What is a Twin-Home? Oh you mean a duplex? No.... - 03/31/08 07:13 PM
Very confusing, isn't it!
I've had many of those discussions.  What is the difference between a twin-home and a duplex (in Kansas)?  Both sides were built/born at the same time, so aren't they all "twins"?
A Twin Home - is 1/2 a house, basically.  You own your side, there's a shared center wall.  The legal description is different for each side of the house.  The lot line runs down the middle of the house.  You own the half of the lot your home is on.  You are responsible for the maintenance and insurance on your half of the house/lot.  You can paint your … (2 comments)

Oh No! I broke it! - 03/31/08 05:13 PM
I am having a technically deficient week so far!
I managed to break my website!! on Friday, I pointed (I thought!) my godaddy.com domain to my point2agent site.  Sounded simple, right?  Just change the nameservers and notify point2 that they were being pointed to.  did that.
Started getting suspicious after an entire weekend with no emails.  I arrived at my destination to find that my
family had been getting emails bounced back when they tried to send to me.  Panic ensued.  I imagine all of my clients had major news to impart and I must have missed thousands of prospects in those … (2 comments)

Envisioning... - 03/31/08 04:23 PM
 
We all know that buyers often have a lack of vision when ti comes to seeing ways to change a property.  Some can't look beyond the current decor and furnishings to even conceive of painting... and others immediately throw out ideas about knocking out walls. 
I know there are programs out there to help them envision new flooring, wall colors, etc.
But does anyone know a way to help a buyer envision something like.... landscaping or fencing?
I have a delightful little property that is sitting on a corner lot - you know what that means - no backyard, but plenty of … (1 comments)

I know there's a rule about this.... - 03/28/08 04:12 PM
... related to Murphy's Law or something?
Anywho.  For 3-4 weeks I've not had a lot going on except waiting on short sale offers to be accepted and the occasional showing.  Not a lot in the pipeline (not that was getting loan approval anyway!). 
So how come when I get ready to leave for a week fo vacation, it's like everyone has remembered who I am??? and Everything has decided to explode at once?
Short sale offer was rejected and reason given so we could submit a more acceptable one, so got that done and submittedpre-listing appt today for some folks who are … (3 comments)

Homebuyers who can't drink... - 03/27/08 02:07 PM
I have just obtained my youngest homebuyer ever! 
On the one hand, I want to applaud her not throwing away gallons of money in rent.  On the other, it's scary to think about the responsibility of a house at her age.  I do know her father and boyfriend and I know she'll be able to take care of it.  But I couldn't even imagine buying at that age!  
She's 19 years old. 
Guess I won't be having celebratory drinks with this closing! LOL.
What's your thoughts on the younger buyers? 
… (4 comments)

April Showers bring... Vacations! - 03/25/08 12:44 PM
Yes that's right, I'm going on Vacation! Time to go back home and see the family. 
We're talking a good ole-fashioned 16 hour car drive with 3 children. 
Sounds like fun, right? Don't you wanna join me? 
I will be available via email - my life wouldn't be complete without an internet connection! 
So if you have questions, concerns, or needs that can be addressed via email, please feel free to ask. 
 
 
For those that are currently working with me on a deal, if you  have anything you need answered immediately, please feel free to call my backup - … (1 comments)

Our Easter show! - 03/24/08 02:41 PM
We had a great Easter, hope you all did too! Here's a brief show of our kids hunt! I was very impressed, they counted their eggs by themselves this year. And we didn't lose any eggs... that I know of yet! That said, Emerson was horrified when I bit the ear off of his chocolate bunny! I think he may need counseling for that! For a recap - Em's 4 1/2 - in the beige top Jamie's 2 1/2 - in the green top And our sweet baby Amelia just turned 3 months old! … (0 comments)

Some Easter Facts... - 03/22/08 10:50 PM
 
Happy Easter, my fine feathered friends!  (and my featherless friends too)
As we settle in for egg hunts (with a 4 year old obsessed with pink eggs), lots of chocolate, and the good ole Easter ham, here's some thoughts or other useless information to file away.  Break it out tomorrow to either impress or let on that you have waaaaay too much free time to google stuff up. :)
Some Trivia for you:
Do you realize how early Easter is this year? As you may know, Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March … (1 comments)

Are Condo's Right for You? - 03/21/08 10:53 AM
 
If you simply drive Kellogg past downtown, you can't help but notice the giant LOFTS FOR SALE signs going up.  A relatively recent phenomenon to Wichita, Lofts are gaining hugely in popularity.  The one pictured here is in downtown Wichita, at Exchange Place.
 
Their similar cousins, Condo's, are also gaining ground.  The ones pictured here are townhouse style, near McArthur and West Street. There are many styles and floorplans, in many areas of town.
 
But how do YOU know if a Condo or Loft is right for you?
A condo/loft may be right for you if:
You do not want the responsibility of exterior … (2 comments)

Realism, Reality, and Real Estate - Keeping it Real! - 03/19/08 02:05 PM
I bought my first home when I was 23.  People thought I was crazy.  But it made great sense - financially and for family reasons.  I bought a typical starter home.
I LOVE helping young people get into homes!  Think of the humongous savings and investment potential from getting started in real estate so young! 
I've sold homes to people who couldn't even drink yet! 
It's wonderful! 
However, I have noticed a trend lately in what these young people want.  And I'm sure part of it is due to the last few years of easy mortgage money.  They all seem to … (0 comments)

Sedgwick County Property Valuation Tax Appeal - How To - 03/16/08 10:52 PM
It's that time again.
Sedgwick County recently mailed its tax valuation notices.  This important little piece of paper tells you what the county thinks your home could sell for as of December 31, 2007. This value is derived from the past 2 years of comparable sales in your area.  An increase in value simply means that homes like yours are selling for that percent more, not that you've made that much more in improvements.
Increasing property values are generally good for everyone! It means your property is increasing in value, so your investment is growing.  However, it does hit your pocketbook tax-wise.
From that … (0 comments)

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all my Friends! - 03/16/08 07:23 PM
I'm shocked! Did you think I'd let the holiday slip by without noticing!
But when I came upon this treat, it reminded me.  So here's a cupcake for you!  May your 2008 be filled with luck and blessed by all! 
 And if it's a new home that will bless your family, by golly, I can certainly help you there!
            I'm the lucky charm you need to get your home sold in this market!
… (0 comments)

The Current Wichita Market - 03/15/08 12:33 AM
As I sit here in my PJ's perusing the local market offerings, I thought I'd share the current stats so all my midnight oil-burners know what the market is doing right now.
Currently we have:
5258 listings on the market in our MLS Zone.
3945 are Residential properties2840 are in Sedgwick County1216 listings are Pending (Under contract) right now in our MLS Zone
1152 are Residential873 are in Sedgwick CountyIn the last 24 Hours:
76 Properties have SOLD (Closed)61 Properties have LISTED7 Have expiredI love that our MLS keeps us updated like this!  I can tell you what has happened in the last 24 hours … (0 comments)

Let's Talk about Loans... - 03/13/08 06:23 PM
With all the gloom and doom on CNN about the availability and types of loans out there, I asked my buddy Sam Lines with Legacy Bank for his skinny. 
Here's the localized scoop.
"Honestly, everyone is on a pretty level playing field...pretty much the cream of the crop for conventional. 
We still have one MI company that will insure a 100% loan, but the credit score has to be 680 or higher....and, they're not even sure how long that'll last.  Some MI companies will not go greater than 97% LTV.
With your first-timers, FHA is really going to make a strong come back.  … (0 comments)

Antiques Roadshow is coming to Wichita, KS! - 03/12/08 03:42 PM
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW ANNOUNCES
SUMMER 2008 TOUR
PBS SERIES SEEKS 80,000 HIDDEN TREASURES
ON LUCKY THIRTEENTH PRODUCTION SWING ACROSS AMERICA
BOSTON, MA, January 7, 2008 - ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, PBS's most-watched primetime series has announced its summer 2008 Tour destinations: Palm Springs, California; Dallas, Texas; Wichita, Kansas; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Hartford, Connecticut.
Programs taped in those locations will make up ROADSHOW's thirteenth broadcast season on PBS, airing in 2009.
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW's 2008 Tour features a series of local events at which top appraisers offer the public free evaluations of antiques and collectibles-revealing the often surprising history and value of these … (0 comments)

Hi-liters and Laminate Flooring... - 03/12/08 10:46 AM
Now then, I don't know how many of you might have small troublesome children... But myself, I have 3 children, but one in particular.... We'll call him Jamie (well because that's his name!). 
Jamie is 2 1/2.  Yeah, now you know where I'm going with this.   Jamie's on the Right, Emerson (4) on the left.
We have some beautiful black and white Pergo laminate tile flooring in our kitchen and dining room.  Nice stuff. 
Except Jamie got up before us this morning.  And well.  Found a hi-liter.  or four.  And now my lovely kitchen has black and HOT PINK tiles. 
And the … (9 comments)

How to help yourself and others too! - 03/10/08 04:59 AM
Most of my clients are aware that we work hard to support charitable organizations and to always give back to others.  It's good karma! 
If you're not yet a client, here's the scoop!
For every home that we (my husband and I) sell, we donate $100 of the proceeds to the charity of the seller's choice.  If you don't have a cause you care a lot about, we'll pick one for you!
Our personal choices:
Autism Society of America - Our 4 1/2 year old son is autistic and the lack of resources is shocking!
March of Dimes - 2 of our … (11 comments)

New Listing in SE Wichita! - 03/10/08 03:23 AM
Live it Up! 1120 E. Denker, Wichita, KS 67216 View Map Beautiful custom-build home in established neighborhood! Near schools, parks, and St Margaret Mary. This 5 bedroom, 3 bath home features bay windows with cedar storage window seats in 2 bedrooms, dual-sinks in both upstairs baths, exquisite finishes for lighting and faucets. Main floor laundry with lots of cabinets and built-in ironing board! Kitchen, dining, entry, and halls feature gorgeous hardwood flooring! Lots of counter space in the huge kitchen with newer appliances, vaulted ceilings, and pantry! Neutral decor throughout - ready for your touch! Basement features a huge family room … (0 comments)

Room to Roam - Brick Ranch in Cheney! - 03/10/08 02:32 AM
Well-cared for and loved, this spacious brick ranch home was built in 1971 by the seller's grandfather for the love of his life.  The home is filled with love and loving touches and ready to embrace a new family.  Enjoy countless hours visiting with friends in the sunshine-filled living room.  Create memories around the dining room table, laugh together as everyone helps in the fully applianced kitchen.  Enjoy the moments - savoring coffee in the breakfast nook and watching the bird from the porch.  Snuggle up for a good book in the cozy den. 
Cheney is about a lifestyle.  Small town … (0 comments)

My Very First Blog Post!! And My newest obsession... - 03/10/08 02:12 AM
How many Realtors does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
 Okay, so I'm not good at icebreakers!  This is my very first blog post and I am looking forward to many and an exciting and adventurous learning experience here on AR.  I just discovered the site yesterday and have probably spent 6 hours just absorbing! 
I am currently in the midst of a business revision/overhaul as I switch companies.  Part of that has been exploring technology and internet marketing.  Just starting in the process of getting our own website up and running (bear with me, I'm on a budget!), and looking … (10 comments)

 

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