Jacqueline McCroy Elbert 's Blog

Gotta question....

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:25:34 -0700

Is it Buffini or coaching in general that has an impact on your business? Please explain.

www.SearchHomesKansasCity.com

We Love Our Bar-b-que

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 11:30:12 -0800

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.

Johnson County, Kansas Home Market Condition

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 10:47:47 -0800

Below is the market analysis report for resale homes in the Johnson County, Kansas area as reported by the Heartland MLS.

The cities which make up Johnson County, Kansas are:

De Soto
Edgerton
Gardner
Fairway
Lake Quivira
Leawood
Lenexa
Merriam
Mission
Mission Hills
Olathe
Overland Park
Prairie Village
Roeland Park
Shawnee
Spring Hill
Westwood
Westwood Hills

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.

Johnson County, Kansas New Home Market Analysis

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 10:47:02 -0800

Below is the market analysis report for new homes in the Johnson County, Kansas area as reported by the Heartland MLS.

The cities which make up Johnson County, Kansas are:

De Soto
Edgerton
Gardner
Fairway
Lake Quivira
Leawood
Lenexa
Merriam
Mission
Mission Hills
Olathe
Overland Park
Prairie Village
Roeland Park
Shawnee
Spring Hill
Westwood
Westwood Hills

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.

I Bet You Did Not Know.....

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 16:44:51 -0800

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 has Rugby. 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.

It's All About Location

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 07:00:17 -0800

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.

Another KC Fountain

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 23:36:40 -0800

The Allen 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.

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert
RE/MAX Realty Suburban
http://www.jacquelineelbert.com
http://www.realestateforspecialneeds.com

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.

Rockhill Ridge

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 23:03:20 -0800

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.

Please click here if you would like to see a tour of this home.

For more information please go to www.YouFinallyFoundIt.com/1369196

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert
RE/MAX Realty Suburban
http://www.jacquelineelbert.com
http://www.realestateforspecialneeds.com

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.

Take A Look At Downtown Overland Park, Kansas

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 21:28:34 -0800

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.

Search Homes in Kansas City if you are interested in viewing available listing.

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert
RE/MAX Realty Suburban
http://www.jacquelineelbert.com/
http://www.realestateforspecialneeds.com/

Home Access Program

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 12:38:15 -0800

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.

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert
RE/MAX Realty Suburban
http://www.jacquelineelbert.com
http://www.realestateforspecialneeds.com

Take A Day Trip

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 11:58:30 -0800

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.

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert
RE/MAX Realty Suburban
http://www.jacquelineelbert.com/
http://www.realestateforspecialneeds.com/

Please Say A Prayer

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 22:51:47 -0800

Someone very dear to my husband, David, has died...his grandmother Olivia.

She was born November 7, 1907. Her family and her faith was everything to her.

Earlier this week, when her body could no longer fight the pneumonia, a priest was called. After praying with her, he said "Your sins are forgiven". She looked up at him and said "All of them", smiled, then a short time later went into a coma.

Please say a prayer for both of them.

thank you

Please Say A Prayer

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 22:48:41 -0800

Someone very dear to my husband, David, has died...his grandmother Olivia.

She was born November 7, 1907. Her family and her faith was everything to her.

Please say a prayer for both of them.

thank you

Dining in KC

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 22:24:18 -0800

A couple years ago, my daughter and I had a "Mother-Daughter Day" with a friend of hers and her mother. In the course of the day we talked about this and that, where they had moved from, blah, blah, blah. It was a lovely day. Time spent with my daughter is always the best. But, what I came away with from the day was that after so many years of living in this fine area, I really did not know as much as I should or could know. So my quest began.

I have become determined to seek out those hidden gems. Those shops and restaurants that not a lot have gone to but really should. So, now when there is a gift giving opportunity (i.e. birthday, Christmas, etc) my family researches, finds, and takes me to a [lace I would probably not have gone.

Aixois...a neighborhood French restaurant located in the Crestwood area. The chef and owner is from Aix-en-Provence, France. It is a charming little place where you may want to stop for a coffee and croissant in the morning or a quiet glass of wine after a day of shopping.

You know Dorothy, when you venture outside your backyard there is so much to be seen.

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert
RE/MAX Realty Suburban
http://www.jacquelineelbert.com/
http://www.realestateforspecialneeds.com/

Kansas City's Union Station...a place to visit

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:44:18 -0800

Just south of downtown Kansas City is the Union Station. It was built in 1914 as a working train station. Each year tens of thousands travelers went through that station. During World WarII more than a million people utilized Union Station. Within the building were businesses such as restaurants, barber shop, cigar shop, etc.

Years past and in the 1980's Union Station sat empty. There was talk of tearing down the landmark. But in 1996 a bi-state initiative saved it from demolition. The project was completed in 1999 with an Amtrak service, shops, restaurants, Science City, the KC Rail Experience, Gottlieb Planetarium, and a theater.

So, the next time you are in Kansas City, plan a trip to the Union Station.

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert
RE/MAX Realty Suburban
http://www.jacquelineelbert.com/
http://www.realestateforspecialneeds.com/

The City of Fountains...Kansas City

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 23:46:11 -0800

Kansas City....the "City Of Fountains". Truly beautiful. As you drive north on Ward Parkway, early on a spring morning, the trees are budding and the flowers are blooming, you come upon the circle fountain at Meyer Boulevard...gorgeous!

The interest in fountains began in the late 1800s. The first fountains were practical in purpose. They were of animals like birds, horses, dogs, etc.; the fountains were for beautification of the city. It was not until the early 1900s, the development of the Country Club Plaza, by J.C. Nichols, and his use of fountains to replicate the town of Seville, Spain, when the interest in fountains exploded.

A walk thru the Country club plaza, music on the corners, with an unexpected fountain here and there. My favorite is the "Boy and The Frog" fountain found at 302 Nichols Road & Central Avenue. The fun and innocence of childhood is depicted in this fountain.

Click here for a wonderful site for the history of the Kansas City Fountains.

need a recipe...

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 18:21:00 -0800

My sweet husband, David, has been telling me about this wonderful fish, Tilapia, that a friend of our's makes. Well, after the forty-seventh time of hearing how we should make Tilapia, I purchased some, found a recipe, then served it for dinner last night. Let me tell you, the reviews were not that great.

Now I am thinking it was the recipe and not the fish that needs to be tossed. So, if you have an ever-so-delicious recipe for Tilapia please post....thanx!

The Price Of Being Positive

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 12:57:50 -0800

According to David Lereah, the National Association of Realtors chief economist, home sales will remain historically high through 2007. Lereah, "We've entered a more sustainable period of home sales now, and we expect greater support for prices over time as inventory levels are eventually drawn down."

David Jackson, an e Blogger from Maryland, says of David Lereah "Mr. Lereah tells half truths and manipulates facts and figures. He cannot be trusted as he is a paid shill." Jackson's blogspot David Lereah Watch Blog was recently mentioned in the Wall Street Journal in an article titled 'Renters Gloat Over Housing Slump'. In the article it states "Mr. Jackson has maintained a blog (davidlereahwatch.blogspot.com) devoted entirely to vilifying Mr. Lereah." Wow, all that because a guy could not purchase a property?

As it amazes me how an economist can make an across the board (or across the country) statement such as the above, I hardly think it requires a blog site to vilify the person who made the statement. So, in looking at the statistics from the Heartland MLS, sales for December, in both the new home market and the resale market, were down from the same time last year by approx. 22%. Plus, the average sale price, for that same time period comparison, went up by 4%...hhmmm...I had better get working on a site like Jacksons.(Sarcasm)

Information about Overland Park, Kansas

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 16:25:34 -0800

According to CNN's Money.com, Overland Park, Kansas was rank #6 in their 10 Great American Towns. This is a list of "places that offer big-city opportunities and amenities -- with a lot more green space and a lot less stress".

The average price of a single family home is around $250,000 with the average income of $89,792.

Living here I have always known it was a wonderful place.

www.YouFinallyFoundIt.com

Texas Pecan Pie Bars

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 12:44:57 -0800

These are the most delicious bars. My sister-in-law's sister made these for Thanksgiving and they were a hit. She found the original recipe in The Pastry Queen cookbook, by Rebecca Rather, and made some minor changes....YUM!

Crust:

3/4 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat the oven to 350. Grease a 12x17 inch jelly roll pan. Press mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes until deep golden brown. Leave the oven on.

Fillings:

4 large eggs

3 cups firmly packed brown sugar

1/4 cup bourbon

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

1 cup pecan halves

Whisk the eggs and sugar in a large bowl until blended. Stir in the bourbon, butter, vanilla, flour, and salt. Then add the coconut and pecans.

Pour the filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly. Bake until set, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool thoroughly, at least 30 minutes (FYI - these freeze beautifully for up to three months)

Metro Kansas City

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 11:48:30 -0800

Hello Referrals Only group.

My name is Jacqueline McCroy Elbert. I've been a resident in the metro Kansas City area since 1968. Prior to that my family moved about every two years...so I feel I have a good understanding of the changes and challenges that goes with relocating.

Since I live so close to the state line (literally, it is a street that devides Kansas and Missouri), I am licensed in both Kansas & Missouri (since 1990). The cities I work include: Johnson County, Shawnee Mission, Roeland Park, Mission, Prairie Village, Overland Park, Leawood, Mission Hills, Merriam, Shawnee, Lenexa, Olathe, Fairway, Westwood, and Westwood Hills

As a parent of two children, Thomas and Amelia, I have a good working knowledge of the schools. Additionally, I specialize in working with Buyers and/or Sellers with Unique Needs. Finding a home that is universally-designed for wheelchair accessibility can be very difficult. Since my husband, David, is in a wheelchair, I have firsthand knowledge how challenging it can be to find a handicap accessible home.

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert
RE/MAX Realty Suburban
913.647.7162--office
816.520.3620--cell
www.YouFinallyFoundIt.com
http://www.SpecialNeedsRealEstateAgent.com

I've Been Memed

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 17:09:58 -0800

Until receiving an email from Kay Van Kampen I had never heard of being memed. What a funny concept.

Five things to know about me.....

1. First and foremost in my life is my family.
David and I have been married for almost seven years. Thomas is a senior at Creighton University majoring in Finance and Theology. Amelia is a senior at St. Teresa's Academy and waiting each day to see which universities extend an acceptance.

2. I enjoy cooking, gardening, and cycling (outdoors...not in class. Though, I do take spin class 3-4 times a week and can honestly say if it were not for the health benefits there is no way I would put myself through that).

3. I have traveled abroad three times. The first trip was extremely difficult as David and I were on a pilgrimage and Europe is not handicap accessible. The upside of that trip was that he and I got to meet Pope John Paul II.
(note to readers: David has since cut off his long, curly locks)

4. I am the third of six children; all our names begin with the letter "J".

5. I find technology fascinating and with David's help am learning more each day.

Now my three people to be memed:

Julie Yakapovich

american first mortgage co.

Ryan Patrick

How To Make Your Site Handicap Accessible

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 07:43:52 -0800

In my last post I asked the question Is Your Site Handicap Accessible? If you are interested in making your site more handicap accessible, might I suggest 30 Days To A More Accessible Web Site

Mark Pilgrim's book Dive Into Accessibility discusses first why you should make your web site accessible to those with disabilities and then how to make it accessible.

Is Your Site Handicap Accessible?

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 07:21:02 -0800

Each December 3^rd there is an observance; International Day of Disabled Persons. E-Accessibility Day, accessibility to information technologies, is this year's theme.

WHO, the World Health Organization, estimates that there are around 600 million disabled people worldwide. This represents about 10% of the world's population. Around 80% are believed to live in developing countries. Only three out of 100 leading websites around the world meet the needs of persons with disabilities, such as the visually or manually impaired. The United Nations is working to raise awareness of the significant benefits to persons with disabilities and society when they are empowered with increased access to information technologies. Making information technologies available to persons with disabilities is not only a matter of human rights, it is good for businesses.

Studies suggest that accessible websites

appear higher up the page rankings of search engines
can save costs on web maintenance.
allows companies access to a largely untapped customer base

The UN cited the following as KEY SHORTFALLS:
93% failed to provide adequate text descriptions for graphics
73% relied on JavaScript for important functionality
78% used colors with poor contrast, causing issues for those with color blindness
98% did not follow industry web standards for the programming code
97% did not allow people to alter or resize pages
89% offered poor page navigation
87% used pop-ups causing problems for those using screen magnification software

YEAH!! FIRST SNOW OF THE YEAR!! YEAH!!

Jacqueline McCroy Elbert (RE/MAX Realty Suburban) — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 11:44:53 -0800

I Love Snow Days!!

Probably worse than any child, I look forward to seeing the name of my children's school scroll across the tv screen...School Closings...

Then there is the downside of snow days...snowy, icy walkways. If I could ask one thing of those selling their homes, please clear your driveway and walkways.