8 Characteristics of a Wealthy Woman - Characteristic #5:  Happiness!*   •  WHEN YOU have HARMONY AND BALANCE, YOU ARE HAPPY! •  WHEN YOU HAVE THE COURAGE TO ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT, YOU ARE HAPPY! •  WHEN YOU GIVE FREELY, NO STRINGS ATTACHED, YOU ARE HAPPY! As you can see, the 8 Characteristics of a Wealthy Woman build on one another.  Think of these in pyramid form, Harmony and Balance being the foundation and the others building to the top.  You can't move to Courage until you have mastered Harmony and Balance.  Oh, you may say, "Wait a minute, I don't have Harmony and Balance, but boy, do I know how to speak my mind!"  Keep in mind, being a bully and being courageous are two different things!  A good test to see if you have advanced to the "Happiness" level is to just ask yourself "I ... 12/17/2010

Did You Know: Net Worth, Home Owners vs. Renters By Danielle Hale, Research Economist, The National Association of REALTORS In the past 12 years, the net worth of the typical home owner has ranged between 31 and 46 times that of the net worth of the typical renter. Home owner equity is a substantial component of home owner wealth. The Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, conducted once every three years, provides a snapshot of family income and net worth along with basic demographic details and more detailed information on where families keep the wealth they have accumulated. The most recent survey, concluded in 2007, offers a picture of the situation before home price declines and the tumbling equities market hit household balance sheets. At that time, median home owners had ... 12/16/2010

14 Stone Creek Park OWENSBORO, KY 4BR/2+1BA Single Family House $318,000 Year Built 1976 Sq Footage 3,712 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors Unspecified Parking Unspecified Lot Size 74,052 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DescriptionContemporary stone home with the right address. Home features 4 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths. Spacious master suite, library or office with built-ins. Formal living and dining room. Family room with wet bar and atrium. Upper level bonus room. Updates include new carpet, new paint, new hot water heater, new cook top, 2 new furnaces and air units and more. Make the move, call today. Property Features Central A/CCentral heatFireplaceHigh/Vaulted ceilingWalk-in closetFamily roomLiving roomBonus/Rec roomOffice/DenDining roomBreakfast nookDishwasherStove/OvenMicr... 12/14/2010

Just like the Andy Williams song says, Christmas really is the Most Wonderful Time of The Year!  And contrary to what some may say, it's also not a bad time to be selling your house either.  Here's why: •1.       Your house never looked better!  It's all spiffed up for Christmas happenings and you have threatened the kids within an inch of their lives to keep it that way!  Remember though, less is usually more - keep decorations simple without too much clutter. •2.       Your house never smelled better!  Most people are baking and we all know how powerful the scent of cinnamon can be. (Hello Cinn-A-Buns in the airport!) •3.       Increased visibility.  This is the time of year when we all pile into the car to look at Christmas lights.  People will be driving through your neighborhood w... 12/09/2010

The "Kiss of Death" List After looking through the list of expired listings today, I took the time to actually look at the MLS data and listing photos.   These properties reminded me of listings that I have had in the past that have been a challenge to sell.  If you are a home seller, or new to the real estate business, here's my "Kiss of Death" list.  "Kiss of Death" meaning;  if your home has one or more of these features or characteristics, you will have a marketing challenge on your hands. •1.     Light Blue!  The carpet, the walls, yikes! •2.    Wallpaper.  No longer in style - dates the house. •3.    Berber carpet.  Ditto above comment. •4.    Steep driveway.  Not good for snow/ice, or children on tricycles! •5.     No first floor master suite •6.    Inadequate closet in master s... 12/07/2010

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT My husband and I had been happily married (most of the time) for five years but hadn't been blessed with a baby. I decided to do some serious praying and promised God that if he would give us a child, I would be a perfect mother, love it with all my heart and raise it with His word as my guide. God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son. The next year God blessed us with another son. The following year, He blessed us with yet another son. The year after that we were blessed with a daughter. My husband thought we'd been blessed right into poverty. We now had four children, and the oldest was only four years old. I learned never to ask God for anything unless I meant it As a minis... 12/07/2010

In 25 years of selling real estate I have worked with a lot of different people with different motivations for buying a home.  The most interesting buyers have always been the ones who were focused on "the good deal".  Of course, everyone wants to get a good value - I'm not referring to those buyers.  I'm referring to buyers who want to "steal" a property.  The tragedy of this kind of purchase is that it focuses on price alone.  The price may be low, (hence the perceived good deal) but there is always a reason the price is low, i.e.:  small master suite, small kitchen, lack of closets or storage, steep driveway, etc.  These homes always have one area that is "knock your socks off".  Add the reduced price and you've got "SOLD"!  Keep in mind, if a house has an "issue"  when you buy it, ... 12/06/2010

*GROCERY LIST**Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face,walked into a grocery store..She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked ifhe would let her charge a few groceries..She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, theyhad seven children and they needed food.John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave hisstore at once.Visualizing the family needs, she said: 'Please, sir! I will bring you themoney just as soon as I can.'John told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a chargeaccount at his store.Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversationbetween the two The customer walked forward and told the grocer that hewould stand good for... 12/06/2010

6717 Kingston Dr OWENSBORO, KY 4BR/2+1BA Single Family House $199,900 Year Built 1997 Sq Footage 2,916 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking Unspecified Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $150 per month DescriptionTwo story brick with four bedrooms, two & half baths, bonus room, formal living & dining rooms, great room, breakfast nook, & fully equipped kitchen with ceramic tile, New hardwood flooring, new carpet, new paint, new roof ’08, attractive landscaping. Extra storage on rear of garage It’s a real deal plus being a part of the Summit Country Club with 18 hole golf course, swimming pool, tennis courts, driving range, clubhouse ,restaurant, pro-shop & Much more. Come by and see for yourself what this property has to offer. Property Features Central A/CCentral heatFir... 12/04/2010

1606 Brentwood Dr OWENSBORO, KY Three bedroom ranch with great room, formal dining room, living room, galley kitchen, 2 full baths, 2 car garage w/storage, rear yard with above groun 3BR/2BA Single Family House $132,500 Year Built 1967 Sq Footage 1,740 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 9,800 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DescriptionFresh Paint, carpet cleaned, new roof, new driveway, new heater in pool & new storm windows. This one is ready & waiting for a new family. Property Features Central A/CCentral heatWalk-in closetTile floorFamily roomLiving roomDining roomDishwasherStove/OvenMicrowaveAtticYardSwimming pool Other Special Features Priced to Sell Additional Photos Photo 1Photo 1 Contact Info Connie Lou BarnettReal Living/Home Realty(270) ... 12/01/2010

2321 Hwy 60 E OWENSBORO, KY 2BR/2BA Single Family House $89,900 Year Built 1923 Sq Footage 1,850 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking Unspecified Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $0 per month DescriptionCharming and updated home with many possibilities. Home featurs beautiful hardwood, newer plumbing, updated bathrooms and kitchen. Additional room in the basement could serve as 3rd bedroom or family room. Property Features Central A/CCentral heatHardwood floorDishwasherRefrigeratorStove/OvenBasementWasherDryer Additional Photos Photo 1Living RoomKitchenBedroomBack PorchGarage Contact Info Connie Lou BarnettReal Living/Home Realty(270) 929-0369 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing 12/01/2010

201 Santa Maria Dr OWENSBORO, KY Best Buy in Bon Harbor Estates 4BR/2+1BA Single Family House $185,500 Year Built 2004 Sq Footage 2,650 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking Unspecified Lot Size .19 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month Property Features Central A/CCentral heatWalk-in closetTile floorLiving roomBonus/Rec roomBreakfast nookDishwasherRefrigeratorStove/OvenMicrowaveLaundry area - insideBalcony, Deck, or PatioYard Additional Photos Photo 1Photo 2Photo 3Photo 4Photo 5Photo 6 Contact Info Connie Lou BarnettReal Living/Home Realty(270) 929-0369 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing 11/29/2010

221 Santa Maria OWENSBORO, KY Ranch with basement. 3 bedrooms w/split concept, great room w/fireplace, large kitchen with dining area, appliances, laundry room, 2 car garage, pati 3BR/2BA Single Family House $185,900 Year Built 2000 Sq Footage 2,322 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors Unspecified Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size .41 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DescriptionYou can't go wrong with brick ranch located in a cul-de-sak in Bon Harbor Estates. Split bedrooms concept, two full baths, great room w/fireplace, kitchen w/appliances, rec room in basement, laudry room, two car garage, storage bldg & Patio. Property Features Central A/CCentral heatFireplaceWalk-in closetTile floorBonus/Rec roomBreakfast nookRefrigeratorStove/OvenMicrowaveBasementLaundry area - insideBalcony, D... 11/29/2010

201 Santa Maria Dr OWENSBORO, KY Best Buy in Bon Harbor Estates 4BR/2+1BA Single Family House $185,500 Year Built 2004 Sq Footage 2,650 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking Unspecified Lot Size .19 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month Property Features Central A/CCentral heatWalk-in closetTile floorLiving roomBonus/Rec roomBreakfast nookDishwasherRefrigeratorStove/OvenMicrowaveLaundry area - insideBalcony, Deck, or PatioYard Additional Photos Photo 1Photo 2Photo 3Photo 4Photo 5Photo 6 Contact Info Connie Lou BarnettReal Living/Home Realty(270) 929-0369 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing 11/26/2010

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my friends and clients in Owensboro, KY! Also Happy Thanksgiving to all of my awesome friends in ActiveRain and to my wonderful family members! Thanks to all of you, I have been successful as Real Estate Broker in Owensboro, Kentucky! And for that, I am so very thankful. You are all very much appreciated. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it only requires your presence and not any presents! May God be with you all and provide you with more blessings than you could have ever dreamed of this holiday season!  Much love to you and yours from Vickie McCartney,Affiliate Broker  Maverick Realty in Owensboro, Ky. 270-315-5354   11/24/2010

I was surprised a couple of weeks ago when Business Week Magazine had a feature about the rise and fall of business casual dress.  They cited the top three business dress no-no's as:   1)Visible tattoos, 2) cleavage and 3) "Hooker" earrings (whatever that is).  I too have grown weary of cleavage in the front as well as the back.  So after reading the Business Week article I was inspired to make a list of my own about professional REALTOR etiquette and dress in general. •1.        One Word - grooming.  If you're not clean, you're not credible.  If you MUST meet a client in exercise clothes or after mowing the yard, ask for permission by saying:  "I'm happy to show you that property now, but I've just finished working in the yard.  Is it okay if I'm still in my work clothes?" •2.       A... 11/05/2010

Macedonai Baptist Church is hosting its Quilt Show 2010 on Friday, November 5th from 9 - 4 and Saturday, November 6 from 9 - noon.  Handmade crafts will be available for purchase such as kitchen crafts, baby items, children's items, Christmas items and many more unique items including jewelry!  Most quilts made by the Macedonia Quilting Ministry are donated to The Center For Courageous Kids in Scottsville, KY.  Please drop by either day to view the handiwork of these ladies and do a little early Christmas shopping.  Donations will be gratefully accepted!  Macedonia Baptist Churchis located at 4839 Millers Mill Road, Owensboro, Kentucky 42303, You may also call the Church for directions at 270-686-8616, or click here to visit their website. 11/04/2010

Begin with the end in mind Whether you are beginning your real estate career as a 22 year old or a 52 year old, embarking on and developing your career takes a significant investment of time and effort.   Part-time Agents Based on my years of experience, I find that individuals who attempt to engage in real estate while working another job do not have the adequate time for prospecting and professional activities required for success in real estate.  Even with all the pre-license and post-license training, you simply cannot become competent and learn the business as a "part-time" agent.   Timing Are you at a point in your life where a transition to a real estate career makes sense?  Will you be available to work nights and weekends?  Do you have small children at home who require a lot ... 10/27/2010

According to Business Week Magazine, Owensboro ranks as the best city in Kentucky to raise your children. "...it's the combination of low crime, outstanding school test scores, and a low cost of living that makes Owensboro a great place to raise kids" says story author Prashant Gopal.  Click on the link to see how Owensboro beat out Bowling Green, Lexington and Frankfort to take the #1 spot. http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/11/1117_best_places_to_raise_kids/18.htm 10/25/2010

The Barber of Seville November 6, 2010 - 7:30 p.m.RiverPark Center Featuring The Kentucky Opera You will laugh out loud as Rossini's comic opera, The Barber of Seville is presented with the Kentucky Opera. Following the huge success of the last season's Madama Butterfly, we are presenting a semi-staged version filled with intrigue, scandal, and enough characters to keep you guessing. The storyline of Barber reads like a session with your favorite hairdresser! With subtitles, you will be in on every joke Rossini played in this Italian masterpiece! Sponsored by:  Old National Bank, Guest Artist SponsorMargaret Holbrook in memory of her husband, Morton Holbrook 50% off for new season subscribers!  For more information call 270-684-0661.  Visit online at:  http://theoso.com/   10/21/2010