Real Estate Information Archive

Today is a special day at the Liberty Memorial! The Big Rig 18 Wheel Truck will be at the Liberty Memorial showing off the rolling Museum!  It's been to 44 cities across the country and over 50,000 people have gone thru it already!  The custom 18-wheel “big rig” truck has been transformed into a traveling gallery that will visit Waddell & Reed communities across the country, stopping at a variety of local museums & cultural institutions to raise funds and awareness.  We are so fortunate to have in Kansas City the "only" WW1 museum in the country!  So we are showing off artifacts, videos, audios and a walk through the trenches simulator of the war environment!  Today - the museum is giving FREE admittance to the museum and the 18 wheel rig.  So if you have a chance stop by and check it out!!   If you haven't been to the Liberty Memorial or it's been awhile - you'll be amazed at how wonderful it is!! I believe they are open 10am to 5 pm!

If you’ve made an offer on a home and the seller has rejected it, how should you proceed? This is a common scenario. Here are some steps for you to take if your offer has been rejected.

Talk to your agent

Ask your agent why your offer has been rejected. Did you offer substantially lower than the asking price? If so, the seller may think you’re not committed to buying the property. If the house is a new listing, then the seller may be looking at better offers. Perhaps the seller has specific requirements. These can include needing a short or long escrow and closing date; wanting a significant earnest money deposit or cash only offer; wanting to sell “as is” without doing repairs. These reasons are concrete and may be negotiated. Other non-tangible reasons present more of a challenge. The seller may be emotionally attached to the property or have personality issues with the parties involved. Buying a home is a personal and most often life-changing process. As such, it is easy to become emotionally involved in the process. However, do not take it personally if your offer has been rejected.

Stay Smart

Once you find out why your offer has been rejected, you have several options. If you presented a lowball offer and are willing to go up in asking price, or if you have flexibility in terms of meeting some of a buyer’s specific financing and other requirements, you have room to negotiate. However, if you are consistently getting outbid on homes in your desired neighborhood, it might be a good idea to reevaluate your approach. It may be that that your desired neighborhood is simply out of your price range. If you widen your search, you may discover other gems in other areas close by. If you are committed to staying within a certain area, reconsider your own must-haves. Taking a few things off your list may give you some freedom. You may find a home that meets most of your criteria and offers welcome surprises, all while staying within your budget. Be advised, however, that you shouldn’t settle for just any home. It’s a balancing act between what you’re willing to do in order to find something that you love.

Keep Looking

Buying a home can be a long process. Verify with your lender when your pre-approval expires. It is typically 90 days. Consider waiting it out, especially if a home has been on the market for a while. The seller may be more motivated down the road if other offers aren’t forthcoming, and may reconsider your offer. If you do walk away, stay optimistic and realize that the right home is just around the corner.

The Boulevard Drive-In Theatre in Kansas City is one of fewer than 400 drive-ins still operating in the U.S. This landmark is a testament to the country’s love affair with outdoor cinema. The Boulevard made its debut in 1950 at the intersection of teenage culture and suburban life, when Marilyn Monroe, Doris Day, and John Day graced the screen. It is named after its original address on Southwest Blvd.

The Boulevard continues to provide a great diversion on hot summer nights, and remains the oldest, continuously operating movie theater in the greater Kansas City area. There are only two other drive-ins in the area, the Twin and I-70. The Boulevard Drive-in was the first digital drive-in in the world.

The Boulevard is celebrating its conversion to 4k digital projection (4 times the resolution of  Blueray and HD), and will be hosting a Fan Night to showcase this state-of-the-art technology. Owner Wes Neal states that in the summer, the drive-in houses anywhere from 300 to 400 cars in a weeknight, and is large enough to stack up to 1,000 cars on site.

Wes Neal’s approach to The Boulevard is to use modern technology to pay homage to the drive-in’s illustrious past. He shows vintage intermission shorts and offers digital sound transmitted by FM radio, and has an updated Facebook page.

The Boulevard’s single screen and tucked location add to its sense of intimacy and nostalgia. It is located in an industrial area between Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railroad and Interstate 35, with an entrance on Merriam Lane. Dense foliage and a curved road provide a natural barriers to the outside world.

As drivers camp on lawn chairs or the back of pickups, eating snacks from the snack bar or adjacent BBQ joint, Quick’s, children can play on the playground beneath the screen. It hosts Facebook Fan Night, Greaserama and Superheroes on the Boulevard. The latter celebration will include Video Game Theater, Gyroscope, Laser Tag, Giant Human Hamster Ball, and more.

Spring cleaning typically involves cleaning and organizing rooms and closets, and doing minor repairs around your home. Another great – and financially beneficial – way to prepare for the summer months is to prepare your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system. Here are some great tips for bring your electrical bill down as temperatures rise in Kansas City.

Pre-Summer Check Up

Get your HVAC specialist to conduct a maintenance check up. He or she will check furnace system controls and thermostat settings, tighten electrical connections and lubricate parts, check drain condensation, clean evaporator and air conditioning coils, check air conditioner refrigerant levels, check air filters, and adjust blower components.

Change Filters

Once your HVAC system has been serviced, it’s important to ensure that you have high-quality filters and change them on a monthly basis for optimum air quality and flow. This is particularly important during peak allergy season, when pollen, dust mites, and other environmental pollutants can comprise your health and damage your system. Experts agree that dirty filters can increase operating costs by 20%.

Thermostat Setting

Set your thermostat on the highest comfortable setting, and if you’re out of the house, turn it up a few degrees. If you have central air, keep the fan switch in the auto position for optimum cooling and humidity control. Switching on the fan can cost upwards of $25 a month. Don’t turn your cooling system off unless you’ll be away for weeks or more – and even then, if it’s the height of summer you’ll want to maintain reasonable temperatures to avoid overtaxing your refrigerator.

Home Insulation

A properly insulated home can save thousands. Wall, attic and/or floor insulation increases the value of your home while keeping your house warmer in the winter months and cooler in the summer. If insulating your entire home is cost prohibitive, insulating as much as you can and using environmentally sustainable materials will make a big difference.

HVAC Placement

In order for your system to function properly, keep your outside equipment it clear of all obstructions: trees, bushes, objects, and other materials.

Everyday Cool

Besides HVAC care, maintenance, and placement, your day-to-day activities can help you stay cool, even during the hottest part of the day. Use a ceiling and/or portable fans to increase air flow and to stay cool in rooms you are using. Close your blinds, drapes, or shades during the day. And instead of using your oven, use countertop appliances, microwaves, or better yet, your patio grill, to stay cool.

Yes - it's that season again - severe weather!  None of us ever want to think it could happen here. But it seems that the weather has been so strange over the last few years.  Especially last year - the storms were so violent everywhere!  I'm sure many of us - won't forget the storm that hit here last May. It wiped out many of the homes windows & roofs along the 151 St corridor in Overland Park.  Of course- how could we forget Joplin Missouri.  Many of us - went to Joplin to give aid & whatever we could do to help support the families who lost everything!  So the National Weather Service has developed a new warning system to help give more information to people so that they can make a better decision about the weather conditions.  They are testing out the new system in Kansas and Missouri.  They are hoping that people will take heed when they hear the warnings.  The NWS have concerns that people have warning fatigue.  They are hoping that the new system will grab people's attention faster.  So if you hear that we have severe weather - please don't dismiss it!  Don't forget to have a weather radio available.  They are awesome!! 

Also - consider being prepared for an emergency!  Make a plan for your family. Where you meet in an event you get separated.  Do you have some staples available in a safe area - like your basement.  Things that could come in handy for a long night.  I have put together a list for you to consider.  It's a place to start for ways to help keep you thinking about what you might need for your family!

Home Warranties - do they really pay out?

One of the many questions I routinely get asked about home warranties when buying a home in Overland Park. The answer is yes.  They do have their loop holes, but for the most part they can really help on major expenses.  Here's a perfect example.

One of my previous clients had purchased their second home for sale in Overland Park with me.  It happen to be vacant. During one of our conversations - I mentioned to them, that vacant homes can tend to have a few more issues.  So we had negotiated a premium home warranty to be paid by the seller for them.  Recently - I received an email thanking me for recommending them to obtain a premium home warranty for their Overland Park home.  Here's their comments from an email to me:

"Cindy you again prove to be Very smart!  We blew a garage door spring on Wednesday night.  However, it was covered under the Old Republic (+enhancement) home warranty that you insisted on.  While they were out here we had them do the other spring, but all of it was WAY cheaper than without the warranty.  Old Republic’s service was quick and thorough!  However, the enhancement is also a nice plus; without it - the spring wouldn't have been covered at all.  If people balk please use this as an example. Thank you!"

Again - read through the policy, ask questions, consider the options and know what you are getting with the home warranty for your next home for sale in Johnson County.  

If you, friends, relatives, or colleagues are considering buying or selling a home, condo, or land, please consider contacting Cindy for assistance in your search. Cindy coverage area includes: Overland Park, Leawood, Olathe, Stilwell, Prairie Village, Lenexa, Shawnee, Fairway, Mission, Roeland Park.  We also offer a complimentary referral service, called "Anywhere Agents," to assist folks who are looking to buy or sell outside our coverage area, including international locations. We will interview prospective agents in the area(s) you or a family member are considering to assure you get the most knowledgeable Real Estate Professional to assist in your home buying/selling needs.

I recently read an article from KCM Blog about the setting of a price on a home.  His question was...Is it about the setting the price of the home or setting the price of happiness?  It struck a cord in me that rang true!  I can't tell you how many times people have missed the opportunities in life! You only get one chance at each phase!  I have had several people really get stuck on principal when selling there home in Johnson County.  Many times the sellers had to have a specific price when selling their home. I've heard this conversation so many times.  I've always asked the seller - "what price are you willing to pay for moving on with life?" This story is such a great reminder of exactly that!   Steve had given a presentation on the real estate market in the Northeast.  After the presentation, he had an individual come up to him and discussed his situation.  After a nice conversation, this gentleman thanked him for reminding him the reason why they were moving.  Now that sounds like a crazy statement.  But it's so true!  We as individuals feel that sometimes we have to have certain price for our homes.  That's understandable.  We all want the most we can get!  But when selling your home - you should consider the whole scenario.  In the above situation, the person was moving to be closer to their family.  He was longing to be with them and having that quality time with them!  The longer he kept his home on the market - the more he missed them! He knew he couldn't get that time back to hold his infant grandson and rock him to sleep regularly! How profound!  His final words to Steve were:

“I thought I was putting a price on my home. While I hold out–hoping to get a few more dollars, I am actually putting a value on my happiness.”  

What's holding you back?

If you, friends, relatives, or colleagues are considering buying or selling a home, condo, or land, please consider contacting Cindy for assistance in your search. Cindy coverage area includes: Overland Park, Leawood, Olathe, Stilwell, Prairie Village, Lenexa, Shawnee, Fairway, Mission, Roeland Park.  We also offer a complimentary referral service, called "Anywhere Agents," to assist folks who are looking to buy or sell outside our coverage area, including international locations. We will interview prospective agents in the area(s) you or a family member are considering to assure you get the most knowledgeable Real Estate Professional to assist in your home buying/selling needs.

This week is Big 12 Basketball week in Kansas City!  It's one of the best weeks ever in the city!  The excitement is up & people are ready for some fun!  This year - it's even more so.  KU and MU are in the top of the tournament! Since this is MU's last year in this division, people are really pumped up!!  There is so much going on down by the Sprint Center.  It's just not only watching the games!!  There Is a Big Game Day Festival that runs March 7-10th.  They'll have all kinds of activities!

• Three Point Challenge
• Free Throw Challenge
• Agility Course Inflatable
• Kansas Speedway is having a Racing Simulator
• Car Display provided by Kansas Speedway
• Xbox 360 Lounge

and so much more!!  Don't forget about the street closures.  They are starting a today!  Getting ready for the beginning of the games - Wednesday!! Let's hope the KU takes it again this year!!! Woo hoo!

Of course - the Woman's tournament is this week also - but they'll be playing at Municipal Auditorium.

Stanley Park located adjacent to Blue Valley North High is in jeopardy.  The Blue Valley school district is wanting the 40 acres to expand their facilities. But the school district is offering a trade to Johnson County Parks and Rec.  The school district feels that the land is needed for expansion of sport fields and that there isn't a lot of activity at this park. The local residents claim to differ.  Many of the local residents claim they use this park and enjoy the peacefulness it has to offer.  Blue Valley is wanting to trade 60 acres in the southeast portion of the county.  That land could offer more streamways, parks and trails along creeks. There will be a public hearing on Feb. 28, 2012 at Blue Valley Academy Commons, 7500 West 149th Terrace, Overland Park, Kansas 66223.  It's not a done deal yet - stop in the public hearing and voice your thoughts!