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... 01/11/2007

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... 12/18/2006

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... 11/22/2006

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... 11/22/2006

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 ... 11/11/2006

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... 11/04/2006