Monday, February 16, 2009

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Update 2009


A few things to note:
* It's $8,000 not $15,000 that was almost passed.
* No longer has to be repaid like the previous tax credit.
* It's still only for first time homebuyers.
* Must buy between 01-01-2009 and 12-01-2009

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

HardinHomes.com new building sign style decision


We're almost finished deciding on the sign for our new RE/MAX real estate office in Vine Grove Kentucky.

We want it to be easy to read but not too boring either. I'm leaning toward the first sign over the last.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Mortgage Rates lowest in 37 years

Freddie Mac started its interest rate survey in 1971 and the current rate of 5.17% (national average) is the lowest ever. Coupled with many motivated sellers and today's rate, it's a great time to buy.

Source WSJ

Thursday, December 18, 2008

2009 BAH Rates Fort Knox Kentucky are available

The Fort Knox BAH Rates for 2009 did not increase across the board. Enlisted soldiers, E1-E5, took a slight reduction (about $30/month) while the E6-E9 soldiers and officers got a large increase of approximately $180 per month. Except for the O1 who gets $1 more.

Mortgage interest rates are amazing right now (around 5.17%), you can get a pretty nice home without going over your BAH.

Overall the change is pretty good but not as good as the 2008 BAH increases for Knox.

We have posted the 2009 rates along with the history for each pay grade. The history is for Fort Knox Kentucky off base housing and covers 1998 through 2009. It's interesting to see how they have changed.
i.e. An E6 (with dependents) received $536 in 1998 and currently receives $1,161

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Viewing homes near Elizabethtown and Fort Knox Kentucky

You have found some homes in the Fort Knox Kentucky area and you are itching to go look at them. Before embarking on your quest, there are a few things that you should do to prepare. Ask your Kentucky REALTOR to provide you with the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) listing sheets. You can look these documents over as you tour the properties close to Fort Knox. You may also wish to take a digital camera, flashlight, tape measure, pen/pencil and notebook.

The MLS listing sheets will have the vital information of the homes. Square footage, year of construction, number of bedrooms/bathrooms and much more information will be located on these sheets. You may wish to compare the information on the sheet to the actual home. Sometimes erroneous information is listed and this should be cleared up when you tour, or shortly thereafter.

Use the notebook to save any questions you may have regarding the homes and any additional information you require such as utility costs and taxes. You may also wish to make notes of your likes and dislikes, i.e. proximity to Fort Knox. I suggest my buyers rank the homes as we look so they always know which one is their favorite and which ones are the backups. Take photos of the rooms, yard, and other features to refresh your memory when you later discuss the home.

You should have a flashlight because sometimes the electric is off, and also it may be needed to make cursory inspections of attics and crawl spaces or other dark areas in the home. A full blown home inspection comes after you have a contract on the house. Note any apparent water marks on the ceiling, floor joists or walls. You will want to find out what caused the marks, and what, if any repairs were made.

When done touring homes, you need to discuss your questions with your Elizabethtown Kentucky real estate agent. If you've found the home you want, it's now time to review all the information, decide how much of an earnest money deposit will be acceptable, and make an offer. Sometimes a property is sold as-is so take a careful look at the property disclosure statement(s) with your real estate agent. The disclosure statements are filled out by the property owner and should list any defects of which the owner is aware. If the home was constructed before 1978 there should also be a lead paint disclosure which the seller has filled out. In this document the sellers must disclose any knowledge they have of lead paint used in the home.

The home buying process may seem a bit daunting at first but a good REALTOR can guide you through and help you maximize your investment.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Hardin County Kentucky Real Estate Market Statistics (Q3)

Third Quarter Fort Knox Kentucky Housing Market Area Report*

377 homes sold (440 third quarter 2007)
674 new listings (454 third quarter 2007)


*Market area includes 4 Hardin County cities/towns Elizabethtown, Radcliff, Vine Grove, and Rineyville. All residential house styles are included except mobile homes and modular homes. Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data from Heart of Kentucky Association of REALTORS (HKAR).

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Real Estate for sale in Elizabethtown Kentucky


101 Penbrooke Drive is a custom built 2 story, Kentucky home that has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. It's nestled in Elizabehtown’s beautiful Whembly Forest subdivision. It features laminate hardwood flooring and Italian counter tops. The covered front porch and large lot add a nice country feel. The bonus room could be used as an office or sitting room. The basement has plenty of storage space. Entertain in the formal dining room or enjoy company on the deck.