Here's the deal: I need money! We all do right? Well, I certainly do not expect any handouts, but in order to have the things I want in life, money is an unfortunate necessity. I am willing to work for it though. As a matter of fact, I am willing to work for you to attain financial reward.
As with virtually every industry, real estate has been hit hard in the current economic climate. This does not mean that you should be afraid to get involved in a real estate transaction, though. As a consumer, there has never been a better time to purchase real estate. Mortgage rates are at historical lows.
It is harder to get approved for a loan these days, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Predatory lending, where lenders were approving loans for people that had no business purchasing, has essentially been eliminated. Shady lending practices by banks and mortgage companies is one of the biggest reasons we are in our present economic situation. As a result, buyers are more protected now than ever before.
As a seller, it is important to be realistic. Having your house appraised is not going to give you the true value of what your home is worth. Only the housing market in your specific area can predict the value of your home. If houses are selling in your neighborhood for $150,000-$175,000, it would be quite difficult to justify an asking price of $210,000. There are many factors to consider, however. The best way to ensure a swift sale of your home is to get the property in good selling condition. Updates in kitchens and bathrooms in particular, are very attractive to prospective buyers. Remember though, just because your home is in better condition or has more upgrades than the house for sale down the street, doesn't mean it will sell for significantly more money. It will, however, make it easier to sell.
I am in a unique position. I am a Realtor that works for a builder. Therefore, I have resources available to me that most other agents do not. I would love to represent you as your buyer's agent or sell your property as your listing agent. If you need to renovate your home prior to selling, however, I can help with that too. Judah Real Estate Group can assist with virtually any type of home improvement. If, after I sell you a home, the roof leaks, the floors need to be replaced, a deck or addition is desired, I hope to be your first call. If it has to do with real estate or home improvement we have the resources to accomplish the task at hand.
Regardless of how you feel about me personally, I can ensure you that professionally, your complete satisfaction will be top priority. Whether you are buying, selling or custom bulding a $500,000 home or just need your driveway repaved, the level of service provided will not waiver. I understand that consumers have many options when choosing real estate and home improvement professionals. All I can ask for is an opportunity to prove myself as your Realtor and our company's expertise in the other aspects of our industry.
Go Cards!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Cards Conference Realignment Breakdown
As many of you are aware, there is quite a bit of uncertainty surrounding several conferences in NCAA Division I, including the Big East. You may be wondering what this means for the University of Louisville. I do not claim to be an expert on this topic, but I feel my opinion is valid. Here is my prediction: The University of Louisville will be in a an "AQ" or BCS power conference, regardless of whether or not that conference is the Big East.
With the abrupt and unexpected departure of Pittsburgh and Syracuse (the latter a charter member of the league), the future of the Big East as a relevant football conference seems very much in doubt. In almost every other sport, most notably basketball, the Big East is extremely competitive with the other power conferences. Unfortunately, this current shift in the conference landscape is all about money. Football is the engine that drives most athletic programs; from ticket and concession sales to multi-million dollar contracts with television networks.
Why Louisville will not be left out in the cold: The vast majority of athletic programs lose money. Louisville is one of the top 25 most profitable athletic programs in the country. Our athletic facilities rival anybody's in the country, regardless of sport. U of L's athletic teams are also littered with conference champions from track & field to tennis. Again, football is where the money is, but being one of the top programs in our conference in virtually every sport in which we participate makes us an attractive addition to other power conferences looking to expand. Having the best athletic director in the business certainly doesn't hurt either.
We are not guaranteed of anything. Some conferences, namely the ACC, have said that they have no interest in adding Louisville. Most people do not see the SEC being a viable option either. As a fan, it is hard not to take those snubs personally, but I am extremely confident in our administration. They are not just sitting around waiting for something to happen. They are being proactive and diligent in their efforts to find the best situation for my beloved Cardinals.
As a huge fan of college basketball, it would be sad to see us leave the nation's best basketball conference, but the league has already taken a significant hit in that regard with Syracuse and Pittsburgh leaving for the ACC. As I mentioned, our administration must make the best decision for the University of Louisville. Remaining in a league with questionable stability, that could quite possibly be on the outside looking in for a BCS bid, would not be in the best interest of our athletic program.
Although I would have not considered the Big XII as an option, even a couple of weeks ago, it seems to be the most logical place for U of L to land. Apparently, geography has little to do with which teams end up in which conference these days, so our location should not be a significant hurdle to overcome. The Big XII has already expressed interest in Louisville as they look to again be a 12 team league (currently there are only 9 members, with Texas A&M officially heading to the SEC).
I am not picky. The most important thing is to remain in an AQ conference and, at this point, I have no reason to believe that we won't. As much as I adore my hometown school, I understand that these things don't always work out the way we hope, or even expect, especially when big dollars are involved. If we are not in a BCS conference when the Big East's automatic bid to a BCS bowl is reviewed in 2013, however, I would be shocked and appalled. Even a Kentucky fan could not argue that the Cardinals unquestionably belong in a major conference!
Go Cards!
With the abrupt and unexpected departure of Pittsburgh and Syracuse (the latter a charter member of the league), the future of the Big East as a relevant football conference seems very much in doubt. In almost every other sport, most notably basketball, the Big East is extremely competitive with the other power conferences. Unfortunately, this current shift in the conference landscape is all about money. Football is the engine that drives most athletic programs; from ticket and concession sales to multi-million dollar contracts with television networks.
Why Louisville will not be left out in the cold: The vast majority of athletic programs lose money. Louisville is one of the top 25 most profitable athletic programs in the country. Our athletic facilities rival anybody's in the country, regardless of sport. U of L's athletic teams are also littered with conference champions from track & field to tennis. Again, football is where the money is, but being one of the top programs in our conference in virtually every sport in which we participate makes us an attractive addition to other power conferences looking to expand. Having the best athletic director in the business certainly doesn't hurt either.
We are not guaranteed of anything. Some conferences, namely the ACC, have said that they have no interest in adding Louisville. Most people do not see the SEC being a viable option either. As a fan, it is hard not to take those snubs personally, but I am extremely confident in our administration. They are not just sitting around waiting for something to happen. They are being proactive and diligent in their efforts to find the best situation for my beloved Cardinals.
As a huge fan of college basketball, it would be sad to see us leave the nation's best basketball conference, but the league has already taken a significant hit in that regard with Syracuse and Pittsburgh leaving for the ACC. As I mentioned, our administration must make the best decision for the University of Louisville. Remaining in a league with questionable stability, that could quite possibly be on the outside looking in for a BCS bid, would not be in the best interest of our athletic program.
Although I would have not considered the Big XII as an option, even a couple of weeks ago, it seems to be the most logical place for U of L to land. Apparently, geography has little to do with which teams end up in which conference these days, so our location should not be a significant hurdle to overcome. The Big XII has already expressed interest in Louisville as they look to again be a 12 team league (currently there are only 9 members, with Texas A&M officially heading to the SEC).
I am not picky. The most important thing is to remain in an AQ conference and, at this point, I have no reason to believe that we won't. As much as I adore my hometown school, I understand that these things don't always work out the way we hope, or even expect, especially when big dollars are involved. If we are not in a BCS conference when the Big East's automatic bid to a BCS bowl is reviewed in 2013, however, I would be shocked and appalled. Even a Kentucky fan could not argue that the Cardinals unquestionably belong in a major conference!
Go Cards!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Leave Will Alone (for now)
As a die hard U of L fan and alumni, I want to see all of our teams do well. Like most red-blooded American males, though, football and basketball are the most important to me. So, watching the first two games of the University of Louisville football team's season has been painful. We have struggled against opponents that should not be able to compete with us. Especially on our home field. Replacing our starting quarterback is not the answer though. Not yet!
We have not looked great on either side of the ball. Our defense gave up several big plays in the loss to Florida International, and our offensive line couldn't block anybody. As a fan, it is sometimes hard to keep things in perspective. After all, fan is short for fanatic! It is easy to let your emotions get the best of you because you want your team to win so badly. If you take a step back, however, you can see why this Cardinal football team is having such a difficult time.
Louisville lost 26 seniors from last year's squad. Regardless of the talent level of those departed, it is a tall order to replace that many players, not to mention their leadership and intangibles. We have no returning starters on our offensive line (Mario Benavides was supposed to return as the starting center, but he is injured). We have had several key injuries on our defensive line including starters Greg Scruggs and B.J. Butler, and both cornerbacks are first-year starters. The Cards are an extremely young team, and consequently, rely on underclassmen (including many freshman) to help win ball games. Several of our young players have performed well. In most cases, they are more talented than their upperclassmen teammates. But playing at this level is a very difficult transition for most kids right out of high school.
Everybody has an opinion, but we aren't the coach. I am extremely confident in Charlie Strong and believe he will do everything possible to give us the best opportunity to win. Getting Teddy Bridgewater to sign with U of L was huge for coach Strong and his program. Don't you think he would play him if he thought Teddy was ready? Will Stein has not been the reason we have performed badly in the first two games. I am not saying he has been spectacular, but he has had very little support from his teammates. We haven't been able to run the ball effectively and Stein has been scrambling for his life to avoid sacks (FIU recorded 6 of them).
Coach Strong feels Will gives us the best chance to win right now and I don't have the credentials to argue with him. Frankly, most Stein detractors don't either. Be patient! This team will improve. As a fan, though, I certainly hope to see vast improvement from our squad in Saturday's game against that team down the road!!
Go Cards! Beat UK!!
We have not looked great on either side of the ball. Our defense gave up several big plays in the loss to Florida International, and our offensive line couldn't block anybody. As a fan, it is sometimes hard to keep things in perspective. After all, fan is short for fanatic! It is easy to let your emotions get the best of you because you want your team to win so badly. If you take a step back, however, you can see why this Cardinal football team is having such a difficult time.
Louisville lost 26 seniors from last year's squad. Regardless of the talent level of those departed, it is a tall order to replace that many players, not to mention their leadership and intangibles. We have no returning starters on our offensive line (Mario Benavides was supposed to return as the starting center, but he is injured). We have had several key injuries on our defensive line including starters Greg Scruggs and B.J. Butler, and both cornerbacks are first-year starters. The Cards are an extremely young team, and consequently, rely on underclassmen (including many freshman) to help win ball games. Several of our young players have performed well. In most cases, they are more talented than their upperclassmen teammates. But playing at this level is a very difficult transition for most kids right out of high school.
Everybody has an opinion, but we aren't the coach. I am extremely confident in Charlie Strong and believe he will do everything possible to give us the best opportunity to win. Getting Teddy Bridgewater to sign with U of L was huge for coach Strong and his program. Don't you think he would play him if he thought Teddy was ready? Will Stein has not been the reason we have performed badly in the first two games. I am not saying he has been spectacular, but he has had very little support from his teammates. We haven't been able to run the ball effectively and Stein has been scrambling for his life to avoid sacks (FIU recorded 6 of them).
Coach Strong feels Will gives us the best chance to win right now and I don't have the credentials to argue with him. Frankly, most Stein detractors don't either. Be patient! This team will improve. As a fan, though, I certainly hope to see vast improvement from our squad in Saturday's game against that team down the road!!
Go Cards! Beat UK!!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The Food Truck Chase
Louisville is well established as a place of culinary lore. We have everything from Cuban to Ethiopian dining options available. What we don't have much of, however, is food trucks. No, I'm not talking about a pick-up truck that brings processed, packaged food to various businesses in the area. I'm talking about real, homemade food served out of a truck. Apparently, our city ordinances make Louisville a relatively non-food-truck-friendly town. Despite that fact, a few have surfaced recently, and one particularly stands out. Holy Mole, serving fresh tacos. Suffice to call it a taco truck. The quality of the food, though, is certainly superior to that of any fast food taco place.
For starters, they make their own masa taco shells. Masa is Spanish for dough and is often used for making corn tortillas, as is the case with Holy Mole. The menu varies, but on a recent visit I had the fish and chicken mole varieties. The fish was beer-battered tilapia, topped with a jicama slaw and chipotle aioli (I have seen a lightly fried basa version available as well). The fish was flaky, not over-fried, and the jicama slaw and chipotle aioli were fresh, excellent compliments to the taco. The chicken mole was quite good as well. Slow simmered in a "poblano mole" with sesame seeds and cilantro, the chicken was tender and juicy. The poblano lends a bit of a kick, but is not overly spicy.
All of the tacos are about $4.00 each. You can add sour cream, sliced avacado, queso fresco, and a few other "extras", for $.50 apiece. There were also several veggie "extras", such as sliced cabbage and pickled onions, available at no additional charge. Two tacos makes for a pretty nice lunch. You may spend a little more than you would at a fast food chain, but to support a local establishment that uses local purveyors, it's well worth it.
The problem is, you have to find it. Holy Mole is at a different spot every day. I happened upon the truck outside the NachBar in Germantown late at night. It travels all over the city, though, and will generally park in one spot for several hours. You can find out where the truck will be next by checking out their Facebook page (facebook.com/holymoletacos) or on Twitter (@holymoletruck). The minimal effort it takes to search for it is far outweighed by the yummy goodness that awaits!
Go Cards!
Sample Holy Mole and other Louisville food trucks at the "Food Truckus Ruckus", Sat, Sep. 17th, at 1007 E. Jefferson St. from 11 am - 3.
For starters, they make their own masa taco shells. Masa is Spanish for dough and is often used for making corn tortillas, as is the case with Holy Mole. The menu varies, but on a recent visit I had the fish and chicken mole varieties. The fish was beer-battered tilapia, topped with a jicama slaw and chipotle aioli (I have seen a lightly fried basa version available as well). The fish was flaky, not over-fried, and the jicama slaw and chipotle aioli were fresh, excellent compliments to the taco. The chicken mole was quite good as well. Slow simmered in a "poblano mole" with sesame seeds and cilantro, the chicken was tender and juicy. The poblano lends a bit of a kick, but is not overly spicy.
All of the tacos are about $4.00 each. You can add sour cream, sliced avacado, queso fresco, and a few other "extras", for $.50 apiece. There were also several veggie "extras", such as sliced cabbage and pickled onions, available at no additional charge. Two tacos makes for a pretty nice lunch. You may spend a little more than you would at a fast food chain, but to support a local establishment that uses local purveyors, it's well worth it.
The problem is, you have to find it. Holy Mole is at a different spot every day. I happened upon the truck outside the NachBar in Germantown late at night. It travels all over the city, though, and will generally park in one spot for several hours. You can find out where the truck will be next by checking out their Facebook page (facebook.com/holymoletacos) or on Twitter (@holymoletruck). The minimal effort it takes to search for it is far outweighed by the yummy goodness that awaits!
Go Cards!
Sample Holy Mole and other Louisville food trucks at the "Food Truckus Ruckus", Sat, Sep. 17th, at 1007 E. Jefferson St. from 11 am - 3.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Mmm, Indian Food!
Do you like Indian food?
I do! I like it a lot! I'm sure some of you may be skeptical, but I guarantee you can find something on an Indian menu that you will appreciate. It took me 4 or 5 times to find a dish I really liked, but now I am hooked. There are at least a dozen menu options I would be quite pleased with these days.
In Louisville, we are fortunate to have many great dining destinations featuring cuisines from all over the globe. Indian is no exception. There are several competent choices, but Bombay Grill on N. Hurstbourne is probably my favorite. They feature both Northern and Southern Indian fare. Most other Indian restaurants in the city (and in the country) only offer Northern Indian cuisine. Bombay seems to be a slight step above its competitors in terms of presentation and quality of ingredients.
Kashmir, on Bardstown Road in the Highlands, is a sentimental favorite of mine, though. This is where I was introduced to Indian food. It is also the most conveniently located to where I live. I will always be a Kashmir fan and supporter, but Bombay is unparalleled in Louisville. Shalimar, on S. Hurstbourne, and Dak Shin, on Bardstown Road near Fern Creek (featuring everything from Northern Indian to Indo-Chinese) are not bad choices either. I can go to virtually any Indian restaurant and be happy.
If you have convinced yourself that there is no possible way you would like Indian food, I bet I could prove you wrong. A common misconception is that all Indian cookery is very spicy. Not true. It certainly can be, but many dishes are available, and even intended to be, mildly spiced. The flavors are always bold, but they won't necessarily melt your face. Give me a call if you want to go sometime. I am always down for Indian!
Go Cards!
If you go...
Bombay Grill, 216 N. Hurstbourne Parkway, (502) 425-8892, www.bombaygrillky.com
Kashmir, 1285 Bardstown Road, (502) 473-8765, www.kashmirlouisville.com
Shalimar, 1850 S. Hurstbourne Parkway, (502) 493-8899, www.shalimarlouisville.com
Dak Shin, 4742 Bardstown Road, (502) 491-7412, www.mydakshin.com
I do! I like it a lot! I'm sure some of you may be skeptical, but I guarantee you can find something on an Indian menu that you will appreciate. It took me 4 or 5 times to find a dish I really liked, but now I am hooked. There are at least a dozen menu options I would be quite pleased with these days.
In Louisville, we are fortunate to have many great dining destinations featuring cuisines from all over the globe. Indian is no exception. There are several competent choices, but Bombay Grill on N. Hurstbourne is probably my favorite. They feature both Northern and Southern Indian fare. Most other Indian restaurants in the city (and in the country) only offer Northern Indian cuisine. Bombay seems to be a slight step above its competitors in terms of presentation and quality of ingredients.
Kashmir, on Bardstown Road in the Highlands, is a sentimental favorite of mine, though. This is where I was introduced to Indian food. It is also the most conveniently located to where I live. I will always be a Kashmir fan and supporter, but Bombay is unparalleled in Louisville. Shalimar, on S. Hurstbourne, and Dak Shin, on Bardstown Road near Fern Creek (featuring everything from Northern Indian to Indo-Chinese) are not bad choices either. I can go to virtually any Indian restaurant and be happy.
If you have convinced yourself that there is no possible way you would like Indian food, I bet I could prove you wrong. A common misconception is that all Indian cookery is very spicy. Not true. It certainly can be, but many dishes are available, and even intended to be, mildly spiced. The flavors are always bold, but they won't necessarily melt your face. Give me a call if you want to go sometime. I am always down for Indian!
Go Cards!
If you go...
Bombay Grill, 216 N. Hurstbourne Parkway, (502) 425-8892, www.bombaygrillky.com
Kashmir, 1285 Bardstown Road, (502) 473-8765, www.kashmirlouisville.com
Shalimar, 1850 S. Hurstbourne Parkway, (502) 493-8899, www.shalimarlouisville.com
Dak Shin, 4742 Bardstown Road, (502) 491-7412, www.mydakshin.com
Friday, August 5, 2011
Welcome to my blog!
As most of my friends and family can attest, I can talk. Sometimes even monologue. I tend to be a little more succinct when I write, however. I have started this blog as a way to organize my thoughts.
I also want to use this blog to market myself as a Realtor, lover of Louisville (including U of L sports), and foodie. Hopefully, my entries will inform and entertain (but not offend). I have an opinion on just about every topic, some of which I just have more knowledge than others.
Although I am not a historical expert, the city of Louisville is one of the things I know most about. I can comfortably navigate my way around the entire community. I have my thoughts on the best places to shop, eat, live, and play (which I plan to discuss in future entries).
As a Realtor, however, I want only to offer guidance so that my clients can make the best decision for themselves personally. It has been established that I like to talk. If I am trying to assist you in your real estate needs, though, I promise to listen to exactly what you want and provide a professional experience.
Judah Real Estate Group is a full service real estate company. This means that we can represent buyers and sellers, but through our team of experts, we can also custom build a home, remodel your existing space, and build, market, and sell our own communities. Although I try not to take myself or life in general too seriously, I am serious about my desire to help people and provide them with a trusted resource for perhaps the largest investment they will ever make.
Stay tuned for future entries about food, sports, real estate, family, and my life in Louisville.
Go Cards!
I also want to use this blog to market myself as a Realtor, lover of Louisville (including U of L sports), and foodie. Hopefully, my entries will inform and entertain (but not offend). I have an opinion on just about every topic, some of which I just have more knowledge than others.
Although I am not a historical expert, the city of Louisville is one of the things I know most about. I can comfortably navigate my way around the entire community. I have my thoughts on the best places to shop, eat, live, and play (which I plan to discuss in future entries).
As a Realtor, however, I want only to offer guidance so that my clients can make the best decision for themselves personally. It has been established that I like to talk. If I am trying to assist you in your real estate needs, though, I promise to listen to exactly what you want and provide a professional experience.
Judah Real Estate Group is a full service real estate company. This means that we can represent buyers and sellers, but through our team of experts, we can also custom build a home, remodel your existing space, and build, market, and sell our own communities. Although I try not to take myself or life in general too seriously, I am serious about my desire to help people and provide them with a trusted resource for perhaps the largest investment they will ever make.
Stay tuned for future entries about food, sports, real estate, family, and my life in Louisville.
Go Cards!
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