Madison County Real Estate and Community News

April 22, 2025

Don’t Miss This Prime Spring Window To Sell Your House

 

According to Realtor.com, the best week to list your house this year was April 13–19. And since that week has come and gone, you might be wondering: did I miss my chance? Not at all – and here’s why.

That’s just one source’s take, based on their own research. Other organizations run similar studies. And since different places use different methodologies for their research, sometimes the results vary too – and that’s actually good news for you. According to Zillow, the best time to list your house is still ahead.

The latest research from Zillow says sellers who list their homes in late May tend to see higher sale prices based on home sales from last year. The study explains why:

“Search activity typically peaks before Memorial Day, as shoppers get serious about house hunting before their summer vacation and the new school year in the fall. By targeting late spring, sellers can get their home listed when the most shoppers are looking. When more buyers are competing for homes, sellers can command a higher price.

And they’re not the only ones saying selling in May can help homeowners net top dollar. ATTOM Data conducted a similar study by analyzing 59 million home sales over the past 13 years:

Freshly compiled sales statistics from ATTOM demonstrate that home sellers continue to reap significant benefits from listing their properties during the month of May. Examination of home sales trends spanning thirteen years reveals that, on average, sellers are commanding 11.1 percent premium above the estimated market value.”

An article from Bankrate echoes this sentiment and brings this all together to show that any time in April or May is a good time:

“Some patterns and trends usually do hold true throughout the year, and one is that spring continues to be the best time to sell. Sellers can net thousands of dollars more if they sell during the peak months of April and May. . .”

The window to sell during prime time is very much still open, so you can make a move and potentially cash in big if you sell now.

That said, the best week to list your house really depends on a few local factors, like buyer demand, how many homes are for sale nearby, and how quickly things are selling. That’s why working with an experienced agent who knows your area is key. 

Bottom Line

Spring is the busiest time in real estate – and there’s still time to take full advantage of that momentum.

What’s holding you back from making your move this spring? And what would help you feel ready? Let’s talk about it.

Posted in Home Selling Tips
April 15, 2025

Welcome to Horse Country & American Dream: Exploring the Charms of Old Town Berea, Kentucky


🎥 Welcome to another episode of The American Dream TV with your host Amanda Marcum! Today, we’re in the charming southern city of Berea, KY 🏡💛

We’re starting at the Berea Tourism Office, located in a beautifully restored early 1900s train station 🚂—the perfect starting point to explore this artsy little town!

🎨 Berea is known as the Folk Arts and Craft Capital of Kentucky, and we’re diving right into the creative scene in the Artisan Village.

🪵 First stop: The Cabin of Old Town, where Mr. and Mrs. Wade create gorgeous handcrafted wood pieces you’ll love.

🔥 Next up: Fire and Fern Glass Studio, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Moody. From stunning glass pieces to fun, hands-on classes, this place is a must-visit!

🍕 And we’re wrapping up with a slice (or two!) at Apollo Pizza, known for having the best pizza in all of Madison County.

Thanks for tagging along on our tour of Berea, KY! We hope you fall in love with this special town just like Amanda did 💫

 

 

Posted in American Dream TV
April 8, 2025

Glam and Gather Event Highlights | Beauty, Fun & Connections

 


A Night of Beauty & Connection: Glam and Gather with the MARCUMsold Team 💄✨

On Thursday, March 27th, our office was filled with laughter, conversation, and a whole lot of glam! The MARCUMsold Team was thrilled to host another successful Glam and Gather event—a special evening dedicated to women coming together to relax, learn, and connect.

Guests were welcomed with light refreshments, a warm atmosphere, and the chance to hear from incredible beauty experts and other vendors from our community

Throughout the evening, attendees mingled, asked questions, and enjoyed being pampered just a bit. To top it off, we held a drawing for a stunning gift basket and we were so excited to announce Nicole Smith as the lucky winner! 🎁🙌

It’s events like these that remind us how important it is to create space for community—especially for the amazing women around us. Thank you to everyone who came out, and a special thank you to our guest experts for making the night so meaningful.

Couldn’t make it? Don’t worry—we captured some of the fun! Check out the video above for highlights from the evening. And be sure to follow us so you don’t miss the next one!

Until next time, stay fabulous! 💕

Posted in Client Events
March 31, 2025

2nd Annual MARCUMsold Easter Extravaganza

🌸🐰 Join Us for the 2nd Annual MARCUMsold Easter Extravaganza! 🐰🌸

You're invited to the 2nd Annual MARCUMsold Easter Extravaganza! This special invite-only event is our way of celebrating spring with our wonderful clients and friends. Get ready for an afternoon packed with fun activities for the whole family!

🐣📸 Enjoy:

  • An Easter Egg Hunt with a special area just for children 4 and under

  • Photos with the Easter Bunny to capture those sweet moments

  • Bounce Houses for endless jumping fun

  • Temporary Tattoos for the little artists in your life

  • A Craft Station to get creative

  • Cookies and Lemonade for a delicious treat

🥚🎉 Event Details:

📅 Date: Saturday, April 19th
🕒 Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
📍 Location: 2629 Lexington Road, Richmond, KY 40475

We can’t wait to spend this eggstra special day with you! 🎊🐇

Please Note: This event is weather-dependent. In case of bad weather, the Easter Extravaganza may be canceled. Be sure to follow our social media channels for updates or contact us for any weather-related announcements. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities! 🌈🐰

 

#MARCUMsoldEaster #EasterExtravaganza #FamilyFun #EasterBunny #CommunityEvent

Posted in News
March 12, 2025

Tour this historic charmer located at 635 West Main Street, Richmond, KY

🔥 New Listing in Downtown Richmond, KY! 🏡✨
Don't miss this unique opportunity to own a piece of downtown Richmond history! 🏛️ This versatile property has been both a single-family home and a business, most recently a law office. The main level features a formal living room 🛋️, office/library 📚, full bathroom 🛁, formal dining room 🍽️, kitchen 🍳, family room 🏠, laundry space 🧺, and an additional room that could serve as a first-floor primary suite 🛏️. Upstairs, you'll find four spacious bedrooms with beautiful hardwood floors 🌳 and another full bathroom. The cellar/basement offers great storage 📦 and easy access to the home's mechanicals.
This property is packed with charm and endless possibilities! 💼🏡
Posted in Videos
Feb. 6, 2025

Welcome to Horse Country & The American Dream: Celebrating Local Roots & New Beginnings with Host Amanda Marcum

🚀 Welcome to another episode of The American Dream TV! 🎥 Today, Amanda Marcum is taking us to one of Richmond’s oldest and most iconic downtown spots—Madison Garden Bar and Grill! 🍗🔥 Known for their epic dry rub chicken wings, this place is a must-visit!

Amanda is here with Jason Vaughn, managing partner of Madison Garden. Did you know Tom and Steve opened this gem back in 1982 in the historic Kennedy Hardware building? 🏛️ It’s been a local favorite ever since!

Looking for a new home close to Madison Garden? 🏡 You have to check out Magnolia Pointe—Richmond’s newest single-family neighborhood, developed by Payne Homes! This community stands out with fantastic amenities like a fishing pond, walking trails, a family park, and even a dog park! 🐾 Come build your dream home with Payne Homes!

Thanks for watching! And when you visit Madison Garden, be sure to tell them Amanda sent you! 🌟

Posted in American Dream TV
Jan. 27, 2025

Explore the Merrick II Plan: Your Dream Home Awaits at Magnolia Pointe!

🏡 Step Inside the Merrick II Plan!

This classic and functional ranch-style home offers a wide-open concept, seamlessly connecting the kitchen, dining, and living spaces ✨. All bedrooms are generously sized, each featuring a walk-in closet for ample storage 🛋️.

🛁 Notable standard features include double sink vanities and tiled floors in both the primary ensuite and spare bathroom. The kitchen is designed with granite countertops, stainless appliances, a pantry, and a stylish tiled backsplash 🍽️. Elegant engineered wood flooring runs throughout the main living areas, adding warmth and sophistication. 

🔨 Built by Payne Homes, a trusted name in Madison County for over 30 years, this home offers award-winning floor plans, premium standard features, and energy-efficient details 🌟.

🌳 Located in Magnolia Pointe, enjoy community amenities such as:
✅ Family park
✅ Walking trails 🚶‍♂️
✅ Fishing ponds 🎣
✅ Street lights 💡
✅ Cluster mailboxes for neat streets 📬
✅ Dog park 🐶

💲 HOA Fee: $250/year

 

📍 Your dream home is waiting—explore the Merrick II Plan today! 🏠

Posted in Payne Homes
Jan. 16, 2025

Explore the Georgia III Plan: Your Dream Home Awaits at Magnolia Pointe!

🏡 Step Inside the Georgia III Plan!

This spacious ranch-style home offers over 1,700 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space! ✨ All 3 bedrooms are generously sized, each with its own walk-in closet for maximum storage 🛋️.

🛁 Both bathrooms feature double sink vanities and tiled floors, providing both style and convenience. The open-concept main living area shines with engineered wood floors, a cozy gas logs fireplace 🔥, and a kitchen equipped with a breakfast bar, stainless appliances, and a pantry for extra organization! There’s also a mudroom/laundry space just off the garage for easy access 🚪.

🔨 Built by Payne Homes, a trusted name in Madison County for over 30 years, this home is crafted with award-winning floor plans, premium standard features, and energy-efficient details 🌟.

🌳 Located in Magnolia Pointe, enjoy amenities like:
✅ Family park
✅ Walking trails 🚶‍♂️
✅ Fishing ponds 🎣
✅ Street lights 💡
✅ Cluster mailboxes for neat streets 📬
✅ Dog park 🐶

💲 HOA Fee: $250/year

📍 Your dream home is waiting—discover the Georgia III Plan today! 🏠

Posted in Payne Homes
Jan. 2, 2025

Explore the Yorkshire Plan: Your Dream Home Awaits at Magnolia Pointe

🏡 Step Inside the Yorkshire Plan!

This stunning home is designed with your lifestyle in mind! ✨ Enjoy a wide-open concept layout connecting the kitchen, dining, and living areas, complete with a cozy gas logs fireplace 🔥.

🛁 Both bathrooms feature double sink vanities and tiled floors, while the primary ensuite is a luxurious retreat with a trey ceiling, walk-in closet, and a tiled walk-in shower 🚿. The secondary bathroom’s dual-access design adds extra functionality, and the mudroom/laundry space right off the garage makes life even more convenient! 🚪

🔨 Built by Payne Homes, a trusted name in Madison County for over 30 years, this home comes with award-winning floor plans, premium standard features, and energy-efficient details 🌟.

🌳 Located in Magnolia Pointe, enjoy amenities like: ✅ Family park ✅ Walking trails 🚶‍♂️ ✅ Fishing ponds 🎣 ✅ Street lights 💡 ✅ Cluster mailboxes for neat streets 📬 ✅ Dog park 🐾

💲 HOA Fee: $250/year

📍 Your dream home is waiting—explore the Yorkshire Plan today! 🏠

Posted in Payne Homes
Dec. 20, 2024

Struggling To Sell Your House? Read This.

When you sell your house, ideally, you want it to go something like this: your house sells for top dollar, you get it sold quickly, and it all goes down without a hitch.

But what many people don’t realize is that even in today's market where there are more buyers than homes for sale, there are still things that can cause delays or even keep a house from selling. According to Zillow, in 2024, as many as 1 in 3 sellers took their home off the market before it ultimately sold.

And while the reasons those houses didn’t sell are going to vary, there are some general themes that come through. If you’re having trouble getting your house sold, here are the top three hurdles that could be getting in the way, and how an expert agent can help you solve these issues.

1. Priced Too High

It’s no surprise that price plays a major role when you sell. And in today’s market, overpricing a home in a high-mortgage rate environment is the biggest thing keeping homes on the market longer than the norm. As. U.S. News Real Estate says:

“Talk to any real estate expert, and the first thing they’ll tell you is that a house is selling slowly because the price is too high."

While it’s tempting to push the price higher to get more for your home, overpricing can really turn away potential buyers. It can also make your house sit on the market for far too long. And the longer it sits, the more skeptical buyers will be that there’s something wrong, even if there isn’t.

Not to mention, buyers today have so many tools and resources to view homes in your area and compare prices. So, if your house is priced too high, you’ll risk driving away potential offers.

To find out if this is happening with your listing, talk to your agent about what they’re hearing at open houses and showings. If the feedback is consistent, it may be time to re-evaluate your asking price. 

2. Not Freshened Up Before Listing

You only get one chance to make a great first impression on a buyer. That’s why sprucing up your house can be the difference between it selling or sitting.

First, take into account your home’s curb appeal. There may be easy ways you can clean up the landscaping to make it tidy, inviting, and really make an impact. As an article from Realtor.com notes:

" . . . for better or worse, buyers do tend to judge a book by its cover. You want to make sure potential buyers’ first impression of your home is a good one—and inspires them to stop by the open house or schedule a tour—so they can see more."

But don’t stop at the front door. Small touches like removing personal items, reducing clutter, and cleaning the floors give buyers more freedom to picture themselves in the home. And inexpensive upgrades like a fresh coat of paint or updated listing photos to match the current season can go a long way with that wow factor. 

When in doubt, lean on your real estate agent for expert advice and whether you need a new game plan to close the deal.

3. Limited Access

Another big mistake you can make as a seller is limiting the days and times that buyers can view your house. Because at the end of the day, if buyers can’t take a look around, your chances of selling decline — drastically.

And here’s something else to consider. No matter what type of market you’re dealing with, buyers from outside the area are often highly motivated, but they don’t have as much flexibility or time as those who are local. So, give your house the best visibility by making it available as much as possible.

Bottom Line

You deserve to check selling your house off your list of goals this year. So, if your house isn’t getting enough attention or your listing is getting stale, don’t be afraid to ask your trusted real estate agent how you can revamp your approach. 

Posted in Home Selling Tips