A Must-See This Weekend!! Beautiful Ward Park Home only $280,000! - 07/30/10 01:55 PM
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 TO CALL HOME! THIS HOUSE IS READY TO MOVE IN! Call  or Text Pickett Property Group for an immediate showing or for more information on the area plus other homes for … (0 comments)

Things to Do in KC: Lenexa Waterfest and Lake Fest 2010 - 07/30/10 01:31 PM
 
It's going to be HOT this weekend, so beat the heat by checking out some "cool" activities on either side of the state line.
 
Lenexa Waterfest:
     Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park
     Saturday, July 31st
     10am-4pm
     Cost:  FREE!!
There will be lots of educational booths, a moonwalk, surf-n-slide, and other events.  Want an extra bonus?The first 1000 people will also receive free hot dogs, chips, and drink!
 
When the fun ends in Lenexa, pile everyone into the car and cross the state line for some fun and fireworks at Lake Jacomo.
 

… (0 comments)

Mortgage Rates Hit Another New Low - 07/29/10 11:41 AM

 
 
Oops!  I did it again...or rather, the Feds, that is.  Yep, once again, mortgage rates have hit an all time low since the tracking of rates began in 1971.  According to Freddie Mac, the national average rate for a 30 year fixed loan is now at 4.54%...down from 4.56% from the week before.  The only other time we have seen rates this low or lower was back in the 1950s...back when mortgage loans were for only 20 or 25 years.
 
And for those interested in the 15 year fixed, you can celebrate a drop there too.  Those … (0 comments)

Homeowners Insurance...Are You Covered? - 07/28/10 03:46 PM
 


You don't need to be a home insurance expert to make sure everything you own is properly covered.  Take a look at this breakdown and use it as a reference when evaluating your home:
Home Structure:  The price you paid for your home is most likely not going to be the amount it will be insured for.  You'll need to take a look at how much it will cost to rebuild your home...consider the square footage, material costs, and any special features you would like to add. Personal Property:  Your personal possessions need to be protected also.  Make a list, … (1 comments)

Which Kansas City Area School is Making the Grade? - 07/26/10 12:50 PM
You can see it in the commercials on TV and the ads in the paper...Back to School is just around the corner.  If you're a parent with children, the performance of nearby schools can can have a big impact on where you choose to live.  Great Schools, a non-profit website, is on a mission to improve education by inspiring parents to get involved.  Here you can see how each school is ranked based on performance on standardized tests in the elementary, middle, and high school levels relative to other schools in the state.  You will be able to see test results according … (0 comments)

Great Battery Loft Condo near Downtown KC, Crown Center, Hallmark, and Hospital Hill...only $215,000! - 07/23/10 01:10 PM
Battery Loft Condo only $215,000!!!
 
 

 
 
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 … (1 comments)

Plenty of Grey Oaks Homes for Sale in Shawnee, KS - 07/22/10 10:07 AM
As your Grey Oaks specialist, I'm here to let you know that even though we are still waiting for the next release of new lots, there are still some existing lots available as well as plenty of resales for the picking! There are currently 14 active listings on the market now, ranging in price from $275,000 to $399,950.  Four homes are currently under construction and one has never been occupied; the remaining are resales and are eagerly waiting for offers!  The average days on market for the area is 198, which about right for the price range of these homes. If you … (0 comments)

Hey, Kansas City: Take the Zero-Volt Challenge - 07/21/10 04:39 PM
 
I always have to take a step back when I pay my electricity bill, especially in the summer months when the thermostat creeps higher and higher.  So I spent some time today checking out some new tools and calculators to see how I can continue to improve my carbon footprint and maybe save a little money in the process.
 
First, I visited Home Energy Saver, a website put out by the US Department of Energy.  With a little bit of information that you provide about your home, it will calculate an estimate of your residential energy use.  You can then … (0 comments)

Kansas City Market Reports for June 2010 - 07/19/10 09:29 AM
 
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 … (0 comments)

Prairie Village, KS Home in Meadow Lake Reduced to $125,000!! - 07/17/10 01:12 PM
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!

… (1 comments)

What is an FHA Loan? - 07/16/10 02:26 PM
 
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 … (0 comments)

Top 8 Projects to Add Value to Your Home - 07/15/10 10:44 AM
 

 
 
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:
 
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 … (2 comments)

Getting Approved for a Home Loan...4 Basic Truths - 07/14/10 04:15 PM
 
 

 
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:
 
 
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 … (1 comments)

Rodrock Communities in Shawnee and Olathe Offering Homebuyer Incentives - 07/13/10 10:52 AM
 
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 … (0 comments)

Shawnee, KS Ranks 17th Among Money Magazine's Best Places to Live! - 07/12/10 03:50 PM

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.
… (0 comments)

Newly Remodeled Home in Prairie Village Priced at $135,000!! - 07/08/10 10:36 AM
 

 
 
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!!
 


 

 
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!

… (2 comments)

K-7 & Johnson Drive Interchange Project Update in Western Shawnee, KS - 07/07/10 02:57 PM
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 … (0 comments)

Forest View in Olathe, KS..A Community Built to Last - 07/06/10 03:26 PM
 

 
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 … (0 comments)

Market Stats for Grey Oaks in Shawnee, KS - 07/05/10 08:24 PM

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 … (0 comments)

Things to Do: Fourth of July Fun in KC!! - 07/02/10 09:16 AM
 

 
 
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, … (0 comments)

New Price in Popular Ward Park...now only $280,000!! - 07/01/10 01:26 PM
 
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 … (0 comments)

Tax Credit Deadline Extended!! - 07/01/10 12:58 PM
 
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 … (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

Cell Phone: (913) 787-1870

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