let’s get started today!
Today is yet another rainy day here in the Lexington area. Sure seems like we have had our fair share of rainy days this summer. I sure do miss those pretty sunny days when I’m out house hunting with my clients. But I will be more than happy to sacrifice a pretty day for a rainy day because when you are looking for home, going on a rainy day could prove to be your best move yet. Six reasons why looking at a home during the rain is a good ideal:
1. You can check to see if the gutters and downspouts are draining a minimum of 4 foot away from foundation. You always want to keep water and moisture away from the home at all times.
2. Look at the roof line. Sloped roofs are the way to go as it prevents moisture build up. A flat roof may not be your best option, especially in areas where it rains frequently. A flat roof is a bad option for controlling water drainage, as the water usually tends to sit on the roof.
3. Inspect the ground next to the home. The ground should slope away from every inch of the home - all sides, all walls of the foundation. About 10 feet away is what I usually hear home inspectors recommend to the buyer. If the ground is not sloped properly, water will retain near the foundation.
4. Scope out the patios, driveways and walkways. If you notice any water draining toward the home, correct this situation immediately.
5. If the home has a basement, inspect it thoroughly on a rainy day. Are the foundation walls dry or do they feel moist. And is the sump pump working?
6. And last but not least, look for any piling of water in the grassy areas. You may have a low spot that produces a temporary small pond or stream during a moderate to heavy rain.
Once you do find that special home, make sure to have a licensed home inspector inspect the home for defects and possible issues. They will be able to go into more detail about the findings and give you insights on how to best protect your investments.
So just remember, if it’s raining outside, don’t cancel your home showing appointment, because seeing the home in inclement weather will be a key in determining future maintenance on the home!
For more helpful tips, or other things to look for when buying a home, count on me to provide you with all the necessary information to help you make an educated decision. If you are a home buyer, make sure you have your very own buyer’s agent, as it costs you nothing to have someone working just for you. Click here to read more about buyer’s agency. And as always, feel free to call/email/text me anytime. I am happy to help!
**Your life is too busy without having to worry about the hassles of a real estate transaction. Focus on your job, family & life while I do my job as your Realtor. From Horse Farms to Homes, work w/ Lexington's Hometown Agent!**
Wishing you all my best! Reporting live here in Lexington, Kentucky! – www.KimSoper.com!
When you think of Lexington KY real estate, think www.KimSoper.com and let’s get started today!
Kim Soper, REALTOR
Residential & Commercial Real Estate www.KimSoper.com
Multi Million Dollar Producer
Relocation Specialist CMS Certified e-Marketing Specialist
Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty
2424 Harrodsburg Road, Suite #101
Lexington, KY 40503
(859) 509-8008 cell
(859) 269-0065 fax
Here is an excerpt from the Lexington Herald Leader’s feature story titled: BLUEGRASS BOUND – Lexington Named Among 10 Best Cities to Live
Original print date in the Lexington Herald Leader, Sunday, May 10, 2009. Story By Melissa Nipper*
Brian and Angela Spiers relocated to Lexington last year from Ontario, Canada. As new Lexingtonians, they are used to being asked what brought them to the Bluegrass. Their answer tends to surprise people. “Sometimes people think it’s strange we picked Lexington just because we wanted to live in Lexington,” Angela Spiers said. “But then I explain all the wonderful things we love about this area, and they understand.”
ABOVE: The Spiers family relocated last year from Ontario,
Canada, where Angela played women’s hockey. They enjoy living
near the golf course and have embraced life in the Bluegrass.
From left: Brian; Lauren, age 4; Brianna, age 9; Angela; and pets
Sasha and Crickett (behind Brianna).
PHOTOS BY JASON GREGORY
The Spiers' had no family or friends in Lexington. Neither spouse needed to relocate to Kentucky for a job. In fact, Brian’s job allowed the couple to choose they wanted to live. They considered several large American cities, including Chicago and Raleigh, N.C. But a visit to Lexington changed everything. “We came for a visit and fell in love,” Spiers said.
“We knew this was the place we wanted to live.” They are not alone. Lexington was recently named one of the “Top 10 Best Places to Live in 2009” by RelocateAmerica™ — a Web site that helps buyers and sellers access relocation sources that make moving easier. The site (www.relocateamerica.com) touts Lexington’s schools, parks, higher educational institutions, low violent crime rate and horse culture. It also highlights the local real estate market, where “average
home prices and overall home values have remained stable.” Spiers was not surprised by Lexington’s top-10 ranking, and she adds her own evidence to the list of what makes Lexington an ideal place for new residents. “The people here are extraordinarily friendly,” she said. One of the first people the Spierses met was their Realtor Kim Soper of Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty.
Soper, a native Lexingtonian, says about half of her business is helping clients who are relocating to the area. She enjoys introducing newcomers to the community and sharing Lexington trivia with them. One of my favorite memories as a Realtor was the day I was showing houses to Brian and Angela,” Soper said. “It was the day Big Brown was going for the Triple Crown. We took a break and stopped at Harry’s and sat out on the patio to watch the race. It was packed and the mood was electrifying. There was no better way to introduce them to what makes Lexington special. I will always remember that day.
“You may be in a rush to show a lot of houses to someone who is visiting for just a few days from out of town, but at the same time, it’s important to help them make a connection to the community,” she said.
“There is always a way to tie in Lexington.”
Smooth moves
If you’re new to Central Kentucky or preparing to relocate to the Lexington area, real estate relocation specialists offer these tips to help the move go smoothly:
1. Work with a Realtor who knows the community. You’ll save time and effort by working with a professional who can
guide you not only in the search for a home, but also throughout the transition to a new community, said Realtor Kim Soper of Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty. “Giving clients that local connection is as important as finding the right house,” she said. “I try to find out what their interests are and connect them with local people and organizations I know share those interests.”
2. Pick up the local newspaper. Soper suggest clients read past and current issues of the local newspaper to get a feel for the area. “It’s a great way to get to know the events and the things happening in Lexington,” Soper
said.
3. Get plugged in quickly. To feel part of your new community, make a point to visit local amenities such as the library,
the parks or museums. Volunteering for a local organization such as a hospital or charity also helps new residents feel connected to their surroundings. “It’s not just a new home, it’s a new lifestyle,”
Soper said.
4. Invest in a GPS. Learning your way around a new community can be frustrating — especially in Lexington where
street names seem to change as you drive (Harrodsburg Road to Broadway to Paris Pike, for example). A GPS can make your initial visits less stressful; you’ll know your way around in no time.
If you have any questions about relocating to Lexington or simply what daily life is like here in our wonderful city, I will be happy to answer your questions and assist you.
**Your life is too busy without having to worry about the hassles of a real estate transaction. Focus on your job, family & life while I do my job as your Realtor. From Horse Farms to Homes, work w/ Lexington's Hometown Agent!**
When you think of Real Estate, Think KimSoper.com and let's get started today!
Kim Soper, REALTOR
Residential & Commercial Real Estate www.kimsoper.com
Multi Million Dollar Producer
Relocation Specialist
CMS Certified e-Marketing Specialist
Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty
2424 Harrodsburg Road, Suite #101
Lexington, KY 40503
(859) 509-8008 cell
(859) 269-0065 fax
Kim@kimsoper.com
Real Estate is hoppin’! With historic low rates, an $8,000 tax credit, and great deals to be had, now is definitely the time to make a move! But a strong word of caution before leaping without looking – there are, unfortunately, corrupt individuals and organizations out there promoting what appear to be great real estate opportunities, when in fact, they are nothing but scams!
Case in point: By Monday afternoon, I had received 16 calls on just one of my listings. Sounds great for my seller…or was it? Turns out, all of these callers had one thing in common: They were searching for rentals on Craigslist and saw what appeared to be an incredible property listed at an incredible price. Now, let me digress by confirming that indeed this was a genuine property listed on Craigslist because I posted it! However, this property was NEVER for rent and in fact, had already been sold earlier in the week. Further research revealed that the content from my original listing (photographs, property information, etc.) had been taken and “reused” through a fake rental posting. As the Realtor of the original (and true) listing, my contact information was removed entirely. In its place, a generic email account was the only contact source available, requesting that those who were searching the site email them for more information. Once they did, then they would receive a letter from the fake “seller” based out of West Africa. This fake “seller” was conveniently unable to meet the potential renters right here in hometown Lexington, claiming to be traveling abroad for the purpose of bidding on petroleum land. In their absence, they requested that the renter hopefuls fill out a personal information sheet, submit it, and then they would simply mail them the keys to the property.
Many of these renter hopefuls decided to go view the property – since coming from Craigslist it seemed fairly legit – and once they saw my contact information on the sale sign in the front yard, they called to ask about renting. When I repeatedly had to inform them that the house was for sale, not for rent, I knew something was up – the seller wasn’t from Africa and this was a bonafied scam!
Having heard of similar scenarios occurring in New York and Florida a few months ago, I knew immediately the actions that I needed to take:
1. I made sure all of the people that called on this property clearly understood this home was not for rent and to make sure they did not /would not send any personal information to this alleged “seller” in Africa.
2. I notified my sellers immediately and let them know what was going on. I strive hard to make sure my sellers are always educated regarding how the showing process works and to make sure they never show the home unless I’ve set up an appointment with them in advance.
3. I went to Craigslist to report the fake posting. I, in no way shape or form, tolerate any fraudulent activity regarding someone’s home – let alone stealing marketing information and photographs in an attempt to con others.
After doing this, I wanted to go a step further by trying to get the word out through this blogsite, so that others may learn about this possible pitfall and protect themselves and their family, whether they are buying, selling, or in this case – renting!
Often times for buyers, the “Real Estate World” can be very daunting in its own right, let alone with all of the new tricks con artists keep trying. Buying a home is the single, largest financial transaction one will make in a lifetime and one that can be very confusing and overwhelming. That’s why it’s so crucial to have the right people on your team to help you to achieve your goals and to look out for your best interests…always.
Here are a few quick tips to help you assess whether or not a property promotion or advertisement is “too good to be true:”
If you are potential buyer:
1. Look out for poor grammar and confusing syntax. Often times, British spellings for words can be a red flag, but it goes without saying that this isn’t always the case. Odd sentences with words misspelled or missing altogether can likewise be a dead giveaway! Think: “Not Local.”
2. If someone doesn’t provide adequate contact information such as a full name, business name, email, and phone number, be very leery. A legit business person will have most – if not all – of these items, especially a phone number.
3. If they can not meet you in person because they are traveling, etc. and say they can send you keys via mail, chalk this one up as a scam!
4. If they ask for personal information, bank account numbers, or they want you to write a check in excess of the required amount, again, stay far away from this!
5. If you are buying a home, connect yourself with a good, honest local Realtor who will have your best interests at heart and who is available to answer all of your questions.
6. Bottom line: If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is!
If you are a seller of a residential property currently on the real estate market:
1. Make sure you never let anyone in your home that does not have a prior appointment to see your home.
2. Hire a Realtor. We are here to protect you, your home, and to make sure that all buyers coming to see your home are qualified, ready to buy, and are legit.
3. If someone knocks on your door, do not show them the home. Think: “Safety!” Tell them to call your Realtor to set up an appointment and that your Realtor will be happy to show them your home. Don’t ever fret when someone says they have to see your home now or they will walk away. A true, genuine buyer will understand. Do not let anyone ever pressure you to get in to see your home.
4. Always confirm! If someone comes to your home and presents you with a business card saying they are an agent, don’t automatically assume they are! Again, call your Realtor ASAP and confirm this information with them.
All in all, I hope these tips have helped and just remember that any true, honest, and reliable business person or company will NEVER ask you to submit detailed personal information over the internet. From Real Estate to Ebay, PayPal to banks, all of these companies will tell you that they will never ask for your password or personal information via online. The best rule of thumb: If you are suspicious at all, just call the company directly. If you receive an email alerting you of needed contact or personal information, never follow the links. Fraudulent companies and individuals have their cons down to a science, often mimicking the exact homepage of the original, true company and then emailing you to link to them. Just contact the company directly to confirm. Also, if at all possible, simply conduct your business matters with someone local. Even though technology has made it possible to communicate with others far away, having some good, ol’ fashioned ‘face-to-face’ time is the best way to go!
If you have any questions about anything real estate in general, I will be happy to assist you. Call/text me and please visit my official website for all things Lexington KY Real Estate at www.kimsoper.com.
**Your life is too busy without having to worry about the hassles of a real estate transaction. Focus on your job, family & life while I do my job as your Realtor. From
Horse Farms to Homes, work w/ Lexington's Hometown Agent!**
Wishing you all my best! Reporting live here in Lexington, Kentucky! – www.KimSoper.com!
When you think of Lexington KY real estate, think www.KimSoper.com and let’s get started today!
Kim Soper, REALTOR
Residential & Commercial Real Estate www.KimSoper.com
Multi Million Dollar Producer
Relocation Specialist CMS Certified e-Marketing Specialist
Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty
2424 Harrodsburg Road, Suite #101
Lexington, KY 40503
(859) 509-8008 cell
(859) 269-0065 fax
So it’s freezing outside and there is nothing to do! Gotta stay in and stay warm. Do your evenings consists of sipping on your mug of hot chocolate as you lounge around on the coach watching home shows on TV? If you are always glued to HGTV, you are not alone. Millions of viewers tune in each week to learn how to get into the game of home remodeling and making nice with the fixer uppers. And now you’re starting to think to yourself, you could do that too! But wait, sometimes it is not so easy to spot an ideal property project and usually this reconstruction process will take longer than that of a 30 minute TV show. Okay, so it will take a lot longer. Probably months or maybe a year. That is why it is crucial that you think long and hard about taking on a fixer upper and know the ends and outs. Here are a few tips and things to look for:
1. Make sure the home that you want to purchase is at least 30% below the market value of similar homes in the same neighborhood. Meaning -work with a great Realtor who will help you get the best deal!
2. Look for sellers who are ready to make a deal. Estate, bank owned, relocation company are good starts. And if the home is vacant, obviously it is ready to be sold ASAP.
3. Location is everything! And you can’t change this crucial factor so make sure it is located in an area well loved by its residents and on a quiet street. Low crime rate and schools are other factors to consider.
4. Make sure the fixer-upper is near your current residence. If you have to commute more than 30 minutes or so, you may often times skip the drive. And it is important that you visit the home everyday while the work is in progress.
5. Choose a home that has a minimum of 3 bedrooms. Anything less and it will take longer to sale on the market, if you decide to flip or resale at some point.
6. Overlook all the superficial things. You can always repaint over a lime green wall and either clean or replace dirty carpets. Just make sure the problems aren’t an indicator of serious neglect.
7. Look for homes needing minor repairs such painting, carport and flooring, landscaping refreshing and new lighting fixtures. Those are all easy and relatively inexpensive projects.
8. Look out for homes needing plumbing and electrical updating. MAJOR expense lies here. If you are licensed in those fields, pat yourself on the back because you have saved yourself several Benjamin’s in your wallet. If you are not certified, do not attempt these tasks. Even the next buyer will want the work performed by a licensed technician.
9. If you notice any cracked ceiling plaster or bulging walls or ceilings, take note. Minimal damage can be covered with paint, but major repairs may include the expense of replacing drywall. Although not too expensive, dry walling is a messy process.
10. Use your eyes on every wall and ceiling to look for signs of leaks or flooding. Flaking and peeling of paint around windows can indicate a sign of a moisture issues. And fully inspect the basement for a musty smell. Check all the walls too for any stains on the wall near the flooring. Don’t forget about checking around the skylights too.
This is just a start, trust me, there are many more factors to consider. And I can help you with that. I will be happy to give you more insights and even walk the home with you to look for deficiencies or hidden money-pit issues. If you can do most of the work or can have it done at a very reasonable price, then this might be a good fit for you. You can certainly get a home that needs some work for a lot less cash and older homes especially, have a lot of charm and creative floor plans. Always keep in mind that what you see on the surface does not always tell the entire story. Removing one wall, an appliance or bookshelf may unleash a whole new set of issues. Make sure you have a good Realtor representing you as a buyer’s agent and make sure you have a complete property inspection performed by a licensed home inspector before acquiring the home. Bottom line: just don’t bite off more than you can chew!
Looking for more fixer-upper tips or interested in starting your own home search in the Lexington Kentucky real estate market. Don’t hesitate to contact me today. Whether you prefer email, texting or a more personalize touch via the phone, contact me today. I am here waiting to speak to you anytime and I am ready to go to work for you. There are many beautiful homes for sale in Lexington, KY and I will help you find the cream of the crop. There is no time better than now! Take advance of our buyer’s market and let’s start finding that perfect place today!
**Your life is too busy without having to worry about the hassles of a real estate transaction. Focus on your job, family & life while I do my job as your Realtor. From
Horse Farms to Homes, work w/ Lexington's Hometown Agent!**
When you think of Real Estate, think www.KimSoper.com and let’s get started today!
Kim Soper, REALTOR
Residential & Commercial Real Estate www.kimsoper.com
Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Club
Relocation Specialist
CMS-Certified e-Marketing Specialist
Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty
2424 Harrodsburg Road, Suite #101
Lexington, KY 40503
(859) 509-8008 cell
(859) 269-0065 fax
kim@kimsoper.com
It seems like several times a week, I have a buyer who asks about the $7,500 tax credit from the government. They are wondering if it is a loan or a gift? It is a loan, but it is a good loan to utilize if you are a buyer. Basically, the government will give you the 7,500 tax credit and in return over the next 15 years, you will pay them back $500.00 per year. Now, I know it’s never fun to have an extra expense at tax time, but I am going to tell you the biggest benefit of this tax credit. If I were in the shoes of a first-time home buyer, I would take that $7,500 credit and apply that directly toward the principle portion of my home mortgage. By doing so, you will save yourselves over $20,000 in interest over the life of the loan. Sounds like a pretty good savings, right? It truly is! So you could even look at this credit as a gift. I do! If someone is going to help me save 20,000 or more…I am thrilled! Below you will find some commonly asked questions regarding the tax credit:
Tax credit offered to new homebuyers
Expires June 30, 2009!
1. Who is eligible?
a). First-time homebuyers or any homebuyers who have not owned a principal residence in the last three years
2. How does it work?
a). Eligible purchasers can claim the $7,500 credit on their annual tax return form.
b). Amount of credit: 10% of cost of home or a maximum of $7,500
3. How is it repaid?
a). Two years after the credit is claimed, the homebuyer will have to start paying it back.
b). 15 equal annual installments will have to be paid back to the IRS every year.
c). 6.67% of the borrowed amount or a maximum of $502
d). If home is sold before 15 years, the remainder of the loan will have to be repaid to the IRS upon the sale.
e). Part of the liability can be forgiven if the gain on the sale is less than the amount of the loan.
4. What are the restrictions?
a). Home purchase time limit:
b). Homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009
c). Home must be a single family residence (including condos, coops) that will be used as a principal residence.
d). Home must be located in the United States.
e). Home cannot be financed through mortgage revenue bonds.
f). Income restriction: To qualify for full $7,500 credit, the taxpayer must make no more than
1). $75,000 for single returns
2). $150,000 for joint returns
g). To still qualify for credit but at a lesser amount, the following income caps apply
1). $95,000 for single returns
2). $170,000 for joint returns
When you are ready to home shop, call me! I am your home shopping expert. With the tax credit and record low interest rates, the buyers are in the driver’s seat. Truly, this is the best time in history to purchase a home. Don’t miss out! Let’s get started today and you will be on your way to buying a home and saving a great deal of money in the long run! For more helpful tips, check out my buyer‘s section on my Lexington, Kentucky Real Estate website. Did you know that it costs you nothing to have a buyer’s agent? Yes, that is right! I will be your professional guide throughout the entire process and it does not cost you a single penny! I, Kim Soper, will take great care of you! Go get your $7,500 15-year interest free loan from the government and score the home of your dreams!
**Your life is too busy without having to worry about the hassles of a real estate transaction. Focus on your job, family & life while I do my job as your Realtor. From
Horse Farms to Homes, work w/ Lexington's Hometown Agent!**
Today is Black Friday 2008! Oh, the madness that comes along with today. It feels like National Door Buster Special day! Shoppers hop in lines during the wee hours of the morning, or even camp out the night before. If you ask me, it’s simply crazy…but exciting at the same time! But what do all these bargain hunting buyers have in common? Besides getting a bargin on anything and everything, they usually have one red-hot ticketed item at the top of their wish list. Have you ever waited in line all night? You’re freezing to death and burning up your Blackberry minutes chatting away to kill time. Then finally it’s time for the doors to open! You roll into the store only to find you were merely seconds away from getting your frostbitten hands on your prized possession! You’re heartbroken and exhausted, and it’s not even 5 a.m. yet! Frustrating huh?
Okay, how would you feel if you found your dream home, the home you’ve waited for months to hit the market? Excited right? It’s the place you truly can’t live without! So you call your Lexington Kentucky Realtor only to hear them say: I’m sorry it’s already sold! You’re heartbroken and frustrated once again! Hello Black Friday, hello to missing your dream home!!
My clients and I don’t miss those dream homes! In fact, most of the time, we are the first ones in to see a home as soon as it hits the market! We are the kings and queens of securing the door buster specials! That’s because I offer my clients a service called the Home Buyer’s Scouting Report (HBM). This free-to-you service matches your personal home search criteria with properties that are currently listed for sale and in your price range. It’s online…available 24/7. At your convenience, you login in with your private password and view all the homes, pictures, prices, addresses, directions, maps and more. You have total control over your search; you can create a very specific search to focus on a certain neighborhood or broaden your search area to include the entire city, or several cities. You also have the ability to save a property to a notebook to review later for easy reference and will receive updated information on those properties.
Many busy homebuyers have heard about a great property only to find that it had already been sold! Just ask my buyer’s Michael and Sara. A home in a downtown Lexington real estate neighborhood hit the HBM Scouting Report at 3:00 p.m. on a Wednesday and an hour later we were in the home and made an offer! They were so happy we had the upper hand. In fact, there was a great deal of interest on that home. And in case our home inspections did not pass our standards, there was another buyer waiting on the sideline to get their hands on Michael and Sara’s dream home! The home received a clear bill of health and Michael and Sara are still counting their blessings everyday that they secured their dream home!
With the HBM Scouting Report you can receive daily updates on new listings and best of all, there is no obligation! Truly, you will fall in love with this service and it will allow you to get a real sense of the current housing marking in the privacy of your own home. Whether you are looking to buy a new home soon or just thinking about a new home; I believe this is the best home finding service available and as a preferred costumer, I would like you to know about it. So throw on your pajamas, login and start shopping online!
If you are interested in learning more about the Scouting Report, please click here to see a video demonstration on how this tool will benefit you. Feel free to call/email/text and I will be happy to answer any questions. If you know of someone, who might benefit from the Scouting Report, make sure you tell them to visit my website at: http://www.kimsoper.com/ to sign up!
**Your life is too busy without having to worry about the hassles of a real estate transaction. Focus on your job, family & life while I do my job as your Realtor. From
Horse Farms to Homes, work w/ Lexington's Hometown Agent!**
-Reporting live here in Lexington, Kentucky, your LexVegas Blogger, AKA http://www.kimsoper.com/
Black Friday 2009 is just 2 days away! Oh, the madness that comes along with that day. It feels like National Door Buster Special day! Shoppers hop in lines during the wee hours of the morning, or even camp out the night before. If you ask me, it’s simply crazy…but exciting at the same time! But what do all these bargain hunting buyers have in common? Besides getting a bargin on anything and everything, they usually have one red-hot ticketed item at the top of their wish list. 
