Olathe Real Estate Agent : Brad Papa'sBlog

http://www.PapasInTheHouse.com

Posted: Nov 7, 2009, 7:15am PST

Your Listing Expired - List With Papa And Make Your House Stand Out

Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:29:36 -0600

In this challenging market you need a real estate agent who is experienced in your area and who will get your home sold for a fair market value in a reasonable amount of time. I can offer a new perspective on how to market your property and plenty of tips on how to maximize your home's sales potential.

LET PAPA HELP YOU!

I specialize in marketing great homes that for whatever reason, didn't sell the first time around. You now have the opportunity to start out with a clean slate and let my energy, creativity and enthusiasm work for you. I can offer a new perspective on how to market your property and plenty of tips on how to maximize your home's potential!

PAPA'S PROVEN RESULTS

7520 Haskins: 274 days with other agent, CONTRACT after 51 days with Papa
7407 Holmes: 195 days with other agent, CONTRACT after 47 days with Papa
22019 W. 51st Court: 130 days with other agent, CONTRACT after 45 days with Papa
1021 Cardinal: 121 days with other agent, CONTRACT after 21 days with Papa
21023 w 60th : 218 days with other agent, CONTRACT after 49 days with Papa

A FEW REASONS HOW PAPA IS DIFFERENT

1. Customizable Seller Pricing Packages - You Pick My Commission
2. Cancel At Anytime Policy
3. Easy to Get A Hold of Me - Weekly Contact From Me
4. Unique Marketing Strategies - Interview Me Today To See What I Offer

Call Brad Papa today at 913.526.4985 to get your home back on the market and get it sold fast!

Brad Papa
Realty Executives of Kansas City
913-526-4985
www.PapasInTheHouse.com
Brad@PapasInTheHouse.com
Come to Papa For All Your Real Estate Needs!

2009 Tax Credit Looks Like It Might Extend Into 2010

Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:50:18 -0600

The Senate voted on Wednesday to extend the first time home buyer tax credit and today the bill will go to the House for a vote. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this bill passes, which will mean first time home buyers and NOW repeat buyers will qualify for great tax credits in teh end of 2009 and into 2010!

Some of the details are as follows : first-time homebuyers will still get up to $8,000 if they are under contract by 4/30/2010 and close by 6/30/2010. In addition, buyers who have owned their current home for at least 5 years will qualify for up to $6,500!

This credit will be available for the purchase of primary residences of $800,000 or less and the income restrictions have been changed to $125,000 for single filer and $225,000 for joint filers.

More details to follow, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will be extended into 2010! If you are interested in buying or selling in the Kansas City area, then Come To Papa For All Your Real Estate Needs!

Brad Papa

Brad@PapasInTheHouse.com

Brad Papa Makes The Change To Realty Executives of Kansas City

Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:43:10 -0600

After almost six years with RE/MAX State Line, Kansas City real estate agent, Brad Papa is making the switch to Realty Executives of Kansas City. This exciting change means a new e-mail address and a new company name, but the SAME excellent service.

Contact Brad Papa and start realizing your real estate goals!

Brad Papa

Realty Executives of Kansas City
11401 Ash
Leawood, KS 66211

Brad@PapasInTheHouse.com

http://www.PapasInTheHouse.com

Realty Executives International, Inc. is one of the fastest-growing real estate franchises in the United States, with more than 14,000 sales associates and over 760 franchises. The Phoenix-based, privately held company has offices in the United States, Canada, South Africa, Mexico, Thailand, Singapore and more. Publications such as Entrepreneur, Success and Inc. magazines have recently ranked Realty Executives International as a leader in the real estate industry based on franchise growth, management stability and financial soundness. For additional company information visit www.realtyx.com or www.realtyexecutives.com.

More Reasons To Become A Homeowner In 2009

Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:14:15 -0500

Is the $8,000 tax credit not enough incentive to move out of your apartment and into your own home? Well here are a few more reasons that you should contact Brad Papa at bradleypapa@remax.net today and start the process of becoming a homeowner in 2009.

1. Get any size dog you want

2. No restriction on outdoor grilling

3. No servicemen with free access to your property

4. Quiet living - no noisy upstairs neighbors

5. No fighting for a parking spot

6. No annual rent increases (with fixed rates)

7. No more lugging your clothes to the laundromat

8. Paint and decorate how you want

9. Update your appliances to what you want

10. No more hauling groceries up three flights of stairs

Brad Papa

RE/MAX Stateline

913-526-4985

Come to Papa For All Your Real Estate Needs!

Vivino In Power & Light Closing - To Re-Open As Pizza Place

Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:31:37 -0500

According to the Kansas City Star Dollars and Sense blog, Vivino will be no more in the Power and Light district. They plan to change the menu and the overall restaurant concept to New York style pizzas. The restaurant was only open two years and had already undergone a menu change, but this is more aggressive.

Honestly, I ate at Vivino once about a year ago and haven't returned. I felt the portions were small for an Italian restaurant and the food was very average. If I want Italian I much prefer Carmen's in Brookside, Garozzo's or Lidia's in the Crossroads.

I am looking foward to see the new concept opening in approximately two months though!

Brad Papa

RE/MAX Stateline

913-526-4985

Come to Papa For All Your Real Estate Needs!

Just Listed - Updated Olathe Duplex - Newer Big Ticket Items - So Much Storage

Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:48:38 -0500

Brad Papa | RE/MAX State Line | 913-526-4985

1290 N Martway Drive, Olathe, KS

Newer BIG ticket items: siding, furnace, air conditioner & carpet.

3BR/3.5BA Townhouse

offered at $132,500

Year Built	1983
Sq Footage	1,584
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	10,259 sqft
HOA/Maint	$134 per month

DESCRIPTION

Newer BIG ticket items: siding, furnace, air conditioner & carpet. New tile in bathrooms. Maintenance free - outside maintenance, grass & snow removal covered. Two stone fireplaces & lots of closet space. Finished lower level w/family room, full bath and wet bar. Lots of Storage-2 Car Garage

see additional photos below

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Great Location	Living Room
Eat-In Kitchen	Spacious Kitchen
Finished Basement	Master Bedroom

Contact info:

Brad Papa

RE/MAX State Line

913-526-4985

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Jul 15, 2009, 11:53am PDT

Just Listed - Incredible Olathe Townhouse - So Many Upgrades - Move In Ready

Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:43:09 -0500

Brad Papa | RE/MAX State Line | 913-526-4985

1424 E 125 Terrace #C, Olathe, KS

SO MANY UPGRADES!

3BR/1.5BA Townhouse

offered at $117,000

Year Built	Unspecified
Sq Footage	Unspecified
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1 full, 1 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$89 per month

DESCRIPTION

SO MANY UPGRADES! Brand NEW tile in kitchen, dining & bathrooms. Updated bathrooms w/new toilets, sinks and vanity. Fresh, neutral interior paint. New kitchen countertops, dishwasher & microwave. New lighting. Great fenced backyard. Spacious, finished basement. Added 3rd bedroom. Maintenace free living provided by HOA.

see additional photos below

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Brad Papa

RE/MAX State Line

913-526-4985

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Aug 3, 2009, 6:24am PDT

Olathe Home SOLD In 1 Day By Brad Papa - Let Papa Sell Yours Fast!

Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:02:59 -0500

SOLD IN ONE DAY!

COMPLETELY UPDATED OLATHE HOME! Newer big ticket items: roof, hot water heater, vinyl siding and energy efficient windows. Updated kitchen w/new dishwasher, tile backsplash, flooring and upgraded fixtures. Updated throughout w/new flooring, white woodwork, neutral paint and contemporary light fixtures. MOVE-IN READY!

Brad Papa

RE/MAX Stateline

913-526-4985

Come to Papa For All Your Real Estate Needs!

Free Famous Daves For Daves & Davids

Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:28:07 -0500

Is your name Dave/David/Davy or do you know someone who is? How about a middle name? Then they could get a free or discounted entree from Famous Daves!

Now calling all Dave's! On Sunday, August 30, 2009, anyone with the first name of Dave, David or Davy can receive a free entrée (maximum value of $15). In addition, anyone with the middle name of Dave, David or Davy can receive a half price entrée (maximum value of $7.50). Dave's, David's and Davy's can enjoy this offer whether dining in or ordering barbeque TO GO. (See here: http://www.famousdavesblog.com/?p=99)

Famous Daves is really good BBQ chain restaurant and in the Kansas City area there is one at the Legends and one in the Power & Light district. You might want to call first to double check that the restaurant is honoring the special, but you can get more information and restaurant locations from their blog.

So to all of you Daves out there...enjoy a free entree!

Brad Papa

RE/MAX Stateline

913-526-4985

Come to Papa For All Your Real Estate Needs!

Boulevard Free Tours - Book Online Now

Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:55:49 -0500

Kansas City's own beer brewery, The Boulevard Brewery Company is located at 2501 Southwest Boulevard, Kansas City, MO. While they are known for making great beer, many people might not now that they offer free tours of the facility, which begins with a movie about the history of the brewery and ends in the tasting room for free beer samples! This is a great activity for a leisurely Saturday or for entertaining out-of-town guests!

Free public tours are available to people 21 and over at these times:

Wednesdays at 3 p.m.
Thursdays at 1 and 3 p.m.
Fridays at 12 p.m, 2p.m. and 4 p.m.
Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Sundays at at 1 and 3 p.m

The catch is, reservations are REQUIRED and they book up very fast. Make your reservations online at http://www.boulevard.com/tours/. You need to book early as tours are full about 1-2 months in advance, especially for the weekends. Today is July 28 and the first available times are in September or October.

Brad Papa

RE/MAX Stateline

913-526-4985

Come to Papa For All Your Real Estate Needs!

Another Olathe Home SOLD By Brad Papa - Olathe Real Estate Agent

Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:20:18 -0500

Brad Papa | RE/MAX State Line | 913-526-4985

20926 W. 117 St, Olathe, KS

PRICE DROP!!! Former Model home in excellent Condition!

4BR/3.5BA Single Family House

offered at $242,000

Year Built	2002
Sq Footage	3,000
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	8,559 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Another Olathe home SOLD by Brad Papa! Call Brad today at 913-526-4985 for a free market analysis and tips on getting your property sold fast!

see additional photos below

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

• Move-In Ready! Tons of Upgrades!

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Amazing Home	Formal Dining
Master Suite	Spa-Like Bathroom
Open Floor Plan	Finished Basement

Contact info:

Brad Papa

RE/MAX State Line

913-526-4985

For sale by agent/broker

Information on Electronic Billing

Posted: Jul 28, 2009, 6:15am PDT

Foxfield Village Olathe Home Sold In Only 29 Days By Brad Papa

Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:52:29 -0500

This beautiful home in Foxfield Village sold amazingly fast, in only 29 days! This quick-moving home shows that the Olathe real estate market is still very active and desirable to buyers. But what about this home made it sell SO fast? Besides a great location and the home being in great condition, it also featured:

Beautiful Curb Appeal

Finished, Walk-Out Basement

Open Floor Plan

Spa-Like Master Bathroom

To see more Olathe homes for sale, contact Brad Papa. He can provide comprehensive information on Kansas City and Olathe real estate! Brad Papa is a licensed real estate agent in Kansas and Missouri and can be reached at bradleypapa@remax.net, 913-526-4985 or www.papasinthehouse.com

Olathe Kansas Implements Electronic Billing For Utilities

Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:50:37 -0500

It seems everyone is going to paperless billing to reduce mailing costs and paper usage and now the City of Olathe is offering paperless billing for utilities.

Not only can you view and print your bill, but you can also pay online with a credit card. Watch out though, because they do charge a $1.85 convenience fee each time. We had previously signed up for automatic bank drafts from our checking account and this service is free, so if you like online payments, I recommend using your checking account instead of a credit card. Either way, this is a convenient new service that helps reduce cost and waste!

FAQ for Online Billing

Brad Papa specialized in Kansas City and Olathe real estate and can be reached at www.PapasInTheHouse.com, bradleypapa@remax.net or 913.526.4985.

Time Is Running Out To Capitalize On The $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:43:16 -0500

2009 is half over and that means the clock is ticking on capitalizing on the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of $8,000! Just a couple key points to remember:

• Home must be your principal residence

• You must live in that home a minimum of 36 months/3 years from the date of purchase

• You must be CLOSED on the home by December 1, 2009.

This last point is key because with the current mortgage industry, the MINIMUM close is 30 days, so that would mean you would have to have to have an accepted contract on a home as of November 1, 2009. Keep in mind this is the BARE MINIMUM date, because you would actually want to write closer to October 15, 2009 to give yourself a couple extra weeks cushion.

So if you are interested in buying a home and getting that $8,000 tax credit, you really should start looking for a home around mid/late September....just a couple months away!

For more information on the tax credit visit: Basic Information from the IRS or FAQ from the IRS

Brad Papa teaches a FREE First Time Home Buyer's Seminar bi-monthly that covers the tax credit and all the other steps necessary to purchasing a home. Click here for more information on the class and register today!

http://www.PapasInTheHouse.com

Click here to view Papa's listings

Wondering Why Your Home Hasn't Sold? - Papa Explains A Few Reasons

Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:34:08 -0500

There are many reasons why a house doesn't sell the first time around, but price is usually the number one reason. Most sellers do not understand the current Kansas City real estate market well enough to price the home effectively on their own. And while an experienced agent can give pricing advice to a seller, it is ultimately up to the seller to set theirl asking price.

Did you know that pricing your home at an unusual value such as $199,950 is often counterproductive as it does not maximize how many times your home will appear in search results on the internet. Click here to contact me for a better explanation of this concept!

We all want the most amount of money for our home, but pricing your home correctly the first time is the key to getting your home sold fast. The higher the asking price is, compared to your competition, the longer your home will stay on the market. Pricing your home right the first time around is essential since a newly-listed home will generate interest and result in more showings the first few weeks it's on the market.

I specialize in marketing great homes that for whatever reason, didn't sell the first time around and am knowledgeable on how to market your property effectively. Here are three recent examples of how I successfully repackaged homes in the Kansas City real estate market to get them sold in this challenging market:

7520 Haskins: On the market 300 days with other agent, SOLD after 50 days with me

7407 Holmes: On the market 180 days with other agent, SOLD after 45 days with me

22019 W. 51^st Court: On the market 150 days with other agent, SOLD after 45 days with me

In this more difficult market you need an Olathe real estate agent who is experienced in your area and who will get your home sold for a fair market value in a reasonable amount of time. I can offer a new perspective on how to market your property and plenty of tips on how to maximize your home's sales potential. Click here to view the Top Ten Reasons To List With Papa!

Brad Papa

Click here to start your Kansas City home search

Search The MLS - Click Here To Start Your Kansas City Area Home Search

Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:28:39 -0500

Click house to start your Kansas City area home search!

Are you searching for an Olathe house, Johnson County condominium, Overland Park townhouse, acreage or other Kansas City area property? If so, Brad Papa is here to offer you the finest real estate services available to meet your needs. Brad works in ALL areas of the Kansas City metro, so if you want to live in the Northland, Lee's Summit, Olathe or the Plaza, Brad Papa is your real estate agent!

Simply register and have unlimited access to search for properties! You will be able to search the entire Kansas City MLS system with bonus features like saving searches and favorite properties. Want Brad to do the work for you? Give Brad your basic criteria and he can run a customized search and e-mail you properties based on your needs.

Once you find properties you are interested in, contact Brad Papa at bradleypapa@remax.net or 913.526.4985 and he will take care of setting up the showing appointments.

View Brad Papa's Featured Properties Here

Search for Foreclosed Properties Here

Tips To Getting Your Property Ready For Showings

Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:02:54 -0500

Curb Appeal
Remove all refuse, leaves or clutter from yards, sidewalks, porches and decks
Make sure the gutters are clean
Prune bushes and trees and keep plants away from the windows
Pay special attention to the lawn, make sure to mow, trim, weed, fertilize and mulch
Clear patios and decks of small items, toys, unnecessary furniture or decor
Hose off the house and wash all windows and screens to make it clean and appealing
The front entrance should be clean and inviting. Clean thoroughly, purchase a new doormat and fill pots with colorful flowers

Inside
Clear the clutter. You plan to move, so start packing now! Pack away collections and valuables
Take things out of closets&cabinets that are not essential to your life and pack them away
Clear all unnecessary objects from kitchen countertops. Clear refrigerator of magnets and photos
Bathrooms that sparkle, sell homes! Remove any unnecessary items and coordinate towels to one or two neutral colors.
Consider buying fresh towels or neutral shower curtain if necessary
Rearrange or remove excess furniture if necessary to open up the space
Store extra possessions in the garage or a storage unit
Deep Clean! Clean the carpets, windows, appliances
Check all light bulbs and detail all light fixtures
Brighten dull basement&storage areas by painting the walls&using high watt bulbs
Consider painting in neutral colors, ask Brad for color suggestions
Remove an special item that a buyer may want as part of the house that you intend to keep
Do not make major improvements without consulting Brad, you may over-improve your home

Showing Day
Tidy up each room, remove all clutter, make all beds and do a quick dust and vacuum
Open the drapes and shades, and turn on all lights to make it look bright and cheerful
Keep pets out of the way, and make sure the pet areas are clean and odor free
Turn off your television and turn on the radio to an easy listening station
Check the temperature: cool in the summer and toasty warm in the winter

Brad Papa
RE/MAX Stateline
913-526-4985
bradleypapa@remax.net
www.PapasInTheHouse.com
Come to Papa For All Your Real Estate Needs!

Questions To Ask When Interviewing Realtors...With Papa Answers!

Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:41:05 -0500

1. Are you a full-time professional REALTOR®?
Yes! While many agents pursue real estate as a part-time job, I have been a full-time agent for almost six years. My clients are my #1 professional priority, not another job.

2. What geographic areas do you specialize in?
I am licensed in both Kansas and Missouri, so I am able to help you buy or sell all over the Kansas City metropolitan area, especially Olathe real estate since I live in Olathe!

3. Will you show me properties from other companies' listings?
Yes! The service I use to research homes covers all agencies.

4. Can I search for properties on your website?
Yes! My website contains many useful resources including tips, information on Kansas City and the very important Property Search Tool. You are able to create a profile, run searches on potential homes and save them as your favorites. Click here to start your search!

5. How will I be able to get a hold of you throughout my home search and throughout the transaction?
I ensure my clients are always able to get a hold of me, as I never turn my phone off and I always have it at my side. If I do miss a phone call, I return it as soon as possible. In addition, feel comfortable sending me an e-mail or fax as well, because I am able to access them immediately with my mobile device.

6. Do you have a staff or a team? If so, what roles will they play in my transaction?
My wife Kelly works for me, helping me with various marketing and administrative duties, but I am the person you will always talk to on the phone and will personally answer all your e-mails. You won't be shuffled to various staff members or inexperienced agents, I am your agent!

7. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you also represent the seller?
I will only represent you! I represent my client's best interest whether it be with price, closing date or home warranties, I will work hard to make sure you get what you want!

8. How must do your services cost?
This is the great part! Buyer's agent's commissions are paid by the seller of the property. I don't get paid until you close on the property.

9. What distinguishes you from other real estate agents?
My non-pushy attitude. A home is a huge purchase, and a decision that you should be 100% comfortable making. We look at homes based on your desires; I don't try to force you to like a home. We write a contract when you find YOUR dream home. We work at your pace and time schedule, not mine. Click here to view the Top 10 Reasons To Buy With Papa.

10. May I contact some of your recent clients as references?
Yes! Please e-mail me and ask me for references or Click here to view Client Testimonials from satisfied clients!

Brad Papa

RE/MAX Stateline

913-526-4985