Paula's Blog

Social Media | Using SM to benefit the real estate market

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:02:21 -0700

Social Media doesn't have me in a holding pattern, but a learning pattern. I'm 'getting the picture' but it's taking time because when I just get a chance to look into the practice and process, my real estate business begins to take over my life.

I wonder if the two are connected! I've learned that I can share a great deal with readers and establish a leadership role in the industry as well as with my network of clients/customers and prospects. Additional value lies in the communication with other real estate professionals.

That thought about leadership may seem arrogant, but I believe that real estate professioanls should be taking leadership in the industry and not just be fluttering from place to place wringing our hands and working without information. Information and leadership will stand us in good stead for representing our clients when they are moving toward the next step in their property ownership experience.

I know JudyAnn Lorenz, who works with social media every day (and in her sleep). I'm 'thinking' about what the possibilities are for me with both leads and relationships as she wrote in her recent post Social Media| Leads or Relationships.

Social Media | Leads or Relationship?

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Mon, 10 May 2010 15:50:56 -0700

Social Media is a growing interest of mine as I work in the recovering real estate market in the Kansas City area. I'm working with JudyAnn for much of my efforts and learning. I'm willing to put in the effort because the process makes sense.

I see real estate as a people business and that leads to a social business that can see the benefits to sellers, buyers and eventually agents/brokers from social media.

Via JudyAnn Lorenz, Virtual Assistant (Bar JD Communications):

Does your social media activity : Facebook and Twitter provide you with fresh new leads or does it build your reputation with the network of people who are already aware of you? People who know most of what you can do for them, but benefit from the information you share

A a fresh blog post

A Twitter status update

An observation on Facebook?

Anything can happen, of course, and when you use Social Media with consistency, your name and information are OUT there for the new leads to fall into when they are searching for property. But, most of the benefit from your social media activities will go to your list of prospects who recognize your name and have come to recognize you as an expert.

As your prospects and past clients/customers use their Word of Mouth skills to evangelize about your services, then the social media activity really begins to pay off. That pay-day doesn't come until after you have done your part.

I love ActiveRain, but also recommend that you run a blog outside this network. Experience speaking, you know.

Custom Built W 4 Bedrooms in Overland Park, KS

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:01:50 -0700

Think "Cameron Pond"...where you will find this tradtional style, custom built home with 2x6 wall construction. The oversized 24 deep garage (3 parking spaces) backs to greenspace. This home sits on a non-through street.

Convenient level ONE living with Master and one bedroom on the main level and a laundry room off the large master closet.

Extras:

Additional back staircase to the basement in the garage
Additional space to finish off in the lower level
Bi-level deck with bench seating.
GE Series Stainless appliance package
Anderson windows
sprinkler system
built-in cabinets in the garage
TRANE HVAC

Call me today for a showing. $325,000.

Commitment to Short Sale & Foreclosure Service

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:46:49 -0700

I've built a foundation of training and skills to be able to offer home owners information for the time that they get updside down in their property.

A blog post at KansasCityHomeRescue.net tells more about the specifics of the training and designations I have accumulated. NAR offers Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource designations because the organization has recognized the issues around the foreclosures looming in the future of real estate.

With the knowledge accumulated, I have been able to develop workshops that I conduct twice a month in the Kansas City Area for people who are looking at options when they are upside down in their home investment.

I'm also preparing a e-workbook that gives users pre-information before attending a workshop or getting more acquainted with me. It will be available at no charge from my website. We've got most it worked out and we anticipate release in the next two weeks or sooner.

Overland Park, KS - A Little Acorn idea grows into a mortgage program for starter buyers

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Sat, 05 May 2007 20:02:39 -0700

Together with Stephanie Cachero-Henry of Bank of America Mortgage and Kurt Goeser with State Farm Insurance, I will be presenting the Acorn Housing Program on May 10, 2007 at the Bank of America Building, Suite 225, 10000 College Blvd. in Overland Park, KS.

The presentation is presented from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm.

We will provide answers about buying a home for low and moderate income buyers (those with less than $54,080 household income) with lower interest rates, low or no down payment and lower closing costs.

Those who don't qualify for the program now may find out about the free budget and credit mortgage counseling program.

To register, send e-mail to PaulaWalter@remax.net or phone 913-339-0682.

I have experience with the process of the first time homebuyer seminars. Knowledge is power for the client. The Acorn Housing Program has helped people invest in their own homes for quite sometime.

According to information at the Acorn Housing web site: "AHC is governed by a diverse five-member Board of Directors. The Board is best described as a dedicated and diverse group of individuals that is committed to seeing that AHC achieves its mission". Brief bios on the AHC Board of Directors are presented at the web site along with updates on projects across the country. Acorn Housing Program http://www.acornhousing.org

Kansas City, KS -- Home looks like a little bit of sunshine

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Fri, 04 May 2007 11:53:36 -0700

Kansas City Sunshine

Location: Close to Westheight Manor

Renovated from the roof to the basement. Restored stucco exterior. Freshly painted interior and exterior. Finished hardwoods throughout. New Kitchen and baths. 1/2 bath in MBD. Replacement storm windows New HACm HWH, vinyl soffit and fascia

Information

Contact Information

Paula Walter, PhD, e-Pro Realtor

913-339-0682

Contact Reply Form

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Pricing

Asking Price: $70,000

Property Location

2302 Everest Av
Kansas City, KS 66102
View Map

Features

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Year Built: 1920

Subdivision: Other

Garage Size: Single

School District: Kansas City, Kansas

Agent Name: Paula Walter

Broker: ReMax Best Assoc.

MLS #: 1394075

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Sink Disposal

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Hardwood Floors

Basement

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow View Photo Gallery (4 Photos)

Equal Housing Opportunity

VFLYER ID: 1072095

"Hungry eyes desire greenery...."

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Tue, 01 May 2007 11:06:33 -0700

Sure, I love a salad. Especially with little green onions. Or the sprouts I can grow in a fruit jar. I will gobble any vegetable that will hold still. I like having a philodendron around to clear the air. I don't have a lot of inside plant space at present, so my collection is limited to an Anthruium, a peace lily and a wandering jew during the winter. TV programs like Victory Garden and Garden Home are favorites. Another Rainer, JudyAnn Lorenz, subscribes to Organic Gardening for her kids because of the beauty in it and the enjoyment they all get about dream planning their own greenery. She says her husband's favorite catalogs are seed and plant catalogs or the organic, safer supplies to be ordered from Gardens Alive.

We crave some green around us for our eyes. The craving is a hunger one-- hungry eyes needing something GREEN and hopeful. Green coordinates with other growing things. Green indicates production and life on the land. Come spring, I'm looking for the plants to set outside on my steps front and back. Blooming is nice, but I am drawn to the green. Or the gold of the first dandelion. Not entirely the pest of their image, Dandelions are a big part of the first spring boost for bees. Learning that gave me a different view on tolerating a few dandelions. Besides, with no dandelions to glow on baby chins how would we figure out if they like butter?

There is a deep gatherer connection that finds therapy in planting and growing green. Watching the genetic programing of that 'chip' of a seed wake up and begin to grow. We water it, we talk to it, we enjoy the fruit of our labors and we live to see another winter. We put it in pots and bring it in to survive with us. I love the midwest because of the flowering things that begin popping before the weather lets us shed the woolens. Friends who have lived at high desert locations say the severity of the winter isn't what gets them; the length of time without GREEN.. There is green therapy in the hard work of lawnmowing. Our souls crave a tree, a plant, something growing and GREEN. We can measure the progress of the days by the development of the plant. We can rejoice on a blossom if there are any. We can be just outrageously allergic to some of them. But, the good guys keep trees. The planners in crowded cities have learned to put trees in big pots on the sidewalk, have carved out pocket parks among the buildings, have made greenways of flood control areas (when there's not a flood, there is a park). Businesses know they benefit from tubs of flowers by the door. Developers put some trees in the open space before the people move in; in some areas, the purchase of new construction is finished with a gift certifcate toward trees in the yard. I love to read about successful inner city gardens on vacant lots or in apartment atriums -- answering the desire of eyes hungry for green

One acquaintance told me she sort of regretted adding new plantings to her yard as part of the sale staging. The new buyers made the property into a rental and removed everything the tenants could neglect to death. But, I think Chelly was right in the beginning and the new buyer erred in renter treatment and expectations. A property staged for the GREEN eye has influenced a potential buyer long before a door is ever opened.

We can prove the physical need for green around us; air quality, vegetative food production, living art in blossom and leaf. The rain forest, the prairie, the lawn, the garden, the house plants all help clean toxins from our air outdoors and indoors. Agriculture has kept green eating species alive in all parts of the planet.

For a wild and crazy look at the GREEN world around us, I suggest reading THE SECRET LIFE OF PLANTS. I can get radical about GREEN desires and needs for water management, xeriscaping, planting choices for best survival and care, utitlity management with trees and greenery, my impatience with people who refuse to GET it. But, today, I wanted to acknowledge that our eyes are hungry for greenery and encourage you to celebrate and fulfil that yearning with me. To paraphrase the old adage about giving a man a fish and teaching a man to fish -- if the hunger is great, then a fish must be given to get strength to learn to fish. When the hungry eyes are fulfilled, the options and issues for other facets of green living are better learned. And applied so we'll be healthier and happier.

Now, I must put on my hat and get myself down to the greenhouse before you buy all the petunias and pansies ahead of me!

Lawrence, Kansas = Clinton Lake and Canoe Ideas

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 16:32:53 -0700

Heidi has big ideas about the Canoe that she got for her Dad's birthday.

The canoe has dreams of floating on Clinton Lake near Lawrence, Kansas. Clinton Dam was built in 1971 to reduce seasonal flooding in the Wakarusa Valley. In this area, the Kaw River and Wakarusa River come together to make a rich valley. Wakarusa is a word taken from the Potawatomie language meaning "knee deep in mud." There was a severe, damaging flood in 1951. Read more about the Floods of 1951 . Clinton Lake provides safety and earth protection from flood damage and far more with the recreational opportunties and wildlife habitat for nesting bald eagles, flocks of geese and other wildlife that enjoy an undeveloped area.

Years ago, a delicious potato called the Wakarusa potato was grown in the valley. The potatoes were canned at canning factories in the area and produced up to 20,000 per acre. They didn't keep and ship well and have fallen into disuse commercially.

Besides opportunities to camp and have water recreation experiences such as the canoe trip, there is the Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum and Clinton Lake Museum 5 feature exhibits about the history of the Underground Railroad in the area, the "Border War" and the first 20 years of Clinton Lake.

You can learn mora about lake and wildlife recreation opportunities near the KC Metro area at my other blog. KC Matters

Clinton Lake is a nature and recreational opportunity that would be reasonable for you to expect to enjoy when you have your home in the KC Metro area. I am readyt to work with you to meet your real estate needs for buying or selling. Contact me for information about the Acorn Mortgage Project which is a lending possibility for low to moderate income buyers. Call me at 913-339-0682 or email me at paulawalter@remax.net

Shawnee, Kansas = Summer and a Place for Green Thumbs

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 11:45:41 -0700

When summer comes to Shawnee Kansas, the lawns start to green up and you can see people doing minature gardening in flowerbeds or containers. Hungry eyes desire greenery and the treat of a tomato or herb from a patio garden is a culinary delight.

Shawnee, with a rich pioneer heritage, has a great climate for a little backyard gardening. The temperatures are slightly lower on average while the precipitation is steady through the summer. The wind blows a little more than average which is probably contributory to the general comfort level.

Shawnee has maintained the pioneer and community character while being approached and working with the rest of Metro Kansas City.

The team works well when considering schools, work and other cultural amenities.

I am ready to work with you for your real estate needs in Shawnee, Kansas or other nearby communiities. Shawnee native, Hannah, assures you there is a lot to like about this town.

KC Metro Golf - Tiffany Greens Golf Course - Kansas City, Missouri

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:08:26 -0700

Tiffany Greens will be the location for the 2007 Women's Golf Expo on June 5th. This expo is for the Mercedes Benz of Kansas City Championship.

For your golfing enjoyment, the membership options include benefits such as family membership privileges where appropriate, advanced starting times, Club Charge Account, Practice Areas, Playing fees, Handicap, lockers, club storage and the newsletter.

Green Fees are DAILY GOLF FEES

Rates effective April 1 through October 31

(All fees include cart)

PRIME TIMES (before 3:00 p.m.)
WEEKDAY (Mon-Thu) 56.00
WEEKEND (Fri-Sun) 66.00
TWILITE TIMES (after 3:00 p.m.)
WEEKDAY (Mon-Thu) 49.00
WEEKEND (Fri-Sun) 56.00
SUPER TWILTE (after 5:00)

WEEKDAY (Mon-Thu) 41.00

WEEKEND (Fri-Sun) 46.00
SENIOR (Mon-Thur Only) 40.00 (Must be 62 years or older)

RENTAL CLUBS AVAILABLE

ALL FEES INCLUDE SALES TAX

T-Times can be reserved online at the Tiffany Greens Reservation Page. Tiffany Green Clubhouse, located at the Northlands is available for banquets with inhouse professional catering services.

There are local accommodations available at Embassy Suites Hotel and Homewood Suites Hilton

Golf is only one facet of the relaxation, regeneration and recreation opportunities in the KC Metro area. I am ready to help you with your real estate needs in the area either to buy or sell. Contact me at my website PaulaWalter.com or call 913-339-0682

KC Golf - Swopes Golf Course in Kansas City,Missouri

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:33:28 -0700

During the 1940's Swope Memorial Golf Course was home of the PGA Tour's Kansas City Open. According to the website, Swope Memboer is the only public course in the Kansas City area to have hosted a PGA Tour event.

The website information says that Swope Memorial is "the premier classic public golf course. Designed in 1934 by legendary architect A.W. Tillinghast, Swope Memorial Golf Course features rolling fairways, beautiful mature trees and small undulating greens"

There is a wide selection of membership options. The Unlimited Adult Pass includes Free greens fees at Heart of America, Hodge Park, Minor Park and Swope Memorial anytime. The rate is $995.00 ($50.00 Senior Discount (must be 60 or over) The Unlimited Family Pass includes Free Greens fees at Heart of America, Hodge Park, Minor Park and Swope Memorial anytime The rate is $1,370.00 ($50.00 Senior Discount (must be 60 or over)
Or, the Limited Junior Pass includes $6.00 Greens fees at Heart of America, Hodge Park, Minor Park and Swope Memorial anytime Monday through Friday and after 1:00 pm Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. The rate is $100.00 The Golf Rates are appealing

Non-Prime
	walk	ride
Open - 3:00pm	$23.00	$37.00
3:00pm - 6:00pm	$17.00	$31.00
6:00pm - Close	$13.00	$20.00

Juniors*	$16.00	$30.00
Seniors**	$19.00	$33.00

*Prime [Friday - Sunday & Holidays]*
	walk	ride
Open - 3:00pm	$28.00	$42.00
3:00pm - 6:00pm	$17.00	$31.00
6:00pm - Close	$13.00	$20.00

*	9 hole cart fee $7
*	Junior Rate availale to guest 17 years and younger
**	Senior Rate availale to guest 60 years and older

I am ready to help you with your real estate needs in the KC Metro area. Looking to buy? Call me or go to my website Paula Walter.com to learn about available properties or get information for your move or about financing. I am ready to list and market your property that is ready to sell.

Real Estate Investment for the KC Metro Area

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 09:54:23 -0700

I am forming new real estate partnerships to invest in affordable housing (rental [not Section 8], condo conversion, student housing and/or assisted living) projects.

This is a great opportunity to join me and my team in a passive real estate investment. I will be allowing 2-4 other partners to join me in a group LLC. Each member will have full ownership in the LLC and its assets. There's a place for working partners to earn a percentage of profits instead of cash payments for work done.

I'm using a nationally known partnetship system that is based on using new business lines of credit to invest in real estate instead of cash.

If you possess the following:

= a good credit score (>660)

= cash to invest for up to 12 months

= desire to be a PASSIVE partner

Call me at 913-339-0682 to accept this invitation or email paulawalter@remax.net Reservations are required. Thursday April 24, 2007 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

PLACE:

21 Corporate Woods - Bldg 21

10870 Benson Drive Ste 2160

Overland Park, KS 66210

Overland Park, KS - A Place to Count on

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 18:37:18 -0700

When kids live in a neighborhood where the homes belong to them and their familes, they tend to stay closer, playing in their own yard or with friends a few doors away. Apartment complexes have a different culture for kids to get around in -- strange halls to roam, new people moving in, friends being temporary, moving away just about the time they get acquainted

I've had clients tell me that their kids calmed down in school after the family bought a house. I know of one little girl beset by sleeping problems while her family was in a temporary renting situation, plus the entire family seemed more susceptible to colds and other ailments

The close quarters of apartment structures is acceptable for grown-ups who are often at work all day and can appreciate the benefits of group security. Kids touch things like other people's cars, hall decorations, mail boxes --- let your imagination run. While it is good for kids to learn to respect other people's things, it can weigh heavily on them to live in an environment of constant reminders and negative perception by the people who don't want them touching stuff or want to hear their noise

Kids thrive on the security of having something to depend on. Kids like to say, "I'm from Smalltown, Kansas." and know this is their hometown.

There are many neighborhoods in Overland Park, Shawnee, Roeland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, and Olathe which are constructed in a PUD (planned urban development) design for security and pleasant views. These arrangments give your kids a sense of community on their culdesac.

I am prepared to help you look at the homes that fit your family's needs and get your kids a place to count on. Please contact me for more information at PaulaWalter.com

If you already have one of these desirable locations, but are looking at moving to larger or smaller housing, I want to list and market your property.

Why don't we just let the landlord have those headaches?

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 13:32:08 -0700

Renting works in some circumstances, but when you are ready to commit to the community and make a home somewhere, buying your own spot on the earth becomes a fulfilling experience for you and your family.

There are some top level gains from owning your own home such as

tax savings.
Knowing that the mortgage payment will be the same helps you budget without the stress of potential rent increases.
You aren't stressed by landlords highgrading the value of the property by dodging maintenance issues to your discomfort.
Your own home is an investment and an equity for your valuation. As the market prices increase, if you choose to sell, you make money. Make this the home of your heart and you don't have to sell when the market appears to have a downturn. Your spot is still stable within the economic concept.

As a homeowner, you become more attached to the city or town. You now have a vested interest in the roads, schools, hospitals and services. You care if you can shop in your own town or if you have to shop in someone else's. Renters seldom become involved in the political life for the management of a town.

Making that commitment that I mentioned earlier stabilizes you and your family. Everyone wakes up every morning in THEIR room and kids go to THEIR school. Everyone comes home at night to THEIR place

Ever have a landlord hold it against you because you changed a lock or moved a picture. I knew a young couple who rented an apartment that had a sticker on one bedroom door intended to lead firement or other emergency personel to a child's room. When they removed the sticker, they found it covered a hole in the door. They were so determined not to lose their deposit at some future date that they preseved the sticker between sheets of waxed paper, then hung a pretty ornament over the hole in the door. When they moved out, the sticker was replaced over the hole.

There is a lot in our lives and work places where we don't have control over events, having dominion over your home is good for you and your valuation. You can see the shape of your investment and take the responsibility for making it the highest that you can.

You can read more indepth on this topic at KC Metro Real Estate Blog. Contact me today for ways you can own your "Castle." The Kansas City Metro area, particularly Overland Park has a lot to offer you in terms of desirable 'castles' and mortgages.

Sellers who do it now get to benefit as well as the buyers.

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 13:23:12 -0700

Ever wonder just what touches and small repairs you could do to have your home ready to market? Why wait till listing time or sale time to get your place spruced up. You get to enjoy the benefits and preventive maintenance is often easier and less expensive than waiting until action is necessary.

What would you like to have someone coming to your home to have as their first impression? When someone pulls into the driveway, will a rickety, paint-chipped fence catch their eye? A dead or overgrown shrub? These ase some little things that make all the difference if you should decide to sell your home. Even an appraiser notices the element of good maintenance. And when you arrive home or your guests drive in, you know there is a pleasant place waiting.

I have a package for sellers that you can learn more about curb appeal and other things you can do to maintain and possibly raise the value of your home both in terms of dollars and everyday enjoyment. Contact me today to receive your copy of the information. You can sign up for information about my seminars and services at my KCMetro Real Estate Blog

Overland Park, KS - From a Little Acorn idea a mortgage program for starters

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 08:52:05 -0700

Together with Stephanie Cachero-Henry of Bank of America Mortgage and Kurt Goeser with State Farm Insurance, I will be presenting the Acorn Housing Program on April 12, 2007 at the Bank of America Building, Suite 225, 10000 College Blvd. in Overland Park, KS.

The presentation is presented from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm.

We will provide answers about buying a hoe for low and moderate income buyers (those with less than $54,080 household income) with lower interest rates, low or no down payment and lower closing costs.

Those who don't qualify for the program now may find out about the free budget and credit mortgage counseling program.

To register, send e-mail to PaulaWalter@remax.net or phone 913-339-0682.

I have experience with the process of the first time homebuyer seminars. Knowledge is power for the client. The Acorn Housing Program has helped people invest in their own homes for quite sometime.

According to information at the Acorn Housing web site: "AHC is governed by a diverse five-member Board of Directors. The Board is best described as a dedicated and diverse group of individuals that is committed to seeing that AHC achieves its mission. Brief bios on the AHC Board of Directors are presented at the web site along with updates on projects across the country

Family Life in Olathe, Kansas -- Great Opportunity

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 14:13:13 -0700

Roeland Park and Youth Art Month

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 18:09:11 -0700

March is Youth Art Month and the focus of Roeland Park's art exhibit at the City Hall. Art work from students in the Shawnee Mission School District and most particularly the school in Roeland Park is on exhibit for public view.

During the month of March supporters of the effort to promote art education work hard to promote the arts for youth.

The Independent Committee on Arts Policy prepared a Presidential briefing paper entitled "The Nation and the Arts'. which offers statement and opinion of the benefits of art programs in our schools and our communities.

Supporters for Youth Art Month

Young people who are looking for expression of their particular art form can find ideas and suggestions for projects at the National Youth Art Month page on the Girl Power web site and the Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc or the Crayola Calendar site. .

The various communities of the KC Metro area share and rotate art exhibits as all are supportive of the arts and other cultural benefits for their communities. Roeland Park has a new art exhibit every month.

Shawnee, Kansas -- Spring Comes

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 18:02:40 -0700

The fresh spring weather is coming to the KC Metro area. Forsythia and dogwood are blooming before their leaves emerge. The redbuds are beginning to show that outrageous HOT PINK floral celebration.

The Kansas City area has a flexible, but typically pleasant climate for you to consider when you are choosing a new place to live. There is some summer heat, but it could be worse, as could the winter weather. Any negative side seems unappealing at the moment in time it is occurring. But, we find, as a rule, that KC has a pleasant, steady weather pattern that allows for lots of greenery in the summer and dramatic views in the winter.

The ample rain pattern helps keep the trees healthy throughout the year, along with being a resource for lawns and gardens that add to your mental and physical well being.

The communities that make up KC Metro make home towns near employment opportunities, the shopping and services you need and the cultural events that you want. When you are looking for your next home, there is a community and a home that will work for you. Call me today for information.

Little Heidi is a native of Shawnee, Kansas, but the lawns of KC Metro are getting more green every day. The early spring flowers are popping up among the blades of grass, like little pretty jewels for babies to gather.

The opportunity to buy a home that will work for you is wide open in KC Metro right now, whether you choose the community with character, Shawnee, the fast growing communties such as Overland Park or Olathe, historic Lenexa or newcomers Leawood and Roeland Park. Check out the listings today.

Overland Park, KS -- Acorn Housing Program

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 18:02:30 -0800

Together with Stephanie Cachero-Henry of Bank of America Mortgage and Kurt Goeser with State Farm Insurance, I will be presenting the Acorn Housing Program on March 8, 2007 at the Bank of America Building, Suite 225, 10000 College Blvd. in Overland Park, KS.

The presentation is presented from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm.

We will provide answers about buying a hoe for low and moderate income buyers (those with less than $54,080 household income) with lower interest rates, low or no down paymnet and lower closing costs.

Those who don't qualify for the program now may find out about the free budget and credit mortgage counseling program.

To register, send e-mail to PaulaWalter@remax.net or phone 913-339-0682.

I have experience with the process of the first time homebuyer seminars. Knowledge is power for the client. The Acorn Housing Program has helped people invest in their own homes for quite sometime.

KC Metro - Spring and Elections Rising in 2007 as a Team

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 11:00:15 -0800

Kansas City area voters are getting ready for spring and for the upcoming elections for the KC Metro area to be part of the past. Kansas City Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas have hearty election programs and issues. Many of the smaller cities that make up the community character of the Metro area are also selecting city government and school board members.

It is encouraging to see candidates willing to take time from their lives to run for office. Holding office in the smaller political offices interrupts a person's REAL life, REAL economics and REAL goals. It means beginning to think in government language, learn to schedule meetings, learn how to behave at those meetings, have nightmares about the things you forgot to ask about. have nightmares about going to a council meeting in your underwear. People who stand up to serve their communities deserve our respect and acknowledgement!

Public servants have to have a heart and an ear for the people. The perceptions might not be correct; they can be addressed. People working in government have to really pay attention to what they do and say all the time.

Wise watchdogs are a help to the governmental bodies where the officers, such as mayor, council members, etc. have other lives. The noisy rabble who just want to yell about their perceived losses take alot of energy, but I know of watchdog groups who are looking for ways to make things work better; assumng that there is less malice and more ignorance or confusion when mismanagement occurs. They don't mind nailing the malicious, but are not so negative as to assume malice is all they are going to find.

Roeland Park, Overland Park, Lenexa, and Olathe will each be seeing new people on the governing councils and boards. Some offices have enough competition for voting in the Primaries before the actual election day. You can learn more about candidates, voting times and polling places at Johnson County Election Office or Wyandotte County Election Office

Sellers can appreciate stable community government because this aspect adds to the appeal of their property in terms of knowing their town or city is a good place to invest in as a home or location for a business. Buyers can be reassured that their investment for business or a home and community to live in is enhanced by stable local government. Local government in which they can become involved. The real estate market benefits from having good local governments operating the communities.

Roeland Park, KS and that groovy tree logo.

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 21:47:34 -0800

If you check out the Roeland Parker, newsletter from the City of Roeland Park, KS, you can learn what is going on at the city. You can view the latest edition at Roeland Park dot net or Roeland Park Online.

Part of the Roeland Parker heading and address block is a neat, modified but obvious TREE.

Recently, I was visiting with the City Administrator at Roeland Park, John Carter. I told him I really liked that tree and wished I could link to it and/or use it in comment about Roeland Park. He graciously said "No, we can't let that go on." He explained why and it all made sense, but I do covet that little tree. Mr. Carter said the tree graphic/logo is actually ten years old and there is some conversation of updating it. That it may becoming stale and outdated. He said the branch-y body of the tree shape is also the shape of the map of Roeland Park.

I like the little tree and I hope they don't make drastic changes to it. Maybe have seasonal colors on the leaves and lights on the leaf areas at Christmas, snowflakes in winter. It is a modification already, we can admire artistic expression. If you want to see it in it's present state, you can visit the Roeland Parker at Roeland Park Online.

Roeland Park is a welcoming community with affordable housing, excellent schools and cultural opportunities that combine to make it a good place to live.

Roeland Park, KS Art Exhibits at City Hall

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 20:25:13 -0800

Roeland Park KS has an active and inspired Art Commissioner who works to arrange the rotating exhibits of art at the Roeland Park City Hall.

During February, the artiss are Jude and Harry Swartz of Lawrence, KS. Jude is exhibiting sculpture and drawing while Harry has a show of photography.

March has promise for fresh exhibits because this month is National Children's Art Month. The City Hall is anticipating self-portraits from the Shawnee Mission Schools..There are impressive murals on the school wall at the Roeland Park school.

Roeland Park's art commissioner, George Schlegal, works with the art committees of other metro communities to have some of the exhibits exchanged between and among the communities.

The communities which make up the KC Metro area have many aspects that offer fresh cultural opportunities such as ever changing art exhibits, plus sculptures from the Kansas City Art Institute placed at various locations in the cities. These elements make real estate and life in the metro area interesting and inviting because this is a good place to live.

Seymour, MO -- Source of Whispering Oaks Fine Wine

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 22:14:34 -0800

Residents of the Midwest, newcomers and natives can enjoy the fruits of a major industry -- Vineyards.

Missouri Grapes and Wine

Grape production and Wine match up with the ins and outs, the ups and downs of Missouri and the Ozarks to make successful wineries in several locations.

A fine barrel factory at Lebanon serves the area and all over the world, The Independent Stave Company. This facility is worth a visit and a look at the products kept in the barrels, plus a sample and a chance to buy some to take home.

Whispering Oaks Winery at Seymour will be adding two sparkling wines to their fine list this spring. The sparklers are ready to go, just waiting for labels. Larry and Miriam Green, plus the dandy cat are always ready to discuss matters and share wine with you. Trust me, they make a fine product!

One of the new sparklers uses their Catawba grapes, an American grape that is golden and delicious. The Greens also grow Cayuga White grapes, Vidal Blanc, Vignoles, and Norton/Cynthiana. The St. Vincent grapes, with dark, blue/black berries going to red wine, are very intriguing with a mysterious history. The Greens say that their source of the vines is Bill Toben at Gloria Winery at Mountain Grove, MO. Toben told them he found the vine in Wisconsin and brought it with him to Missouri many years ago. More varieties are being started at the Whispering Oaks Vineyard including Rougeon, Frontenac, Niagara and Traminette.

Whispering Oaks Catawba

Whispering Oaks is a fine example of the friendly, quality culture that exists in midwestern and Ozarks Business. When you buy property in the Metro KC area, you are only about 4 hrs away from this beautiful area and this delicious wine.

Whispering Oaks Winery shop is located at the end of Lucky Road. LUCKY!!! You betcha!

Wine Stomp at Whispering Oaks Winery

There is more than your mother's appointment book at DayTimer!

Paula Walter. Ph.D. e-Pro REALTOR (Realty Executives of Kansas City) — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 15:30:03 -0800

Check out Time Power! A comprehensive training program for organizing your business

Or how about the Illumiinator! An emergency light source that doesn't need batteries. Good old faithful DayTimer planners are versatile for whatever direction your needs are headed. I like the pocket/purse size that lets me plan and take notes by the month, but store my documentation with less risk of loss. Real estate appointments, contact information on its way to your computer, the little laundry list of chores to get done today all can be tracked in your DayTimer.

I had an associate early on who was a confessed documenter. She never planned breakfast, but if you had a conversation with her, she had extensive notes about your every hiccup and cough. She kept it all in spiral notebooks she called her BRAINS. She labeled each by date and LARGE PRINT "BRAINS". Trouble was, the notebooks were bulky. Even so, they seemed to escape her occasionally. There was the client who generously mailed her BRAINS back to her. Or the day she had to dart back into Target announcing she had left her BRAINS in the shopping cart.

Mostly, though, she didn't lose her brains nearly as much as some tricky agents thought she might have. When one tried to butt in on a commission, the BRAINS had the documentation

As for me, I want to jot down the addresses, phone numbers and appointment times in a format I can put in my pocket, briefcase, orpurse. The pages that aren't filled with appointments can be converted to documentation if it seems pertinent. Part of my close of business at the end of the real estate day is to expand on those doc. notes, going with my gut.

Are you a planner or a documenter? Have you seen the DayTimer Gear? The DayTimer Store, headquartered at Lehigh, Pennsylvania, claims a 1,000 ways to help you simplify your life and get organized!