Category: Newsletter Featurettes

Local Events We Love! January 2017

Post author By RHRNews
Post date January 2, 2017

The Snowball Series Mounted Games

January 7, 2017 @ 8:00 am – January 8, 2017 @ 5:00 pm

KY Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511 United States + Google Map

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.

Find out more »

Keeneland Horse Sales

January 9, 2017 @ 8:00 am – January 13, 2017 @ 5:00 pm

Keeneland, 4201 Versailles Road
Lexington, KY 40510 United States + Google Map

Horses of all ages go on sale. Spectators welcome. Recurring Daily from January 9 – 13

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FREE CLASS: Online Safety

January 9, 2017 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Scott County Public Library, 104 South Bradford Lane
Georgetown, KY 40324 United States + Google Map

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.

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Snowbird Dressage

January 14, 2017 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

KY Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511 United States + Google Map

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/

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Pippin at the Lexington Opera House

January 20, 2017 @ 8:00 am – January 22, 2017 @ 5:00 pm

Lexington Opera House, 401 West Short Street
Lexington, KY 40507 United States + Google Map

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.

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Boots in the Bluegrass

January 20, 2017 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Alltech Arena at the KY Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy
Lexington, KY 40511 United States + Google Map

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.

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5 Reasons to Consider Downsizing

Post author By RHRNews
Post date January 2, 2017

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!

Tags downsizing, nar

Home Insights Home Owning Tips Newsletter Featurettes

Great Gifts For New Homeowners

Post author By RHRNews
Post date January 2, 2017

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.

Tags first-time homebuyer

Home Buying Tips Newsletter Featurettes

What Is Mortgage Insurance?

Post author By RHRNews
Post date December 2, 2016

The last time you bought a car or an expensive piece of jewelry, you likely insured it. This is because with a large purchase came an inherent risk — and if your valuable property is stolen or damaged, you don’t want to be left empty-handed. The same thing is true of lenders who approve your mortgage loan. Every day, mortgage lenders across the country approve tens of millions of dollars in home loans, and they need to be sure they are protecting that risk. That’s where mortgage insurance comes in.

Why is it needed, and how much will it be?

Lenders often require that borrowers pay mortgage insurance, which protects the lender if the homebuyer becomes unable to pay their monthly mortgage payment. Think back to your own car insurance policies for reference. In mortgage insurance, the borrower pays the insurance premiums, but the lender is the beneficiary. If a borrower defaults on their loan payments, the insurance company will have to pay the lender a pre-determined percentage on the potential loss.

There are two main types of mortgage insurance. The first is mortgage insurance purchased from the government, which backs Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans. The second is private mortgage insurance, which is designated for conventional loans that are bought from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

(Note: Loans backed by Veterans Affairs (VA loans) do not require any mortgage insurance, but the VA funding fee provides similar coverage against loss).

Mortgage insurance for FHA loans

FHA loans are often called “helper loans,” because the lending standards favor first-time buyers and other homebuyers who may not have a large down payment saved. In fact, FHA loans can be approved with as little as 3.5 percent down at closing.

FHA loans are backed by the government, which then requires that FHA borrowers purchase mortgage insurance. To protect their risk, FHA requires two things. First, borrowers must pay an upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) of 1.75% of the total of the loan. This “upfront” MIP can actually be added to the loan amount and financed. Second, FHA borrowers must also pay an annual MIP of .85% throughout the life of the loan.

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) for conventional loans

Conventional loans are not backed by the government, so private lenders may require borrowers to purchase private mortgage insurance if they put less than 20 percent down at closing. Often, conventional buyers will be expected to pay private MIPs until their loan-to-value (LTV) ratio hits 80 percent or lower. The LTV ratio is the amount of money you borrowed divided by the value of the property you purchased. In general, a lower LTV ratio means less risk for the lender because the borrower is much less likely to default on their loan when they have built up sufficient equity to sell.

A mortgage loan officer can walk you through all the expenses you should expect at closing and beyond, so you can determine your true buying power as you enter the market. Click here to get started on the process of getting a home mortgage loan!

Tags aaron mason, mortgage insurance, rector hayden mortgage, what is

Home Insights Home Owning Tips Newsletter Featurettes

3 Ways Clutter is Hurting Your Happiness

Post author By RHRNews
Post date December 1, 2016

The problems with clutter…

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 decluttered 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!

Tags de-clutter, happiness, homeowner, homeseller, junk, organizing, owning a home, selling a home

Events Holiday Local Events

Area Businesses Giving Free Meals to Honor Veterans

Post author By RHRNews
Post date November 10, 2016

Veteran's Day 2016 - Central Kentucky Businesses Giving Away Free Meals

This Veteran’s Day, Friday November 11th, 2016, restaurants, stores and other establishments all across the country and Central Kentucky are thanking our military.

***Most businesses require proof of military service, and the deals include participating locations only. It’s recommended you call specific locations to make sure they are taking part in the promotions.***

Restaurants:

Applebee’s: Veterans and Active Duty Military can select a free meal from a limited menu for Veteran’s Day. Provide proof of service required. All current and former military personnel will also receive a $5 coupon that can be redeemed between November 12 and November 27, 2016.

BJ’s Restaurant: All veterans and active military can enjoy a complimentary entree under $12.95 on Friday, 11/11/2016. Please present your military ID to receive this offer.

Bob Evans: free breakfast all day long on Veteran’s Day for veterans and active-duty military.

Buffalo Wild Wings: complimentary order of wings and a side of fries to veterans and active-duty military. Must present acceptable proof of military service, which includes: permanent or temporary U.S. military ID cards, veteran’s card, a photograph of yourself in military uniform, or dine-in at a participating location in uniform.

California Pizza Kitchen: free entrée from the Veterans’ Day menu. Please come in uniform or bring your military ID or other proof of service.

Chipotle: Friday, November 11th, from 3pm-close: a buy one, get one free burrito, bowl, salad, or taco order. Valid for all US military active-duty, Reserves, National Guard and retired military, military spouses with ID and veterans.

Central Kentucky Tours – Harrodsburg, KY: Each paying guest may bring an active member of the military or a veteran along for free. The Veterans Day bourbon distillery tour will include stops at Limestone Branch Distillery, Makers Mark Distillery, Wilderness Trail Distillery and Kentucky Cooperage.

Churchill Downs – Louisville, KY: On Nov. 11, Churchill Downs is offering free general admission tickets and discounted Millionaires Row tickets ($29, regularly $38) for all military personnel and veterans.

City Barbeque: One free sandwich platter will be given to each veteran for either dine-in or carryout orders. At participating locations only. Veterans Day only.

Cracker Barrel: offering military veterans a complimentary slice of its Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake. Must show proof of military service

Denny’s: active, inactive and retired military personnel will get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam on Friday, Nov. 11, from 5 a.m. to noon. Please show valid military id.

Golden Corral: Monday November 14, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. is Military Appreciation night with a free “thank you” dinner. Must show proof of military service.

Hooters: all active-duty and retired military to stop in for a free meal from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu by presenting a military ID or proof of service at any Hooters location nationwide.

Hopcat – Lexington, KY [local]
On November 11, come to HopCat and receive a meal + soft drink on Hopcat.

IHOP: Vets and active-duty military: Red, White & Blue Pancakes free from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Johnny Carino’s: Vets eat free all day on Veterans Day from a special menu & to go is included. Indiana and Kentucky locations only.

Krispy Kreme Free Doughnut & Coffee: On Veterans Day 2016, a free doughnut and small coffee will be given to anyone who identifies themselves as a veteran or active military personnel (no ID required).

Logan’s Roadhouse: This Veterans Day veterans and active duty can come in for a free dessert a participating locations. Veterans year round receive a 10% discount to guests who present a military or veterans’ ID.

Longhorn Steakhouse: will offer a free appetizer or dessert (no purchase required, no restrictions) to anyone showing proof of military service, plus 10% off for guests that dine with Veterans on November 11.

O’Charley’s: O’Charley’s will honor our military on Veterans Day 2016 by offering veterans and active duty service members a free meal at any location on November 11th. Additionally, O’Charley’s offers a 10 percent military discount all year long.

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom
Participating locations will offer a complimentary craft beer to active and retired military personnel.

The Old Owl Tavern at Beaumont Inn – Harrodsburg, KY [LOCAL]
Active military or veterans can enjoy a free meal (alcohol excluded) with the purchase of a meal by an accompanying guest.

Olive Garden: will offer a free entrée from a special menu to active-duty military and military veterans.

Outback Steakhouse Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage: All active, retired military and veterans get a free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage on Veterans Day. Must have valid identification. There is also a military discount of 15% off the total check from valid for military members and their families.

Panera Bread: a complimentary You-Pick-Two with military identification or if wearing their uniform to the participating Panera Bread bakery-cafes in the Cleveland, Akron, Canton area. For a complete list of participating bakery-cafes, click here.

Red Lobster: To thank Veterans, active duty military and reservists, Red Lobster will offer a free appetizer or dessert from their select Veterans Day menu. To receive offer, show a valid military ID on November 10th and 11th.

Red Robin: all Veterans and active-duty military members will get a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries. No purchase is necessary. Just show proof of service.

Ruby Tuesday: On 11/11/2016 veterans, active duty, and reservists (with proof of service) may receive one free appetizer up to $10 in value.

Starbucks: On Veterans Day 2016, active duty service members, reservists, veterans and military spouses are invited to enjoy a free Tall Brewed Coffee. In addition, now through November 11, for every Veterans Day Starbucks Card or eGift purchased, Starbucks will contribute $5 to help support programs assisting service members, military spouses and veterans.

TGI Fridays Free Lunch: Guests who show valid military ID can enjoy a free lunch menu item up to $12. This offer is valid on Friday, November 11th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time.

Retailers/services:

Gordman’s: offering all active-duty, Reserves, Guard, retirees and Veterans a $10 Gordmans Savings Card with any in-store purchase on Veterans Day. In addition, they will receive 15% off their entire purchase. Must show military ID or shop in uniform.

Great Clips: Customers who come in Nov. 11 for a service can get a free haircut card to give to their favorite veteran. Veterans can also get a free haircut or get the free haircut card. Haircuts are redeemable until Dec. 31.

JCPenney: will offer a 5 percent discount from Nov. 10-13 to current and former military personnel and their immediate family members with valid military or VA identification provided in-store. The discount may be combined with additional coupons and special offers including a $10 off $25 coupon with any form of payment or 20 percent off coupon when paying with a JCPenney credit card.

For more information about this list visit: http://militarybenefits.info/local-area-veterans-day-deals-for-veterans

Tags discounts, free, military, support our troops, veterans

Home Buying Tips Home Insights Newsletter Featurettes

4 Things You Should Know About Buying During the Holidays

Post author By RHRNews
Post date November 1, 2016

For many buyers, purchasing a home over the holidays can be ideal. In addition to competing against fewer buyers, you’ll finish the season off with the greatest gift of all — a new place to call home for years to come. Here are four t insights you can use as you purchase a home in Central Kentucky this holiday season.

1. You’ll compete against a smaller, committed pool of buyers

The holidays are a less popular time to buy a home, so you may see fewer buyers at open houses. Don’t assume this means you are without competition – holiday buyers are more dedicated to getting to the closing table, and multiple offers are still possible due to limited inventory in many areas. Be prepared to move quickly on a home that meets your criteria.

2. Think twice about putting in low offers

You might think that people selling over the holidays may be extremely motivated to move and willing to accept an offer for well under asking price. While Scrooge would approve of this philosophy, most sellers simply aren’t that desperate. To avoid losing a home you love, make sure your initial bid is competitive.

3. Limit your travel and don’t overschedule yourself

It can be difficult to slow down during the holidays, but in our fast-moving market, you’ll need to work around seller schedules. Whether you find a house through online searches or your Rector Hayden Agent sends a hidden gem your way, your goal should be to see it in person as soon as possible.

4. Ready to find “the one” this holiday season?

If you’re hoping to get a head start on buying before the hectic spring market arrives, start now! Contact your Rector Hayden Agent today to get started.

Tags buyers agent, first-time homebuyer

The Snowball Series Mounted Games

1. Buy a smaller home with cash

2. Less time and money spent on upkeep

3. Embrace the now

4. Look forward

5. Gain flexibility

Moving day pizza or local restaurant gift cards

Hardware tore gift cards

New Address Labels

Plants

Sheets, linens and towels

Homeowner essentials

The Monthly Market Report

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!

Why is it needed, and how much will it be?

Mortgage insurance for FHA loans

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) for conventional loans

The problems with clutter…

Problem One: Clutter is expensive

Problem Two: It isn’t making you happier

Problem Three: It makes it harder to sell your home

Considering selling?

This Veteran’s Day, Friday November 11th, 2016, restaurants, stores and other establishments all across the country and Central Kentucky are thanking our military.

Restaurants:

Retailers/services:

The Monthly Market Report

Although the “seasonal slide” has kicked in, and sales aren’t quite as robust as they were back in March or April, our local housing market nonetheless continues to be strong and active!

1. You’ll compete against a smaller, committed pool of buyers

2. Think twice about putting in low offers

3. Limit your travel and don’t overschedule yourself

4. Ready to find “the one” this holiday season?