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Home Insights Home Owning Tips Home Selling Tips Newsletter Featurettes

3 Home Improvement Projects with Great Return on Investment

Looking for a home improvement project that will provide a high return-on-investment at resale? What about one that won’t need a small loan to accomplish?  A national Cost vs. Value Report recently evaluated projects across our area in order to come up with the ones that have the most bang for your buck.

 

Three of the projects they outlined cost less than $1,500 but have returns on investment of 73 to 129 percent.
Here are the short project descriptions and cost breakouts.

Attic insulation with fiberglass

Whether you use your attic as a storage space or are thinking of repurposing it as a living area, it’s critical that the area is insulated. By sealing off your attic with fiberglass insulation, you’ll spend an average of $1,300 and you could recoup $1,470 upon resale.  That’s right, you should theoretically make money by insulating your attic. Additionally, you should see a drop in your heating and cooling bills once your attic is insulated. When it comes to your return on investment, attic insulation is one of the top-returning home improvement projects you can take on.

 

Garage door replacement

Whether your garage door has had an unfortunate run-in with your mini-van or it’s simply dingy after too many Central Kentucky winters, the time has likely come for it to be replaced. With a cost of just $1,650 on average and a 73 percent return on investment, you won’t lose much money on this project whether you sell this spring or in a few years.

 

Entry door replacement

There’s a reason front doors are often used on homeowner magazines, movie posters and book covers — they’re eye-catching and draw in attention. This is especially true when it comes to buying a new home. Most staging and home seller tips recommend that sellers purchase a new front door or paint their current front door so it’s bright and inviting. Whether a buyer is looking online or driving by in person, a bright front door will capture their interest.

 

The Cost vs. Value Report verifies that this isn’t just a great trick for drawing buyer attention, it can also pay off at closing. Across our area, this project should cost $1,380 and could recoup $1,775 — a return on investment of 129 percent!

 

 

Categories
Home Insights Home Owning Tips Newsletter Featurettes

Tax Benefits of Homeownership

Homeownership has many benefits — and some of the primary financial benefits come at tax time!  Here are some key points you need to know about homeownership and taxes:

 

Deductibility of property taxes

As a homeowner, you are required to pay an annual property tax on your home (if you are a renter, you’re already paying your landlord’s property taxes; it’s just included in your monthly rental payment).  This annual tax can provide a nice deduction on your tax return!

The amount of property tax you pay is based on the area in which you live (how much money the local government requires) and the value of your home.  In Kentucky, the local tax assessor determines the value of your home via periodic appraisals.  If you believe that the assessor’s value is incorrect, you can challenge it, sometimes by simply calling or visiting the assessor

 

Deductibility of mortgage interest payments and “points”

Income tax benefits of homeownership also include the ability to deduct mortgage interest payments on your tax return.  Plus, if you paid “mortgage points” when you purchased the home in order to reduce your interest rate, those costs may be deductible as well.

 

Exclusion for Capital Gains taxes

Almost every item you own, including your car and television, is a capital asset. But your home is one of the few capital assets that actually might increase in value over time — which is great in that it helps build equity. As a general rule, when you sell a capital asset that has increased in value, you need to pay what are called capital gains taxes.

When it comes to selling a home, however, most homeowners qualify for an exclusion of up to $250,000 of the gain. If you’re filing jointly, this exclusion rises to $500,000. This means that if your home rises in value, you can — up to a substantial point — reap benefits without being penalized at tax time.

 

Please note that these insights are not intended to provide specific tax or legal advice – be sure to see your CPA for the best advice concerning your own, unique situation.

 

Categories
Events Local Events Newsletter Featurettes

Events We Love! MARCH 2020

Spring is Coming!

We LOVE Lexington & Central Kentucky in the spring … and also these upcoming local events!


Keeneland Year-Round Tours

For guests interested in learning the history of Keeneland and an overview of operations for both racing and sales, guided walking tours are available. This outside walking tour with an experienced Tour Guide takes guests through the Keeneland Paddock and Grandstand, grounds, and when available, to the world-renowned Sales Pavilion. Following the track side tour, fans are invited to visit the Keeneland Library, one of the world’s largest repositories of information related to the Thoroughbred. Tickets may be purchased in advance online or at the Keeneland Welcome Center for $15 per person; children 12 and under are free. Tours will be limited to 25 people, so visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. The tour lasts for one hour and largely takes place outside – rain or shine. For your comfort, we ask that you dress for the weather and wear appropriate shoes for walking/standing/climbing stairs.

 

The Sketch: Willard Leroy Metcalf and Thomas Satterwhite Noble

  • Presented By: University of Kentucky Art Museum
  • Dates: January 25, 2020 – May 31, 2020
  • Recurrence: Recurring daily
  • Location: Singletary Center for the Arts
  • Phone: (859) 257-5716
  • Time: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
  • Price: Free

Artists’ sketchbooks can be visual diaries of foreign trips or a detailed accounting of domestic bird sightings, accompanied by detailed notes on plumage. All of these and more can be found in the sketchbooks and loose sketches of the artists Willard Metcalf and Thomas Satterwhite Noble.


41st Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Sat, Mar 14, 10:45 AM – 7:45 PM
in 12 days
 
Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza
120 N Limestone, Lexington, KY

The parade and festival are part of an all-day celebration that begins at 8 a.m. with the Shamrock Shuffle to benefit Lexington Habitat for Humanity. At 10:45 a.m., the “Blessing of the Keg” at the Alltech tents at Robert F. Stephens Courthouse kicks off the free festival. The parade begins at 1 p.m., rain or shine.

 

There’s More to Do in the Month of March! #LexHaveFun

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Events Newsletter Featurettes

February Events for 2020!

Enjoy these activities in Lexington and Central Kentucky!

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VISITLEX.com

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Events Newsletter Featurettes

Sellabration 2020!

Sellabration – Our Annual Kick-Off event at Rector Hayden REALTORS®

We kicked off our 2020 season, with our award ceremony, “Sellabration”! It was a fabulous time celebrating the success of each one of our real estate agents in our Rector Hayden REALTORS family.

Every year, we look forward to this gathering to embrace each other’s achievements, and encourage each other in our businesses.  We’re honored to work with our amazing agents, leaders in the brokerage, and full-time staff who work hard every single day in our community.

The full album of photos from our event can be found on our facebook page

› 2020 President’s Club Awards ‹

  • Halfhill Auction Group
  • Alma Hopkins
  • Eve Stern
  • The Gary Denton Group
  • Castle Key Group
  • Cindy Shryock
  • Karen Burns
  • Shannon Foster
  • Harold and Cindy Taylor
  • Randy Adkins
  • Caitlin Mittle
  • The Delaney Team
  • Louis and Susan Baldwin
  • Mary Ann Simpson
  • Nancy Smith
  • Feola Williams Group
  • The Hamilton Montgomery Group
  • Anne Osborne

 

 

We honored a very important goal for our agents:

The Platinum Producer Award

Rector Hayden’s highest honor- TOP 10. 

 

  1. Riddell-Smith Group

  2. The Justice Group

  3. Jeri Hartley

  4. Laura Hayden

  5. The Bells

  6. The Woeste Group

  7. Humes Ward Team

  8. KY Shines Group

  9. Chad Helm

  10. Cathy Cornett-Wilson

 

Categories
Events Newsletter Featurettes

What Lexington Eats, in 2020

A new decade means new opportunities and possibilities for Lexington’s ever changing food scene.

https://images.pexels.com/photos/6267/menu-restaurant-vintage-table.jpg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=1&w=500

 

Find out more at ACE WEEKLY

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Newsletter Featurettes Uncategorized

6 Tricks to Sticking to Your New Year’s Resolutions

Have you made New Year’s resolutions in the past only to forget about them before the end of January? Most of us have, but it doesn’t have to be that way. HSA℠ provides six tips for sticking to your 2020 resolutions.

For more info: http://www.onlinehsa.com/mediacenter/19-12-10/6_Tricks_to_Sticking_to_Your_New_Year_s_Resolutions.aspx

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Newsletter Featurettes Uncategorized

5 Reasons to Consider Downsizing in 2020

5 reasons to consider downsizing

 

According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), nearly 70 percent of homeowners over the age of 65 have paid off their mortgage, allowing them more options than younger homeowners. With equity built up, the ability to sell for a profit is more likely for this demographic, who can then choose to spend their earnings however they choose.

Here are five reasons you should consider downsizing your home this year.

 

Buy a smaller home with cash

Some homeowners will find that by downsizing, they can earn enough to buy a less expensive home in cash, and end up mortgage-free in a new abode. NAR says this is a very common route for those nearing retirement. Last year, homeowners between ages 55 and 74 who sold their home for a median price of $250,000 went on to purchase a home that was worth a median price of around $215,000.

 

Less time and money spent on upkeep

Larger family homes can take up tens of hours a week to keep up and cost more to cool in the summer and heat in the winter. Those who raised families may find that the three-story home they needed in the past is impractical now. NAR’s data supports this, showing that the median size home purchased by those over the age of 55 was between 1,800 and 1,930 square feet. This is a major downsizing from the age group of 35-44 years old, whose median home purchase size was 2,600 square feet.

 

Embrace the now

Many homeowners will find that their four bedroom split level was great for raising a big family, but now they tend to use their home for weekend visitors and casual get-togethers. The right home for this new lifestyle may be an open floor plan that includes guest quarters and attached bathrooms instead of many smaller bedrooms and bathrooms. Last year, NAR found that homeowners over the age of 55 had a median of three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Great rooms also tend to replace living rooms and dining rooms — and larger, eat-in kitchens are common to save space and keep the floor plan open.

 

Look forward

Last year, NAR reported that 13 percent of buyers over the age of 50 purchased senior-friendly homes or units in active senior communities. In many cases, then, this age group is not only planning for the “now,” they are also planning for the future. One-level homes with open floor plans, larger rooms and wider hallways prove to be great not only for entertaining guests, but they also will be wheelchair and senior accessible in the future.

 

Gain flexibility

Last, and perhaps most importantly, it’s finally your time to choose. By selling your home, you can regain the flexibility you gave up as you pursued your career and family aspirations. Many approaching retirement in Lexington and Central Kentucky are looking at a downtown condo and a summer rental out of state. Others are looking at townhomes with modern conveniences and a homeowner’s association that handles basic yard and sidewalk maintenance. Still others are wondering if it’s time to retire full-time to the lake home that has been a precious summer escape. Now, unlike any time previously, you can make the choice that best suits you, and no one else!

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Home Insights Home Owning Tips Home Selling Tips Newsletter Featurettes

Sellabration 2020!


Sellabration – Our Annual Kick-Off event at Rector Hayden REALTORS®

We kicked off our 2020 season, with our award ceremony, “Sellabration”! It was a fabulous time celebrating the success of each one of our real estate agents in our Rector Hayden REALTORS family.

Every year, we look forward to this gathering to embrace each other’s achievements, and encourage each other in our businesses.  We’re honored to work with our amazing agents, leaders in the brokerage, and full-time staff who work hard every single day in our community.

The full album of photos from our event can be found on our facebook page

› 2020 President’s Club Awards ‹

  • Halfhill Auction Group
  • Alma Hopkins
  • Eve Stern
  • The Gary Denton Group
  • Castle Key Group
  • Cindy Shryock
  • Karen Burns
  • Shannon Foster
  • Harold and Cindy Taylor
  • Randy Adkins
  • Caitlin Mittle
  • The Delaney Team
  • Louis and Susan Baldwin
  • Mary Ann Simpson
  • Nancy Smith
  • Feola Williams Group
  • The Hamilton Montgomery Group
  • Anne Osborne

 

 

We honored a very important goal for our agents:

The Platinum Producer Award

Rector Hayden’s highest honor- TOP 10. 

 

  1. Riddell-Smith Group

  2. The Justice Group

  3. Jeri Hartley

  4. Laura Hayden

  5. The Bells

  6. The Woeste Group

  7. Humes Ward Team

  8. KY Shines Group

  9. Chad Helm

  10. Cathy Cornett-Wilson

 



Categories
Events Newsletter Featurettes

Local Events to start the year right

Another wonderful new year has arrived, and with it come these fun activities and events to enjoy in Lexington and Central Kentucky!


 

The Good Earth

January 1, 2020 – February 9, 2020

Times: Varies

Location: The University of Kentucky Art Museum
Address: Singletary Center
Lexington, KY 40508
Phone: (859) 257-5716Admission: Free
 
Julian Dupré’s In the Pasture takes center stage in this exhibition that looks at the power of the land—as a source of nourishment as well as a marker of place and history.

Mystery Dinner Theatrehttps://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/62207932437bf15179a61ca015ccfcbffe0c0f4b/c=37-0-988-715/local/-/media/2018/03/08/USATODAY/USATODAY/636560991347873665-Kentucky---The-Kentucky-Castle-2.jpg?width=540&height=405&fit=crop

January 1, 2020 – January 20, 2020

Times: Varies

Location: The Kentucky Castle

Address: 230 Pisgah Pike
                 Versailles, KY 40383

Admission: $75

Enjoy an evening at The Kentucky Castle with an Interactive Mystery Dinner Theatre performance! With a buffet dinner prepared by their award-winning chef in the Grand Ballroom and social seating.

 

UK v Missouri

January 4, 2020 @ 2:00pm
Location: Rupp Arena
Address: 430 West Vine Street Lexington, KY. , Lexington, KY 40507
 
 
The Wildcats play their home games in Rupp Arena, a facility named for their former coach, Adolph Rupp. Rupp Arena is the largest arena in the United States built specifically for basketball, with an official capacity of 23,500. As a result, Kentucky consistently ranks first in the nation in home game attendance. The team’s huge fan base is often referred to as the “Big Blue Nation” or the “Big Blue Mist”, the latter because the fans typically engulf tournament and neutral-site venues and cities. TV: ESPN/ESPN2/SEC NETWORK RADIO: UK SPORTS NETWORK
Find out more »

Keeneland January Sale

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January 13, 2020 – January 16, 2020
 
Times: All dayLocation:  Keeneland Race Course
Address: 4201 Versailles Road
Lexington, KY 40510Phone: 800-456-3412
 
 
Keeneland’s January Horses of All Ages Sale is noted for high-quality broodmare prospects and short yearlings (horses born the previous year) and for being among the final opportunities for breeders to obtain stock as breeding season nears. The 2020 edition will be held Jan. 13-17.

Who Holds The Devil

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January 22, 2020 – February 1, 2020
 
Times:  Starting: 07:00 PM
Location:  Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center
Address: 141 East Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507
Phone: (859) 425-2349
Admission: $20-$35
 
Who Holds the Devil draws on Goethe’s Faust as its literary basis and takes place in the not-so-distant future, where climate disaster has long since reached the ecological tipping point, resulting in civilization’s collapse. A band of surviving human beings (performed by Claire Beiber, Shayne Brakefield, Jenn Little, Samuel Lockridge, Raylee Magill, and Claire Rose) must journey to a remote location, where the potential to revitalize the earth’s ecosystems is rumored to exist. As the narrative unfolds, audience members and performers join forces to uncover lessons from the past. Performances will be highly interactive, with the outcome of the story depending heavily on choices made by audience members throughout the evening.

For More events please go to VisitLex.com