The Machine Quilter's Showcase in Overland Park, Kansas this past week had many beautiful quilts to view.  The show theme was "Under the Sea".  I was quite impressed by  the use of colors in this Sea Turtle quilt.  The way the dark blues transition into lights really creates depth in the quilt. 05/20/2012

Hampton Place Home Sales Report January Through March 2012 While it may be a buyers' market through much of Johnson County, the same cannot be said for Hampton Place.  Our inventory of homes for sale is minimal, with only 4 active homes in our neighborhood of 465.  Since January, a total of eight homes have been for sale in Hampton Place.  Of these, half are already under contract or have sold.  If we follow the usual trends, expect to see an upward tick in the number of homes for sale as we enter the prime spring market.  Right now, there is a definite sellers' market in Hampton Place as buyers compete for a limited number of homes in a very desirable neighborhood.   Click here to view all homes for sale in Hampton Place   Hampton Place Homes Homes Listed:  4 Homes Sold: 1 with 3 addit... 04/01/2012

Just Listed 6603 w. 155th Place Overland Park, KS 66223 $205,000 Willow Bend Subdivision   4 bedrooms 2.5 baths new frieze carpet new fancy carpet on stairs freshly painted throughout new roof privacy fenced back yard new light fixtures This is a great house in a great Blue Valley neighborhood. Close to schools, shopping and more.  call Michael Russell at 913-681-1383 for a private showing. 03/28/2012

Awesome New Listing 8215 w 79th Street Overland Park, KS 66204 $115,000   2 bedrooms 1 bath remodeled kitchen granite counters gas stove wood floors newer thermal windows sun room deck huge fenced yard storage shed full basement newer High Efficiency furnace 50 gallon water heater mature landscaping This house has everything you could ask for at $115,000 and more, if you snooze you will lose this house. Call 913-681-1383 right now for a private showing.   03/27/2012

While we are not expecting a huge jump in Johnson County home prices anytime soon, there is a very distinct possibility that we will see a rise interest rates as the economy starts to grow. This is where the power of ten comes in. It may be a long time before the value of your Johnson County home goes up 10% but did you know that if interest rates go up just 1% that your monthly mortgage payment will be 10% more? Right now the average interest rate is right around 4%. If you have a $200,000 mortgage the pirncipal and interest will be $954 per month. Raise the interest rate to 5% and that goes up to $1073, a whopping $119 more per month. What happens if they go up to 6%, not too far fetched. You payment is now $1199 or $245 more per month. Don't let low interest rates fool you, if you ne... 03/19/2012

Thinking of Building a New Home? Here are the trends in Johnson County for 2012 New homes are more compact.  While the occasional Mcmansion is still being built, the majority of new homes in Johnson County are between 2,500 and 3,500 square feet.  Replacing hearth rooms and separate living rooms is a single great room that opens to the kitchen.  The trend towards even greater informality at home is making the living room, often used only when company comes, obsolete. Maximizing space.  Want to work in the closet?  There are now new homes that have built in desks located in the pantry.  For today’s multi-tasking families, you can grab ingredients for dinner while simultaneously paying the monthly bills.  Or, it’s a good spot to put your student while you are making dinner.  In all seriou... 03/19/2012

Check out this move in ready half duplex in Overland Park KS! Three bedrooms, two full baths and two living areas--you will love the family room with fireplace on the lower level! A one car garage is attached. The yard is fenced, and there is a patio for relaxing and grilling! The eat in kitchen is updated, and leads to the backyard. Rooms sizes are generous; the third bedroom would make a great office. Convenient location close to shopping, I-35, Metcalf and in the coveted Shawnee Mission school district. All this for just $107,000! Contact me for more information!   03/15/2012

Overland Park, KS is a suburb of Kansas City, MO. Quite a large suburb, actually, with a population of 173,372 covering more than 75 square miles.   Active Listings: There are currently 517 single family homes for sale in Overland Park. Prices range from $65,000 (REO) - $2,000,000. There are 224 Pending Contracts; 119 Accepting Back Up Offers; and 1 Contingent. During the month of February, 117 homes sold at an average price of $275,000. The lowest price paid for a house in Overland Park was $61,500. The highest price paid was $975,000. Overland Park (OP) has a lot to offer residents. My favorite place is the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. There's also the OP Convention Center, the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, many wonderful restaurants, and loads of great shopping! ... 03/05/2012

The Border War: Who wins when it comes to real estate in Kansas and Missouri?  VS     The oldest rivalry west of the Mississippi may come to an end this Saturday when the Jayhawks and Tigers meet for the last time in Allen Fieldhouse.  While we apply the term “war” loosely today to business poaching and sports, the deep divide between the two states seems as literal as State Line road.  What Kansan doesn’t hesitate, if only for a moment, to purchase a home with a 64131 zip code?  What Missourian isn’t considered a traitor for moving into Leawood, steps from the Missouri border?  In the spirit of fanning the flames just a little bit longer in this saga of codependent animosity, it’s time to see how the states stack up when it comes to housing. Attractive to young singles/couplesAdvantage... 02/23/2012

Waiting Periods to buy after a Short Sale   One of the many questions we are asked quite often is, "When can I buy a home again after I complete a short sale" In Johnson County Kansas?   If you are a potential home buyer in Johnson County Kansas the information below will give you a good idea of when you could be ready to be homeowner again.   Although there are many factors in determining your eligibility to purchase again after a short sale, the information below should help you get a clearer understanding of the differences of the minimum guidelines when you can buy if you sell your home via short sale vs foreclosure.   Fannie Mae Financing Foreclosure  - 7 years from Completion date Short Sale    - 2 years with max 80% LTV ratio                      - 4 years with 90% LTV ratio   Fr... 02/20/2012

So you keep hearing on the news that it is a buyers' market but what does that really mean? If you are looking to purchase a home in Johnson County Kansas it could mean buying a home at a substantial discount. In Johnson County Kansas the home market peaked right around August 2006. I wanted to see what the difference would be between buying a house in 2006 at the peak of the market vs. buying the same house today. After a quick search I found the perfect home to compare:  This south Overland Park 4 bedroom 4 1/2 bath home SOLD in 2006 for $480,000 it was built by a well known Kansas City builder and is part of the coveted Blue Valley School system. It is in a very popular subdivision and even has a view of a local Golf Coure. Move ahead 6 years to 2012 and this exact same house is back... 02/17/2012

Nothing is more local than real estate, right down to the street on which we live.  When warnings about the potential of a bursting housing bubble first surfaced in 2006, many disregarded the claims as the alarmist ramblings of Ivy League academia, looking at the issue from 10,000 feet based on national trends unrelated to our own backyard.   Fast forward to 2012 and most of us either know someone or know someone who knows someone who has faced foreclosure or short sale of their home.  It seems as though the anecdotes of distress have replaced what’s really occurring in the Johnson County market, giving sellers the jitters before even getting their home on the market.  Is the worst behind us, at least in Johnson County?While we haven’t exactly been experiencing a real estate boom, we h... 02/15/2012

One of the great things about February is that we get to focus on the color red during what can be a gloomy, middle of winter month.  Whether it’s increasing awareness of women’s heart disease with the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women or just enjoying the red hearts that come with Valentine’s Day, vibrant red is everywhere! However, here in the land of beige, otherwise known as Johnson County, there is no red to be found, or any other color, save brown and variations thereof, once we go home.  Area home magazines seem to showcase the same living room every month with its requisite tan walls and mahogany accents.  “Tuscan” style has become a catchall for homes that are tastefully neutral and although I’ve never been, I doubt they bear close resemblance to any region in Italy... 02/08/2012

Very well established neighborhood sitting just north of 4-35 between Antioch and Metcalf is Pinehurst!  This neighborhood has a wonderful secluded feel with mature trees and many different floor plans to choose from.  With great highway access and shopping, it makes Pinehurst and very sought after neighborhood.  Currently there is 3 active listings with a average sales price of $322,467 and sqft of 2,842.  The average days on the market for the active listings is 80 days.  There is also 3 pending listing currently in Pinehurst.  Average pending price is $229,650 with 3,743 sqft and 255 days on the market.  In the past year 19 homes have sold.  The average sales price is $240,984.  Average sqft is 3,641 with 172 days on the market.  If you are looking for a home in the Pinehurst subdivi... 02/03/2012

***Just Listed*** 13169 Hayes Street Overland Park, KS 66213 $294,500 Bridgestone of Wyndam Park     5 bedrooms 3.5 bathroom daylight finished basement Large open floor plan Updated kitchen with granite & top of the line appliances. spacious family room formal living room office Hearth room fenced yard Fantastic Overland Park location near 135th & Antioch Incredible house for the money, bring your growing family here, call Michael Russell today at 913-681-1383 for a private showing.   01/24/2012

Creekside Home Sales Report, Overland Park, KS The Creekside neighborhood is located between 151st Street and 159th Street and just west of Nall Avenue in Johnson County.  Residents are in the award-winning Blue Valley School District.  One of the unique features of this neighborhood is the amount of mature trees, giving the community an "in the country" vibe.  The community also features a swimming pool. Creekside Home Sales Report October Through December 2011 Homes Listed:  1 Average List Price:  $184,900 Average Days on the Market:  83   Creekside:  How has the housing market changed from 2010 through 2011? Sales are definitely on the upswing in Creekside!  The average selling price for a Creekside home was $14,000 higher in 2011 than 2010.  Additionally, homes were on the market f... 01/20/2012

Sylvan Lake Home Sales Report Sylvan Lake in South Overland Park is a perfect subdivision for the family just starting out. The neighborhood is a mix of 2 story and split level single family homes. Located near the intersection of 159th & Nall, Sylvan Lake is walking distance to Blue Valley High school and part of the coveted Blue Valley Schools District. Sylvan Lake is also close to many attraction including restaurants like the Blue Moose and LLwellens Pub. You will also find shopping close by with a Super Walmart, Target, Price Chopper and more. If you are looking for reasonably priced homes, good schools and a solid South Johnson County location than Sylvan Lake might be for you. For more information on Sylvan Lake and South Overland Park's other great neighborhoods like Hampton Pl... 01/20/2012

Birchwood Place, Overland Park, KS Home Sales Report   Birchwood Place is located near the intersection of 143rd and Antioch has remained one of Overland Parks' favorite subdivisions. It's close proximity to Blue Valley Schools, shopping, movie theatre and more make it a very desirable place to call home. Birchwood Place offers a diverse selection of 2 story homes at very affordable prices. For more information on the Birchwood subdivisions contact the Russell Home Team at 913-735-7104.   View all Home for Sale in Birchwood Place    Birchwood Place Home Sales Report for October through December 2011 Homes Listed:  2 Average List Price:  $251,950 Average Days On Market:  89 Birchwood Place:  How has the housing market changed from 2010 to 2011? Birchwood Place continues to be a stable ne... 01/20/2012

  Shadow Brook Home Sales Report It is hard to find a much more perfect location than the Shadow Brook subdivision in South Overland Park. Located near 143rd and Metcalf Shadow Brook is close to all of South Overland Parks top amenties. Shadow Brook offers a fantastic selection of 2 story homes with very reasonable prices. Shopping- how about Target, Super Walmart, Price Chopper, Stein Mart and more..... Restaurants- Tanners, Jose Peppers, Sunset Grill and so many more...  Schools- Blue Valley District, Lakewood Elementary & Middle and Blue Valley West Easy access to HWY 69 and 135th   View All Homes for Sale in Shadow Brook   Shadowbrook Home Sales Report for January to June 2011 Homes Listed:  3(1 additional under contract) Homes Sold:  3 Average List Price:  $252,542 Average Sold Pri... 01/19/2012

  Regency by the Lake, Overland Park, KS Home Sales Report Regency by the Lake in Overland Park is located next to LionsGate but is a fraction of the cost. A well established subdivision just off of 151st & Metcalf Regency by the lake is part of the Blue Valley School system and is close to everything including Price Chopper, LLwellens Pub & Hwy 69.   To View All Homes for Sale in Regency By The Lake, Click Here.   Regency by the Lake Home Sales Report for October Through December 2011 Homes Listed:  1 (An additional 2 homes are under contract) Homes Sold:  5 Average List Price:  $251,263 Average Sold Price:  $249,200 Average Days to Sell:  111   Regency by the Lake:  How has the housing market changed from 2010 through 2011? Home prices remained stable from 2010 through 2011, bucking t... 01/19/2012