Lynda White

After a successful and fun trip to Florida, my husband and I decided we need to get out more! So we are planning some local jaunts to places we have never been and playing tourist in our own area.

First stop was the Smith-Berry Winery in my native Henry County, Kentucky. It was a pleasant country drive just outside of New Castle. What we liked was the fact that the road signs were unmistakable - if you get lost then you can't read!

My first thought was "What a beautiful place! I know I'd want to visit again in the summer when everything is green." Everything was clean and well-maintained, even the long gravel driveway leading up to it.

The place was busy - we got there Saturday around noon, and four different groups of people sampled some wines while we were there. One group even had a real estate admin like myself! Surprisingly, one of the owners, Chuck Smith, was behind the bar and admitted that he used to be a real estate agent himself! Small world.

So, on to the wine tasting...we knew literally nothing about wines, but that did not faze Mr. Smith, who pleasantly explained to us the differences. We were looking for a gift wine to send to a friend, and the Brother John was similar to what she likes.

We also wanted a gift for my mother-in-law's birthday. I told him, "She is German if that helps." They even had a German wine called Gewurtztraminer, an off-dry white. It was strong and she liked it. We also got her Bluegrass Blush.

My personal favorite was Flat Rock Red, a sweet red. I didn't think I liked red wine, but I am glad I liked this one, because I have always heard that red wine is good for you in moderation. There is an ingredient in red wines called Resveratrol that has been known to lower blood sugar and is an antioxidant.

Smith-Berry's wine prices are very reasonable and I enjoyed the taste of all of the six or so wines I sampled, even the blackberry wine. You can buy it by the glass there as well, and they have 17 varieties available in bottles and lots of accessories for sale. In the summer, starting Memorial Day weekend, they have concerts at the winery some weekends, and that sounds like a fun thing to do. We will be back!

They are open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, and Sunday 1:00 - 6:00 pm. Smith-Berry is located on 855 Drennon Road in New Castle KY. For detailed directions or other information, give them a call at 502-845-7091 or toll free 1-888-845-7091, or visit their website at smithberrywinery.com.

We have heard a lot of people mention Huber's Orchard & Winery as well, and plan to make a trip there within the next few months. As for now, I can't wait to go back and try more of Smith-Berry Winery's excellent wines. It is only 20 minutes away from LaGrange, Kentucky, and less than an hour from Louisville, so why don't you stop by and see them too?

~Lynda

Homearama in Louisville KY is coming! This year it will be held on July 14-29, 2012.

What is Homearama? It is a tour of new homes, and showcases the work of local builders, architects, designers, and landscapers. Even if you are not planning on building or buying a home, you can view all the latest trends in those areas. Only those builders registered with the Home Builders Association of Louisville may participate.

This year it will be held in the subdivisions of Rock Springs and Shakes Run. We are excited that the builder our team has partnered with, Paragon Homes, will be featured in the prestigious Rock Springs area! I love the entrance to this subdivision, pictured here:

Homes have previously sold in this subdivision from $282,000 to over $600,000. Paragon has built many custom homes within this range and higher (we have one listed in Equestrian Lakes for $1,500,000). Scott Yates, the president and builder, ensures every single detail of each home is of the highest quality. He is also a 5 time Homearama Award winner!

The details on pricing have not been released yet. However, last year the cost was $10 per person, or $15 for a 2-day pass. As soon as details are released we will let you know.

You are always welcome to call us at 502-554-9520 or email me here from my profile on Active Rain to be put on an email list with the details.

The holidays always bring lots of cool events to Louisville, and this weekend is no exception. Check out these fun events to make your holidays bright:

Image courtesty of Scott Catron, "zaui" on flickr

What: Amy Grant & Vince Gill: The Twelve Days of Christmas
Where: Louisville Palace, 625 S. 4th Street
When: Tonight, December 15, 2011 at 8:00 pm
How much: $39.50-$79.50

These two have incredible voices and long spanning music careers. Vince has won 18 Country Music Award honors and Song of the Year FOUR TIMES!! Amy has had many hits in both the gospel and pop genres over the span of 25 years plus. For more information contact The Louisville Palace at 502-583-4555.

Image courtesy of "tankboyprime," flickr

What: Rachael Yamagata concert
Where: Headliners, 1386 Lexington Road
When: Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 9:00 pm
How much: $15.00

How talented would you have to be to be a singer-songwriter, pianist and guitarist? Just ask Rachel...she has performed with the likes of Jason Mraz & Ryan Adams. Doors open at 8:00, and it is first come, first served. You must be at least 18 years old.

Image courtesy of Rachelle Matherne, Paducah KY

What: Louisville Festival of the Arts at the Summit
Where: The Summit (obviously ;), 9401 Brownsboro Road
When: Today through Saturday, December 17, 2011 each day 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.
How much: Free

Finally, an event that is free! There will be lots of art items to purchase, though, such as paintings, jewelry, photography, and other craft items. You'll be sure to find some unique Christmas gifts at this function.


Hope you enjoyed this list of events in Louisville...as always, if you have any real estate needs feel free to call us at 502-554-9520.

You have been searching everywhere for that perfect home, but it eludes you. You’re ready to take that next step by constructing a new custom home. With so many new home builders in Louisville; how do you choose?

Preliminary research

Make a list of features you absolutely have to have in your new home. Then make another list of features you’d like to have, but are not necessary. Consider how spaces in the home will be used and what rooms are most important.

Decide whether you want a custom built home or a production built home. Custom homes will cost more but will bring a higher list price should you ever decide to sell. Plus, you will be happier in the long run because you made the choices.

Look at current new homes in your area. Drive around new subdivisions and pick out home styles that you like.

Make a list of builders you are interested in working with. Keep all the information in a folder or binder for reference.

Narrowing the choices

Check the accreditations. Are they a member of the National Association of Home Builders as well as the local Home Builders Association?

Find out if they have a good reputation. Do they have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau? What are people saying about them on online review sites (Yelp, Merchant Circle, Google Places, etc.) and social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, etc.)?

Questions to ask the builder

1. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured, as well as your subcontractors?

2. Do you obtain all necessary permits, or does the home buyer handle that?

3. May I have a copy of your contract to review?

4. Who is responsible for getting the construction loan?

5. What is your typical time frame to build a home? How often is it necessary to extend that time frame?

6. What kind of communication can be expected through the home building process?

7. How long have you been in the home building business? How many homes have you built in that
time?

8. Can you provide bank references?

9. What kind of warranty do you offer?

Finding help with the home building process

Many people find it overwhelming to go through the building process alone. A licensed real estate professional can assist you with each step of the process, from site selection, to financing options, to market trends in new home decor. Ask your real estate agent if they have new construction experience or expertise. Their professional guidance will help you navigate each step of the process for a smooth transition into your perfect new home!