Privy Expands to Kentucky with Imagine MLS: A Deep Dive into One of 2025’s Hottest Investment Markets

In the dynamic world of real estate investment, knowledge isn’t just power—it’s a source of profit. Savvy investors and agents know that staying ahead of market trends, understanding emerging regions, and having access to reliable data can make the difference between a great deal and a missed opportunity. That’s why Privy’s latest expansion into Kentucky is generating significant buzz in the investment community.

As of June 2025, Privy has officially launched in Kentucky through a major partnership with Imagine MLS (formerly Lexington-Bluegrass Association of REALTORS®), marking a major milestone in the state’s evolving real estate landscape. With direct-to-MLS access now live in this region, Privy is unlocking an entirely new level of transparency, insight, and opportunity for real estate investors and agents alike.

Why Kentucky? A Promising Investment Frontier

Traditionally, real estate investments have been concentrated in coastal or major urban markets. However, as affordability continues to dwindle in these hotspots and investors seek stronger returns, middle-America markets like Kentucky are rising to the forefront. The Bluegrass State is no longer a hidden gem—it’s a rapidly growing hub for investment strategies across long-term rentals (LTR), short-term rentals (STR), fix-and-flips, and new construction.

What Makes Kentucky So Appealing?

• Affordability: Kentucky’s median home prices are significantly lower than the national average, offering better entry points for investors.
• Steady Growth: The state has experienced consistent year-over-year appreciation in many of its housing markets.
• Diverse Demand: Whether it’s tourism in Williamstown or student housing in Lexington, Kentucky, supports multiple profitable investing approaches.

Investors are increasingly drawn to markets that offer both appreciation and cash flow—a rare combination that Kentucky continues to deliver on.

Direct-to-MLS Coverage Through Imagine MLS

Imagine MLS, formerly known as the Lexington-Bluegrass Association of REALTORS®, provides robust MLS coverage throughout central and eastern Kentucky. This includes more than 20 counties and dozens of key cities, creating a powerful new source of data for Privy users.

Coverage Counties:
Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Knox, Laurel, Madison, Mercer, Montgomery, Scott, Whitley, Woodford

Coverage Cities:
Lexington, Georgetown, Richmond, Frankfort, Nicholasville, London, Somerset, Winchester, Danville, Berea, Paris, Harrodsburg, and more.

With this integration, Privy users can now:

• Search live MLS listings in real-time
• Access sold property data and historical comps
• See active investor activity in specific neighborhoods
• Perform accurate after-repair value (ARV) calculations using investor-grade filters

This kind of access has traditionally only been available to licensed agents. Privy is changing that.

April 2025 Market Trends: Kentucky by the Numbers

Privy’s launch coincides with significant shifts in the local housing market. According to Imagine MLS’s latest April 2025 housing report:

Inventory Surge

• 3,551 homes were listed for sale—a 25% increase from April 2024
• April marked the 18th consecutive month of YoY inventory growth
• Inventory remained above 3,000 for the 11th straight month

New Listings on the Rise

• 1,860 new listings hit the market in April 2025 (up 9% from last year)
• Month-over-month, listings rose 7%
• YTD, listings are up 6%

Sales Activity Picking Up

• 1,177 homes sold in April, up 2% YoY and 22% from March
• Single-family home sales rose 1%; condos and townhomes jumped 8%
• Pending sales rose 6% YoY, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth

Time on Market

• Average days on market dropped to 50 days in April (down 14% from March)
• Median DOM was 16 days (up from 12 YoY but down from 25 in March)

Price Appreciation

• Median sale price hit a new record: $274,000
• 74 consecutive months of YoY price appreciation
• New construction sales reached 148 units, highest in 57 months

Total Sales Volume

• April sales exceeded $373 million, up 8% from April 2024
• YTD sales topped $1.15 billion, a 5% YoY increase

Kentucky’s housing market is heating up, and data-driven tools like Privy are crucial for identifying and capitalizing on these emerging opportunities.

Market Spotlight: Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington is a dynamic city that offers a blend of tradition and opportunity. With over 315,000 residents and a growing economy anchored in education, manufacturing, and healthcare, Lexington provides the consistency investors crave.

Why Invest in Lexington?

• Median Home Price: $335,000 (Feb 2025)
• Key Tenant Base: Over 35,000 students at the University of Kentucky
• Rental Demand: High near campus, hospitals, and downtown
• Attractions: Lexington Opera House, Kentucky Horse Park, Mary Todd Lincoln House

Lexington is a dual-threat city—investors can succeed with both long-term and short-term rental strategies. Its consistent appreciation rates and strong occupancy trends make it a standout in the region.

Hidden Gem: Williamstown, Kentucky

Williamstown is a small town with big potential. Located just off I-75, it’s home to the Ark Encounter, a world-renowned attraction that draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.

Williamstown Investment Snapshot:

• STR Hotspot: AirDNA Market Score: 96/100
• Investability: 100/100
• Median Home Price: ~$240,000
• Tourist Traffic: Year-round, peaking during festivals & holidays

Williamstown represents an ideal entry point for STR investors seeking a blend of affordability, demand, and manageable competition. Its unique blend of small-town charm and regional access makes it a market to watch.

How Privy Helps You Succeed in Kentucky

Privy isn’t just a data platform—it’s a complete ecosystem designed to help real estate professionals find, analyze, and close on more profitable deals.

Key Features:

• Comparative Search: Find properties similar to a subject and analyze investor success patterns
• Live MLS Access: Real-time listings and comp data from Imagine MLS
• Investor Activity: Map-based intel on where other successful investors are buying
• Custom Alerts: Get notified when a deal that matches your criteria hits the market
• Market Filters: Target properties by deal type, rehab potential, occupancy, and more

Agents using Privy gain a competitive advantage by:

• Comping faster and more accurately
• Attracting investor clients
• Accessing real-time MLS data across multiple counties
• Building authority through data-backed advice

The Time to Act Is Now

With record inventory, rising sales, and accessible home prices, Kentucky is quickly becoming one of the most desirable investment markets in the U.S.

Privy’s launch in partnership with Imagine MLS gives you:

• Unmatched data access in high-growth counties
• Tools to analyze flips, rentals, and new builds with ease
• The power to comp properties the way successful investors do

Whether you’re looking to invest in a vibrant college town like Lexington or capitalize on tourism-driven demand in Williamstown, Privy provides the tools, technology, and insight to succeed.