Getting Realistic about Short Sales - 06/30/10 03:12 PM
 

 
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 … (0 comments)

June 30th Tax Credit Deadline Nears - 06/29/10 02:25 PM
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 … (1 comments)

The Roller Coaster of Home Values - 06/28/10 04:25 PM

 
 
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 … (0 comments)

It's Time for the Great Lenexa BBQ Cook-Off!! - 06/25/10 12:45 PM

 
 
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 BBQSar-K0-Park, Lenexa, KSFriday, 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 … (1 comments)

Grey Oaks Market Stats for Shawnee, KS - 06/25/10 08:53 AM
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 … (0 comments)

New Floorplans for Grey Oaks in Western Shawnee!! - 06/24/10 04:07 PM
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 … (0 comments)

Is Your Home Energy Efficient? - 06/23/10 04:15 PM
 

 Did you know that the average home in Kansas City...
Spends about $2000/yr in electric and gas costs AND wastes $940 of that? Is only half insulated? Lose over 60% of their heated and air-conditioned air to the outside? Leaks 33% of air around ductwork? Uses a tank water heater that is only 55% efficient? Wastes 11-17% electricity/gas with inefficient appliances? 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 … (0 comments)

Save 10% at Lowe's! - 06/22/10 05:13 PM
 

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....
… (0 comments)

Market Stats for Shawnee, KS - 06/22/10 04:45 PM
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 … (0 comments)

Things to Do: Kansas City Farmers Markets - 06/18/10 09:17 PM
 
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.
… (0 comments)

Get Preapproved Before You Start Shopping for a Home - 06/18/10 09:21 AM
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.
 
… (0 comments)

Keep Cool This Summer! - 06/17/10 01:59 PM
 
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.
 
 
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. Take advantage of your window treatments.  White window shades, … (3 comments)

Renting vs. Buying - 06/16/10 04:26 PM
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 … (0 comments)

Market Stats for Shawnee, KS - 06/15/10 07:40 AM
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 … (0 comments)

Mills Farm Now Accepting Reservations for New Neighborhood! - 06/14/10 03:38 PM
 

 
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 … (0 comments)

Deck Addition: Return on Investment - 06/13/10 02:01 PM
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®
… (1 comments)

New Listing in Woodland Park only $195,000!!! - 06/11/10 04:41 PM
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! 
… (0 comments)

 
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Brett Pickett

Prairie Village, KS

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Keller Williams - Pickett Property Group

Office Phone: (913) 825-7577

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