For the life of me I just don’t understand why a bank would rather have a property sit vacant than rent it out to a willing and able tenant. Take a break and watch this AlJazeera interview with the Dabner family.  It’s only 2:42. What really bothers me about the Dabner’s situation is that they actually paid their rent.  They were forced out of their home due to no fault of their own. Their landlord quit paying the mortgage but continued collecting the rent month after month.  When the home was finally foreclosed on the Dabner famiy was given 3 days to vacat the property. Granted, I don’t know the Dabner family personally but if the interview is correct they could afford to pay their rent.   If that is indeed the case why wouldn’t the bank just rent the property directly to the Dabener’... 12/06/2008

I’ve been considering staging a few of my rehabbed properties but I’m worried that it could be a complete waste of money.  I’ve seen a few before and after photos of staged properties here on AR and have always been impressed but is it really worth it?   Earlier today I spoke to a local stager I found on AR and was informed that on average she charges $1,000 per month to stage a property.  Is it just me or does that seem a bit excessive? The only reason I’m even considering staging is because a couple agents have shown a few of my listings and while the feedback was positive they felt that if the property would have been staged their clients would have put in an offer. I’ve been to a few staged open houses and I admit the property does tend to feel more inviting with coffee tables, couc... 12/04/2008

Project South KC Location: 4408 Grandview (Project South KC) 5 Bedrooms / 4 Baths / Two Fireplaces / Two Kitchens Estimated Time of Arrival: February Estimated List Price: $175,000 The very second I saw this property I knew it would make an incredible home.  Unlike so many of the properties Vizion does its wasn't hard to see this one’s potential.  Of all the homes coming up the early part of next year this is one of my favorites.  But lets not get carried away just yet this house still needs some serious work.  I’m estimating the remodel will take 4 to 5 weeks but once its completed this will be one of the nicest homes in the neighborhood.  Among several other features the circle drive, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 kitchens and 2 fireplaces are sure to be applealing to large families.  I... 12/03/2008

Project Waldo Location: 7744 McGee  (Waldo) 3 Bedrooms / 2 Baths / Granite Counters / Dining Room Estimated Time of Arrival: Early February Estimated List Price: $150,000 I’m glad to say that Vizion is back doing another home in Waldo.  Vizion’s last property in Waldo sold in October after only 7 days on market.  While we realize that’s not an everyday occurance we still look at the popular Waldo area favorably.  This particular home is quite a bit diffrent from our last Waldo project and like many homes in the area it is very unique.  On the main floor is a large living room, seperate dining room, eat in kitchen, one bedroom and a bathroom.  Currently upstairs there are two additional bedrooms and we will be adding a full bath to the master bedroom upstairs.  All in all this should be ... 12/03/2008

11819 Delmar Dr in South Kansas City, MO is still available for rent or purchase.  This fully remodeled home sits on a corner just off of 118th in the Kirkside subdivision.  With 3 bedroom 2 bathroom a full basement and a 2 car garage this is an incredible deal for the price.  Only $1000 Per Month! Full List of Features and More Pictures! If your interested give me a call!  816-372-7855 justin@vizionkc.com vizionkc.com 12/01/2008

With 425 W 70th wrapping up early next week our crews have alread started work on our second house in Brookside this year at 444 W Dartmouth.  This house will surely qualify for a place in our series Nastiest to Nicest Remodels. The property in 30 seconds When I first saw this house I was immediately reminded of a remodel we did on James A Reed in Raytown, MO.  The previous owners did the best they could removing all the junk from the house but in the end a great majority of their items were left in the property. This will be a 6 week remodel which is longer than usual but this house really needs everything, plus were getting into winter and snow tends to slow things down. vizionkc.com 11/28/2008

Project Brookside is only one week away from being done.  All the major remodel work has been completed and if all goes according to schedule we should be able to list this house the first week of December. The exterior paint has been mostly completed and the new shutters and doors have been installed. We had several debates over the color of this house and the shutters. The new windows have been installed the hardwood floors have been refinished and the interior paint has been completed. I love this room it has great natural light. Most of the cabinets have been installed. This is the first house we’ve done in awhile with the dark cabinets. I can’t wait to see how the solid surface granite counter tops are going to look in this kitchen. This is is the downstairs bathroom. We held sever... 11/24/2008

Have you heard of Typealyzer.com?  This free online utility analyzes your blog and based on your writing style tells you what kind of person you most likely are.  I’m usually rather skeptical about these sorts of applications but since it was free I decided to give it a shot.  After just typing in the web address to my ActiveRain blog Typealyzer.com provided  me with my analysis.  According to Typealyzer.com I’m an ESTP – The Doers.  “The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time.” I did a little side research on ESTP on Google and I was surprised to see that... 11/21/2008

My Mom called me this afternoon to say she'd just rceived two tickets to Celtic Thunder; would I like to go? Well, yes! Of course! So I picked her up at 5:30 and we went to Raglan Rd which is conveniently located right across the street from the Sprint Center. One of many fine establishments in the Kansas City Power & Light District. After visiting around for a bit, we walked over to the main event. This video from You Tube describes much better than my feeble words could: Celtic Thunder   11/18/2008

During the last few days it has been obvious there are many ways to evaluate how much a single property or package of propertes are worth in today's real estate environment.  I recently completed completed the training to attain a Missouri real estate broker license as well as completed the CCIM Introduction to Commercial Real Estate course.  Even though I learned a lot from both of these, I'm not suggesting you go out and do the same.  What's important is to connect with people who have the knowledge from courses like these.  There is likely someone in your local real estate office to consult with. Here's a look at a package we are offering for sale, so take a look at this basic analysis and let me know your feedback.  This is Kansas City real estate investment package, but it could be... 11/17/2008

Ok, so you're like me and wish the stock market would have better returns these days.  It's tough to understand why so many people keep so much of their retirement money in stocks.  There is a better solution that more and more people are moving to as an alternative to the stock market. . .real estate.  Looking at the numbers it's a tough case to beat.  Take a look at this estimate, which can obviously vary up or down depending on rental income, market conditions, etc.  Step 1) Your IRA purchases a 5-bedroom investment rental home for $61,500 Step 2) A tenant pays rent to your IRA each year: $10,272 Step 3) Your IRA has a net operating income at the end of the year after paying operating taxes, insurance, property management, and accounts for vacancy: $6,296 Step 4) What is your annual ... 11/17/2008

We’re about 2 weeks out from the remodel being done on Project Broookside and everybody is eagerly anticipating its completion.  I stopped by the property this morning just to check and see how things were coming along.  I was surprised to see that the exterior had been mostly painted. The interior paint is just about finished and the new tile floors have been set in both the kitchen and bathrooms.  The new doors and windows have also been installed.  From the looks of things cabinets and coutertops will be installed early next week.  This kitchen is going to have tons of counter space it’s sure to be the envy of the block. The tile for the bathrooms have also been installed.  This is a picture of the jacuzzi tube in the master bath.  It’s hard to believe that this bathroom used to be h... 11/15/2008

Finding the next investment property is a never ending pursuit for Vizion.  Even after we find the perfect investment property for a client we’ve already started looking for the next one.  Why?  Because the opportunities are out there and if we don’t get them someone else will. Vizion is looking at picking up its 3rd property in the Brookside area this year and if the rumors are right we might be be looking at picking up a 4th. These are the next two Vizion projects in Brookside. 424 W. Dartmouth Kansas City, MO This house  will be a 3 bedroom 1.5 bath once we’re done with it.  Our estimated list price is $260,000.  It’s located right behind Vizion’s property at 425 W. 70th which is currently under construction. 444 W. Dartmouth Kansas City, MO The second house  will be a 3 bedroom 2.5... 11/15/2008

Things are moving along at 425 W. 70th also known as Project Brookside.  I stopped by the property earlier this week and took some pictures of the progress. The above pictures is of the kitchen in process at Project Brookside. It looks a little rough right now but if you look closely you can see that the new plumbing and electrical work is almost complete. Its hard to believe that in just about 2 weeks this kitchen will be one of the nicest in the neighborhood. This is a picture of half of the master bath at Project Brookside.  The Jacuzzi tub just got set a few days ago. The above picture is of the living room on Project Brookside. Underneath of the paper covering the floor are some beautiful hardwoods which we will have refinished. It may not look like much but a lot has taken place i... 11/08/2008

.style1 {color: #FF0000} Price: $53,500 FIZBER.com ID 7941685 Single Family with 2 bed, 1.5 bath, in 4505 ASKEW AVENUE KANSAS CITY, MO, 64130 http://www.fizber.com/7941685 4505 ASKEW AVENUE - For Sale By Owner Property Details: Type: Single Family Address: 4505 ASKEW AVENUE, KANSAS CITY, MO, 64130 Sq footage: 6969.0 Floors: n/a Bathrooms: 1.5 Bedrooms: 2 Year built: 1947 View full property details and seller's contacts. View more Missouri homes for sale. Homes for Sale by Owner. Description: Legal Description: 4505 Askew Avenue - Lot 28 Block 2 - Jackson County - Subdivision: Benton Ridge - Neighborhood: Oak Park East Taxes: $660.08/yr Bright 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath, Full basement (completed) - can be converted into an office or additional room, 1 Stone fireplace and a second fireplace inl... 11/03/2008

In order to better serve my investors we are offering a "Two Hour, First To Know" short list opportunity to get first look at all of our properties.  To remain on the "short-list", please read this email very carefully.  My overall marketing list consists of over 3,500 people and every time I market a new property, it is sent to several places, including my email lists and several Yahoo News Groups. Many people have an opportunity to view the property; however, I have a growing list of investors that always get first pick. This is a small group of serious, pre-qualified investors, capable of making fast decisions and closing very quickly.  These investors only need 24 hours to inspect the property, then we close.  In order to maintain the integrity of this group and be placed on our sho... 10/31/2008

Kansas City Condo for sale 4333 Oak St. #5 Kansas City MO   Michael Pierce | Prudential Kansas City Realty | 913 661 2367 4333 Oak St #5, Overland Park, KS Beautiful 2 Story Condo less than 2 blks from Nelson Atkins Museum & the Kansas City Art Institute 2BR/2BA Condo offered at $135,000 Year Built 1968 Sq Footage Unspecified Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 1 Uncovered spaces Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $155 per month DESCRIPTION Large living room with 2Sty ceiling, 2 bedrooms & an additional office. Newer windows, carpet, countertops + so much more. 2 balconies & a beautiful Spanish style exterior gives this condo tons of character! see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Fireplace High/Vaulted ceiling Living room Bonus/Rec room... 10/31/2008

Even in my rush to the office this morning there was no way I could miss the fact that gas had fallen below the $2.00 mark.  This evening on my way home from a showing in Grandview I pulled into the gas station and took a picture.  Unfortunately for me I filled up yesterday when gas was $2.03.  I wonder if it will get below the $1.00 mark. vizionkc.com 10/29/2008

Several investors I have talked with this week have said they are going to wait on buying real estate investments until after they know if McCain or Obama wins the election next week.  Part of this rationale is each candidate's approach to taxation could affect each of us differently compared to today.  The only thing I know for sure today is that there are tax-free or tax-deferred benefits with certain types of retirement accounts.     Do you have an IRA? Do you have a Pension Plan? Have you lost $$$ in the stock market? Are you looking for retirement funds? In today's market, question #3 is almost a given.  The other questions are ones that 1) you haven't thought much about or 2) they are at the top of your list of things you want or need. We have been busier than ever helping people ... 10/29/2008

Over the past few days I’ve been working on a new commercial for attracting investors.   The one I’ve posted below is 1:11.  Take a look and tell me what you think. The company motto for quite sometime now has been “The Key to Home Ownership”.   This was a great motto when we were doing lease options.  But our business has changed.  Instead of focusing on lease options we are now focused on investing in real estate for our clients. The majority of these individuals have always been interested in investing in real estate and have the means to do so but don’t have the time or the know how. That’s where we come in.  We find the property that will fit their investment needs.  We do all the renovations on the property. We sell or lease the property depending on their investment strategy. If... 10/28/2008