Exciting news — our official Lexington Office move date is here!
We’ll be closing down the Governors Lane office THIS FRIDAY MORNING.
Assuming all goes well with the phones/internet switch-over, we’ll then be ready to be open for business at our new location at 1099 Duval Street at 8am on Monday morning!
Here’s the plan for this Friday/Saturday/Sunday:
1. The Lexington Office at Governors Lane will no longer be open to the public beginning Friday, January 20th. We still have some last minute packing and moving to do, so we want everyone to stay safe… and stay away! Our new office on Duval Street will ALSO NOT be open to public or agents until Monday, January 23rd.
2. Our Lexington Office phones will be still be functioning and forwarded to staff to answer directly. They will contact agents immediately with messages as needed, transfer calls, answering showing requests, and assist in all matters you may normally call our office with.
Beginning at 8am on Monday morning, we should be set to resume all normal hours and normal activities at our new Lexington Office – at 1099 Duval Street!
If you haven’t yet seen the new space, you’re in for a treat – it is the nicest, newest, best-equipped real estate office in our region! Everything about the office has been designed and customized to ensure agent success in 2017…and many years to come! If you have a Rector Hayden agent, ask them to take you on a tour! If you don’t have a Rector Hayden agent, come visit us!!
Each year, the Lexington-Bluegrass Association of REALTORS® celebrates its agents and awards members who went above and beyond in the previous year. Being a part of the Central Kentucky Real Estate community is much like having a large family – we have fun together, bicker together, and harbor a healthy sense of competition. And the LBAR luncheon and recognition ceremony is like the extended family reunion where we can all join together and celebrate each other’s successes.
Rector Hayden had many fantastic faces applauded in this year’s presentation.
Laura Hayden receives Good Neighbor Award
The Good Neighbor Award is given to typically one outstanding agent for their service above and beyond to the community we serve. Laura has been passionately serving her community through many different amazing causes.
Laura served as the president for 2 years for the REALTOR®-Community Housing Foundation and has been a member of their board for over 15 years, nearly since its inception in 1992. RCHF “ensures that the housing needs of the Bluegrass are met through home rehabilitation for the elderly, homeownership counseling for potential homebuyers, and installation of access ramps for the disabled. By fostering a community commitment, RCHF’s goal is to empower families, strengthen neighborhoods and maximize the economy by opening doors to homeownership for those who might lose or may not otherwise have this opportunity (source).”
Laura Hayden has also been serving on the executive board for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Kentucky & Southern Indiana. She has been a major sponsor of the ‘Light the Night’ walk and had members of Rector Hayden design T-Shirts that she then sold for fundraising for LLS. This particular cause is very dear to Laura, not only for her strong heart and love for serving her community, but in that her mother, Maggie Hayden, passed away this past year after her battle with Leukemia.
As many of you know, 2016 was a tough year as I lost my Mom to her brave fight with Leukemia (ALS) in September. I certainly learned a tremendous amount from my Mom over the years – the valuable treasures to be found amongst the love of family and friends, entertaining for the special occasions along with the simple gatherings we made special and the importance of giving back to the community in the form of volunteering – just to name a few. – Laura Hayden, 01/05/2017
Hayden serves on the Board of Directors for the Lexington Children’s Theatre and for Ashland Terrace. Hayden also serves with the Junior League of Lexington, receiving the Alice Lang Vance Junior League Award in 2006-2007, an award given to an active member whose overall commitment to the Junior League of Lexington makes her a tremendous asset to the League. Each year, Laura Hayden also supports events through Cathedral of Christ the King, including Oktoberfest – a community staple in Lexington.
When asked about winning the Good Neighbor Award today, Laura Hayden laughed, “It was a complete surprise! I’d mostly gone in order to see my dad receive his 50-year pin. When they called my name for the Good Neighbor Award I was completely caught off guard. I turned my dad and said, ‘You knew about this!?'”
Rector Hayden REALTORS® is very proud of Laura Hayden’s recognition of community service and we will encourage her to continue on and compete for the National Association’s Good Neighbor Award which gives the winner a $10,000 grant to assist in their community efforts.
Co-founder of Rector Hayden REALTORS, Pat Hayden, receives 50 Year Service Pin at LBAR Luncheon
In October of 2016, we congratulated Pat Hayden on receiving the half-century award from the Kentucky Real Estate Commissio [read the article here].
Today, Hayden was recognized for his 50 years of real estate service by the Lexington-Bluegrass Association of REALTORS® with the 50 Year Pin. Without Pat Hayden, there would not be the strong company we have today. Pat is cherished by so many in the community, not just his work family. Much like his daughter, Pat has continued to careand serve through volunteerism and trusted work.
Pat Hayden was the Lexington Bluegrass Association of REALTORS® President in 1983 as well as named REALTOR® of the Year by LBAR in that same year! He was later given the REALTOR® of the Year Award again in a tie with his partner, Ray Rector in 1999. The REALTOR® of the Year award is given out to one agent each year that demonstrates superb REALTOR spirit, activity within the association, KAR / NAR involvement, community involvement, as well as business and education experience.
Pat has since retired from management at the Rector Hayden office but continues to offer community support and education in the real estate industry.
Don Hudson receives 45 Year Service Pin at LBAR Luncheon
Don Hudson, agent with Rector Hayden REALTORS® Lexington Office, received the 45 Year LBAR Service Pin recognition today.
Kevin grew up on a beautiful horse farm in Hebron, Kentucky – a true Bluegrass childhood. He previously volunteered to lead work-out programs for the University of Kentucky Football Team – including Randall Cobb!
A dedicated Lexingtonian all her life, Heather comes from a background in early childhood education and devotion to her own children as a stay at home mother. Heather received her degreein Early Childhood Education and worked as Pre-School teacher and a substitute teacher for Elementary level education. She also owns her own seasonal small business “With Bells On.” She is quite the Jane-Of-All-Trades.
A dog lover, a cat lover, and loves most other pets — Tim O’Neil is the best of both personalities! Tim received his bachelor’s degree in English and previously work in State Government, Teaching, and the Food & Beverage Industry.
Chris joins the Rector Hayden team after 15 years of experience with his family business in dimensional woodworking and then a 9 year career with Toyota Manufacturing. Chris is a proud parent and devoted Kentuckian
The Snowball Series Mounted Games is a mounted games schooling competition. Competitors are able to compete beginner novice, novice, intermediate, masters, fossils, and green pony divisions. Rides will compete in teams, pairs, or a three-rider pony pair in the games. This event is part of the Snowball Series, riders can compete in all of the competitions and receive awards.
From Georgetown News-Graphic: Do you worry about the security of your personal information when you use the internet? Are you concerned over potential hacking of your email, social network presence, and business transactions conducted online? This class will help you understand risks from spam, phishing, malware, browser tracking, and identity theft, and will provide advice on how best to protect yourself and your computers and mobile devices from these threats. Please Register.
Snowbird Dressage is a Kentucky Dressage Association sanctioned Dressage show. For more information, check out the Snowbird Dressage website. http://www.heronwoodfarmky.com/snowbirddressage.html Ride times will be posted online and on their Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/SnowbirdDressage/
From VisitLex: PIPPIN is a high-flying hit Broadway musical! Full of extraordinary acrobatics, wondrous magical feats and soaring songs from the composer of Wicked, PIPPIN will lift you up and leave you smiling. Join us for a magical, unforgettable new PIPPIN. Broadway Live & The Opera House Fund. Times: Friday 8 p.m. Saturday 2 and 8 p.m. Sunday 1 and 6:30 p.m.
From VisitLex: An inspiring and patriotic evening celebrating and raising funds for our veterans and their families. The event includes dinner, cash bar, live auctions, raffle items, live music with Jordan English and inspirational stories from keynote veterans. All proceeds from sponsorships, tickets and raffle/auctions will go to USA Cares, a non-profit organization with national reach. Starting: 6:00 PM Alltech Arena Admission:$50; Veterans are free.
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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!
Here are some thoughtful and easy gift ideas for you to consider if you know young or first-time homebuyers purchasing in Lexington or Central Kentucky.
(or…maybe you ARE a new homeowner and could benefit from some gift ideas to share with generous friends and relatives!)
Moving day pizza or local restaurant gift cards
Whether you’ll be helping on moving day or not, consider sending a pizza delivery to the new abode on the night the buyers will be moving in. While a surprise would be fun, it’s best to let them know in advance so they can plan for it. If you’re delivering pizza or dinner in person, bring a set of paper plates and napkins (and maybe a chilled bottle of champagne) so they create a memory they’ll never forget.
An alternative to this plan is to give a gift card to a new local restaurant they can try out in their first few days or weeks in their new area. Check out reviews in advance so you know you’re sending them somewhere great! We recommend looking through the VisitLex Beyond Grits: Local Restaurant Guide. See the online version here: http://www.visitlex.com/flavors/beyond-grits/
Hardware tore gift cards
Even the most perfect new house will have a few idiosyncrasies, and you can ease a homebuyer’s burden by giving them a credit to a local hardware store. Big-box stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot are perfect for handy homeowners who have big or small projects they want to complete.
For those who may need a bit more guidance and who will be tackling smaller projects, a local hardware store gift card works well. If they need a photo-hanging kit, the section at their local Ace Hardware may be less intimidating than the full aisle of options at a larger hardware store.
New Address Labels
Buyers often overlook the need for new address labels or an address stamp so this is a great idea they won’t be expecting. Online sites like Zazzle and Shutterfly have dozens of affordable designs available.
Plants
Most homeowners have plenty of picture frames from their previous residence, but they may not have indoor plants to jazz up the décor and freshen the air. Consider the size of their new home and their style as you select planters and plants.
Sheets, linens and towels
Linens of all kinds — bed sheets, pillow cases, comforters or quilts — will always be appreciated for new bedrooms. Extra towels, whether for the bathroom or kitchen, are also a great gift. Consider giving a gift receipt so they can exchange for the colors or types they prefer.
Homeowner essentials
When you’ve lived in an 800-square-foot apartment, extension cords may seem like a laughable item. Homeowners, on the other hand, will know that items like extension cords, power strips, extra light bulbs, cleaning solutions and even duct tape are must-have homeowner essentials. Deliver a small package of these items within one week of their move.
After a record-setting year in the local housing market, what can we expect in 2017? We’ve checked our crystal ball for indications of what the future holds for Central Kentucky home buyers and sellers!
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
• The Top 20 Real Estate Firms
• And breakdowns by counties in our coverage area!
Senior Sleigh has been one of the most rewarding programs Rector Hayden REALTORS has been able to participate in this year. And the best part was yet to come until many of our gracious volunteers, Santa included, helped to deliver the presents to Cambridge Place.
Faithful volunteers gathered their sleighs (vehicles) and assisted in loading over 100 gifts to take to Cambridge Place and hand out to the residents. Santa and his devoted elf helped sing Christmas carols and bring cheer to the residents.
We’re also appreciative of ABC36 WTVQ for interviewing Missy Ward – the founder of the Senior Sleigh program and helping bring attention to this fantastic cause.
Twas a Thursday prior to Christmas, and all through the halls; the laughter of agents was heard bouncing off the walls!
Who could ask for a better work family than the amazing folks here at Rector Hayden. We truly care about each other – not just in business transactions – but each other’s lives, families, trials and successes. We are all parents and children and sisters and brothers and friends to one another here – and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Rector Hayden is about family – and family first.
Here are some cute memories from our Christmas Feast this year! If you’re ever thinking about a new career or a brokerage change – these silly and loving folks would love for you to join ours. Or, if you’re ever in need of buying or selling assistance – trust these characters to treat you like their own family.
Why yes you may see Donald Trump and Kanye West as well as a few other famous celebrities along the back row…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BODSEJDgPf0/
As always – some of our more colorful agents put together a HILARIOUS skit that could put Saturday Night Live to shame!
THURSDAY DECEMBER 16,2016 – LEXINGTON, KY: Alex Trebek was welcomed back to host another episode of Celebrity Jeopardy at Rector Hayden on Thursday afternoon. The silver fox was accompanied by “Tricksie,” the ‘Elf-On-The-Shelf’ to help liven up the game a bit.
As always, Santa and Mrs. Claus return as the reigning champions of Celebrity Jeopardy – and their on-screen flirtacious chemistry makes for a ‘jolly’ good time!
Returning for a second chance at success, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian-West! Kanye was not thrilled with the papparazzi, asking one young women if she could “just take the photo,” rather than engage in conversation with him. Kim’s assets were apparent as well this afternoon.
Special guests to this year’s competition were Donald Trump, president-elect, and duaghter Ivanka Trump. Ivanka shared with the audience her new fashion jewelry line, themed for reindeer. Mr. Trump began by telling Alex Trebek, “Alex, You’re Fired.”
As contestants faced off, attempting to correctly answer the Jeopardy clues regarding famous Holiday minutiae – Tricksie distracted them with silly string, popping balloons, and at one point attempting to set fire to part of the stage!!!
The Donald impressed the audience with his finest speech stating:
I notice that there are some of us that are not here today. And that is due to them moving over toKeller WilliamsName Redacted for Security. I propose we build a wall between Rector Hayden and Keller Williams Name Redacted for Security. And, I’m going to make Keller Williams Name Redacted for Security PAY for that wall.
The audience’s cheers rose to astounding levels, a standing ovation, and some members of the audience wept with adoration.
Rector Hayden Realtors Proudly Welcomes Shiretha Dunn, Julie J. Mogge, Tim Saylor, Elizabeth Traugott, and Ryan Wilkins.
Shiretha Dunn Lexington Office sdunn@rhr.com
Dunn is originally from Chicago,IL. She has lived in central Kentucky for over 12 years where she attended UK. Prior to becoming a Realtor, Shiretha worked in the hospitality industry for 10 years.
Julie J. Mogge Lexington Office juliejmogge@rhr.com
Mogge is originally from Texas, but has lived in the Lexington area for the past 40 years. Prior to becoming a Realtor, Julie was raised and worked in the thoroughbred horse industry where she continues to participate. She has also spent the last 14 years at home raising her son.
Tim Saylor Lexington Office timsaylor@rhr.com
Saylor is a native Lexingtonian. Tim graduated from Jacksonville Theological Seminary with an Associates Degree in Religion. Prior to becoming a Realtor, he was Senior Pastor for 10 years, General Manager for SAMS for 13 years working in the Southeast part of the country. He has also built homes for 10 years and flipped homes for two.
Elizabeth Traugott, CSP, SFR, QSC Lexington Office
elizabetht@rhr.com
Wilkins graduated with a BBA in Business Management and a minor in Marketing. He also has a Master’s degree in Secondary Education Mathematics from the University of the Cumberlands. Ryan worked as a high school teacher in Fayette County for 3 years and is now a part of the Woodford County High School.