Greater Louisville Real Estate Blog

Louisville Housing Market Report (2026 Trends)

ngarrett@garrettsrealty.com (Nathan Garrett) — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:41:00 -0400

Louisville Real Estate Market Update Below is a quick overview of the current Louisville real estate market. Numbers and statistics are gathered from the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors® (GLAR) for February 2026. Home Prices Are Home Prices Dropping in Louisville? Not necessarily. Seasonally, home prices tend to slow during the fall and winter months before picking back up in the spring. Last year, prices peaked in June at $305,000, consistent with the pattern we saw the year prior. As of February 2025, the median sales price is $285,085, reflecting that typical seasonal dip. As we move into the spring market, we expect both activity and prices to trend upward. Housing Inventory What is Happening in the Market? Recent data from the Greater Louisville MLS shows a clear shift. More homes are coming to market, with overall inventory more than doubling compared to just a few years ago. This increase is giving buyers more options and creating a more balanced dynamic than we’ve seen in recent years. As inventory builds, we’re also starting to see an uptick in price reductions, a sign that sellers are becoming more competitive and adjusting to changing market conditions. Read More: Home Prices on the Rise in the Louisville Zip Codes Showing Activity Activity and showings are beginning to trend upward as we enter the spring market. The average number of showings per listing is now 4.4, up from the previous months and in line with the activity levels we saw toward the end of last summer. February 2026 Louisville Housing Statistics Median Sale Price: $285,085 (Up +4.81 from February 2025) List To Sale Price Ratio: 97.7 (Down -0.08 from February 2025) Average Days on the Market: 48 Days (Up 37.14 February 2025) Total Sold Listings: 899 (Up +0.45 February 2025) Homes right now are selling within 48 days on market. Over the years we have seen a great increase in home prices around Louisville. Right now may still be a great time for homeowners thinking about selling because of the continued lack of listings but it looks like that could be shifting soon. Popular Real Estate Searches Anchorage Real Estate Crestwood Real Estate Fisherville Real Estate Glenview Real Estate Goshen Real Estate Hillview Real Estate J-town Real Estate La Grange Real Estate Louisville Real Estate Lyndon Real Estate Middletown Real Estate Mt Washington Real Estate Oldham County Real Estate Prospect Real Estate Shepherdsville Real Estate Shelbyville Real Estate Simpsonville Real Estate St Matthews Real Estate Taylorsville Real Estate

How to Appeal Your Louisville Property Taxes

ngarrett@garrettsrealty.com (Nathan Garrett) — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 16:45:00 -0400

Good news The value of your home has gone up. The bad news is your property taxes likely have too. However, if you believe your taxes have been unjustly increased, you have the option to appeal your Jefferson County property taxes. How does the PVA Determine Property Values? Each time there is a sale in your neighborhood the local PVA office will enter the data into their system to record the transaction. The sale price will then represent the value of the property for approximately the next two years. Jefferson County PVA uses a computer-assisted mass appraisal system (CAMA) to determine the property values for more than 250,000 homes. However, even with careful monitoring, inaccuracies can occur. Potentially leading to higher tax assessments for some property owners. Periodically the PVA will re-assess certain areas. When this takes place, many homeowners in the area may see an increase in their property taxes. Appealing Your Property Taxes Since appeals are restricted to a designated period, appealing your Louisville property taxes can only be done during a limited time. Also known as the annual Open Inspection Period. The first step is to visit the Jefferson County PVA website to find out when the PVA Online Conference is held - as required under state law (KRS 133.120). Which typically starts on the first Monday of May and runs for 13 days, including two Saturdays. Preparing for the Conference First, check to make sure that the information the PVA has on your property is correct and that there are no discrepancies. Such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and the square footage. Even the size of lot. When preparing for the conference, you have the option to represent yourself or to select a representative. The following is a list of representatives: An attorney Certified public accountant Real estate broker or Kentucky licensed real estate broker An employee of the property owner Licensed or certified Kentucky real estate appraiser An appraiser with a temporary practice permit or reciprocal license or certification in Kentucky whose license or certification within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice Any other individual with a professional appraisal designation recognized by the department. Find Comparable Sales In the past, the PVA has allowed the public to have access to the sold data two weeks before and during the Open Inspection Period (OIP). To check, you can contact customer service at the PVA Office to learn more. Furthermore, they even hold in-person appeal assistance at different library locations. It is important that when looking for comparable homes to support the appeal, you look closely at each property. You will notice that there are different styles of homes. To find the true market value, you must only compare a property to similar-style homes. Also, use comparables that are similar in age and size. Before getting started, you may want to find information on how to correctly price a home. This will help guide you in selecting accurate like-kind properties. Gather Supporting Documentation Once you have found comparable properties that have recently sold that support the inaccurate evaluation. You will want to print them out and use them as examples. Some homeowners will also consider hiring an appraiser to do a full report on their home if they believe the taxes are higher than they should be. Make notes or even take pictures of the interior or exterior of your home to show condition or if repairs and updates are needed to further support the inaccurate value from the PVA Important documentation that you will want to include: Detailed interior and exterior photos of your property. A current full appraisal. Evidence of comparable sales. Other relevant documents like insurance policies or repair estimates. Delivering Supporting Documents Once all of your supporting documents are together you will need to turn them in as soon as possible. You necessarily have 7-days to file or before the closing of the Open Inspection deadline. Whichever comes first. But time is of the essence, so do not delay turning them in. You can either hand deliver or mail your documents to the Jefferson County PVA office. Jefferson County PVA OfficeAttn: ConferencingGlassworks Building815 W. Market St. 400Louisville KY 40202-2654 Moving Forward with Your Appeal If the issue isn't resolved at the PVA level, the next step is to appeal to the Local Board of Assessment Appeals (LBAA). Following your conference, you'll receive a result form which must be submitted to the Jefferson County Clerk’s office as instructed. They will schedule your hearing and notify you of the date and time. Further Appeals Should the LBAA decision not meet your expectations, you can escalate your appeal to the Kentucky Board of Tax Appeals. This further step involves more detailed preparation, and guidance on this process can be found at the Kentucky Claims Commission-Tax Appeals website.

60 Home Maintenance Tips to Follow 2024

ngarrett@garrettsrealty.com (Nathan Garrett) — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 17:36:00 -0500

Homeownership is a goal for many Americans. However, following a good home maintenance checklist may be overwhelming. Especially if there are years of deferred maintenance. Below is an easy-to-follow checklist to help you tackle these small tasks each month throughout the year. Spring Home Maintenance Checklist Sprint time is usually when the real estate market starts to pick up. It is also a good time to do some maintenance around the house. Below are home maintenance tips to perform during this time of year. Some of the most important activities this time of year, are the ones that will help keep your house protected from the heavy rain that we typically see this time of year. March Items Some arborists recommend that late winter, just before spring hits, is the best time to have trees pruned or trimmed. Make sure tree branches are trimmers away from the house. When branches rub against shingles it can cause them to wear faster. Walk around the outside of your home and touch up any exterior paint as needed. Springtime is always a great time to do some spring cleaning Purge and declutter any items that are no longer needed. This is extremely important if you are planning on selling in the coming months. Typically this time of year you may expect a lot more rain. Check all gutter downspouts and splash blocks to make sure the water is being directed away from the foundation of your home. A good rule of thumb is to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors is twice a year during daylight savings. April Items Replacing a new unit is not cheap. That is why it is important to have your air conditioner serviced once a year. Check for proper grading around the exterior home. During heavy rain, it important that the water properly drains away from the foundation. Test the garage door auto-reverse to make sure it is working properly to prevent any accidents. Gutters can often become clogged and cause overflowing. It’s a good idea to clean them from leaves & debris at least twice a year. Check brick, siding, and exterior for any damage. Sometimes the mortar can deteriorate and will need to be tuck-pointed to prevent any water intrusion. May Items Depending on the size of the household will determine how often your septic system needs to be serviced. If it has been a while, now may be a good time to have it cleaned & serviced. Pressure wash and clean the deck, siding, and any other outdoor areas. Sometimes certain products such as Wet and Forget or even OxiClean can get the job done without using a pressure washer. Now that everything is clean, it is a good time to reseal or stain your deck. For better air circulation inside, switch ceiling fans to counterclockwise. Run water & flush toilets in unused bathrooms to make sure sediment doesn’t build up in plumbing. Download PDF: Home Maintenace Checklist Printable Summer Home Maintenance Checklist Below are some home maintenance items to perform during the summer months. This time of year the temperature and the humidity is at it's highest. Don't just focus on the exterior of your home though, this is a good time to also focus on the inside. June Items Clean garbage disposal monthly. Your basement must stay dry. Always check for cracks and any signs of water. Clean out and defrost the freezer and refrigerator. Vacuum registers and vents. Some companies will come out and thoroughly clean out all ducts. Clean inside & outside windows to improve natural light on the home. July Items Tighten any loose handles and doorknobs both interior and exterior. Driveways can take a lot of abuse. Check for any cracks and consider resealing if needed. To prolong the life of your water heater, drain and flush it out to remove sediment. Test GFCI outlets to make sure they are working properly. Have a professional roofing company inspect the roof for any dame or needed repairs. August Items If you have a vestment, chances are you have a sump pump. Now is a good time to check and make sure it working properly. Take a look inside the attic to make sure there is no water intrusion. During the summertime, homeowners tend to grill out a lot more. It’s a good idea to regularly clean it. Depending on the size of the household and the number of guests, it might be time to have the carpet professionally cleaned. September Items Over time doors can become loud and squeaky. Sometimes the best way to fix it is to remove the pin from the door hinge and apply some oil. Replace caulking around exterior windows can help prevent from water finding its way inside and causing rage over time. Nails and screws can work their way out of wood from the hot and cold temperatures. Tighten any loose nails or screws on the deck to keep boards secure and prevent a trip hazard. Inspect the fence for any needed repairs. Loose boards or fading paint. Fall Home Maintenance Checklist Below are tips to perform around the house during the fall months. Now is great time to start preparing your home for the colder temperatures. Complete any task outside that you may not want to finish when it is below freezing. October Items Winter is coming and temperatures are dropping. Now is a good time to have your furnace serviced and cleaned. Remove hoses from outside spigots to prevent freezing and bursting pipes. Reverse ceiling fans to clockwise direction to better circulate the warmer air. Especially tall vaulted ceilings. Winter is right around the corner and the hot summer temperatures should be coming to an end. Take a look at the attic to make sure you have adequate insulation. Winterize outdoor lawn equipment. November Items It is important to create an Emergency escape plan and practice it once or twice a year. Shut off the water supply for exterior spigots. Have the fireplace inspected and cleaned before you use it during the winter months. Clean and cover any outdoor furniture. Winter Home Maintenance Checklist From December through February, the temperature is usually at its coldest. Take a look at these months to see some winter home maintenance tips to perform around the house this time of year. December Items Have the dryer vent cleaned or replaced. Run water & flush toilets in unused bathrooms Inspect weather-stripping by doors & windows to help prevent unwanted drafts. Clean faucet aerators to remove sediment buildup. January Items Make sure your gutters are free from any ice dams and icicles. Inspect fire extinguishers Clean behind the refrigerator and stove to help better airflow and to prevent from appliances running to hot. It is important that you change your HVAC filter every 30 or 60 days. Deep clean your oven. If you eat home cooked meals regularly, they can get pretty dirty. A good cleaning once a year will help keep it nice. February Items Check the caulking in the bathroom and kitchen to make sure it is not deteriorating and allowing water to seep in behind it. Test all smoke detectors in the house. It is important that they are checked every month. If you have a whole-house humidifier, it is good to take a look at it once or twice a year to make sure it is working properly. During the colder months, you want to ensure that all outside railings & steps are secured. Check and clean range hood filter once or twice a year depending on how often it in use.

How Long Will it Last? The Lifespan of 48 Household Items [Infographic]

ngarrett@garrettsrealty.com (Nathan Garrett) — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 08:15:00 -0500

[Estimated read time: 6 minutes] Being a homeowner can be rewarding, but unfortunately, sometimes it can also be expensive. If you have recently bought a new house, you likely remember the importance of the age of certain items when looking at homes for sale. From the furnace to the water heater, the roof, and so on. Factoring in the cost to repair these items or even replace them is costly. As a new homebuyer, it can be helpful to have a buyer checklist to help keep track of the important things to look out for when buying a home. Life Expectancy of Household Items Replacing items around the home can be frustrating. Not only can the unexpected expense put a strain on finances but it is also time-consuming when having to shop around and research the newest features and what make and model to buy. To top it off, you then have to figure out how to dispose of the old item. Which, sometimes can be an additional expense as well. Some things around the house may last a lifetime, while other household items may only last a handful of years. That is why performing routine maintenance on appliances and other essential household items is imperative but also budgeting for repairs may be equally important. How long do Windows last? Just like any item around the house, the lifespan of windows can vary. The type of window, quality of material, and if the window is installed correctly all play a role. On average, windows can last from 15-20 years. Of course, there are windows found in historic homes that are much older than this but that doesn't mean they haven't seen better days. Switching out old windows around your home can quickly improve energy savings and even increase the value of your home. The lifespan of other items found around your home: Thermostat: 35 Years Gas Fireplace: 15-25 Years Windows: 15-20 Years Television: 12 Years LVP Flooring: 10-25 Years Interior Paint: 10-15 Years How long does Carpet last? The lifespan of carpet in your home can vary depending on the quality and type of carpet installed, the amount of foot traffic, and general care for the carpet. Generally, carpets can last for 8-10 years, but this can easily be shorter depending on how rough you are on the carpet. It is important to regularly clean and care for the carpet to help prolong its lifespan. The lifespan of other items found around your bedroom: Interior Doors: 100 Years Ceiling Fan: 12 Years Light Switches: 10+ Years Carpet: 8-10 Years Mattress: 7-10 Years Wifi Router/ Modem: 5+ Years How long do Kitchen Appliances last? Kitchen appliances can be pretty costly when it comes time to replace them. When shopping for a new item, it's easy to become distracted by the newest tech and features available. On average, refrigerators have a life expectancy of about 9-13 years, but just like any appliance, this can vary depending on the make and model and usage. Sometimes routine maintenance can help prolong the lifespan. Refrigerators are among the most expensive kitchen appliances. On the lower end, you may be able to find a new fridge for as little as only a few hundred dollars. On the higher end, they can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000. Ranges on average, have the longest lifespan compared to other kitchen appliances. The life expectancy of a stove/oven is anywhere between around 13-17 years. Gas ranges on average last longer than electric ranges but electric ranges are known to be more efficient. The lifespan of other items found around the Kitchen: Gas Range: 15-17 Years Electric Range: 13-15 Years Refrigerator: 9-13 Years Garbage Disposal: 12 Years Dishwasher: 9 Years Microwave: 9 Years How long do Tile Floors last? Tile floors can easily last a lifetime if properly installed and maintained. Tile floors are typically found in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements because of their durability. There are many different types of tile flooring and if they are installed professionally and cleaned and sealed every couple of years they should easily last a lifetime. The average lifespan of tile floors is 75-100 years. The lifespan of other items found around the bathroom: Showerheads: 100 Years Tile Floor: 75-100 Years Whirlpool Tub: 20-50 Years Faucets: 15-20 Years Exhaust Fans: 5-10 Years Caulking: 5-10 Years How long do Washing Machines and Dryers last? The lifespan of washers and dryers can vary depending on the make and model. On average, dryers last around 13 years. Whereas a washing machine has a much wider range. The average washing machine can last between 5-15 years. Usage and routine maintenance play a big role in how long a washer and dryer last. Even something as simple as cleaning the lint filter between each load can help. You may think a higher-cost washing machine will last longer because it may be built better and offers more features, but this isn't always the case. The lifespan of other items found around the laundry room: Dryer Vent: 20 Years Electric Outlets: 15-25 Years Laminate Flooring: 15-25 Years Clothes Dryer: 13 Years Washing Machine: 5-15 Years LED Light bulbs: 30k-50k Hours How long does a Furnace and Water Heater last? Checking the age of the furnace is one of the most important things to check when looking at a home for sale. On average, a well-maintained gas furnace can last between 15 to 25 years. However, if the furnace is not properly maintained, it is not uncommon for the furnace to fail prematurely. It's important to change out the furnace filter regularly. Since there are many different types of filters, it often varies depending on which filter is being used. Also, having your system serviced and cleaned seasonally is imperative as well. On average a water heater can last anywhere from 6-12 years. While some tankless water heaters can even last up to 20 years. The lifespan of other items found around the basement: Service Panel: 60 Years Furnace: 15-25 Years Water Heater: 6-12 Years Dehumidifier: 8 Years Sump Pump: 7 Years Radon Fan: 5-8 Years How long do Roof Shingles last? Just like most items around the home, the lifespan of roof shingles can vary. Various factors such as manufacturer, the type of shingle, weather conditions, and installation quality all play a role. Three-tab asphalt shingles, which are the most commonly used, typically last between 15 to 25 years. Other roofing materials such as clay, copper, metal, and even slate all have a much longer lifespan. Regular inspections and repairs can also help extend the lifespan of roof shingles. Front Door: 100 Years Doorbells: 45 Years Wood Fencing: 20 Years Wood Shutters: 20 Years Asphalt Shingles (3-tab): 20 Years Concrete Patio: 15-25 Years Asphalt Driveway: 15-20 Years Deck Boards: 15 Years Exterior Paint: 7-10 Years Caulking: 5-10 Years Stains: 3-8 Years Mulch: 1-2 Years Conclusion: Life Span on Essential Household Things Most homeowners have experienced it, we buy a brand new appliance hoping it's going to last at least 10 years or more. Then surprisingly, a few years later we are out shopping for a replacement. Are we at fault for not taking proper care of it or do things just not last as long anymore? Source: NACHI's Estimated Life Expectancy Chart.

12 Tips to Winterize Your Home (GIFOGRAPHIC)

ngarrett@garrettsrealty.com (Nathan Garrett) — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 09:15:00 -0500

[Estimated read time: 6 minutes] As a homeowner, the fall season is a great time to winterize your home. Preparing your home before the colder temperatures get here will help when going through your winter home maintenance checklist. To help, we created a Gifographic highlighting the tips that can help you this winter. Embed This Image On Your Site (copy code below):

Courtesy of: Garretts Realty Group

Let's further look into the winter home maintenance checklist. Below we break down the tips that can help you keep your home safe and also tips to help you save money this winter. Inspect & Clean Chimney Before starting your first fire this season, it is important that you have a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep come out and clean and inspect your chimney before you use it. Chimney fires are dangerous and can happen without the homeowner even knowing it. Creosote buildup on the chimney walls can ignite over time. It is important that you take the proper winter home maintenance precautions to prevent any buildup inside the chimney. Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat As a homeowner, one way to really help cut back on energy cost this winter is by upgrading to a programmable thermostat. Set your thermostat at a lower temperature and leave it. If you usually set it at around 74 degrees, try setting your thermostat to 68-70 degrees. During the hours you are away from the home, have the programmable thermostat set at a lower temperature. Reducing your overall average temperature in your home can dramatically impact your monthly energy use if done correctly. Turn Off Exterior Water Spigot Now that it's getting colder, chances are you won't be watering the garden or washing your car on the weekend. An important winterize tip for your home is to disconnect the water hose from the outside spigot. If you have a shut-off valve for the outside faucet, turn off the water that leads to the exterior spigot. Some homeowners even use insulated covers for the outside that attach to the spigot which can act as added insulation. Reverse the Direction of Ceiling Fans One commonly overlooked winter home maintenance tip is changing the direction of your ceiling fan spins. This will help improve the airflow in certain rooms in your home. Especially in rooms with high or vaulted ceilings. Temperatures towards the top of a ceiling, depending on the height, can be 10 to 15 degrees warmer than at floor level. Having the ceiling fan set at a low setting and in the proper direction can better help circulate the air flow in the room. Service Your Heating System This may be one of the most important tasks to be completed when winterizing your home. It is recommended year after year to have a professional come out and inspect and service your furnace to ensure it is performing at its highest efficiency and that are no safety concerns with the unit. Check & Replace all Smoke Alarms To help protect you and your family this winter be sure to check all of your Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms. December through March is peak time for house fires. The leading cause of house fires this time of year is caused by portable and fixed space heaters. You should check your smoke alarm once a month and change the batteries twice a year. A good time to do this is during a time change (daylight savings). Adequate Insulation Do you have a lot of heat escaping because of poor insulation in your attic? One easy way to tell is by simply looking at your roof after a snowfall. If all of the neighbors still have snow on their roofs throughout the day and yours has already melted. Chances are, you have poor insulation. Improve Water Heater Efficiency Do you have an older hot water heater? Chances are if you do, it has poor insulation. If your hot water heater is located in a cool area such as a cellar, you may want to consider investing in a blanket that is specially made to help insulate the tank of the water heater. Even consider insulating the hot water pipes as well to keep them warm when in use. After making the adjustments mentioned above, you can now easily adjust the temperature on the water heater to a lower setting. You may not even notice the change in temperature. Prepare Windows & Doors When getting your house ready for winter in Louisville, one way to make an impact on reducing energy cost is through your windows. Go through and check the weather stripping on all of your windows and doors to make sure that there is an airtight seal to prevent drafts coming through during colder temperatures. Now may also be a good time to re-caulk the areas around the outside of any doors or windows to also cut back from any drafts or water that may find its way into the home. Consider having your windows re-glaze or if your budget allows it, you may even want to consider replacing them with highly efficient, double hung windows. One quick and cost-effective way homeowners are seeing results are from the DIY insulation kits that you can find at most box store. These insulation kits typically cost less than $20. Exterior Tips for Winterizing your home Another tip for your home this winter is to open the cabinet doors below any sinks and turn on the hot and cold water so it slowly drips. This is important to do if temperatures drop to extreme lows in your area. Especially throughout the night while you are asleep and the faucets go unused for a longer period of time. Gutters This is a task that should always be done in the fall. Especially after most of the leaves have already fallen. By neglecting to clean your gutters before winter you run the risk of ice dams forming in your gutters. This can cause problems not only because of the weight from the ice and possibly pulling the gutter away from the home. Water can also find its way into the home behind the exterior walls if ice dams begin to build up. Enrich Your Lawn Instead of raking up all those leaves consider using your lawnmower this fall to mulch the leaves in certain areas of the yard. Doing so will help enrich the soil from the leaves decomposing over the winter months. Winterize Lawn Equipment Every year it is a good idea to get your lawn equipment ready for the winter months by winterizing them to prevent from additional wear on the engine. Final thoughts on Winter Home Maintenance From energy-saving tips to preventive winter home maintenance and proper precautions to keep your family safe. These are the actionable task that you can take as a homeowner this winter to help you get through the colder temperatures. If you enjoy the gifographic or have any tips to add, please comment below

What is the Best Firewood for your Home? [INFOGRAPHIC]

ngarrett@garrettsrealty.com (Nathan Garrett) — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 08:45:00 -0500

[Estimated read time: 4 minutes] Not all firewood is created equally Find what firewood is best for your home. Cold weather is officially here and it looks like it will be sticking around for a while This is the time of year when people enjoy staying inside and relaxing next to a warm fire. Before stocking up on firewood and lighting that fire - let's look at some of the best firewood for your home Choosing the Best Firewood The drier the firewood the better Fresh cut wood, also known as “green wood” is not ideal. Unseasoned firewood smokes a lot more and is also a leading cause to creosote buildup - which can lead to chimney fires. Different types of Firewood Not all firewood is created equally. Understand what you are looking for when stocking up on firewood. Below is a list of the different types of firewood and the different benefits of each one. Apple: Not only does Apple wood have a great aroma but it also burns slow. Meaning less wood to keep the fire going Typically found in most areas across the U.S. Ash: Burns great and steady. Ash wood is known to split easy and tends to season fast. Also found in most areas in the U.S. and highly recommended as great firewood. Birch: Burns very hot and quickly Birch firewood is typically best used as fire starter because how fast it burns. Typically found in most midwestern states of the U.S. Cherry: If seasoned properly, Cherry firewood will burn slow and put off a great smell. Compared to other different types of firewood, Cherrywood tends to spark more but tends to smoke little. Found in most areas around the U.S. Hawthorn: A dense hardwood that burns slow and puts off a lot of heat. Hawthorne can typically be found in the Southeastern states. Maple: Dense wood that is great for a fire that you're wanting to burn slow and hot. Maple firewood is also recommended as a great firewood. Typically burns best when it is seasoned for at least one year. Oak: Considered one of the best firewood’s. Oak burns slow and even but also burns hotter than most. This type of wood is also found in most parts of the U.S. Walnut: Easy to burn and has a good aroma. Walnut is a hardwood that is dense and burns slow. Another advantage is it puts off great heat with not much smoke. Typically found in the Southeastern states. Safety and Maintenance Tips for your Fireplace Have your chimney and fireplace cleaned and inspected by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep professional. Known as one of the most important winter tips for your home. Check all Smoke Alarms in the house. December through March is peak time for house fires. It is a good idea to check your smoke alarm once a month and change the batteries at least twice a year. Choose firewood that is seasoned. This type of wood burns the best You can likely tell the difference because seasoned wood is also lighter in weight and also has a grayish color. Before starting your first fire, have a small ‘test burn’. Having a small fire first will help you test to make sure the smoke ventilates through chimney properly. Keep a non-flammable rug in front of the fireplace to protect carpet and flooring from any sparks from the fire. Consider leaving an inch of ash in the bottoms that can act as insulation for fires. Also, remember to clean the firebox at least once a week during peak seasons. Conclusion: Woodburning Fireplaces The popularity of wood burning fireplaces seems to be on the decline because they are may not be as energy efficient as some gas burning fireplaces. However, it is hard to replace the experience and ambiance of having a wood burning fire on a cold winter night.

Checklist: How to Prepare Your House for Vacation [INFOGRAPHIC]

ngarrett@garrettsrealty.com (Nathan Garrett) — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 15:20:00 -0400

[Estimated read time: 6 minutes] Summertime is one of the most popular times of the year for travels. Many families pack it up and head south for their annual summer vacation. However, this could be a great time for Murphy's Law to pay you a visit. Murphy's Law: “If something can go wrong, chances are, it will... and usually at the worst time.” Below are some of the proper steps to take as a homeowner so your house is in better hands while you are away. Checklist: How to Prepare Your House for Vacation 1. Put lamps on timers Leaving the house dark all week may not be a good idea. If you haven't already, consider buying a couple timers for the lights in your house and have them set to automatically turn on at different times in the evening while you're away. 2. Double check all locks on windows and doors When was the last time you checked all the windows and doors throughout the house? Before leaving for vacation, one quick and easy tip is to go around and check every window in the house and make sure they are all closed and locked securely. 3. Double check you Sump Pump It is common for many homes in Louisville to have sump pumps. Before leaving for your trip, make sure that your sump pump is functioning properly. Last thing you want is to return home to a flooded basement. 4. Turn back water heater This is a good way to conserve unnecessary energy cost while you are away. Turn back the temperature of your hot water heater so it is not reheating the same water throughout the week. If it is an older hot water heater with poor insulation, the heat may escape easier causing your water heater to run more frequently while you are gone. 5. Make sure all smoke detectors are working properly This isn’t necessarily a tip solely to prepare you home for vacation but more overall a safety tip for any homeowner. Check to make sure all smoke detectors are functioning properly or if they need to be replaced. Social Media: Often we see people posting selfies of them hitting the road. This is an open invitation to a vacant home. Not a good idea Wait until you get back home from your vacation to post your pictures of your trip. 6. Clean out the fridge The week before your vacation, skip out on your annual grocery store trip. Do your best at going through and eating what is available in the fridge. Just days before your vacation, go through and get rid of any food that may not last while you are on vacation. 7. Clean out the Pantry Same goes as the refrigerator. Toss out or use any opened food. Such as bread, bagels, chips etc. Use up any food that may go bad before you get back home from your summer vacation. 8. Take out the trash Do you not leave your trash can full while you are gone. Especially if there is food in the garbage The last thing you want is to come home to the smell of rotten food in the trash. Take out the trash just before you leave for your summer vacation. 9. Turn back Thermostat As a homeowner, a programmable thermostat is a great investment. If you do not have one installed already-consider adjusting your thermostat at least five degrees so it is not constantly running and cooling an empty home. 10. Turn off main water This is one for Murphy’s Law. If it can go wrong, it will go wrong. When preparing your home for vacation you want to prevent from any possibility that there may be any kind of water leak while you are gone. This can be a very costly depending on the problem. Consider shutting off your main water shut-off before leaving for vacation. 11. Unplug small appliances and electronics While you're away on vacation, consider unplugging all electronics and small appliances that do not need to be running or plugged in while you are away. Unfortunately, your refrigerator will have to stay plugged in and running. 12. Leave a car in the driveway If you do not have an extra vehicle to park in the driveway consider asking a friend or neighbor periodically stop by to make it appear if there is traffic in and out of the house while you are gone. Home Security: If you have a service through a home security company, give them a call to let them know about your planned vacation so they are aware and let them know if you plan on possibly having a friend or family member stopping by 13. Motion detector flood lights outside Motion detector lights on the exterior of the home is a great feature to have - even while you are not on vacation. If you haven't already, consider installing a couple motion detectors around the outside of your home to help scare away any possible thieves. 14. Have a family member or neighbor get your mail Some people may consider calling USPS to put their daily mail on hold while they are on vacation. Another option is to have a neighbor or family member stop by a couple times during the week to bring your mail inside. 15. Make sure your yard is cut Consider cutting the grass just the day before you leave for vacation. It is even good idea to cut it a little shorter than usual so it will not be too long before you get back. A yard that looks like it hasn’t been cut for weeks is a good indicator to a criminal that the home may possibly be vacant. 16. Remove any hidden spare keys that are outside Burglars are fully aware of the old adage of hiding a spare key under a rock near the front door. Remove any spare keys around the outside that may be too easy to locate to prevent any unwanted entry. 17. Adequate water for your plants Many homeowners this time of year have landscaping that needs to be regularly maintained. If you do not have a lawn care service that routinely comes by - you may want to ask a friend or neighbor to come by and water any plants or flowers if it happens to be a dry week without any rain.

Pay Off Mortgage Early: 7 Ways Homeowners can conquer the Debt

ngarrett@garrettsrealty.com (Nathan Garrett) — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 08:10:00 -0500

[Estimated read time: 5 minutes] Seven Ways to Paying Off Your Mortgage Early Owning your home 'free and clear' is a homeowner's American dream. Some may argue that eliminating this debt, at a faster pace, may not exactly be the best use of your money. Depending on your stand, there are still a lot of homeowners that would love to be cut loose from this monthly debt. Slow and steady will get the job done but if you just bought your home, thirty years is a long time to wait A lot of new homebuyers looking for Oldham County real estate love the idea of owning a home free and clear. Below we will cover seven tips on how to pay off a mortgage early. 1. Round Up Your Monthly Payment There are a handful of creative ways that homeowners can slowly pay down the principal amount and start saving on interest. One quick and effortless way of paying off mortgage early is by rounding up your monthly payment. Every month when it is time to make a payment...round up to the nearest hundred You may think, simply adding such a small amount won't make a difference. But it does If you do this consistently, every month, you can pay down hundreds of dollars off of the principal every year. Example: Current Monthly Mortgage: $1,024 Round Up to Nearest Hundred: $1,100 Difference Applied to Principal: $76 Over time the money will drastically add up. Take a look at how much extra you will be adding towards the principal amount. Total Over 1 Year: $912 Total Over 5 Years: $4,560 Total Over 10 Years: $9,120 You will notice that if you round up to the nearest hundred consistently over the year, physiologically it will become more and more natural. It will begin to feel like your original payment. Also, having an even number will make it easier to calculate your monthly budget. 2. Bonuses and Tax Returns Did you just recently get a bonus at work? Consider applying a portion of your bonus to your next payment. This may not be exactly what you want to spend your bonus on…but you have to be committed to tackling the debt to really see the true compound effect over time. Combine this effort with the first tip mentioned and you will really start to see the needle move. Just remember that anytime you are making any extra payments to your mortgage, always apply it towards the principal. If you have any questions, always reach out to your mortgage company to verify that it is being applied correctly. The last thing you want to do is pay extra on your monthly payment and find out that it was applied towards the interest. 3. Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments A bi-weekly payment is when you make a one-half payment every other week vs paying one full payment once a month. Some companies offer bi-weekly payment services which may not be necessary. Depending on your loan, there may be restrictions. It is always good to know the guidelines for your loan so they are followed correctly. How does bi-weekly actually work? Each calendar year is made up of 52 weeks. If you make a half-payment every other week that equals to 26 half payments at the end of the year. Which is equal to 13 full payments. Adding one extra payment a year. This is just another way homeowners are paying down their mortgage faster. One of the most important things to remember when deciding to pay off your mortgage early is to be 100 dedicated and consistent. 4. One Extra Payment Making one full extra payment every year may be a more difficult approach when it comes to paying off your home early. Some homeowners may find it harder to shell out such a large amount at once. But for some...this may be an option. There are a handful of ways that you can do this where you don't necessarily pull the full amount directly from your saving account or emergency fund. Consider going through your belongings and getting rid of old clutter that you may not need any longer and selling it in a yard sale. By getting rid of these older items you not only declutter and regain lost square footage, it is a great way to make a little bit of extra money. 5. Add 1/12th Monthly Payment When learning different ways to pay off mortgage early, this may be one of the easier ways to add that one additional payment every year. Since you are breaking up the thirteenth payment up into twelve, much smaller payments and applying it towards principal every month. This will more than likely have the smallest dent on your monthly expenses but will still achieve the same results at the end of the year. Below is a breakdown on how you can divide that 13th payment by twelve and apply that amount to your payment every month. For an example: Monthly Payment: $1,200 $1,200 ÷ 12 mo. $100 New Payment: $1300 6. Refinance If you have a higher interest, one way to reduce your monthly payment is by refinancing. One common rule of thumb is that if you can save at least one percent off of your current mortgage, it may make sense for you to refinance. Considering the cost of closing on a loan and how long you decide to stay in the Louisville home-refinancing may be the right move. Look at the table as an example. If your current interest rate is 5.15 and you could refinance at 4.15. You could possibly save around $135 per month and $1,620 throughout the year. That is a huge saving Also in the example, you will see the length of the loan reduced to 15 years vs a 30-year loan. Your monthly payment, of course, is going to be higher. A $452 per month increase but you will pay off your home 15 years sooner and also save over $90,000 in interest. 7. Shorten the Loan As mentioned in the previous tip, if you refinance your home you can either reduce your monthly payment or even better...you can reduce the length of your loan. Depending on what mortgage option is best for you. Some homeowners are deciding on obtaining either a 20-year loan or even a 15-year loan vs having a traditional 30-year loan. Chances are if you shorten a traditional 30-year loan down to a 15-year loan, your monthly payment will increase. If you have a higher interest rate, now may be a good time to not only refinance and save but to also consider shortening the length of the loan. The monthly payment may not increase too much and you could save thousands of dollars in interest. Conclusion to Paying off Mortgage Early These are many different approaches to how people are getting creative and paying off their mortgage early. Surprisingly enough there have been reports in the past that note that nearly 30 of homes in the US are owned ‘free and clear’. This is very promising to first time homebuyers who are wanting the achieve financial freedom and eliminate all their personal debt.

Top 10 Maintenance Tips for Your Home

ngarrett@garrettsrealty.com (Nathan Garrett) — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 10:30:00 -0500

Have you just recently bought a new home? It is important as a new homeowner to keep up with the maintenance throughout the year. To make it easier, try breaking it up over the year to help. 1. Keep up with the Landscaping A great tip for homeowners that want to easily enhance the curb appeal for their Louisville KY home is by freshening up or even redoing the landscaping around the outside of their home. This will help increase the curb appeal of your home and also the value of your property. Experts even report that professional landscape designs can increase the value of your home by 5 to 10 percent. Some other quick tips to get you started...pruning the bushes and trimming the trees, put out fresh mulch and new landscape edging. Be sure to properly match the Landscaping to the Style of your Home for a better look. 2. Declutter Don't allow your belongings to take over Before selling your home we always recommend de-cluttering. This is a great place to start if you're ready to sell your home If not, don't wait to de-clutter. Get started now There are many benefits to living in a clutter-free home. As a homeowner you will that you have fewer things to keep in order and clean, you will be more organized and it can help reduce stress. De-cluttering doesn’t have to be as painful as you think. There are many different and creative ways to help get you started. Add tall shelves to take advantage of every available space. Mount shelves on the wall. Get things off the floor. Label everything. File essentials in a fireproof box. 3. Upgrade the Bathroom If you do not carefully plan out your bathroom upgrade you can easily pour a large amount of money into the overall renovation of your bathroom. With a structured game plan and a budget in place; an affordable bathroom upgrade can be easily accomplished and can help make any small bathroom feel bigger. Getting Started: Organizing is one of the best ways to update your bathroom. Try A New Vanity Cabinet. Shower Doors and Curtains. Bathroom Fixtures. Paint. 4. Appliance Maintenance It is important to perform maintenance on your home. Proper care can help increase the longevity of these products. If you are not sure about the proper maintenance that needs to be done on any of your appliances, refer to the owners manual. Refrigerator Keeping the condenser coils clean is the most important part of maintaining your refrigerator. This can be found at the back or bottom of the fridge. Sweep off the dust and dirt with a broom. Use a tablespoon of baking soda to a half quart of water to help clean the gaskets that seal the fridge. Oven Most ovens have self-cleaning cycles on them. Super simple and can be accomplished in under two hours. Or you can purchase oven cleaner from your local hardware store. 5. Update a dated kitchen There are many different ways you can remodel your home. A newly remodeled Kitchen can easily cost you over $10,000. By freshening up your kitchen over time you can save yourself from a chaotic overhaul. In fact, after a little homework, a detailed game plan and a few free weekends, you can achieve a cost-effective kitchen upgrade. Top 5 Inexpensive Kitchen Tips: New Counter Tops. Resurface Kitchen Cabinets. New Backsplash. Swap out lighting. Add New Hardware. 6. Paint. Paint. Paint. A great tip for homeowners to boost the appeal of their home is by adding fresh paint throughout their home. Before you do...consider what the room is being used for. This can better help set the mood for the purpose of the room. For example, by choosing a soft, cool color and neutral color you create a quieter and calmer setting in the room. 7. Seal Driveway Protect your driveway as you would any other investment. It is recommended that you seal your driveway every 3-4 years. This adds to an increased curb appeal when you have a freshly sealed driveway. You can find plenty of tips on how to seal your driveway. To get started you need to prep your driveway and remove all weeds and debris. Next, use an asphalt cleaner to clean up any and all oil stains on your driveway. Before you get started on sealing your driveway make sure the weather forecast is within the recommended temperatures for better results. 8. Inspect your windows To better extend the life of your existing windows in your home, it is recommended that you clean and inspect them twice a year. While you are cleaning the inside and outside of your windows, it is a good time to also fully-inspect them. This is also a good time to re-caulk any windows if needed. This is a good time to repaint any windows if there is any paint chipping. Taking these extra steps will help when it is time to sell. 9. Add some color to the front door Your front door says a lot about your home, after all...it is the first thing you see as you enter. An old out-dated Front Door or Garage Door may be a bad first impression when a guest visits your home. If a new door is not in the budget you can always consider repainting the door a bright or bold color to help highlight the entrance of your home. Learn more: Front Door Ideas for ideas & tips. 10. Replace and add New Blinds By upgrading your window coverings you can make a big impact on any room. In return, you may even help boost the overall value of your home. A room with fresh window coverings always shows better than if the room had dated mini blinds. Choosing to upgrade to newer blinds...rather being real wood plantation shutters or white faux wood shutters. Either way, it is a wise investment for your home.

5 Space Saving Tips for your Kitchen

ngarrett@garrettsrealty.com (Nathan Garrett) — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 10:15:00 -0400

Cramped Kitchen? Start creating more space from small DIY improvements to large Kitchen Hacks. To make the most out of your kitchen you need to be creative with the space. Without doing a major renovation and utilizing these ideas, you can make your small Kitchen feel Large again Single Bowl Sink... Choosing the right kitchen sink. Your sink is one of the most used features in your household. It is important to make sure you choose the right one, but also important to choose the one that is right for the space available. If you are in the market for a new construction home or just trying to create a little more counter space for your existing home. Getting rid of your old standard size double bowl sink and upgrading to a new and more efficient Single Bowl Sink may especially be a good idea if you typically only use one side of the sink. Dining Room Built-Ins If you do not want to spend the money on custom built-in cabinetry in the Dining Area or Eat-in Kitchen. Look for a used bookcases or glass-front cases that could be refinished or painted to store your dishes. This may force you to take a few extra steps when putting the dishes away but the amount of cabinet space you gain can be worth it. Try even replacing the cabinet doors with glass facing. Guest will look past the frame of the built-ins and into the depth of the cabinets. Making the room feel not so cramped. Using a Kitchen Cart Kitchen islands are popular and a favorite for some. But, if your limited on floor space you may not be able to have this as a permanent feature. Fortunately, there is an alternative Homeowners are becoming creative by utilizing carts that can be easily moved into the center of the floor when prepping food and then wheel it out of the way finished. Blind Corner Cabinet Do you have a corner cabinet that has a lot of wasted space? Some kitchens are designed with a Lazy Susan cabinet, but still lack good use of space. Consider installing an efficient organizer that will allow you to fit more dishes in such a waste of space. Items that are rarely used should be stored away in the blind corner cabinet. Demolition With a little demolition, you can easily open up your kitchen. Gain more square footage by consulting with a professional contractor to find out how you could open up your small kitchen and convert it into a large Eat-in kitchen. Start enjoying the time spent meal prepping as you can now conversate with family as they visit with you. With today's technology, making a hard decision on these types of remodels doesn't have to be difficult. Using virtually remodeling and decorating websites it is possible to see what the finished remodeled project will look like before you get started. What helpful tips to do you have that helped you gain more valuable space in your kitchen?