Ton A. Ali, Realtor - Broker Associate, Buyer's Representative

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

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

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!

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: