Wakefield,Reutlinger

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Insider REAL ESTATE

A Publication of Wakefield, Reutlinger and Company/Realtors Vol. 1 No. 31

October 2011

Greater Louisville Association of Realtors, Inc. Residential Sales Statistics

Single Family Residential and Condo
The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors reported that sales in August 2011 increased 8% over Julys sales with 1,133 units sold compared to 1,048. For the year, June was the most productive month with 1,137 units sold, followed by August, then July. The August sales figures also continued a trend in July of outpacing same month figures from 2010. The August 2011 sales were 21% stronger than August 2010, providing evidence that the real estate market in the Greater Louisville Area is steadily surviving the post Home Buyer Tax Credit market. The average selling price for August 2011 slipped to $169,023 from $179,758 in July, but was nearly even with August 2010s average sales price of $172,949. Inventory, or the number of homes for sale, declined 2% in August to 9,046 from 9,295 in July and 9,213 in June. Inventory remains near a 10 month supply; inventory levels near a 6 month supply are often associated with an in-balance market. Year-to-date sales remain nearly 10% behind last years pace, but the upward trend in July and August has closed the gap somewhat.

Family-Friendly City
Louisville has landed in the No. 10 spot in Parenting Magazines listing of the top 20 cities in America to raise a family for 2011. The mag said its rankings were based on schools, affordable homes, low crime rate, jobs and park land. Lexington also made the cut, coming in 18th. Top honors went to Washington, D.C., followed by Austin, Texas; Boston; St. Paul/Minneapolis, Des Moines, Iowa; and Madison, Wisconsin.
Christa Ritchie The Buzz

Louisville

Greater Louisville Association of REALTORS, Inc. Residential Sales Statistics

Real Estate

UPDATE

Residential Sales Stats Single Family Residential & Condo Price Range Up to $99,999 $100,000$199,999 $200,000$299,999 $300,000$399,999 $400,000$499,999 $500,000 + 2010 2,302 3,695 1,369 477 184 172 8,199 2011 2,404 2,951 1,191 466 182 194 7,388 % Change +4.4% 20.1% 13.0% 2.31% 1.09% +12.8% 9.9%

Year to Date at a Glance 2011

Residential Sales Stats Single Family Residential & Condo Average Price Jan. 1 - Aug. 31

Year to Date at a Glance 2011

ALL THE WAY HOME...425-0225

Total

Interest Rates
Fixed 30 Year Fixed 15 Year Fixed FHA 30 Year Fixed 30 Year Jumbo 4.00 % 3.375% 3.75 % 4.75 %

*as of Sept. 30, 2011 - restrictions apply.

This is not intended to solicit a currently listed property. Information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Top 3 Triggers of Fall Allergies

Fall allergy season generally starts in mid-August and can last through the first few weeks in November. Knowing what the triggers are and how to minimize your exposure to them will help you enjoy life in spite of your allergies. Ragweed Pollen--Even though this weed is one of the biggest irritants for those with fall allergies, it is totally unremarkable in its appearance. It is tenacious and can grow in cracks in parking lots. Researchers estimate that it sends out over a million granules of pollen during the season which can then be blown for miles by the wind. Keeping weeds trimmed in your yard will help. Limit air exchange by keeping windows and doors closed and using air conditioning to maintain comfortable temperatures. Wear a mask while doing yard work to minimize the amount of pollen you inhale; then launder clothes that you were wearing and take a shower to reduce the amount of pollen that comes into your home. Mold--Looking at the big picture, mold is necessary because it facilitates decay and returns nature to its original state.

Moisture means mold so the dryer you can make the area around your home, the more likely you are to reduce the immediate outdoor mold count. Remove fallen leaves from your lawn before they have a chance to become wet and packed down from rain. Removing dead limbs and keeping the property free of debris will minimize mold growth. Dust and Dust Mites--If the air conditioner hasnt been used over summer months, starting the heating in the fall will send out all sorts of particulates that have had months to accumulate. These allergy triggers can include household dust, pet dander, and dust mites-all of which are renowned triggers. Change the filters on your central system before starting the heat. Vacuum the ducts that are on the floor. As you are probably aware, managing allergies is not just about doing one thing, it's about using many tools that each do their part to help minimize the triggers to which you are sensitive. And using a high efficiency particle arresting (or HEPA) air purifier to minimize the airborne particulates that will still enter your home is a tool that every management plan should have.

The Truth About The New 3.8% Tax

Theres a lot of misinformation around about this new tax, particularly on the Internet. To clear it up, here are the facts. Under the recently passed health care legislation, beginning January 1, 2013, a 3.8% tax on some investment income will take effect. impose a 3.8% tax on some (but not all) income from interest, dividends, rents (less expenses) and capital gains (less capital losses). The tax will fall only on individuals with an adjusted gross income (AGI) above $200,000 and couples filing a joint return with more than $250,000 Most people who sell their homes will not be impacted AGI. by these new regulations. This is not a new tax on every If your adjusted gross income falls into one of these seller. This tax is aimed at so-called high-earners. If categories and you sell your home at a substantial profit, you do not fall into that category, you will not pay any you might be required to pay an additional 3.8% tax. Given that the existing home sale capital gains exclusion extra taxes on the sale of your home. The 3.8% tax has been frequently misreported as on a principal residence ($250,000 allowable gain for amounting to a 3.8% sales tax on all real estate individuals or $500,000 for couples) still stands and no transactions. This is incorrect. The tax is not a sales tax, tax will apply for gains within those limits, then those nor does it apply to all real estate transactions. It is a tax subject to the 3.8% tax encompasses less than 5% of all on investment income (income which may or may not taxpayers. If you would like more info, please call us. derive from the sale of property) for persons who earn more than the amounts specified in the bill. When the legislation becomes effective in 2013, it may

A study by NSF International, a public health and safety organization uncovers the top 10 germ hot-spots and dangers in a home based on a swab analysis of 30 everyday household items in 22 different homes. Germiest Places in a Home The following are the germiest items in the house, ranked from highest to lowest in germ count: 1. Dish sponge/rag 2. Kitchen sink 3. Toothbrush holder 4. Pet bowl 5. Coffee maker reservoir 6. Bathroom faucet handle 7. Pet toy 8. Kitchen countertop 9. Stove knobs 10. Cutting board

The Dirtiest Spot in a Home Isnt Where You Think by Melissa Tracey

10%

According to web metrics firm Hitwise, Facebook represented 10 % of U.S. Internet visits in November, 2010, compared with 7% for search engine Google.