Masonic Home, KY

There are a few things that will be changing in the next few months when it comes to buying a home in Louisville. The Federal Reserve will stop buying backed securities on March 31. This is causing much speculation on how this will affect interest rates; some say they will rise slightly and others say we will easily see 7-8% on 30 year mortgages by the end of summer.

The other big news is the end of the home buyer tax credit program on April 30^th. The $6500-$8000 tax credit helped bring reluctant first time and repeat home buyers off the fence and purchasing homes. The program was widely successful; however, it is all coming to an end in a little over 30 days.

These things impact how much owning a home will end up costing you. The cost of home ownership is something that definitely needs to be considered, BUT (and this is a big but!) don't forget that your house is going to be your home!

With all the talk on the economy and speculation on interest rates, home prices, and tax breaks, we can't lose sight of the fact that buying a house is not just about making an investment. It is about making a home for yourself and for your family. Don't get so caught up in worrying about finding the "perfect" timing that you lose out on the excitement of buying a new home!

Right now is a great time to be a buyer! Low prices, low interest rates and numerous homes to choose from, these are all really good reasons why you should be excited if you are ready to become a homeowner. If you have questions about the current real estate market in Louisville, call of Younger Group Real Estate! ! They know Louisville and can help you find your own Kentucky home!

Louisville, Kentucky is Possibility City in more ways than one! In 2005, Mayor Jerry Abramson held our city's first Bike Summit; the second was held in 2009. At the first summit, he set forth the challenge to make Louisville what's known as a Gold-Level bicycle friendly community. The Bicycle Friendly Community Program helps communities to become more active through bicycling. The benefits far exceed improved physical health and well-being, although that in and of itself is enough incentive to ride!

Communities promoting bicycling as a preferred mode of transportation inevitably notice a ripple effect. Traffic is reduced, leading to lower levels of noise and air pollution. As the BFC program has spread, community leaders have also found that people seem to be more connected to one another. This has produced positive effects on businesses, property values, and increased tourism. Add a healthier lifestyle to all of these benefits, and you can see how becoming a gold level community is a great bonus for Louisville homeowners!

The Louisville Bike Plan is a great place to on a healthier you, and contribute to a healthier Louisville. It implements the 5 Es of the BFC: Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, Engineering and Evaluation. You can learn the Rules of the Road for Kentucky Cyclists, map your route, and even find a like-minded group of folks with whom to bike! Most importantly, you can find out how to use biking to meet your personal transportation needs. Louisville city planners are also working on the Louisville Loop. Designed to be a paved 110-mile (one-way) trail which will encircle the city, the Louisville Loop will be open to both hikers and cyclists. The Loop is just one more way in which the leadership and citizens of Louisville are are proving their dedication to making Possibility City the best it can possibly be!

Louisville is, without a doubt, a terrific community. If you are considering making Louisville your hometown, check out Jessica Gaines - of Louisville Gaines Real Estate - at Listen Up Louisville! Whether you're a bicyclist, a walker, or a dedicated couch potato, our team can help you find a home that fits your lifestyle!