Raindrops on Roses…

“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things“….

1.  Autumn in Bardstown.  Leaves of crimson, gold, orange framing the streets of town!  Breathtaking!!  People strolling casually through downtown enjoying the last few days of sweatshirt weather before the winter coats come out of the closet.

2.  I love watching pageants!  My daughter, Aimee, and I started getting involved with pageants when Aimee graduated from high school and found it to be a great tool for her to develop communication skills and confidence.  We got to spend lots of time together and I just love seeing the beauty of God’s work.  Novembers were the month where we got serious in the last few days before Miss KY USA pageant.  I know it sounds silly- but these were some of our most memorable mother/daughter moments!

That's my Aimee (center) in the top 5 in 2007 at Miss KY USA.

3. Thanksgiving!!!  My favorite holiday of the year.  It’s because I “claim” Thanksgiving as my own holiday.  No matter what people do with other family throughout the year, I expect them to be at my house for Thanksgiving!  Since the passing of my mother about 20 years ago, it’s harder to bring everyone together for all the holidays- but I try to make Thanksgiving a priority for me and my family!  Besides- it’s the day the Smith family takes its Christmas card picture!  My family looks so forward to finding out what my “vision” for the year will be!  (OK- maybe not so much, but they do work with me!)  Good old traditional Thanksgiving food, football on TV and out in the yard, great conversation and the joy of having family together! 

That's our card picture for 2006

I love a perfect Fall day better than just about anything!  For Saturdays in November, I recommend a big pot of soup, some sandwiches, a little leaf raking before settling in for an afternoon of college football!  Stop by- I bet I’ll have enough soup to share!

What are some of YOUR favorite things?

Earn It!

“Saving Private Ryan” is a movie based on a true story set in World War II. In the movie, an officer and his unit are given the mission of finding a soldier, Private John Francis Ryan, because all three of his brothers were killed in the line of military duty. The Secretary of War, knowing that Private Ryan was the only surviving son in this family, ordered that he be found and returned home safely. As the story evolves, the unit encounters many dangerous and deadly situations that make the members of the unit question the legitimacy of the mission. After loosing several members of the unit, there is a definite growing resentment toward Private Ryan and everyone begins to wonder if this soldier is worth the price being paid by the soldiers of this special unit.

A special "Thank You" to MY favorite Veteran, my son~ SSGT David G Smith, US Army!

Finally, after a long and arduous search, Private Ryan is found, with a depleted group of soldiers trying to protect an important bridge from being captured by the Germans. Private Ryan is then ordered to gather his gear and leave with the unit to be escorted safely home to his family. Ryan refuses to leave his assignment without reinforcements and the search unit decides to stay and help protect the bridge and the small band of soldiers assigned to protect the bridge. The soldiers were ovewhelmed by a much larger and better equipped German army who come in and move on the bridge. Finally, the reinforcements arrive and save the bridge, but not before the unit suffers heavy casualties. The Captain, charged with finding Ryan is mortally wounded in the fight, but right before he dies, he looks at Ryan and says “Earn it”.

Thought provoking, dramatically delivered, and a measure of our society today. Right now there are over 150,000 soldiers who have left their families to go to Iraq and Afghanistan- entering  into difficult circumstances, for our benefit. This sacrifice is made to ensure the continuing freedom and safety of every citizen of the United States of America.

I have to ask the question- have we earned it? What do we do every day to merit this kind of sacrifice? Are we a credit to the soldiers and the dangers they face every day? Or is the collective behavior a disgrace to the sacrifice of every dead, wounded or haunted soldier whose efforts keep harm away from us? Worse than that- have we even given it a moment’s thought? The difference between America and other societies around the world is the way our citizens VOLUNTEER to step up to the danger and protect the citizens of this country with their own lives. And the way its citizens honor and respect that sacrifice by the way those citizens live their  lives. Sometimes, though, we need a call to examine our consciences to determine how well, we, as citizens are holding up our end of the deal.

How do we EARN IT? Through kindness, charity and helpfulness to our neighbors; through actively participating in the system of government by educating ourselves about issues and voting; by working hard at our jobs, in our churches, in our schools, in our communities to be the best nation we can be. This would be a good time to take an inventory of our own contribution to making this great nation, a stronger, kinder, morally solid homeland, deserving of the huge sacrifice made by its brave military brothers and sisters. It concerns me when I turn on the news to see corrupt businessmen and politicians as well as murder, rape, hatred and violence in America every day. I know that there are Americans who are working to keep up the high standards that have been set, generations before- starting from the revolutionary war until today. Americans who want to be deserving of the great privilege of being contributing members of the greatest nation on Earth, and saying thank you to our protectors!  How do we ever thank those who give so much?

Jesus Christ made this sacrifice- he gave his life to save our souls- to give us redemption and another chance to live a life of loving, of forgiving, of walking the rightous path that he walked. Take a moment- make a list. Find a way to be a better man, woman, student, teacher, brother, daughter, neighbor, employer, worker….Christian. “Earn it!”

Happy Veterans Day to all those who have served, who serve now, and those who have lost loved ones in the service of the United States of America.

 

The Old Talbott Tavern lives on….

I met some friends at the Talbott Tavern this week for a couple of drinks, some chicken wings and some hot, hot, hot wings!  Really great wings, fun people and lively conversation!  John and Kathy Kelley, current owners of the Tavern joined us and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the night!  Fellow real estate collegues Kurt Krug and George Haydon were the “pro” wing- eaters of the bunch- taking down about 40 wings between them!  They are the Tavern’s biggest wing fans!  Kathy ordered some “fried green tomatoes” for us- and it has to be said- they were the best I’ve ever had!  I wonder if I can bribe my friend Kathy to smuggle the recipe out for me!!!  Really- it’s my new favorite thing!!

 

Aimee and her bridesmaids- 2007

While we were there, John took me down memory lane!  My first job was as a waitress at the Talbott Tavern- when I turned 16.  And I worked there every summer until I left for college and a little after that.  I have some really fond, funny and frightful (it’s said to be haunted) memories of that place.  John showed me a newly discovered fireplace that was uncovered after the big fire. (1998) We even talked about some sillhouettes of famous Tavern visitors, displayed in the bar area for decades, that were ruined by the fire.  That was special to me because those pictures were all done by my mother, who passed away in 1988.  We talked about “old George”, who was legendary as a waiter there from the time he was about 16 until his death.  I don’t know how old he was, but he ruled the dining room back in the 70’s and I’d say he was about 60 years old then.  I saw all the places we used to hide and play jokes on each other when it slowed down and we had a little time on our hands! 

I remember having my bridesmaid’s luncheon there before I got married in 1978, and again having my daughter’s BM luncheon there in the same room in 2007.  Yes, there are spirits in that old Inn for me.  The laughter of me, my mom and all my bridesmaids as we anticipated the wedding day that was ahead.  The tears of joy, the squeals of excitement, echoing throughout the upstairs rooms before my daughter Aimee got married.  The giggles and mocking laughter amongst the mischeivous waitresses as we found fun in being lucky enough to have that job for the summer.  Lots of voices in that place!  But- after my last visit and very fun evening with the Kelley’s~ I know that the Old Talbot Tavern indeed does live on….

If you get the chance, stop by the Old Talbott Tavern and drink in a little history- and don’t forget to try the fried green tomatoes!  Thanks John, Kathy, Kurt and George~ for a fun night with good friends and good eats!

Mark your Calenders! Good Times ahead!

As August starts to wind up and September approaches in Bardstown, Kentucky- you know it’s time to start making plans to attend the Kentucky Bourbon Festival!  It’s coming to Bardstown September 15-20th.   And, believe me- you’ll want to get a start on ordering tickets, lining up a babysitter for a great night out, or taking the whole family to one of the liveliest, most interesting and fun festivals in the state!  There’s something for everyone- and you can find your favorite event by going to http://www.kybourbonfestival.com/events.htm to see exact events, locations and times! 

This year, GOLDMARK REALTORS  will be sponsoring the Balloon Glow, on Tuesday September 15 from 7:30- 9:00pm at the Nelson County Fairgrounds.   We will keep the spectators busy while they’re waiting and watching the balloons get set up!  We’ll have games and giveaways and lots of fun for the whole family!!  You’ll find us wherever you see the  GOLDMARK REALTORS van!

Now- don’t forget to check out the greatest festival in America- The Kentucky Bourbon Festival!  Look for GOLDMARK REALTORS there! 

http://www.kybourbonfestival.com/events.htm

http://www.goldmarkrealtors.com

Sweet Summertime!

Well- it’s mid-August, the weather is finally hot like it’s supposed to be in August- and so is the real estate market!!  It’s been a moderate spring and early summer.  We’ve see some perfect days scattered about, but it took awhile this year to put together a run of consistently good, hot days!  Am I talking about the weather- or business?  I guess that statement applies to both.  But I’m happy to say- I love summertime, and it’s here!!!

As I said in an earlier blog- July was a record setting month in terms of accepted contracts!  And we’re looking pretty good in August for both listings and sales.  If you think this means the recession and housing slump is all over- not so fast.  While good numbers are always well recieved, and do indicate some return of consumer confidence, we’re not out of the woods yet.  There are two things we need to happen to help restore the market to where it should be:

   1.  We need the builders to get back to building.  I know it’s a relief to see the inventory shrinking for the first time in a long time, but now they are low and buyers who can’t find what they want could easily slip out of the buying notion and consider other options.

   2.  We need for people who have considered a change (bigger, smaller, communities, etc.) to take a long look at the opportunities now, and get into the game.  The gap right now is the move- up buyer.  There are lots of first time homebuyers out there looking for a good first home- what better time than now to sell that first home and move into a bigger home?  Large pool of buyers, low interest rates and competitive prices in “step-up” houses!

So- my theory is- Builders- Get building!  Move- up Buyers- Get Engaged in the Market!  When the fog clears, there will be opportunities for those who didn’t just drop out!

My favorite “move-up” listing Today:

109 North Parkside Drive WWW.TOURFACTORY.COM/510206 Please call me to see this house!

PEGGY SMITH

502-460-1017

GOLDMARK REALTORS

                                                                                        

Good News for Bardstown!!

Here we are- 2009, and the country is in the midst of a ‘deep recession”.  Yet- here in Bardstown- Good News!  This year, SYKES Enterprises will be opening a new state of the art call center that will bring 450- 500 new jobs to the area!  This opportunity will help the local economy remain stable and will  likely restore confidence to the consumers in Nelson County.  Together with the Rainbow Bakery Company now open and operating, we have good reason to celebrate!  This economy has been hard on many small communities across this country, so the recent turn of events is cause to appreciate the efforts of the economic development team and local government for their success.

Now- as far as the local real estate economy- here is some info  that might surprise the public.  The month of July has been a very busy month for all of us at GOLDMARK REALTORS!  We brought in 9 accepted contracts in one day!  So far- we have over 40 accepted contracts for the month of July!!  What does that mean to the buying and selling public?  Let me give you my take on the situation!

What I know is that the first time homebuyers are taking advantage of the incentives to buy.  Between the Economic Stimulus money being offered until November 30, and some other grants and low interest programs it’s been quite enticing for the buyers- and they are taking advantage.  There is still time for the buyer to get in on the action and get a great deal of their own. 

What this means for the home seller is- the buyers are out ther, looking for the “first time” home.  So, if you’ve been thinking about selling your present home and moving up while rates are still at historic lows- now is the time!!  Get to the phone- call your favorite GOLDMARK REALTOR  and find out how you can get your home on the market now, with the hardest working real estate team I have ever witnessed in my career!  Inventories of homes for sale to first time home buyers are down now and that puts your home listing at an advantage.  Then, when you go to buy your home at the next level, you’ll see a good supply of homes priced in the  fair and competitive range! 

Let me leave you with this last thought~      “To recognize opportunity is the difference between success and failure.”  Opportunity is here- call and find out how YOU can benefit. 

www.goldmarkrealtors.com

502-460-1017 Peggy Smith

502-348-1740 GOLDMARK REALTORS

WHY GOLDMARK REALTORS??

I’ve done a story about how great Bardstown is to live and work and visit.  There are advantages of living in a town like this that might not be immediately apparant to the casual onlooker.  Little details that you don’t discover until you need them- like hospitals, libraries, schools, parks.  And even more details that only reveal themselves when there’s trouble- how well the fire department, police department, and city officials handle adversity.  It is usually in times of need that you realize the value of an experienced and well run city and county government. 

The past year’s ice storm, for instance, showcased the town’s abililty to coordinate other agencies, emergency people, and contractors to do whatever has to be done to get the crisis under control quickly, responsibly and without excuses.  This doesn’t happen by accident!  There is a plan, experienced professionals, great relationships with partners, and resources built through years of working together with other governments, contractors and citizens.

That’s the same way it works when you decide you are going to buy or sell your home, land or business.  You have to decide where you want to put your trust when taking one of the biggest financial steps of your life.  So- there are the obvious things- such as:

1. who has the best record of getting properties closed?
2. who has the most experience?
3. who can put me in touch with other professionals that I will need to work with throughout my transaction?
4. who will be there when I need them?
5. if a problem comes up- who will know how to best handle the situation?
6. who is the best trained and cohesive group that I can get?
7. who charges the least commision or who will give me money back after the closing?

These are all important questions to ask, and I’m going to help explain how GOLDMARK REALTORS stacks up in all these categories.

1. Since our opening in July 2007, GOLDMARK REALTORS has closed 395 residential real estate units for a total volume of $52,462,325.  The closest office competition to that closed 111 for $14,040,678.*  WE DO IT BETTER!
2. At GOLDMARK REALTORS, we have combined experience of over 200 years cannot be surpassed and demonstrates the strength of the GOLDMARK REALTORS organization.  The company has 6 agents holding a Kentucky BROKERS license and most of our Realtors hold advanced Realtor designations such as GRI(Graduate, Realtor Institute) and ABR (Acredited Buyer Representative) or ASP (Acredited Staging Professional).  We have several agents with unrivaled experience in residential real estate development and new contruction management.  Also- we are very proud of our full service Auction Department directed by a Principal Auctioneer with nearly 20 years experience.  Several agents in our office have extensive background and expertise in commercial real estate.  WE HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER!
3. GOLDMARK REALTORS have made it a policy to establish and maintain good working relationships with local attorneys, lenders, inspectors, appraisers and specialty contractors.  These relationships make it easy for us to get answers, swift service, and the knowledge that the professionalism of the contractors we use and recommend has been established through years of quality service.  This level of cooperation creates expectations that are realistic and proven.   We also maintain a high level of respect and cooperation with other real estate companies in the area.  Whatever you need to buy or sell a home-WE HAVE PEOPLE FOR THAT!
4. GOLDMARK REALTORS’  office hours are M-F 8:30- 5:30, Sat 9:00-3:00, but you’ll find someone at the office almost all hours of the day- weekends, nights!  We welcome calls from our clients/customers anytime!  We will be where you need us when you need us- and if we ABSOLUTELY can’t get there- we have agents who will help you with the same level of professionism you would expect from your own agent!  TEAMWORK HAS ITS BENEFITS!  And- anytime you have any questions and want to stop by our office- you are ALWAYS welcome! 
5. When a problem arises- who can best handle it without stress for you?  With so much experience in one office, you can rest assured that almost any problem has been seen and solved before.  GOLDMARK REALTORS is like a library of knowledge and experience and we share that experience with each other.  Our company  holds sales meetings weekly, where we not only have educational programs and speakers, but we also share our own experiences and how to efficiently resolve roadblocks on the way to successful closings.   WE HAVE THE ANSWERS!
6. Training is a high priority for GOLDMARK REALTORS.  We go to seminars and workshops beyond our required continuing education.  We also sponsor seminars for buyers to help prepare them for the homebuying process.  You’ll see us out together in the community too- working with Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, community parades, our annual cookout….  FRIENDSHIP, COMMUNITY AND OUR WILLINGNESS TO SERVE IS THE GLUE THAT MAKES US STRONG!
7. What a real estate company charges for commission is irrelevant- if the home doesn’t sell!  So- you have to ask yourself-  do I base my decision about listing my home on a lower rate if it means listing with a company whose record for closed sales is also at a lower rate?  Those of us working on a commission basis all get the same amount on an unsold property -$0.00!  DON’T LOOK AT COMMISSION RATE- LOOK AT SUCCESS RATE!  That’s what puts $$$ in your pocket~!  Be careful of those gimmicks that offer $$ for listing,  $$ for buying~ Such strategies signal desparation, and maybe a lack of understanding of the value of their expertise (or lack of expertise), or the intention to cut back on service to the client. 

Okay- so after going through all those questions, the point I want to make is this- just like in choosing a community, choosing a real estate company requires more than meets the eye!  And like in cities, it’s not until you run into a problem that you realize how valuable it is to have the BEST working for you!  

I make no apologies for the fact that GOLDMARK REALTORS is not offering cash, or gift cards to be used at select businesses, no slick tricks to make you feel like you’re getting a “deal” in return for working with us.  We live and work by the old time honored tradition of good old fashioned hard work and commitment to excellence!  Our success rate reflects that philosophy!   And that means more money for you! 

WHY GOLDMARK REALTORS?  SUCCESS!

“The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.”  -Jonas Salk

* Statistics taken from the Old KY Home Board of Realtors Market Statistics

Pony Up for Some Home Loan News…

Okay race fans~ I just wanted to take the opportunity to share a bit of news that will make you gallop on down to the nearest Federal Home loan affiliated Bank  to get your application in for the latest new home buyer assistance program.  The Federal Home Loan Bank’s Welcome Home money is now available.  This allows borrowers to use $5,000 grant money toward a purchase of their primary residence.  This is not only subject to first time homebuyers!  The income guidelines for Nelson County are 1-2 person household $55,200 and 3 or more household $64,400. 

If you are a first time homebuyer- you can still get the $8000 tax credit, along with the Welcome Home money!  Big news for buyers- don’t you think??

On another note- we at GOLDMARK REALTORS have listed some really great houses this month.  Check them all out on the Featured Listings page at www.goldmarkrealtors.com .  I’m really excited about the way this spring has taken off for us.  It’s a good time to list your house~ and a great time to buy!!

Finally- I just want to say that Kentucky is such a great place to be during Derby week!  All the fun derby week activities, the parties and everything seem to be bursting with color and energy!  The sun really does shine bright on my old Kentucky home!  Have a great Derby week and call me when you get ready to buy or sell a home in the Bardstown /Nelson County area!

Peggy Smith, Broker

GOLDMARK REALTORS

502-460-1017  OR  502-348-1740

Signs of Spring in Beautiful Bardstown

I have to say, I’m getting a little restless here in my office all day.  But last week as I walked along the boundaries of a little farm I have listed- I was reminded of how spring just renews everything.  Daffodils and hyacinth are starting to bloom.  The redbud trees and the bradford pears are covered with blossoms.  Squirrels and bunnies are darting around looking for a good meal.  The grass is greenest in the spring too!  Riding along the country roads I see evidence of the rebirth of nature.  The cool breezes of spring also helps to renew the spirit !  I just love the way our little town looks in spring!  In a couple of weeks the dogwoods will reveal their beauty and all the mess from the ice storm this winter will become a distant memory.

Nature is not the only thing that comes to life as the weather warms.  The people in town seem to have an extra spring in their step, a little more color in  their outfits, and the bright smiles that just make you have to smile back.  Every year it happens the same way- yet every year I am amazed all over again!  I just have to stop and take it all in.  As fascinating and fabulous as it is to live in a big city, I still think the greatest place to live is a wonderful town like Bardstown.  Whenever I go to other communities for business or pleasure- I’m always so proud of my own hometown. 

I took an hour last week to take a walk at My Old Kentucky Home State Park (which is just across the street from my office- how cool is that?) and it just gave me energy.  There are still some tree damage to be cleared from the ice storm, but that doesn’t take away the beauty of our treasure right here at our doorstep!  The golfers out on the course move along at such a casual and unconcerned pace- like nothing else in the world mattered.  I heard someone talk one time about how a visit to Bardstown made them feel.  They commented that “being here slowed their heartbeat by about ten beats a minute”.  Couldn’t we all use a little dose of that?

Step outside- drink it in!  Spring is here, and Bardstown displays it so well!!

LAST CHANCE!! Don’t be chicken!

GOLDMARK REALTORS in Bardstown are holding their 4th and final Fast Start First Time Homebuyer’s Seminar this Thursday at their office at 105 Old Bloomfield Pike! 

We have been having a seminar every Thursday in March for anyone looking to find out more about Buying your first home, getting financing, and how to get the $8000 tax credit/ stimulus money.  Remember, if you are interested in taking advantage of this incentive, you must purchase your home before December 1.  There has been a great amount of interest in this program and I feel like we have helped a lot of people get ready for the purchase of thier new home.  And more people are moving into their new homes every week!  I just love being able to help people achieve this dream!

DON”T BE CHICKEN!  This is a great time to buy a house, and the benefits of buyin now are many!  Come and see us at GOLDMARK REALTORS this Thurdsay at 6:30 pm and we’ll explain it all to you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.

Marie Curie