If you ask what Kansas City is known for, my guess the answer you would receive is "Barbeque". That is certainly the answer that you would get from members of my family. Now, agreeing on where to get the best barbeque or which is the best sauce....well....opinions will differ.
Our son, Thomas, would tell you it is from a restaurant in Kansas City, Kansas, found in a gas station, called Oklahoma Joe's. Food is tasty, the sauce is spicy (which he loves), and the ambiance is unique. The lines for lunch begin shortly after 11:00am and do not slow down till almost 2:00pm.
My brother-in-law, Bill Kunkel's favorite is Hayward's. The sauce has a kick and is not sweet like some sauces tend to be. The owner, Hayward Spears, opened his first restaurant in Overland Park back in 1972. It was quite close to our house so when people came in from out-of-town my father would take us all to Hayward's. The food truly is good but the memories are even better.
Now if you were to ask my husband, David, or my brother, Jeff, my bet is that they would want the grill, a good cut of meat, and some bbq sauce from Jack Stack. If you noticed, no mention was made of weather conditions. They are true BBQ men...who cares if it is raining or there is a foot of snow! There is bbq to be made and they are the one's to make it!! No complaints here as I do enjoy the fruits of their labor.
True, there are more BBQ restaurants in the greater Kansas City area (more than 100) but that is for another day.
With so many cities making up one county you can imagine the variety of neighborhoods and price ranges available. Our housing market consists of single family homes, maintained communities, and multi-family buildings from around $50,000 to $5,000,000. Unlike some states, the majority of our homes have basements...especially helpful when the weather turns bad (yes, Toto, we have the occasional tornado).
Having sold real estate since 1990, I think it is fair to say that we do not have extreme highs or lows in our market. We do have periods were things will slow to a snails pace to be followed by homes selling shortly after a sign is in the yard. This past year was rather slow but we are anticipating a change for the better.
The new home communities are generally found in the southern or western part of the county. With new homes comes new schools, churches, commercial areas, and new roads. One does not have to go far to see the continuing growth of Johnson County, Kansas.
Did you know that in the Kansas City area we have rowing. Rowing? Yes, it is not just an east coast sport.
The Kansas City Rowing Club is made up of experienced and novice rowers, men and women, adults and high schoolers. It truly is a beautiful sport to watch. Our daughter began rowing her Sophomore year in high school. She has gained the experience of a sport she may do the rest of her life along with calloused hands and overall fitness. This is a sport a mother can watch...unlike rugby.
Yes, Kansas City also hasRugby. Having lived in KC since 1968, I had no idea that either sport exsisted here...but they do and with great following. As I said, rowing is a beautiful sport to watch. Rugby is not. This is not a sport for mothers to watch. To the best of my understanding, rubgy is like football without the pads. Unlike rowing, rugby is not a sport you can play as you get older. In one game I witnessed a player being hit so hard that an ambulance was needed to remove him PLUS my son's friend tore his ACL. No, this is not a sport for mothers to watch.
This classic Tudor style is located in Fairway, Kansas; one of many towns which make up Johnson County. Fairway is a rather popular area, even though the land area is only one square mile. What makes it so desireable is the charm and the location. The much over used phrase, "Location, Location, Location", is so true when you are talking about Fairway.
For such a small town the homes continue to look sharp and fresh. The old and the new meet...the result is stunning. This home is an example of an attractive remodeled home in Fairway. Gourmet Kitchen, bricked Sun Room, spacious Family room with windows across the back, plus picturesque landscaping that provides beauty and privacy.
TheAllen Memorial Fountain is located almost in the center Country Club Plaza (Kansas City) on Nicholas Road. My daughter and I were out strolling (ok, we were not strolling as it was too cold...we were walking rather quickly), on our way to Starbuck's for a hot cup of coffee when we went by this fountain. In the warmer months I have seen it with the water trickling down on the child but today there, of course, was no water. So, what I saw was the detail work of the statues. How beautiful.
We are very fortunate to have so many such lovely works of art here in Kansas City. I hope you have an opportunity to make a trip to Kansas City...and the Country Club Plaza.
P.S. Out of all the people you know...think for a second...who is the next person who will be buying, selling, or investing in real estate? I would love to be able to help them.
Here is a lovely home which is a not too far from UMKC and the Country Club Plaza. It is a center hallway two story with three bedrooms. What makes these bedrooms special is that two of them have their own sitting/sun room.
The hardwood floors, wood trim, and crown molding gives this home charm and character. It has been remodeled and is ready to be moved into.
P.S. Out of all the people you know...think for a second...who is the next person who will be buying, selling, or investing in real estate? I would love to be able to help them.
I would like to introduce you to Downtown Overland Park. It has been said in our local papers that Downtown Overland Park is the "heart and soul" of Johnson County. It is a place were people come together for festivals, parades, celebrations, and bi-weekly Farmers Market days. It is a welcoming, friendly, and safe place.
In the 1990's the downtown area was struggling. Many of the shops sat empty. We are seeing a change for the better. As you drive or walk along Santa Fe Drive you get that "main street" feeling; clocktower, quaint shops, and inviting restaurants line Santa Fe Drive.
My favorite time to stroll around downtown Overland Park is on any given Saturday morning between April and October. Why is that you ask? Music at the Clocktower Plaza, food vendors, families with strollers, and the wide variety of farmers all coming together at the Farmers Market.
Just a short walk south of the Clocktower is Santa Fe Commons Park. The end of September is a fun time to visit this park...Overland Park Fall Festival. Local artist, craft booths, a variety of foods (love the aroma of outdoor cooking), and a parade for the children. Life is good.
Each month Home Access Progam puts out a news letter, HOME ACCESS CHRONICLE. In this newsletter are articles of interest for those with disablities, featured products, fun facts, and a featured Realtor. I am so honored to be this month's featured Realtor.
For the article they wanted me to talk about my working with people who have disabilities:
If you ask me why it is that I am so impassioned about working with individuals and/or families with special needs I would answer in one word, "David". My best friend and husband, David, has been in a wheelchair since 1988 when a blood clot in his spin left him paralyzed. We met and became fast friends in 1998 then married in 2000. Over the past nine years we have done much work on our house...not only to update it but to make it a more workable home for David.
When you stop and look at all the homes available finding a home that is universally-designed for wheelchair accessibility can be very difficult. As life would have it, more and more of my clients are individuals or families who have special needs. So now I specialize in working with individuals and families when finding an accessible home, making recommendations on modifications, acting as a liaison with builders, or selling your current home.
Home Access Program is a wonderful resource site. Please take a minute to check it out.
Every so often I have the need to get in the car and take a day trip. About an hour down the road from us is Atchison, Kansas; located in northeast Kansas in the hills along the Missouri river. It is a charming, picturesque, small town. Atchison is the birth place and childhood hometown of Amelia Earhart.
I choose to go to Atchison not for the history or charm of the town rather to shop at Nell Hill's, a home emporium. Opened in 1990 in an old bank building, Nell Hill's is a different shop each time you visit. In a nutshell, Nell Hill's is a place to find unique and attractive decorations and furnishings for your home at reasonable prices. I have found it best to go there with no expectations and wanting nothing. Then after mulling around for a bit of time you walk out with some really fun stuff. Now mind you, I am NOT a shopper. Actually my shopping is usually done online. It is a rare occasion to find me in a mall or department store. This being said, Nell Hill's is really not shopping. It is like rummaging through your mother or grandmother's attic.
After the new finds are paid for and bagged up, it is time for a bite to eat. A short walk from Nell Hill's is the cutest bakery and café, Marigold. The soup and sandwiches are always delightful but the absolute must when you go to Marigold Bakery & Cafe is the carrot cake...yum!
So, if you have nothing to do....take a day trip. You might be surprise what you find.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
I would like to introduce you to 
Each month Home Access Progam puts out a news letter, 
;)
;)
