Ton A. Ali Realtor/Broker/Person

Saving energy

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:01:56 -0600

I was at the home of a client for a party this evening. They moved here a few years ago from San Francisco. There home was older and in a great neighborhood in Louisville.

We started talking about the things they're doing to conserve energy. You see and hear all these claims online and on TV that sound great, but don't you wonder if they really work. I am always interested in real life example of ways to save energy.

One of the things they've started doing that has had a large impact on their energy usage has been using power strips to reduce phantom power consumption. They weren't sure how much it would save, but it turns out to be about 20%.

What are you doing?

People will surprise you.

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:33:36 -0600

Real Estate is a continuous learning experience. Things you think will or should happen certain ways are always subject to another's thoughts and interpretations. Best rule of thumb is to always get your thoughts down on paper regardless of how obvious the situation may seem. There are plenty of lines on a contract, use them. People will surprise you.

GLAR Econimic Summit

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:05:45 -0500

I attended the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors Economic Summit yesterday; very enlightening, up beat and positive. As an area we have done well during the economic downturn and there are some interesting projects in the works for our area. You may not feel upbeat if you're currently unemployed, but other parts of the state and region have done a lot worse. One of the factors that have helped this region is the proximity to the north/south interstate corridors of I-65 and I-75. Although I-64 had some impact, it wasn't has instrumental as the N/S routes. Long tern real estate values have stayed relatively steady. Although a few regions nationally are down 30-40%, they are very specific areas that had huge increases in value over the previous few years (bubbles). Unfortunately they are still the focus of the national news outlets and have had a negative effect on customer perception of their local real estate market and opportunities.

Find us on Facebook

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:21:07 -0500

Well people are finding us on Facebook. I started a fan page to quiet the critics that were tired seeing my listings on mysocial profile. Although other agents post their listings and every detail about what they're doing in Real Estate, I felt like they were right. It is funny because you would thing some would have more listing if they are going on a listing appointment 3 days a week like they post, but customers don't see that end.

The fan page has been fun and has grown 500% in the last few weeks (easy when you start at zero). I have approached several retailers who share my commitment to ecology and sustainability. Starting next month we will partner to bring my fans retail discounts for various Eco-friendly products and services. I am excited and I hope it will draw attention to the fact that I care about our community and not just from standpoint of making a buck.

The 3 R's

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:58:31 -0500

I approached a local business with the idea of partnering to better link my ideas of sustainability with theirs. The business is a furniture and home accessories store that is primarily consignment. Promoting the 3 R's is very important and they do it very well. The shop is called Eyedia; it's fun, a little funkie and is part of a movement called Keep Louisville Weird, a grassroots public awareness campaign promoting patronage of locally-owned independent businesses. These unique businesses represent the best of what makes Louisville one of the best cities to call home or to visit. If you're a fan of my facebook page, look for details of our partnership coming in November.

707 Yorkwood Place, East Hampton, Louisville KY 40223

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:10:10 -0500

Ton A. Ali | Breland Group Realtors | 502-386-6244

707 Yorkwood Place, Louisville, KY

Updated East Hampton Town Home with wood floors, ceramic tile, fireplace in convenient Plainveiw area.

2BR/2BA Condo

offered at $125,000

Year Built	1989
Sq Footage	1,140
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	1 Uncovered spaces
Lot Size	1,140 sqft
HOA/Maint	$161 per month

DESCRIPTION

Beautifully updated and maintained home in convenient East Hampton. Spacious town home with great layout, vaulted great room, fireplace, hardwood floors, updated ceramic tile baths. This home is the perfect size for efficient living and with a bright kitchen with patio access, all appliances (including new over the range microwave) and newly painted with designer colors, it's move in ready!! Hurry and get the tax credit on top of this incredible value for this wonderful and convenient neighborhood. Abundant parking with one assigned space right at your door.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor
- Tile floor	- Living room	- Dining room
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Washer	- Dryer
- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard
- Swimming pool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Guest parking	- Clubhouse	- Storage space(s)
- Swimming pool(s)

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Assigned parking right at your door.

- HUD Approved

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Ton A. Ali

Breland Group Realtors

502-386-6244

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 23, 2009, 4:10am PDT

713 Auburn Oaks Drive, Auburn Oaks, Louisville, KY 40214

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:04:32 -0500

Ton A. Ali | Breland Group Realtors | 502-386-6244

713 Auburn Oaks Drive, Louisville, KY

Ready to downsize, but not ready to give up style. Check out this efficient and well updated home.

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $155,000

Year Built	1996
Sq Footage	1,275
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	6,098 sqft
HOA/Maint	$11 per month

DESCRIPTION

Beautifully updated and maintained home in gorgeous Auburn Oaks priced below last year's appraisal. Looking to downsize with out giving up style? This home is the perfect size for more efficient living and with a brand new roof, covered entry and deck, beautiful wood floors and granite countertops, all appliances and newly painted with designer colors; it's move in ready!! Hurry and get the tax credit on top of this incredible value for this wonderful and convenient neighborhood.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor
- Tile floor	- Family room	- Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Granite countertop	- Washer
- Dryer	- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Ton A. Ali

Breland Group Realtors

502-386-6244

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 21, 2009, 4:55pm PDT

Extend the Tax Credit

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:55:34 -0500

This is going to be an interesting day. In addition to hosting a 100 guest cocktail party fund raiser for a local grass roots organization, I am trying to wrap up what has been a busy week with new listings trying to get out there before the deadline runs out for the tax credit. The weather is not cooperating.

We have debated the tax credit issue in our office for the last couple of weeks now that everyone seems to have a related story. I was told that our state representative is asking people to forward information on clients that bought using the tax credit where that sale resulted in another. Unfortunately I could only come up with one example. Most of my clients using the tax credit bought distressed properties, some at half their market value. It makes me wonder if there should at least be some provision that would restrict sales of distressed properties that sell below a percentage threshold. My client would have purchased the property at 50% off with or without the tax credit.

I do think that it has been a net positive for my business. I tend to work with first time home buyers. I would love to see it extended, but what is the true cost? It has to be cheaper than the AIG Bailout. At least we are putting the money in the hands of the tax payers and helping build the tax base in our city.

Busy

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:36:55 -0500

If people like to think their Realtor is busy; I have a day to share with you.

I started today helping out one of my favorite non-profits, Louisville Public Media. LPM is having their semi-annual fund drive and I signed up to supply breakfast for the volunteers at 6:30 this morning. With my flexible schedule, I am able to run food downtown for the folks talking phone calls. I love public radio and this is one small thing I do to help out.

I had an appointment to take picture for a family that just had a little boy. He is the cutest little thing; his name is Tarik. He and his family are Bosnian. There home is beautiful and I think it will sell quickly.

I also had a walk through tentivley schedule for tonight; we close tomrrow afternoon. My client is cool. I wish I could party with him. I invited him to my house this weekend for a fund raiser I am hosting with another client.

Oh the fund raiser. I hope the weather is good; there are going to be a lot of people in my house if we can't use the deck and patio. It is all coming together well, but I am still nervous. We have some great sponsors from local business to National companies.

I also had my first BPO today. That was fun. I initially decided not to do it because the property was light industrial and I am really not that familiar. It turned out to be another parcel so my afternoon was shot.

I love my my job, but organization is the key. I am happy to be busy. Thanks to all those folk who are making my phone ring.

Facebook Nation

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:23:29 -0500

I recently attended the Kentucky Association of Realtors Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. I have been a local Realtor for years, but had never attended the convention. This year they offered new attendees a special offer on fees so I thought I would check it out.

The biggest draw for me was the training. Unfortunately with most conventions, the training classes run concurrently so you have to choose what you take and what you miss. I chose to attend a class focused on online networks and micro-blogging. The class facilitated by Doug Devitre; great speaker and very knowledgeable. He covered many different sites to assist Realtors interested in social networking, micro-blogging and online marketing.

Some sites are just informational and some helped maximize my efforts. It has really helped me focus my online efforts and information to the people who want it and not just spamming innocent friends on my social networking sites.

If your looking for Eco Friendly, Sustainable Real Estate information, check out my facebook fan page: Louisville Realtor|Ton Ali| Metro Eco Broker or follow me on twitter: MetroEcoBroker.

Loan Modifications?

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:33:43 -0500

I have to admit I don't know that much about loan modifications.

I work hard to educate my clients to really examine their budgets and think about how they allocate their housing dollars. With that said, there has been some collateral damage in the housing down turn and employment is always the last to recover.

Unfortunately when the Fed bailed out the banks and told them to lend the money and ease the credit crunch, they instead went shopping like kids in a candy store.

Folks who find themselves in a tough situation because of layoffs are unable to refinance or have their loans modified.

Some would say it is just the way things go. If they can no longer afford their home, they should sell it and move on. That would work if the banks hadn't made such a mess of the economy and help send home prices plummeting. Now you can't sell and you can't stay; what's a hard working American to do?

Although simplistic, old news, I'm wondering why decent hard working folks can get some assistance from their lenders. As a Realtor, I know what homes go through during the foreclosure process. Like children in a divorce; some times people think their okay and the next thing you know a year has passed and they need serious help. Why would they risk greater losses instead of helping a family keep their home?

Like I said in the beginning I don't know the ins and outs of home loan modification; if you have some insights, please share.

I'm Back!

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:20:12 -0500

Wow, what a summer. I have been working on so many things that I have neglected to blog. For the 10s of you who follow my blog, you can now follow me on twitter (metroecobroker) and on the new Facebook page. Yes I have created my own page for Real Estate so I can give the information to the people who want it. And the page also includes sustainable, eco friendly, green information to help my clients and fans live a more comfortable and efficient life.

Other notable Real Estate happening this summer include the KAR Convention at the GaltHouse here in Louisville and the GLAR Lunch.

This was my first year for the KAR Convention and it was worthwhile considering it was here in town. If I had traveled and paid to stay somewhere else, I might not have thought so. I did take several classes by two national trainers that I have followed for years. It was nice to see them deliver their message in person.

The photo was taken at the Greater Association Lunch. We installed the newest elected official for our local Board. This is our new President and my Broker Lamont Breland and me. We had a good turnout from our brokerage.

134 POPE STREET

Wed, 06 May 2009 21:53:14 -0500

Ton A. Ali | Breland Group Realtors | 502-386-6244

134 Pope Street, Louisville, KY

Wonderfully preserved Victorian in convenient Clifton.

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $155,000

Year Built	1900
Sq Footage	2,400
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	3
Parking	2 Covered spaces
Lot Size	4,200 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Not since 1951 has this wonderful and well maintained home been available. This home could be considered move in complete, but it's an opportunity to create the Victorian home you've always dreamed of. The incredible floors, pocket doors, woodwork, banisters, mantels, light fixtures and 10+ inch baseboards have all been well preserved. Some ceilings renewed, recent HE furnace, updated electrical and plumbing. Fireplace has interesting tile work that is almost mint and the cover is a work of art. The 2 full baths are functional, but provide an opportunity to add wonderfully modern functionality to each floor. Eat in kitchen is a large blank slate; create your dream county kitchen with access to the brick patio and lovely yard. Third floor(not included in square footage) is large and ready to become an incredible master sanctuary, playroom or guest retreat. A true rear stairway allows direct and private access to bedrooms and third floor. The exterior has been freshly painted; there is a one car garage and a covered and lighted parking area that could be incorporated into the yard as a lighted covered patio for entertaining. Priced below $65/square foot and the assessment; this home is a must see.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central heat	Fireplace	High/Vaulted ceiling
Hardwood floor	Living room	Bonus/Rec room
Dining room	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Attic	Washer
Dryer	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

HE Furnace

Updated Wiring

Updated Plumbing

4 fireplaces

1 Car Garage/1 Car covered carport

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 1
Photo 2	Photo 3
Photo 2	Photo 3
Photo 4	Photo 5
Photo 6	Photo 7
Photo 11	Photo 12
Photo 13	Photo 14
Photo 15	Photo 16
Photo 17	Photo 18

Contact info:

Ton A. Ali

Breland Group Realtors

502-386-6244

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 5, 2009, 6:02am PDT

New Listing

Wed, 06 May 2009 21:48:09 -0500

It is wonderful the way we meet people in this business. My friend and now client, John has been talking with a couple where he works and gave them my name. They came here from Colorado to take care of their ailing mother. When she passed, they called me to get help marketing the home. They really enjoy living in Louisville, but their home is in Colorado and they would like to get back one day.

I have been working with them now for a couple of weeks. They have been working diligently to get the house ready to sell. I think it looks great; they continue tirelessly. They understand the importance of condition and cleanliness when marketing a home. They have been very flexible and understand what an agent brings to the table. I have had clients that want to reinvent the real estate business to suite their ideas of how things should be done. Realtors aren't perfect, but we have been doing this for over 200 years in this country.

The house is amazing. It is not often you get an older home that has been well cared for over the 5+ decades that it has been in the family. The oak in this home is so beautiful and they didn't give in to trends and cover it in paint over the years. The doors, the mantels and the 11inch baseboards look as they did almost 50 years ago.

We listed it Monday and I have already had several parties with significant interest. Check it out before it's gone. http://www.postlets.com/rem/2147343

Derby's over; back to work.

Mon, 04 May 2009 09:15:18 -0500

Well the (Louisville) holidays are over; back to work. That isn't all together true; I did do a little work over the weekend, but still managed to play a little also. We went to the Down and Derby Fund Raiser at the Louisville Water Tower. It was a lot of fun and we ran into folks we don't see too often. We also went to an Oaks Lunch in Germantown. That is always a good time and I usually meet some interesting people. Had a great discussion about home efficiency and water conservation. I love running into people who know a lot about or have experience some of the thing I have only read about up to now. I also met a lady last week who is marketing a property that is very green and sustainable. Her daughter, an architect, has done a wonderful sustainably remodeled home in Clifton. I am going to take a tour so I can get an idea of how feasible some of these materials and processes really are. There are many builders in the area that are taking the lead with Energy Star homes, but some smaller builder/remodelers have raised the bar by focusing on sustainable products where ever possible. This Clifton property is the first I have been able to tour and get first hand insights to the good, the bad and the 100% post consumer recycled.

I will follow up with at little test drive report.

Statistics

LISTINGS	Residential (Single Family & Condo)
April 20-26, 2009	597
Last Year	713
SOLDS
April 12-18, 2009	185
Last Year	242

Signs of Spring

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 06:20:32 -0500

The last couple of days have really been beautiful here in Louisville. The Derby Festival is well underway and the dogwoods are blooming along with everything else. I said I was going to have more things blooming in my yard this year, but we're still working on that.

Another sign of Spring is increased interest in the housing market. When ever I go places and people find out that I am a Realtor they always ask about the market. These days they ask if it is really as bad as everyone says. As an optimist, I always tell people that the market here is good and it is. We have certainly had our dip, but not like some markets.

Keeping up with the latest information is so important in our business. Especially now with the market changing. I have always tried to take as many classes as I can fit into my schedule even though we are only required to have 6 hours a year in continuing education. I just completed the EcoBroker Certification and later this next month I am taking a new class in Selling Historic Homes. Louisville has some impressive historic home through out the city, not just Old Louisville. Now I will be able to sell an historic home and help my client fine tune it for 21st century efficiency.

Statistics

LISTINGS	Residential
April 20-26, 2009	597
Last Year	713
SOLDS
April 12-18, 2009	185
Last Year	242

Eco Broker Certified

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:14:53 -0500

Extra Strength Spell Check

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 08:47:41 -0500

Does it exist? I had a friend email me that she read my blog and her only comment was that I needed to proof it better. I know the 10's of folks that read my blog aren't expecting Pulitzer Price wining stuff here just the ramblings and rants of someone that is trying to make a small difference. I know there are some folks out there who see grammar and it's correct usage as the one thing that keeps our society from devolving into chaos, but I'm not one. I have always struggled with writing not because of all the rules, but because of all the exceptions. If you ask me, our society faces a bigger threat from those who are making exceptions to the rules; that is a whole other blog post and one that you probably wont see here.

Here I like to talk about the things I like and usually that is real estate, cars, food, wine and today (as everyday) The EARTH. Who doesn't love their MAMA?!? I have just been ECOBroker Certified and it has opened me up to all sorts of interesting views. I have always been an interested participant in conserving energy and water; it is great to see all the folks out there who care. We still have to do something about the cost. Some of the products are still prohibitively expensive, but some are not and baby steps will eventually get you there.

My new goal is composting. It always seemed so strange, but I have neighbors who do it and it's time. Now there are bins for your pet's waste also. I'll keep you posted.

Oh, I know from time to time I might leave out a word or a letter, but ‘forest /trees' folks. I mean well.

Happy Earth Day!

Forgoten Statistics

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:20:56 -0500

I was so eager to blog I forgot one of the things I promised to blog about, statistics.

Here are the latest sales and listing stats, but if my current attempts to find homes for my first time buyers is any indication of the market, we are really moving some properties. I not only search actives, but I search pendings and there are so many pendings right now. Homes, especially low dollar homes, are being snatched up quickly; especially if they are in a good condition.

Stats:

LISTINGS	Residential (Single Family & Condo)
March 16 - 22, 2009	609
Last Year	576
SOLDS
March 8 - 14, 2009	176
Last Year	202

Busy, busy, sustainably busy

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:01:25 -0500

Wow, it has been a great couple of weeks. Unfortunately I have not had an opportunity to blog. So many things to blog about though.

I have been working with first time home buyers (www.louisvillefirsttimebuyer.com) and it has been very time consuming. There is so much out there for buyers, I have been checking all the listings twice to make sure my buyers are seeing everything in their price range and areas. There are still great programs out there for just about every income level. If you are looking to jump in, make sure you at least have your FHA 3.5% down payment. The days of zero money down are over. Does that mean that you can't buy a house with no money out of pocket? Not really, but we can talk about that one on one.

The other exciting thing for me is ecological sustainability and my business; the green aspect of building and remodeling. I feel strongly that we have to address several issues with home owners and particularly first time home buyers. Making sure their homes are as energy efficient as possible, that water used responsibly and that they are doing all they can to promote healthy interior air quality.

Some of these issues are seen and high dollar items to address. The move toward more integrated and sustainable products has brought down some of the costs and more people should be looking at these as upgrades like they would a new deck or room addition.

i will continue to fill my website with links to sustainable forums and pages with information for upgrading your current home or building sustainably. Sign out guest book and tell me what interests you in sustainable living.

Facts on the Home Buyers Tax Credit.

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:45:35 -0600

As I was discussing in the last blog entry, the house stimulus has been debated and I wasn't quite sure what the credit would be for buyer and how it would be applied or paid back. Today, one day after the Stimulus Package was signed in Denver, here are the numbers that were posted on the National Associations of Home Builders website. Although I have not been able to find a definitive number, I have read that the overall total of foreclosures is still relatively low. Unlike the divorce rate, the foreclosure rate is still in the single digits from the last article I read. I am looking for a site that has national statistics, but have yet to find a good source. If any of the 10's of my readers have a reliable source, let me know.

THE NEW BILL: eliminates the repayment obligation for taxpayers that purchase homes after January 1, 2009, increases the maximum value of the credit to $8,000, and removes the prohibition on financing by mortgage revenue bonds, and extends the availability of the credit for homes purchased before December 1, 2009. The provision would retain the credit recapture if the house is sold within three years of purchase.

The credit is designed to encourage first time home buyers to go ahead and make the leap to purchase their first homes. Combine this tax credit with the fact that home prices and interest rates are at historical lows, and it is indeed an ideal time for many first-time home buyers to purchase a home!

Here are some things to keep in mind:

A first time home buyer is defined as someone who has not owned a home in the last three years. Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit. You cannot purchase the home from a related party like a spouse, direct ancestor, or direct lineal descendant (child or grandchild); however, you can still qualify for the credit if you purchase a property from siblings, nephews, nieces, and others. If you are married, both spouses must be first-time home buyers. If more than one unmarried individual is buying the property, the credit can be split up among all the individuals who qualify. However, the total credit taken cannot exceed $7,500 for homes purchased in 2008 and $8,000 for homes purchased in 2009.

For Homes Purchased Between April 9, 2008 and December 31, 2008 the credit amounts to 10% of the purchase price of the home not to exceed $7,500 the tax credit works like an interest free loan and must be repaid over a 15 year period.

For Homes Purchased Between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009 the credit amounts to 10% of the purchase price of the home not to exceed $8,000 the tax credit does not need to be paid back if you continue living in the home as your primary residence for three years without selling it.

How does a tax credit work?

A tax credit is a special provision that reduces income tax liability on a dollar for dollar basis. When filing a tax return, you must include income items, deduction items and the number of exemptions, among other things, to figure your total tax liability. For example, if you’re total tax liability for the year is $8,000, and you qualify for the full $8,000 tax credit, this credit would wipe out all of the tax due. If your employer already deducted the $8,000 from your pay checks throughout the year, you would receive a tax refund of $8,000. If you owe less than $8,000 in taxes for the year, you are still eligible for the full $8,000 credit when you file your tax returns. In that case, the IRS will write you a check for the difference between $8,000 and your actual tax bill. These checks are expected to arrive in the same normal time as your tax return (or direct deposit for those who e-file) since they are a credit related to the return…they are not separate stimulus checks.

Area Statistics:

LISTINGS	Residential (Single Family & Condo)
February 9 - 15, 2009	487
Last Year	574
SOLDS
February 1 - 7, 2009	175
Last Year	176

The "NEW" First-time Home Buyer's Tax Credit; Up to $8000 with no payback?

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:04:30 -0600

Well there are so many articles posted on line right now regarding the newest tax credit provided by the latest stimulus package. I have read several articles that seem to only be speculating on what is coming, but not giving specific details. I does look like the amount is being bumped to $8000 and that it will likely be a credit that will not require payback. I have also read that if you purchase prior to the April 15th tax filing date, you can take the credit against your 2008 tax liability. I don't know that the details are there yet, but as soon as I have more information I will get it out.

Here are local area statistics:

LISTINGS	Residential (Single Family & Condo)
February 2 - 8, 2009	448
Last Year	639
SOLDS
January 25 - 31, 2009	83
Last Year	210

Blog, Blog, Blog!

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:03:01 -0600

It has been and interesting week trying to get things back in order. We have returned to normal at home, but the work side is still a little crazy. The phone has just stopped ringing.

I have new signs that I am getting ready to put out and a mailing that is going out today. The mailing is going out to renters in my area and I added a new item to the post card, I U I. That stands for Involuntary Unemployment Insurance. I am meeting with a gentleman today that is representing a company that will insure your income for the first two years of your loan against you loosing your job. If you do, they will pay you up to $1800 a month for two years. The cost is about the same as a high end home warranty that last only one year. I don't have all the details yet, buy I will follow up with what I have found out and how you can protect yourself in this volatile job market.

Here are the latest GLAR statistics.

Statistics

LISTINGS	Residential (Single Family & Condo)
January 19 - 25, 2009	485
Last Year	611
January 26 - February 1, 2009	306
Last Year	576
SOLDS
January 11 - 17, 2009	143
Last Year	207
January 18 - 24, 2009	130
Last Year	144

Coming to you LIVE from the Brown Hotel in Louisville

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:43:48 -0600

I send this latest blog message from the lovely and historical Brown Hotel in snowy downtown Louisville, Kentucky. I am one of the many weather refugees enjoying the hostpitality of the Brwon.

This weather has been no freind to Realtors lately. I was getting several calls on my newest listing and the online traffic has been very incouraging, but now no one can get to it. It, like my house, is near Eastern Parkway and it is just a mess. Even my pointer signs are coated with snow and inaccessable. I was at the house today and the wind started to blow and trees started to sway. It was a little scary considering they are still coated with ice and fagile. I came back to the Brown with a change of clothing and my MP3 player.

If it isn't the weather, it's the political and ecomomic climate. We had a few days of excitment when the rates dropped, below 5% in some cases, but then quickly followed by record uneployment figues. It is such a great time to buy right now, but not if you are worried about your job. Luckily here in Louisville it is not as bad as the rest of the nation.

Statistics.

LISTINGS Residential (Single Family & Condo)

January 12 -18, 2009 512
Last Year 775

SOLDS

January 4 - 10, 2009 147
Last Year 158

848 Fetter Avenue, 40217. Convenient to everything.

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 10:43:38 -0600

Ton A. Ali | Breland Group Realtors | 502-386-6244

848 Fetter Avenue, Louisville, KY

Updated home in convenient area

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $180,000

Year Built	1930
Sq Footage	Unspecified
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	4,200 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Large Germantown home conveniently located off Eastern Parkway, close to UofL, the parks and Downtown Louisville. Home has been cared for and renovated over the years to include a newer, huge upstairs bath and 2 large bedrooms with extra accessible storage and a separate HVAC system and water heater. Downstairs has two additional bedrooms, a full, updated bath, eat-in kitchen, formal living room with fireplace and formal dining room. Full basement with tall ceilings, shop, storage room, 1 car garage and a half bath still has room for a den, a pool table or additional bedroom. All appliances stay including washer and dryer. Home has been well insulated upstairs when renovated and additional blown in cellulose in the first floor walls and energy efficient replacement windows all around. Move in ready and value priced for the neighborhood and amenities.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Living room
Dining room	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Attic	Basement
Washer	Dryer	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

2-HVAC Systems and 2-Water heaters

Replacement windows

Extra insulation

Lower level garage, shop and half bath

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Ton A. Ali

Breland Group Realtors

502-386-6244

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jan 24, 2009, 7:44am PST