The Louisville MLS Blog

Why use a Buyer's Agent

2011-11-20T11:25:00-07:00

Why use a Buyer’s Agent when purchasing Louisville, KY Real Estate? Why is it that some people only consider using a Realtor when they are trying to sell their home? For some potential homebuyers it doesn’t even cross their mind to turn to a real estate buyer's agent when purchasing a home. I wonder why? Louisville Real estate agents, who work for homebuyers, or a Buyer’s Agent, can bring a tremendous amount of benefits and knowledge to the table for their home buyers. On such an enormous, life altering purchase, why wouldn’t you want someone helping you make the very best decision you can make? Buyer’s agents are the same as any other Louisville real estate agent, they just specialize in helping home buyers search the Louisville MLS, schedule, view, and negotiate a Louisville home purchase with ONLY the home buyer’s interests in mind.Since buyer’s agents view many homes every week, they are well versed on the current Louisville market. They can tell you which homes will fit your needs and wants both personally and financially. They can also give you information on Neighborhoods in Louisville, so you can make an informed and confident decision. If you asked, I am sure they would even tell you where their favorite placed to eat, shop and have fun are; they work to help you and your family make the best possible choice. Buyer’s Agents with The Brad Long Real Estate Group do not list homes; therefore, they are unbiased when informing you about and showing you potential properties. They work with buyers exclusively, and for this reason they have tremendous experience with mortgage lenders, home inspectors, surveyors, appraisers, contractors, termite inspectors, closing attorneys, etc. They can recommend other hard-working professionals in the Louisville area based on experiences with their past clients. Working with a Brad Long Real Estate Group buyer’s agent will give you peace of mind, and will help you avoid some of the common mistakes that can make the home buying process complicated. In short, buying a home can be fun, exhilarating and a little nerve racking, but doing it with a buyer’s agent on your side is a must! For all of your real estate needs in the Louisivlle, KY area, please visit Louisville, KY Real Estate.

Hiking in and around Louisville, KY

2011-11-17T04:42:00-07:00

Fall is for Hiking in and around Louisville, KY! It’s fall, my favorite season! That means it’s time to get out your jackets, turn your clocks back, grab a cup of pumpkin spice coffee, get out and enjoy the beauty that is nature. Fall is a great time to be outside, the temperatures are perfect-“hoodie weather”, you don’t need to carry your bug spray, and you can roll your windows down in your car and enjoy. If you live in Louisville Kentucky, the leaves in the fall are no doubt one of the most beautiful visions one can see. The colors are so infinite, vibrant and mesmerizing, there is nothing quite like it. Going for a hike is the best way to fully experience fall, and Louisville, KY has some great local hiking trails. There are trails for everyone, whether you want to go a few miles down the road to Cherokee Park, or across town to the nation’s largest urban forest, Jefferson Memorial located close to South Louisville Homes and there are trails here for everyone. Below is a list of trails around metro Louisville. If you are looking for something close to home, hilly, paved, wooded, flat, close to lakes, creeks or waterfalls, there is something here for you. All the trails do have one thing in common; they will leave you feeling relaxed, serene, peaceful, and connected to nature. It’s a great time to get out of your Louisville Homes and experience some of the great aspects of living in Louisville.Goose Creek Nature Trail in EP Tom Sawyer State Park This trail is great for a quick nature fix if you are running low on time. Located in eastern Jefferson County, this hike is a 1.5 mile loop, is mostly flat, tree lined, and passes along Goose Creek.Cull Hollow Trail in Bernheim Forest This 1.2 mile hike is not going to be a leisurely stroll through the woods. The trail is a gradual climb for most of the hike through the beautiful hard wood forest of Bernheim. Along the way you will pass rocky ledges and hillside, large stones, small waterfalls and possibly a deer or turkey. Cherokee Park Trails If you are looking for a short trail close to home check out Cherokee Park. Cherokee offers a few short trails through the wooded areas of the park. Trailheads are located behind Hogan’s Fountain and along the sides of the road. These trails are great for mountain bikers too. The scenic loop is another option but is more of a walking trail. Charlestown State Park Trail #1 It’s worth going over the bridge to check out the trails in Charlestown State Park. Trail #1 a moderate 2.2 mile round trip trail which offers some mild ups and downs with a few sinkholes along the way. The trail follows Fourteen mile creek for .75 miles through a rocky forested area. Siltstone Trail in Jefferson Memorial Forest Jefferson Memorial Forest has over 30 miles of hiking trails all unique with varying degrees of difficulty. Siltstone Trail is the longest and the most difficult, 13 miles round trip. This hike is not for beginners, there is over 3,000 feet of climbing, with much of the trail being a ridge line hike. The Siltstone Trial offers beautiful views of the Louisville skyline and is especially magical in the fall due to the entire hike being heavily wooded. Follow the link for information on all Jefferson Memorial Forest Trails Blackacre Nature Preserve Explore the woodlands and meadows throughout the preserve on miles of beautiful trails. Leave your doggies at home for this hike as they are not allowed on the Blackacre trails. The Historic Homes on this property date back to the 1700's. The trails are open from 3 p.m. on weekdays and dawn to dusk on weekends.The abundance of parks and recreation opportunities is one more reason to consider Louisville KY Real Estate. For more information on hiking visit:Hiking Saftey around your Louisville Homes Hiking opportunities in and around Louisville KY Trails in Kentucky

Halloween Events in Louisville, KY

2011-10-12T13:59:00-07:00

What is going on in Louisville this Halloween? So you spent the last 6 months finding all the trinkets and finishing touches to get your costume perfect for Halloween, but now you have nowhere to go. No fear. Check out some of the chilling events going on in Louisville this Halloween. What: Bardstown Bound Boofest. Celebrate Halloween Highland style with Trolley Rides, Trick or Treating and special Halloween themed indulgences offered at participating businesses along the way as well as scary special offers.Where: Highlands-Douglas Loop to Lexington Rd.When: Saturday October 29th 12:00pm-?*Proceeds benefit Gilda’s Club. Click here to view MORE EVENTS

Tips to Save Energy and Add Value

2011-05-09T14:30:00-07:00

When it comes to energy efficiency, look for smart features and expertise to help you save energy and money and add value to your home. 1. Begin with a Right-Sized Home. If the home you buy is simply too large for you or your family’s needs or plans, you stand a good chance of wasting energy through excessive heating and cooling costs. If it’s too small, you’ll feel cramped and uncomfortable. It’s a big investment, so seek balance and buy it “right” from the outset. 2. Purchase Energy Star Appliances Such as Your TV, Dishwasher, Washer and Dryer, and Microwave. And especially the refrigerator, as it alone contributes about 10 percent of the energy use in a home. Also, unplug electronics not in use or turn off power strips to avoid phantom charges. 3. Install Efficient Lighting Such as Compact Flourescent (CLF) or LED Bulbs in Every Fixture. Lighting accounts for about 6 percent of an energy bill each year. 4. Get an Energy Audit and Have Tests Performed to Identify Ways of Improving Your Efficiency. You can always upgrade your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as your thermal envelope, which includes insulation, windows, and doors and the seals or weather stripping around them. Visit energy.gov/energytips for more tips.