There's nothing better than a free class! The Hy-Vee located on 119th and Ridgeview now offers free nutrition classes! For more information or to get on their e-mail distribution list contact 1464dietitian@hy-vee.com. Preserving the Bounty:  A Canning and Freezing Class Saturday, June 28, 2008 10 a.m. - noonCost: $8You will learn the basics of canning and freezing and leave with a container of homemade strawberry freezer jam and a sealed pint jar of homemade salsa. Sign up and pre-pay at Customer Service.  Children aged 8 or older must have a parent accompanying them to the class. Keeping the Food You Eat SafeSaturday, July 12, 200810:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Free of chargeThis class is perfect for kids 8 and older and adults who want to brush up on the principles of food safety.  Sign up a... 05/19/2008

Oregon Trail Park in western Olathe is getting a makeover! Last week the Olathe City Council approved the plan! The $3 million dollar plan will add 2 baseball fields, reconstruction of the existing 2 fields, construction of a new concession/restroom facility, 2 new picnic shelters, new playground structures and renovation of the pond. Additional parking for 275 cars along with sidewalks and trails will also be included in the renovation. The sand volley ball area will be relocated but will remain a part of this park. Map of Oregon Train Park More information on the renovation Brad Papa is a licensed real estate agent in Kansas and Missouri and can be reached at bradleypapa@remax.net 913-526-4985 or www.papasinthehouse.com 05/13/2008

The Olathe Public Library system has plans in the works to add another branch in northwest Olathe at College and Lone Elm. In addition, the plan calls for the renovation and expansion of the two existing facilities: Indian Creek and the Downtown Branch.. And it's not a small undertaking either as this expansion could almost double the size of the Indian Creek Branch! An additional location at 172nd and Mur-Len is also mentioned in the long term goals. The new library could possibly have a cafe, better wireless networks and great meeting facilities.  But to make this all happen, it needs funding! It is expected that there will be a bond issue up for public approval. For more information on the Olathe Library System: http://olathe.lib.ks.us/Brad Papa is a licensed real estate agent in Kan... 05/07/2008

New Page 1 Discover money-saving secrets to buying a home! This seminar will show you step-by-step how to save time, effort & money when buying your next home. Anyone considering the purchase of a home will gain valuable insight from this seminar especially first time home buyers. Brad Papa has been hosting a First Time Home Buyer's Seminar for almost four years with tremendous success! Topics Include: Tips to Improve Your Credit Score How to Capitalize on the Current Buyer's Market The Latest Mortgage Terminology Steps to Buying a Home (from identifying the property to closing) Different Financing Options How: Seminar is FREE, but you must RSVP to attend. Spots fill up quickly, so make sure to register! Register online here or contact Brad Papa at bradleypapa@remax.net  or call 913-52... 05/06/2008

According to a recent article by Martin Crutsinger, qualifying for a loan is getting even tougher. Recently 100% financing has all but disappeared in the Kansas City area and the Federal Reserve recently reported that even more banks are tightening standards on their loans, including home mortgages. In a survey by the Federal Reserve, 78 % of surveyed banks had tightened lending standards either considerably or somewhat.This means that for some to qualify for a mortgage, they need to have good credit scores and available cash to make the down payment. Recently the buyer has been required to put down a minimum of 3% of the purchase price of the home, plus closing costs. This means that if someone is buying a $150,000 home, they would need approximately $4,500 as a down payment. Remember ... 05/06/2008

Parking downtown has always been difficult, but Olathe is hoping to change that with the newly opened parking garage on Chestnut and Loula. The new space provides 400 more spaces and is one of Olathe's first stops for downtown revitalization according to the Envision Olathe Downtown Plan. This plan focuses on improvements aimed at transforming downtown Olathe from a 9 to 5 business center to a multi-functional business district that is active day and night and on weekends.Click here for the Master Plan.Brad Papa is a licensed real estate agent in both Kansas and Missouri and specializes in Olathe real estate. Brad can be reached at bradleypapa@remax.net , 913-526-4985 or http://www.papasinthehouse.com/ today! 05/02/2008

Comparing sales in Olathe zip code 66061 in February and March 2008 shows a 42% increase in the number of units sold. While the number of units listed is up, so is the average sold price. February 2008Units Listed: 85Units Sold: 45 Sold Average: $218,765Average Days On Market: 57 March 2008Units Listed: 144Units Sold: 78Sold Average: $247,429    Average Days On Market: 65Brad Papa is a licensed real estate agent in both Kansas and Missouri and can be reached at bradleypapa@remax.net , 913-526-4985 or http://www.papasinthehouse.com/ today! 04/29/2008

In just a few weeks the free concert series in Olathe kicks off! Grab your picnic basket and your friends and head out to Frontier Park to view some great entertainment! Rodney Crowell with special guest The Nace/Cate Brothers: Friday, May 30, 2008, 7:00pm, Frontier Park - 15501 Indian Creek Parkway The Elders and The Wilders: Friday, June 27, 2008, 7:00pm, Frontier Park - 15501 Indian Creek Parkway Chubby Carrier with Danny Cox, Saturday, June 7, 2008, 4:00pm, Mahaffie Farmstead, 1100 N. Kansas City Road Sam Bush and Chris Hillman: Friday, July 11, 2008, 7:00pm, Frontier Park - 15501 Indian Creek Parkway Delbert McClinton with Michael Ballew and Floyd Domino: Friday, June 20, 2008, 7:00pm, Frontier Park - 15501 Indian Creek Parkway Liverpool: Friday, July 25, 2008, 7:00pm, Frontier Par... 04/28/2008

Brad Papa's website http://www.papasinthehouse.com/has been updated so you are able to search for foreclosures in the Kansas City area. This search is made available through a partnership with RE/MAX, Webeveloper Reliance Network and foreclosure data provider RealtyTrac. The foreclosure search is easy to use, simpley visit http://www.papasinthehouse.com/ and choose the "Foreclosures" tab or simply click here to start your foreclosure search on the website! If you are interested in learning more about foreclosures, please contact me at bradleypapa@remax.net or 913-526-4985 Search for Kansas City Foreclosures Here!For more information on Kansas City real estate and area information, contact Brad Papa at bradleypapa@remax.net or 913-526-4985 or visit http://www.papasinthehouse.com/ today! 04/28/2008

The weather is finally getting warmer, and local farmers will soon be bringing their crops, plants, herbs and more to the various Farmer's Markets around the Kansas City area. The Olathe's Farmers' Market will open at 7 a.m. on Saturdays from May 3 through October 11.  The market is located at the corner of Poplar and Kansas Ave. - just one block north of Santa Fe.For those of you who like shopping during the week, beginning at 3 p.m. June 4 through Sept. 24, the market will be open on Wednesdays.  Farmer's Markets are great ways to support local farmers and get fresh produce for much cheaper than the local grocery store. So stop by your Olathe Farmer's Market!For more information on Olathe real estate contact Brad Papa at bradleypapa@remax.net or 913-526-4985 or visit http://www.papasi... 04/24/2008

 The lender is primarily looking at two factors in evaluating your qualification for a home loan.·  The funds you have available for a down payment·  Your continuing income for paying the monthly housing expensesThe lender will want to know if you have cash available for paying the down payment and other up-front closing costs. They are interested in your long-term debt, defined as any debt that will take more than 10 months to pay off.Lenders look at two ratios of your debt and income. They calculate your percentage of debt by dividing the amount of money you pay each month to creditors by your monthly income. Remember that low ratios do not always lead to approval and high ratios don't always lead to denials. Other factors such as payment history are evaluated along with the debt rati... 04/12/2008

Non-Pushy Attitude A home is a huge purchase, and a decision that you should be 100% comfortable making. We look at homes based on your desires; I don’t try to force you to like a home. We write a contract when you find YOUR dream home. We work at your pace and time schedule, not mine. Click here if you are interested in attending a FREE First Time Home Buyer's Seminar!  Easy to Get A Hold of MeThis may be one of the biggest complaints I have heard, that people aren’t able to get in contact with their realtor! I ensure my clients are always able to get a hold of me, as I never turn my phone off and I always have it at my side. If I do miss a phone call, I return it as soon as possible. In addition, feel comfortable sending me an e-mail or fax as well, because I am able to access them i... 04/09/2008

For your own safety, and to make sure you are getting your money's worth in the hoe you choose, using a processional home inspector is highly recommended. You can avoid or at least anticipate costly repairs to structural or mechanical systems by having an inspection.The sales contract specifies that the inspection will take place within a specified time frame, after the offer to purchase has been accepted. Your purchase obligation is contingent of the findings of a professional home inspector.Your home cannot pass or fail an inspection, and your inspector will not tell you whether he/she thinks the homes is worth the money you are offering. The inspectors job is to make sure you are aware of repairs that are recommended or necessary.A seller may be willing to renegotiate a price to acco... 04/09/2008

Wondering what happens just before your house closes? While you are busy packing, your Olathe real estate agent is also very busy ensuring that your house closes on time. Prior to your closing, your Olathe real estate agent will be performing the following duties:1.  Confirming your mortgage loan approval, which may include the followingLoan commitmentAppraisalAny Additional VerificationsDoing InspectionsSubmission to UnderwriterAny amendments to the contract2.  Verifying completion of all repairs and collecting paid receipts3.  Coordinate and review the following as applicable:Occupancy permitSurveyHome warranty applicationSpecial agreements/escrow agreementsAmendmentsTitle PolicyClosing StatementsAffidavitsClosing Figures4.  Set up final walk-through approximately 3-4 days prior to cl... 04/02/2008

Mayor Mike Copeland held his annual State of the City address a few days ago and it sounds like Olathe is doing great! Here are some great facts about Olathe:● Farmers Insurance announced in February the creation of 600 new jobs, bringing the company's presence in the city to more than 3,000. By 2011, he said Farmers expects to employ more than 4,000 people in Olathe. ● Garmin added 650 jobs in Olathe while nearly doubling its global work force last year to 8,400 people when its sales grew 70 percent. ● The Kansas Bioscience Park and Kansas State University campus are currently under development in Olathe ● Success of developments along the Kansas Highway 10 corridor including the Corporate Ridge Office Park and the College Point retail and business center. ● $67 million Lone Elm inter... 04/01/2008

When property is sold or refinanced, the lender and or buyer needs a preliminary title report to see exactly what liens and encumbrances are against the property. A copy of this report will be sent to you, your ender and your Olathe real estate agent, Brad Papa for review. Items that a preliminary title report should include:● Easements of record● Restrictions, covenants and conditions● Liens and judgments● Exact vested owner of record● Legal descriptionWhen a sale of the subject property is final and the title company has recorded the necessary documents, they will issue a policy of title insurance to the new lender and the buyer showing clear title to the property. This usually takes up to 4-6 weeks to receive after closing.  Brad Papa RE/MAX Stateline Specializing in Olathe Real Esta... 04/01/2008

At the time a written offer on a property is initiated, you will be required to make a depot in the form of a personal check. The amount deposited will be kept in the trust account of the listing Companies title company. The exception to this is the case of a builder on new construction. This money represents your sincerity in the attempt to purchase and is fully refundable if the offer is not accepted, if your loan is not fully approved or if some other condition of the contract is not met by the seller. You should anticipate a minimum of $500 - $1000 for homes under $150,000. In homes over this price range, expect to deposit 1% to 5% of the purchase prices. This earnest money will be credited to you at closing as part of your down payment and/or closing costs.If you have any further q... 04/01/2008

In negotiating the purchase of your new Olathe home, the initial step will be to make an offer to purchase. This offer must be in writing and accompanies by a good faith estimate. The offer will include  ●  The amount you are willing to pay●  Financing Terms●  Any personal property specifically included●  Loan commitment date●  Closing and occupancy date●  Other contingencies and inspections The offer should be written on a standard Johnson County Board of Realtors contract form. If the initial offer is not accepted, the seller will generally counter back with their conditions. Further negotiations generally reach terms agreeable by both the buyer and the seller. It is not uncommon for the negotiations to deal with verbal offers and agreements, with only the final agreement signed by bo... 04/01/2008

New Page 1 During your home search, Brad Papa your licensed Olathe real estate agent will: ● Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each Olathe home in relation to your specific needs ● Keep you informed on a regular basis ● Check the MLS database, which searches the entire Kansas City area and with other brokers daily for new listings that meet your criteria and e-mail them to you ● Keep you up on changing financial conditions that may affect the Olathe housing market ● Be available to answer questions or to offer assistance regarding your home purchase ● Discuss market trends and values relative to properties which may interest you ● Show you new Olathe homes as well as pre-owned Olathe homes if you desire ● Get you any information needed for you to make a good, sound decision on your... 03/31/2008

New Page 1 It's time! You are ready to buy or sell in the Olathe real estate market, but you are now wondering how to you find a qualified, professional Olathe real estate agent? Here are some common ways people find agents: Word of mouth/referrals Family/friend in the business Someone You Know Is A Part-Time Agent Agent Who Sold Your Neighbor's House At An Open House A real estate agent should not just be just handed the job, they should have to earn it. Before you got your current job, you had to complete a resume with your qualifications, interview for the job and make a great impression on the hiring agent and demonstrate why you were the best solution for the position. It should be the same when hiring an Olathe real estate agent. As a client, you deserve to have the best represen... 03/26/2008