21st Century Gold Rush: Investors Find Treasure in Kansas City Real Estate Market    KANSAS CITY -- A new economic boom happening across the nation, but unlike the Gold Rush of 1849, when people flocked to California to find riches in gold, investors from California and other high-cost states are flocking to Kansas City find "gold" in residential investment properties. Kansas City is one of the best-kept secrets in the nation. It was voted in 2007 as the third-best city for relocating families, and it boasts a vast array of entertainment, professional sports, Fortune 500 companies and shopping districts. Only Rome has more fountains than Kansas City, which also is the barbecue capital of the free world. What is making out-of-state investors so excited about Kansas City? According to Dan... 02/05/2008

Just about everybody seems to say similar things about the weather no matter where they live, but in KC it could not be truer: If you don't like the weather, stick around for about 10 minutes, and it is sure to change! That has been especially true this past week or so. I will save the technical explanations to the experts, but what I can say is that the Kansas City area just about has to sit right smack-dab along a line where a variety of weather systems seem to find a way to meet. And this gives forecasters here FITS! Take last Thursday, for example: We had winter storm warnings going full-blast, and 1" to 4" of snow was supposed to be all but certain, yet come about noon that day and we were looking at slightly windy with beautiful blue skies above, and had received only the lightest... 02/04/2008

Behind on your mortgage payment? Owe more than your home is worth?Is the possibility of foreclosure becoming a reality for you?Have you thought about selling your home but just cannot make it happen when you add the REALTOR fees and closing cost into the picture?If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you may want to consider a SHORT SALE.This type of situation is common in the Kansas City real estate market... but there is a solution that can prevent you from having a foreclosure on your credit history.If the Mortgage Balance you owe, combined with the selling fee's, exceeds the price you can reasonably expect to receive, a short sale may be able to help you.Although a short sale may affect your credit, it is SUBSTANTIALLY better than a foreclosure. DON'T DELAY!The sooner... 01/30/2008

AMAZING GUN, COIN & COLLECTIBLE AUCTION Saturday January 19- 10:00amPreview: Morning of the auction at 8:00am Join us at our climate controlled auction center located at: 8253 Wornall Rd. Kansas City, MO 64114. Guns, Pistols, Rifles, Shotguns, Military, Hunting, Gun Accessories, Roseville, Fenton, Lladro, Goebel, Hummel, Murano, Carnival, Blenko Glass, Heisey, Lenox, Imperial, Fire King, Westmoreland, Hall, Warwick, Haeger, China Sets, Syracuse Red Wing, Royal Daulton, Wedgwood, Occupied Japan, Vintage Cookie Jars, Collectible Toys, (Old and New) Disney, Toy Trains, Lionel, & Much More... New Ammunition, Compound Bows, Coins (Gold, Silver, Old, Rare and Collectible), Morgans, Proofs, Native American Artifacts, Prehistoric Artifacts, Giant Sloth Bones, 61" Rear Projection TV, Advertisin... 01/12/2008

We hope that you enjoy this Kansas City Relocation Information. When Relocating to Kansas City we would love to help you gather the needed information to help you make an educated decision on where you will live!Housing Zip 64113County State Average Sales Price $307,230 $139,650 N/A Households4,768274,4042,340,090Households W/ Children1,45595,683780,492People per Household 222Median Age of Home733730Owner Occupied4,271165,7331,648,454Renter Occupied497108,671691,636Vacant26131,794248,950People Zip 64113County State Population 11,128665,1735,792,159Male %49%48%49%Female %51%52%51%Median Age 403536% Pop Change since 2000-5513Economy Zip 64113County State Income Per Capita 56,78422,75622,307Median Household Income97,54943,23041,691Sales Tax %7%4%4%Weather Zip 64113County State Annual Preci... 01/12/2008

There are few places in Kansas City where you find such an eclectic mix of historic homes, contemporary condominiums, and terrific townhouses as Union Hill. Located in the heart of Midtown, Union Hill is a 20-block oasis of vintage and newly redeveloped neighborhoods tucked in amongst a variety of Kansas City's landmark destinations including Union Cemetery, Crown Center, Penn Valley Park, Martini Corner, Hospital Hill, and more. And, you can leave the car at home, for as with those living in the heart of downtown KC, the convenience of THE MAX in Union Hill connects you to most everything there is to do and see in Kansas City from The City Market to The Plaza and beyond. Union Hill, the perfect union of neighborhood living and Kansas City Life!!! 01/12/2008

Kansas City Rental Property Registration ProgramEffective today, January 1, 2008, it is MANDATORY that all owners of rental property within Kansas City, Missouri limits register their income homes.  Registration runs through January 2008 without penalty.  Penalty for non-registration on and after February 1, 2008, will be $50 per unit. To get all of the details you will need to follow this link.  From this link you will be able to download the proper forms to take care of this task.Again, Kansas City now requires rental property to be registered with the city.  Hopefully, this is as far as the law will go.  Based on how they've mismanaged just about every other program under their care and supervision we can only hope they don't go to mandatory yearly inspections with fees. Previously p... 01/03/2008

So, is the answer to this potential road-rager's dream just to stay home and miss out on all the great entertainment and activities in the New KC? NO WAY!!! The key to insuring a premium, reserved parking spot for most any downtown event--never more than just a few blocks away from where all the action is, and, that is environmentally and gasoline conservation-friendly to boot--is not with the keys to your car, but with the keys to your new downtown condominium or loft!Whether your new dream home is a converted industrial space with exposed brick walls and 20 foot ceilings, a thoughtfully restored turn-of-the-century architectural treasure, or, an ultra-modern contemporary with clean, artful lines and thoughtful spaces, the downtown Kansas City condominium and loft market currently offe... 12/18/2007

The Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association boasts that there is currently over 4.5 Billion dollars worth of redevelopment under way in the New Kansas City downtown, including The Sprint Center, The Power & Light District, and The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. But, with all this building and build up of excitement, there seems to be one area of concern many are doubtful is being properly addressed, and that is sufficient parking for this emerging entertainment destination. They may have a point, for as challenging as the downtown traffic and parking for Garth Week and other events at the Sprint Center has been, what if the Lion King had also been performing at the Music Hall while the WNBA played an exhibition game at Municipal Auditorium, with The Kansas City Symphony ... 12/14/2007

After reading our local paper the Kansas City Star this morning, you have to wonder What Exactly is going on with our fair city. There is a great redevelopment plan for the Bannister Mall Area (I435 and Bannister /95th Street) on the east side of KCMO and it would bring in a lot of redevelopment, and people spending money increasing sales tax revenues.  It would make the area more desirable - right now we have vacant buildings like a ghost town. And would probably spur private development.  Our Mayor does not want to support it because it will cost the city too much money - never mind the income it would probably generate.  But he has decided he will back the plan, at least long enought to see if they can get some state funding, but he does not like the idea. Then our wonderful Mayor's ... 12/13/2007

When we were kids we were always aked that question, Have you been naughty of nice this year? For those of us who have been naughty we could expect a big lump of coal. Now has anyone ever really received a big lump of coal? While some Christmas presents are better than other's. I want to tell you about the best Christmas present I can think of.This past Saturday Realty Executives of Kansas City dedicated it's third Habitat for Humanity Home, Joy Byrd and her family received the greatest present I think one could hope for. A new place to call home, a place where her children can call their own. We want to thank everyone who helped build this home for Joy and those who helped fund this dream. We look forward to helping another lucky family in 2008 as we set out on our fourth Habitat home.... 12/10/2007

 For those of you that find this blog you should know that it isn't my main blog concerning real estate investing.  That can be found over at http://kcinvestmentproperty.wordpress.com/.  Otherwise known as www.bbqcapital.com.  Either URL will take you there.It's a blog devoted to Kansas City real estate investing, BBQ and real estate in general.  Though there is a heavy, heavy emphasis on real estate investing.So stop by and let me know what you think! 11/26/2007

Are you behind on your mortgage payment? Do you owe more than your home is worth due to declining home values?Is the possibility of foreclosure becoming a reality for you?Have you thought about selling your home but just cannot make it happen when you add the REALTOR fees and closing cost into the picture?If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you may want to consider a SHORT SALE.If the Mortgage Balance you owe, combined with the selling fee's, exceeds the price you can reasonably expect to receive, a short sale may be able to help you.Although a short sale will adversely affect your credit, it is SUSTANTIALLY better than a foreclosure. The David Nichols with Nichols/Ersery Home Team is your local short sale expert.DON'T DELAY!The sooner you start the process, the better... 10/29/2007

What is HAKC? What is Section-8 and do I want to rent my investment property to a section 8 tenant? I get calls nearly everyday from investors who bought a Kansas City Investment Property and thinks they will profit hugely by renting it to a section 8 tenant.There was a time when that may have held true but with the current system you will do well to get market rent and break even. The point system is gone and the amount of rent HAKC pays may be no better than what the open market would bring.Turn-Key Properties LLC manages hundreds of investment properties in the Kansas City area everything from executive homes and luxury lofts and condos to some properties on the section-8 program. After many years of trying to work with this failed organization we are currently declining many request... 10/05/2007

Kansas City, MO - Add fast-talking auctioneers to the funnel cakes and Ferris Wheels enjoyed by fair goers at this year's Kansas State Fair. Kansas City Auctioneer Robert Mayo was honored at this year's fair as the 2007 Kansas State Champion Auctioneer.  Robert competed against his fellow auctioneers on September 12th for the coveted title. Contestants were judged on their bid calling skills, including rhythm, voice quality, and clarity. Competitors were also judged on their responses during an interview round. As Kansas' Champion Auctioneer, Robert will compete next year in the International Auctioneers Championship (IAC) in Nashville. The IAC winners in the male and female division are considered by the industry to be the world's best auctioneers. The Kansas City based auctioneer co-o... 09/20/2007

Term life insurance provides death protection for a stated time period, or term.Term life insurance is perhaps the simplest form of life insurance. It was developed to provide temporary life insurance protection on a limited budget. Since term insurance can be purchased in large amounts for a relatively small initial premium, it is well suited for short-range goals such as life insurance coverage to pay off a loan, or providing extra life insurance protection during the child-raising years.Call Chris Campbell today!816-285-9483 09/12/2007

Life insurance may sound like something you only have to think about when you get older, but there are a variety of benefits to buying life insurance early on in your working career. Even if you don't have a family that is dependent on you, or if you feel that your employer's life insurance policy is adequate for your needs, there are many reasons why you should consider taking out your own life insurance policy. If your employer provides you with a life insurance policy, you shouldn't necessarily rely on it. While many companies may offer life insurance as one of the key benefits of a job, the figure often doesn't cover enough to be of adequate benefit to your family - especially in the event of your death. For instance, many firms may offer life insurance that is one or two times the ... 09/12/2007

Term life insurance provides death protection for a stated time period, or term.Term life insurance is perhaps the simplest form of life insurance. It was developed to provide temporary life insurance protection on a limited budget. Since term insurance can be purchased in large amounts for a relatively small initial premium, it is well suited for short-range goals such as life insurance coverage to pay off a loan, or providing extra life insurance protection during the child-raising years.Call Chris Campbell today!816-285-9483 09/08/2007

Variable Life Insurance is another type of permanent life insurance and is much riskier than standard whole life and universal life. Variable life is a pure investment policy, and as such is much more expensive than the other types. However, it gives the policyholder complete control over his or her investment portfolio. It varies by insurer and policy, but most often the insured decide what they want to invest the cash value portion of their account in, whether it is stocks, bonds, or money market funds. There is usually an unlimited number of times that you can change your investment portfolio, but as with everything else, that is dependent upon the insurer and the policy itself. 09/08/2007

If you want to know how long it will take to double your money, take the number 72 and divide that number by the interest rate you are getting. So if you deposit $3,000 into an account with a 2% interest rate, 72 ÷ 2 is 36. So in 36 years you will have $6,000.  If you have an interest rate of 12%, you will make $6,000 in six years. The higher the interest, the quicker it is. 09/08/2007