Need a Quick Appetizer or Dinner for Two?

SHRIMP PESTO PIZZA

This is the best recipe to make for an appetizer or dinner for two.
It's filling, healthy, and packed with flavor.
It's quick, easy and delicious.
Impress guests with this gourmet pizza!

1/2 pkg frozen shrimp (1 lb bag)
4 oz goat cheese
1 thin crust pizza dough
1/2 jar pesto
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1 tsp crushed red peppers


1. Thaw shrimp in medium warm water. Let sit approx 5 minutes.
2. Pull tails off shrimp. (and de-vein if necessary)
3. In a small bowl, toss shrimp with garlic powder, garlic salt, black pepper, oregano & basil. Set aside.
4. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray non-stick on a jelly roll pan. Open refrigerated thin crust tube and roll out onto pan.
5. Pre-cook crust for 5 -10 minutes.
6. Take crust out of the oven. Spread on pesto leaving approx 1/2 inch around the edges.
7. Spread shrimp evenly on crust & crumble goat cheese over top.
8. Sprinkle entire pizza with crushed red peppers.
9. Cook for 5 to 10 more minutes, making sure not to overcook shrimp or crust.


Check Your Pantry for Other Things to Add Like:
*Sun dried tomatoes
*Proscuitto or Canadian bacon
* Onions

Melissa Simms
RE/MAX Associates
Louisville, KY
MelissaSimms@remax.net

Best Things to Do During Winter

WHAT TO DO LOUISVILLE, KY IN WINTER
November 11, 2009

• Go See A Christmas Carol at Actor's Theater

• Check out a concert at the UofL School of Music

• Watch the Cardinals play some basketball at Freedom Hall

• Go see the Louisville Ballet perform The Nutcracker

• Brush up on your bowling skills at Kingpin Lanes

• Learn something new! Sign up for a cooking class at Campbell's Gourmet Cottage

• Grab your spouse or a friend and take a ride on My Old Kentucky Home Dinner Train

• Visit River Bend Winery for a tour & a tasting

• Find on treasures at the Flea Market

• Check out the World War II exhibit at the Frazier International History Museum

Selling During the Holidays

HOW TO:
SELL YOUR HOME DURING THE HOLIDAYS
November 12, 2009

TAX CREDIT INCENTIVE
The $8,000 tax credit was extended until April 30, 2010. There is also a $6,500 tax credit being offered to current home owners who have lived in their homes for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years. This tax incentive will bring out SERIOUS buyers who will be shopping for houses; not shoes.

LOW INTEREST RATES
Interest rates are at record lows. They aren't going to stay this low forever. Someone getting a 30 year fixed rate mortgage could get a loan around 5%. Historically, rates were up to 18% in the 1980's. Smart buyers will be finding a place to call home so that they can lock in a mortgage at these incredibly attractive rates.

LESS COMPETITION
Some seller's will take their home off the market during the holidays so they aren't bothered with showings. If most sellers are taking their ome off the market, why would YOU want to? Don't follow the crowd; let your home stand out to buyers with fewer homes to compete against.

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
The smell of delectable desserts, classic carols on the surround sound, trees with the glow from tiny lights, and the fireplace flickering in the family room; everyone loves to feel that peaceful, inviting atmosphere that showcases a home. Also, your home will already be in tip top shape, clean as a whistle and de-cluttered for your parties or open houses' anyways!

CURB APPEAL
Some local neighborhoods are known for their extravagant Christmas light displays. Car after car they visit neighborhoods, such as Lake Forest, to admire the beauty of these lights. No gaudy decorations (i.e inflatable snow globes); we are talking simply lit landscaping, a nice wreath on the front door and maybe some lit Christmas trees shining through the window. What's better to a buyer than pulling up to a classic, simple, elegantly lit home that just so happens to also be for sale?! It will make an irreversible impression.

MOTIVATION
People that are looking during this time of year are serious buyers. These buyers are not taking a few months off from looking for their next home. They need a home, want a home and will buy a home; whether it's yours or not. Buyers that are just "kickin' tires", will stop looking since they aren't actually planning on buying in the near future anyways.

FLEXIBLE TIMES
Maybe you go out of town every Christmas to visit family. Great! Then your home is already clean without the everyday build up of junk. With your family out of town your Realtor will also be able to work with buyers and buyer's agents on their schedules for showing times. People tend to get more days off this time of year, so they have more flexibility in their schedules. There might be days where you absolutely can not show your home. Fine! People will understand. Just try to get them in soon after while they retain interest in seeing your home.



Melissa Simms
Realtor @ RE/MAX Associates
Louisville, Kentucky
Email: MelissaSimms@remax.net

Tax Credit Extended & Expanded! 2009/2010

NATIONAL REAL ESTATE NEWS:

Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:

• Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
  
• Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
  

Find Out More!
The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit: The Basics for REALTORS, Homebuyers, and Home owners from the National Association of REALTORS.

Photo & Article Courtesy: National Association of Realtors

Louisville Real Estate Effected By New Downtown Arena

LOUISVILLE REAL ESTATE NEWS:

Economic Impact Study Shows More Activity Than Expected Near Arena Site

BY: John R. Karman, III- Staff Writer
Courtesy: Business First of Louisville
Monday, October 26, 2009

The results include a finding that 30 projects either have been completed, are under construction or are scheduled to begin soon, largely because of the $238 million, 22,000-seat downtown arena. The facility’s bowl has taken shape over the summer, and its parking garage is nearing completion.

Read more.....

Finding Your Dream Home

HOW TO:
FIND YOUR DREAM HOME

November 3, 2009---You may think that you are not picky on what you want in a home, but I bet you do have certain criteria that will determine the home you ultimately decide upon. Go ahead, be picky! After all, it is one of the largest purchases you ever make in your life. Real estate is ALWAYS a good investment if you are planning on living somewhere at least 5 years. Otherwise, you should rent.

Answer these questions:

1. What area(s) of town do I like best?
2. How much do I care about living close to work or school?
3. Do I need to live close to the interstate or expressways?
4. Do I want to live within a specific neighborhood?
5. Do I have a preference on construction: brick, vinyl, stucco exteriors?
6. How many bedrooms do I want at a minimum?
7. How many full bathrooms do I want at a minimum?
8. Do I want a newer construction home with all the amenities or a charming older home?
9. Do I like traditional two-story, ranch, tri-level, shotgun or contemporary style homes?
10. Do I need a basement?
    
11. Do I care if it is unfinished, partially finished, or fully finished? Walkout?
12. Will I be ok with a laundry in the basement or do I need it on the 1st floor?
13. Do I need a garage or will I be ok with parking on the street or in the driveway?
    
14. What type of garage? 1 car, 2 car, 3 car, attached, detached?
15. Do I need some yard for kids, gardening, etc. or is a condo/patio home a better choice for my lifestyle?

Now, take that list and read over your wish list. Are all of your answers possible to find in a home within the price range that you are looking to buy? Maybe you know that one of your answers is more of a "bonus" feature versus a "must-have". An in-ground pool would be nice to have for guests and kids, but it is probably not a necessity in your next home.

Pick out the features that you absolutely will not compromise on. Now send this list to your Realtor. It will help them to narrow down your search and send you the homes that best fit your wants & needs. You should still tell your Realtor what bonus features you would love to have, that way they can send you any listings that come on the market containing these dream home desires.

You may not find a home that has every single feature you originally set out to find, but you will love it all the same!



Melissa Simms
Realtor @ RE/MAX Associates
Louisville, Kentucky
Email: MelissaSimms@remax.net