pickett property group: New Listing in Merriam, KS...A Must See at $119,000!! - 02/21/12 04:30 AM
New Listing in Merriam, KS...A Must See at $119,000!   Don't miss this one!!  Priced to move...$119,000!! Priced at $119,000 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2   Garage: 2 Lot Size: 23,255 sq.ft.   County: Johnson Property Type: Single Family Home   Year Built: 1967 MLS Number: 1765840   Call 913-787-1870 24hr to schedule an immediate showing. JUST CAME ON THE MARKET! Come see for yourself! Call Brett Pickett at 913/787-1870 with ANY questions. Drop in and see this great home, get information on all the other homes available in the area and get home buyer help from a local professional. This one … (1 comments)

pickett property group: Ready, Set, SELL! Reasons to List Your House NOW. - 01/04/12 07:59 AM
Ready, Set, SELL! Reasons to List Your House NOW.     We hear it all the time."We're going to wait to list our house in Spring.""There's not as many people looking to buy right now, so we'll wait a few more months."Nooooo!  Don't wait!  The time is NOW and let me break it down for you:1.  Serious Buyers:  There may be fewer of them, but the ones that are out there are very serious about making a purchase...they are there to buy.2.  Less Competition:  The current inventory of homes for sale in the KC area is at a 5 year low.  Because there are … (1 comments)

pickett property group: February 2011 Market Snapshot - 02/14/11 07:40 AM
Though we are only 2 months into the new year, signs are peeking everywhere that consumers are feeling better: an increase in the food & services industry indicate we're eating out more, vacations are on the rise due to an 8% increase in the travel industry, and believe it or not, household net worths are increasing thanks to a strong stock market and the focus on shrinking personal debt.  What does this mean for the housing industry?  For now, buyers can benefit from historically favorable buying conditions and sellers can enjoy increased stability in the market.
We are still seeing an … (0 comments)

pickett property group: Things to Do in KC This Weekend: Last Call...Plaza Lights!! - 01/14/11 04:16 AM

It's that time of year again!  The Plaza lights will be turned off Sunday to officially signal the end of another holiday season.  Head down there this weekend and take in their beauty one last time...at least until November 2011, when you can see them come on all over again!
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pickett property group: Things to Do in KC (Part 2): Anything and Everything Halloween - 10/29/10 01:07 AM

Here it is, folks!  Your 2010 Kansas City Halloween Guide:
 
FREE Scary Face Pancakes October 29 at IHOP Restaurants across the Metro. Children 12 and under enjoy a FREE Scary Face Pancakes at IHOP. One per child, dine-in only. www.ihop.com/oct2010.html
 
 
Face It October 29 from 1-3:00 PM at Gregg/Klice Community Center. Halloween fun for all ages. Have a fun-filled time playing games, make a fun mask and receive a treat bag. 816.513.0651 www.kcmo.org/parks
 
Friday Fright Night October 29 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Oak Grove Park, 76th and N. Troost in Gladstone, MO. There is no charge for … (0 comments)

pickett property group: Did You Know...? - 10/28/10 03:56 PM
...The aging Baby Boom generation will produce approximately 35 million more elderly residents by 2030. Some of America's towns and cities are started to prepare accordingly. For example, Cobb County, Georgia created the nation's first "residential senior living zoning district". Many communities are developing building standards for seniors. Others are enlarging street signs, upgrading traffic lights, and revisiting street and sidewalk design.
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pickett property group: 2009-2010 Kansas Assessments: Johnson County High Schools - 10/28/10 08:14 AM
If you're considering a move to Johnson County in Kansas and were wondering about the education system, here is one more source to help you out. Students participate in the Kansas Assessments Program each year to measure academic progress.  Those interested in USD 232 should take special note:  Both High Schools (DeSoto and Mill Valley) scored at 95% or higher in all 3 categories.  Below is a chart highlighting the Kansas Assessments for Johnson County High Schools:
 

 
How do high schools compare in Johnson County?
 
2009-10 Kansas Assessments: Johnson County High Schools
 
Percentage of students meeting or exceeding state standards.
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pickett property group: Making the Grade? See a Report Card on your Kansas School/District - 10/28/10 07:41 AM

If you're considering a move to Johnson County in Kansas and were wondering about the education system, here is one little source to help you out.  Students participate in the Kansas Assessments Program each year to measure academic progress. The challenge of the No Child Left Behind legislation is the continuous raising of the achievement bar so that all students are proficient.
The report cards are very detailed and provide data for each grade level participating in the assessments. The links below take you directly to each report, which is provided by the Kansas State Department of Education.
REPORT CARDS
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pickett property group: USD 232 Leads Johnson County, KS in Graduation Rate - 10/28/10 07:20 AM
If you're considering a move to Johnson County in Kansas, especially Western Shawnee, and were wondering about the education system, here is one little source to help you out.  The Kansas State Department of Education measures graduation rates for every school district. This information is released annually on each district's report card. Below is the 2009-10 graduation rate for USD #232, Blue Valley, Olathe, Shawnee Mission, Gardner-Edgerton, and Spring Hill.

Class of 2010
De Soto USD 232 = 97.6%
Blue Valley = 97.4%
Spring Hill = 95.7%
Olathe = 94.8%
Shawnee Mission = 92.1%
Gardner-Edgerton = 91.2%
When you're ready … (0 comments)

pickett property group: Things to Do in KC This Weekend (Part 1): Trunk or Treat - 10/28/10 06:38 AM
Nothing screams Halloween more than trick-or-treating.  The time honored tradition of dressing up in your favorite costume and trolling door-to-door for one sugary snack after another can be experienced in neighborhoods across the country this Sunday.  But if you happen to live in a neighborhood that lacks the "house light on" signal or if you'd like a little practice before the big day, there are plenty of "Trunk or Treat" activities throughout the Metro KC area.
 
What is "Trunk or Treat" you ask?  Simply put, it's trick or treating from car to car in a parking lot.  However, many organizations … (0 comments)

pickett property group: Just Reduced!! Great Condo Near Downtown KC, Crown Center, & Hallmark only $208,000!! - 10/26/10 03:48 AM
Battery Loft Condo only $208,000!!!

Live in a piece of history, the Triangle Battery Building...once the heart of Kansas City's automotive district. Built in 1920, this terra-cotta/tapestry brick building now features 12 meticulously remodeled two bedroom lofts...and this Battery Loft can be yours!!

True urban living with all the amenities!! This beautiful 2 bedroom Condo also includes 2 deeded secure parking spaces and a tax abatement for 20 more years. Enjoy the rooftop deck with an incredible view of the Kansas City skyline...perfect for entertaining friends and family. Located right behind the popular Filling Station Coffee Shop.
 
Features … (2 comments)

pickett property group: Now's the time to start weather-proofing your home - 10/25/10 02:27 PM
It's that time of year...time to do a little upkeep on your home to make it more efficient through those cold winter months.  A well-sealed, well-insulated home is an energy-efficient home. Using the right energy saving products to insulate your attic and seal gaps and cracks in your home will help reduce your home heating and cooling costs by up to $220 a year. Here are some energy saving ideas to help you save money year-round.
Insulate your attic.  Up to 65% of homes in the United States are under-insulated.  Adding insulation or making sure your coverage is adequate will cut drafts and … (3 comments)

pickett property group: Market Stats for Grey Oaks in Shawnee, KS - 10/25/10 07:19 AM
 
 
Things are slowing a bit at Grey Oaks in Shawnee, KS...but that's not too unusual considering the time of year.   If you're looking to be a part of this great neighborhood though, there's still a few to choose from. Grey Oaks has 5 active homes listed for sale ranging in price from $319,995 to $370,000, four to five bedroom floorplans for the picking.  In the past 90 days, however, 2 homes are currently under contract and only 1 sold at $289,500.  In this area especially, if the home is priced effectively, it will sell...and sell rapidly!! 
 
If you … (0 comments)

pickett property group: Did You Know... - 10/14/10 04:08 PM
...that the real estate board game Monopoly was invented in 1934 by Charles B. Darrow? His first version of the game was rejected by Parker Brothers due to design flaws. After Darrow sold 5,000 handmade sets of the game to a Philadelphia department store, Parker Brothers agreed to sell the game. Since then, over 200 million Monopoly games have been sold worldwide.
 
Who knew?  :)
(6 comments)

pickett property group: Recycle Your Blues: Gap + You = Home Insulation - 10/12/10 04:57 AM
Need a reason to get rid of those old jeans you no longer wear?  Instead of throwing them away, turn them into sustainable and eco-friendly housing insulation and save a little dough for yourself in the process!

From now until October 20th, take advantage of the Gap's Recycle Your Blues campaign.  Simply bring in your old, ripped, tight, out of style jeans (any brand) and receive 30% off a new pair of Gap jeans.  And to sweeten the deal even more, "like" the Gap on Facebook and save an additional 10%!  The recycled denim will be transformed into UltraTouch Natural … (0 comments)

pickett property group: Making a Great First Impression: Top 10 to Staging Your Home to Sell - 10/11/10 08:23 AM

Studies have shown that it takes about a twentieth of a second for Web surfers to make a decision about a site (so I may have lost some of you already) and only about seven seconds to make a good first impression in person.  Believe it or not, this includes homes too!
 
Within seconds after entering a home, potential homebuyers are already deciding whether or not they want to buy your home.  Your goal is to create an inviting, beautiful, spacious atmosphere that will create that emotional "I want to make an offer" trigger.  How do you do that?  Simple...through staging.
 
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pickett property group: The Country Club Plaza lifestyle for only $145,000! - 10/07/10 09:22 AM
Enjoy the holidays Plaza-style from the comforts of this immaculate West Plaza bungalow!  Move-in ready, yet loaded with charm.
A Must-See at $145,000!!!
 

 
 
 

This 2-bedroom home features wood floors, crown molding, a claw foot tub, high ceilings, designer colors, custom blinds and more!  Full basement and large pantry add tons of storage options and the back sun room makes a perfect office or breakfast nook.

 
This house also boasts a private backyard, alarm system, automatic garage door, dishwasher, central A/C, and new 200 amp electric panel.  Conveniently located within walking distance of The … (1 comments)

pickett property group: Curb Appeal: Plant a Tree - 10/06/10 09:16 AM

When considering curb appeal, most people instantly think of removing shrubs and trees.  However, when planted correctly and strategically, trees and shrubs can not only make your home more attractive, they may even save you money in the long run. 
And what better time to plant those trees and shrubs than now!  Fall is the best time to plant because the moisture levels and soil temperatures provide the perfect conditions for roots to grow deeply and establish a good foundation before the winter freeze.
Here's How:
1. Select a tree that fits your yard as well as your needs. Consider its … (3 comments)

pickett property group: New Feature! Did You Know.... - 10/05/10 01:06 PM
 
Thanks to the millions of apps and widgets out there, I have managed to build my iGoogle page to quite the source of useful, and useless, information.  Fortunately, some of the little tidbits that my eyes span daily actually make me stop and ponder.  So...in the spirit of good fun and entertainment...I thought I would start a new blog segment (never fear; it won't be a daily thing) and enlighten you to some of the wisdom the Real Estate market has to share.
 
Here we go...
 
Did you know...
...Homebuilders, mortgage bankers, real estate agents, and homebuyers do … (0 comments)

pickett property group: USD 232 Sees an Increase in Student Enrollment - 10/05/10 06:57 AM
According to official numbers released by USD 232, enrollment for the 2010-2011 school year increased by 174 students in grades K-12...a jump of 165 students at the secondary level and 9 at the elementary level.  Overall headcount jumped to a total of 6700 students.  Most believe the increase is due to continued growth in the district.  New programs exist at the high school levels now including more advanced placement courses, an expanded broadcast journalism program, and honors archealogy.  And with the slow increase in new home construction as well as the addition of new businesses, the district is sure to see more growth in … (0 comments)

 
Brett Pickett (Keller Williams - Pickett Property Group)

Brett Pickett

Prairie Village, KS

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Keller Williams - Pickett Property Group

Office: (913) 825-7577

Mobile: (913) 787-1870

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