Danville, KY tourism official tapped as first manager of Kentucky Bourbon Trail

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Bourbon Trail has its first manager to work with distilleries that are part of the tour.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association tapped Danville’s own Adam Johnson for the job. He has been executive director of the Danville/Boyle County Convention and Visitors Bureau since 2006.

KDA President Eric Gregory said Monday he’s impressed with Johnson’s ability to create tourism strategies that benefit his community and all of Kentucky .

KDA President Eric Gregory said Monday he’s impressed with Johnson’s ability to create tourism strategies that benefit his community and all of Kentucky.

Adam Johnson’s role will include strengthening partnerships among the bourbon and tourism industries and solidifying Kentucky as the authentic home for bourbon.

Last year, Bourbon Trail distilleries had more than 450,000 visits. Visitors came from all 50 states and 16 countries.

The trail tour features six distilleries — Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve.

for the rest of the story - http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/8ab3e9382bc8491f9850854031e6edcc/KY–Bourbon-Trail/

We love living here in the middle of the Bourbon Trail.  Danville, KY is the best retirement location to be.  For more info on land, horse farms, properties, Centre College, Danville’s night life, etc - listings and Videos on Danville, KY Homes for Sale, Kentucky Farm Land, and Kentucky Horse Farms or to search the MLS, visit BluegrassTeam.com

We just closed escrow on another fine home in Danville, Kentucky.  This home was for sale on the market for TWO YEARS with other agents!  We sold this house in 10 days.  Once again, RE/MAX Bluegrass Team represented both the buyer and seller in this quiet and easy sale.

I thank both my sellers and buyers for putting their trust in the RE/MAX Elite Bluegrass Team.  RE/MAX - Nobody Sells more real estate than RE/MAX! 

Ken Garcia, Team Leader 859-494-5521 or 859-379-LAND (5263)

FRANKFORT, KY.—The Kentucky Bourbon Trail attracted a record number of visitors who made stops at every distillery on the route last year.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association says 11,757 people visited all six distilleries on the trail tour in 2011. That’s well above the previous mark of 9,402 in 2010. The KDA said Thursday that last year’s visitors came from all 50 states and 16 countries.

The bourbon trail was created in 1999 to offer an educational experience on the craft of making bourbon. The trail takes visitors to six distilleries—Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve in central Kentucky.

For more info on Bourbon – click here to BBQ and Bourbon’s website.

We love living here in the middle of the Bourbon Trail.  Danville, KY is the best location to be.  For more info on land, horse farms, properties, Centre College, Danville’s night life, etc - listings and Videos on Danville, KY Homes for Sale, Kentucky Farm Land, and Kentucky Horse Farms or to search the MLS, visit BluegrassTeam.com

Washington, DC, December 21, 2011

Existing-home sales rose again in November and remain above a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Also released today were periodic benchmark revisions with downward adjustments to sales and inventory data since 2007, led by a decline in for-sale-by-owners.

Although rebenchmarking resulted in lower adjustments to several years of home sales data, the month-to-month characterization of market conditions did not change. There are no changes to home prices or month’s supply.

The latest monthly data shows total existing-home sales¹, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased 4.0 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.42 million in November from 4.25 million in October, and are 12.2 percent above the 3.94 million-unit pace in November 2010.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said more people are taking advantage of the buyer’s market. “Sales reached the highest mark in 10 months and are 34 percent above the cyclical low point in mid-2010 – a genuine sustained sales recovery appears to be developing,” he said. “We’ve seen healthy gains in contract activity, so it looks like more people are realizing the great opportunity that exists in today’s market for buyers with long-term plans.”

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage fell to a record low 3.99 percent in November from 4.07 percent in October; the rate was 4.30 percent in November 2010; records date back to 1971.

NAR President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami, said housing affordability conditions have set a new record high. “With record low mortgage interest rates and bargain home prices, NAR’s housing affordability index shows that a median-income family can easily afford a median-priced home,” he said.

“With consumer price inflation rising by more than 3 percent this year, consumers are looking to lock-in steady payments by taking out long-term fixed-rate mortgages. However, the problem remains that some financially qualified families who are willing to stay well within their means are being denied the opportunity to buy in today’s market by the overly restrictive mortgage underwriting situation,” Veissi said.

An elevated level of contract failures continues to hold back a broader sales recovery. Contract failures² were reported by 33 percent of NAR members in November, unchanged from October but notably above a year ago when it was 9 percent.

Contract failures are cancellations caused by declined mortgage applications, failures in loan underwriting from appraised values coming in below the negotiated price, or other problems including lower conforming mortgage loan limits, home inspections and employment losses.

Also released today are benchmark revisions³ to historic existing-home sales. The 2010 benchmark shows there were 4,190,000 existing-home sales last year, a 14.6 percent revision from the previously projected 4,908,000 sales. For the total period of 2007 through 2010, sales and inventory were downwardly revised by 14.3 percent. The revisions are expected to have a minor impact on future revisions to Gross Domestic Product.

“From a consumer’s perspective, only the local market information matters and there are no changes to local multiple listing service (MLS) data or local supply-and-demand balance, or to local home prices,” Yun explained.

A divergence developed over time between sales reported by MLSs and sales determined by a U.S. Census benchmark; the variance began in 2007. Reasons include growth in MLS coverage areas from which sales data is collected, and geographic population shifts. “It appears that about half of the revisions result solely from a decline in for-sale-by-owners (FSBOs), with more sellers turning to Realtors® to market their homes when the market softened. The FSBO market was overwhelmed during the housing downturn, and since most FSBOs are not reported in MLSs, national estimates of existing-home sales began to diverge based on previous assumptions,” Yun said.

NAR consumer survey data in 2000 showed FSBOs accounted for a 16 percent market share, which fell to a record low 9 percent in 2010.

“In essence, Realtors® began to capture a greater market share. In addition to a decline in FSBO transactions, more builders began marketing new properties through real estate brokers that weren’t completely filtered from the existing-home data,” Yun said. “Some property listings on more than one MLS, and issues related to house flipping, also contributed to the downward revisions.” The new independent benchmark was discussed with government agencies and outside housing market experts, and will allow for annual revisions in the future.

Total housing inventory at the end of November fell 5.8 percent to 2.58 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 7.0-month supply⁴ at the current sales pace, down from a 7.7-month supply in October. “Since setting a record of 4.04 million in July 2007, inventories have trended down and supplies are moving close to price stabilization levels,” Yun said.

The national median existing-home price⁵ for all housing types was $164,200 in November, down 3.5 percent from a year ago. Distressed homes – foreclosures and short sales typically sold at deep discounts – accounted for 29 percent of sales in November (19 percent were foreclosures and 10 percent were short sales), compared with 28 percent in October and 33 percent in November 2010.

All-cash sales accounted for 28 percent of purchases in November; they were 29 percent in October and 31 percent in November 2010. Investors make up the bulk of cash transactions.

Investors purchased 19 percent of homes in November, little changed from 18 percent in October and 19 percent in November 2010. First-time buyers accounted for 35 percent of transactions in November, up from 34 percent in October and 32 percent in November 2010.

Single-family home sales rose 4.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.95 million in November from 3.78 million in October, and are 12.9 percent above the 3.50 million-unit level in November 2010. The median existing single-family home price was $164,100 in November, down 4.0 percent from a year ago.

Existing condominium and co-op sales were unchanged at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 470,000 in November and are 6.8 percent higher than the 440,000-unit pace one year ago. The median existing condo price⁶ was $164,600 in November, which is 0.2 percent below November 2010.

Regionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast jumped 9.8 percent to an annual pace of 560,000 in November and are 7.7 percent above a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $240,200, which is 0.1 percent below November 2010.

Existing-home sales in the Midwest rose 4.3 percent in November to a level of 960,000 and are 15.7 percent higher than November 2010. The median price in the Midwest was $133,400, down 4.0 percent from a year ago.

In the South, existing-home sales increased 2.4 percent to an annual pace of 1.74 million in November and are 12.3 percent above a year ago. The median price in the South was $143,300, which is 2.1 percent below November 2010.

Existing-home sales in the West rose 3.6 percent to an annual level of 1.16 million in November and are 11.5 percent higher than November 2010. The median price in the West was $195,300, down 8.4 percent below a year ago.

The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

For the BEST Realtor, real estate agency and website for real estate in Lexington and Danville Kentucky and more info on land, horse farms, properties, Centre College, Danville’s night life, etc - listings and Videos on Danville, KY Homes for Sale, Kentucky Farm Land, and Kentucky Horse Farms or to search the MLS, visit BluegrassTeam.com

 If your home will be for sale this winter, it is important to master certain seasonal issues that are less significant or even non-existent at other times of the year. Here are 10 bits of sage advice from RE/MAX agents that can help put a “Sold” sticker on that yard sign.

Let Those Lights Shine: The best way to combat winter’s short and frequently cloudy days is to turn on your house lights. For a showing, every single light in the house must be on, even in the closets and utility/mechanical rooms, according to Marlene Granacki of RE/MAX Exclusive Properties, Chicago.

“Make sure all the bulbs are working, and stock up on all the right bulbs for lamps and fixtures so burned out bulbs can be replaced immediately,” she advises. “Also, it’s a great idea to keep the lights on in the front of the house even if no showings are scheduled. People are always driving past the house, and keeping it lighted makes it look happy and welcoming.”

She also advises opening the drapes and blinds during the day to let in light and let visitors enjoy the view.

Provide Convenient Parking: It’s vital that buyers have a convenient place to park. They won’t want to walk very far in cold weather or be forced to climb over a snow bank to exit their vehicle. Because parking is often more restricted around condominiums, sellers should make sure their agent can pass along parking details to buyers.

Make It Easy to Enter: Winter showings can get off to an awkward start if prospective buyers arrive with snow or salt on their shoes.

“Make it easy for buyers to deal with their shoes when they arrive,” recommends Barbara Hibnick of RE/MAX Showcase, Long Grove, Ill. “Put a festive area rug at the front door for a great first impression and so visitors can wipe their feet. Have slippers or disposable booties available, along with a bench or chair, if there is room for one, where a visitor can sit and easily remove or put on their boots.”

Keep Odors Under Control: Any home tends to be stuffy in winter when windows are opened rarely. That can allow odors to build up, which can be a turn-off to buyers.

“Pet odors can be especially worrisome in winter,” says Mike Mondello of RE/MAX Synergy in Orland Park, Ill. “Use a room fragrance if needed, but nothing too strong, and I recommend that in winter sellers clean more often.” For example, change the cat litter daily, rather than every third or fourth day, or even consider using an air purifier.

If pets are in the house, consider setting the thermostat control so that the furnace fan runs constantly during the day to keep air moving through the house and dissipate odors. Also try to avoid strong cooking odors, especially if a showing is scheduled that day.

Cultivate a Festive Look: Appropriate decorations for Christmas and even St. Valentine’s Day help give a home a cheerful look during the winter months.

“I really believe that holiday decorations can help homes sell, but don’t go to excess,” suggests Starr Zook of RE/MAX On Track in Aledo, Ill. “Keeping small, decorative white lights on trees and bushes pretty much through the winter season is fine, but other decorations should be taken down quickly once the holiday passes.”

Don’t Ignore the Outdoors: Make a good first impression on buyers with a neatly maintained yard. Walks and steps should be kept clear, especially of snow and ice.

Look after Condo Common Areas: If the home you are selling is a condominium, your job as a seller may be relatively easy in winter, with no snow to shovel or yard work to worry about. However, that is only the case if your condominium association does its job well.

If the association isn’t doing it, the homeowner may have to take responsibility for keeping the entrance area and hallways clean. If the association isn’t getting snow shoveled promptly, consider buying some de-icing salt and sprinkling it judiciously around the building entry.

Don’t Roast Buyers: We all tend to prefer a specific temperature for our homes during the winter, but don’t blast buyers with hot air. Keep the temperature at a comfortable 65 degrees for all showings. Remember, buyers are likely to be wearing their coats even as they walk through the house.

Keep Seasonal Clothing under Control: “One major challenge of selling a home during the winter months is the overabundance of cold weather gear that must be stored,” says Mike Mondello. “A buyer doesn’t want to find the mudroom filled with boots or the hall closet overflowing with heavy coats. Shift some winter coats to another closet and put anything not needed in the closet into storage.”

To keep gloves and scarves from piling up in the front hall or mudroom, put a special container for them, such as a decorative chest, where the family typically enters the home.

Encourage Day Time Showings: A home shows to its best advantage during daylight hours, which are relatively scarce in winter.

“Encourage your agent to show your home before 3 p.m. and have it ready to show by 9 a.m. if you want the best results,” Granacki recommends.

Despite the special challenges of marketing a home during winter, there also are benefits, notes Laura Ortoleva, a spokesperson for the RE/MAX Northern Illinois real estate network.

“Buyers out looking at homes in December or January are, as a group, quite serious about buying. Therefore, sellers tend to benefit because each showing is more productive, and fewer showings are needed to sell the property,” she said.

For more info, listings and Videos on Danville, KY Homes for Sale, Kentucky Farm Land, and Kentucky Horse Farms or to search the MLS, visit BluegrassTeam.com

http://rismedia.com/2011-12-01/10-ways-to-get-the-best-of-winter-when-selling-your-home/

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Despite the huge run-up in land values over the past year, it still can be a good investment, even at more than $10,000 per acre for prime Midwest land. “Based on today’s commodity prices, it’s cheap,” says Randy Hertz, chairman of the board, Hertz Land Management and President of Hertz Real Estate Services, Nevada, Iowa. “If you have cash and it fits into your long term plans, it may be a good time to buy.”

For details on Danville, KY Kentucky land – click here or call 859-379-LAND (5263)

He spoke at this week’s Top Producer Summer Seminar in Bettendorf, Iowa. Good Midwest land values could still go up another $1,000 to $2,000 per acre, assuming strong commodity values hold. That’s because present land values provide a 6% return based on $5 corn and $11 soybeans. As a result, land has more room on the upside. He sees prices softening if corn goes back to $4/bu., however. To illustrates, farmland values softened in 2009 due to lower commodity prices after strengthening in 2008. “But I don’t expect them (farmland) to tumble,” Hertz says.  The returns from farmland are beating 25 mutual fund 401-K’s his company manages. Yet that’s nothing new as it’s been that way, on average, for the past 40 years, Hertz says. As a result, a small number of people owning farmland are interested in selling it because there is nowhere else to put money that can match farmland’s return on investment. To illustrate the fact that owners of farmland are holding onto it, from 2008 to 2010, land market land sales declined by 33%, according to data from the Farm Credit Services of America.