Fast Tube by Casper

Todd Back and Meredith Lane are working towards establishing themselves as local experts in Lexington and have just released their first video called Todd & Meredith’s Cool Places. Each video will spotlight a local business or landmark and segue into a cool place to live. At the end of the clip they welcome the viewer to contact them should they want to find their own “cool place” to live. It is a soft sell approach that promises to be very lucrative for these young entrepreneurs! Uploaded to YouTube and Facebook they have positioned themselves to be the experts in all that is local in Lexington.

Todd & Meredith’s Cool Places premier features…

SweatLex – Challenging, intelligent and effective group fitness that will change the way you look, feel and think.

Ball Homes’ Coventry II Model – Contemporary three bedroom ranch floor plan in Greendale Cottages.

Milestone Realty Consultants has done the same by establishing ourselves as the local experts through our website. Rather than have a generic company branded website Milestone and it’s Enterprise Team work countless hours updating and positioning our website as the place to go to find information on Central Kentucky.

As the retail and department stores move towards offering additional online exclusive deals, we at Milestone wanted to remind you about how efficient our online search tools are. In between bargain hunting and untagging those embarrassing photos of stuffing your face at the Thanksgiving table, be sure to check out MilestoneKY.com. If you’re in the market for a Kentucky house or just thinking about looking, it really couldn’t be easier.

1. Property Search – The most basic of our search tools, this is the gold standard in searching for a home. With all of your basic fields such as bedrooms, bath, square footage and price – you start with a blank page and slowly get to narrow down to your ideal home. Be sure to sign up for a customer account which gives you access to saving your favorite homes and saving custom searches.

Map Search

2. Map Search – A very powerful tool, the Map search allows you to create your own boundaries for where you’d like to live. Click the red Draw New Polygon button in the top left above the map and then left click in the area you’d like to create a shape. As you add more points, the red area on the map you’re creating will begin to fill with homes for sale. Whenever you’re done, just make sure to close the shape by clicking where you started. From there you can click on the houses within the shape(s) or click on the the List View tab above your map to see the homes in a detailed list.

3. Lifestyle Search – Our newest home searching tool, Lifestyle Search is ideal for those not particularly familiar with the area. Using the sliders to rank various lifestyle requirements from lowest to highest, we can recommend a neighborhood, zip code or census area. From there it’s simple to view community data, demographic information and actual homes for sale. Golfing, Shopping, Health & Safety and Population Density are just a few of the major filters you can create.

4. Proximity Search – If you know a major landmark or business that you need to live by, Proximity Search is perfect for you. Paired with some basic search filters, Proximity Search allows you to select points of interest such as the University of Kentucky in Lexington or Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown and then find homes within a set radius.

5. Mobile Search – Our Mobile Search is also a powerful tool for those on the go. SmartPhone ready, including iPhone and Android, this search tool uses your phone’s GPS to find homes near you. Built to function as an app, various predefined search terms are at your fingertips giving you access to thousands of homes at any time. The same basic search tools from our Property Search is also available for those who really want to narrow down their options. Simply visit our regular website with your web ready SmartPhone to take advantage of this tool.

Be sure to check back regularly as we will be re-launching our website in the next few months with even more tools to assist home buyers.

Growing up in the late 60’s and early 70’s, we received our news once a day from Walter Cronkite, and usually received a once a month update on how the economy was doing. The information age has created this flood of instant data, and we wonder why buyers can’t seem to make a decision in our market. Just when they think it might be safe to enter the market, there’s a new report of impending economic doom. The availability of information doesn’t create the challenging market we are in, but it sure makes it more difficult to pull out of it.

Central Kentucky Real Estate Market Update

How’s the market? I get that question every day from friends and strangers alike. There is no doubt that this is the most challenging market of my 18 years in the business and I hear the same thing from agents who have been in the business much longer than me. My new answer is it’s like a marathon. Kentucky market statistics show that we are in the middle of a marathon, but we don’t know where the finish line is. Some days it’s raining and cold, some days we’re running uphill, some days we’re running downhill, and some days we are running in perfect conditions. We are only at mile 5 or 6 in a 26 mile race, so we can’t really be concerned about the finish line at this point. We have to keep doing the things that will get us to the finish…keep hydrated, take in energy, and maintain our form and pace regardless of what’s going on around us. We have put in years of training for this race; otherwise we wouldn’t still be in the race. The truth is I don’t know where the finish line is for this current market, but I do know I won’t be around to see the finish line if I don’t continue to take care of the basics.

Bluegrass homes

What we can’t do is become groundhogs. When times become challenging, it can be instinctive for us to retreat to our bunkers and wait for better days. However, if we occasionally stick our heads out of our holes to check on conditions, at some point the market is going to blow right by us and in the meantime we become fat and lazy lounging around in our groundhog holes. This applies whether you’re a real estate agent, a buyer, or a seller. This market will pass you by if you go into groundhog mode. We all have to be more diligent than ever in order to be successful. Even in this market, there are success stories being written every day (locally, we will close nearly 1 Billion dollars’ worth of residential real estate this year). As a buyer or seller, now more than ever is the time you need a professional on your side. As a Realtor, you have to keep working, keep training, keep informed of what’s happening in your market, and be the expert. None of these things will happen if you go into groundhog mode.

With the end of the calendar year approaching, there have been several signs (almost trends) that are encouraging. Number one is our supply of Bluegrass homes. The peak supply this year was lower than last year, and we have seen a steady decline in the number of homes on the market. While the supply is still almost double where we would like it to be, the trend is encouraging. Secondly, we have had several months in a row where we have outperformed the previous year in both closed sales and pending sales. Overall, we will finish this year with numbers very close to last year, but again the trend is encouraging.

Dusting off the crystal ball, I see more of the same for next year. Gradual improvements should continue, but the market will continue to be held back from full recovery mode by restrictive lending practices and the oversupply of foreclosures, bank owned properties, and short sales. Our marathon will continue, but with training and focus, we will eventually cross that finish line, and we will all be stronger for enduring the race.

940 Fieldstone Way

MRC – What distinctive features set this home apart?

ML -This home is a split bedroom plan – known as The Gentry and built by Ball Homes and offers three beds and two baths. The living room has a cozy fireplace for cold winter days and a vaulted celing in the living room and master bedroom providing a large open feel to the home.

MRC – What are the advantages of the location and neighborhood?

ML – Not only is this Richmond property located on a cul-de-sac, but the lot offers gorgeous views all around. Just off of Four Mile Rd, Fieldstone Way is conveniently close to the Dr Robert Martin Bypass making traveling around the city of Richmond a breeze! Shopping, dining and grocery stores are just minutes away and I64 provides quick access to Lexington or elsewhere if desired.

940 Fieldstone Way

MRC – What amazing views will the new homeowner be able to enjoy?

ML – A nice relaxing evening on the back patio would allow for a view of gorgeous rolling hills speckled with a few maple trees and a wonderful view of the farm opposite Four Mile Rd.

MRC – Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about the home?

ML – The house is just the right size! It gives privacy with the split bedroom, yet the living room lends itself to bringing everyone together with it’s warm, inviting floor plan. Want a more formal setting? The dining room is the place for that! There is also an informal eating area off the kitchen with a bar area. With the appliances included, it really has a little bit of everything.

If you’d like to see 940 Fieldstone Way Richmond, KY 40475 or had any additional questions please to hesitate to contact Mary Layton here at Milestone.

Kentucky house

The competition identifies cities and counties nationwide that have made the well-being of children a priority.  It is the fifth time that Lexington has received the honor, and the second time for Clark County.

Lexington was chosen in part for its long-standing initiatives like Partners for Youth and the Mayor’s Youth Council, which empowers the city’s youth with opportunities to serve the community and achieve success. Ranked seventh nationally in percentage of residents over the age of 25 with an advanced degree, the Lexington community has some amazing programs in place to demonstrate its commitment to higher education.

Clark County made the list for its dedication to raising awareness and increasing publicity for its community’s youth programs. For example, the Family Resource & Youth Service Centers helps eligible families sign up for the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program that provides a crucial Backpack Program so children from low-income families have meals on the weekend.

The “100 Best Communities for Young People” recognition emphasizes these regions’ continued focus of helping “young people achieve their potential, which includes earning a high school diploma, securing a good job and playing an active, productive role in America’s economic vitality.”

Other Kentucky communities to make the list are Barren County, Louisville and Paducah.  If you are thinking about making the move to the Bluegrass, now is a great time to purchase a Kentucky house! Let me know if you have any questions about the area!

Ze Frank

The answers and creative responses from multiple although random sources were absolutely amazing. The point to Ze’s presentation was this – you have to reach out and invite others to participate in your life and business to fully appreciate your world.

This was evident recently when we hosted Joepalooza – a fundraiser for one of our team members faced with major surgery and an extended recovery. People turned out in droves to support Joe and send him warm wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery. We wondered, when proposing the event if we would have any interest whatsoever. Boy, were we pleasantly surprised. Everyone could relate to his situation and we felt a commraderie we had been missing within our ranks.

We are now excited about moving forward with our team, staff and agents alike, with fresh ideas and a great new attitude. While it is true that we cannot change the economy, we can change our outlook and work together to form a strong and cohesive team, dedicated to serving the consumer in their quest for a new Kentucky house! Watch for new sales and marketing ideas and tools as we implement many of the great offerings from the Conference!!

HGTV's Bang For Your Buck airing October 15th, 2011 at 2:30pm EST

The premise of the show is simple – HGTV pits three renovation projects of a similar cost, area and room against one another with an expert judging a winner based off of who produced the biggest return of investment with their project and ultimately who used their money wisest. For this particular episode area this Saturday, the three contestants were from Midway, Lexington and Nicholasville. James Monroe had renovated his basement in Stuart Hall subdivision January of 2010 and is one of the subjects of this particular episode.

When asked about the experience James had the follow to say,

“This would give visitors an opportunity to see and evaluate our work, imagine my work in their home, and hopefully choose me to build their next home or perhaps they might share with friends who are looking for a custom home builder.”

James Monroe Homes offers an abundance of services whether you are building a new home, buying your first home, or need to remodel or repair your existing home.  Currently with two subdivision in Lexington (Kearney Hall and Equestian View) and numerous floor plans to choose from, you’re sure to find a home that fits perfect in to your way of life. Their slogan explains it best, “Where ever you are on the road of life we are here to build your next step”. If you have any questions about James Monroe Homes please don’t hesitate to contact Janet Royer here at Milestone.

This episode of Bang For Your Buck entitled “$100,000 Social Entertainment or Social Area Renovations” will be airing October 15th, 2011 at 2:30pm EST. Check your local listings for your channel line-up and in case you miss the initial airing any re-runs. We’ll also be posting a link to the episode once it airs.

708 Canefield Ct

MRC – What distinctive features set this home apart?

ML – It’s a custom built Tuscan Villa with aged brick home featuring gas to electric HVAC for energy efficiency. Home has a humidistat, fifteen foot ceiling in the living area and nine foot ceilings through out the rest of the house. Master bedroom and dining room have trey ceilings and both feature crown molding. The kitchen is 100% custom with maple cabinets and quartz counter tops.

MRC – What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?

ML – You are 15 minutes away from Lexington and Richmond. It’s a great place to be able to escape the busy streets of Lexington but still close enough to enjoy the amenities. There is a walking trail around the entire complex with marked mileage. This allows you to enjoy most of the native wildlife.

708 Canefield Ct

MRC – What makes the price of this home so great?

ML – It’s an excellent value for a customized Richmond property and two acres of land on a cul-de-sac with serene views.

MRC – Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about the home?

ML – The kitchen is a chef’s dream! It’s got a double oven upgrade, glass-top stove, upgraded restaurant style range hood, storage in the island and upgraded aged cabinets. This is the only house in the subdivision featuring the Tuscan build. No other home has the same builder in the area. Don’t miss out!

If you have any questions or would like to set up a showing of 708 Canefield Ct Richmond KY 40475, please contact Mary Layton.

We accomplished many things for many people and organizations from all areas of our community.  Projects included VIPS, Repair Affair, Bowl-a-thon, the GLAR  Golf Outing  which raised over $9,000 with proceeds being split evenly between St. John Center for the Homeless and Gilda’s Club Louisville, Pay It Forward Campaign which benefited fifteen individuals or organizations and Camp Quality 2011 that supports children with cancer.  In spite of the difficult times for those in Louisville houses, it has been a great year being able to touch so many lives in a positive way. The Miller Team takes great pride in being able to participate.   In closing, I would like to share our video from this year’s Camp Quality.

Fast Tube by Casper

Enjoy the video and let me know if you would like to be part of next year’s event.

Louisville houses

Louise has been an active Realtor® selling Louisville houses since 1983 and also holds a Broker’s license. She specializes in residential and new construction. She has served on MANY committees at the association and is also active in The Louisville Homebuilder’s Association where she is a member of The Sales and Marketing Council.

Louise is a member of the Ball Homes Team at Milestone and is very knowledgeable in the new construction arena. She has contributed to not only sales, but in design development as well. Louise and her husband, Dennis (now referred to as “First Dude”) work as The Miller Team and are consistently are top producers both in resale and new construction at Milestone.

GLAR is lucky to have such an outstanding representative for their President as Louise Miller and it is for certain that she will do a great job! Thank you Louise!