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January 2020 – Monthly Housing Market Report

Our local housing market has had a good start to the new year!

Be sure to check out our exclusive Market Report — with all the latest information on the local real estate market – compiled by the experts at Rector Hayden Realtors! 

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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

 



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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

https://www.keeneland.com/sites/default/files/styles/img_responsive_thumb_16x9/public/K%202016%20JAN%20SALES%2020%20.jpg?itok=i_33t7bQ

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

Categories
Home Insights

Twinkle Twinkle Simple

Holiday Tips & Tricks

Have More, Do Less

The holiday season is full of bustling from one place to another, seeing friends and family near and far. It’s also time consuming, so here are some tips to make your holiday season easier and richer. If you find yourself caught up in the kitchen for too many hours cooking for guests, here is a great brunch recipe to make the DAY BEFORE, so that you can enjoy opening presents and making rich memories!

Sausage & Egg Souffle

6 eggs
2 cups milk
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 pound sausage
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Instructions: Crumble and brown sausage. Drain on paper towel. In a bowl, beat the eggs. Add milk, salt, mustard and bread cubes. Mix well. Add cheese and sausage. Place in lightly greased 8″ x 12″ dish. Place in refrigerator overnight. On Christmas or New Years morning, bake the dish at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes. Let stand a few minutes before serving. Pairs well with mimosas and coffee.

You Are a Superhero

Every thing homemade may be a tradition in your home, and is definitely amazing, but be encouraged to enjoy the moment this holiday and not feel like everything has to be homemade. Homemade eggnog is great, but don’t sweat it, just grab a carton of Southern Comfort at the nearest grocery and everyone will enjoy sipping. Sprinkle nutmeg on top for added flavor, or add 1oz. of kentucky bourbon for special toasting.

Remember, to KEEP THINGS SIMPLE
Spread out your activities over the holidays. Pace yourself, tell stories, share gratitudes, listen, hug, love, laugh!

Making Memories

Sometimes simple is better. One way to make a memory that will be told for years or generations to come, is sitting down by the warm fireplace and reading the Christmas Story all together, or reflecting upon the past year, playing seasonal music, baking a family recipe or crafting a New Year Vision Board. Find chalk or bulletin boards and crafting supplies at a local craft store and cut out magazine photos of your 2020 goals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get Crafting

Need something TO DO over the holiday?

  1. String up popcorn and cranberries, or sliced dehydrated orange slices for a homemade garland. Tip: stale, day old popcorn is easier to string.
  2. Gather fresh greenery! Ask places that sell Christmas trees for loose branches and cuttings that have fallen off. Use silica gel packets to dry flowers and greenery. Place in lanterns or wreaths or candelabra for easy home decorations.

From everyone at Rector Hayden REALTORS, we hope that you have a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year! Here’s to 2020!

 

Make it a great one. Let us help you find your next home.

 

Categories
Home Insights Housing Market Report Newsletter Featurettes

Monthly Market Statistics Report – December 2019

The Monthly Market Report

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

market report with shadow

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Events Local Events Newsletter Featurettes

Local Events We ❤ this Month

There’s so much to celebrate and enjoy this month in Lexington and Central Kentucky!  
Here are some of our favorite activities and events!

 

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

Nov 30 2019, 7:00pm
Singletary Center Concert Hall

405 Rose Street, Lexington KY 40508

Talmi Entertainment presents Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker” in the SCFA Concert Hall.

This Christmas give your family the gift of Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker! Step into a simpler time filled with sweet dreams and Christmas magic. With world-class artists, over 200 dazzling costumes, stunning sets, towering puppets and soaring birds, don’t miss your chance to ring in the holidays with this acclaimed Christmas extravaganza. Celebrate this cherished holiday tradition and relive the dream with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. Get tickets for the whole family now!

PLATINUM TICKETS
Platinum Ticket buyers receive a Premium Nutcracker ornament, a Moscow Ballet Book, and a Meet and Greet opportunity with early seating afterward. Platinum Ticket buyers MUST meet the Moscow Ballet representative 45 minutes prior to showtime at the merchandise table to attend the Meet and Greet. If Platinum Ticket buyers arrive late, they forfeit the right to the Meet and Greet. Moscow Ballet reserves the right to reschedule the time of the Meet and Greet in cases of Force Majeure.

GOLD CIRCLE TICKETS
Gold Circle Ticket buyers will receive a Premium Nutcracker Ornament and the official Moscow Ballet Book with each ticket purchased. Purchasers should go to the merchandise table to retrieve their products.

Reserved Seating. All sales final.

Website


Southern Lights

Dates: November 29, 2019 – December 31, 20195:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Kentucky Horse Park
Campground Entrance
3785 Campground Road, Lexington KY 40511
 

Over 3 miles of lights, Southern Lights offer a driving route open nightly to see the holiday displays. After driving through the lights, guests are invited to park and enjoy the attractions in the park’s interior, which are designed to entertain every member of the family with local crafts, model trains and mini train rides, visits with Santa and an exotic petting zoo.

More details here OR
See Facebook


The Nutcracker

  • Dec 14 Saturday 2:00 PM
  • Dec 14 Saturday 7:00 PM
  • Dec 15 Sunday 2:00 PM
  • Dec 21 Saturday 2:00 PM
  • Dec 21 Saturday 7:00 PM
  • Dec 22 Sunday 2:00 PM

 

Lexington Opera House
401 W. Short Street, Lexington KY 40507

Celebrate holiday cheer and the Christmas spirit with the classical ballet, The Nutcracker. It’s not the holidays without the famous story, score and cast of characters!

KBT will host six public performances at the Lexington Opera House December 14-22, 2019. Educational Outreach Programs have been set up with Fayette County Public Schools. KBT will also host a School Show on Friday, December 13th at 10 am; contact KBT at 252-5245 for school show information.

Find out more »


Cookies & Photos with Santa

December 10th 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Rector Hayden REALTORS
1099 Duval St Ste 250, Lexington KY 40515

Come visit to get your FREE picture with Santa Claus!
Digital copies will be sent to your e-mail address. We will have cookies and milk for everyone as well as coloring and goodies! It will be so much fun! Please feel free to forward this message on to your clients, friends, or family and invite them to join you!


Stone Fences Tours: Stills & Stallions

  • Presented By: Stone Fences Tours
  • Dates: 12/1/2019, 12/8/2019, 12/15/2019
  • Location: Lexington Visitors Center
  • Phone: (606) 548-2181
  • Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  • Price: $50

Head out on this tour to experience the best of the Bluegrass. You’ll journey along a fence-lined Kentucky back road to Old Friends Farm to talk about the history of the industry, tour the stables, and see their Thoroughbreds. You’ll take a trip through Bourbon Country to savor Kentucky’s native spirit at Buffalo Trace. You will learn the art and science of bourbon making as you tour the facilities and learn the history of this famous industry. The tour will conclude with samples from the distillery’s selection of spirits. Pick up will be at the Lexington Visitors Center or Keeneland. Tour is approximately 4 hours in length. Water and snacks are provided. Price includes transportation, fees for the horse farm tour, tasting and tour at distillery and water and snacks.

Website

 

 
 

Jones Family Christmas Light and Music Show

  • Dates: December 2, 2019 – January 2, 2020
  • Recurrence: Recurring daily
  • Phone: (859) 333-8191
  • Time: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Price: FREE

 

Ryan, co-owner of the home, who is visually impaired, has synchronized 11,000 Christmas lights with music for a beautiful and meaningful display which narration of the Christmas Story. The show consist of 7 Trans-Siberian Orchestra songs. The show starts December 2 and ends January 2. The show runs each night from 6:30-9:00pm except during heavy rain. The show can be watched from your car, and the music and narration can be heard by tuning to 89.5 FM.
 
 

14th Annual YMCA Reindeer Ramble
5k/10k Fun Run & Walk

Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019
5K/10K begins at 9 a.m.
Keeneland Race Course

The Reindeer Ramble is a wonderful way to participate in a 5K or 10K while supporting scholarships for kids attending YMCA summer camps. We encourage participants to don their favorite holiday sweater, Santa suit, or “holiday festive” attire and embrace the spirit of the holiday and join us for a beautiful grounds of Keeneland. 

Individual or Santapede Teams
You may register as an individual runner/walker or with a group as a Santapede team. Teams (only offered in the 5K) consist of three to 10 people (adults and children may be combined in one group). There’s one hitch – you have to be linked together with a garland or ribbon throughout the entire race. We will recognize the top finishers in each category, as well as those Santapede teams that celebrate the holiday spirit most brightly. 

 

For More Events Please see VisitLEX.com


 

 

 

 

Categories
Home Insights Home Owning Tips Home Selling Tips Newsletter Featurettes

The Problems with Clutter Copy

The urge to de-clutter often stems from a simple annoyance, like stepping on a Lego or running into furniture that’s too big for the space. But in order to really commit to a more minimalist lifestyle, you’ll want to consider the deeper ramifications of having too much “stuff”.

Here are some insights you can use for downsizing your belongings, and how doing so can affect everything from your expenses to your well-being….to selling your home.

Problem One: Clutter is expensive

For many of us, a successful shopping trip is one where the cart is filled to the brim with good deals — not one where we successfully avoided the tempting sale section and bought only what we needed. Once the habit of getting a good deal takes hold, it can seem impossible to say no to another knick-knack or a second set of novelty wine glasses — or to see that these items will be a waste of money in the long run.  Of course, it isn’t just the buying of “stuff” that makes it expensive. Storing it can also get pricey. Too many people are paying thousands of dollars per year to store items they’ll never use or see again.

Problem Two: It isn’t making you happier

If your cluttered home stresses you out, you’re not overthinking it and you’re not alone. A recent UCLA study shows that women with a high density of household objects feel more stressed than those with less stuff.  It’s not hard to see why: Well-maintained homes are the ideal portrayed in every magazine and movie, but the expectation to buy more stuff also weighs heavily on most Americans. The end result? Families purchase things they don’t need and don’t have space for, then feel stressed that their houses don’t resemble the ones portrayed on HGTV.

Problem Three: It makes it harder to sell your home

Today’s homebuyers expect to see de-cluttered homes with clean walls, minimal décor and extra storage.  To list a home that will appeal to the masses, most sellers may need to depersonalize by boxing up personal items and photographs (and maybe change up furniture arrangements) — but sellers with overly-cluttered homes may have to look into investing in a storage rental unit to get their home in peak selling condition.

 

Considering selling?

Decluttering is usually the first step to selling your home, and we can help advise you on that – and the rest of the process.  Call your Rector Hayden Agent today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Home Buying Tips Home Insights Newsletter Featurettes

Can I Get a Mortgage if I have a Low Credit Score? Copy

Many of today’s first-time buyers worry about their credit scores. Whether you have student loans you just can’t shake or you’re still plagued by a few missed payments from a college-era utility bill, don’t assume you will be locked out of the market forever due to your FICO score.

Here are insights you can use as you determine if you are eligible for a mortgage despite your low credit score.

If you have a low credit score, pay higher interest rates

Pay higher interest rates

You’ve likely heard that interest rates remain low by historical standards and you may be counting on the low rates you’ve seen quoted online. It’s important to remember that mortgage interest rates vary for each buyer and are closely tied to the risk they represent for the lender.

In other words, those with a lower credit score can still qualify for a loan, but they may have to pay a higher interest rate. Borrowers with a credit score of 740 or higher are likely (but not guaranteed) to obtain the lowest mortgage rates available. Meanwhile, those with a lower score could be approved at a higher interest rate.

 

Consider FHA loans

Buyers with low credit often opt for a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan. FHA loans are designed to act as “helper loans” to those who earn enough to pay a monthly mortgage, but lack the long-term credit history that would prove they are low-risk borrowers. 

As a result, FHA loans are often approved for borrowers with lower credit scores and they may require smaller down payments than conventional loans. Buyers with a credit score of 580 or above may be eligible for a home loan with a 3.5 percent down payment.

 

Show your credit score is on the mend

While your credit score may seem like a hard-and-fast number that will determine the fate of your approval, the reality is that two people with the same score can appear very differently to lenders.

Consider these two scenarios:

After losing their job during the Great Recession — and making a few late student loan payments as a result — Candidate A has not missed a payment of any kind in 25 months. They have a solid job history and their monthly rental payments to their landlord are comparable to what they would pay in a mortgage payment. As a result of their hard work and on-time payments, Candidate A has a credit score of 625.

 

Candidate B is forgetful and they have paid two car payments late so far this year. They carry a high balance on their credit card from month to month and tend to pay the required minimum at billing. They have changed jobs three times in the last two years but they pay a monthly rent that is comparable to what they would pay for a mortgage loan. As a result of their high credit card usage and shaky payment history, Candidate B’s credit score has slipped from 700 to 625 in the last year.

As you might imagine, Candidate A would likely be considered a less risky loan prospect than Candidate B — even though they have identical credit scores.

 

What happens if I’m not approved?

If you aren’t approved for a mortgage, it’s time to work diligently on increasing your credit score. You can also speak to a Rector Hayden Mortgage loan officer to determine how you can get on track for approval and formulate a plan to put you on the path to home-ownership.

 

 

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Uncategorized

Top Kitchen Trends of 2019

In many homes, the kitchen is more than a room just for cooking. While convenient meal preparation is still an important component of kitchen planning and design, other activities are often incorporated. No matter what kitchen design you choose, make sure your home investment is protected with an HSA℠ Home Warranty.

Click here to read more: http://www.onlinehsa.com/mediacenter/19-08-26/Top_Kitchen_Trends_of_2019.aspx