Ozark Missouri - Take A Look At Our Great Community! - 01/30/10 02:31 PM
Ozark Missouri - Take A Look At Our Great Community!
 
 
When I first came to Ozark in the early 1980's, Ozark was a small community that drew me to the simpler way of life.  Located approximately 10 miles south of Springfield, I recall thinking I could find work and not have to drive too far and  still have my children in Triple A Rated schools. 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
It surprised me, coming from a larger community, there wasn't fences around the schools or locks on the school doors.
 
 Early photos of Ozark show … (4 comments)

Bob Hashbarger joins RE/MAX Solutions - Welcome Bob! - 01/29/10 08:27 PM
Bob Hashbarger joins RE/MAX Solutions!  Welcome Bob!
 
We are pleased to announce that Bob Hashbarger has joined our group of real estate agents at RE/MAX Solutions.
Bob is an award-winning Realtor who attributes his success to understanding client needs and expectations. 
Bob studied Business Administration at Indiana University and he and his wife Ann have been married for 37 years.  They have two sons.
He is a full time professional looking to improve his real estate business by utilizing the resources of RE/MAX.
Welcome Bob!  We're happy you're here!  
… (2 comments)

Springfield Builders Market Is One Of The Healthiest Markets In The US - Where Does Your Market Rank? - 01/29/10 07:24 PM
Here's some good news for Springfield Builders.  The Springfield Builders Market is one of the healthiest markets in the United States.  Where Does Your Market Rank?
Yes, with markets across the country struggling to sell, the Springfield market is starting to see new construction again. 
 Builders are hoping that 2010 will start the construction cycle on the rebound.
In a previous article about Springfield New Construction , the number of new construction homes on the market have drastically dropped. 
With lower construction costs, building a new home could be the answer to purchasing a home in the Springfield real estate market this … (4 comments)

Springfield Home Builder Association Home Show This Weekend - See You There! - 01/29/10 06:44 PM
Springfield Home Builder Association Home Show This Weekend - See You There!
Despite the slow down in Springfield residential construction, the Springfield Home Builder Association is hoping to draw a large crowd. 
 THE 2010 HBA HOME SHOW WILL INSPIRE YOU
Today through Sunday stop by the show and see all the new gadgets and great new ideas.  With approximately 225 exhibitors and more than 450 booths, I could spend hours going through the exhibition.  This year it is held in the Springfield Expo Center. 
The Springfield Home Show is a hit every year.  The weather might deter a few lookers, but … (2 comments)

There Is Movement In The Springfield Real Estate Market! - 01/29/10 03:23 PM
There Is Movement In The Springfield Real Estate Market!
Seven of the eight Springfield homes I marketed in North Valley Estates in Springfield went under contract in January. 
Price ranged from $110,000 to $149,000.  These were only a few years old, but included stamped concrete driveways, open floor plans, more square footage, with a great location. 
The highest priced one was a finished walkout basement, that recently had new carpet and paint added to it. 
Wonderful buy, now just waiting for the right home buyer.  Just down the street, new homes are being completed, with less square footage, less amenities, … (0 comments)

2010 Trends To Watch For In The Springfield Real Estate Market - 01/29/10 03:10 PM
 2010 Trends To Watch For In the Springfield Real Estate Market According to the local news homebuilders are seeing several shifts and movement to the Springfield home buying market.
As I talk with several home builders, I'm hearing that new construction is beginning to pick up. 
Phones are beginning to ring.  Builders are now starting to bid out new construction homes, along with remodel jobs. 
Along with the change, builders are being cautious of where they build and whay type of home is being offered. 
Much of the new construction is geared towards the first time home buyers, looking to take … (0 comments)

Missouri Offering Additional Incentive For Home Buyers - HOPE - 01/27/10 09:42 PM
Missouri Offering Additional Incentive For Home Buyers - HOPE We had the privilege of some unexpected advertising today.  Kristen Nelson, KY3 News in Springfield published an article about Governor Jay Nixa launching HOPE (Home Ownership Purchase Enhancement).
Click Here To See The Article The program will give home buyers in Missouri their first years property taxes paid if they purchase a home in 2010, up to $1,250.  In addition, if Missouri buyers purchase an energy efficient home, remodel the home just purchased or buy new Energy Star appliances. they could received up to $1750 from the state of Missouri.
There will be … (3 comments)

KY3 News Advertises Home Ownership Purchase Enhancement - AND ME! - 01/27/10 09:33 PM
KY3 News Advertises Home Ownership Purchase Enhancement - AND ME! We had the privilege of some unexpected advertising today.  Kristen Nelson, KY3 News in Springfield published an article about Governor Jay Nixa launching HOPE (Home Ownership Purchase Enhancement). Click Here To See The Article  
When we least expect it, great advertising becomes part of breaking news for first time home buyers or owners moving up.  Thanks KY3 News.         As a seasoned veteran in the Springfield Real Estate market, I'm always telling other agents to work on getting more listings.  This is a great example of what happens when we list. 
 
… (2 comments)

Springfield Mo Real Estate Market Report - 2009 - 01/27/10 09:59 AM
Springfield Mo Real Estate Market Report - 2009 If you are one of the homes in the Springfield Real Estate market that sold in 2009, you are one of the winners!
14241 Homes were placed on the Springfield Real Estate Market in 2009. 6061 Homes sold in the Springfield Real Estate Market in 2009. As a Springfield real estate agent, seeing these figures really hits home.  This clearly states one out of every 2.5 listings sold in 2009.  That 42% of everything that was on the market sold.
Homeowners wanting to sell their home in 2010 are facing more problems:
Rumors of higher … (0 comments)

Why Should I Price My Springfield Home Like That? I Can Always Negotiate Down Later Right??? - 01/26/10 09:08 PM
Why Should I Price My Springfield Home Like that? I Can Always Negotiate Down Later Right??? For those sellers that want to price their Springfield Real Estate higher in order to keep negotiating power, 25% of homes placed on the market in Springfield in 2009 were sold.  Here's a great testimonial from the Team Carroll Cranford , RE/MAX Classic Group.
Via:  Team Carroll Cranford:

Sellers always ask me this question....it is a tough pill to swallow sometimes when I recommend pricing their home $25,000 less than what they were hoping to ask, even though the comparable sales can justify my price. Their … (7 comments)

Springfield Mo Real Estate Market Report - December 2009 - 01/26/10 08:18 PM
Springfield Mo Real Estate Market Report - December 2009 Springfield Real Estate has it's ups and downs, but for the month of December 2009, it appears the market was up.  Compared to 2008, I feel certain the Federal tax incentive had a hand in the increase of sales.   These figures are for single family homes, excluding multi-family, patio homes and townhomes.  Although the average price is up in 2009, during the year, the average sales price was down.
414 single family homes closed in December 2009 $133,233 was the average sale price for single family homes in December 2009.  
339 single … (0 comments)

Ozark Short Sales - Elk Valley Estates - Ozark Mo Real Estate - 01/24/10 06:24 PM
Ozark Short Sales - Elk Valley Estates - Ozark Mo Real Estate Many Ozark homes start out as regular sales and end up with the sellers having wanting to "Short Sale" the home.  Working with the sellers, we determined the price of this beautiful home must be reduced.  The new price is now $140,000.
 
Nestled among towering trees, this beautiful home in Ozark is on a huge lot with loads of curb appeal.  Outdoor spaces complete the perfect package. 
Located in Elk Valley Estates, this home is priced lower than other homes currently on the market.
 This home has a … (1 comments)

Springfield Homes With Acreage - Highland Acres - Rogersville Mo Real Estate - 01/24/10 05:08 PM
 Springfield Homes With Acreage - Highland Acres - Rogersville Mo Real Estate Homes such as this wonderful brick home on 5 acres are still available in the Ozarks for under $200,000.  Rogersville Missouri is located minutes east of Springfield and is surrounded by homes with acreage.  Parts of Rogersville is located in Christian County, which requires homes to be built on 3+ acres, while homes in Greene County require 5+ acres.
This home is offered with 5 acres, located at the end of a cul-de-sac.  Need room for the RV or detached garage? You got it! 
With 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, … (4 comments)

2007 Mortgage Debt Relief Act - Extended through 2012 - Springfield Short Sales - 01/24/10 04:18 PM
2007 Mortgage Debt Relief Act - Extended through 2012 - Springfield Short Sales
 For many Springfield home owners, foreclosure or short sales still loom around the corner. The fact that the Adjustable Rate Mortgages will be ballooning in the next few years, means foreclosures and shorts sales will also continue.
If homeowners sell between now and 2012, the excess debt, if the homeowner completes a short sale, will be forgiven by the banks.......and the excess debt will not be included on their income tax as income.
The Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 generally allows taxpayers to exclude income from the discharge … (3 comments)

Springfield New Construction Homes - The Shortage Will Bring Demand! - 01/21/10 07:11 AM
Springfield New Construction Homes - The Shortage Will Bring Demand! When the housing market bubble burst, builders were left with many unfinished homes in the Springfield Real Estate market.  A large marjority of home builders quit building.  Banks tightened their lending and builders had to stop construction.
 
 
In the Springfield area, there are very few new homes......less than a 100.  We saw the shortage start in 2009.  2010 will most likely bring a demand for new homes.
The photo on the right in one of ten unfinished homes that we marketed in December 2009.  All but one home is currently under … (4 comments)

Ozark / Deerbrooke Subdivision / Upscale Patio Homes / Ozark Mo Real Estate - 01/20/10 08:07 PM
Ozark / Deerbrooke Subdivision / Upscale Patio Homes / Ozark Mo Real Estate
Deerbrooke Subdivision is a planned upscale community of all brick patio homes in Ozark. 
 Upgraded amenities include travertine flooring, granite countertops, hardwood floors, solid wood cabinets, inground sprinklers, security sustem, walk-in showers, water softener, metal railing, brick steps, mini blinds.
Home owner association includes mowing, snow removal, trash & more  Located just off Highway CC and west of Highway 65 in Ozark, live minutes south of Ozark. 
This particular patio home, with 1599 Square Feet, is now offered at $155,000.  Other homes are priced up to $204,000.  Triple A rated … (1 comments)

I COULDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA..................... FHA Raising Down Payment Requirements - 01/19/10 09:24 PM
I COULDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA ................................. FHA Raising Down Payment Requirements
Here's a repost that should be on every home buyer should consider when financing an FHA loan.
Via:  Laura Gray, RE/MAX Realty Group

First-Time Homebuyers who put "Buying a House" on the top of their New Years Resolution List need to become proactive !  We are still hearing the rumors that the Down-Payment on FHA loans will increase to FIVEpercent (5%). That increase can definitely impact a prospective home buyers purchase power.
Now add that the to the projected decrease in allowable seller contribution towards the Buyers closing costs to THREE percent (3%) from six percent … (5 comments)

How do I know if Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac has my Springfield loan???? - 01/19/10 08:44 PM
 How do I know if Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac has my  Springfield loan???? … (2 comments)

Results of NOT Winterizing Your Home - Coming Soon To A Neighborhood Near You! - 01/19/10 07:51 PM
Results Of NOT Winterizing Your Home
I recently wrote about Winter Energy Saving Tips - But these disgruntled homeowners went too far! 
We are getting ready to put this Springfield bank foreclosure on the market and found the home had been vacated, debris all over the home and the home not winterized.  When my assistant, Brian, entered the home, he heard the sounds of a waterfall......literally.  The pipes had frozen and broke. 
All the utilites were off, however, the water was not turned off on the inside of the home.  The home is on a shared well, with a large number of … (12 comments)

Who's Your Favorite Service Providers - Who Would You Recommend? - 01/17/10 06:39 PM
Who's Your Favorite Service Providers - Who Would You Recommend? Selling real estate doesn't mean we, as realtors, drive around all day, showing hundreds of great Springfield homes for sale to potential buyers or spend hours listing property.  Actually, that would be nice, if that's all we did.
Today's real estate has evolved to us having a vast amount of knowledge of other responsibilites that go along with listing and selling real estate.
  Here are a few service providers we use: Home Inspectors Radon Inspectors Well and Septic Inspectors Insurance providers Loan Officers Mold Specialists Termite Inspectors Closing Companies Home Stagers … (5 comments)

Heating Your Springfield Home Efficiently - 01/16/10 07:57 AM
Heating Your Springfield Home Efficiently This is a wondeful article published from my RE/MAX Website on how to heat your Springfield Home efficiently. 
VIA:  SpringfieldMoHouses.com
Regardless of what the weather brings this winter, heating your home efficiently is probably something on your mind. Keeping your home a comfortable temperature when the weather turns bad doesn't have to be a financial drain. Here are some places to start:
Stopping Air Leaks
The first step to making your home more heat efficient is to identify air leaks. Common air leak sources such as recessed lights, attic entrances, doorframes, window frames, ducts (which we'll … (2 comments)

Tips To Sell Your Springfield Home Fast - - 01/16/10 07:20 AM
Tips To Sell You Springfield Home Fast The Springfield Market is like all markets across the country, but I don't think our market has been hit as hard as others.  Yet, we still see many homes sitting on the market for 6 months to a year.  Here are a few tips to sell your home fast in the Springfield Real Estate Market.
1.  Location - you've always heard:  location, location, location.  Yes, this does matter.  Your home must be a a location that will appeal to homebuyers.
2.  Condition - today's market requires your home to be in tip-top shape.  No … (3 comments)

Successfully Selling Springfield MO Short Sales - Another Closed Short Sale - 01/15/10 08:56 PM
Successfully Selling Springfield Mo Short Sales - Another Closed Short Sale

Who says short sales don't close?  But we sold this home in a short period of time.
It started out as a regular sale.  In no time, we realized our listed price wasn't going to sell the home fast enough for the sellers.
As we dropped the price, more showings started occuring and we quickly obtained an offer.  Within a month, we had bank approval! 
Today's closing was a relief for the sellers......a win win situation for all.  Thanks to everyone involved, this Short Sale is now history.
 Search … (5 comments)

Tips For Selling Your Springfield, Missouri, Home in 2010 - Part 1 - 01/15/10 08:43 PM
Tips For Selling Your Springfield, Missouri, Home in 2010 - Part 1
Selling your Springfield, Missouri home in 2010 will be a challenge, especially if interest rates increase and there is no tax incentive.  Kryste Adams wrote a great post about selling homes in Bend Oregon - this also applies to homes in and around Springfield.
Via:  Kryste Adams
No Nonsense Tips for selling your Bend Oregon Home in 2009 - Part 1 Fix it and Fix it NOW!
This is a first in a series of no-nonsense posts on getting your Bend, Oregon, home SOLD in a recession.  If you're serious about selling your … (1 comments)

Should I Remove My Personal Photos Before Listing My Springfield Mo Home? - 01/14/10 07:48 PM
Should I Remove My Personal Photos Before Listing My Springfield Mo Home?  Listing and selling real estate in Springfield Missouri, Staging the home really does improve the odds of selling.   Properly placing personal photos to where they do not distract from showing the home.   Teresa Meyer is the Owner and Lead Staging Designer at Stage a Star, Cincinnati's Premiere Real Estate Staging company located in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Here is an article she wrote about personal photos.
Via:  Teresa Meyer





 



I wrote last week about how distracting personal photos can be when it comes … (8 comments)

Republic / Pinewood Acres /Updated Ranch / Mo Short Sales / Republic Homes - 01/09/10 09:34 PM
Republic Short Sale - Located in Pinewood Acres, Republic, Missouri
 
Very nice 3 bedroom home with upgraded carpeting & siding. One car garage has been enclosed for an addition family room or office. Family room has no closet, but could be a fourth bedroom. Home also includes a fenced back yard. Sale of property is contingent on Seller's bank approval of a short sale.
This is an investor's delight.  Owner would be willing to rent.
If you or someone you know owns a Springfield Mo home and are having trouble making your payments, as a homeowner there is alternatives … (5 comments)

Successfully Closing Springfield Short Sales - 01/09/10 08:32 AM
Successfully Closing Springfield Short Sales Looking back at 2009, I had no idea that Springfield short sales would end up being twenty-five percent of my business.  We successfully closed 25 Springfield short sales last year.
Twenty-five short sales is a drop in a bucket to the number of homes in the Springfield, Ozark, and Nixa area that are being foreclosed on.  So many consumers are still not aware that there are options to foreclosure.  My goal for 2010 is to double the number of successful short sale closings.
Why Do I Do Short Sales? Short sales are not for every realtor.  I … (15 comments)

Republic / Scott Acres/ Updated Brick/Perm Siding / Cul-de-sac / Republic Homes - 01/06/10 09:20 PM
Republic / Scott Acres/ Updated Brick/Perm Sidinig / Cul-de-sac / Republic Homes Quality from head to toe.  Located in a quiet cul-de-sac in Republic,  two living areas, hardwood flooring, new tile, carpeting, down to the plumbing fixtures.
This home shows pride of ownership.  Sellers are prepared to move quickly. 
 
Remodeled doesn't go far enough to accurately describe this beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bath home. $120,000.
714 S Scotts Circle, Republic
 
… (0 comments)

Do's and Don't For Greene and Christian County Missouri Short Sales - 01/03/10 03:02 PM
Do's and Don't For Greene and Christian County Missouri Short Sales If you live in Greene and Christian County, Springfield Area, you may be finding your home subject to a "Short Sale".
Sellers are eligible to sell their home as a short sale of their principal residence or investment property due to:
A mortgage adjustment or loan payment increase Separation or divorce Job loss Reduced income Excessive debt Death of a spouse or family member Severe illness Involuntary job relocation Business failure (for the small business owner) Damage to property Inheritance (for heirs receiving ownership of property) Military service Tax or … (2 comments)

Springfield Short Sale Homes and Springfield Foreclosures - Are These Still Your Best Buy? - 01/02/10 10:01 PM
Springfield Short Sale Homes and Springfield Foreclosures - Are These Still Your Best Buy? Looking back on 2009, Springfield Short Sales and foreclosures became a major part of our business.  I've never seen a real estate market that brought some many distressed home buyers to us. 
Foreclosures have been around for many years.  2009 became the year for short sales in Missouri.  I took a class to become better acquainted with short sales.  As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I was able to save at least 25 homeowners in 2009 from foreclosure.  In 2010, I believe that number will double. 
Many homeowners lost … (1 comments)

MHDC Bond Money Program Missouri Bond Loans - First Time Home Buyers Bond Loan - 01/02/10 09:02 PM
MHDC Bond Money Program Missouri Bond Loans - First Time Home Buyers Bond Loan - Springfield Mo First Time Home Buyers
Purchasing a Springfield Missouri home or houses in surrounding areas is one of the smartest moves any homebuyer can make today.  Along with the Federal Tax Incentive for first time home buyers, Darren has two loan programs that will assist first time home buyers buy a home with little or no money down.  There is no better time to buy a home.  Low interest rates, lower prices on existing homes, and great loan programs.......better than rent.
Via:  Darren Stewart, Metropolitan National Bank
Missouri … (0 comments)

RESPA Changes For 2010 - 01/01/10 08:27 PM
Title companies in the Springfield area are working to conform to the new RESPA Rules going into effect January 1, 2010. 
Great news for consumers, but be patient while the title companies work through the new changes. 
Via:  John Occhi, ePRO, Hemet-San Jacinto CA Real Estate, John wrote:
The Dawn of a New Decade brings the Dawn of Consumer Rights When Shopping for a MortgageJanuary First is typically a day when many new laws across the land become effective...and this year is no different.  The Department of Housing & Urban Development made one very important change to the Real Estate Settlement Procedures … (4 comments)

Missouri Rebates For Appliance Buyers in 2010 - #2 - Springfield Mo Real Estate - 01/01/10 07:49 PM
Missouri Rebates For Appliance Buyers in 2010 - #2 - Springfield Mo Real Estate Missouri Gas Energy is offering rebates for old appliances for Springfield Mo homes to make them more energy efficient.
As a homeowner, I'm always looking for ways to conserve energy and keep my home updated, at a low cost.
We have several electric coops that are also offering rebates.
City Utilites of Springfield are offering:
Energy Star Home Rating Rebate: $350 Green Building Rebate: $200 Central A/C: $100 per Ton and $25 for each additional SEER above 14 Air-Source Heat Pump: $100 per Ton + $25 per SEER … (0 comments)

Missouri Rebates For Appliance Buyers in 2010 - Springfield Mo Real Estate - 01/01/10 06:37 PM
Missouri Rebates For Appliance Buyers in 2010 - Springfield Mo Real Estate First time home buyers are always full of questions, but with the help of the internet, many are already more informed than they used to be. 
As we were showing property today, some of the homes had older appliances.  The buyers already knew that if they purchased an existing home, they can receive up to $1200 in rebates, under certain conditions.
Missouri Gas Energy will allow:
Tankless Water Heater: $200 Tank Water Heater: $40 Furnace: $200 Combination Furnace/Water Heater: $450 Boiler: $200 Programmable Thermostat (w/ space heating system purchase): … (0 comments)

 
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Kay Van Kampen–Springfield, Ozark, Nixa Greene County Missouri Real Estate Agent

Springfield, MO

More about me…

RE/MAX Broker, RE/MAX Solutions

Address: 1715 James River Road, Ozark, MO, 65721

Office Phone: (417) 581-7888

Cell Phone: (417) 839-4534

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The latest news according to Kay about real estate in Springfield Missouri and surrounding areas including, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard, Strafford, Highlandville, and Clever.

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