Carol J Black Saint Joseph MO Real Estate Blog

St Joseph MO Apple Blossom Parade

Carol J Black, GRI Saint Joseph MO Realtor® (Evans Realty) — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:07:17 -0500

Every year on the first Saturday in May the whole town is ready to watch, or participate in the Apple Blossom Parade and Festival. The theme of the parade changes from year to year and for 2008 it is“St Joseph Families, the Heart of Our City.” Many businesses in town consider the theme and build floats, don costumes, decorate trucks, pull trailers loaded with employees and their families and toss candy and treats out to the kids that line each side of the streets.

For many years Evans Realty has participated in the fun, and this year we plan to do the same. Our broker has been “Kong, King of the Realtors” in a movies tribute year, “Mr Monopoly” the year we had the board game theme, he wore tights and a cape the year we paid homage to “Heroes” and this year…well we have to keep it a secret until after the parade on Saturday.

For weeks our office has been busy with Float Building and besides the float that represents the theme of the parade, Evans Realty will once again have the float featuring the Junior Apple Blossoms Queens. This is an honor and we are lucky to have them.

The floats have to line up about 6:30 am and the parade begins at 10. Some energetic REALTORS will be there early, others will join in later but we usually have a great turnout in support of Evans Realty and of course the Apple Blossom Parade.

There is great competition among the float builders and the winner for the best float will be announced at the end of the parade.

GRI, CRS, ABR…QRSTUV???? WHAT DO ALL OF THOSE LETTERS REALLY MEAN?

Carol J Black, GRI Saint Joseph MO Realtor® (Evans Realty) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 09:47:09 -0500

Did you ever wonder what those letters behind a REALTORS name means? Here is a short description GRI so you can have an idea of who you are working with.

The letters GRI stand for Graduate Realtor Institute. This is a program endorsed by the National Association of Realtors and it requires REALTORS to take a minimum of 90 hours of specific education classes taught by certified Real Estate Instructors on a variety of relevant topics. Some of the subjects include contract law, professional standards, sales and marketing, finance and many others. The subject matter has been chosen to educate practitioners about local, state and national real estate practices that affect them and especially their clients.

Consider this when you are selecting your real estate professional!

More explanation of designations to follow soon!

Tips for Home Buyers...Realtors and Why Buyers Need One

Carol J Black, GRI Saint Joseph MO Realtor® (Evans Realty) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 21:31:57 -0500

Hello buyers did you ever hear the words...Buyers Agency Agreement?

This little document is the source of many conversations between REALTORS. We discuss how to get you to sign them "up front," if we should try to get you to sign them, if we want you to sign them. Yes, this document is very important to you as well as to the agent that wants to represent you in the purchase of your home.

In most transactions the Sellers of a home have hired a Real Estate firm to represent them. The Sellers have agreed to pay a commission to the firm they hired, and that firm has an arrangement with other firms to "co-broker." In other words, to share the commission with the REALTOR'S firm that represents the buyer. The Seller pays for both REALTORS.

One of the big dilemmas seems to be the possibility that you, as a buyer, may sign up for a REALTOR to represent you and then decide to buy a FSBO (for sale by owner). In this case there is a possibility that you may have to pay for "your" REALTOR and that is not a pleasant thought for buyers. However, it is also possible that if you let your REALTOR contact this FSBO before you do any "self-representation," your REALTOR may be able to solve the commission with the Seller and then you can still have your representation for free.

Having an experienced REALTOR represent you as the buyer is one of the best things you can get for free. We locate properties based on your specifications, we load you up in our car, drive you around to these places, point out possible good things and bad things, help you find a great mortgage, complete all the legal paperwork, make sure you are advised of your rights as a buyer, keep track of important dates during escrow, keep in contact with all parties involved in the transaction, make sure you can get in the property several times before closing and attend the closing with you to make sure things are the way you want them to be. Where else can you get this kind of service?

When you are considering the purchase of a home please select an experienced REALTOR and let them work for you!

Call or email with any questions you may have!

St Joseph Missouri History

Carol J Black, GRI Saint Joseph MO Realtor® (Evans Realty) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:56:49 -0500

Visitors

Citizens

St. Joseph History

The State of Missouri was organized in 1821 and Joseph Robidoux established the Blacksnake Hills trading post with the Indians in 1826. Robidoux's trading post soon became a fur-trading empire stretching to the southern Rocky Mountains. The Platte Purchase joined his land to the state of Missouri in 1837. Ideally situated, Robidoux's trading post became the City of St. Joseph in 1843 and remained relatively small until the discovery of gold in California in 1848 which greatly altered and accelerated westward migration. St. Joseph became the head water for the journey west as hundreds of thousands of settlers arrived by steamboat and hundreds of wagon trains lined the streets waiting to be ferried across the Missouri River. The covered wagons, oxen, and supplies purchased by the emigrants established the economic foundation of the City.

Additional growth commenced in 1859 when the railroad reached St. Joseph assuring its role as a supply and distribution point to the entire western half of the country. St. Joseph's proximity to the Missouri River and accessibility by way of river, rail, and land, was to be the impetus for phenomenal growth throughout the 19th century.

Political tension leading up to the Civil War led to the establishment of the Pony Express in 1860 and 1861, with St. Joseph becoming the eastern terminus. The war years were very difficult, with divided loyalties and violence, but after 1865 recovery was rapid.

Principal channels of distribution were established in the 1870's with St. Joseph becoming a leading wholesale center for the building of the West. The 1880's and 1890's were the Golden Age of prosperity, whose mansions and traditions remain a part of the City. In 1886, the Chicago Times reported that "St. Joseph is a modern wonder--a city of 60,000 inhabitants, eleven railroads, 70 passenger trains each day, 170 factories, thirteen miles of the best paved streets, the largest stockyards west of Chicago, a wholesale trade as large as that of Kansas City and Omaha combined..." One count of the U.S. Census had the City's population in 1900 at 102,000.

Meat packing had been active in St. Joseph from the early days. With the opening of the St. Joseph Stockyards in 1887 and the opening of several new packing houses from then through 1923, St. Joseph became an important meat packing center becoming one of the leading sources of revenue of the City and its surrounding agricultural area. As the City grew and industries were established, neighborhoods developed in close proximity to the factories, stockyards, and railroads.

The City of St. Joseph is the county seat of Buchanan County and the sixth largest city in Missouri with 73,990 residents as of the 2000 Census. St. Joseph is the central service provider for a seven county area of northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas with a combined population of over 155,000. The City's population represents 47.7% of that of the total service area.

St. Joseph maintains an average civilian labor force of 35,357 with approximately 30,501 employed at June 30, 1999. The local economy has reflected the events of the last few months with the unemployment rate rising from 2.4% in 2000 to 5.6% in 2001.

The City is less reliant today on the prominent industries operating during the late 1800's and early 1900's. The City's job base has become more diversified with the ten largest employers comprising ten different industries. The ten largest companies and organizations employ 26.8% of the total employed work force. The City's largest employer provides 7.13% of total jobs in the community.

St. Joseph possesses a number of assets that can assure the success of the community. St. Joseph is a unique community famous for its historical link to the Pony Express and Jesse James and for its many fine museums. These long-time assets, the more recent opening of the Frontier Casino Riverboat and related river front development, and the establishment of the County Tourism Bureau increase the importance of tourism as one of the City's major new growth industries. St. Joseph is rich in urban resources including exquisite historic architecture; continuous 26-mile parkway system with picturesque landscapes, vast wooded areas, hike and bike trails, and family oriented parks. St. Joseph's educational opportunities are many including a four-year state college, a two-year private community college, and a privately operated post-secondary vocational/technical school. The City also has a well-regarded public school system and many fine private and parochial elementary, middle and high schools. St. Joseph is large enough to sustain its economic base and support its diverse entertainment. St. Joseph's close proximity to the Kansas City metropolitan area and Kansas City International Airport, its relatively low cost of living, and its low crime rate make the City an attractive location for families and business.

Historic St Joseph MO homes

Carol J Black, GRI Saint Joseph MO Realtor® (Evans Realty) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 23:00:59 -0500

http://www.postlets.com/res/539516

I have three historic homes listed in St Joseph MO and I do so want someone to buy them and love them. It is a great story of California investors buying homes to save them from demolition and restoring and/or rehabing them to their former beauty. We are fortunate here in St Joseph to have so many historic homes and buildings. Some of them need TLC and many others have been lovingly restored.

Historic Home Link Historic Home Link

Top Ten Ways to Make Buyers Like Your House

Carol J Black, GRI Saint Joseph MO Realtor® (Evans Realty) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:30:01 -0500

I know this is a problem and even when the subject is discussed, some of these Top Ten things fail to be addressed. So hopefully if I put it in writing and include it in the listing packet….

Top Ten Ways to Make Buyers Like Your House!

1. If it’s clean, they will see only the house.

2. Clean, bare walls are inviting, yes we want them to stay.

3. Personal pictures are reasons to see the people (you) not the house.

4. Personal mementos make them discuss your life not your house.

5. Pets in the house = pet smells in the house, no exceptions.

6. Pets anywhere, some buyers will be afraid and therefore, negative about your house.

7. They will look in the closets and closets should look as roomy as possible, less is more.

8. Kitchens need to be spotless as they will be thinking of eating there.

9. Personal care items, bathrobes, slippers, underwear…no, never!

10 Yards and porches are the first things seen; opportunities to make them want to come in!

1113 N 24th Street St Joseph MO 64507

Carol J Black, GRI Saint Joseph MO Realtor® (Evans Realty) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:30:11 -0500

Carol Black, GRI | Evans Realty | 816-676-8210/816-233-1119

1113 N 24th, St Joseph, MO

Beautiful ranch with attached two car garage and finished lower level.

3 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $144,900

Year Built	Unspecified
Sq Footage	Unspecified
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Beautiful Ranch home with completely finished lower level that includes three large rooms plus a full bath-There is a wet bar with small refridgerator and lots of storage-The large laundry room has a cedar lined closet-There are many built-ins and closets throughout.In the kitchen everything is new; oak cabinets, counters, sink, appliances- The baths have been updated-The deck opens onto a lovely landscaped back yard-There is a custom built shed that has electricity-This house has vinyl siding &redwood trim. Reverse osmosis water system too and a roll-out awning on the deck.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Fireplace	Walk-in closet
Hardwood floor	Living room	Bonus/Rec room
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Microwave	Attic	Basement
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Carol Black, GRI

Evans Realty

816-676-8210/816-233-1119

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 25, 2008, 7:22pm PDT

208 S 13th Street St Joseph MO

Carol J Black, GRI Saint Joseph MO Realtor® (Evans Realty) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:56:05 -0500

Carol Black, GRI | Evans Realty | 816-676-8210/816-233-1119

208 S 13th Street, St Joseph, MO

Significant renovation has been done on this historic brick home.

3 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $158,750

Year Built	1908
Sq Footage	Unspecified
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

The hard work has been done. New plumbing, roof, sewer, water lines, exterior and interior paint, tiling, refinished hardwood floors. The historic beauty lives on in the inlaid fireplace, original brass hardware, claw foot tub, pocket doors, carved wood features. The easy part awaits you: enjoying the spacious new kitchen, baths, and updates in this move-in ready home with large garden and yard in the adjoining lot. Surrounded by other renovated attractive historic Museum Hill homes.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central heat	Fireplace	High/Vaulted ceiling
Hardwood floor	Tile floor	Family room
Living room	Office/Den	Dining room
Basement	Laundry area - inside	Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Carol Black, GRI

Evans Realty

816-676-8210/816-233-1119

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 17, 2008, 12:06pm PDT

1009 S 12th St Joseph MO

Carol J Black, GRI Saint Joseph MO Realtor® (Evans Realty) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:51:38 -0500

Carol Black, GRI | Evans Realty | 816-676-8210/816-233-1119

1009 S 12th Street, St Joseph, MO

Renovated and remodeled historic home on three city lots.

3 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $184,800

Year Built	1887
Sq Footage	Unspecified
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	4
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Enjoy your own sledding hill as you sprawl across three city lots. Evoke the grand life in this renovated historic home.Imagine sliding open pocket doors to enter. Climb the stairs as you admire medallions that have seen many visitors and will again preside over the dining room.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Hardwood floor	Tile floor
Family room	Living room	Office/Den
Dining room	Attic	Basement
Laundry area - inside	Yard	Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Carol Black, GRI

Evans Realty

816-676-8210/816-233-1119

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 17, 2008, 12:06pm PDT

Historic Home 1117 Isadore St Joseph MO

Carol J Black, GRI Saint Joseph MO Realtor® (Evans Realty) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:46:18 -0500

Carol Black, GRI | Evans Realty | 816.676.8210/816-233-1119

1117 Isadore, St Joseph, MO

Be the 5th owner of this Queen Anne home that offers the quality of 1892 and the conveniences of today. 0 property taxes first 10 yrs 50% next 15

4 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $219,250

Year Built	1890
Sq Footage	Unspecified
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	3
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Mysterious pocket doors discovered after 50 years. Stained glass windows revealed after being hidden with paneling. A solid door that once led nowhere. Fireplaces that dare you to identify their mythological characters. Hardwood floors hidden from view half a century. Add your own history to this brick home. Every detail has been restored and updated to delight modern lovers of historic homes.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central heat	Fireplace	High/Vaulted ceiling
Hardwood floor	Tile floor	Family room
Living room	Dining room	Attic
Basement	Laundry area - inside	Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Carol Black, GRI

Evans Realty

816.676.8210/816-233-1119

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 17, 2008, 12:05pm PDT