Special offer

Kansas City, MO Real Estate News

By Fran White, Kansas City North Real Estate, 816-682-3897
(North Kansas City Real Estate, Reece and Nichols Residential)
First Important Step... Get Pre-Approved The first step in beginning to shop for a home is to get pre-approved.  If you don't know who to go to, ask your REALTOR.  More than likely they have three or more mortgage people that they work with on a consistent basis and know which ones have a good track record for excellent customer service to the buyers.I had a gentleman call me this week. He'd driven by a house and wanted to see it.  "Great, I'd love to show it to you! Are you pre-approved?"  He said no he wasn't, so I suggested someone for him to call.  It doesn't cost anything to get pre-approved, it's FREE.  It's also free to get second opinion from another mortgage lender too!Well, unfortunately, when the gentleman went to get pre-approved there were some dings on his credit that need...
Comments 0
By Jacqueline McCroy Elbert
(RE/MAX Realty Suburban)
 The Allen Memorial Fountain is located almost in the center Country Club Plaza (Kansas City) on Nicholas Road.  My daughter and I were out strolling (ok, we were not strolling as it was too cold...we were walking rather quickly), on our way to Starbuck's for a hot cup of coffee when we went by this fountain.  In the warmer months I have seen it with the water trickling down on the child but today there, of course, was no water.  So, what I saw was the detail work of the statues.  How beautiful.We are very fortunate to have so many such lovely works of art here in Kansas City. I hope you have an opportunity to make a trip to Kansas City...and the Country Club Plaza. Jacqueline McCroy ElbertRE/MAX Realty Suburbanhttp://www.jacquelineelbert.comhttp://www.realestateforspecialneeds.comP.S. ...
Comments 0
By Jacqueline McCroy Elbert
(RE/MAX Realty Suburban)
  Just south of downtown Kansas City is the Union Station.  It was built in 1914 as a working train station.  Each year tens of thousands travelers went through that station.  During World WarII more than a million people utilized Union Station.  Within the building were businesses such as restaurants, barber shop, cigar shop, etc.Years past and in the 1980's Union Station sat empty.  There was talk of tearing down the landmark.  But in 1996 a bi-state initiative saved it from demolition.  The project was completed in 1999 with an Amtrak service, shops, restaurants, Science City, the KC Rail Experience, Gottlieb Planetarium, and a theater.So, the next time you are in Kansas City, plan a trip to the Union Station.Jacqueline McCroy ElbertRE/MAX Realty Suburbanhttp://www.jacquelineelbert.c...
Comments 3
By Fran White, Kansas City North Real Estate, 816-682-3897
(North Kansas City Real Estate, Reece and Nichols Residential)
How are property taxes figured in your County? There's hope on Jackson County's horizon!For about the last two years Jackson County, Missouri taxes have been climbing at an enormous rate due to a process called the C.O.V. (Certificate of Value).When the Jackson County Executive seat was up for re-election, I wanted to make sure that we got someone in there that would do something about the Real Estate tax situation.I took a look at all the candidates and Mike Sanders was concerned that high property taxes were making it difficult for middle class families to live in Jackson County. He confirmed when county had adopted a certificate of value standard to assess the market value of property, that approach made property taxes jump. He wants to reevaluate the COV approach. (My comment:  It m...
Comments 8
By Fran White, Kansas City North Real Estate, 816-682-3897
(North Kansas City Real Estate, Reece and Nichols Residential)
Spring starts early in real estate!  I'm already working with buyers and sellers that are preparing to buy or sell in spring!If you are planning on selling your home in the spring, now is a great time to get busy making a to-do list of things you need to accomplish before your home is ready for the market.I'm sure you've heard the expression you only have one chance to make a great first impression.  That not only applies when you are trying to get a job, but also when you are selling your home. Curb Appeal = First ImpressionIf you have your home on the market and someone drives up and their first impression isn't good... unfortunately I've had buyers say, "I'm not going in."  That's not good.  You don't want them welcomed by chipping paint, leaves from last fall in the yard, un-manicur...
Comments 2
By Fran White, Kansas City North Real Estate, 816-682-3897
(North Kansas City Real Estate, Reece and Nichols Residential)
There seems to be some ragged roofs in Kansas City Mo real estate market and insurance companies are refusing 100% coverage to buyers!Being in tornado alley, this doesn't really surprise me.  In spring and during the summer we get more than our share of severe thunderstorms that include high winds and golf ball sized hail.  More times than not these weather conditions culminate into tornado. (this is from my eye's view not a meteorologist)Evidently some home owners aren't having their roofs inspected by their insurance company for possible damage after these storms.One seller (who'll go unnamed to protect the innocent) was in the process of selling his home and had not had his roff checked after our last bad hail storm in June 2006.During the inspection process roof damage was called ou...
Comments 0
By Fran White, Kansas City North Real Estate, 816-682-3897
(North Kansas City Real Estate, Reece and Nichols Residential)
The real estate company that I work for, Reece and Nichols, is going to start requiring that buyers get an insurance commitment with a binder during the 10 day Inspection Period... and I think it's a great idea.I have to say that I have been telling my buyers for the past 8 months that this was coming.  I haven't had any last minute problems with clients not being able to get their prospective homes insured because I've been suggesting that they contact their insurance company during the 10 day inspection period.It saves a lot of time and hassles and you are not hung out to dry one week before closing because the insurance company went out to take pictures and prepare for insuring the property and they found something not pleasing.  There isn't anything worse than a call from your insur...
Comments 1
By Fran White, Kansas City North Real Estate, 816-682-3897
(North Kansas City Real Estate, Reece and Nichols Residential)
Are you of the mind set that the interest rates are too high?  Perhaps the information below will help... Folks these ARE the good ole' days.                                                         October 2005                          October 2006Interest Rate                                       5.75%                                    6.37%Sales Price                                          $200,000.00                           $185,000.00Down Payment                                      $40,000.00                             $37,000.00Loan Amount                                      $160,000.00                           $148,000.00Monthly P & I                                             $933.72                               $923.30 There it is in black and white...... now IS the ...
Comments 6
By Fran White, Kansas City North Real Estate, 816-682-3897
(North Kansas City Real Estate, Reece and Nichols Residential)
Surely you’ve heard that infamous song that’s been sung by a variety of artists… “Goin’ to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come…. They’ve got some crazy little women there, and I’m gonna get me one…”Well I’m one of those Crazy Little Women who’s crazy about Real Estate and Kansas City.My hometown, Kansas City, has been called many things…we are called The Heart of America because of our location.  My favorite would be The City of Fountains and my least favorite would be Cowtown.Kansas City is called the City of Fountains because it is the home of more fountains than any city in the world, except Rome. The majority of our famous fountains are found on the Country Club Plaza.  The streets of that area decorated with artwork from around the world and the fountains there are the city’s most...
Comments 4
Explore Kansas City, MO