Welcome to beautiful 5729 Bunkers Avenue in Burlington, Kentucky.  This fabulous three bedroom condo has it all!!  Not only is it super maintained but its loaded with amenities and within walking distance to the golf course.  Walk in to a lovely two story foyer complete with rich hardwood floors that lead you into the stunning two story great room.  The great room is complete with an amazing gas fireplace surrounded by ceramic tile.  A perfect place to unwind after a long day on the job.  The great room also includes built in shelving, a plant ledge and a walkout to the covered back porch.  From the great room step into the dynamite chef's kitchen.  The chef in your family will love the 42 inch cabinets that offer tons of space for storage, a center island, perfect for extra work space, a pantry, breakfast area  and hardwood floors.  Appliances included with the kitchen are the oven/range, the dishwasher, garbage disposal, refrigerator and the microwave.  You'll enjoy entertaining family and friends over a wonderful home cooked meal in the formal dining room.  A lovely chandelier and wall to wall carpeted accentuate the dining room.  The first floor master suite is fit for royalty with loads of space, a spa-like adjoining ultra bath and a walk-in closet. Completely relax in the spacious soaking tub or if a shower is what you prefer, you'll really enjoy the large walk-in separate shower.  Double vanity sinks and ceramic tile round out the incredible master bathroom.  A guest bedroom and an additional full bathroom with a shower/tub combination are also located on the first floor as well as a first floor laundry.  Walk upstairs to a wonderful loft that is perfect for extra living space, a kids play room, a game room, craft room and much more.  An additional bedroom and full bathroom are also located in the second level.

Relax with a good book and your drink of choice outside under the covered back patio.  Spacious enough for that summer BBQ with friends and family.  Located in the Boone County School district and located in the Fairways At Meadowood subdivision, this fantastic condo also includes a community pool and clubhouse.  This home also includes a home warranty, ceiling fans, is cable ready, a humidifer, is near the bus-line, a garage door opener, and beautiful faux painting.  Conveniently located near shopping, area attractions, restaurants, the expressway, places of worhsip and much more.  For your private tour of this amazing home, contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today. 

Welcome home to 1448 Taramore Dr. #302 in warm and cheerful Florence, Kentucky.  This magnificent two bedroom condo is loaded with incredible amenities.  Walk in to an open great room complete with lush wall to wall carpeting and a lovely gas fireplace.  Perfect for those cool months out of the year.  Spacious enough to entertain or just relax and spread out.  The great room is open to the dining room and chef's kitchen.  The kitchen is complete with beautiful wood cabinets, a counter bar and lots of space to prepare that special meal.  Appliances included with the kitchen are the oven/range, the dishwasher, garbage disposal and refrigerator.  From the dining area walkout to an incredible 20 x 10 covered deck.  A grand spot to hold numerous BBQ's with family and friends, or a quiet spot to enjoy that good book.  Surrounded my mature trees, privacy is the norm.  The master bath is fit for royalty with ample space and an adjoining full bathroom and walk-in closet.  The bath includes a large soaking tub - perfect for soaking the days worries away.  It also features a large double vanity sink and a separate walk-in shower.  The guest bedroom also includes an adjoining bathroom with separate walk-in shower.  Both bedrooms provide loads of space and are sure to please.  A study located just off the great room is perfect for that in-home office or whatever your heart desires. 

Located in the Tara subdivision of Plantation Pointe, this home sits in the Boone County Public School system and also includes a clubhouse, a pristine swimming pool, walking trails, an exercise area and a lake.  Grab the kids, an old loaf of bread and head over to the lake to feed the ducks and geese.  A walking trail also surrounds the lake and is a great spot for that long overdue walk.  Other amenities include recessed lighting, ceiling fans, cable ready, a garage door opener, a security system, a home warranty is is super convenient to shopping, area attractions, the expressway, restaurants, places of worship and much more.  For your private tour of this "must-see" home, contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today.  859-647-0700

This stunning waterfront Log Cabin features incredible views of the main body of water at Craigs Creek with direct access to the Ohio River.  Loaded with privacy, this magnificent three bedroom home features soaring vaulted ceilings, three full bathrooms, a finished lower level and an all glass sunroom with perfect views of the deck and the water.

Step into the great room and the beamed vaulted ceiling will take your breath away.  Loads of light cascade through the floor to ceiling windows that also offer beautiful views of the water and nature below.  A wood stove is also located in the great room and is perfect for those cool months out of the year.  Walkout from the great room to the amazing wood deck where entertaining family and friends will become a favorite pastime.  With gorgeous views of the water and plenty of space, it's perfect for that Fourth of July BBQ.

The chef will enjoy the spacious kitchen with it's lovely ceramic tile flooring, wood cabinets, wood beamed ceiling, island with counter bar and a solid surface center and a breakfast area.  You can also walkout to the deck and picturesque views that surround this house.

You'll love viewing nature from the all season sunroom.  It's perfect for entertaining or just watching the sights and sounds of nature.  Loaded with windows and more incredible water views.

Retreat to the master suite for some well deserved relaxation.  Rich hardwood floors will delight and the vaulted wood ceilings will continue to amaze.  The master suite also features a walk-in closet and adjoining spa-like bathroom.  The bathroom includes a vaulted wood ceiling, ceramic tile and a large walk-in shower with duel shower heads. 

Located upstairs sits a loft that is perfect for an extra bedroom, kids room, game room and more.  It features a full bathroom with walk-in shower and plenty of space.  A finished lower level is perfect for entertaining with wall to wall carpet and a walkout to the patio, backyard and water.

750 Crystal Lake is located in the Gallatin County Public school district and also includes a detached one car garage - perfect for your boat and much more.  This home also features an over-sized two car garage, a dock, which is in the water year-round.  A central vacuum, security system, humidifier, ceiling fans and a home warranty all are included with the home. For your private tour of this stunning log cabin home, contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today.  859-647-0700. 

Welcome home to 6582 Utz Lane in Burlington, Kentucky.  This three bedroom home sits on an unbelievable location on a 1.987 acre lot.  This two full bathroom ranch home also includes a storage building, city water and sewer at the street. 

Step into the kitchen and you'll love the lovely wood cabinets and eat-in kitchen.  The kitchen also includes the dishwasher and the oven/range.  Walkout to the stunning wood deck from the kitchen.  The living room includes hardwood flooring underneath the carpeting and plenty of space to spread out.  Retire to the master bedroom after a long day where rich hardwood floors delight and an adjoining full bathroom.  The full bathroom includes a separate shower.  Two guest bedrooms offer plenty of space for kids or overnight guests.  These bedrooms share a full bathroom with a shower/tub combination.  Walk down to the unfinished basement for storage is plentiful.  There is also a walkout from the basement.

This home is located in the Boone County Public School systemand sits on a great lot to build a larger garage or another home.  The lot is wooded and offers loads of mature trees.  You'll love BBQ'ing from the deck while you enjoy all the sights and sounds of nature and stunning views.  Other amenities include central air, a home warranty, a large storage shed located outside - prefect for storing your tractor or lawn mower and more.  For your private tour, contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today.

Now that you've selected a Realtor, and you've been pre-qualified, it’s time to figure out what you’re looking for in a home.  There are so many decisions to be made.  The best way to figure out what it is that you need in a home is to make two lists.  The NEED List and the WANT list.  Your need list should contain things that you absolutely must have in your home. 

Example:

NEEDS                                                                         WANTS

• 3 beds/ 2 baths                                              Updated kitchen
• Finished basement                                        Mature trees in yard                               
• Lots of closet space                                       Ceramic tile in bathrooms
• Open floor plan                                               Additional parking
• Flat back yard                                                 Close to shopping
• Fenced back yard                                           Front porch

In today’s market there are a number of different purchase options for buyers aside from a traditional sale.  It’s important to consider the benefits of each option.  There are plenty of foreclosures, short sales (pre foreclosure), and other types of lender owned homes on the market.  These are homes that you could get a good deal on.  With a little hard work, they can sometimes be a great way to build equity quickly.   Maybe a fixer upper is not what you have in mind which is fine.  Just know that they are out there.

Written by: Ray Straub, Team Agent, The Mike Parker Team

 OPEN HOUSE
SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2012
1-3 PM

Welcome home to charming 51 Alta Vista Drive in Walton, Kentucky.  This fantastic two bedroom home is loaded with updates through-out.  It includes rich re-finished hardwood flooring, an updated kitchen, an updated bathroom, heating and air conditioning.  You'll enjoy the cozy living room with it's hardwood floors and faux fireplace.  Walk in to the kitchen with beautiful wood cabinets, a pantry, a breakfast area, a walkout to the deck and backyard and ceramic tile floors.  Appliances included with the kitchen are stainless dishwasher, refrigerator, oven/range, microwave as well as the washer and the dryer.  Walk upstairs where a bonus room awaits.  Perfect for a craft room, media room, kids playroom or guest bedroom.  Step outside to the backyard and enjoy mature shade trees and a wood fence allowing for loads of privacy.  A storage shed is also included for extra space. 

This home sits in the award winning Walton Verona Independent School system and also features an unfinished basement, is cable ready, vaulted ceilings, is super convenient to shopping, places of worship, the bus-line, expressway and more.  For your private tour of this fantastic home, contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today.  859-647-0700

On the Ohio River just north of Belterra Casino*Very impressive 4 BD, story & a half Cape Cod on 2.1 Ac*3 full BA*LL completely finished*Barn is 44' wide x 40' deep w/ 2nd floor all one room & full BA*City water & public sewer at street*Great Room w/ gas FP & triple french door*Approximately 6 miles from the KY Speedway*Outstanding river access*Concrete driveway 11x300 ft w/ 75x44 ft parking pad

4.26 Ac on the Ohio River just north of Belterra Casion w/ 44x40 Barn*4 BD oversized 2 car side entry garage*3 full BA*Covered porches in front & back*Access the back porch from the Great Rm & the Master Bedroom*Serene river view from back porch*City water at home & public sewer at the street*11x300 ft concrete driveway w/ 75x44 ft parking pad*Approximately 6 miles from the KY Speedway.

VIRTUAL TOUR OF 5530 HWY 455, GLENCOE, KENTUCKY

Welcome home to 5530 Hwy 455 located in Glencoe, Kentucky in historic Gallatin County.  This fantastic custom built ranch home sits on 1.5 stunning acreage.  Enjoy the nature that surrounds you and you stand on your deck and gaze and the rolling hills as far as the eye can see.  This is country living at its finest.  This amazing home also features three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a two car garage and a walkout basement.  It's super convenient to the expressway, making shopping just a hop, skip and a jump away. 

The chef in the family will love the open kitchen with attached dining room.  The kitchen includes a walkout to the fantastic back deck as well.  Appliances included with the kitchen are a stainless electric smooth top oven/range, a dishwasher, stainless refrigerator and microwave.  The washer and dryer are also included.

Walk through arched doorways into the living room where entertaining family and friends is easy with all the space.  Located just off the dining room sits the sunroom which is a perfect spot to relax and unwind.  Step into the master bedroom where you'll find an adjoining bath, a walk-in closet and a walkout to the sunroom and deck.  The adjoining master bath features a whirlpool bathtub which is a great way to unwind after a long day.  A separate shower is large vanity is also in the master bath.

This home is located in the Gallatin County Public school district and it also features ceiling fans, a smoke alarm, a hot tub which is located on the covered patio, a home warranty and endless views of the Bluegrass of Kentucky.  For your private tour of this amazing Ranch home, contact The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty today.  859-647-0700

Do you have a backup for your personal belongings? Not that you need duplicates of all the items but do you have a journal listing of all the items with a description and their approximate values? That record becomes the backup that supports the claim for your insurance.

If a building sustains a total loss, the insurance company will usually pay the face amount of the policy. When it comes to personal property which might be 40% to 50% of the insured value of the dwelling, the insurance company is going to expect an accounting with receipts or at least, a relatively recent inventory.

The better your inventory, the less likely you'll have difficulty with the claim. Almost everyone has a digital camera that can take stills and probably even videos. The combination of the images as well as a written description will help you replace the belongings and serve as proof to the insurance company.

Once you've made the inventory, store it off site for safe keeping. Online storage in the "cloud" might be the best place to insure you'll always know where it is. Contact me for a free Home Inventory form; it's my way of helping you be a better homeowner

VIRTUAL TOUR of 305 HILLANDALE RD., WARSAW, KENTUCKY

Perfect year around or second home situated directly on the water in historic Warsaw, Kentucky.  This 4 bedroom Contemporary home offers an open floorplan, 3 full bathrooms, a finished lower level, 2 stone wood burning fireplaces, a 2 car garage, an incredible covered dock & tiered wood deck and so much more.

You'll love entertaining on the two decks as you watch the boats float by on the water.  A perfect spot to have that summer BBQ or catch up on a few chapters of your favorite book.  Grab your towel, some sunscreen and head on down to the covered dock where the boat or jet-ski awaits for a fun day out on the water.  When you return, you'll enjoy all the comforts of home.  The kitchen includes new cork flooring, a new refrigerator, wood cabinets, an eat-in area and a walkout to the back deck.  Four spacious bedrooms offer plenty of room for overnight guests.  Two bedrooms feature a walkout to the back deck with beautiful waterfront views. 

The stunning living room features a wood burning stone fireplace, vaulted ceilings, natural woodwork and a walkout to the fantastic views of Craigs Creek and the wooded yard.

Enjoy spending loads of time with family and friends in the finished lower level. The family room is extremely spacious and offers a walkout to the covered deck and magnificent views, another stone fireplace, a full bathroom, a bedroom and wall to wall carpeting.

This property will truly amaze you with the large wood decks, the stunning views, the private boat dock and so much more. New flooring, fresh paint, a new hot water heater, smoke alarms, a garage door opener, a home warranty, central air, ceiling fans and an open foyer.  It is located in the Gallatin County School district and sits on a cul-de-sac street with excellent views all around.

Craigs Creek offers plenty of opportunity for water activities such as fishing, swimming, boating and more!! Your summers will be packed with loads of fun!!! For your private tour of this truly dynamite property, contact The Mike Parker Team today!!

Selecting a Real Estate Professional:

Purchasing a home is one of the largest investments that most people will ever make.  With a financial investment of this magnitude, it is important to obtain as much information as possible so the buyer can make educated decisions.  With all of the information available to buyers today, it can sometimes be difficult to determine which information is accurate.  Selecting the right real estate professional to guide you through the process can be a great help.  A good Realtor can provide useful information and insight into local market trends and data.

Getting Pre-Qualified:

After you have selected a Realtor you are comfortable working with, the next step is getting pre-qualified for a loan.  Your Realtor will be able to refer you to a loan officer who can go over all of the different loan options with you.  Each buyer is different and there are a number of different loan programs to fit the needs of each individual buyer.  When getting pre-qualified for a loan there are things that need to be taken into consideration.  Your credit score plays a big role in getting qualified.  If you have issues with your credit score, they need to be cleared up as soon as possible.  Your loan officer will examine your credit report and direct you as to what issues need to be addressed.  Your debt to income ratio is also analyzed in the pre-qualification process.  Once this is done, you will need to determine your maximum loan amount.  It is important to keep your monthly payments at a number you feel comfortable with.  Just because you qualify for a certain amount does not mean that you have to purchase a property at the top end.  Make sure that you understand the details of the loan you will be utilizing.  Don’t be scared to ask questions.  Your Realtor and your loan officer work for you, and should be looking out for your best interests.  Together you should be able to figure out what loan program works best for your situation.

The parade kicks things off with 200 + floats and those participating in vehicles.  The parade starts at Findlay Market at 1:00pm and ends at Fifth Street and Sycamore.  Make sure to grab your spot along the route and experience the electric atomosphere.

This year there is a block party outside Great American Ball Park before the game Thursday.  Parts of Freedom Way and Joe Nuxhull Way will be closed for the party, which includes live music, food and beer and runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Various bars are offering special prices for drinks and food.  Many of them are featuring live music before and after the game.  Various radio stations will be live on air until 6:00om at various locations throughout the city.

If you have tickets, have fun at the game but if not, there are plenty of plenty other ways to celebrate.  GO REDS!!!!

Have you ever had a service company to your home to repair something and find out that it really wasn't "broken"? It probably conjured up ambivalent feelings of joy that it wasn't something serious and frustration that you had to pay a service call for something so simple.

Before you call the repairman next time, keep these things in mind to see if it is something simple:

• Disposer not working - check to see if the reset button has been thrown. It is usually on the bottom of the disposer. If the disposer is making a humming sound, the blades may be stuck. While the disposer is turned off, use a wooden broom handle as a lever to gently rotate the blades. Remove the broom handle and turn on the disposer to see if it works properly.
• Air conditioner not working - check to see if a breaker has thrown on your electric panel. You might need to flip the breaker completely off and flip it back on.
• Electrical outlets not working - Electrical plugs in bathrooms or outside, especially on a porch or patio, are many times connected to a ground fault interrupter. The GFI will be a wall outlet and it may be located in the garage. Locate the outlet and reset the button that may have tripped.
• Clogged drain - a simple way to correct a slow or clogged drain is to use the water pressure from a garden hose. You'll need a helper to turn on the water full-blast once you have safely placed the hose in the drain and are holding a hand-towel around the hose to direct the water to the drain. Be prepared to tell your helper to turn off the water when needed.

Whether it's preparing a home to market or arranging repairs required by the sale, REALTORS® know reputable, reasonable and reliable service contractors. We're here to share our contacts with you to help make home ownership better.

NOTE:  All Fish Fry's run every Friday until March 30.

Bellevue Veterans Club at 24 Fairfield Avenue in Bellevue
• Serving Fridays from 5-8 p.m.
• Fish and shrimp dinners and sandwiches
• Carry-out available
• For more info call 859-360-2046.

Crescent Springs Fire Department on Overlook Drive in Crescent Springs.
• Serving from 4-8 p.m. every Friday including Good Friday
• Fish, shrimp dinners, potato soup, chicken tenders
• Prices range from $2-$6
• For more information, call 859-341-3840.

Edgewood Fire Department at the Edgewood Senior Center on Freedom Park Drive.
• Serving 5-8 p.m.
• Baked and fried fish, shrimp, hot dogs, chicken nuggets
• Call-ahead and carryout available
• Prices range from $4-$6.50.
• For more information, call 859-331-5910.

Elks Lodge on Alexandria Pike in Cold Spring.
• Serving from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.
• Fish, cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, side dishes, shrimp, fries, hush puppies, onion rings
• Prices range from $5.50 to $7.75, Carryout available
• For more information, call 859-441-1273

Holy Family School on East 16th Street in Covington.
• Serving 4:30-7 p.m.
• Fish, shrimp, grilled cheese, soup, mac-n-cheese, french fries, coleslaw
• For more information, call 859-581-0290.

Knights of Columbus Father Bealer Council on Lytle Avenue in Elsmere
• Feb. 24th- April 6th Serving from 4:30-8 p.m.
• Sandwich $4.50, dinner $6.50, jumbo $7.50
• For information 859-342-6643

Knights of Columbus on S. Licking Pike in Alexandria
• Regular fish dinner $6.00, $6.50 to go Cod dinner $7.50, $8.00 to go Baked fish dinner $7.00, $7.50 to go • •Menu includes shrimp, chicken, onion rings, breaded mushrooms, and many other items for all!
•Carry out 859-635-9863

Mary Queen of Heaven on Donaldson Road in Erlanger
• Serving from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.
• Baked or fried fish, shrimp, kids meals available
• Adult prices range from $4.75 to $9.50, carryout and drive-thru available
• For more information, call (859) 371-2622

Saint Augustine's on Euclid Avenue in Covington.
• Serving from 4-7 p.m.
• Fish sandwiches, shrimp dinners
• Carryout available
• For more information, call 859-431-3943.

Saint Barbara Church on Turkeyfoot Road in Erlanger.
• Serving from 4:30-8 p.m.
• Fried fish sandwich, baked salmon, fish nuggets for kids, 5 side items to choose from
• Carryout and call ahead available
• Prices range from $6.50-$7.50 for adults, $3.50 for kids
• For more information, call 859-371-3100

Saint John the Baptist on Dry Ridge Road in Dry Ridge.
• Serving 4:30-7:30 p.m.
• Baked or fried fish, shrimp, LaRosa's cheese pizza, kids dinners
• Prices range from $6 to $8, drive-thru and carryout available
• For more information, call 513-385-8010.

Saint Joseph Academy on Needmore Street in Walton
•Feb.24th, March 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th
• Serving from 4:30 until 8:00 p.m.
• Menu includes fried fish, shrimp, pizza & beer. Live entertainment!
• Prices from $5-$9.50
• For more info, call 859-356-515.

Saint Patrick on Mills Road in Taylor Mill.
• Serving from 4:30 until 8 p.m.
• Menu includes fried and baked fish, shrimp, kids dinners, pizza, beer
• Drive-thru service available: call (859)-485-6444 after 4 p.m.

Saint Paul on Dixie Highway in Florence
• Serving from 5-8 p.m.
• Baked and fried fish, shrimp, crab cakes, weekly specials including seafood gumbo, gourmet grilled cheese
• Prices range from $7-8, kids meals and carryout available.
• For more information, call 859-647-4072 .

Saint Therese on Temple Place in Southgate.
•Every Friday during Lent except March 16th and Good Friday
• Serving from 5-7:30 p.m.
• Fish or pizza
• Dinner is $7, carryout available
• For more info, call 859-441-9137/ 859-441-1654

Saint Timothy on U.S. 42 in Union.
• Serving Fridays in March from 5:00-7:30 p.m.
• For more info, call 859-384-1100.

Trinity United Methodist on Southern Avenue in Latonia.
• Serving from 5-7 p.m.
• Fried or baked fish, with two sides, drink and dessert.
• Price is $8, $7 for seniors, $3 for kids meal. Carryout available.
• For more info, call 859-261-4010.

Classical Christian School Open House - Save the Date!

Taste the difference a Christ-centered education can make when combined with God-honoring rigor! 
Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy invites you to experience life in the day of a student at our school. Participate with our students in the classroom in this dynamic evening event, Friday, March 2nd. Opening bell rings at 7pm. The event ends at 8:20pm and will also include a brief student performance and an opportunity to get your questions answered by teachers and administrators.

Come see CCCA! 
www.cornerstoneclassical.org 
(859)640-5147 
3800 Church Street
Latonia, Kentucky 41015 

Participating companies include those from landscape and interior design companies, remodeling specialist, specialty companies, manufacturers, retail stores, contractors and more.  2012 Admission is $12.00 for adults and children under 13 are free.  If you swing by Kroger and buy your tickets with your plus card you can save $3.00.  The show runs February 25-26 & February 29-March 4, 2012.

Check out the Exhibitors list here and prepare to be inspired.......

Brought to you by The Mike Parker Team/HUFF Realty.  For more things to do in Northern Kentucky and the tri-state area, check out our blog - 365 Things To Do In Northern Kentucky.