Things to Do in KC This Weekend (Part 1): Trunk or Treat

Nothing screams Halloween more than trick-or-treating.  The time honored tradition of dressing up in your favorite costume and trolling door-to-door for one sugary snack after another can be experienced in neighborhoods across the country this Sunday.  But if you happen to live in a neighborhood that lacks the "house light on" signal or if you'd like a little practice before the big day, there are plenty of "Trunk or Treat" activities throughout the Metro KC area.

What is "Trunk or Treat" you ask?  Simply put, it's trick or treating from car to car in a parking lot.  However, many organizations will have activities for the kids, music, snacks, and many car owners even decorate their cars to participate in the spirit of Halloween.

If you'd like to experience "Trunk of Treat" with your family, here's where the festivities are located this weekend:
Trunk for Treat: North Cross United Methodist October 29, 4:00 PM, North Cross United Methodist Church. Come for an afternoon of face painting, trick or treating and visiting the pumpkin patch. Dress in your costume and bring your goodie bag! Free. 816.452.2939 http://www.northcrossumc.org/

Trunk or Treat: Platte City Community Center October 29, 5:30 PM, Platte County Community Center North. Join the YMCA for treats, crafts and fun for the whole family. Crafts, Designated Parking, Entertainment Children's, Entertainment Free, Food, Handicapped Access. 816.858.0114 www.plattecitymo.com


Trunk or Treat: Riverside Community Center October 30, 6:00 PM, Riverside Community Center. A safe alternative to trick or treating. www.riversidemo.com/blog/?cat=25

Trunk ‘N Treat : Bonner Springs YMCA October 30, 5:00 PM, Bonner Springs YMCA. From fun games to a trick or treat extravaganza, your family is sure to have a SPOOKTACULAR time at our first Trunk `N Treat event. If you are interested in setting up your trunk at the event, call 913.422.9348


Trunk or Treat: Platte County Community Center South October 29, 6:00 PM, Platte County Community Center South. Join the YMCA for treats, crafts and fun for the whole family. Crafts, Designated Parking, Entertainment Children's, Entertainment Free, Food, Handicapped Access. Admission is FREE. 816.858.0114 www.plattecitymo.com


Trunk or Treat: Great American Gymnastics Express October 31, 3:00 PM, GAGE. Kid friendly Haunted Houses - one for 1 year- Preschool age and one for 15 and younger. Interactive and full of mazes, obstacle, trampolines and fun! It is FREE for all and ends with a huge trunk or treat in the parking lot. 816.229.7775 FREE. 816.229.7775 www.gagecenter.com


Valley View UMC Trunk or Treat and Coat Exchange October 31, 4:00 PM, Valley View UMC. Join us for good frights and lots of treats in our main parking lot! (We will trunk or treat inside if it is raining) Also, a Coat Exchange at the same time Donate, exchange and/or select coats for your family. (Unselected coats will be taken by the Valley View Youth Group to Bishop’s Round Up in November) We are collecting coats (slightly used or new) for children, youth and adults, October 19 through October 30 in the red tubs placed just inside our building entrances. FREE. 913.642.4400 www.valleyviewumc.org%2

Just Reduced!! Great Condo Near Downtown KC, Crown Center, & Hallmark only $208,000!!

Battery Loft Condo only $208,000!!!

Live in a piece of history, the Triangle Battery Building...once the heart of Kansas City's automotive district. Built in 1920, this terra-cotta/tapestry brick building now features 12 meticulously remodeled two bedroom lofts...and this Battery Loft can be yours!!

True urban living with all the amenities!! This beautiful 2 bedroom Condo also includes 2 deeded secure parking spaces and a tax abatement for 20 more years. Enjoy the rooftop deck with an incredible view of the Kansas City skyline...perfect for entertaining friends and family. Located right behind the popular Filling Station Coffee Shop.

Features List
• 2 Bedroom

• 2 Full Baths

• 2secure parkng spots
• Wood Floors

• Corian Counters

• Stainless Appliances
• Laundry in Unit

• All Electric

• Large walkin closets

• Bright & open

• Lofted ceilings

• Tall thermal windows

• Designer colors

• Historic building

• Park & Blvd setting

If you are looking to live close to Downtown Kansas City, Crown Center, Hallmark, and the Hospital Hill area, let Pickett Property Group show you the best location on "Condo Corner". Give us a call to schedule your appointment!



Now's the time to start weather-proofing your home

It's that time of year...time to do a little upkeep on your home to make it more efficient through those cold winter months.  A well-sealed, well-insulated home is an energy-efficient home. Using the right energy saving products to insulate your attic and seal gaps and cracks in your home will help reduce your home heating and cooling costs by up to $220 a year. Here are some energy saving ideas to help you save money year-round.

1. Insulate your attic.  Up to 65% of homes in the United States are under-insulated.  Adding insulation or making sure your coverage is adequate will cut drafts and energy loss...as well as your monthly heating and cooling bills.
2. Stock up on sealants and caulk.  Even with home insulation, between 30% and 50% of the energy used in most homes is eaten up by energy lost through cracks, holes and gaps. The airflow seeping through the attic and basement, windows, doorframes, plumbing lines, vents and electrical outlets is equivalent to a 4-foot hole in your exterior wall. Use sealant and caulk to stop those leaks—consider them your insulation's working partners.
3. Weatherize your windows.  If you can afford to replace older ones with new ENERGY STAR-qualified models, it's a worthwhile investment. If not, weatherizing your existing single- or double-hung windows with weather-stripping, sealant and caulk is the next best thing. Cutting airflow improves your home energy efficiency.
4. Update your entry door.  Stylish and maintenance-free ENERGY STAR-qualified fiberglass exterior doors boast 5 times the insulating value of older wooden doors. Installing a new door adds up to major energy savings year-round.  For even more insulation and security, pair a storm door with your existing wooden or new fiberglass exterior entry door. It can reduce energy loss by as much as 50%.
   
   
    
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Market Stats for Grey Oaks in Shawnee, KS

Things are slowing a bit at Grey Oaks in Shawnee, KS...but that's not too unusual considering the time of year.   If you're looking to be a part of this great neighborhood though, there's still a few to choose from. Grey Oaks has 5 active homes listed for sale ranging in price from $319,995 to $370,000, four to five bedroom floorplans for the picking.  In the past 90 days, however, 2 homes are currently under contract and only 1 sold at $289,500.  In this area especially, if the home is priced effectively, it will sell...and sell rapidly!! 

If you haven't been to Grey Oaks in awhile, you should really check it out.  The next phase has opened and new construction homes are available starting at the low $300,000s.  Wooded views are among the many amenities available in this new phase.  Feel free to contact me to see the models and floorplans that are available.

Grey Oaks is located in Western Shawnee, just off K-7 Highway and Johnson Drive. It features a neighborhood park, community pool, walking trails, part of the Award Winning De Soto School District, great highway access, and close to restaurants and shopping.

***Don't let the construction on K-7 scare you!  Silverheel is now open and offers great access to the community! ***

To see any of the available homes in this neighborhood or any of the nearby communities in Shawnee, such as Crimson Ridge, Brittany Heights, Brittany Valley, Lakepointe, Woodland Park, Woodsonia, Monticello Farms, Greens of Chapel Creek, Greenview Ridge, or Estates of Green View Ridge, email, text, or give us a call. As a resident of Grey Oaks, Pickett Property Group is your Western Shawnee expert.

Did You Know...

...that the real estate board game Monopoly was invented in 1934 by Charles B. Darrow? His first version of the game was rejected by Parker Brothers due to design flaws. After Darrow sold 5,000 handmade sets of the game to a Philadelphia department store, Parker Brothers agreed to sell the game. Since then, over 200 million Monopoly games have been sold worldwide.


Who knew?  :)

Recycle Your Blues: Gap + You = Home Insulation

Need a reason to get rid of those old jeans you no longer wear?  Instead of throwing them away, turn them into sustainable and eco-friendly housing insulation and save a little dough for yourself in the process!

From now until October 20th, take advantage of the Gap's Recycle Your Blues campaign.  Simply bring in your old, ripped, tight, out of style jeans (any brand) and receive 30% off a new pair of Gap jeans.  And to sweeten the deal even more, "like" the Gap on Facebook and save an additional 10%!  The recycled denim will be transformed into UltraTouch Natural Cotton Fiber Insulation and donated to communities in need.  It takes approximately 500 pairs of jeans to insulate one home, so what are you waiting for? 

Make a Great First Impression: Top 10 Tips to Staging Your Home to Sell

Studies have shown that it takes about a twentieth of a second for Web surfers to make a decision about a site (so I may have lost some of you already) and only about seven seconds to make a good first impression in person.  Believe it or not, this includes homes too!

Within seconds after entering a home, potential homebuyers are already deciding whether or not they want to buy your home.  Your goal is to create an inviting, beautiful, spacious atmosphere that will create that emotional "I want to make an offer" trigger.  How do you do that?  Simple...through staging.

Professional home stagers can cost up to several hundred dollars and in some cases, the cost is worth it.  However, if you have the ability to look at your home objectively and without emotion and want to save some money, then these simple steps can help you achieve the same goal:

1. Remove all personal, political, and religious items...including photos.  Yes, your wedding photo from eight years ago must come down.
2. Curb appeal!  Does your landscaping need a manicure?  Trim bushes, edge, and remove clutter.
3. Rearrange your furniture.  Take out unnecessary pieces to open up rooms.  Move pieces around to highlight key home features.
4. Accessorize!  Arrange place settings at dining tables and countertop bars.  I'm talking placemats, dishes, glassware.
5. Edit your closets down to 50% and leave the floors empty.  If you haven't worn that sweater and those shoes within the past year, you're probably not going to need them while you're selling your house.
6. Clear your kitchen countertops.  You can leave out larger accessory pieces, but put away the toaster and coffee pot when not in use.
7. Clean all the windows, glass surfaces, and hardware fixtures.  Look for nose prints left behind from Fido and fingerprints from little Johnny. 
8. Edit your bookshelves 50% as well.
9. Keep main walkways clear throughout the home.
10. Nothing says "home" better than the smell of fresh cookies, pumpkin pie, or banana bread wafting throughout the house.  Candles, potpourri, or Scentsy items can help achieve this...unless you happen to be a really good cook.

The most important thing to keep in mind is to desensitize and depersonalize.  Think of it this way, once you list your house, it's no longer your home.  It's someone else's...and the sooner we can achieve that, the better!

When you're ready to list your home or if you're needing some help getting it ready, feel free to give us a call.  We've helped hundreds of families prep their homes for the market and we'd love to help you!  Email, text, or give us a call anytime...913.787.1870 or PickettPropertyGroup.com.

The Country Club Plaza lifestyle for only $145,000!

Enjoy the holidays Plaza-style from the comforts of this immaculate West Plaza bungalow!  Move-in ready, yet loaded with charm.

A Must-See at $145,000!!!

This 2-bedroom home features wood floors, crown molding, a claw foot tub, high ceilings, designer colors, custom blinds and more!  Full basement and large pantry add tons of storage options and the back sun room makes a perfect office or breakfast nook.

This house also boasts a private backyard, alarm system, automatic garage door, dishwasher, central A/C, and new 200 amp electric panel.  Conveniently located within walking distance of The Country Club Plaza and Westwood Park.

Be sure to add this one to your list of must-sees!  For more information on this house or others in the Holly Garden, West Plaza, Westwood area, contact us at PickettPropertyGroup.com today!

Curb Appeal: Plant a Tree

When considering curb appeal, most people instantly think of removing shrubs and trees.  However, when planted correctly and strategically, trees and shrubs can not only make your home more attractive, they may even save you money in the long run. 

And what better time to plant those trees and shrubs than now!  Fall is the best time to plant because the moisture levels and soil temperatures provide the perfect conditions for roots to grow deeply and establish a good foundation before the winter freeze.

Here’s How:
1. Select a tree that fits your yard as well as your needs. Consider its mature size, the shade it might cast on existing flowerbeds as well as your home.  At it's full size, the right tree can block the sun's rays in the summer (lower cooling costs) and allow the sun through in the winter (lower heating costs).  Also, keep in mind any nearby power lines or paved areas its branches and roots may disturb. Before digging, be sure to contact your local utility company to mark gas lines, water pipes, or underground cables.

2. Dig a hole as deep as the tree’s root ball and twice as wide. As you are digging, place the soil onto a tarp to protect your lawn throughout the planting process.

3. Mix organic filler into heavy clay or sandy soil, replacing up to one-half the volume of the excavated soil. Slice roots by scoring the sides of the root ball with a shovel, which will encourage new roots to grow.

4. Place your tree in the hole, replace some of the soil, and straighten the tree. Ensure that the trunk flare (where the first roots spread out from the base of the tree) is level with the soil line. Fill the hole, keeping the flare exposed. Add a ring of mounded soil 12 to 18 inches out from the trunk, creating a moat so water can soak into the roots.

5. Mulch with shredded bark, pine straw, or some other organic matter, beginning 3 to 5 inches away from the trunk.  Be sure to maintain the mounded ring shape. Water weekly during the first growing season (and during excessive dry heat in the summer)...a slow trickle for about an hour should do!

New Feature! Did You Know...

Thanks to the millions of apps and widgets out there, I have managed to build my iGoogle page to quite the source of useful, and useless, information.  Fortunately, some of the little tidbits that my eyes span daily actually make me stop and ponder.  So...in the spirit of good fun and entertainment...I thought I would start a new blog segment (never fear; it won't be a daily thing) and enlighten you to some of the wisdom the Real Estate market has to share.

Here we go...

Did you know...
...Homebuilders, mortgage bankers, real estate agents, and homebuyers do not recall the early 1980s fondly.  To reduce chronic inflation, the Federal Reserve dramatically raised interest rates causing severe economic recession in the USA.  The national unemployment rate peaked at 10.8%, the prime-lending rate hit a staggering 18.45%, and the mortgage interest rates averaged 16%.

Wow.

USD 232 Sees an Increase in Student Enrollment

According to official numbers released by USD 232, enrollment for the 2010-2011 school year increased by 174 students in grades K-12...a jump of 165 students at the secondary level and 9 at the elementary level.  Overall headcount jumped to a total of 6700 students.  Most believe the increase is due to continued growth in the district.  New programs exist at the high school levels now including more advanced placement courses, an expanded broadcast journalism program, and honors archealogy.  And with the slow increase in new home construction as well as the addition of new businesses, the district is sure to see more growth in the future.


School Total

Belmont Elementary (new): 445

Clear Creek Elem.: 585

Horizon Elem.: 453

Mize Elem.: 386

Prairie Ridge Elem.: 548

Riverview Elem.: 550

Starside Elem.: 451

Lexington Trails Middle: 325

Mill Creek Middle: 570

Monticello Trails Middle: 647

De Soto High School: 644

Mill Valley High School: 1,096

Total: 6,700

Kindergarten through 12th Grade Enrollment

(Up by 260 students over two years)

2010-11: 6,567 +174

2009-10: 6,393 + 86


Early Childhood through 12th Grade Enrollment

(Up by 274 students over two years)

2010-11: 6,700 +167

2009-10: 6,533 +107

Market Stats for Lakepointe in Shawnee, KS

Lakepointe has quite the pickings for houses right now if you're looking to live in Western Shawnee.  Lakepointe currently has 18 active homes listed for sale ranging in price from $127,990 to $365,000, three to five bedrooms/2+ baths available.  In the past 90 days, 6 homes have sold...ranging from $169,000 to $318,000 with an average of only 66 days on market, which is great for this price range and time of year.  This is a great location and when the price is right, these homes will move.

Lakepointe is located in Western Shawnee, just off Johnson Drive and Monticello Road. This community is part of the Award Winning De Soto School District, has great highway access, and is close to restaurants and shopping.
To see any of the available homes in this neighborhood or any of the nearby communities in Shawnee, such as Crimson Ridge, Monticello Farms, Brittany Valley, Woodland Park, Brittany Heights, Grey Oaks, Woodsonia, Greens of Chapel Creek, Greenview Ridge, or Estates of Green View Ridge, email, text, or give us a call. As a resident of nearby Grey Oaks, Pickett Property Group is your Western Shawnee expert.

Things to Do in KC This Weekend: Plaza Art Fair & American Royal Parade

Nothing kicks off the Fall season in Kansas City better than cooler temps and these fun activities.  Take a look at what's happening in our area this weekend:

Plaza Art Fair


Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, MO

September 24 – 26

Cost: Free Admission

Details: Come see over 200 artists sharing their works,  experience live music on 3 stages, a Kids’ Art Workshop and lots of great family fun! Get more information here!



American Royal Parade

Downtown Kansas City

Saturday, September 25th

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

Details: Time for another American Royal in Kansas City!! As usual, the event kicks off with the parade! Get details, including parade route info here.

Today's First-Time Home Buyers

In today's market, more than 50% of buyers are first-time home buyers.  That's an amazing statistic considering where we've been and where we're headed (meaning the economy).  But, given the recent tax credit program and the all time lows in interest rates, who can blame them?

An independent study of over 2000 first-time homebuyers recently shed some light on this group of buyers.  Take a look:

• The median age is 28 years old...down from 32 just four years ago.
• The median home size is about 1600 square feet
• Location or neighborhood was the #1 "must have" for 36% of first-time home buyers
• 66% of sellers paid at least some of the buyer's closing costs
• 76% used their own savings for the down payment
• 25% had help from their family for the down payment

Having worked with several first-time home buyers, I can say that these statistics are pretty close to what I have seen in the area.  If you are looking to buy your first home...or second...give Pickett Property Group a call.  We'd love to help!

Kansas City, MO Ranks 7th Most Affordable Housing Market in US

Well, our friends at Coldwell Banker have released their Home Listing Report and ranked Kansas City, MO as the seventh most affordable housing market in the US.  Their report is based on average listing prices of four bedroom, two bathroom homes across the United States.

Number one in the nation?  Detroit, MI, with an average price of $68,007.

Rounding out the top 10?  Our very own Topeka, KS, coming in with an average of $116,343.

On the flip side, Overland Park ranked as the least affordable city in Kansas, with an average list price of just less than $231,000.

And the least affordable housing market in the nation?  You guessed it!  Newport Beach, CA...with an average list price of $1.8 million.

Free eBook: 7 Reasons Why Now is a Great Time to Buy a Home

With interest rates at all time lows and sellers looking to sell, this really is a great time to buy a home.  Whether you are a first-time home buyer, an investor, or even if you're considering a second home, don't let the less-than-glamorous media messages delay you from achieving your dream.  Download this FREE eBook:  7 Reasons Why Now is a Great Time to Buy a Home.  If you're like me, you'll love it:  quick, easy to read and includes simple charts and graphs to really make you think.  Once you're done, email, text us, or give us a call.  We're here to help you with that next step!

Just Reduced!! Immaculate West Plaza Bungalow only $145,000!!

A Must-See at $145,000!!!

This immaculate West Plaza bungalow is move-in ready, yet loaded with vintage charm.

This 2-bedroom home features wood floors, crown molding, a claw foot tub, high ceilings, designer colors, custom blinds and more!  Full basement and large pantry add tons of storage options and the back sun room makes a perfect office or breakfast nook.

This house also boasts a private backyard, alarm system, automatic garage door, dishwasher, central A/C, and new 200 amp electric panel.  Conveniently located within walking distance of The Country Club Plaza and Westwood Park.

Be sure to add this one to your list of must-sees!  For more information on this house or others in the Holly Garden, West Plaza, Westwood area, contact us at PickettPropertyGroup.com today!

Looking for a home? FHA Changes Coming in October

If you are currently looking for a home and plan on using an FHA loan, get a case number now as some new changes take effect on October 4, 2010.  See the hypothetical example below:

The bright side?  If you are looking at an FHA loan with a value of $250,000, the Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium is decreasing from 2.25% to 1%.  This will bring about a $3000+/- savings in closing costs!

The not-so-bright side?  If you borrow more than 95% of the value of the home, your monthly payment is going to go up.  For example, TODAY, a loan for $250,000 at 4.5% will give you a monthly payment of $1381.58 (principal+interest+PMI).  After October 4th, your monthly payment will be $1454.50.  The payment increase isn't huge, but it will affect those buyers trying to qualify for a larger loan amount.  On the flip side, if you borrow less than 95% of the value of the home, the payment will increase from $1381.58 to $1433.67 on the 4th.

In addition, borrowers with a credit score at or above 580 will be eligible for maximum financing.  Those between 500 and 579 will be limited to 90% LTV.  And those below 500 will not be eligible for FHA-insured mortgage financing.

This is just a brief summary of the new changes that will take effect.  For more info, speak to your mortgage lender and/or visit these HUD guidelines.

Market Stats for Grey Oaks in Shawnee, KS

Grey Oaks in Shawnee, KS has had a slow August, considering the number of listings out there. If you're looking to be a part of this great neighborhood though, there's still quite a few to choose from. Grey Oaks still has 12 active homes listed for sale ranging in price from $270,000 to $399,950, four to five bedroom floorplans for the picking. For the month of August, only 2 homes have sold ($265,000 and $439,950) with an average days on market of 245 days.

Grey Oaks is located in Western Shawnee, just off K-7 Highway and Johnson Drive. It features a neighborhood park, community pool, walking trails, part of the Award Winning De Soto School District, great highway access, and close to restaurants and shopping.

***Don't let the construction on K-7 scare you!  Silverheel is now open and offers great access to the community! ***

To see any of the available homes in this neighborhood or any of the nearby communities in Shawnee, such as Crimson Ridge, Brittany Heights, Brittany Valley, Lakepointe, Woodland Park, Woodsonia, Monticello Farms, Greens of Chapel Creek, Greenview Ridge, or Estates of Green View Ridge, email, text, or give us a call. As a resident of Grey Oaks, Pickett Property Group is your Western Shawnee expert.

Woodsonia Market Stats in Shawnee, KS for August 2010

Woodsonia in Shawnee, KS had a quiet August, which is not surprising for a month surrounding back-to-school. If you're looking to be a part of this great neighborhood though, there's still quite a few to choose from. Woodsonia currently has 7 active homes listed for sale ranging in price from $174,900 to $245,000, three to four bedrooms with 2-3 baths available. In the past 30 days, 1 home sold after only 22 days on the market!  Talk about the right condition/right price!

Woodsonia is located in Western Shawnee, just off K-7 Highway and Johnson Drive. It features a neighborhood park, community pool, part of the Award Winning De Soto School District, great highway access, and close to restaurants and shopping.

To see any of the available homes in this neighborhood or any of the nearby communities in Shawnee, such as Crimson Ridge, Brittany Heights, Brittany Valley, Lakepointe, Woodland Park, Grey Oaks, Monticello Farms, Greens of Chapel Creek, Greenview Ridge, or Estates of Green View Ridge, email, text, or give us a call. As a resident of nearby Grey Oaks, Pickett Property Group is your Western Shawnee expert.