Louisville Real Estate Blog

Home Warranty

Today's Great Day Live episode with Claudia Coffey was all about home warranties with HomeMembership.

When you own a home, unexpected things can happen. That's where a home warranty comes in. It's like having a safety net for your biggest investment.

"From your HVAC to your kitchen appliances and even your plumbing, a home warranty can save you thousands in unexpected repair or replacement costs."

So, remember, a home warranty isn't just peace of mind; it's financial protection. It's a must-have for homeowners.

To find out more details be sure to come to the Homebuyers Seminar.

Click the link below for full details!

https://www.mettsregroup.com/homebuyer-seminar/

For the full episode of Great Day Live - Click below:

https://www.whas11.com/article/features/great-day-live/how-to-get-a-home-warranty-with-metts-group-and-home-membership/417-2335082b-ca16-4eac-8238-772cc69a6633

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Home Inpspections and Radon

ICYMI: Today's Great Day Live show - Talking Home Inspections and Radon with Wright Choice Property Inspection and Breathe Wright Radon Services!

Hey there, future homeowners! Looking to buy your dream home? 🏡Don't miss out on a crucial step – the home inspection!

Home inspections help you uncover hidden issues, from the foundation to the roof, ensuring your investment is solid.

"Learn More at Homebuyer Seminar - Sept 13, 2023"

For all the details on the buying process and more, join us at the Metts Group Homebuyer Seminar. Your journey to homeownership starts here! 🏡.
Click the link below to register. (registration not require, but preferred)
https://www.mettsregroup.com/homebuyer-seminar/

For the full Great DAy Live show today click the link:  ...

Homebuyer Seminar

🏡 Exciting News! Join us at the Metts Group Homebuyer Seminar 🏡
Are you ready to turn your dream of owning a home into reality? Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, haven't purchased in a while, or weren't involved in the initial process, this seminar is for you!
Join us for an enlightening Homebuyer Seminar, where we're bringing together local experts to guide you through every step of the process!
🔑 Discover mortgage options tailored to your needs. 🏠 Learn about inspections that ensure your peace of mind. ...

Learning the full process for Homebuying

Learn the best tips and tricks for getting preapproved in today’s competitive housing market.

 Click the link below to view our Great Day Live episode or join us at the homebuyers seminar.  You can register here: https://www.mettsregroup.com/homebuyer-seminar/

https://www.whas11.com/article/features/great-day-live/metts-group-and-statewide-mortgage-shared-tips-on-how-to-purchase-a-home/417-f89f1b2d-946a-4507-95b7-690c77dd9ca5

 

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If you DON'T Love it - Buy and Renovate it!

In todays tight housing market with low inventory - If you don’t love it, RENOVATE it! Bea and Brandon Metts share their secrets to still get your dream home in a sparse market.

Click the link below of our Episode of Great Day Live! - regarding renovations!

 https://www.whas11.com/article/features/great-day-live/the-metts-group-can-help-renovate-and-upgrade-your-home/417-c6d46f18-faa9-485b-b693-94ffe4257063

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Exploring the Housing Market with The Metts Group

With the crazy housing market, it can be hard to navigate and know if you are getting the best deal.  To help with all of your real estate needs, look no further than The Metts Group!

Watch the link below for our debut on Great Day Live!

https://www.whas11.com/article/features/great-day-live/exploring-the-housing-market-with-the-metts-group/417-de9280e0-9aec-4400-89c3-18ec6f4a3ed2

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A Guide to Buying your First Home in 2022

Ready to buy your first home in Louisville in 2022? Metts Group specialize in helping first-time home buyers like you find their dream property in Louisville, Ky.

Before you start searching for homes online, it's important to take the first step to house shopping: Getting pre-approved for a mortgage.

Your pre-approval will tell you what you can afford and what your monthly payment will be, so it's important to determine this before you start searching for your new home.

Pre-approval is good for about 30-90 days, so once you're ready, take these first 3 steps to get it done.

  1.  Contact us, and I’ll send over a list of lenders I know and trust.
  2.  Look over the list, check out online reviews, and ask friends and family for referrals.
  3.  Email 2-3 lenders you like or let me introduce you over email.

Once you've got your pre-approval letter in hand, it's time to start the search!

Before we hop into the home search, I like to advise my clients to create a "Needs" list and a "Wants" list. This will help us to really focus on the things that are most important in your future home.

Needs are the non-negotiable features; the features you simply must have in your next home. Wants are the ones you’d like to have, but you can add or change down the road. Remember, you can’t change the lot or the location so make sure you love both.

Once you've established what you're looking for, I will set you up on a search so you can receive an email the second a home that fits your criteria goes live. If you have any questions about a property, send me the information and I will find out for you. Send me listings you like and I can get more information and set up showings on your behalf.

After touring houses and choosing the one you love, it's time to make an offer. To do this, you'll need your pre-approval letter or proof of funds. You'll also...

8 Reasons Real Estate is The Best Investment

make money investing in real estate

8 Reasons Why Real Estate is the Best Investment

Real estate has long been considered a solid investment for many reasons. It is a relatively safe and easy way for people to build wealth beginning with a small amount of money. If you are interested in investing in real estate, I’d be happy to help you find the right properties.

Here are some of the ways investing in property can help you build an investment portfolio.

1. Real estate investments can provide you with a reliable and steady cash flow. Investing in rental properties is relatively easy as expenses are predictable and if your properties remain occupied you know what to expect in terms of profit margin.

2. Real estate appreciates in value. Real estate consistently appreciates, even during economic downturns, making it one of the more reliable investments. On average, real estate in the US appreciates between 3-5% annually.

3. Real estate investments help you retire. If you have been paying on your mortgage throughout your working years, you will experience greater cash flow as you near the end of your mortgage term and the principal is paid off.

4. Real estate sales are taxed at a lower rate than other income. When you sell your property, you are taxed short- or long-term capital gains which are usually lower than income tax brackets.

5. Real estate equity can be leveraged. One of the most attractive reasons for investing in real estate is the ability to leverage your money. When you take out a mortgage to purchase property you reduce the amount of capital required. As you build up equity in the property, you borrow against the equity or refinance the original loan, freeing up cash to buy another property.

6. You have control to improve upon your asset. Unlike an...

Things to Do When Preparing to Buy Your First Home

Do you hope to be purchasing a home in the next year or two? It’s important to start preparing for your first home purchase as far in advance as possible. Here are 3 things to check off your to-do before stalking homes online for hours.

Meet with a real estate agent
Meet with an agent and ask them to explain the home buying process to you, step by step. You can read articles on this all day, but having a professional who does this everyday walk you through what it looks like is extremely beneficial. (P.S. Ask me – I’d love to meet for coffee and go over the process.)

Talk to a lender
After talking with an agent, you’ll want to speak with a lender as well. Your agent will be able to refer you to someone, or you can find someone on your own. The lender will help you understand your qualifications and what you can afford now. They will help you to get your finances in order and get you on track to be able to afford your dream home when you are ready.

Build up your credit and savings
Your lender will tell you this, but it’s important to start building up your credit and savings so you can get the best deal on a loan possible. The higher the credit score and the more money you can put down, the better.

Not sure where to begin? Give us a call 502-694-0523 and we can meet up to discuss the process, I can help answer any questions you may have.

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Louisville Fish Fry's

Where are the Fish Fry's in Louisville you ask! Louisville loves fish fry events for Lent. There are many churches and organizations around town that have lunch and dinner fish frys. Check out the link below to find your favorite!

http://bit.ly/3919fsd

Source: Louisvillefamilyfun.net

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Buying Your First Home? Know These 3 Things

I LOVE working with first-time home buyers. Helping you find your first home, learn the home buying process, and guiding you from house-hunting to move-in day gives me the warm and fuzzies. Here are three things you should know before you start looking.

  1. Work with one real estate agent. It’s best to have one agent who is helping you with your search. Your agent will be dedicated to finding you the right property, and then negotiating on all the terms of your transaction on your behalf. You want that person to get to know you and your family’s needs and preferences, rather than starting over with someone new each time you go look at a house. Keep in mind that the agent who shows you a home is, ethically, the one who should continue the transaction. Also, when you call an agent from a yard sign or advertisement, you are dealing with the seller’s agent. While most real estate professionals are adept at handling both sides of a transaction professionally, it makes more sense to deal with someone you have already taken time to get to know and who has your best interests at heart as the buyer. You aren’t paying your agent; unless otherwise stated, he or she is paid by the seller upon closing. Still, you are hiring someone to work for you, so feel free to interview multiple agents and pick the one that you feel fits you best.
  2. You need to be pre-approved for financing. Unless you are paying cash for your home, you do need to talk to a lender before you start looking at houses. One reason is that it helps you set an accurate price range for house hunting. Looking at homes that you can’t afford to make an offer on just leads to frustration. A mortgage lender will not only tell you what amount you can borrow, but also your projected monthly payment, your closing...

Check Off These Items Before You List Your Home

Thinking of selling your home this year? Maybe you are ready to upsize or downsize, move to a new neighborhood, or take advantage of a sellers’ market. In any case, there are some smart moves you can make before you list to ease the process of selling your home.

  • Bring in a handyman. Have repairs made to leaky faucets, torn screens, broken door or window locks and handles, faulty electrical outlets, drywall damage, missing grout or caulking, broken sprinkler heads, rotten wood and anything else that would give a buyer reason to wonder, “What else is wrong with this house?”
  • Clean out storage spaces. Closet by closet, cabinet by cabinet, and drawer by drawer, get rid of items you no longer use. Your goal should be to show that the home has plenty of storage space, not spaces bursting with clutter.
  • Put away excess décor. Go for a minimalist look so that buyers can see the bones of the house and not have to move or look around decorative items to see the home.
  • Ditto on the Family Photographs. Humans are naturally drawn to people’s faces. If your home has family photos on every wall and shelf, buyers will be distracted by all the pretty faces.
  • Have the exterior pressure-cleaned. Make sure to include the roof, patios, porches,  driveway and walkways.
  • Spruce up the landscaping. First impressions are everything. You want buyers to want to come inside and not drive on by. Increase your curb appeal by trimming shrubbery and trees, putting down fresh mulch and planting some annuals.
  • Perform a deep cleaning. Consider hiring professional cleaners to tackle everything from the ceiling...

Questions You Should Ask When Buying New Construction

There’s nothing like moving into a home that is truly new, with no smells, smudges or dust left behind by a previous owner. Even better is when you get to make your own custom selections. But buying from a builder is a different ball game and it’s important you know how to play. Consider these questions if you are considering new construction.

Should you use a real estate agent? I think so! The builder may have sales agents or an assistant that helps buyer’s through the process, but those people work for the builder. It’s always a good idea to have a professional advocating for you, and most builders will pay agents a commission for bringing the buyer. It’s important that your agent accompany you to the first visit to the model center or builders’ office so that representation is established.

Does the builder have a good reputation? We’ve all heard stories of builders who fail to deliver on their promises, using lower grade materials than quoted, or even disappearing before the work was completed. Check out your builder before signing anything. Find out if there are any complaints registered against them and ask for references from other homeowners. Find out if you can tour a model or a recently completed home, and bring someone who can judge the quality of the workmanship.

Should you use the builders’ lender? Many builders work with a preferred lender that offers attractive discounts on closing costs when you finance through them. It’s important to know if the lender is working as a referral or if the mortgage company is owned by the same company that is building your home. If your lender and builder both work for the same company, it’s a good idea to have an attorney review your contracts as...

Avoid Emotional Decision Making When Falling in Love with a Home

Every home buyer hopes to find the perfect house. The one that, as soon as you walk through the front door, you know it is the one for you.

It happens, and when it does, I am really happy for my buyers. I always want my buyers to fall in love with the perfect house and live happily ever after.

Just like in relationships, however, emotions often come into play during the home buying journey…Emotions that may result in some not-so-loving feelings.

While I’m not a therapist, I can help you talk through your emotions about the homes we visit and help you identify if you are making decisions with your heart and not your head.

There are six basic emotions; let’s look at how they can affect your decision-making skills.

Fear: We have all learned that fear triggers a “fight or flight” response. In terms of making decisions, fear may cause you to “flee” from making any decision at all, which could make your home buying experience exhausting. If you are afraid you will run out of time, or that if you pass on a house you won’t find another one, you may “fight” by making a rash decision too quickly.

Sadness: Feeling sad can cause you to lower your expectations and settle for less than you truly want. You may decide you don’t need certain features that you previously wanted. Or you may settle for one of the first homes you see instead of persevering with the search.

Disgust: Disgust can cause you to eliminate choices that otherwise might have been in the running. You might find the perfect floorplan, style, or location, but if the home has a bad odor, a filthy floor, or some other off-putting defect, you might not be able to stomach it,...

Home Trends for 2020!

From colorful Kitchens to pretty powder rooms. Check out these trends sure to hit the home in 2020. Whether you’re settling into your dream home, sprucing up a house to sell, or just looking to make some changes, here are some predictions for hot home décor trends in 2020!

Colorful Kitchens – The classic white kitchen has held its top spot for years, but décor experts predict that 2020 will bring more color into the kitchen, like grays, soft blues, and natural wood elements. Wood Range Hoods – As homeowners seek to bring warmth to their farmhouse-style décor, wood range hoods are a rising way to marry cool color palettes with warmth and whimsy. 

Formal Dining Rooms – More and more homeowners have gone casual with their eating spaces, but it’s looking like formal dining rooms will make a comeback, with new focus given toward the impact and statement a great dining room can create.

Seating in the Bathroom – As bathrooms become more useful as a spa-like retreat in the home, extra seating can be a valuable asset, whether it’s a window seat, a bench, a cute vanity seat, or a catch-all chair by the bathtub, seating in the bathroom is a logical next step in decorating. Tiled Bathtub Aprons – Tiles have long been used as an inexpensive way to create beauty in the bathroom, but the experts are predicting that this year will see an expansion of the idea, with bathtub aprons the next option for a quick spruce-up. Double Floating Vanities – Homeowners have been growing in their use of floating vanities. They open up space and create a clean, minimalist feel. This year, there will likely be a rise in double floating vanities.

Creative and Clever Laundry Rooms – The functional laundry room has been neglected in design for too long, and experts predict that 2020 will see a burst of creative...

Highlands Candy Store a True “Sweet Spot”

The Sweet Spot Candy Shoppe adds that special treat to living in the Highlands!

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

The Sweet Spot Candy Shoppe storefront

What confectionary delights will you find at the Sweet Spot Candy Shoppe in the Highlands?

Life in the Highlands community of Louisville was already pretty great, but with the addition of a new candy store, it’s downright sweet.

Timeless homes, ongoing entertainment, the best restaurants and local stores in the area – what more could you need? Now there’s a delicious candy store right in the heart of the Highlands. The Sweet Spot Candy Shoppe, at 1583 Bardstown Rd., is a great addition to the neighborhood. They have gourmet chocolates, all kinds of hard-to-find candies, specialty sodas, yummy gummies, and a great range of bulk candies for any occasion. Stop in today and grab a treat for every sweet tooth in the family!

This new store is just another reason to love life in the Highlands. If you’re looking to buy your next home in the Highlands area, don’t let the current market scare you! We’d love to help you find your dream home in this fabulous community. Talk to an agent today about how to make the Highlands your next home, sweet home!

 [Source: thesweetspotcandyshoppeky.com]

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The Highlands Festival is Fun for the Whole Family

Highlands Festival Another Reason to Love Life in the Neighborhood

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

Highlands Festival logo

The Highlands Festival provides fun for the whole family!

When you live in the Highlands, there’s never a shortage of fun ways to engage with the community. Regularly, there are concerts, family events and special festivals popping up around the area, further proving that the Highlands is one of Louisville’s best places to live, work and experience the city.

The September Highlands Festival is one such event that is fun for everyone – and maybe just a short walk from your new Highlands home!

On Saturday, September 8, beginning at 1 p.m., the whole family is invited to experience the Highlands at its best, with lots of great food, a covered beer garden, your favorite local artisans’ goods, a super fun kid area, and live music throughout the day. The activities will take place along the 900 Block of Baxter Avenue in the Highlands, from Highland to Broadway.

And while you’re finding yet another reason to love living in the Highlands, don’t forget the area stores, restaurants, coffee shops, schools, parks, and more that make the Highlands one of the best places to live in Louisville!

 [Source: Highlandsfest.com]

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Highlands Sees Progress on Vegan Restaurant and Pub

V-Grits and False Idol Independent Brewers Works Toward Opening in the Highlands

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

Vegetarian Bowl

The Highlands: Making all your vegan dreams come true!

Louisville’s Highlands area is celebrating the upcoming opening of a local vegan restaurant and adjoining brewery. V-Grits and False Idol Independent Brewers will be opening this fall at the previous Monkey Wrench location in the Highlands.

While it was previously believed they’d open this summer, extensive renovations and improvements have taken up more time than anticipated, but the wait will be all be worth it when the doors are finally opened.

V-Grits is currently a highly demanded food truck provider, and their brick and mortar location in the Highlands will be able to serve more hungry vegetarians, vegans, and curious omnivores. This won’t be just another great restaurant and brewery, it’ll be a valuable opportunity to help demonstrate the delicious lifestyle vegans can enjoy.

Restaurants like these are just another reason why the Highlands is a great place to live, work, and play. This area of Louisville has it all – from live entertainment to unique dining experience, with plenty of fun for the whole family in between. The Highlands could be the perfect place for you to buy your next home – and then you’ll be able to get yummy, guilt-free foods and beer any time you want!

 [Source: Louisville Courier Journal]

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New Highlands Store Embraces the Community Feel

“Vintage Banana” Clothing Store Fits the Neighborhood Feel

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

Old TV

In the Highlands there’s a unique vintage clothing store. In with the old.

If any neighborhood knows what it’s like to take something old and unique, clean it up, and display it proudly, it’s the Highlands. That’s why the Vintage Banana clothing store at 1507 Bardstown Road (through the alley) is a perfect fit for the area. It’s one-of-a-kind, clean, and charming, and the store is a great place to help your wardrobe match your uniquely Highlands vibe.

Maybe you’re already dressed to the nines in your vintage threads, and you’re looking to buy a house in a matching neighborhood. The Highlands in Louisville might be just the location for you! Besides fabulous shops like Vintage Banana, there are plenty of specialty restaurants, local coffeehouses, scenic parks, and fun for the whole family, all within easy walking distance. Whether you’re searching for that authentic shotgun-style house or the modern, renovated home of your dreams, you can find it all in the Highlands.

Talk to an agent today about making the Highlands your home. Bell-bottoms not required.

 [Source: Louisville Magazine]

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Highlands Among Best Areas for Public Murals

The Rise of Intentional Wall Art is Reflected in Highlands Neighborhoods

By BEA METTS, Agent/Co-Owner

Highlands wall mural

The writing on the wall says it all about the Highlands neighborhood.

You don’t have to drive far to discover one of Louisville’s hottest new trends – street art! Downtown, Portland, NuLu, near UofL, and Old Louisville are boasting more and more examples of these creative expressions on buildings, walls and other areas.

Some art reflects the businesses nearby or embraces the feel of the neighborhood. And some creative murals integrate wires and signs into the artwork. From simple designs to elaborate masterpieces, each piece of art reflects a piece of the city, its diverse population and its free-spirited artists.

In the Highlands, you can find everything from pairs of animals enjoying coffees together to dragons, hamburgers, zoo animals and catchy sayings. It’s just another one of those things that captures the heart, creativity, adventure, and deeply affectional weirdness of Louisville and the Highlands community.

 [Source: Insider Louisville]

[Source: Louisville Courier Journal]

 

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