Louisville Real Estate Blog | Brad Long Real Estate Group | Keller Williams Louisville East

132 Things REALTORS Do For Buyers!

132 Things REALTORS Do For Buyers

1. Give you access to my MLS listing database of homes & condos for sale
2. Provide information on neighborhoods, neighborhood amenities, schools, points of interest
3. Provide demographic information on Towns and neighborhoods
4. Give an overview of the current real estate market conditions
5. Explain past real estate market performance and projections
6. Explain my credentials, accomplishments as a Realtor
7. Provide you with references from past clients
8. Explain city real estate development plans
9. Discuss renting vs. buying
10. Discuss pros and cons of property types: condo, single family, multi-family, investment
11. Show how neighborhood values can change quickly from block-to-block
12. Explain your legal options of working with a Realtor
13. Explain that the Seller's Agent legal...

Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate in Louisville, KY: Top Tips for Buyers and Sellers

Welcome to Louisville, KY, a city filled with charm, culture, and endless opportunities in the real estate market. Whether you're a prospective buyer or seller, navigating the Louisville real estate scene can be both exciting and daunting. To help you make the most of your real estate journey, here are some insider tips that will have you saying "Louisville, here we come!"

Location, Location, Location:

In Louisville, location is more than just a catchy phrase—it's a fundamental aspect of real estate. With diverse neighborhoods offering distinct characteristics, research and explore the areas that align with your lifestyle and preferences. From the historic charm of Old Louisville to the trendy vibes of NuLu, each neighborhood offers something unique. Consider factors such as proximity to schools, amenities, transportation, and future...

Selling in Spring

Tips for Selling Your Home in the Spring! 

Spring is here, and for many homeowners, it's the perfect time to sell. The warm weather and beautiful flowers blooming all around can make your property look its best, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind when listing your home for sale in the spring. In this post, we'll share some tips to help you prepare your home for the spring selling season.

Start with a deep cleaning

Spring is a time for new beginnings, so start by...

5 Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector

5 Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector

     

                  1. What is the condition of the roof?

Before purchasing a home, it is smart to ask the inspector about the condition and age of the roof. The seller of the home may know the roof’s age, but it is still important to understand the life expectancy of the roof. The life span of a roof can range from 15-30 years, depending on the type of shingle used. Often the life useful life of a roof is shorter than the expected number of years. This is due to weather, accidents, etc. harming the shingles. The inspector will be able to estimate the actual remaining life expectancy....

Everything you want to know about a real estate appraisal!

A real estate appraisal is the process through which an appraiser determines the current fair market value of the subject property. The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) sets forth the procedures and ethical standards to be followed by appraisers. “The appraiser investigates the characteristics of the subject property that might impact the property’s value. The appraiser also investigates the nature of the market for that property, competitive properties, and the buyers and sellers who constitute the market for that property type. The principles of supply and demand, substitution, balance and externalities help explain shifts in value.” (appraisalinstitute.org)

I am buying a home. When do I order an appraisal? Once most or all of the contract contingencies (like the inspection period) are dropped, the lender will order an appraisal of the property. This will be at the cost of the buyer and is around the $250-450...

Our 2023 Home Trend Predictions

Home Trend Predictions

1. Goodbye gray, Hello earth-tones!

 

35 Home Design Trends on the Rise in 2023- Homework Remodels- Steve Shinn

 “The big news is that beige is back,” says interior designer and color expert Jennifer Ott. “But it has different undertones than those from ’90s beige. It’s less yellow and instead has pink or green undertones.” At the end of 2022, we started noticing a lot of grey paint being replaced by white or green. We are going to see even more deep earth tone colors, mixed with natural wood,...

Working with a Buyer's Agent

   Why would I work with a buyer's agent?

     Buying a home is likely the biggest purchase you will make in your lifetime (except for the people lining up for a spot aboard Space X), so you should treat it that way. You need someone who experiences the industry daily to represent your interests in such a large transaction. Regardless of how many times you have bought and sold a home, the real estate market is changing every day. Time and time again there will be hiccups. When these hiccups arise, you will want someone in your corner and only your corner. Time, money & stress can all be saved by using a Realtor when you buy a home!

     Often, we have buyers call in asking to schedule a showing with the listing agent of a home. It is typically not in your best...

Inexpensive Ways to Stage Your Home Like a Pro

Inexpensive Ways to Stage Your Home Like a Pro


Whether the home you are selling in Louisville, KY is worth $100,000 or $1,000,000, if the property does not make a good first impression it will probably sit on the market for months while hordes of would-be buyers parade through. That is why home staging is such a big deal - and such a big business among real estate professionals.

If you are getting ready to put your home on the market, you could call a professional home stager to boost its value and help you sell it more quickly. But what if you do not have the money to hire a professional?

The good news is there are plenty of inexpensive DIY ways to stage your home like a pro. These tips will help...

CAN I GET A MORTGAGE AFTER BANKRUPTCY?

CAN I GET A MORTGAGE AFTER BANKRUPTCY?

Looking to buy a house in Louisville, KY, but worried about finding a mortgage because of a bankruptcy? Bankruptcy is more common now and banks will consider making loans within two or three years after the bankruptcy is discharged - as long as your credit history has been pristine since the bankruptcy. 

Expect to be charged higher interest rates or be required to come up with a bigger down payment, though. Even if you have excellent credit history, a larger down payment usually means the best interest rates, and if you have a bankruptcy on your credit report it becomes especially important to put down as much money as possible.

Your past credit report is an important factor, but keep in mind there are several other financial indicators that are also considered.

Your employment history and income. If you've had steady employment for a long period (more than two years) and you've...