Two Homes, Two States, One Custom Build: The Kennedy Family's Central Kentucky Story
By Lavell Jackson, Broker/Owner, RE/MAX Five Star Properties · Published · Last updated

The short version
The Kennedy family owned homes in Kentucky and Tennessee and decided to sell both and build the custom home they actually wanted. They found me online because of my new construction experience. I introduced them to builders, helped with the land purchase and construction lender, and walk the site as the build moves forward in Central Kentucky.
Key facts
- Client type:
- Sellers and new construction buyers
- Situation:
- Selling two homes in two states to build custom
- Location:
- Central Kentucky
- Property type:
- Custom single-family build on purchased land
- Timeline:
- Land purchase, then an ongoing build
- My role:
- Builder selection, land purchase, lender referral, build oversight
- Status:
- In progress — framed, first walkthrough done
Where they started
They owned two homes and wanted neither of them. The Kennedys had homes in both Kentucky and Tennessee and decided it was time to sell both and build from the ground up. They found me online and reached out because of my new construction experience. From there I introduced them to several builders, helped them choose the right fit, and guided the land purchase and the construction loan connection.
What we did during the build
Most of the work is catching decisions before they harden. New construction brings dozens of choices most buyers have never faced, so we have been planning outlet placement, running CAT6 cable for internet, and mapping where TVs and furniture will actually sit. The house is being built in my own subdivision, so I can walk the site regularly instead of only at scheduled milestones.


Thinking about building? Text me at 270-312-1369.
The turning point: scriptures in the walls
The framing stage turned into something personal. Before the drywall goes up, the family is writing Bible verses on the framing throughout the house. Once the walls close, those verses stay exactly where they are, built into the home their family will grow up in.
“We said we were writing scriptures everywhere throughout the house — and we actually were.”
Where it stands now
The house is framed, sheathed, and wrapped, and the first builder walkthrough is done. Interior work is next. Follow along as the build continues.

Framing and trusses going up 
Framing complete 
Roof sheathed and wrapped
What this means for you
- Selling an existing home and building new works best when the sale, the contract, and the financing are sequenced together.
- Walk the framed house with your builder and flag electrical, internet, and furniture placement before drywall.
- Land purchase and construction financing are separate steps from the build contract, so line up a lender who handles both.
- Your own agent represents you with the builder, while the model home representative represents the builder.
- Expect the schedule to move, and plan where you will live for a range of dates rather than one.
Questions about building new
Ready to talk about building your home?
Keep reading
Update log
- — Framing complete, roof sheathed and wrapped, first builder walkthrough done.
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Shared with the client's permission. Every situation is different and results vary.
