Category: Home Insights

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Neighborhood Insights

Lexington, KY Ranks #6 Best Run City

Lexington Kentucky has ranked #6 Best Run City in US from a study run by WalletHub.

You can read WalletHub’s original report here: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-run-cities/22869/

Whether you’re considering a move to the bluegrass, or just love knowing you’re living in one of the greatest communities on Earth, WalletHub’s most recent report will give you some peace.

Lexington, KY has been ranked as 6th best run city in the country according to a variety of factors.

In order to make such a comparison, we examined each city’s performance on six key indicators, including financial stability, education, health, safety, economy as well as infrastructure, and pollution.  

We then combined these categories to construct an “Overall City Services” ranking against which we measured the cities’ total per-capita budgets in order to reveal their budgeting efficiency.

– From WalletHub Report Writer, Richie Bernardo

Lexington ranked in the top 18% for Overall City Services and 6th in our per-capita budget, putting as as the 6th overall best run city in the country!  As comparison – Washington DC was dead-last at #150.

hospital bed pngLexington also tied for the #1 position of Most Hospital Beds per Capita.

Check out WalletHub’s interactive graphic below to see how other Metropolitan areas measure up!

Source: WalletHub
Categories
Events Local Events Newsletter Featurettes

Local Events We Love in August!

An AMAZING AUGUST in Central Kentucky

Our summer continues to sizzle with many great activities and events to enjoy this month in Lexington and Central Kentucky!  Here are some that you won’t want to miss.

Recurring Weekly – Summer Fun!

Southland Jamboree at the MoonDance Amphitheatre in Lexington [FREE]  |  Every Monday @ 7pm

Lexington’s Favorite Bluegrass Concert Series! Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and experience a piece of true Kentucky culture!
https://news.rhr.com/event/southland-jamboree/

 
 

Big Band & Jazz Concert Series at Ecton Park in Lexington [FREE]  |  Every Tuesday @ 7pm

This beloved concert series will run each Tuesday through August 23rd.  Each week come listen to great jazz and big band music live at Ecton Park.  You’ll want to bring your own chairs or blanket for seating.
https://news.rhr.com/event/big-band-jazz-2016/

 
 

Thursday Night Live in Downtown Lexington [FREE]  |  Every Thursday @ 4:30pm

Get downtown every Thursday, April 7 – October 13, for Central Bank Thursday Night Live! Join thousands of your closest friends for live music, local food and beverage vendors, and the hottest party in town. The event takes place each week at the Fifth Third Bank Pavilion at Cheapside Park (251 W. Main St). This event is rain or shine!
http://www.downtownlex.com/central-bank-thursday-night-live/

 
 

Thursday Night Live in Richmond [FREE]  |  Every Thursday @ 5pm

Every Thursday evening in downtown Richmond, several of your favorite downtown businesses will be offering local deals, drink and food specials. There will also be FREE live music from area musicians throughout the evening at various businesses.
https://news.rhr.com/event/thursday-night-live-richmond-ky/

 
 

Lakeside Live at the Mall at Lexington Green  [FREE]  |  Every Friday & Saturday from 6-9pm

Lakeside Live at The Mall at Lexington Green offers free live music every Friday and Saturday night from 6-9pm now through October 15th. Check the schedule below to see our full line-up. With our beautiful covered dock, fire pit hang out, amazing restaurants and shopping, and fun live music, you’ll want to linger with friends and family. Pets and lawn chairs are welcome, but please leave your coolers at home. We can’t wait to have you!
https://news.rhr.com/event/lakeside-live-lexington/

Special Events in August

AUGUST 6 @ 9AM | Fox56 Back to School Jamboree

Georgetown, KY – Click for Info

 

AUGUST 11 – 13  |  9th Annual Lexus Smooth Jazz Festival

Various Locations – Click for Info

 

AUGUST 12  |  The Warehouse Block Party

North Ashland Avenue – Click for Info
THIS EVENT IS FREE!  North Ashland Avenue, from Aurora Ave. to National Ave. will be closed for the festivities  Food trucks, vendors, games, performers, musicians, and more! This event is perfect for adults and kids alike!

 

AUGUST 13 – 14  |  2016 CRAVE – Lexington’s Food and Music Festival

Masterson Station Park – Click for Info
Farmers, Chefs, Food Trucks, Vendors, and more – this extremely popular celebration of culture will delight not only your tastebuds!

 

AUGUST 13  |  Twilight Festival

Versailles, KY – Click for Info
Fun, food, crafts, children’s area and entertainment highlight the successful Versailles Twilight Festival. In past years the festival has attracted over 4,000 visitors…

 

AUGUST 20-21  |  Woodland Art Fair

Woodland Park in Lexington, KY – Click for Info
For nearly 40 years, Woodland Park has been host to an amazing art fair with over 200 craftspeople.  This event attracts more than 60,000 patrons every year!

 

AUGUST 27-28  |  Lexington of Remodeled Homes with HomeBuilders Association of Lexington

Locations vary – Click for Info
Admission: $10 per person (Children 12 and under free). Tickets available at each home on the Tour. (Cash only, please). The 2016 Tour of Remodeled Homes consists of 11 stellar remodeling projects to offer insights and inspiration to those among us that have so often said, “we need to do something to this… (name your space)”. This year’s tour offers ideas and examples of almost anything and everything that can be done to update or upgrade the space we call “home”! Please visit each home on the tour to fully appreciate the rich value to be found by the remodeler members of the Remodelers’ Council.

 

AUGUST 27  |  LEX DIY 2016

Sullivan University on Harrodsburg Rd. in Lexington – Click for Info
LEX DIY is a free “how-to” event open to the community. Representatives from local businesses and organizations will be available to teach participants different…

 

AUGUST 27  |  MoonTower Music Festival

Masterson Station Park in Lexington – Click for Info

But that’s not all!

See our entire Community Events Calendar: https://news.rhr.com/events/

Categories
Home Insights Housing Market Report Newsletter Featurettes

Monthly Housing Report: July 2016

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Although the very busiest months for local home sales have now passed, sales continued at a strong pace in June! Overall – for the first half of the year – we’ve seen more than a 10% increase in sales over the first half of last year.

Our monthly Market Report shows information for all of Lexington and Central KY, including:

  • • 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!

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Categories
Home Buying Tips Home Insights Home Owning Tips Newsletter Featurettes

Minimize Your Mortgage Expenses

Here’s how homebuyers and homeowners alike can take steps to help lower their mortgage costs!

When applying for a mortgage or a refinance, there’s often a fee charged up-front by the lender to begin the process.  Before applying for a loan, be sure to ask about the application fee that will be charged – and don’t hesitate to shop around to compare these fees (important: also ask if the lender will refund this fee if the loan is not approved).  TIP:  Rector Hayden Mortgage does NOT charge an application fee!

It is always a good idea to compare rates and fees from potential lenders when buying or refinancing. Lenders offer different fees and can also offer different rates, depending on a variety of factors. TIP:  Rector Hayden Mortgage offers rates and fees that are often the LOWEST to be found!

When buying or refinancing, your credit score and history will be important to lenders, so keeping track of your financial situation in the months leading up to applying for a loan or refinance is crucial.

Rector Hayden Realtors’ affiliated lender, Rector Hayden Mortgage, provides a vast menu of mortgage programs and products.  Get started today! Click here for more about Rector-Hayden Mortgage. One of the best benefits of working with a Rector Hayden REALTOR® is having access to our in-house Lending Company, Rector Hayden Mortgage!  Aaron Mason, our chief Mortgage Loan Officer, is on hand 5 days a week to answer any questions about the loan process.  Aaron assists our agents and their clients in finding competitive rates and unique loan options that are CUSTOM FIT for your situation.  info piece

Categories
Events Local Events Newsletter Featurettes

Local Events We Love! July2016

There’s SO MUCH to enjoy this month

From parades and fireworks to picnics and concerts – there are so many great events to enjoy this month in Lexington and Central Kentucky!

A young girl puts a patriotic novelty hat onto a young woman's head - outside at a picnic

Want to Know where the Fourth of July Celebrations Are?

Check out our entire post on Where to Watch the Fireworks!

Kentucky Cork Tap & Barrel
July 8  –  4:30pm to 9pm

Kentucky Cork, Tap & Barrel celebrates Kentucky made wine, beer, and bourbon in a fun environment that includes live music, concession vendors, and arts & craft vendors.  Located at the Fifth Third Pavillion, and admission is FREE

The Warehouse Block Party
July 8 – Starting at 5pm

#RHRNeighborhoodInsights: The entire block of North Ashland Ave., from Aurora Ave. to National Ave. will be closed for the festivities. Enjoy food trucks, street vendors, kid games, street performers and live music!

Lexus Lexington 5K Run/Walk 2016
July 9, 9:30am

A competitive chip-timed 5k event through the beautiful grounds of Keeneland Race Course! There will also be a 1 mile Kids Fun Run. Race features T-shirt, music, and race awards!

Lexington Burger Week
July 11 – 17

Lexington Burger Week returns July 11 – 17, 2016!
In our inaugural year, 21,000 burgers were sold! This year, we will have 36+ participating restaurants and we’re preparing them for more mayhem. Each restaurant will create a $5 special burger that is not on the regular menu. Participating chefs are preparing the most unique burgers in town.

Big Band and Jazz 2016
Every Tuesday in July, starting July 12, 7pm – 8:30pm

Big Band & Jazz, one of Lexington’s longest running and most beloved concert series, features great jazz and big band music weekly.  Held at Ecton Park, 956 Turkey Foot Road in Lexington.  Bring your lawn chairs or blankets for seating.

Lexington Lions Club Presents: The Bluegrass Fair!
July 14 – 24, Recurring Daily at Masterson Station Park

Enjoy Carnival rides, grandstand shows, petting farm, games, food and much more!  Admission is only $6, and children 6 yrs and younger are FREE!

Mary Poppins at the Lexington Opera House
July 14 – 17

She’s practically perfect in every way!  Come experience this magical musical at the gorgeous Lexington Opera House!

The Little Mermaid at the Lexington Children’s Theatre
July 15 – 17

Ariel may be a princess under the sea, but she longs to be part of the world above the waves. When she trades her voice for human legs, it will take a bit of magic, new love, and a whole lot of musical mayhem to reach her happily ever after.

LexArts Gallery Hop
July 15, 5pm – 8pm

Locals and visitors alike converge on downtown Lexington to celebrate art throughout the evening with new gallery exhibitions, special events and food & drinks! Held at the Downtown Arts Center and various other galleries/venues.

Phoenix Fridays
July 15, 5:30pm – 9:30pm

A free concert series, presented by WUKY on the third Friday of each month.  Held in downtown Lexington at the corner of Main and Limestone.

Fountain Films on Friday at Triangle Park

JULY 15, 8:45pm  –  Movie: Rocky! (40 year anniversary) Triangle Park will be transformed into an outdoor movie theater on selected Fridays throughout the summer. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket, purchase food and beverages from Double H BBQ located in the park, and enjoy a free movie. Arrive early for lawn games and music. FREE ADMISSION

JULY 22, 8:45pm – Movie: Elf! (Christmas in July) Triangle Park will be transformed into an outdoor movie theater on selected Fridays throughout the summer. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket, purchase food and beverages from local vendors and enjoy the FREE MOVIE.

JULY 29, 8:45pm – Movie: Top Gun! (30 year anniversary) Triangle Park will be transformed into an outdoor movie theater on selected Fridays throughout the summer. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket, purchase food and beverages from Double H BBQ located in the park, and enjoy a free movie. Arrive early for lawn games and music.

Lexington Restaurant Week 2016
July 21 – 30 at various locations

Venture out and celebrate Lexington’s explosive cuisine scene! 40+ of the best restaurants in the Bluegrass are serving up $26 multi-course meals to wow you – at a fraction of the typical tab. Special prix-fixe menus are updated daily. For a complete list of participating restuarant’s go to www.lexingtonrestaurantweek.com.

27th Annual Breyerfest!
July 22 – 24

The weekend celebration is the intersection of the real horse world and the model horse hobby with spectacular equine entertainment, the largest model horse shows in the country, the horses that inspired our models, and thousands of families and fans for three fabulous days of horse play. Enjoy Competitions, clinics and a trade fair.  Events are held at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Jurassic Quest Dinosaur Expo
July 29 – 31, Lexington Convention Center / Rupp Arena

Jurassic Quest brings you a Dinosaur Adventure for the whole family. A brand new exhibit featuring many new dinosaur species, larger and more realistic dinosaurs and additional activities and rides. Over 80 life-size dinosaurs in all. Heritage Hall.

Downtown Lexington Corporation | Central Bank Thursday Night Live
Every Thursday, 4:30pm-9pm

Live music, local food and beverage vendors, and one of the hottest parties in town! The event takes place each week in Lexington at the Fifth Third Bank Pavilion at Cheapside Park (251 W. Main St), rain or shine.

More Info

Free Friday Flicks
Every Friday, 7pm – 10pm

Held at Jacobson Park in Lexington, bring your lawnchairs, blankets, and pack a picnic dinner – or purcahse concessions from one of the many vendors on-site!  No pets allowed.  The movie starts at dark, with pre-show activities starting at 7!

Southland Jamboree
Every Monday, 7pm

Enjoy a free Bluegrass music concert, bring a lawn chair or blanket and listen to some great Bluegrass music!  Held at the MoonDance at Midnight Pass Amphitheatre in Beaumont Circle (1152 Monarch Street, Lexington).

More Info

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Farmers Markets

Don’t forget to check out our Farmer’s Market Directory!  Most are open every weekend across all counties in Central Kentucky.  See if there’s one close to you!

Farmers Market Directory – Central Kentucky

Would you like to see your community event featured here?  Contact Whitney Baxter at Rector Hayden REALTORS – whitneybaxter@rhr.com

Categories
Home Insights Home Selling Tips Newsletter Featurettes

Tips for a Quick Summer Sale

If you’re thinking about selling your home this summer, there’s no time like the present to start making it a reality.

It’s still a sellers’ market. Buyer demand remains high and the number of homes for sale is still lower than it’s been for years. This means you may have a greater chance of receiving multiple offers. Combine that with great financing options and historically low mortgage rates, and the odds are good that you’ll sell your home for top dollar.

 

Avoid the biggest pitfall — overpricing

The majority of showing activity occurs within the first two weeks after a home is listed for sale on the market. By pricing your home competitively, you’ll get more showings upfront. When activity comes early, you are more likely to earn close to the listing price and potentially attract multiple offers. If you overprice and the home sits on the market for months, buyers will then be much more likely to underbid in hopes of securing a bargain.

Together, you and your Rector Hayden Agent will work to assess your home’s current market value by taking into account the prices of competing properties and recently sold properties nearby, as well as conditions and amenities.

 

Improving your odds

Familiarize yourself with common pitfalls that can prevent you from selling your home quickly – an unwelcoming exterior, an interior that may feel too “lived in,” a kitchen that needs major updating and excessive clutter throughout (especially in closets).

A few small improvements can make a world of difference. Improve curb appeal by freshening up the landscaping, update a kitchen with upgraded countertops or freshen outdated cabinets with a coat of white paint. New appliances, light fixtures and flooring are an easy way to add appeal, especially in key areas like kitchens and bathrooms.  And, of course, decluttering may be needed to get closer to that “model home” appearance buyers find so enticing.

So now you’re ready to sell!!  If you aren’t already connected with a Rector Hayden REALTOR, we’d love for you to give us a call.  During our business hours, 7 days a week, call in and be connected with an agent on duty who will be happy to answer any questions you may have!  You can reach us at 859-276-4811 or Toll Free at 1-800-228-9025!  Or – feel free to send in an e-mail to clientcare@rhr.com and your message will be sent to an agent.

Categories
Home Insights Home Owning Tips

Home Safety: Using Fireworks

Gorgeous flames light up the sky in a yearly reminder of our county’s founding story.  While fireworks are loud, exciting, and fun – they can also become dangerous very quickly.  Fireworks are an explosive device, and as such must be respectfully used.

Did you know?  
In Kentucky, state law prohibits you from using fireworks within 200 feet of a structure (that includes your home)!

(Kentucky) State Fire Marshal Mike Haney says the safest way to celebrate is by leaving the pyrotechnics to the professionals. He says home use of fireworks could cause personal or property damage and might also be prohibited by local ordinances. [source] There are plenty of professional shows going on this weekend!  Check out our list of WHERE TO SEE THE FIREWORKS!

 

Lexington Police Department also released a great video on Facebook, reminding Lexingtonians of some of the more strict City Ordinances regarding fireworks.  If you’re a Fayette County resident, we suggest giving this video a watch!

video_lexingtonpolics

Here’s 9 Tips to Stay Safe around Fireworks

Pin this list, just click the graphic! 

 

Happy Indepence Day! Celebrate Safely!-From the Rector Hayden family to yours!

 

 The National Council of Fireworks Safety suggests the following safety tips…

  • Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
  • Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
  • A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities.  Never give fireworks to children.
  • Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.  Save your alcohol for after the show.
  • Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
  • Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
  • Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
  • Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
  • Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
  • Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
  • Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
  • FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
  • Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

National Council on Fireworks Safety Seal

 

Categories
Events Local Events

5 Events this Week in Central Kentucky!

Community Enrichment  |  Entertainment  |  Charity Events | Local Farmers’ Markets

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Don’t forget to visit your local Farmers Markets!

View the Directory of local farmers markets, courtesy of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Co-op Extension Offices
Click Here: https://news.rhr.com/farmers-market-directory-lexington-central-kentucky/

 

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 Community Enrichment

1. The 400 Mile Sale

JUNE 2 – 5

Yard sales, tents, treasures, and more along U.S. 68.  Plan to make a shopping stop in Paris, Wilmore, Nicholasville, or Harrodsburg along US 68 this weekend for some great deals!!  For more info: http://400mile.com/

2. The U.S. 25 Three State Sale

JUNE 2 – 5

Yard sales, tents, treasures, and more along U.S. 25.  For more info: https://www.facebook.com/U.S.25YARDSALE/

3.  Scott County Public Library Grand Re-opening – Georgetown, KY

SATURDAY, JUNE 4 – SUNDAY, JUNE 5

Sat 9 – 8 p.m. & Sun 1 – 5 p.m.
Scott County Children’s Chorus 9:00 -9:30 a.m.   |  Heath Garret and Molly G 10 – 12 p.m.  |  Minecraft Palooza 10 – 2 p.m.  |  Cotton Candy making with Dr. Greybeard 10:30 – 12:30 p.m
More Info: http://www.scottpublib.org/

people

Entertainment

Free Friday Flicks @ Jacobson Park – Lexington, KY

FRIDAY, JUNE 3 | Disney’s Inside Out will be playing

There is only one place in Lexington where you can enjoy a newly released movie in the park, children’s games and a petting zoo for free – Free Friday Flicks at Jacobson Park.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this family event offers a great evening of entertainment for all ages. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and pack a picnic dinner or purchase concessions from one of the many vendors on-site. (Sorry, no pets are allowed for the safety of our patrons.) For more information and movie titles, call 288-2900. This event is sponsored by Lexington Parks and Recreation, ABC 36, Don Jacobs and iHeartRadio.

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Charity Events

1. American Diabetes Association – Step Out and Walk to Stop Diabetes: 5k Run & Walk

SATURDAY, JUNE 4

Join Rector Hayden Agent John Sanders and many more as we walk to bring awareness to diabetic health and raise money for research!
For more information: Contact John Sanders ( jls@rhr.com ) or visit: http://main.diabetes.org/goto/teamrectorhayden

Wondering what’s coming up
in the Bluegrass next Month?
 Check out some of our
Events We [❤] for JUNE 2016.

 

Want your Community / Neighborhood event to be displayed?  Contact June Laves at Rector Hayden  –  junelaves@rhr.com

Categories
Housing Market Report Newsletter Featurettes

Rector Hayden Monthly Housing Market Report | JUNE 2016

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ZOOM!

May was one of the fastest-paced months that the Lexington and Central Kentucky real estate market has ever seen,
with OVER 1300 LISTINGS SOLD/UNDER CONTRACT!!

Although that was about 120 fewer sales than our record-breaking April this year, it still was a very solid month for the local market.

 

A key component of the current market is strong buyer demand…..and a lower inventory of homes than Central Kentucky has experienced in years.  Last year at this time, there were 4850 homes on the market locally.  Currently, there are 3530 – a whopping 27% reduction in the number of homes on the market since a year ago.

 

Still, there’s a good selection of homes available in all price ranges.   And with historically-low interest rates still available, it’s an ideal time for local home buyers to find their dream home!

Our monthly Market Report shows information for all of Lexington and Central KY, including:

  • • 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!

It’s the exclusive Rector Hayden Market Report!
Click the image below or browse the report through Issuu.com

market report header

 

Categories
Home Insights Home Owning Tips Home Selling Tips Newsletter Featurettes

What’s Your Home’s Market Value?

The BEST way to pinpoint your home’s market value is to consult with your Rector Hayden Agent.

But whether you’re thinking of selling or just curious, check out what the national public/private databases say is your home’s market value by going to www.RectorHayden.com!

You can look for your home's market value using our estimation tool! It can search for any residential address in the country!

By simply entering your address in the “Estimate Your Home’s Market Value” box on our homepage, you’ll instantly get a comprehensive report showing the estimated valuations of your home from 3 top providers – Zillow, RPR and Collateral Analytics.

This screenshot of the report shows you that the value of a home can vary and it's beneficial to look at your home's market value from three different sources to get an idea of what it can sell for!

These estimated values are based on large public and private databases like PVA/tax records and MLS listing data, and are simply intended to provide a sample range of what your home may sell for.

It’s interesting to see what these national database aggregators indicate for the value of your home — but again, to accurately pinpoint your home’s TOP DOLLAR value in our current market, you’ll need to consult with a local specialist….your Rector Hayden Agent!

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