Shawn Paul – Staying True to The Business Of Flipping Houses in Elizabethtown, KY

While the business of real estate may seem stagnant these past few years, there is a lot of hope for the residents of Elizabethtown, KY. Money may be tight and that is understandable because we are just recovering from the economic hardships that have swept across the nation. But, even if today does not look like a fruitful day, one must always stay true to their dreams of a better future. This is what Shawn Paul, a realtor at HardinHomes.com and someone who specializes in flipping houses for a living is doing. As someone who has been in the business of flipping houses well over 4 years, he knows that one must take into great care when buying and selling houses.

What is Flipping Houses?

Basically, flipping houses is when you buy a property that is priced well below market value and either renovate it or break it down and build it back to brand new condition. It sounds pretty straight forward but according to Mr. Paul, he claims that, “buying the right one and selling it at the right price” can be a very daunting task and this has always been his biggest challenge in this business. He says that one must invest a lot of time and money in order for this business to become very lucrative. You must also have a lot of “general knowledge in construction costs and understanding of the math and financial numbers where the pricing will be.”

Challenges You Will Face When Flipping Houses

There are many challenges one will face when flipping houses but so far, Mr. Paul says that, “he’ll be glad to help” if anyone wants to ask for advice from him. You have to know how much items cost and understand the whole gamut of things before you can really market the property you are working on to be a profitable one.

Future Of Real Estate In Kentucky

Mr. Paul wishes the economy could get better when it comes to the real estate market and hopefully it will since right now it is experiencing a buyer’s market wherein prices of homes are selling way below their fair market value. This can mean that more people are willing to let go of their investments and hard work for a lower price.

Advice For People Who Want To Get Into Flipping Houses

This business of flipping houses basically sounds enticing to many people because of its “extreme profitability” as said by Mr. Paul but it will take a lot of time and money on your part as well. He is open to anyone who wants to get advice from him when it comes to getting the right properties to flip and rebuild.

Flipping Houses For Mr. Shawn Paul

Indeed, this man of great personality stands firm in his ways of flipping houses and wishes people to get more interested in it if they have the proper resources and funding… so that their future will be brighter. 

If you are interested in flipping houses, do a quick home search to check out some of the real estate for sale in Elizabethtown, KY.

To speak with Shawn Paul to ask questions or find your own flip, call, text, or email 270-401-1223 ShawnPaul@HardinHomes.com

Leo's Donuts and Coffee - A Fun Place To Hangout And Have Donuts And Coffee

Leo’s Donuts and Coffee – A Fun Place To Hangout And Have Donuts And Coffee

When donuts come to mind for the residents of Radcliff KY, many people conjure up images of police officers happily munching on these sweet and unique creations. As the owner of Leo’s Donuts and Coffee House, this is the main reason they named their business, a donut and coffee specialty shop – Leo’s. Basically Leo’s is actually an acronym for Law Enforcement Officer. Their shop does not cater to police officers alone of course; they cater to everyone and happily accommodate each and every single customer that enters this quaint and cozy donut shop through the doors or through their drive-thru window.

Beginnings and Donuts 

Kids love Leo's cereal donuts

Having just opened last November 2012, it has really been a busy place since the first day it opened. This is great news because everyone can use a community gathering place to just relax, enjoy the music, enjoy the weather, and of course their specialty coffee and donut creations one can only find at Leo’s Donut and Coffee House. As Mr. Shortt said, “…it was very busy from the very beginning.” The Shortts have purchased the building where it stands and made this place welcoming to anyone who wants a place to unwind, meet with family and friends, and to devour the donuts that are always freshly made on a daily basis. They use the freshest and best ingredients that they can source and make sure that each customer who walks in will feel like king of the day. The donuts alone are to die for with toppings such as iced raspberry, red velvet, bacon maple, and even cereal donuts.

Leo's Donuts And Coffee House Is Jam Packed 

Leo’s Donuts and Coffee is situated close to Fort Knox and because of this, it enjoys a very high traffic where people come in to purchase one or a box of donuts. You can be sure that around mid-morning till after lunch that this place can be found filled to the brim with all kinds of customers. Another perk they offer is the free WIFI that many customers find very useful when snacking on donuts and checking in on their emails and site surfing. Leo’s Donuts and Coffee House is a definite welcome to the Radcliff neighborhood and kids are always all smiles when inside the store.

Leo’s Donuts and Coffee also specializes in coffee and one of their top sellers is the Leo’s Mocha that enjoys a robust and awakening experience to anyone who orders this. You can be sure that all of their coffee creations are made with the highest quality of beans that are sourced directly so the flavors are jumping and just wrap around your mouth like a burst of freshness.

Donuts And Locations 

If you are not in the Radcliff, KY area, don’t lose hope as Mr. Terry Shortt and his wife are already brainstorming ideas on the next possible location for the second shop. Of course, you can always hop on over at their store and you can be sure that you will be welcomed with open arms and of course a fresh batch of donuts and specialty coffee.

A True Meeting Place - Leo's Donuts And Coffee House

So, what really makes this business stand out is that they are the only one that can be called a “true meeting place” for everyone in the community as they welcome the place as a hangout place for meetings with a covered patio and even a dining area. They will soon host a book signing event by a local author named John Flanagan this 4^th of May and everyone is invited to come in and meet the author himself while enjoying that most sought after donuts that Leo’s Donuts and Coffee House is popular for. This is a joint event with The Book Store and John Flanagan will be there to share his experiences as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War.

The Happy Place To Have Donuts

As Mr. Terry Shortt says, Leo’s Donuts and Coffee House is a “fun place to come and have coffee and donuts with your friends.” Don’t delay and see what the entire rave is about this donut shop that is putting Radcliff KY on the map across the nation. You will definitely not be disappointed and will most definitely come out with smiles right across your face while happily munching on a box of Leo’s Donuts and Coffee House.

Leo’s Donuts and Coffee House is located at 605 N. Wilson Rd., Radcliff, Kentucky. They can contacted at 270-352-2283. Their store hours are Monday - Friday 6:00am-5:00pm and 8:00am-4:00pm Saturdays. Check them out also at www.LeosDonuts.com. Be sure to "Like" them on Facebook.

How To Find Credible Elizabethtown KY Real Estate Companies When House Hunting

How To Find Credible Elizabethtown KY Real Estate Companies When House Hunting

With summer just around the corner, many families who want to move up or down in house are now in the mood to do some house hunting. If you are also looking to buy real estate in Elizabethtown KY, you know that economy there is in full swing and people are more raring to buy a house that they have been in a long time. But, don’t just go all in and close on the first offer that is presented to you. It is always a good idea to have an expert Elizabethtown KY real estate agent to help you get the house you want at the price you can afford. There are several ways to make sure that the real estate company you have chosen is indeed a credible one and not just out to make their cut when a deal is closed. Several of these real estate professionals really do care for your family and your future and want to make sure that you have made the best decision there is before settling in one homes for sale Elizabethtown KY.

Is The Company Already Established In The Area?

One of the best ways to make sure that you are dealing with a credible Elizabethtown KY real estate company is to see if they are already established and have full knowledge of the area in which they are located. You want to see if the Realtors are really knowledgeable about certain locations and how far establishments are from each other. They must able to provide you with additional information such as the history of the home or area you are looking to buy and even the best restaurants in and around the Elizabethtown KY area. When you come across one real estate company that you think is credible, check their background and even profiles of their real estate agents and see if you feel at home speaking with one of them. This is not the time to be shy because it is your money that is on the line and your family’s future as well. Real estate companies that are also looking out for you will go above and beyond to make sure that you have made the best possible decision.

Homes For Sale Elizabethtown KY – Is The Area For You?

Once you have decided to look at homes for sale Elizabethtown KY, you want to get a feel for the place. Check with the real estate company you are working with to see if they can offer you any additional insights that only they know about. A credible real estate company will have more information about a specific house or location and not just information that you can easily get from a quick search online or a phone call from a friend. Real estate agents will want to share with you, even on a private note, about why one house is not the perfect match for you and your family and will be able to offer a better alternative than you may have realized in the first place. The good thing with homes for sale in Elizabethtown KY is that several credible real estate companies are highly knowledgeable about the area and will be able to give you a better understanding and appreciation of the houses for sale there.

Trusting Your Gut

Once you have decided on one real estate company that specializes in the Elizabethtown KY real estate, you must then turn to your inner self and trust your instincts. After all, even with all the homes for sale in the Elizabethtown KY, you and your family will be the ones to make a final decision if you should go ahead and make a deal on it or to continue in your search for the perfect house.

HardinHomes.com is one real estate company that is already established and has major presence in the Elizabethtown KY real estate market and also its surrounding areas. They will be more than willing to help you choose a house that will be a perfect match according to your needs, budget, and wants.

Louisville Zombie Run 5K Is On!

The Zombie Run in Louisville Is Still Open For Registration 

Image from freepik.com

Run through a stretch of 3.1 miles as you try to avoid being eaten by flesh eating zombies. 

Starting line is at the:

1080 Ampitheater Rd
Louisville, Kentucky 40214

Event unfolds on April 21, 2013 / @ 12:30PM Sunday 

After the Zombie Run, go have a look at the real estate for sale in Elizabethtown, KY.
Hope to see you all there!

When Should I Sell My Elizabethtown KY real estate? Spring, Summer, or Winter?

When is the best time to sell your Elizabethtown KY real estate? Typically, when you need to. There will always be a market of buyers.

The seasons can have an effect, though. Winter, for instance, is generally not the busiest time for Elizabethtown Kentucky real estate buyers, but on average the inventory of homes for sale during the winter tends to be a little lower. That may actually work in your favor. Yours may be the one piece of Elizabethtown real estate that’s quickly snatched up for reasons that have nothing to do with the time of year.

If you can wait, late spring is probably a more ideal time to list your home. Some Elizabethtown KY real estate sellers think listing early, say in March, will give them a head start. They might be gearing their listing toward spring break shoppers. Sometimes though, the weather can change dramatically and quickly in March. A storm can stop buyers from venturing out to look at homes.

Sell Dates Versus Closing Dates
Also to be considered, Elizabethtown Kentucky real estate buyers generally want a 30 to 60 day closing, so listing in March may attract buyers that want to close in April/May. If you don’t want to move until your children have finished school, March may be actually be a good time to sell. Of course, you can try to negotiate the date of your choice. If children’s schedules aren’t a factor, if you’re moving within the same school zone, or if you have an urgent reason for needing to sell, selling early in the spring won’t hurt you.

April or May are often a better choice, because snowfall has ceased, buyers will be more motivated to venture out to view Elizabethtown KY real estate. Those who want to move during the summer will often begin their search in these months.

Just a tip: If you’re planning to close at the end of your child’s school year, give yourself transition time. If your children have exams, are involved in special events, graduations, and so forth, it will be a busy time for the family and probably not the best time to be packing up the student’s belongings. Perhaps closing a week or two after the school year ends is worth negotiating.

Yes, a sale is important, but as a seller, it’s still all in your hands. Do what works best for you. That’s what negotiation is about; finding the best or most workable scenario for both the seller and the buyer.

The Importance of Trends
Contrary to thinking, being first on the market to list your house isn’t necessarily ideal. It can be advantageous to use other sellers’ scenarios as case studies. Once the Elizabethtown real estate market becomes speckled with more homes for sale, your agent will hear important feedback and be able to gauge what’s happening with buyers. She’ll be more knowledge about the current buyer trends and better able to advise you on how to price your home for a quick sale. If your price is right, for current demand, your home will sell. If you're asking too much then you will wait. Be sure to factor that into your timeline.

If your neighbor decides to start off early at listing his house, perhaps at a high price, his house may be by-passed. New shoppers may not be in a hurry to snatch up the first thing they see. Until they’ve been able to compare with others, they may feel the home is over-priced. Listing when the Elizabethtown KY real estate market starts moving may be a better option.

Of course, there’s always a veteran shopper who’s been waiting for just the right home to come on the market. Yours might be it. There are no hard and fast rules about how houses sell.

Certainly a discussion about demand wouldn't be complete without talking about Fort Knox. We can't forget how important of a role Fort Knox plays with regard to the Elizabethtown KY real estate market. If Fort Knox is not moving soldiers in, then the market will be pretty flat as far as demand is concerned.

If you need to sell or are just toying with the idea, talk to us about the Elizabethtown KY real estate market. The more information you have, the better equipped you’ll be to sell your home quickly.

2013 BAH rates for Fort Knox Kentucky are out and overall they are better than 2012 but the change is not as great. Soldiers with dependents saw an average increase of 2.965%. while those without dependents saw 2.877%. E4 and below got a nice increase last year and saw the largest increase (6.3%) on the enlisted side this year.

Many soldiers realize the important financial benefits BAH offers. They choose to put that money to work by letting it pay their mortgage and build valuable equity. With mortgage interest rates around 3%, it's not difficult to see that buying, for example, one of the homes for sale in Elizabethtown KY is a wise investment. Many people are also discovering that buying is cheaper than renting.

Military home buyers always find it interesting to see how BAH rates have changed over the years at Fort Knox. We have BAH rate history for every rank since 1998. For example, an E8 with dependents receives $1,446 for housing in 2013 but only received $625 in 1998.

Home Buying Tips: Things to Consider Before You Buy

This article courtesy of the professional Realtors serving the Fort Knox KY real estate market.

Home ownership is part of the American dream, and it’s natural to get excited when you’re able to make that dream a reality. When you’re looking to buy a home, emotions can play a prominent part in your final decision. But home ownership is a substantial long-term investment, and it pays to take a step back and consider your potential home purchase choice from an objective standpoint. Before you make your final decision, go through this helpful checklist and consider each point.

Is the home the right size for your family and stage of life? Often it’s assumed that the bigger the house, the better. But remember that houses with lots of square footage cost more across the board. Everything will be more expensive: property taxes, heating and cooling bills, electricity bills, roof repairs, exterior painting and flooring. And lest we forget the mundane, every square foot needs to be cleaned. Bigger houses equal longer cleaning hours.

Does the home offer enough privacy for your comfort? Smaller lot sizes mean tighter boundary lines between homes. Walk around the house and look out each window. Will you be able to open your bedroom curtains without exposing yourself to the neighbor? Could you enjoy your outdoor space without being on display? If privacy is important to you, don’t compromise on this point. Hedges can be planted but they take time to grow. Fences are expensive to install and sometimes aren’t high enough to block distant views.

Is the home environmentally safe? Radon air and water tests are useful, but there are other potential environmental hazards in a home. Ask your home inspector to specifically check for mold (especially if the home has central air conditioning), rodent or insect infestation, and inferior wallboard. Ask about lead paint if the house is older, and check along basement baseboards for signs of water infiltration. Water damage is one of the most destructive things that can occur in a home. If you see water stains along the walls or in the attic near rooflines, investigate further.

Are the home’s operating systems in good working order? Even before you invest in a home inspection, you can easily check the mechanical operation of the plumbing. Don’t be shy about flushing toilets and turning on water taps, including the tub and shower. These simple acts communicate volumes about the quality of the water and the water pressure. Turn lights on and off as you walk around the house. If appliances are expected to be included in the home purchase price, test each of them. Turn on the range knobs to ensure they heat up as expected. Operate the microwave. The refrigerator doors should have a tight seal. Turn on the washing machine for a moment and let the dryer spin a few times to make sure they work. Visually inspect the water heater, furnace and any air conditioning units. If these units appear dirty or rusty, chances are the system has not been maintained. Quality Elizabethtown KY home inspectors will check these things but be sure to ask anyway.

These tips don’t represent the exciting part of looking at a home to buy in the Fort Knox Kentucky Area. It’s much more fun to fantasize about the amazing kitchen and imagine your kids or dog frolicking in the backyard sunshine. But spending some time going over each home purchase tip before you buy your new home can safeguard you from costly surprises after you’ve bought your home. Make your American dream a happy reality, not a nightmare.