Buying a home can be a stressful event even if it is something you want to do.There are so many factors to consider:how big, in a subdivision or more towards rural, close to shopping, how big a yard, and on and on and on.With all the focus on your new Kentucky home, it is easy to forget our youngest family members.
Some children have no problem adjusting at all to moving.But for some the move can be very stressful.Your child may feel like he or she has no control over his/her life anymore.No matter what, it is very important to talk to your child about the move.Be as honest as you can and answer your child’s questions the best you can.
As a Kentucky real estate agent I have worked with many families over the years.My clients have found that having someone watch their children while they are out looking at houses makes it easier on all involved.Even my clients that come from outside Kentucky sometimes leave their children with family for their first trip.If you are not able to do that, it’s okay.Just be sure that your agent knows that so he or she can be prepared.I try to keep crayons and paper in my car for just such occasions.Bringing a book or favorite toy to entertain your child is good too.
Once you decide on a house you may want to bring your child to see it.Or you may wait until after your offer has been accepted so as not to disappoint him or her.Walk through the house with your child, pointing out where you will place furniture.Show her where her bedroom will be, where your room will be.This will help her feel more comfortable in the home once you actually move.
Drive around the area and point out different features, the neighborhood pool or a library.If possible, show your child his new school.Let him meet the teacher and students before his first day.If you can go to the new house a few times before closing, do so.That way the house will be more comfortable to your child when you move in.
When packing to move enlist the help of your child.Let her pack a small box that has her important stuff, her blanket or favorite book/toy.Make sure this box stays with her so that when you get to your new Louisville home that she can take it to her room and it won’t get lost.When you get to your new house, help her set up her room first before turning to the rest of the home.
Your child will probably be sad about leaving his friends behind.Give him a blank book where his friends can write messages and their names, telephone numbers and addresses. Let him take pictures and put them in this book.Make up cards with his new address and phone number that he can give out to his friends. After you move, encourage him to write to his old friends or call them and tell them about his new house and neighborhood or school.
There are many things that you can to do to help your child adjust to the move.There are books and other tools you can buy for your child on moving.However, the biggest thing you can do is to make sure to be there for him or her and take time to listen.Have fun and enjoy this time.If you want additional information, contact me today!
Some Jefferson County Real Estate owners received surprising news regarding their homes recently.The Jefferson County PVA has reassessed some properties in the area.If you received a notice and disagree with the reassessment there are steps you can take to dispute this valuation.BE WARNED – there are deadlines involved.Start now if you are going to file a dispute.
STEP 1
You can only file an appeal after you hold a conference with the PVA office.Conferences are held in person at the PVA office.The time frame for these conferences is the first Monday in May for 13 days (including Saturdays).See your assessment notice for dates.The conferences are informal.Property owners are encouraged to bring documentation to the conference that supports their opinion of the property’s value. For example, a recent appraisal, photos, insurance policies, current real estate listings, or recent Louisville Real Estate sales from their neighborhood are helpful.To schedule a conference, please call (502)574-6224.
STEP 2
If an agreement is not reached as a result of the PVA conference, property owners may appeal to the Jefferson County Board of Assessment Appeals. The Board of Assessment Appeals is a locally appointed three member panel that hears appeals property owners bring against the assessment placed on their property. Members of the Board take an oath to “fix at fair cash value all property assessments” under appeal (KRS 132.470). Appeal forms are provided by the PVA office during the initial conference. The completed forms must be submitted to the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office no later than one work-day following the conclusion of the open inspection period. The County Clerk will notify property owners of the date and time of their appeal.
STEP 3
An additional appeal to the Kentucky Board of Tax Appeals is available to anyone who remains dissatisfied with their assessment. The KBTA consists of three members appointed by the Governor. The KBTA will notify property owners of the date and time of their appeal.
These steps are taken directly from the PVA Website.
As a Louisville homeowner myself, I have been through the appeals process.I found the people I dealt with to be very easy to work with and very informative.They told me exactly what I needed to do.I hope this information helps you.If you have any questions, just contact me.
Last Modified: 05/15/2009 11:30
What do I need a Buyer's Agent for?
I have worked as a Kentucky real estate agent at Semonin Realtors for the past ten years.In the beginning, the majority of my time was spent practicing buyer representation.I find that the question that most potential buyers ask is “why should I have representation?”I wrote this article to briefly introduce the concept of Buyer Representation to you.My hope is that if you are thinking about purchasing a new home, you will find this article of assistance.
An agent the represents you in the purchase of a Kentucky home purchase is there to serve you.That agent works on your behalf to locate property which meets your requirements; to assist you by providing purchasing strategies, including information on financing, inspections, closings, possession, and contingencies, to negotiate the offer and counter-offers; to facilitate the closing process and/or; to represent your best interest at all times.
Will I have to pay for representation?The easy answer is “no.”The listing agent negotiates a fee with the seller that generally includes compensation for the buyer’s agent.
Yeah, but won’t I get a better deal if I work directly with the seller’s agent?Again, the easy answer is “no.”You may not pay less for your new home working with the seller’s agent.An agent can legally represent both parties.This is called Dual Agency (more on agency in another post).Remember that the listing agent negotiates a fee with the seller to list the seller’s home.If that agent sells the home himself/herself, that agent typically keeps the entire fee since it is not split between two agents.
Ok, so what will a buyer’s agent do for me?Good question.Your buyer’s agent should be an advocate on your behalf during the entire process of buying real estate in Louisville or wherever you are looking; from searching for properties, to writing the offer, financing alternatives, inspection negotiations, etc.
The agent will probably ask you to come into their office to meet to go over the process.This meeting typically takes about an hour or so.There should be no cost or obligation for the initial meeting with you.The agent should discuss agency law and disclose any affiliated business relationships they have with service providers (like mortgage, title, etc.).
Some other things you want the agent to explain is the home buying process (at least quick overview), why getting pre-approved first is a good idea and read over the contract with you, just to name a few.You may also be given an Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement.This agreement not only formalizes your relationship with the agent, but also spells out exactly what the agent will do for you, how the agent will be paid and what the agent will ask of you.
If you want an agent to represent you get her involved at the start of your search. Do not wait until you have found the property you want.I tell my clients that it is never too early to contact me.Sometimes we do our initial session a few months before they are ready to buy.Remember this is probably the biggest investment you will make in your lifetime.You want someone to guide you through the process.
These are the three main questions I get and by no means cover the entire subject of Buyer’s Representation.I have developed a booklet that covers all of these topics and more.If you are interested in learning more about purchasing Kentucky real estate, contact me today.If you are relocating to another state, or already live in another state, and want more information, Semonin can assist you in locating an agent also.
EMAIL: Suzanne@SuzanneEllis.com
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Buying a home can be a stressful event even if it is something you want to do.
When packing to move enlist the help of your child.
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