Author: RHRNews

Prepping Your Home for Winter

Post author By RHRNews
Post date October 30, 2018

Now that November is here, it’s time to prepare your home for cold weather. These steps will help lower your utility bills, protect your investment and prepare your home for this year’s winter.

Clean your gutters early and often

Don’t Try This… Please be safe. via GIPHY

It’s hard to know when the first snowfall will come, so be sure to keep your gutters free of debris as the autumn leaves fall. Ask your agent if they have any recommended service providers so that you stay safe!

Prep the lawn

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Rake and bag your leaves at least once per week during the fall season. Your local garbage collection may also pick up yard debris. Talk with your Rector Hayden Realtor about what services are available in your neighborhood. Be sure to rake briskly so you remove any moss or deeply-entrenched debris that could impede drainage over the winter, causing ice or other hazards.

Check windows and doors for air leaks

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According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average household spends more than $1,000 on heating and cooling costs annually. One way to lower your energy bills is to ensure that your heat doesn’t leak out as cool temperatures arrive.

Check for leaks by holding a lit candle to your windows, door frames, baseboards and the vent leading outside from your dryer. If the candle flickers as you run it past the area, fill in the leak with caulk. Your Rector Hayden Realtor may also have recommendations for professionals, should your leaks be severe.

Add insulation and seal off attic

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Many homeowners ignore their attics, especially if they are unfinished. Attic leaks are extremely common, so insulating your attic can immediately lead to lower energy bills. Attic insulation also has the highest return on investment of any local home improvement project, so you may even earn back more than you spend on this project over time!

Still not sold on the benefit of attic insulation? Consider this: When hot air escapes from your attic, you put your home at risk for ice dams, which can be costly and nearly impossible to fix.

Talk to your Rector Hayden Realtor about professionals that could affordably insulate your attic for you, or offer other winterization tips for your home.

Upgrade to a smart thermostat

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If you’re still turning the thermostat down when you go to bed and up when you get home from work, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. These devices can learn when it’s safe to lower the temperature and when to boost the thermostat because everyone is at home after a long day. Nest is one of the most popular smart thermostats, but there are plenty of other options on the market. Smart homes are the way of the future!

Still unsure about what you should do to winterize your home? Reach out to your Rector Hayden Realtor about winterization and home care tips!

Uncategorized

Wildcat Men’s Basketball Schedule

Post author By RHRNews
Post date October 5, 2018

This month’s Printable UK Wildcats Men’s Basketball Schedule here: UKMensBasketballSchedule

Tags basketball, basketball schedule, cats, uk, wildcats

Home Buying Tips Home Insights Newsletter Featurettes

Considering Buying a Condo or Townhouse?

Post author By RHRNews
Post date September 26, 2018

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

Tags buying, buying a house, condos, for sale, kentucky, townhouses

Events Local Events Newsletter Featurettes

October 2018 Events We Love!

Post author By RHRNews
Post date September 26, 2018

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 1 @ 6 – 8 PM

Lyric Theatre

300 East Third Street
Lexington,KY40508

859-280-2218

woodsongs.com

Woodsongs presents Arvel Bird and Cicada Rhythm.

Breeders’ Cup Experience

October 31 – November 3

Taylor Made Horse Farm

2765 Union Mill Road

Nicholasville, KY 40356

859-963-1004

visithorsecountry.com/bookyourtour

Join Taylor Made Farm for a special look into the Breeders’ Cup where you will enjoy a parade from two Breeders’ Cup contenders, “Not This Time” and “Midnights Storm” who both reside as stallions at Taylor Made! You will get to visit the grave stone of Champion Stallion, “Unbridled’s Song” who won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in 1995. Your tour will be paired with lunch from Daddy Joe’s Bar and Grill, our on-site restaurant.

Trick or Treat

October 23 @ 4:00 – 6:30PM

Rector Hayden REALTORS

1099 Duval Street
Lexington, KY 40515

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC in the garage

Are you familiar with “Trunk-or-Treat”? It’s a safe alternative to trick-or-treating, where volunteers decorate the trunks of their cars in a parking lot, and children can walk around and collect treats! Rector Hayden REALTORS is having this free event open to the public. We encourage you to come participate in this fantastic, family friendly evening of fun!

National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park

October 27 @ 7:00AM – November 4 @ 5:00PM

Kentucky Horse Park

4089 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511

www.nhs.org

Nine days of events! The National Horse Show is the culmination of the east coast summer equestrian season. With $845,000 in prize money offered, the National Horse Show has been designated a CSI4*-W event by the FEI.

Competition starts with equitation championships, followed by International Open Jumpers and the top-rated hunter sections. For six consecutive years, the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame has named the National Horse Show as the Horse Show of the Year.

Keeneland Fall Meet

October 5 – October 27

Keeneland

4201 Versailles Road

Lexington, KY 40510

859-254-3412

www.keeneland.com/2018-fall-meet

Fall Race Meet open Friday, October 5 and continues through Saturday, October 27. No racing will be held on Mondays or Tuesdays.

Gates open at 11AM with the first post at 1:05PM daily.

Highlights include opening Fall Stars Weekend, featuring 10 stakes races and nine Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In events. Tickets may be purchased online beginning August 1 at 8:30AM

Tags breeders cup, Events, fall meet, farm, halloween, horse, Keeneland, kentucky, october events, trick or treat, trunk or treat

Home Insights Home Selling Tips Newsletter Featurettes

Sell Your Home for Top Dollar This Fall

Post author By RHRNews
Post date September 26, 2018

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.

Home Insights Home Selling Tips Newsletter Featurettes

Key Insights For Selling This Fall

Post author By RHRNews
Post date August 29, 2018

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!

Tags staging

Home Insights Home Selling Tips Newsletter Featurettes

Tips to Pass Your Home Inspection

Post author By RHRNews
Post date August 29, 2018

The vast majority of Central Kentucky home-buyers 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.

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

Tags inspection

Clean your gutters early and often

Prep the lawn

Check windows and doors for air leaks

Add insulation and seal off attic

Upgrade to a smart thermostat

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!

Here’s what you need to know

Look for potential costs of owning the unit

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

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

Woodsongs

Breeders’ Cup Experience

Trick or Treat

National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park

Keeneland Fall Meet

Stage for success

Exterior adjustments

Interior additions

Lighting tips

Our local housing market – and how to compete

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

Motivated buyers

Autumn staging is a breeze

Cons of selling a home in the fall

Time is precious

Uprooting can be hard

Ready to sell?

1. Unfettered Access

2. Appliance Check

3. Documentation

4. Light The Way

5. Get Outta There

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

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

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