Categories
Events Local Events Newsletter Featurettes

October 2017 Events We Love!

October is filled with TREATS!

Local scenic beauty, Keeneland racing, fall festivals, trick-or-treaters and more – there’s SO MUCH to enjoy in Lexington and Central Kentucky in October!  Here are some of our favorites.

October 2 @ 8:00 am – October 6 @ 5:00 pm
KY Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Parkway 
Lexington, KY 40511 United States 
+ Google Map

Parents: plan your vacation to Lexington around a unique horse experience for your children. Explore the area on your own during the day while your children ride, learn about stable management, equine care and the history of the horse and explore behind the scenes at the Kentucky Horse Park. Open to all experience levels ages 8 to 16. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. leaving evenings are free for family activities.

Find out more »


Discovery Night: Dogs on Patrol

October 5 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Living Arts & Science Center, 362 North Martin Luther King BLVD 
Lexington, KY 40508 United States 
+ Google Map

Meet the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Division of Police Canine Unit – a group of highly trained dogs, able to detect explosives, search buildings, sniff out illegal drugs, help with patrols, and even apprehend criminals! Think your dog can do that? Come learn more about these amazing animals and the officers that work with them! While you’re here, meet some lovable animals from the Lexington Humane Society and create some unique canine art to take home!

Find out more »


Night Market October 2017

October 6 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Night Market, 700 Bryan Ave 
Lexington, KY United States 
+ Google Map
FREE

Night Market A monthly pop-up open air-market/street festival held on the first Friday of every month May through December.  Night Market highlights the creativity of local neighborhood businesses, artists, and nonprofits and brings people from all over the region to Lexington’s Northside. Want to know more about NoLi Neighborhood and the Night Market? Read our piece on the November 2016 Night Market here, https://news.rhr.com/neighborhood-insights-north-limestone/ 

Find out more »


Seniors Real Estate Seminar with The Justice Group

October 10 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Rector Hayden Realtors, 1099 Duval St. Suite 250 
Lexington, KY 40515 United States 
+ Google Map
FREE

Join The Justice Group and Rector-Hayden Mortgage for this FREE seminar – open to the public. If you, or a loved one, are over the age of 50 and looking to buy or sell real estate – learn what opportunities are available for you! Lisa and Lura are SRES® Designated Realtors – meaning they have the education best suited to help clients 50+. Refreshments provided. PLEASE RSVP by Emailing thejusticegroup@rhr.com or by phone 859-338-6099 First 25 to RSVP will be…

Find out more »


Kentucky Guild of Artists & Craftsmen Fall Fair

October 14 @ 8:00 am – October 15 @ 5:00 pm
Indian Fort Theatre, 2047 Big Hill Road 
Berea, KY 40403 United States 
+ Google Map

The Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen’s Fall Fair is an event you cannot afford to miss. Kentucky’s finest artists and crafts persons — KGAC’s veteran members along with our newest members and guest artists from across Kentucky — will impress you with the highest quality work in glass, ironwork, jewelry, pottery, wood, photography and 2D fine art.

Find out more »


Pumpkinmania

October 24 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Transylvania University – Haggin Hall, 300 North Broadway 
Lexington, KY 40508 United States 
+ Google Map

This year’s #TransyPumpkinMania will be re-“vamped!” Third Street will be closed off. There will be food trucks, music, plenty of candy for trick-or-treaters and free, nearby parking. Hundreds of jack-o’-lanterns on the steps of historic Old Morrison off West Third Street will be lit! Trick-or-treating will be from 6-7 p.m. with the jack-o’-lantern lighting at 7. Don’t miss this Lexington Halloween tradition!

Find out more »


Categories
Home Insights Housing Market Report Newsletter Featurettes

October 2017 Market Report

The Monthly Market Report

Our local housing market continues to be very active!
See all the latest info and trends, in our exclusive Monthly Market Report! 

Our exclusive Market Report has all the latest information on the local real estate market – compiled by the experts at Rector Hayden Realtors!

  • • Overall market trends
  • • Number of homes on the market in EACH price range
  • • Number of homes selling in those ranges
  • • Average Sales Price
  • • And breakdowns by counties in our coverage area!

 

market report with shadow

 
Categories
Home Buying Tips Home Insights Newsletter Featurettes

Considering Buying a Condo or Townhouse?

Here’s what you need to know

Any homeowner shoveling several inches of snow, or addressing roof damage caused by a storm, has probably experienced thoughts of buying a condo or townhouse. The principal benefit of these types of properties is that much of the maintenance is handled by an Association — or in other words, someone other than you!

Should you decide to buy a condo or townhouse, you’ll want to review all the Association rules, policies and all documents carefully. Here are a few insights on what you should look for.

Look for potential costs of owning the unit

The freedom from certain maintenance obligations doesn’t come free of cost. Here are some things you should look for to better understand those costs:

  • Check the documentation to see what the regular Association fee is, and the due date. Typically, fees are charged monthly.
  • See if there are any plans for large improvements or repair projects. A share of these costs could be assessed to you in addition to your typical monthly fees.
  • You should be given a current budget for the Association. Review the budget to determine if there are sufficient reserves to handle unexpected maintenance costs.
  • Understand what the Association is required to maintain, and what is considered your responsibility as an owner.

 

Look for rules that may affect how you wish to use your home

Unlike a traditional single-family home, there may be restrictions on how you can use your townhome or condo. Some key restrictions may include:

  • A prohibition or limitation on pets
  • Restrictions on how your unit can be altered or improved
  • Limitations on renting the property
  • Not allowing the property to be used for a home business

The documents you receive as part of your townhome or condo purchase contain vital information.  Be sure to take the time to read them, so you can ensure that you’re able to use the residence as intended.

 

 


Get an idea of what your perfect condo or townhouse may look like!
Browse Rector Hayden’s current condo and townhouse listings:
http://www.rhr.com/condos-and-townhouses-for-sale.aspx

 

Categories
Home Insights Home Selling Tips Newsletter Featurettes

How to Sell Your Home for Top Dollar This Fall

Stage for success

Fall is here!  With it comes the fresh autumn air, colorful leaves, front porches adorned with pumpkins, gourds and corn stalks—and a great opportunity to sell your home. In fact, you may be surprised to know that more than a quarter of real estate activity takes place in the last several months of the year!

While many properties — especially those in lower and mid-level price points – continue to sell quickly, sellers in ALL price ranges are still competing with one another. Fortunately, a well-staged home can give you a leg up on the competition and help you get top dollar this fall.


Exterior adjustments

First, focus on the exterior. Keep your lawn freshly cut, and rake and bag leaves daily. Play up autumn by using potted plants and flowers like mums, which come in gorgeous hues, as well as pumpkins and other gourds to give a front porch or steps extra curb appeal.

Steer clear of over-the-top seasonal decorations (think scarecrows, mummies, ghosts and goblins) that may turn buyers off and keep them from focusing on the attractive features of your home.


Interior additions

When it comes to the interior of your home, it’s important to keep it cozy but accessible. Remove photos and personal mementos so potential buyers can easily picture themselves and their belongings in the space. To keep your home looking warm and inviting, add soft blankets and pillows to the couch and light the fireplace if you have one.

Autumn temperatures can be unpredictable, so pay attention to forecasts in order to keep your home at a comfortable temperature to create a warm impression with potential buyers. The scents of fall—like apple-scented candles, cider or pumpkin spice—can be a nice addition to a kitchen or living area as well.


Lighting tips

For lighting, the key is to maintain a bright space that doesn’t look stark. During the day, keep your window treatments open to draw in fall’s natural lighting. At night, turn on side table lamps and overhead lights as well.

When it comes to evening showings, don’t forget to ensure potential buyers can easily view your home’s exterior and appreciate its appeal. Turn on pathway lights and other outdoor lights to make sure visitors are sure-footed.


 

Categories
Celebrations

HSoA Acquires The Long & Foster Companies

Press Release via HomeServices of America®, Rector Hayden Realtors’ parent company, a Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate

 
HomeServices of America® Acquires The Long & Foster Companies

 

Transaction Positions HomeServices to Become Nation’s Leading Home Ownership Services Provider

 

MINNEAPOLIS (Sept. 7, 2017) — HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced that it has acquired The Long & Foster Companies, Inc., the largest private residential real estate company in the United States by sales volume. The acquisition includes Long & Foster’s family of companies, including Long & Foster Real Estate and its market-leading affiliated business lines in mortgage, settlement services, insurance, and property management. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, Long & Foster Real Estate is the largest independent residential real estate brand by volume and the second largest independent brand by units according to the 2017 REAL Trends 500 report. The company has approximately 11,000 agents in over 230 offices serving buyers and sellers in major markets across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond, including Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. In 2016, Long & Foster Real Estate had nearly $29 billion in sales volume and more than 81,000 home sale transactions; Prosperity Mortgage originated $3.3 billion in home loans, representing nearly 12,000 mortgages; Long & Foster’s settlement services companies closed over 20,000 title and escrow transactions; and Long & Foster Insurance issued approximately 8,300 property and casualty insurance policies.

Founded in 1968 by Wes Foster and Henry Long, Long & Foster’s family of companies has grown to become one of the nation’s foremost real estate and financial services companies. The Long & Foster name is synonymous with providing clients the highest level of customer service, local expertise, and resources, all delivered by a team of knowledgeable agents using the firm’s renowned innovative technologies and data-driven insights.

Wes Foster will remain with the company as Chairman Emeritus. Jeff Detwiler, Long & Foster’s current president and chief operating officer, will assume the role of chief executive officer and, together with the existing team of enterprise and business line leaders, will oversee growth initiatives and continue to manage day-to-day operations.

“Finding the right partner to maintain the legacy, culture, and integrity of Long & Foster was of utmost importance to me,” said Foster. “I couldn’t be more pleased that we are joining an organization known for its impeccable reputation and commitment to protecting brands. Joining HomeServices ensures that our history of market leadership and industry expertise continues.”

“The Long & Foster brand and its legacy of integrity and service will continue as it has for the past 50 years,” said Detwiler. “Joining HomeServices makes us an even stronger company. HomeServices is an outstanding organization that shares our commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. This is a clear win for our clients, agents, and employees.”

 

The acquisition expands HomeServices’ presence in the Mid-Atlantic region to Washington D.C. and Baltimore and extends its national footprint to Virginia and West Virginia. Adding the Long & Foster brand positions HomeServices to be the nation’s largest home ownership services provider based on transactions, according to the 2017 Real Trends 500 report. With this transaction, HomeServices now has more than 41,000 real estate professionals operating in 30 states and the District of Columbia. In 2017, the company expects its sales associates to facilitate over $123 billion in residential real estate sales, nearly 340,000 home sale transactions, and nearly 200,000 mortgage, insurance, title, and escrow transactions.

“This is an important transaction for HomeServices and we are incredibly proud to have The Long & Foster Companies join the HomeServices family,” said Ron Peltier, HomeServices’ chairman and CEO. “Wes, together with his executive team, regional leaders, sales managers, and agents, has built an extraordinary organization that exemplifies an exceptional level of expertise, vision, and leadership. We are honored to be part of Long & Foster’s future and are committed to its continued growth and success.”

 

 

###

 

 

About HomeServices of America
With the 2017 acquisitions, HomeServices of America is positioned to be the country’s largest residential real estate brokerage company and, through its operating companies, is one of the largest providers of integrated real estate services. HomeServices of America is the majority owner of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Prudential Real Estate, and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks. HomeServices is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Energy, a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. HomeServices’ operating companies offer integrated real state services including brokerage services, mortgage originations, title and closing services, property and casualty insurance, home warranties, and other homeownership services. HomeServices Relocation, LLC, is the full-service relocation arm of HomeServices of America, which provides every aspect of domestic and international relocation to corporations around the world. Information about HomeServices is available at www.homeservices.com. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, and are used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential.

About Long & Foster® Companies
The Long & Foster Companies is the parent company of Long & Foster Real Estate, the No. 1 private residential real estate company in the United States by sales volume, and is the leading provider of homeownership services in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region. In addition to its real estate arm, The Long & Foster Companies consist of Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC, Long & Foster Insurance, and Long & Foster Settlement Services, as well as Long & Foster Property Management, Long & Foster Vacation Rentals and Long & Foster Corporate Real Estate Services.

About Long & Foster® Real Estate
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., is the No. 1 private residential real estate company in the United States by sales volume. The company is part of The Long & Foster Companies, which also includes prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC, Long & Foster Insurance and Long & Foster Settlement Services. Long & Foster Real Estate is the exclusive affiliate for Christie’s International Real Estate throughout select parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, and it is a founding affiliate of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, a prestigious global network of real estate professionals that includes the Luxury Portfolio International division.

Long & Foster Real Estate has over 220 offices, stretching from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Fair Haven, New Jersey, and from Charles Town, West Virginia, to the Atlantic Ocean, and it represents more than 11,000 agents in seven Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states, plus the District of Columbia. Visit www.LongandFoster.com for more information.

###
____________________________________________________________________________
PRESS RELEASE CONTACT:
Caroline Underwood (for HomeServices of America)
P. 305-588-7108, E. cunderwood@krepspr.com
Vicki Bendure (for The Long & Foster Companies)
P. 202-374-9259, E. vicki@bendurepr.com

Categories
Housing Market Report Newsletter Featurettes

The Monthly Market Report: September 2017

The Monthly Market Report

Our local housing market continues to be very active!
See all the latest info and trends, in our exclusive Monthly Market Report! 

Our exclusive Market Report has all the latest information on the local real estate market – compiled by the experts at Rector Hayden Realtors!

  • • Overall market trends
  • • Number of homes on the market in EACH price range
  • • Number of homes selling in those ranges
  • • Average Sales Price
  • • And breakdowns by counties in our coverage area!

 

market report with shadow

 
Categories
Home Insights Home Selling Tips Newsletter Featurettes

Key Insights For Selling This Fall

Although fall can be a challenging time of year to move if you’re a buyer or seller with school-aged children, fall buyers are typically highly-motivated — meaning that sellers could get a faster path to the closing table.  Our gorgeous local fall scenery makes it easy to show off the natural beauty of a neighborhood and the homes within it!

Here are some of the pros and cons you’ll want to consider as you make your decision.

Pros of selling a home in the fall

Less competition

Inventory in our local market is always higher in the spring and summer, and the number of homes for sale usually dips in the early fall. If you decide to list your home this autumn, it may stand out amidst the condensed inventory available.

Motivated buyers

Many families are hoping to accomplish their move by the holidays, or before the second half of the school year begins — so buyers looking in the fall tend to be highly motivated. You could benefit from buyers who are ready to move quickly.

Autumn staging is a breeze

While you’ll have to stay on top of raking and bagging your leaves, staging your home in the fall is relatively easy. The natural beauty of the changing leaves will do half the work for you, and staging tips from your Rector Hayden Agent will get you the rest of the way there.

Cons of selling a home in the fall

Time is precious

For many, fall is the busiest time of year. It’s important to remember that the upkeep of your home’s interior and exterior will be critical to selling your home this season.  Consider cutting back on other less significant plans and commitments so you’ll be up to the task.

Uprooting can be hard

If you’re a parent of a school-aged child, it can be difficult to move across districts in the middle of the school year. However, studies have shown that kids actually adapt very quickly when the transition is accomplished during the middle of the school year.  Immediately having new friends and new experiences can be a good thing!


Ready to sell?

Whether you’re ready to list your home or want the insights of a local market expert, we can help. Contact your Rector Hayden Agent today!

Categories
Home Insights Home Selling Tips Newsletter Featurettes

Tips to Pass Your Home Inspection When Selling

The vast majority of Central Kentucky homebuyers will want to have a thorough home inspection performed as soon as their offer is accepted by the seller. Here are five tips on how to ensure that when selling, you pass your home inspection with the fewest issues possible.

 

1. Unfettered Access

First tip to pass your home inspection, provide unfettered access to your electric panels, heating and cooling systems and your attic. The inspector will need to assess all of these areas, so it’s best to let them get in easily. Remember also to clean the space below your sinks so the inspector can easily assess your pipes.


2. Appliance Check

Second, be sure to empty all your appliances to facilitate the inspection (except your refrigerator, of course).  That means your washer, dryer, dishwasher and stove should all be fully empty and ready to test.


3. Documentation

Next – if possible — provide full documentation of your appliances, systems and any work you’ve had done on them. For example, “if you’ve had an engineer inspect a crack in your foundation and there’s nothing wrong with your structure, display that report so the home inspector doesn’t have to be concerned about the crack,” says a local inspection company.

You can even attempt to provide the manuals for appliances by using online resources like GE’s Appliance Manual online center: http://www.geappliances.com/ge/service-and-support/literature.htm


4. Light The Way

One incredibly simple tip – replace ALL light bulbs so the inspector won’t have to worry about whether a burnt out bulb is really an issue with your wiring. 


5. Get Outta There

Last, get out of there!  Think of the inspection as another home showing – you need to be out of sight and out of mind so the inspector can speak freely with the buyers and their agent. And if at all possible, take your pets with you or arrange for them to be visiting a friend or relative during the inspection time.


 

These tips are a great starting point to helping pass your home inspection. Remember, your real estate agent is your best resource throughout the entire listing process. They are there to guide you through each part of the transaction and answer any questions that you have. Rector Hayden REALTORS® are trained to handle the different situations that occur in our market and are dedicated to the success of your sale.


 

How Sellers Can Pass The Appriasal

Maybe you’d also find this article helpful? How Sellers Can Pass Their Appraisal

Categories
Agent Highlights

Actor Johnny Depp’s Bluegrass Farm Being Offered At Public Auction

Special Press Release – For Immediate Distribution

Actor Johnny Depp’s Bluegrass Farm Being Offered At Public Auction
By The Halfhill Auction Group & Rector Hayden Realtors

A very special property, only 2 miles from Keeneland!

Lexington/Central Kentucky (August, 2017) – The Halfhill Auction Group with Gary Denton (Listing Agent) & Rector Hayden Realtors are excited to announce that they will be auctioning a very special Central Kentucky property next month – a Bluegrass Horse Farm owned by famous actor Johnny Depp. The auction will be held at the property on Friday, September 15, 2017 at 11 a.m. EDT.

This premier Bluegrass horse farm is located only 2 miles from the world renowned Keeneland Race Course, and features 41 acres (+/-) with a 6,000 square foot house. Amenities include 6 bedrooms, 7 baths, gourmet kitchen, sunroom and inground pool. Also included are 3 barns and 10 paddocks (with automatic water).

“This is a gorgeous farm with tremendous potential,” said Jim Halfhill, Senior Auctioneer of the Halfhill Auction Group. “There has been an amazing level of domestic and international interest in this property due to its famous owner, and we’re proud to have been selected as the auction company to conduct this sale. It’s a wonderful opportunity for buyers wanting a unique farm very close to Lexington – one that won’t come along again anytime soon!”

 

The Halfhill Auction Group, and Listing Agent Gary Denton with Rector Hayden Realtors, will be holding an open house for prospective buyers on two Sundays next month — September 3rd and 10th – from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. each day.

The auction on September 15th will feature live, onsite bidding as well as a live webcast. Additional information can be found at http://www.halfhillauctions.com/Johnny-Depp-Farm/


Halfhill Auction Group

The Halfhill Auction Group has been serving the Central Kentucky area for over 25 years, and enjoys a reputation as the premier auction team in the region. The team, comprised of Jim Halfhill Sr., Jim Halfhill Jr., Kristin Halfhill-Larimore, and Elizabeth Halfhill, takes great pride in having been voted Lexington and Central Kentucky’s Favorite Auction Team for several years. More information about the Halfhill Auction Group and upcoming auctions is available at www.HalfhillAuctions.com.

Rector Hayden Realtors

Rector Hayden Realtors is Lexington and Central Kentucky’s leading real estate firm, with over 230 sales professionals in 4 office locations. Rector Hayden is owned by HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and provides superior real estate and mortgage services in the Central Kentucky area. Rector Hayden has been voted Lexington and Central Kentucky’s Favorite Real Estate Company for several years. More information about Rector Hayden’s agents and offices is available at www.RectorHayden.com.


Questions about this press release can be directed to Keith Rector (krector@rhr.com) or to Kristin Halfhill-Larimore via www.HalfhillAuctions.com.

Categories
Local Events Newsletter Featurettes

Events we LOVE this Month!

Whether you’re into football, farmer’s markets or festivals – you’ll find so much to enjoy in Lexington and Central Kentucky in September!  Here are some of our favorites.

 

Lexington Roots & Heritage Festival

September 8 @ 8:00 am – September 10 @ 5:00 pm

Lexington Roots & Heritage Festival A pinnacle of regional diversity providing entertainment & education for all ages. The colorful pageantry of the festival, combined with its high quality offerings of cultural and educational programs, has earned its recognition as one of the Top Twenty Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society and One of the Top Ten Festivals in Kentucky. 
Find out more »

 


 

5k Superhero Run

September 9 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm  |  KY Horse Park

There will be a 1K for kids 12 and under (begins @ 8:30AM) and a 5K for all ages (begins @ 9AM). The 5K is a competitive distance verified course with chip timing. However, walkers are welcome! Many fun family activities, including face painting, bouncers, games, crafts and food.   Details Saturday, September 9, 2017 – Saturday, September 9, 2017 Venue: Kentucky Horse Park

Find out more »

 

 

Summer Japan Festival

September 9 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
 
Summer Japan Festival This year’s Summer Festival is set to be the best one yet! Traditional musicians and performers, a ninja obstacle course, marketplace, and more await – with plenty of cultural booths and activities for the kids. Fun for the whole family.
Find out more »
 

First Time Home Buyer Seminar

September 12 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Have you ever wondered how to start the process of buying your first home? Please come and attend a free seminar that will help you learn how to pursue your dreams! Find out more »

 

 

SpoonBread Festival 2017

September 15 @ 8:00 am – September 17 @ 5:00 pm
 

Tons of FREE family fun for all ages! 2017 Schedule of Events coming soon! Check https://www.spoonbreadfestival.com/ for more info! 1-Mile Fun Walk, 5K Run, Antique Tractor Show, Car Show, Corn Hole Tournament, Dog Show, Hot Air Balloon Glow and Rides, Motorcycle Poker Run / Show / Rally, Pageant, Parade… Find out more »


HarvestLEX 2017

September 19 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm  |  Manchester Music Hall

The Bluegrass Chapter of the KRA will host its inaugural 2017 Harvest Lex (presented by Visit LEX and Beyond Grits) in partnership with Manchester Music Hall. Lexington’s finest restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries will be offering up tastes of their best harvest, in celebration of our community of great food and great people! Find out more »

 

KY National Horse Show

September 20 @ 8:00 am – September 24 @ 5:00 pm  |  Alltech Arena at the KY Horse Park Find out more »

Anderson County Burgoo Festival

September 22 @ 8:00 am – September 24 @ 5:00 pm
 
LOTS OF BURGOO  Lots of burgoo, music, and entertainment, and vendors of all kinds. Find out more »


SCAREFEST 2017

September 29 @ 8:00 am – October 1 @ 5:00 pm  |  Lexington Center & RUPP Arena

Cars that are possessed by evil spirits, psychics and mediums, professional ghost hunters, science fiction stars and authors, you have to see this event to believe it. ScareFest will “make all your screams come true”! Find out more »


 

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

Family Friendly Events  | ? Equestrian Events ? | ? Farmers Markets ? | ? Live Music  ? |  FREE Events