Jeffrey Greenberg’s Blog

To date, I’ve been filling you in on real estate goings-on in and around Louisville, but I’ve had more than one request for something…more. I was chatting with some friends the other night, and we thought y’all might be interested in hearing about all the great things to do and see and watch and drink and eat and dance to once you actually move here. It’s not enough to just buy a house; you have to make a home! So, without further ado, I give you my new and improved blog.
Today’s topic: Best Picnic Spots In Louisville
With Memorial Day upon us, everyone is eager to get out and soak up the early-summer sun. Newcomers to Louisville might not realize that there’s picnic life beyond Waterfront Park! Here are some great recommendations to get you started!
1. Cherokee Park: There aren’t enough nice things to say about this Andrew Olmstead designed marvel! Clocking in at nearly 400 square acres, you’re never going to have trouble finding enough space to spread out a blanket or play a game of kickball. Amenities include picnic tables and restrooms, of course, but also a dog run, several gorgeous fountains, walking trails, fishing ponds, and a nine-hole golf course! Nearby restaurants are numerous, but check out Lotsa Pasta on Lexington Road for great gourmet to go or the right-across-the-street Rainbow Blossom for awesome natural treats!
Close to: Clifton, Saint Matthews, Downtown, and the Highlands
2. Long Run Park: Deep in the East End, this secluded spot is often overlooked, making it a great spot for a lazy afternoon. It has tons of great things to offer families, like basketball and tennis courts, as well as an on site golf course. Nearly everyone will pass by the Cheddar Box Cafe in Middletown on the way out (get some of their famous house salad and tomato soup to go!) as well as the quaint Zora’s Market, which specializes in gourmet groceries and made-to-order sandwiches.
Close to: Shelby County, Eastwood, Middletown, Polo Fields, Copperfield, and Lake Forest
3. Seneca Park: Yet another outstanding feature of the Saint Matthews neighborhood! Seneca Park has a great playground, making it an excellent choice for families with small and energetic children. It also has great athletic facilities (basketball, field hockey, cross country, and more), so don’t be surprised if you see one of Jefferson County Public Schools’ title-winning athletic teams training out there! Stop in at the Patron for excellent box lunches, or even grab a Best of Louisville pizza at Tony Boomboz for an even easier meal.
Close to: Saint Matthews, Clifton, the Highlands, Lyndon, and Hurstbourne
4. Jefferson Memorial Forest: If you’re really serious about getting away from it all this holiday weekend, but you don’t want to get to far, Jefferson Memorial Forest is the place for you. Located 15 miles from downtown Louisville, this 7,000 acre park affords you the opportunity to escape without ever leaving Jefferson County. There are excellent hiking trails, forests to explore, and even space for camping! Because it’s so vast, there aren’t a ton of take-out eateries extremely close, but there are more than enough grocery stores along the way.
Close to: Fairdale, Auburndale, Iroquois Park, Pleasure Ridge, Fern Creek, and Bullitt County
5. E.P. “Tom” Sawyer Park: Named for Seneca High School alumna and Good Morning America hostess Diane Sawyer’s father, this is far and away Louisville’s best spot for huge picnics. Boasting an enormous pool, indoor volleyball courts, a BMX track, great tennis courts, rentable shelters, playgrounds and much more, Tom Sawyer Park anticipates your every picnicing need. Nearby, you’ll find tons of megahuge national grocers and take-away restaurants, as well as Louisville favorite Wick’s Pizza, which always pleases a big crowd.
Close to: Hurstbourne, parts of Oldham County, Middletown, Lyndon, Goose Creek, and Anchorage

But enough about me! Tell me where you’re favorite picnic spots are!

Happy New Year to all my readers.  Thank you for your following. 

With 2008 now behind us, what can we anticipate for the Louisville market in 2009?

When I ride through the new construction areas it is easy to see that new construction activity is limited.  Certainly, speculative home building activity appears to have come to a halt.  There are some interesting choices of building lot inventory for anyone interested in building a new home.   I anticipate some discounting in lot prices in order for the developers to move some of their product. 

Sales of existing homes remain steady in our area, given the media attention on real estate, job losses in the country and concerns for most local economies.  Homes in the upper price ranges seem to be slower.  

While 2009 may not be one of the strongest in the history of real estate in Louisville, Kentucky, interest rates are historically very low, sellers are motivated and transactions can be made. 

Please feel free to call me on my cell phone (502-664-7841) anytime with questions.

Just a short post regarding the rhythm of real estate sales and inquiries in the Louisville, Kentucky market. 

Prior to the election there was limited sales action in the area.  In the past fews days we have seen a renewed vigor in the number of phone calls and realtor-buyer showings coming into our office.  Let’s hope that this a  trend that will continue long through the winter and into the springs season.  I will keep you posted. 

The first Saturday in May.  That is the day for the Kentucky Derby.  What people from out of the Kentucky region may not know is that this is a time when Louisville shines.  The fun begins with Thunder Over Louisville (one of the largest fireworks displays around) which was held this year on April 12.  Some of the highlight events (http://www.kdf.org/) are the Great Steam Boat Race, the Ramble for the Rose, the The Pegasus Parade, the Chow Wagon at Waterfront Park, a Marathon, a Basketball Classic, the Great Balloonfest, and the list goes on.  The Friday before the Kentucky Derby the is the Kentucky Oaks when the fillies run.  Then, there is the Kentucky Derby!  It makes me a proud citizen of our city to see the great organization, joy and fun these three weeks have to offer.  Take a look at the link of what the “Derby Festival” has to offer over the weeks leading up to the race.  I think you will be amazed.  Experience it sometime for yourself and see what Louisville is really all about.    

2008 Ecomonic Forcast for Louisville, Kentucky
Attached is an interesting article from the local business paper (Business First).  It discusses the housing market, the impact of the “mortgage crisis” and the outlook for the Louisville economy as a whole.  The panel assembled to explore the conditions was one of power and insight.  Enjoy! 

Our economy remains steady.

As we hear more and more from the media about the unstable mortgage market, there are a few things you should know.  Reputable and stable (financially strong) mortgage companies are still available to you.  I have been practicing real estate for a very long time and during that time I have found that when my customers begin the process of selecting a home, a mortgage lender, a title company and an insurance agent the process can be made seamless with the selection of the right service providers.  

Our company, Coldwell Banker McMahan, strives to provide a full range of professional services that complete the circle in a powerful way. 

Coldwell Banker Mortgage is an important element to a successful transaction.  Coldwell Banker Mortgage has long enjoyed a distinguished position in the mortgage industry.  They are competitive with rates and fees and one of the larger lenders in the nation. 

My clients and I enjoy a successful relationship with Coldwell Banker Mortgage.  I am sure you will too. 

For more information or to get a quote on your new mortgage please contact Dina Smith.

Dina M. Smith
Mortgage Advisor
Coldwell Banker Mortgage
502-905-8112 Cell
502-212-7480 Fax
www.dinamsmith.com 

What getting a Mortgage should be!

For over 14 years I have been working with buyers considering moving to the Louisville, Kentucky market. 

What I find surprising is that people coming from other cities have no idea what a great community and what an interesting metropolitan area Metro Louisville really is.  Relocating families tell me that when they share with their friends they are moving to “Kentucky” it is common that our area is truly misunderstood. 

Louisville is an area with a beautiful and historic downtown that is experiencing an amazing rebirth.  The Ohio River flows right at the edge of the expansive Waterfront Park and a new downtown arena will be under construction soon.  This is not to mention the Louisville Slugger Museum, Slugger Field, the Louisville Science Center, University of Louisville, great hotels and restaurants everywhere you go, festivals, art shows, opera, ballet, Broadway Series, the Kentucky Derby, a great zoo, a user friendly airport, great schools (both public and private), amazing shopping, beautiful natural surroundings and lots of friendly people. 

Our housing market offers great choices in terms of both price range and style.  Anything you want is available here. 

There is new construction in the growing suburban areas, older homes in charming established areas, ”new urbanism” featuring the new Norton Commons community and a growing base of outstanding condominium choices. 

Consider Louisville, Kentucky interesting, exciting, fun and intriguing and I will look forward to seeing you soon. 

Jeffrey Greenberg is a “Top 10 Producer” for Coldwell Banker McMahan Co. the largest Coldwell Banker company in the state of Kentucky. 

Welcome to Jeffrey Greenberg’s Blog! This blog will provide you with valuable information, tips, and general insight into the real estate market in Louisville.