Showings normally decline before Thanksgiving, remaining low during the holidays. Then we usually see a surge of activity as Spring hits. 
This year we saw a big increase in the number of home showings right after Christmas week.
Why? Well, in Kansas City, we get some snow and cold weather so people would rather stay inside and look for homes on the internet than get out in the weather to see homes in person. I think this is probably true of all 4 season climates. People who view homes for sale in Kansas City during snowstorms are deadly serious about buying a home soon; they are not the looky-loos we see in the summer.
Home showing activity had quadrupled or better in many Kansas City areas before the blizzard hit us last Tuesday. We are finally getting the snow under control but may be getting more snow tomorrow. (We'll see.) Now that the storm has passed, showings are back up and climbing. 
Day 1 of the 2011 Blizzard in Kansas City is pictured to the right. Visibility was IFR only for several days. The airport was actually closed for a while. Schools closed. Many businesses closed Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Thursday. All of my buyer appointments were canceled.
Friday, things got back to normal for the most part. My sellers were able to resume preparations for bringing their homes on the market. Workers were able to deliver windows and resume other work on homes in Kansas City.
Contract negotiations already underway were not affected. Mortgage loan processing, underwriting and title work went on almost as normal. Appraisals for my listings were done but I understand that some appraisals were delayed.
Here are the numbers that reference the line chart in the top photo. As you can see, there are hundreds of buyers out looking for homes to buy. If you are thinking about waiting for Spring to list your home, you may want to consider the increased competition you will have once Spring arrives and everyone else who's been waiting also puts their home on the market.
The average home price in Kansas City is running between $160,000 and $180,000, depending on how you run your comparison.
The highest price paid for a home sold in the Kansas City area in 2010 was $2,650,000 (in Mission Hills KS).
The lowest price paid for a home sold in the Kansas City Metro in 2010 was ONE dollar!
Here are some Real Estate Market Reports for Kansas City. If you need to know what your home is worth, call 816.560.3758.c to request an evaluation. You can see what homes around you have recently sold for by clicking the link and entering your address.
ARMOUR HILLS 2010 REPORT FAIRWAY KS 2010 REPORT
WING & STEEN'S PLACE 2010 REPORT WESTWOOD KS 2010 REPORT
ROMANELLI GARDENS 2010 REPORT WESTWOOD HILLS 2010 REPORT
MORNINGSIDE PARK 2010 REPORT LEAWOOD KS 2010 REPORT
ZIP CODE 64113 REAL ESTATE SALES 2010 64113 REAL ESTATE SALES 1996-2009 ALL KC 2009
ARMOUR HILLS GARDENS REPORT 2010 COUNTRY CLUB HEIGHTS REPORT 2010
ROCKHILL NEIGHBORHOODS 2010 COUNTRY CLUB RIDGE REPORT 2010
These are some of the neighborhoods I spend a lot of time working in and had reason to run some numbers as well as time to put the results into a blog post. Other reports will be posted as time permits. Call if you need information about your neighborhood. Below are posts with photos and info you may enjoy.
What Neighborhoods Are Around Loose Park in Kansas City?
Historic Homes of Kansas City Six Pack To Go
Country Club Plaza Kansas City Christmas Lights
Search MLS Homes For Sale Find out what homes near you sold for recently.
Need a good Realtor in Kansas City? Here, let me Google one for you. 
*All rights reserved. Information from Heartland MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This blog is for informational purposes only; please consult a licensed professional before making life altering decisions. Maria Morton, Realtor©, ABR, SRES, WHS, is a Kansas City Real Estate Agent licensed in MO & KS and affiliated with Prudential Kansas City Realty 816.410.5499.o
2011© Maria Morton *Home Showings Are Up in Kansas City*
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