Kansas City Market Reports for June 2010

As a Board of Director for the Heartland MLS, I'm eager to share last month's home sales reports for the Kansas City area.  Overall, the month of June was not bad in the world of Real Estate.  Prices have increased slightly for both new and existing homes, sales for new homes are up, inventory for new homes is down, and supply for new homes is decreasing.  On the flip side, new home prices in all Kansas counties were down and the inventory for existing homes was up.

Average Sales Price:  For the month of June, the average new home price was $296,768, which was a decrease from the same time a year ago ($302,628).  Existing home prices were at $167,487, an increase of 4% from last year ($160,734).

Home Sales:  New home sales increased 23% from last year and 31% from this past May.  Existing homes did see a hit, with a decrease of 5% from last year and 13% from May...most likely due to the ending of the tax credit program.

Inventory:  New home inventory was down 37% and existing inventory is 13% higher than it was last year at this time.

Overall, the good news is that supply has continued to decline and is lower than June 2009.  Even though there is a slight buyer's edge present in the new home market, the existing home and combined totals are nearing a balanced market.  Pickett Property Group has the tools and resources to help you with your next home search, not to mention the inventory available in the area.  Or need to sell?  Give us a call at 913.787.1870 to set up an appointment today.

Prairie Village Home in Meadow Lake Reduced to $125,000!

At this price, this one is definitely a must-see and will go fast! 

Now $125,000!!!

One of the best deals in the neighborhood, this newly remodeled three bedroom ranch has it all!  New appliances, plumbing, A/C, close to shopping, restaurants and more!  Check this out for more information, then contact us to see it today!

What is an FHA loan?

Back in the 1930's, the housing industry was flat.  Two million workers had lost their jobs, mortgages were hard to qualify for and satisfy, and only four in ten households owned homes.  (Sounds eerily familiar, huh?)

In 1934, Congress started the Federal Housing Administration (or FHA) to help families buy homes by insuring the loans that the banks offer to buyers.  This, in turn, allowed the banks to offer lower rates with minimal risk of losing money.  Since then, the FHA has insured over 34 million home mortgages.

With FHA loans:

• Your down payment can be as low as 3.5% of the purchase price;
• Most of your closing costs and fees can be included in the loan.

There are also many different applications for FHA loans:

• Help make your home energy efficient;
• Help you purchase a home in a rural area;
• Include the cost to repair a "fixer-upper";
• Help you re-build your home if you have been hit by a disaster.

If you are looking to purchase a home in the Kansas City area and have questions about FHA loans, feel free to contact me!

Top 8 Projects to Add Value to Your Home

Whether you're looking to update your home or get it ready to put on the market, you will see a return on your investment with some projects more than others.  Not all of these may be necessary or financially reasonable in your situation, but if you're ready to tackle those home improvement projects consider some of these:

1. Remodel your kitchen.  It may be time to get rid of those old avocado, white, or yellow appliances and replace them with something more modern.  Updating appliances and countertops and resurfacing cabinets is one of the best ways to add value to your home.
2. Add a garage.  Though costly, homes with at least two garages are more appealing to home buyers.
3. Remodel your bathroom.  Consider replacing old light fixtures, add a fresh coat of paint, and consider updating the flooring or adding a Jacuzzi tub.  All of these will help add value as well.
4. Install the right flooring material.  Wood and ceramic tile flooring are all popular now.  If you know you have wood floors under your carpet, consider pulling the carpet and freshening the wood flooring underneath before putting your house on the market.
5. Increase curb appeal.  Your house only has a few seconds to make a great first impression so make it count.  Does the outside of the house need repainting?  Is the landscaping free of weeds and well-kept?  Add some potted plants and flowers to brighten things up.
6. Add natural light and open up the space.  Another costly project, but many home buyers like open, cheery floorplans.  Too many walls can close a space in.  See where you can add windows or patio doors and consider knocking out walls to open your home. (ex: a wall between your kitchen and dining room).
7. Apply a fresh coat of paint.  Paint can make a home look brand new, but bold colors may turn off potential buyers.  Stick with something neutral.
8. Clean up clutter.  Take out unnecessary furniture and clean out the clutter inside and outside the home.  Keep it simple.

Before I list a home, I look at these things and review with the seller what items they should consider doing  to help sell their home within a reasonable timeframe and at the best price.  Most times, the projects can be completed over a weekend and cost little out of pocket.  When you are ready to list your home or if you have any questions, feel free to contact us.  We're here to help!

Getting Approved for a Home Loan...4 Basic Truths

Getting approved for a home loan can be a nail-biting experience for some people.  There's the whole uncertainty of the entire process, the waiting, and the overall anxiety that comes from getting approved for a home loan.  However, below are some simple ways to calm your nerves and ease your fears regarding the process:

1. Pay Everything on Time!  Even though this sounds pretty obvious, many borrowers will get so wrapped up in their every day lives that they will forget to pay a bill.  A recent late pay on your credit report could increase the interest rate quoted for the home loan or worse...jeopardize your chances of getting the loan altogether.  To avoid late pays, send yourself online reminders via your bank or internet calendar, write it down in your Day Planner, or post a sticky note on the bathroom mirror.  Whatever way you choose to be organized, pay those bills.
2. Don't Pay Ahead.  It's not necessary to have all your debts paid in full when you are ready to start the loan process.  In some ways, having some debt with a good payment history can be stronger.  There are some underwriting systems that will allow higher debt to income ratios, depending on the status of everything else in your file.  Your mortgage planner can guide you here.
3. Save, Save, Save.  However...should there be a debt that the underwriter wants to have paid off, having cash on hand will allow you to do that comfortably without jeopardizing yourself financially in other areas.  In addition, just having the savings in general can be a positive factor in the loan approval process.
4. Do NOT Obtain New Debt!  I know this one also sounds like a no-brainer, but there are people out there that believe once they have been pre-approved that they can start buying things for their new home...furniture, appliances, paint, etc.  DON'T DO IT!!  Additional debt can easily ruin a pre-approval.  Wait until you close on your home.

And remember...as your Realtor, we are here to help.  Buying or selling a home can be an OVERWHELMING experience for anyone...whether it's your first time or your fifth.  If you have a question, we'll have the answers.  Simple and straight-forward...we're there every step of the way.

Rodrock Communities in Shawnee and Olathe Offering Homebuyer Incentives

If you are looking to make a move this summer, look no further than Grey Oaks in Western Shawnee, KS or Maple Brook Park in Northern Olathe, KS.  Both Rodrock Development communities are offering homebuyer incentives and the benefits vary depending on the community.

Maple Brook Park in Olathe features Rodrock Homes' free Home Upgrade Program.  Here, homebuyers can select from kitchen, garage workshop, kids playground and outdoor patio upgrade packages.  Located off K-7 and 119th street, homes are priced in the low to mid $200,000s.

Grey Oaks in Shawnee is offering a limited time cash-back incentive program for their James III Homes floorplans.  They are offering a $5000 bonus at the start of construction that can be applied toward closing costs, upgrades, or simply pocketed in savings.  Grey Oaks is located west of Hwy 435, off Monticello and Shawnee Mission Parkway.  Home prices range from the $300,000-$450,000+.

A Grey Oaks/Rodrock Community resident myself, I can share information with you about this community, Maple Brook Park, as well as others in the Johnson County area.  Several floorplans are available in each community.  The number of specs, new builds, and resales in the area are constantly changing, so feel free to contact me to see what is currently available.

Shawnee, KS Ranks 17th among Money Magazine's Best Places to Live!

Woo Hoo!  It's always a great day when I have an excuse to brag about the town I live in.  Once again, Shawnee, KS makes CNN Money.com's (Money Magazine) list of Best Places to Live...this time, ranking #17 out of 100.  Of course, I can't ignore Overland Park, who came in at #7!  This year's Top 100 list is the best of the best when it comes to job growth, great school systems, low crime, and being an overall great place to raise a family.  Click here to read the full article.

Newly Remodeled Home in Prairie Village Priced at $135,000!!

This newly remodeled 3 bedroom ranch in Prairie Village, KS is the perfect starter home or for those looking to down-size.  Located in the Great Meadow Lake neighborhood, you're only one block away from banking, grocery shopping, and dining.  With plenty of new features, this is one to see!!

Features List

• New kitchen • New Bathroom • Gutted & redone • New Electrical • New Plumbing • New Roof • New Heater • New A/C • New Flooring • New Appliances • Low maint siding • New Deck • Close to all... • shopping • restaurants • PV village • Brookside • The Plaza

Call us to see this house or others in the KC Metro area...913-787-1870!  We'd love to help you find your next home!

K-7 and Johnson Drive Interchange Project Update

Even though construction began just a few months ago, you can already see the progress crews have made on the new K-7 bridges that will cross over Johnson Drive.  However, beginning on Monday, July 12th (subject to change though), access to Johnson Drive/55th Street just west of Hedge Lane Terrace from northbound and southbound K-7 will be closed to ALL traffic so that crews will be able to begin work on the roundabout that will be located east of Meadowview Drive.  The traffic lights will still be operational during this phase and people should still be able to access the Crouch Corners and Oak Valley West Shopping Centers from north and southbound K-7.  Here's what the projected roundabout is to look like:

Once this project is completed, which is tentatively scheduled for the Fall of 2011, it should greatly improve traffic levels for this rapidly growing area of Western Shawnee.

Forest View in Olathe, KS...A Community Built to Last

When you are greeted by the 50 foot man-made waterfall cascading over natural rack bluffs found at the entrance of Forest View, it's hard not to be impressed.  But such is the standard that Rodrock is known for...the fountains, the lush landscaped entrances, the proximity to schools and shopping, the diverse floorplans, and the strong community spirit.

Forest View, which is located off K-7 and 119th street, is the perfect destination for those wanting to live amongst nature.  Featuring 160 woodland acres filled with area wildlife and mature trees, natural views are there for the taking.  Not only does the community include a large pool, cabana, sand volleyball court, pergola covered grill, and playground areas, but a Johnson County outdoor recreational area will link to Forest View via walking trails in the future.

What about schools?  Look no further!  Forest View Elementary School opened in the community last year and the brand new Mission Trail Middle School, located a few blocks south of the community, will be opening this Fall.  All schools in this area are part of the Award Winning Olathe School District.

Home prices range from $280,000s up to $600,000s for new construction, but there are several resales available as well.  For a look at these or other homes in the area, feel free to contact me or give me a call at 913.787.1870.

Market Stats for Grey Oaks in Shawnee, KS

Given the tax credit, low mortgage interest rates, and the fact that it's summer, Grey Oaks saw an increase in home sales activity for the month of June.  From June 1st through June 30th, Grey Oaks experienced 6 homes sold with an average sale price of $349,878...compared to only 2 homes sold in the month of May at an average sale price $347,178.  The average days on market for June was about 120 days, which is not too unusual for this price range.

Grey Oaks has just released new floorplans for the community, so if you are interested in checking them out in person, feel free to contact me or give me a call at 913.787.1870. 

Things to Do: Fourth of July Fun!!

In case your summer is flying by as fast as mine is, the 4th of July is this Sunday.  And if going to the lake is not your thing, there's plenty of other activities going on around the Metro to keep you and your family entertained for hours.  So don't let the lack of fireworks at Shawnee Mission Park again this year put a damper on your fun...check out these festivities:

Saturday

Community Days Parade, Lenexa, KS – Saturday, July 3rd, beginning at 10am
Independence Day, 19th Century Style – Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm (Olathe, KS) –  Saturday, July 3rd, 10am to 4pm
Fireworks Celebration in the Park (Kearney, MO) – concert at 7:30pm; fireworks display to follow
KC Riverfest – Berkley Riverfront Park, KCMO – gates open at 1pm – festival food, live music, children’s area and FIREWORKS! – July 3rd and 4th
Booms & Blooms – Powell Gardens, Kingsville, MO – 9am to dark – children’s activities, ice cream, music at 4:30pm, Lee’s Summit Symphony at 7:30pm and fireworks to follow




Sunday


Village Fest, Harmon Park/Municipal Campus, Prairie Village, KS – performances by The Doo-dads and Mr. Stinky Feet, inflatables, police demos, face painting, clowns, magicians, bike rodeo, children’s parade, petting zoo, pony rides, climbing wall and MORE!- July 4th, 7:30am to 2pm
DeSoto KS July 4th Celebration – Riverfest Park – starts at 6pm with music and activities; fireworks at 9:45pm
Olathe KS Fireworks – Great Mall of the Great Plains, 151st St. – 9:30pm
Star Spangled Spectacular, Corporate Woods, Overland Park, KS -  events from 4pm to 11pm – live music, inflatables and fireworks!
Basehor KS Fireworks – Basehor-Linwood High School Football Field – 6:00pm parade and LOTS of family fun; 9:15pm fireworks
Fourth of July Celebration – Leawood City Park – 5pm to 10pm – activities and music for kids
Fireworks and Salute to the Union – Fort Leavenworth, KS – Games, music, concessions begin at 3pm, Salute to the Nation at 8pm, fireworks, Merritt Lake, Fort Leavenworth.  Picture ID required upon entering Fort Leavenworth.  For more information contact Fort Leavenworth Public Affairs office, 913 684-1724
Fourth of July Celebration, Parkville, MO – parade at 10am; carnival from 11am to 11pm; fireworks at 9:45pm (Carnival actually runs from July 1st through the 4th)
KC Riverfest – Berkley Riverfront Park, KCMO – gates open at 1pm – festival food, live music, children’s area and FIREWORKS!


And what says "America" more than fireworks on the 4th?  Baseball!!  The Royals are in CA this weekend, but the T-Bones are in town.  There's a Family Fun Fest today from 4p-7p and fireworks after each game on Saturday and Sunday.


Whatever you decide to do this weekend, make it a safe one!!

New Price in Popular Ward Park...now only $280,000!

Now only $280,000!!!

Newly Remodeled Tudor in Ward Park! Private drive with 2 car attched garage! SO MUCH NEW! New Kitchen with GRANITE, STAINLESS APPLIANCES & dark cabinets. Large open Brkfast Room. 

Hardwoods all redone. Elegant Formal Dining Room. Large Living Room w/Fireplace. 1st Floor Office/Den.

Huge Master w/NEW private Bath, double sinks, tub & shower...also double closets. Newly finished basement. WHAT A GREAT AREA STREET TO MAKE HOME! THIS HOUSE IS REDONE & UPDATED READY TO MOVE IN! Call me for an immediate showing or for more information on the area plus other homes for sale from all listing companies.

Tax Credit Deadline Extended!

For those of you who were under contract by April 30th, but were unable to close yesterday, you can all breathe a sigh of relief.  Congress passed an extension of the Homebuyer Tax Credit closing late yesterday, extending the deadline for eligible transactions to September 30, 2010.

Additionally, the Senate passed the National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2010...an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program, until September 30, 2010.  The NFIP provides insurance to home owners in flood-prone areas, who could not otherwise obtain coverage due to cost or ineligibility.  This insurance allows property owners in certain federally designated areas across the nation to obtain mortgages.

Getting Realistic about Short Sales

Whether you are a first-time/repeat home buyer or an investor, a short sale can be a great option for you and knowing about the short sale process can help make it a successful experience. The major differences between a short sale and a regular home purchase transaction is that short sales will most likely have a lower average sales price and they typically take longer to close.  More parties may also be involved than just the lender...such as additional mortgage investors or 2nd & 3rd lien holders.

A recent study showed that it took on average 62 days for the lender to respond to a Buyer's offer and another 67 days after that to close.  Here's a closer look at what a typical timeline would look like according to this study:

Day 1:  The homeowner misses a mortgage payment...or realizes that the house is worth less than what they may owe the lender.

Day 7:  The owner speaks to a Real Estate Agent and the Agent then prequalifies the property for a short sale.

Day 13:  The owner signs a listing agreement with the Real Estate Agent after receiving all the information about the homeowner's distressed situation.

Day 25:  The Agent submits all the short sale documents to the Lender.

Day 35:  The Lender creates a short sale property file.

Day 50:  The Lender assigns the property to an independent appraiser or agent for an estimate of value.  This is a good sign that the offer is being considered.

Day 65:  The Lender reviews the results of the property valuation.

Day 90:  The Agent receives a letter of sale approval for the property from the Lender.

Day 110:  The short sale transaction is closed and the property is sold.

Obviously, short sale timelines can differ from this one.  The most important thing to remember?  Patience!!  The payoff will be worth it in the end!

If you have any questions about short sales, please contact us or give us a call at 913.787.1870.  We're here to help!!

June 30th Tax Credit Deadline Nears

As the June 30th deadline nears for the First-Time/Repeat Home Buyers tax credit, many people were hoping for another extension.  But a move by the Senate last week dashed those hopes when the extension, as part of the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010, failed to get the necessary votes.

What does this mean?  The National Association of Realtors estimates that approximately 180,000 qualified home-buyers will miss out on the credit by not closing tomorrow.  Had the amendment passed, it would have extended the closing deadline until September.

Rumors abound that the extension may not dead yet.  Even if something does pass by the Senate soon (and I mean real soon!), it would still have to be approved by the House.

The Roller Coaster of Home Values

Back in 1940, the U.S. conducted its first housing census.  At that time, the median value of a single-family home in the United States was only $30,600.  Sixty years later, that number nearly quadrupled to $119,600 (after adjusting for inflation).  The good news is that every decade saw an increase in the value of single-family homes up to the year 2000.

New home construction tells a different tale.  The average sales price of new home construction in May 1975 was $43,200.  This number grew to $263,000 by May of this year.  However, new home construction hit its peak in 2007, when the average new home price hit $329,000.  Though this number has varied greatly since then, it will be interesting to see how, if, and when history will be able to repeat itself.

It's Time for the Great Lenexa BBQ Cook-Off!!

Looking for something to do this weekend?  Check out the Great Lenexa BBQ at Sar-KO-Par Trails Park at 87th and Lackman Road.  There will be lots of games, fun, and, of course, great barbecue!  It starts tonight and admission is free for children 12 and under, but the real judging is on Saturday, when 240 judges set out to find the best BBQ in various categories.  You can find out more information here.


Great Lenexa BBQ
Sar-K0-Park, Lenexa, KS
Friday, June 25th: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 26th: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $5 on Friday, children 12 and under free.  There is no admission fee on Saturday.

Grey Oaks Market Stats for Shawnee, KS

In light of my last post about the release of new floorplans in Grey Oaks, I thought I would take a closer look at what the activity has been like for home sales in the neighborhood recently.  


Currently, there are 17 active listings in the community.  The average list price is $355,291, which is actually down about $20,000 or 5% from when I looked at the neighborhood stats back in March.    So far, the average days on market is showing roughly 198 days...an improvement from the 239 days in March.  However, as for homes sold within the past 90 days...the average sale price is $347,318.


Grey Oaks, a popular Rodrock Development, is located in Western Shawnee, and features award winning schools (grades Pre-K through 12), recreational amenities such as a community pool, sand volleyball court, picnic area and playground, walking trails, and a Mom's Council, which facilitates several community activities throughout the year.


If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Grey Oaks or any other part of Shawnee or the KC Metro area, please give me a call (913.787.1870) or email me!

Stats pulled from Heartland MLS & deemed reliable but not guaranteed; Check the post date for relevancy; Stats cover approximately 12 months of market activity.

New Floorplans for Grey Oaks in Western Shawnee!

As a Grey Oaks resident, I can personally tell you how great it is here...schools within walking distance, walking trails, pool, playgrounds, picnic area, sand volleyball, community events, and more.  As the community prepares for the release of its next phase, they are rolling out new floorplans to entice more buyers. 

The updated homes will range from $270,000s to $400,000s and higher and will feature 4-5 bedrooms, 2 1/2-5 1/2 baths, and 2-3 car garages.  Grey Oaks will also offer a first this summer...wooded-view homesites.

One of the newest floorplans is the Aspen III Five.  This two-story features an open first floor with a great room, fireplace, and a generous kitchen with ample storage and large pantry.

Upstairs you'll find 5 bedrooms, all with private baths.  This floorplan also includes a roof-covered outdoor room off the kitchen with a floor to ceiling stone fireplace and ceiling fan.

For a list of available homes, floorplans, and available homesites in Grey Oaks or other nearby communities, please contact us or give us a call at 913.787.1870.  We've helped several neighbors buy and sell in this community and we'd love to help you!

Is your home energy efficient?

Did you know that the average home in Kansas City...

1. Spends about $2000/yr in electric and gas costs AND wastes $940 of that?
2. Is only half insulated?
3. Lose over 60% of their heated and air-conditioned air to the outside?
4. Leaks 33% of air around ductwork?
5. Uses a tank water heater that is only 55% efficient?
6. Wastes 11-17% electricity/gas with inefficient appliances?
7. Have low efficiency lighting, heating, and cooling systems?

About 96% of the homes in our area have these energy problems due to poor or inadequate insulation and the use of minimum builder grade materials and systems.  Before you spend any money to improve your home's energy effiency, consider having a Home Energy Audit.

Home Energy Audits can save you thousands in lower energy costs.  By using state-of-the-art technologies including the blower door leakage testing, infrared camera imaging and more, their findings will help you make the best decisions about which energy improvements you want to make to achieve the maximum payback or result you are looking for.

A Home Energy Audit can save you 22-47% or more in energy costs.  Every $1 saved in utilities can increase your home's resale value by $10. That can add about $8400 to the value of your home!


If you live in the Kansas City area and would like more information (including a coupon for $50 off your energy audit from GreenTech Efficiency Solutions), give me a call at 913-787-1870 or send me an email.

Save 10% at Lowe's!

Are you planning a move any time soon?  Closing on your new home or relocating?  Or maybe you're thinking of putting your house on the market.  Let Lowe's help you!  You can sign up HERE and save 10% off your next purchase at Lowes.  Your coupon will be emailed to you within 3-7 days.  Only one per household, but your coupon can be used at any Lowe's location. 

Now who doesn't like to save a buck, or two, or three, or....

Market Stats for Shawnee, KS

With all the hype on Wall Street today about the declines in the housing market, I thought I'd take a glance at what is happening in my neighborhood of Shawnee, KS.

The average listing price for homes in the Shawnee area was $265,294 for week ending June 16th.  This is a decrease of 0.5% or $1437 from the week before.

Shawnee Homes For Sale

The average sales price for homes in Shawnee from March-May of this year was up 2.3% from the same period last year to $152,394. 

From what I have been experiencing with my clients, homes in the $100,000-200,000 price range are still selling fairly quickly; whereas anything over $275,000 is taking a bit longer.  Now is still a great time to list your house, especially before school starts this Fall.  If you are thinking about listing your home or buying a new one, contact us or give us a call at 913-787-1870.  We'd love to help you!

Things to Do: Kansas City Farmers Markets

Looking for something fun to do this weekend while supporting local businesses?  Kansas City has SEVERAL Farmers Markets in the metro area...Brookside, Shawnee, City Market, and more...over 30 total!  You can find some great fruits and vegetables as well as other little goodies, including handmade crafts and live animals.  Check out the full list of area Farmers Markets here.

Get Preapproved Before You Start Shopping for a Home

Whether you are a first-time home buyer or not, getting approved for a loan before shopping for a home is an essential first step.  Yet, did you know it is far better to be preapproved for a loan than to be prequalified?  When you are prequalified, the lender is giving you an idea of the mortgage amount for which you qualify based only on the information that you provide.  It does not  include an analysis of your credit or an in-depth look at your ability to purchase a home.  For this reason, your prequalified amount is not a sure thing.

However, when a lender hands you a preapproval letter, it means something totally different:

1. You save time by looking at the right homes.  As a client of Pickett Property Group, we will set you up in our system so that you can receive listings or updates of available homes in the area based on criteria that you want in a home...number of bedrooms, baths, garage space, and of course, price range.  You'll be able to save time by looking at the homes that you can afford instead of looking at the ones that are beyond your means.
2. Gain confidence.  Now when you find that perfect home, you can feel confident in the process and minimize any anxiety because you have been preapproved.  You don't have to worry about losing the home because you weren't qualified to buy it.
3. You have increased negotiating power.  When you make an offer on a home, the sellers are more likely to accept your offer because your preapproval is giving them peace of mind that the sale will go through.  It won't be contingent on being able to obtain financing, which will let the sellers know that your offer is serious and could prevent you from losing out to another buyer who already has financing arranged.

Because mortgage approval can be a lengthy process, it is to your advantage to get a preapproval letter before you are ready to begin your search for a new home.  If you need a lender referral, we work with several that are friendly, thorough, and will make the entire process as smooth as possible from beginning to end.  Simply contact us or give me a call at 913.787.1870.

Keep Cool This Summer!

With the temperatures starting to rise in KC, so will the costs to keep your house cooler.  While most homeowners depend on air conditioners to keep the temperatures down, there are several other options available to help keep your energy bill low during the warm summer months.

1. Install a ceiling fan.  This one appliance can make a room feel 6-7 degrees cooler, costing as little as $10/month if you keep it on for 12 hours a day.  Make sure the fan is turned for summer..you should feel the air blow downward.
2. Take advantage of your window treatments.  White window shades, drapes, or blinds will reflect the heat away from the house.  Close them if your windows face the sun to keep the heat out and help your A/C and fans cool more efficiently.
3. Do your chores later in the day.  Run the washer/dryer and dishwasher in the evenings.  This will help reduce the amount of heat in your home and you will use less energy to cool it.
4. Take a look at your landscaping.  Plant trees or shrubs around A/C units as units that operate in the shade will use less electricity...just don't block the airflow.  Also, plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home to keep your house cool in the summer.  They will also allow the sunlight to warm your house during the winter.
5. Swap out your old lightbulbs.  Compact Flourescent Light bulbs (CFLs) and LED bulbs use less energy and produce less heat than incandescent bulbs, saving you even more money in your pocket.  
6. Avoid the oven.  If you don't want to grill during the day, cook with a microwave, toaster oven or counter top grill instead to minimize any unwanted heat that will cause your A/C unit to work harder to cool.
7. Check for leaks.  Check any windows or door frames for any hot air leaking in and seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
8. Check out your attic.  If it isn't already, insulate it as this will lead to big savings year-round.  Also, consider upgrading from 3 to 12 inches...it can cut your cooling costs by 10%.

I know there are several other things you can do to keep yourself cool this summer.  These are just a few suggestions to get you started, but take the time to do a little research on your own and see what a difference you can make...on your wallet and the environment.

Renting vs. Buying

According to an article posted on Trulia recently, Kansas City, MO was ranked 7th in the Top 10 Cities to Rent vs. Buy.  "We're not suggesting that it's unwise to buy in these areas, though - just that it's significantly more expensive than renting.  In many of these cities, even though home buying is much more costly than renting, prices are still much lower than they have been in a long, long time," said Pete Flint, founder and CEO of Trulia.  They based their findings on the comparisons between the average list price and the average rent of 2 bedroom apartments, condos, and townhomes in the area.

However, there are other factors that need to be considered in this situation that Trulia failed to mention.  Location plays a huge factor as neighborhoods will vary from one another as well as average prices.  Length of time is another consideration.  If you plan to stay in your home for any serious length of time (let's say 5 years or so), than buying would certainly be an advantage.  There are also tax benefits for home owners that as a renter, one will not be able to take advantage of.

Obviously, if finances or credit is an issue, then most likely, renting is a great option until you are ready to take that step.

As part of Pickett Property Group, we have helped many clients take the leap from renting to owning their first home.  If you are considering buying a home, give us a call at 913.787.1870...we can guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

Market Stats for Shawnee, KS

Looking at the market stats per Trulia, it looks like we may be seeing some interesting effects of the tax credit over the next few months.  The average listing price of homes in the Shawnee, KS area dropped .7% to $266,731 for week ending June 9th, though we did see an increase of 2.3% in the median sales price for the same area of $152,394 from March through May 2010.

Shawnee Homes For Sale

With summertime now at hand, there are still some good deals to be had on homes for sale in the Kansas City area.  Olathe and Prairie Village are the most popular zip codes at this time, but Mission, Lenexa, and Leawood are seeing an increase in activity as well.

Be sure to give us a call or contact us when you are ready to list your home or start the buying process.  We'd love to help and show you what sets us apart from everyone else!

Mills Farm Now Accepting Reservations for New Neighborhood!

Joining The Estates and The Manor in Mills Farm, the third and newest neighborhood in this Overland Park community, The Meadows, is sure to please.  This master planned community includes first class amenities such as:

• Club House with full kitchen & entertaining area
• State-of-the-art Fitness Center with lockers
• Infinity edge non-splash pool
• Competition sized pool with slide
• Kiddie pool
• Yoga Room
• and more coming soon, including tennis courts, basketball court, sand volleyball, nature trail, and children's play area!
• Part of the Award Winning Blue Valley School District
• Easy access to I-435 and I-35.
• Close to Town Center, great restaurants, and entertainment opportunities

Homes in the Meadows start around the $400,000s and construction is scheduled to start in August.  This is an open neighborhood, meaning buyers are welcome to bring their own builder and plan, subject to approval of the Design Review Community.  Reservations are being accepted now!

Mills Farm is located at 159th and King, between Switzer & Quivira.  To take a look at this great community or others in the Kansas City area, please contact us or give us a call at 913.787.1870.

Deck Addition: Return on Investment

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  Deck Addition: Return on Investment

  A high return on investment makes a deck addition a worthwhile home improvement project. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

New Listing in Woodland Park only $195,000!!!

Most popular plan & best house in Woodland Park!!  At only $195,000, it won't be on the market long!

TONS OF UPGRADES!  New Roof, A/C, frieze carpet, and decorator paint colors.

GRANITE countertops & STAINLESS appliances in Kitchen.

Well cared for INSIDE & OUT.Huge Great Room plan, with finished basement for media & family rooms plus 1/2 bath & WET BAR.  Private Master level w/double vanity and dual walk-in closets.

Check out our website or give us a call at 913.787.1870 to see this property TODAY!

Lake Quivira, KS shows the best performing housing appreciation for 2009

According to the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors, the best-performing area in Johnson County last year wasn’t Mission Hills or Old Leawood or somewhere out south: the best-performing housing appreciation was ZIP code 66217, encompassing Lake Quivira and the I-435 corridor. The average resale prices of existing homes in that ZIP code in 2009 was $359,800, up 12.7% from 2008.


To see a current list of all available homes in the area, visit our website or give us a call at 913.787.1870!

Obama could speak at Blue Valley Northwest's Graduation?! Cool!

Put your political views aside and think if it from a student's perspective:  There's a chance that the President could speak at my graduation?  A chance to hear a speech from someone that has actually achieved great strides in life and not from a student that happened to score the highest grades?  A chance to be inspired by someone that has made history and not from someone that happened to blow the grade curves?

Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but still...Read below and cast your vote!


Blue Valley Northwest (BVNW) is one of six U.S. high schools selected as finalists in the first annual Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge, a contest sponsored by the White House and the United States Department of Education. The winning school will receive a visit from President Obama who will deliver the 2010 commencement address.

Go to www.whitehouse.gov/commencement to check out Blue Valley Northwest's entry  and to cast your vote. Voting will be open from Monday, April 26 at 8:00 a.m. EST until Thursday, April 29 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

President Obama will select the national winner from the three schools who receive the most votes.

"I am proud of the students because they determined that this is something they wanted to pursue and have done everything possible to make it happen," said Amy Murphy, principal at Blue Valley Northwest. "Our students are taught to look beyond the walls of BVNW and the Blue Valley School District. Because of the support and guidance they have received, these students want to impact their communities, their state and their country."

The students are proud to hold their school up as a model for high school success. They truly believe that they will be successful post high school because they know how much the staff members at BVNW care about them. The family atmosphere at their school is an important theme in their message to the nation.

"The point of this contest is to pick the school that is the best model for all US high schools," said Cody Cutter, Blue Valley Northwest senior and Race to the Top Commencement Challenge team member. "When you look at the purpose of the contest and consider the spirit that permeates everything about Blue Valley Northwest, I think voters will see that our school is the right choice."

Spring into the Housing Market

I just watched the Real Estate segment on the Today Show this morning and was, once again, disappointed in their reporting.  True, the First Time/Repeat BuyerTax Credit ends on April 30th and you do need to be under contract by that date...but you don't need "super lawyer powers" to make that happen.  The best way to get a piece of that $8000 tax credit on time is to contact your Realtor.

The Today Show recommends pulling your credit annually to know your FICO score and to fix any errors.  Yes, that's a good idea but just walking in with your credit report in your hand isn't going to help when you're ready to make an offer on a home.  One of the first things we go over with our clients is whether or not they have been pre-approved for a mortgage loan.  We have several mortgage companies that we can recommend and they can easily and quickly get a client the pre-approval letter needed to make their offer more substantial.

Your time is valuable and if you really do want to beat the April 30th deadline, the last thing you want to do after work, soccer practice, homework, and dinner is spend time on Zillow researching different neighborhoods.  Again, contact your Realtor and let me do the researching for you!  Zillow, though a nice concept, does not report the most accurate information.  Your Realtor can give you the most current, up-to-date information on any area you are interested in.

Bottom line is that you don't need to spring into the housing market alone.  Contact us and we'll be with you every step of the way!

Energy Efficient Tax Tips

Just a few things you need to know about home improvements to help slash energy bills and 2010 taxes:

1.  Simple qualifying improvements include increasing insulation or insulating items such as door and windows, roofing, skylights, etc. These qualify for a 30 percent credit on the cost of the item, not installation, up to a maximum credit cap of $1,500.

2.  Certain big-ticket items have no maximum credit cap. The credit is still 30 percent of the cost of the item. These items include furnace, air conditioning, tankless water heater, heat pump, geothermal system, solar or wind installation.

3.  It’s a tax credit, not a deduction. That means it reduces the actual taxes you owe, not your taxable income. Use IRS Form 5695, and hang onto receipts and product labels.


Don’t forget to check your state and local area for additional incentives.  For more info on the federal tax credit, check out: EnergyStar.gov and NAHB.org/efficiencytaxcredit.

Builder Matching Tax Credit at Enclave at the Reserve

Time is running out on the First Time/Repeat Buyer Tax Credit (ends April 30th), but you can still get a great deal at the Enclave at the Reserve in Lenexa, KS.  From now until April 30th, the builder will match the $8000 Tax Credit on select inventory in the community.  Choose from 3 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath Townhomes starting at $159,950 or 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Townhomes at $184,950.

The Enclave at the Reserve is a collection of upscale two and three bedroom maintenance provided Townhomes and available in ranch and two story floor plans. The Enclave at the Reserve is conveniently located near K-7 and Prairie Star Parkway (95th St.) in beautiful Lenexa, Kansas. Their amenity package includes a community pool, beautiful clubhouse, tennis court, basketball court and children's play area. Use the walking trails for your own enjoyment or perhaps walk your dog. Best of all you can relax while they mow the lawn and shovel the snow!

To schedule an appointment to view one of their Townhomes or any other homes in the area, visit Pickett Property Group or call 913.787.1870.

Grey Oaks Garage Sale This Weekend!

Attention all you bargain hunters out there!  If you're looking for good deals on everything from baby gear to clothes to household furniture items and more look no further than Western Shawnee, KS...particularly the Grey Oaks community off Johnson Drive and K-7.  It's time for this community's annual Spring Garage Sale and it's happening this weekend...Friday, April 23rd and Saturday, April 24th.

It sounds like Mother Nature may play a wet role off and on during this time, so make sure to bring plenty of cash...and an umbrella!

Two teachers recognized for their efforts at schools near the Grey Oaks community

One of the reasons we moved to Grey Oaks in Shawnee, KS was not just for the great neighborhood, but for the great schools nearby as well.  Though we currently have one son at Prairie Ridge Elementary and another enrolling there in the Fall, we look forward to their continued education at the nearby Monticello Trails Middle School and then eventually, the Mill Valley High School...all within an easy walk from our front door.


Each of these schools have been recognized for their various academic achievements since they opened their doors and this week, the excellence continues.  Yesterday, Brandi Leggett, a third grade teacher at Prairie Ridge, was chosen as the recipient of the FOX4 Crystal Apple Award, for her work with the project, Power of the Pen...inspiring children to write.  Today, Kathy Hill Habiger, the journalism advisor for Mill Valley High School, has won a prestigious journalism teaching award for 2010.  Habiger is this year's recipient of the Jackie Engel Award, sponsored by the Kansas Associated Collegiate Press and named in honor of Jackie Engel, a former journalism teacher at McPherson High School.  The award was created to honor the best high school journalism teacher in Kansas.


Congratulations to both of these individuals for their hard work, dedication, and their commitment to their students!

Kansas City Area Housing Statistics for March 2010

The numbers are in and it looks like there may be a little light at the end of the tunnel! 

March 2010 Housing Statistics
Average Sales Price: The average new home price this month ($307,334) is 6% higher than one year ago ($288,745). There were price increases that occurred in Johnson, Leavenworth, Platte and Wyandotte counties.  The average existing home price this month ($146,519) is also up 7% from one year ago ($137,021). Cass, Clay/Ray, Jackson and Wyandotte counties experienced an increase in average sales price for existing homes from the same month last year. The average price for combined new and existing homes in the region this month was $158,815, which is 5% higher than the average sales price of $150,788 for combined sales prices in March 2009. All counties except for Miami and Platte counties experienced an increase in the average sales price for new & existing combined from the same month last year.
Home Sales: New home sales this month of 174 represents an 8 % decrease from one year ago when there were 189 new home sales in March. New home sales increased this month 53% from the past month when there were 114 new home sales. Existing home sales in March increased 15% from one year ago when there were 1,728 sales. They were up 55% from last month's sales of 1,282 compared to this month's sales of 1,982. Combined home sales of existing and new homes were 2,156 for March, which is up 54% from the total of 1,396 sales from a month ago. This month's combined total sales were also up 12% from one year ago when there were 1,917 sales.
Inventory: New Home inventory continues its steady decrease again this month with 1,789 new homes in inventory compared to 1,811 new homes on the market last month. The new home inventory for the region is 40% lower than it was a year ago at this time when there were 2,968 new homes on the market. Existing inventory this month of 14,798 is 8% higher compared to 13,749 one month ago. The existing inventory this month is 6% higher than it was a year ago when the existing inventory was 13,937. New & existing inventory combined was 16,588 this month compared to 15,559 last month representing a 7% increase in the past month.  One year ago the inventory was 16,908 which represents a 2% decrease in total inventory over the past year.
Kansas City Region Supply of Homes on the Market: The Supply calculation is determined by taking the "Inventory" and dividing it by the "12 month average of the number of Sales." Generally speaking, a 5-6 month supply of homes on the market equates to a "balanced" market. When the supply exceeds 6 months, the market begins to favor buyers, and when the supply is less than 5 months the market tends to favor sellers. Supply for combined new and existing homes rose slightly to a 7.7 month's supply in March from a 7.3 month's supply in February. The existing home supply also rose ever so slightly this month to 7.5 months from a 7.1 month's supply. The new homes supply in March 2010 was 9.1 months compared to 9.2 months in February. The good news is that supply has continued to decline and is lower than March 2009. Although there is a slight buyer's edge present in the new home market, the existing home and combined totals are nearing a balanced market.