You might be worried we’re heading for a housing crash, but there are many reasons why this housing market isn’t like the one we saw in 2008. One of which is how lending standards are different today. Here’s a look at the data to help prove it. Every month, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) releases the Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI). According to their website:“The MCAI provides the only standardized quantitative index that is solely focused on mortgage credit. The MCAI is . . . a summary measure which indicates the availability of mortgage credit at a point in time.”Basically, the index determines how easy it is to get a mortgage. Take a look at the graph below of the MCAI since they started keeping track of this data in 2004. It shows how lending standards have change... 07/16/2023

I am now retiring.  Please contact my son, Kirk Short, Broker: 316-371-4668Kirk runs a team of 6 agents plus 3 staff and handles the Wichita, KS MSA for real estate sales and listings.  Kirk's team rates in the top 3% of sales in the South Kansas real estate market. 06/29/2023

Welcome to this spacious 2,272-square-foot office building! It's an ideal space for any business with five offices, a breakroom, a conference room, a high-traffic area, two bathrooms, central air, heating, and security cameras. The modern design creates a professional atmosphere, while windows fill the offices with natural light. The breakroom is perfect for meals, and the conference room is for important meetings. Central air and heating ensure year-round comfort and security cameras provide peace of mind. Take advantage of this remarkable office space!                                                       Office For Sale (Click Here) 05/30/2023

Introduction: Nestled in the heartland of the United States, Lindborg, Kansas 67456, is a small town that exemplifies the charm and warmth of rural America. With its rich history, close-knit community, and picturesque landscapes, Lindborg offers a unique experience for visitors and residents alike. This blog post will look closely at Lindborg, exploring its history, attractions, and why it is worth visiting.A Brief History: Lindborg traces its roots back to the late 19th century when Swedish immigrants settled there. The town was founded in 1869 and named after its first postmaster, Olof Lindborg. These Swedish pioneers brought their traditions, culture, and strong work ethic that shaped the town's identity. Lindborg retains its Swedish heritage, as evidenced by its festivals, events, a... 05/10/2023

Nestled amidst the rolling plains of Kansas, the charming town of Abilene beckons travelers with its rich history, warm hospitality, and captivating small-town ambiance. With its zip code 67410, Abilene holds a unique place in the heartland of America. In this blog, we invite you to explore the hidden gems and timeless allure of Abilene, Kansas 67410, and discover why this historic town deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.      A Glimpse of Abilene, Kansas 67410: Situated in Dickinson County, Abilene is a vibrant town with around 6,000 residents. Despite its modest size, Abilene is a hub of history, culture, and authentic Midwestern charm. The zip code 67410 symbolizes Abilene's identity and encompasses the rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be unraveled.      The Eisenhowe... 05/08/2023

Nestled in the heart of the United States, away from the bustling cities and crowded tourist destinations, lies a hidden gem that often goes unnoticed by travelers. Gypsum, Kansas, with its serene landscapes, friendly community, and rich history, offers a unique experience for those seeking a tranquil escape. This blog will take you on a virtual journey through Gypsum, Kansas, and explore what makes this small town in the 67448-zip code so unique.     A Snapshot of Gypsum, Kansas 67448: Gypsum, Kansas, is a small town in Saline County, in the central part of the state. With a population of approximately 400 residents, Gypsum exudes a charming small-town vibe that immediately captures the hearts of visitors. The town's zip code, 67448, is not just a random number but a symbol of the com... 05/08/2023

Selling your home can be an emotional roller coaster ride, leaving you overwhelmed and stressed. But with some guidance and preparation, selling your home in Salina, Kansas, can be a smooth and successful journey. Here's everything you need to know about selling your home in Salina, from timing your sale to closing the deal.Timing is Everything The timing of your home sale is crucial. Before you put your home on the market, take the time to understand the local real estate market and determine the best time to sell. Salina has a robust real estate market with a relatively low inventory of homes for sale. However, the timing of your sale will depend on various factors, such as the demand for homes in your area and the time of year. Spring and summer are typically the busiest times for ho... 05/03/2023

Salina, Kansas, is a small city located in the heart of the Great Plains, in the central part of the United States. Its zip code, 67401, serves as a symbol of its identity and a reminder of its unique character. With a population of around 50,000 people, Salina is one of the larger cities in the area, and it offers a diverse array of activities and attractions for residents and visitors alike.One of the most notable features of Salina is its historic downtown district. The area is home to various shops, restaurants, other businesses, museums, and cultural institutions. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the downtown area, which includes numerous buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Another popular destination in Salina is the Smoky Hill River Festiva... 04/24/2023

Air frying is a great way to cook wings because it produces crispy, golden-brown skin without deep frying. Here are some steps to follow for the best results: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Pat dry your wings with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the skin get crispy. Season the wings with your desired seasoning or marinade. You can flavor the wings with a dry rub, spices, or sauce. Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other. You may need to cook them in batches. Cook the wings for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the wings and the model of your air fryer. Check the internal temperature of the wings with a meat thermometer... 04/17/2023

  Building equity: When you pay rent, you're essentially paying for someone else's investment in the property. When you buy a home, you invest in your property and build equity with every payment you make. Purchasing a home can be a smart financial move since property values generally increase over time, making it a potentially lucrative investment. Predictable housing costs: Rent payments can increase year over year, making it challenging to budget and plan for the future. When you buy a home with a fixed-rate mortgage, you can lock in your monthly housing costs, making it easier to prepare for the future and budget accordingly. Control over your living space: When you rent, you are limited in how much you can customize your living space. You may not be allowed to paint walls, install ... 04/08/2023

We’re still in a sellers’ market. And if you’re looking to buy a home, that means you’re likely facing some unique challenges, like difficulty finding a home and volatile mortgage rates. But keep in mind, there are some benefits to being a buyer in today’s market that give you good reason to stick with your search. Here are a few of them.Long-Term Benefits Outweigh Short-Term ChallengesOwning a home grows your net worth – and since building that wealth takes time, it makes sense to start as soon as you can. If you wait to buy and keep renting, you’ll miss out on those monthly housing payments going toward your home equity. Freddie Mac puts it this way: “Homeownership not only builds a sense of pride and accomplishment, but it’s also an important step toward achieving long-term financial... 04/08/2023

There have been a lot of shifts in the housing market recently. Mortgage rates rose dramatically last year, impacting many people’s ability to buy a home. And after several years of rapid price appreciation, home prices finally peaked last summer. These changes led to a rise in headlines saying prices would end up crashing.Even though we’re no longer seeing the buyer frenzy that drove home values up during the pandemic, prices have been relatively flat at the national level. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), doesn’t expect that to change: “[H]ome prices will be steady in most parts of the country with a minor change in the national median home price.” You might think sellers would have to lower prices to attract buyers in today’s market, and th... 04/08/2023

Using a real estate agent to sell your home can provide several benefits, including: Expertise: Real estate agents are experts in the home selling process. They can guide pricing, marketing, and negotiating the sale of your home. Their experience can be invaluable in helping you navigate the complexities of the real estate market. Market knowledge: Real estate agents have access to a wealth of information about the local real estate market, including recent sales, market trends, and pricing data. This can help you price your home competitively and attract the right buyers. Marketing: Real estate agents have the resources and expertise to market your home effectively. They can use a variety of channels, including online listings, social media, and open houses, to attract potential buyers... 03/26/2023

Setting up a multigenerational home in Salina, KS, requires careful planning and consideration to ensure the comfort and privacy of all family members. Here are some steps to help you get started Determine the Needs of Each Family Member: Start by having a conversation with each family member to determine their needs and preferences. Consider factors like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms needed, accessibility requirements, and privacy concerns. Choose the Right Property: Look for a property that can accommodate the needs of all family members. Ideally, the home should have separate living areas or a separate entrance for the elderly or disabled family members. It's also important to consider the location of the property in relation to schools, shopping centers, and medical facilitie... 03/21/2023

A lot has changed over the past year, and you might be wondering what’s in store for the spring housing market. If you’re planning to sell your house this season, here’s what real estate experts are saying you should keep in mind.1. Houses That Are Priced Right Are Still SellingHouses that are updated and priced at their current market value are still selling. Jeff Tucker, Senior Economist at Zillow, says:“. . . sellers who price and market their home competitively shouldn’t have a problem finding a buyer.”The need to price your house right is so important today because the market has changed so much over the past year. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, explains:“With a smaller pool of buyers today and more competition from other homes on the market, homesellers will likely... 03/20/2023

  Set clear goals: Identity what you want to accomplish by getting organized. Do you want to declutter your home, streamline your work process, or manage your time more effectively? Having clear goals will help you stay focused and motivated. Prioritize: Once you have identified your goals, prioritize what needs to be done first. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure that you make progress. Make a plan: Create a plan of action to achieve your goals. Break down each goal into smaller, actionable steps that you can work on over time. Start small: Start with a small, manageable task to build momentum. This could be something as simple as clearing off your desk or organizing your closet. Small wins will help you feel motivated and encouraged to continue. Set a schedule: Sc... 03/19/2023

Security: Homeownership provides a sense of security and stability. You have control over your living space and can make it your own without worrying about rent increases or lease expirations.Investment: A home can be a good long-term investment, as property values tend to appreciate over time. When you own a home, you have an asset that can potentially increase in value and provide a return on your investment.Pride of ownership: Owning a home gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment. You can make improvements and renovations to your home, making it your own and reflecting your personal style.Tax benefits: Homeownership can provide certain tax benefits, such as deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes.Predictable expenses: When you own a home, you have a better idea of w... 03/14/2023

 Keeping your credit in good order when purchasing a home is vital for several reasons: Better Interest Rates: Having a good credit score can help you get approved for a mortgage and can also help you get a lower interest rate on your loan. A lower interest rate can mean lower monthly payments and the overall cost of the loan. More Loan Options: With good credit, you may be eligible for a broader range of mortgage loan options, including those with lower down payment requirements or more flexible terms. This can give you more options and help you find a loan that fits your needs. Faster Approval Process: When you have good credit, the mortgage approval process may go more smoothly and quickly. Lenders may be more willing to work with you and require less documentation if they feel confi... 03/13/2023

Real Estate sales are always a big topic of interest and for 10 + years homes sales had been increasing steadily but ever since the pandemic sales have gone to another level. With 2022 in the books, it is a good time to look back at last years home sales.Find Your Johnson County Dream Home HereHampton Place has always been a great place to live and even after interest rates started to rise last fall, the sales in Hampton Place remained strong. While the total number of homes SOLD in 2022 was substantially less that 2021 (20 vs 36) it wasn't due to lack of interest but a lack of willing sellers. The average sales price rose almost 5% and on average SOLD in 5 days or less. Hampton Place also smashed the previous record with a $660,000 home sale.As we start 2023, sales have remained strong... 03/10/2023

It’s no secret that setting goals are the key to success in any area of life. But how do you set goals that are realistic and achievable? And once you’ve set your goals, how do you ensure you achieve them?Here are the five best ways to make your goals a reality: Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals Write your goals down Create a plan of action Set reminders Hold yourself accountable  Define your goals It’s essential to establish clear and specific goals to attain them. When defining your goals, you should ensure they are measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. You should also note what it will mean to you personally and professionally when you reach your goals. If your plans are challenging to quantify and measure, establishing a timeline to get... 02/24/2023