Studies have shown that it takes about a twentieth of a second for Web surfers to make a decision about a site (so I may have lost some of you already) and only about seven seconds to make a good first impression in person.  Believe it or not, this includes homes too!   Within seconds after entering a home, potential homebuyers are already deciding whether or not they want to buy your home.  Your goal is to create an inviting, beautiful, spacious atmosphere that will create that emotional "I want to make an offer" trigger.  How do you do that?  Simple...through staging.   Professional home stagers can cost up to several hundred dollars and in some cases, the cost is worth it.  However, if you have the ability to look at your home objectively and without emotion and want to save some mo... 10/11/2010

When considering curb appeal, most people instantly think of removing shrubs and trees.  However, when planted correctly and strategically, trees and shrubs can not only make your home more attractive, they may even save you money in the long run.  And what better time to plant those trees and shrubs than now!  Fall is the best time to plant because the moisture levels and soil temperatures provide the perfect conditions for roots to grow deeply and establish a good foundation before the winter freeze. Here's How: 1. Select a tree that fits your yard as well as your needs. Consider its mature size, the shade it might cast on existing flowerbeds as well as your home.  At it's full size, the right tree can block the sun's rays in the summer (lower cooling costs) and allow the sun through... 10/06/2010

Brad Papa | Realty Executives of Kansas City | (913) 526-4985 7147 Meadowsweet Lane, Shawnee, KS Maintenance free living at its finest. 2BR/2BA Townhouse offered at $175,000 Year Built 2006 Sq Footage 1,250 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $235 per month DESCRIPTION Maintenance free living at its finest. Heated tile in both baths. Gleaming floors. Contemporary paint, fixtures and hardware. Oversized garage with safe room. Vaulted ceilings, fireplace, open and spacious floor plan. Five minutes from everything. Amazing community w/pool, exercise room & great clubhouse. see additional photos below ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Shawnee VillaShawnee VillaShawnee VillaShawnee VillaShawnee VillaShawnee Villa Contact info: Brad Papa Realty... 10/05/2010

  Thanks to the millions of apps and widgets out there, I have managed to build my iGoogle page to quite the source of useful, and useless, information.  Fortunately, some of the little tidbits that my eyes span daily actually make me stop and ponder.  So...in the spirit of good fun and entertainment...I thought I would start a new blog segment (never fear; it won't be a daily thing) and enlighten you to some of the wisdom the Real Estate market has to share.   Here we go...   Did you know... ...Homebuilders, mortgage bankers, real estate agents, and homebuyers do not recall the early 1980s fondly.  To reduce chronic inflation, the Federal Reserve dramatically raised interest rates causing severe economic recession in the USA.  The national unemployment rate peaked at 10.8%, the prime-l... 10/05/2010

According to official numbers released by USD 232, enrollment for the 2010-2011 school year increased by 174 students in grades K-12...a jump of 165 students at the secondary level and 9 at the elementary level.  Overall headcount jumped to a total of 6700 students.  Most believe the increase is due to continued growth in the district.  New programs exist at the high school levels now including more advanced placement courses, an expanded broadcast journalism program, and honors archealogy.  And with the slow increase in new home construction as well as the addition of new businesses, the district is sure to see more growth in the future. School Total   Belmont Elementary (new): 445   Clear Creek Elem.: 585   Horizon Elem.: 453   Mize Elem.: 386   Prairie Ridge Elem.: 548   Riverview El... 10/05/2010

    Brad Papa | Realty Executives of Kansas City | (913) 526-4985 11215 W 49th Terrace, Shawnee, KS Priced $13k below appraisal for quick sale. 2BR/1BA Single Family House   offered at $120,000 Year Built 1956 Sq Footage 864 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 8,712 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Priced $13k below appraisal for quick sale. Newer roof & gutters. New tile in bath & great cabinets/tile in kitchen. Washer/dryer stay. Gleaming hardwoods throughout. So much storage w/oversized garage & basement. Vinyl siding. Alarm system. Save on gas bill - wood burning stove heats home in winter. Huge, flat backyard.     see additional photos below ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Living Room Kitchen Bedroom Bathroom Backyard Shawnee Home Contact info: Bra... 09/29/2010

Ladies and Gents, wondering what to do this weekend? Why not head out to the 2010 Renaissance Festival held in Bonner Springs, Kansas. This weekend (October 2-3) is the fifth weekend of the annual festival and and the theme: "Myths of the Highland." There will be heavy lifting games, Scottish vendors and entertianment. Click here to view the week 5 schedule of events. KC Renaissance Site Address:633 North 130thBonner Springs, KS 66012 Adult Admission ......................$18.95 ..................$15.95Child Admission (5-12) .............$9.95 .....................$8.45 Brad PapaRealty Executives913-526-4985Brad@PapasInTheHouse.comwww.PapasInTheHouse.comCome to Papa For All Your Real Estate Needs! 09/29/2010

Lakepointe has quite the pickings for houses right now if you're looking to live in Western Shawnee.  Lakepointe currently has 18 active homes listed for sale ranging in price from $127,990 to $365,000, three to five bedrooms/2+ baths available.  In the past 90 days, 6 homes have sold...ranging from $169,000 to $318,000 with an average of only 66 days on market, which is great for this price range and time of year.  This is a great location and when the price is right, these homes will move. Lakepointe is located in Western Shawnee, just off Johnson Drive and Monticello Road. This community is part of the Award Winning De Soto School District, has great highway access, and is close to restaurants and shopping. To see any of the available homes in this neighborhood or any of the nearby c... 09/28/2010

Nothing kicks off the Fall season in Kansas City better than cooler temps and these fun activities.  Take a look at what's happening in our area this weekend: Plaza Art Fair Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, MO September 24 - 26 Cost: Free Admission Details: Come see over 200 artists sharing their works,  experience live music on 3 stages, a Kids' Art Workshop and lots of great family fun! Get more information here! American Royal Parade Downtown Kansas City Saturday, September 25th 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Cost: Free Details: Time for another American Royal in Kansas City!! As usual, the event kicks off with the parade! Get details, including parade route info here. 09/24/2010

  In today's market, more than 50% of buyers are first-time home buyers.  That's an amazing statistic considering where we've been and where we're headed (meaning the economy).  But, given the recent tax credit program and the all time lows in interest rates, who can blame them?     An independent study of over 2000 first-time homebuyers recently shed some light on this group of buyers.  Take a look:   The median age is 28 years old...down from 32 just four years ago. The median home size is about 1600 square feet Location or neighborhood was the #1 "must have" for 36% of first-time home buyers 66% of sellers paid at least some of the buyer's closing costs 76% used their own savings for the down payment 25% had help from their family for the down payment Having worked with several first... 09/23/2010

  Well, our friends at Coldwell Banker have released their Home Listing Report and ranked Kansas City, MO as the seventh most affordable housing market in the US.  Their report is based on average listing prices of four bedroom, two bathroom homes across the United States.     Number one in the nation?  Detroit, MI, with an average price of $68,007.     Rounding out the top 10?  Our very own Topeka, KS, coming in with an average of $116,343.   On the flip side, Overland Park ranked as the least affordable city in Kansas, with an average list price of just less than $231,000.   And the least affordable housing market in the nation?  You guessed it!  Newport Beach, CA...with an average list price of $1.8 million. 09/22/2010

With interest rates at all time lows and sellers looking to sell, this really is a great time to buy a home.  Whether you are a first-time home buyer, an investor, or even if you're considering a second home, don't let the less-than-glamorous media messages delay you from achieving your dream.  Download this FREE eBook:  7 Reasons Why Now is a Great Time to Buy a Home.  If you're like me, you'll love it:  quick, easy to read and includes simple charts and graphs to really make you think.  Once you're done, email, text us, or give us a call.  We're here to help you with that next step! 09/20/2010

Cute Shawnee House! Overview Maps Photos $129,950 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms Location 10803 W 62nd St.Shawnee, KS 66203USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Kim Weis and Kelly Zarda (913) 735-7004info@kimandkelly.comhttp://kimandkelly.com    Listed by: Realty Executives of Kansas City Our recent listings Cute Shawnee House!Another Price Reduction Makes this a Steal!Ranch Reverse 1.5 Story-Pristine Condition4 Bedroom, 3 car Garage Two Story Home under $220k 100% Financing Available100% Financing Fixed Rate 4.75% as of 8/7/10 No PMI Subscribe to our listing feed See more Shawnee, KS real estate for sale 09/20/2010

Ranch Reverse 1.5 Story-Pristine Condition Overview Maps Photos Description $319,000 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms3 BathroomsInterior: 2972 sqft Location 4619 Chouteau St.Shawnee, KS 66226 To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Kim Weis and Kelly Zarda (913) 735-7004info@kimandkelly.comhttp://kimandkelly.com    Listed by: Realty Executives of Kansas City Our recent listings Another Price Reduction Makes this a Steal!Cute Shawnee House!Ranch Reverse 1.5 Story-Pristine Condition4 Bedroom, 3 car Garage Two Story Home under $220k 100% Financing Available100% Financing Fixed Rate 4.75% as of 8/7/10 No PMI Subscribe to our listing feed See more Shawnee, KS real estate for sale 09/18/2010

If you are currently looking for a home and plan on using an FHA loan, get a case number now as some new changes take effect on October 4, 2010.  See the hypothetical example below:The bright side?  If you are looking at an FHA loan with a value of $250,000, the Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium is decreasing from 2.25% to 1%.  This will bring about a $3000+/- savings in closing costs!The not-so-bright side?  If you borrow more than 95% of the value of the home, your monthly payment is going to go up.  For example, TODAY, a loan for $250,000 at 4.5% will give you a monthly payment of $1381.58 (principal+interest+PMI).  After October 4th, your monthly payment will be $1454.50.  The payment increase isn't huge, but it will affect those buyers trying to qualify for a larger loan amount.  ... 09/10/2010

Grey Oaks in Shawnee, KS has had a slow August, considering the number of listings out there. If you're looking to be a part of this great neighborhood though, there's still quite a few to choose from. Grey Oaks still has 12 active homes listed for sale ranging in price from $270,000 to $399,950, four to five bedroom floorplans for the picking. For the month of August, only 2 homes have sold ($265,000 and $439,950) with an average days on market of 245 days.   Grey Oaks is located in Western Shawnee, just off K-7 Highway and Johnson Drive. It features a neighborhood park, community pool, walking trails, part of the Award Winning De Soto School District, great highway access, and close to restaurants and shopping.   ***Don't let the construction on K-7 scare you!  Silverheel is now open... 09/09/2010

Woodsonia in Shawnee, KS had a quiet August, which is not surprising for a month surrounding back-to-school. If you're looking to be a part of this great neighborhood though, there's still quite a few to choose from. Woodsonia currently has 7 active homes listed for sale ranging in price from $174,900 to $245,000, three to four bedrooms with 2-3 baths available. In the past 30 days, 1 home sold after only 22 days on the market!  Talk about the right condition/right price!  Woodsonia is located in Western Shawnee, just off K-7 Highway and Johnson Drive. It features a neighborhood park, community pool, part of the Award Winning De Soto School District, great highway access, and close to restaurants and shopping. To see any of the available homes in this neighborhood or any of the nearby c... 09/08/2010

When it comes time to list your home, pricing is critical.  Especially in today's market, pricing can either bring you many showings but no offers, send you multiple offers from multiple buyers (which is ideal!), or it can put your home out of consideration all together (bad!!).   In simple terms, houses that are priced well and in good condition sell.  Houses that aren't sit...and sit...and sit. Before I take a listing, I make sure my clients understand this.  Every once in awhile though, I will have a client that wants to price their home at a number higher than I would recommend and I have to stop and have a very honest conversation with them.  Click on the link below to watch a video that explains exactly how a successful pricing strategy will make your house stand out from the crow... 09/07/2010

Every once in awhile, I like to post a deal that I think will benefit my clients, readers, and anyone else that might be interested.  And today...who doesn't like movies?!!?!   Redbox...you know, the big red boxes in most McDonald's, grocery stores, and Walmarts that spit out movie rentals for around a buck...has hit a major milestone...one BILLION rentals!  To celebrate, they have kicked off their Thanks a Billion Promotion!  Everyone will get a free rental...and if you're lucky, other prizes too.   To get your free rental, you must first rent one movie as usual.  When the disc comes out, take a look at the DVD itself; there will be a code printed on it.  Then, simply enter the code on this screen and you'll get the code so you can rent the next one free!   Don't forget...Redbox also s... 09/06/2010

Heads up, Western Shawnee residents!  Starting Monday, September 13th, K-7 will be down to one lane, going north and southbound.  This will start just north of Johnson Drive and go to just south of 47th street.  Both northbound and southbound K-7 will be placed directly next to each other on the existing southbound K-7 lanes.  All of this will allow construction on the new K-7 nterchange alignment to tie it into the existing K-7 alignment.  As expected, there will be delays around this area, so prepare yourselves accordingly.  For more information, check out the KS DOT site. 09/03/2010