Family As Your Realtor… Is It Really Worth It?

With the recent boom in houses for sale, the real estate industry has gotten a lot of people shifting careers to try their luck in this exciting field. Not only will you be able to make your own hours, most real estate companies are able to give their Realtors the freedom they need as long as they are making sales, closing deals, or getting new listings. This may also mean that you might know a few friends in the real estate business or even have a family or relative working for a real estate company. But, when it comes to choosing a Realtor to represent you, should you choose a family member or relative or go with someone you have no connection with? It is a really tough decision to make but let’s weigh our options to see if you should or should not have a family member be your Realtor.

Will This Transaction Affect Your Friendship?

Many house buyers or sellers are torn when making the decision because they do not know if choosing their friend or relative to be their Realtor will affect their relationship if things do not go as planned. Of course, if things work out then that would be positive and maybe you'll have a stronger relationship with your relative or friend. But, what if you disagree with them or your relative/friend/Realtor is really not the same person during his "professional" hours? This could backfire and may cause a rift in your relationship with them. On the average, several people choose not to get family or friends to be their Realtor simply because of the fact that "business and family do not mix" (just like oil and water).

This is a Major Financial Decision, Trust Your Gut

If you are really having a tough time making this decision, keep in mind that, in the end, it's your choice to make and it's a huge financial decision. You will always have the last say at what price range you are willing to buy or sell your home. Remember that your Realtor, whether family or not, SHOULD always disclose all the information you need regarding a property and should have your best interest at the forefront. Here are some thoughts: 

•  The purchase of a house is the biggest investment most people will make in their entire lives so it is really important that you have made the best decision.
• You have every right to ask about their background in the real estate industry because it will be your money or house on the line here. You need someone with a proven track record and that just might not be your Aunt Edna

Choosing Your Realtor

• Be honest with your friend/relative if you do not choose him/her as your Realtor. After all, you're trying to keep a valuable relationship. Give this analogy: "If I were a financial money manager but didn't have a ton of experience just yet, would you be comfortable handing over your large retirement account and telling me to have at it?".
• Sometimes it is best to use a Realtor from a real estate company with a solid track record. At least, this will be a strictly-business relationship and you may even gain a friend if all goesas planned.

         Also, whether relative, friend, or not, be sure your Realtor is a competent one. They should be versed in laws, processes, paperwork, and of course be helpful in all areas related to the purchase or the selling of the house.

Deciding On What Feels Right

As humans, we are all capable of having that “gut feeling” so if choosing your friend/relative as your Realtor feels right and you know that everything will go smoothly, then by all means, go with your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, then it's best to stick with a Realtor that you have no connection whatsoever.

 

HardinHomes.com has some of the best licensed Realtors in the Fort Knox, KY area. Set up an appointment with any one of them hereif you live in the Elizabethtown, Kentucky area.

 

 

 

 

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.

Home for sale with acreage near Fort Knox KY

UPDATE: This home is sold

Are you searching for Fort Knox KY homes for sale with acreage? Do you like those older, historical style houses? When you hear people say "they just don't make 'em like they used to", they're referring to a home like this one.


It's unbelievable that you can get 12 acres in Hardin County less than 10 minutes to post.

List Your Home With Caution, Pictures Are Important

If you're selling a home near Fort Knox Kentucky (or anywhere really), make sure the agent you choose knows that pictures are extremely important. This is a military relocation market and many buyers are making decisions based on pictures. Usually they are coming to visit Ft. Knox and have already picked out the homes they would like to see. In some cases they buy the home solely based off the pictures.

Quick Checklist:
All pictures need to be entered the same day the listing is entered into the system.
Pictures shouldn't be small (at least 800x600) when uploaded to the system.
No blurry ones and no crooked ones (no one likes a sinking house).
If you can avoid a dark cloudy day, do it.
Examples of bad pictures

You never get a second chance to make a first impression
Every single day we see new listings that are entered in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service a.k.a. the homes for sale database) with just one picture or no pictures at all. This is a major mistake and can hurt your chances of a quick sale. Buyers are entered into the system and get emailed when a new listing matches their criteria. You are in front of many buyers for the first time and if there's no picture, buyers will most likely move on to the next listing.

No buyer wants to look at small pictures
I think there used to be a requirement that pictures had to be small (320x240) to be entered into the system. That's no longer the case. Make sure your agent uploads bigger pictures, if they're too big then the system re-sizes them anyway.

Is that home sinking?
No, we hope not, but that's the impression some bad pictures give if they aren't straight. Also don't allow pictures to be taken on a super cloudy day if it can be avoided.
Believe it or not there's a home for sale in the high $300k range that has one photo, that's it. To make it worse it's a photo taken at dusk.

Remember how important pictures are when interviewing agents.

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.

Vine Grove Kentucky Real Estate for Sale

Brick ranch located in Vine Grove, KY has 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. This fantastic starter home features modern cabinets/counter tops and hardwood floors throughout. The full, walkout basement provides plenty of storage and can be used as a work area. Enjoy peaceful Vine Grove as you spend time in the spacious backyard. Just minutes from the Meade County line and Ft. Knox.

Elizabethtown 2 story for sale in Kentucky

This beautiful Kentucky home has 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. It's located in Elizabethtown's quiet Bent Creek subdivision. Just minutes from I-65 and local restaurants. With over 2,900 sqft this home has the space and the features buyers are looking for. The bonus room might be used as a 4th bedroom or large office. The hardwood floors in the foyer, living room and dining area are stunning and the finished basement includes a family/play room and media room. It has a 2 car garage and additional storage in the attic. The corner lot is detailed with landscaping.

Large Elizabethtown KY Ranch for Sale

770 Spring Road is a large ranch that sits on a beautifully landscaped lot. It has a nice covered front porch and a fenced backyard. Enjoy company on the deck or entertain in the over-sized dining room. With over 2,000 square feet, this 4 bedroom 2 bath home has a ton of space.

Prestigious golf course subdivision home for sale in Elizabethtown KY

This home is a spacious 2 story that has more than 2,500 square feet. It’s located in a well maintained, prestigious golf course subdivision, The Woods at Pine Valley. There are 3 large bedrooms, 2.5 baths and an absolutely wonderful kitchen. Sitting around the outdoor wood burning fireplace, you will enjoy the privacy of the 6 foot back yard fence. The insulated sun porch is a welcomed upgrade.

Elizabethtown KY starter home for sale

Newly remodeled home on a cul-de-sac street in southern Elizabethtown Kentucky (map). New carpet and vinyl flooring, ceiling fans, fresh paint, and new windows.

Nicholas Ridge 2 story for sale Elizabethtown Kentucky

706 Clear Spring Court is a well maintained 2 story home. It's located in Nicholas Ridge subdivision, Elizabethtown Kentucky. 3 bedrooms / 2.5 baths and a $4,000 privacy fence. The master bedroom is a wonderful size and sports two walk-in closets. The big lot in the cul-de-sac backs up to mature trees. Elizabethtown Independent school district and proximity to I-65 are wonderful.

Elizabethtown KY Ranch for Sale

Enjoy the breeze and the peaceful view on the rear screened porch then relax in the whirlpool tub. This newer 3 bedroom 2 bath home is in the sought-after Shaw Creek subdivision of Elizabethtown (close to shopping). Granite, marble, and ceramic tile floors. Double tray ceiling in living room and master bedroom. Freshly painted and new carpet. Included with the home: appliances, riding mower, and 57 inch TV.

Elizabethtown KY Home with Finished Basement for sale

Welcome Home! This beautiful Etown Kentucky house has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. It's located in the gorgeous Nicholas Ridge subdivision. It's also in the Elizabethtown Independent city school district. With over 2,300 sqft it has all the room you’ll need. The oak hardwood floor in the foyer is stunning and the finished basement includes a family room and 4th bedroom. It has a 2 car garage and additional storage in the basement. Not only is it located in a cul-de-sac but sits on a corner lot. Relax by the fireplace after entertaining in the formal dining room. Call 800-963-5741 to tour this home today.

Etown 2 Story For Sale in Kentucky

Stop and smell the flowers! This beautifully landscaped Elizabethtown Kentucky 2 story home for sale has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. It’s a spacious colonial located in the Poplar Flats subdivision. It sits on a large lot which provides endless possibilities. Relax at the fireplace or enjoy company on the deck. Just minuets from I-65 and local restaurants but far enough away from the hustle of daily life. Come and tour this home today, at this price it’s bound to sell fast!
891 Poplar Trace Elizabethtown, KY 42701

Etown Ranch For Sale in Kentucky

This Elizabethtown, Kentucky charming ranch has 3 bedrooms and 2 full bath rooms. New beautiful flooring throughout the house gives the it the additional modern feel you are looking for. Enjoy cooking and dining in the spacious eat-in kitchen or step outside and entertain on the large deck. In front, you can enjoy your morning coffee or paper on the large covered front porch. The oversized 2 car garage has additional space for storage and the corner lot is detailed with landscaping. Come tour this home and fall in love with it today.
2526 Hutcherson Lane Elizabethtown, KY 42701

Elizabethtown KY Golf Course Home For Sale

This gorgeous Elizabethtown Kentucky home for sale has 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. It's a split-entry (bi-level) that is located in Pine Valley Golf Course Community and it has all the extras. It was completely remodeled in 2006 and it shows. Hardwood floors throughout the main level and a stunning kitchen with an additional breakfast nook. The tasteful interior wall colors and upgraded light fixtures add elegance and warmth to the formal dining and great room with a gas-log fireplace. The seller offers 2 wall mounted flat screen TVs (Home Office & Basement), a surround sound system and an insert fireplace, if the price is right.
If you have a lot of extra "stuff", not to worry, this home has plenty of storage space in the basement and a hidden storage area behind the oversized 2 car garage. Come and tour this home today.
613 Wind Brook Elizabethtown, KY 42701

Elizabethtown KY 4 bedroom house for sale

Priced below recent appraisal. Our newest listing is 226 Hannah Court, a 4 bedroom home in Elizabethtown KY. It's easy to see that this house is well maintained.
Corian countertops, 30-yr Pergo flooring in living room, tile in kitchen, fireplace, partially finished basement. Immaculate move-in condition home with landscaping and curb appeal. Sit on your back deck and enjoy the scenic 3 acre double lot with plenty of wooded privacy. Comes with remainder of 2-10 warranty. Two-person sauna and workout equipment negotiable. South E-town off of Hodgenville Road (map)