Lexington, KY Home Search

Lexington Fun: Tour Local Bourbon Distilleries

Nick Ratliff — Fri, 24 May 2013 18:12:44 +0000

There are many characteristics that have driven the city of Lexington to a reputation of excellence, ranging from beautiful horse farms perched on rolling hills to suspenseful basketball games from the University of Kentucky. Each characteristic and activity has their moment, but if you’re looking to spend a relaxing weekend doing something out of the norm, try taking a taste of your favorite liquor from one of the bourbon distilleries around Lexington. Since the early 1800s, bourbon has been a native staple of Kentucky and earned a reputation as a fine drink across the nation.

Here are some distilleries you can tour around Lexington:

1. Buffalo Trace Distillery

(502) 696-5926
25 miles west of Lexington
Free
Hours: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Open Sundays from 1-3 p.m.
Visit their website: click here

2. Four Roses Distillery

(502) 839-3436
24 miles west of Lexington
Free
Bourbon production stops in the summer months, but you can tour Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. & Sundays noon to 3 p.m.
Visit their website: click here

3. Town Branch Distillery

(859) 255-2337
On the edge of Lexington’s Distillery District
$7
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. & Noon-4 p.m. on Sundays
Visit their website: click here

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Lexington Real Estate: Home Inspection Nightmares

Nick Ratliff — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:45:54 +0000

Have you ever been curious as to what home inspections uncover in some homes around Lexington? 90% of the time, homes are the run-of-the-mill. There may be a few issues here and there, but for the most part, they are healthy as they can ever be. However, there are times when a home inspector comes across some nightmarish finds that absolutely appall everyone. As a homeowner, be aware of the possible problems that your home might face and realize the value of a home inspection before buying another house.

Here are a couple of nightmare home inspections:

They say all you ever need is some WD-40 and duct tape to fix anything, but in this case it’s a major hazard.

Corrosion slowly taking over. The obvious warning: Don’t plug anything in that outlet.

Another bad case of bathroom plumbing. Mixing the wrong kind of fluids with metal pipes can have disastrous effects.

The Value of a Home Inspection

Whether you’re buying or selling a home in Lexington, one case remains true: Get a home inspection. You might be surprised in what they uncover, especially if you’re buying a home. Protect your investment and make sure everything is as it should be, or you could be paying a hefty cost to fix it later on. If you’re selling, it’s still important to have a home inspector look around your property since he might discover hidden problems you didn’t know about. This comes in handy when selling, because this could be a reason for a buyer to back out of a deal. For more information about selling your home or inquiring about the services of a home inspector, feel free to fill out the form below:

Featured Listing: 640 Chinoe Road, Lexington, KY 40502

Nick Ratliff — Sat, 11 May 2013 00:22:38 +0000

The property located at 640 Chinoe Rd. sits on over a half acre of land. With 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, this home is spacious. It is 2877 sq. ft., has hardwood and slate tile flooring and a fireplace. The kitchen has maple cabinets, a 6 burner gas range and upgraded stainless appliances. The dining area has pocket glass doors leading to an enclosed sun porch which overlooks the expansive lawn. There is a bonus room in the loft, an attached garage, a game room and much more.

Lexington, KY

Lexington, Kentucky is known as bluegrass country. Thoroughbred horses graze in the fields of thousand acre farms. Breathtaking beauty surrounds the city of Lexington so it’s no wonder your thinking of moving here. Horse lovers flock to Lexington to go to the races and to visit the Kentucky Horse Park, one of the countries largest working horse farms.

Lexington Schools

Children who live in the Chinoe Road neighborhood attend the Cassidy Elementary School, Morton Middle School and Henry Clay High School. The University of Kentucky is located in Lexington as are many local community colleges and technical schools. Bluegrass Community College, Strayer University and MedTech are just a few schools that are an easy commute from the Chinoe Road neighborhood.

Click Here to View Full Details

3 Design Updates to Make your Lexington Home “Pop” with Curb Appeal

mckenziehillam — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:12:49 +0000

It seems that it only takes a few years—where did that decade go? Now your home exterior seems a little outdated. The home design preferences in Lexington are constantly changing, and what once seemed like great curb appeal is now a little drab. Don’t panic—there are a few simple things you can do to keep up with the changing design trends in Lexington.

Brick homes

Red bricks will never go out of style. You’ve been longing for its rich color, but you don’t want the color-overload of a full-brick exterior. You could accent your home with bricks instead. Bricking the lower half of your home and using stucco for the rest of the exterior is a great alternative to a full-brick design.

If you already have a brick home, consider power cleaning the exterior to brighten its color. However, if you’re tired of the same red color, you could paint over the brick. You could go from extreme red to beautiful, stylish beige. This simple change will give you the curb-appeal you’re looking for.

Town House

What can you do to update an old townhouse? While you don’t have much of a front yard, there are a few simple things you can do to update your home’s look.

First, paint your front door red—or any other dazzling color. The door is the first thing that your guests will see. Give them a good impression. Also give your windows character by adding or painting the shutters, (in the same or complementary color). This is particularly effective if your townhouse is brick.

Farm House

Lexington, as the “horse capital of the world,” is particularly fond of the “farm house” design. If you want your home to look less suburban, you could start by replacing the old, metal garage door with one that resembles a barn door. This way it looks more like a stable or carriage house than storage for your car and lawn mower. Make this project easier by calling a garage door repair company in Lexington to install your new door.

You may want to take a few more steps to make your home feel more rustic. Building a wood patio and painting the exterior a placid white will make your home “pop” with rural curb-appeal. You would never know you were in the suburbs if it weren’t for your neighbor.

If your home’s exterior is starting to look like it’s stuck in the nineties, it takes only a few changes to increase your curb appeal and your home’s value. So pull out the paint; take down the barn door; or start building that patio. Your home will be up-to-date in no time.

McKenzie Hillam is a freelance writer who enjoys spending her free time browsing for idea to make her home better. She writes for companies like Precision Garage Door in Lexington.

One Party to Beat Them All: The Kentucky Derby Party

Nick Ratliff — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:49:53 +0000

Make the most exciting 2 minutes in sports last hours — with your Kentucky Derby Party. As the hallowed date arrives, some of us in Lexington know we won’t be able to make it to Louisville for the big event, so why not celebrate the day with a great party? Take the thrill from Churchill Downs and bring it to your home. Those exciting 2 minutes aren’t limited to the track. Feeling the suspense of the horses lining up in the gate and listening to the roar of their stomps as they hit full throttle is just one part of the Kentucky Derby. Talking, meeting friends, and having a good time is what the Derby is all about. So, here are some great ideas to create an unforgettable experience in your home:

1. “Run for the Roses” Theme Party

Nicknamed from the Derby itself, using a rose theme is a classical approach to throwing a great horse party. Start with some rose decorations set around the tables. Bring out the brightly colored napkins and tablecloths to match the jockeys’ uniforms (a.k.a. silks). For food, prepare some light snacks and sandwiches that everyone loves. If you’re going traditional, you’ve got to have some Burgoo stew, which is made up of slow-cooked meats, vegetables, and spices. For desert, try serving up a mouth-watering slice of Kentucky Bourbon Chocolate Walnut Pie. And let’s not forget the proper refreshment: A classic Mint Julep. Guests can dress up in silks and ladies can wear fanciful hats. It’s all up to you! With this traditionally themed party, you’ll definitely recreate the feeling of being in Churchill Downs during the race.

2. The Tailgaters “Infield” Theme

For a more casual take on the Derby party, you can go with a tailgaters theme. Jeans and a shirt help people relax as they get ready to witness the most exciting moments of the race. You can even move the party outside, since the weather will be beautiful and warm. Guests can drink cocktails from plastic trophy-cups and try a sampler of Kentucky bourbon. To fill the stomach, you can introduce a barbecue menu and heat up the grill for some bone-licking meats. Of course, the julep is still a preferred drink, but you can try out various concoctions to suit your tastes.

Party Games for the Kentucky Derby

Since the Derby only lasts 2 minutes technically, you’ll need to plan some activities and games to keep your guests entertained. The most obvious is placing bets on your favorite horse. Another alternative is drawing a horse’s name from a hat and cheering for that horse during the race. Guests paired with the same horse can win a prize, which could include a Jockey Silks Scarf or colorful bow tie. You could also set up a game of horseshoes or corn hole in the backyard. People love a good challenge, including the kids.

If you have other great ideas for games during your Kentucky Derby Party, feel free to share in the comments section below.

Living in Lexington, KY

Having fun and enjoying the horse races is an integral part of Lexington’s character. Beautiful tracts of land filled with rolling hills, traditional barns, and white picket fences are a taste of what it’s like to live in Lexington. You’ll find stunning homes equipped with luxurious features that are unrivaled by any other real estate in the area. To get a better understanding of what it’s like to live on a horse farm in Lexington, search our current listings:

Click Here to View Lexington Horse Farm Real Estate

Celebrate The Kentucky Derby at Keeneland

Nick Ratliff — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:17:25 +0000

With all the excitement building up for the Kentucky Derby, not all of us are able to see the event first-hand in Louisville. However, Lexington is not going to leave its fellow Kentuckians without a party to celebrate the event — and the most exciting place to be holding a Derby party this year is at Keeneland. As horse racing’s biggest day approaches on May 4th, make sure you know where to go and what time to see the event. The last thing you want is to miss out on the momentous race while driving to the horse track. So come join us at the Keeneland Horse Track and have a blast rooting for your favorite horse. Hundreds of other fans will be there, making it one of the greatest parties in Lexington’s history!

Derby Day at Keeneland

Saturday, May 4th
Gates open at 9 a.m.
Admission is $5.00 and parking is free
The Derby will run at approximately 6:24 p.m.
Reservations available for the Derby Bash (10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. in the Keene Barn)
For more information, click here

The Derby Party at Keeneland will have music, food, and a play area for children. You can also place your bets at Keeneland, as well as in the Red Mile, the Kentucky Horse Park, and the Thoroughbred Center on Paris Pike. Overall, the Derby Party is a big family event and one that no Lexington resident should miss.

Lexington Horse Farms

If you want to experience the growth and heart-felt moments of raising a horse, try searching around our horse farms. Beautiful tracts of land, rolling hills of greenery, and white picket fences are just the beginning to an amazing experience in Lexington. Discover what a Lexington horse farm has to offer you:

Click Here to View Lexington Horse Farms

Home Decoration of the Month: Horse Stable

Nick Ratliff — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:14:43 +0000

Lexington has no shortage of beautiful homes and horse farms. It’s a common picture to imagine the rolling green hills, white picket fences, and thoroughbred horses as Lexington. To celebrate our reputation as horse capital of the world, our home decoration of the month is the stunning 24-horse training barn at 3160 Paris Pike, Lexington, KY 40511!

Perched atop a low bluff, this world-class stable creates a storybook setting that is hard to resist. It’s traditional design reminds us of the good old days, and doesn’t fail to live up to the legend. State-of-the-art features include several feeding rooms, tack rooms, a procedure area, 3 offices, and a wash stall. Rubber brick aisles lead horses and trainers through the center of the barn, creating a grand entrance.

Additional amenities surrounding the barn include 37-acres of grazing area, a large round pen, and 6-horse equiciser. For more information about the property, feel free to contact us (click here) or view the full details of the listing below.

Click Here to View Full Details

The Top 5 Ways to Destroy Your Home Value

Nick Ratliff — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:15:15 +0000

Everyone has tons of suggestions on how to improve and increase your home’s value. It’s almost viewed as a requirement before selling your home, but everybody ignores simple factors that are destroying your home’s potential. And believe it or not, they are all the homeowner’s fault. As real estate agents, we have seen dozens of dirty kitchens, leaking roofs, and smelly bedrooms. However, there are some houses that fit into a whole class of their own. Here are the top 5 ways to destroy your home value when selling:

**1. Apply Too Much Weed Killer**

Curb appeal is a major selling factor for your home. People tend to pass it over for their home interior, but what do you think are the first things home buyers see when they arrive at your home? The grass. Some homeowners may read an article about staging their yard (to sell their home for more money) and in return, spray too much weed killer. As a result, you end up with patches of dead grass around your yard. Most home buyers will instantly get a negative impression of your home and not feel inclined to make an offer.

2. “There … I fixed it.”

It’s great if you’re a handyman at home, but patching up things that are still broken isn’t going to help you when you sell your home. Inspectors will find flaws in the house, regardless of how you “tried to fix it,” and will tell not only the agents, but the home buyers about it. This could lead to an immediate cancellation of contract, and if it’s visible to begin with, will deter home buyers from ever making an offer.

3. Let the Mold Build

The picture above doesn’t reflect the title for a good reason. Moldy showers are one of the ugliest and biggest culprits for ruining your home value. No home buyer will even spend a second in your bathroom if it’s moldy. Do yourself a favor and clean it out before selling.

4. Let the Dogs Out

Yes, you’re cute little friends can actually be a negative point about your home. Having a bombardment of dogs greet home buyers can put people in an uncomfortable situation. And that feeling persists the entire time they are trying to look through the home. If you’re going to sell, take the dogs out when you know buyers will be looking. They’ll feel better playing outside anyways.

5. The “Graveyard” Closet

Everyone collects a ton of stuff over time, and naturally we stuff it in our closets. When you decide to sell your home though, this can turn out to be a money pit for you. Home buyers want to see how much space they’ll have for their new home — not how much they won’t have. If there isn’t enough space for you, the buyer will think there isn’t enough for them. They might be inclined to search for another house that has enough room for their stuff. However, this one is an easy fix. If you’re already about to move, go ahead and stuff all that junk into moving boxes. That way, home buyers can see the closet for itself.

The Destruction of Your Home Value

Before you start reading articles about making upgrades to your home and how to sell your home for more money, make sure you aren’t inadvertently destroying your house. Small flaws can add up and detract from your property’s value, making it that much harder to sell. If you’d like to discuss different ways about selling your home or have any questions about the process, feel free to send us your concerns through the form below:

Family Fun in Lexington (part 1): Hummel Planetarium

Nick Ratliff — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:00:05 +0000

Weekends in Lexington are never dull and without proper entertainment. The city is home to a multitude of outdoor activities, musical events, and delicious restaurants. For families though, Lexington has a special group of places to visit and things to try. One in particular is the Hummel Planetarium.

The perfect place to visit during the winter, the planetarium offers an imaginative array of stars, planets, and constellations to gaze upon. Children’s curiosities will be activated, and as parents, you’ll be faced with a bag full of questions on the universe. Doubling as an educational and fun experience, there’s no doubt you’ll find admiration in space. The real benefit though, is the continuing drive to be amazed. When you leave the planetarium, your children will be begging to gaze at the stars once they get home. And with the beautiful air Lexington has, it won’t be long before you and your kids spot the Big Dipper or spot Mars twinkling in the night sky.

Overall, it’s a fun experience, and it’s one that will continue to foster each family’s curiosity.

Hummel Planetarium Information

The Hummel Planetarium is located on the Eastern Kentucky University Campus in Richmond (about a 30-minute drive from Lexington on I-75 South). There are special family programs at 6:00 p.m. on Fridays and at 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, feel free to give them a call at (859) 622-1547 or visit their website (click here).

Address: Kit Carson Drive, Richmond, Kentucky 40475

Distinguished Schools in Lexington

Nick Ratliff — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:00:32 +0000

From the University of Kentucky down to care-giving preschools, Lexington has always placed education at the top of their priority list. The Fayette County School District’s mission is to create collaborative community that enriches students’ learning experiences. Their hope is to prepare them for college and for the future.

To find quality schools in Lexington, use our interactive map below: