New Zip Code Appreciation (Depreciation) Map for Kansas City Real Estate Last year I linked to the the Kansas City's Star's report on housing appreciation in the Kansas City metro area.  By in large there was modest appreciation and some depreciation...but not enough to worry about in most places. This year's interactive map shows a different story.  Read the entire story here.  (NOTE:If the Kansas City Star holds true they will not have this map up indefinitely.  So it's possible the link will lead you to nowhere after a couple weeks.  If they do you can purchase a zip code map for Kansas City by clicking Zip Code Map.)  Now let's put the numbers under the microscope and see what we see.  Especially for those out-of-staters that read this Kansas City real estate investing blog.  You ne... 02/17/2008

Many First-Time-Homebuyers don't really understand what they can afford and also don't understand how their credit situation truly affects their ability to buy.  I deal with quite a few lower income clients and they ALL want MORE than they can afford.  They usually don't have much money saved up if any at all and they think they can buy with no money down.  Some can, using special 1st Time Homebuyer incentive programs provided by the government and certain lenders.I like to offer the idea of Lease with Option to Purchase as a method for them to own a home.  If they are on the border of qualification for conventional bank financing, but not quite there, we can try to negotiate a small down payment and affordable monthly rent payments with some portion of the rent being applied to future ... 02/17/2008

Kansas City offers various types of sports leagues and pick-up games, and the latest additions are some entertaining games from our youth such as dodgeball and kickball. Kickball has become quite popular in the last couple years and there are multiple leagues for those who would like to participate. Here are a few links for those interested in playing kickball in the Kansas City area: Midwestern Unconventional Sports Association: http://www.musakickball.com/ World Adult Kickball Association: http://www.kickball.com/waka_divisions.php American Sports and Social Club: http://www.kansascitysportandsocialclub.com/kcssc/   02/15/2008

An article in the Kansas City Star stated that Kansas City ranked number 40 in foreclosures in a study of the 100 largest metropolitan areas. Foreclosures were up in our metropolitan area almost 84% from 2006 and estimated that almost 1.2% of all area households were in foreclosure. While that number is up from previous years, 1.18% is a far cry from the nation's leaders: Detroit at 4.9% and Stockton, California at 4.8% of homes in foreclosure. Remember to, that although this number was a large increase over 2007, only 1.18% homes are in foreclosure, which means that 98.82% of Kansas City homes are NOT! Click here for full story   02/15/2008

According to Gene Hanson of the Sun Tribune, all the planning that went on in 2007 will come to fruition in 2008. 3 new commercial venues will open their doors during 2008, one at Vivion and N. Oak, two new office buildings in Briarcliff, and the brand new Hunt-Midwest mixed-use development on the northwest corner of MO-152 and I-29. The outlook for future development going forward is a bit bleaker as Hanson states there is "tight money" in the banking sector after the sub-prime lending fallout. Therefore, American Corporations are looking abroad for money, which will naturally lead to the develpment arena growing in fits and starts in the coming year. From Bear Stearns Co. to Chrysler Corp. American companies are seeking foreign backing to infuse into their budgets in order to help the... 02/14/2008

The 2007 foreclosure rates were announced yesterday by the tracking firm Realtytrac. While some areas of the country have been hit really hard, Kansas City is just slightly above the National average. There was some cause for concern though as the rate of foreclosure did rise almost 85%. from 2006. There were several areas of the country that were hit extemely hard including Detroit, parts of California and Las Vegas. National Average        1.03%Detroit                           4.92%Stockton, CA               4.87%Las Vegas                    4.23%Kansas City                 1.18% So just a little bit above 1 out of every 100 households. The thing to remember is that not all of these homes get foreclosed, many homeowners are able to bring their mortgage up to date, refinance or sell t... 02/14/2008

Mailing a letter with the United States Post Office will soon cost a penny more. The cost of a first-class stamp will rise to 42 cents starting May 12, according to the United States Postal Service.The price of the Forever stamp will go up at the same time, meaning those stamps can still be purchased for 41 cents but will remain good for first-class postage after the rate increase takes effect.  As per the US Postal Serivce.Scott Finleywww.scottsellskc.com 02/12/2008

New Page 1 Valentine's Day In Kansas City Valentine's Day is one of those holiday's that is enjoyed by those with significant others and virtually ignored by all the single men and women around town! Although I am happily married now, I spent many, many Valentine's Days as a single guy and I was always looking for something... anything to do on that evening! Luckily, many area Kansas City hangouts are throwing Anti-Valentine's Parties! So while the couples will be waiting hours in line at local restaurants, singles have plenty of opportunities to dance the night away! McFadden's Owner of a Lonely Heart 80's Ball Howl At The Moon Anti Valentine's Party : Free admission with a mutilated picture of your ex America's Pub: Bitter Ball (2/13) and Cupid's Ball 2 (2/14) Blonde's Anti-Valentine... 02/11/2008

Although the restaurant/bar One 80 has been open in Westport for a while, I only recently discovered what a gem it is! We arrived about 7:00 on a Saturday night and there was immediate seating. It was busy, but not overly crowded. The atmosphere is great, a dimly lit restaurant with soft red lighting and large booths. We ordered two martini's off their extensive drink menu and both were great! We got a great surprise when the waitress brought us small glasses with extra drinks in them. She said the bartender accidentally made to much and wanted us to have them! Now that's service!For dinner we ordered the Parmesan-Encrusted Chicken and the spicy Baked Penne Rossa. Both of our dinners were excellent and the portion sizes were perfect, ample size without being too large. The presentation ... 02/11/2008

For more information:                                                                                              Dan or Nancy Reedy                                                                                                (816) 767-1188  Focus on people, not profitshas Missouri Real Estate Exchange thriving GRANDVIEW -  Most real estate businesses focus strictly on the bottom line. Missouri Real Estate Exchange, however, believes in solving problems for buyers and sellers.            "We treat people right and talk to them on their level," co-owner Dan Reedy said. "We have a lot of empathy for the situation they are in and try to help. There is no pressure - if we are not the best option, we will put them in touch with someone who is."            That personal touch is why busine... 02/07/2008

Per a response to my previous blog about the Kansas City Investing Market, here is a list of major employers in the Kansas City area.A great source of information regarding Kansas City is on wikipedia.com. Click here for a direct link.The economy of Kansas City Metropolitan Area is anchored by Kansas City, Missouri, which is the largest city in Missouri and 40th largest city in the United States. The Kansas City Metropolitan Area is the 27th largest in the United States based on the United States Census Bureau's 2004 population estimates. The Kansas City area is a large, influential, and important economy in its region. Historically, Kansas City, Missouri has been the third largest beef capital in the United States (behind Chicago and Cincinnati) and home to the second largest rail netw... 02/05/2008

21st Century Gold Rush: Investors Find Treasure in Kansas City Real Estate Market    KANSAS CITY -- A new economic boom happening across the nation, but unlike the Gold Rush of 1849, when people flocked to California to find riches in gold, investors from California and other high-cost states are flocking to Kansas City find "gold" in residential investment properties. Kansas City is one of the best-kept secrets in the nation. It was voted in 2007 as the third-best city for relocating families, and it boasts a vast array of entertainment, professional sports, Fortune 500 companies and shopping districts. Only Rome has more fountains than Kansas City, which also is the barbecue capital of the free world. What is making out-of-state investors so excited about Kansas City? According to Dan... 02/05/2008

Just about everybody seems to say similar things about the weather no matter where they live, but in KC it could not be truer: If you don't like the weather, stick around for about 10 minutes, and it is sure to change! That has been especially true this past week or so. I will save the technical explanations to the experts, but what I can say is that the Kansas City area just about has to sit right smack-dab along a line where a variety of weather systems seem to find a way to meet. And this gives forecasters here FITS! Take last Thursday, for example: We had winter storm warnings going full-blast, and 1" to 4" of snow was supposed to be all but certain, yet come about noon that day and we were looking at slightly windy with beautiful blue skies above, and had received only the lightest... 02/04/2008

Behind on your mortgage payment? Owe more than your home is worth?Is the possibility of foreclosure becoming a reality for you?Have you thought about selling your home but just cannot make it happen when you add the REALTOR fees and closing cost into the picture?If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you may want to consider a SHORT SALE.This type of situation is common in the Kansas City real estate market... but there is a solution that can prevent you from having a foreclosure on your credit history.If the Mortgage Balance you owe, combined with the selling fee's, exceeds the price you can reasonably expect to receive, a short sale may be able to help you.Although a short sale may affect your credit, it is SUBSTANTIALLY better than a foreclosure. DON'T DELAY!The sooner... 01/30/2008

AMAZING GUN, COIN & COLLECTIBLE AUCTION Saturday January 19- 10:00amPreview: Morning of the auction at 8:00am Join us at our climate controlled auction center located at: 8253 Wornall Rd. Kansas City, MO 64114. Guns, Pistols, Rifles, Shotguns, Military, Hunting, Gun Accessories, Roseville, Fenton, Lladro, Goebel, Hummel, Murano, Carnival, Blenko Glass, Heisey, Lenox, Imperial, Fire King, Westmoreland, Hall, Warwick, Haeger, China Sets, Syracuse Red Wing, Royal Daulton, Wedgwood, Occupied Japan, Vintage Cookie Jars, Collectible Toys, (Old and New) Disney, Toy Trains, Lionel, & Much More... New Ammunition, Compound Bows, Coins (Gold, Silver, Old, Rare and Collectible), Morgans, Proofs, Native American Artifacts, Prehistoric Artifacts, Giant Sloth Bones, 61" Rear Projection TV, Advertisin... 01/12/2008

We hope that you enjoy this Kansas City Relocation Information. When Relocating to Kansas City we would love to help you gather the needed information to help you make an educated decision on where you will live!Housing Zip 64113County State Average Sales Price $307,230 $139,650 N/A Households4,768274,4042,340,090Households W/ Children1,45595,683780,492People per Household 222Median Age of Home733730Owner Occupied4,271165,7331,648,454Renter Occupied497108,671691,636Vacant26131,794248,950People Zip 64113County State Population 11,128665,1735,792,159Male %49%48%49%Female %51%52%51%Median Age 403536% Pop Change since 2000-5513Economy Zip 64113County State Income Per Capita 56,78422,75622,307Median Household Income97,54943,23041,691Sales Tax %7%4%4%Weather Zip 64113County State Annual Preci... 01/12/2008

There are few places in Kansas City where you find such an eclectic mix of historic homes, contemporary condominiums, and terrific townhouses as Union Hill. Located in the heart of Midtown, Union Hill is a 20-block oasis of vintage and newly redeveloped neighborhoods tucked in amongst a variety of Kansas City's landmark destinations including Union Cemetery, Crown Center, Penn Valley Park, Martini Corner, Hospital Hill, and more. And, you can leave the car at home, for as with those living in the heart of downtown KC, the convenience of THE MAX in Union Hill connects you to most everything there is to do and see in Kansas City from The City Market to The Plaza and beyond. Union Hill, the perfect union of neighborhood living and Kansas City Life!!! 01/12/2008

Kansas City Rental Property Registration ProgramEffective today, January 1, 2008, it is MANDATORY that all owners of rental property within Kansas City, Missouri limits register their income homes.  Registration runs through January 2008 without penalty.  Penalty for non-registration on and after February 1, 2008, will be $50 per unit. To get all of the details you will need to follow this link.  From this link you will be able to download the proper forms to take care of this task.Again, Kansas City now requires rental property to be registered with the city.  Hopefully, this is as far as the law will go.  Based on how they've mismanaged just about every other program under their care and supervision we can only hope they don't go to mandatory yearly inspections with fees. Previously p... 01/03/2008

So, is the answer to this potential road-rager's dream just to stay home and miss out on all the great entertainment and activities in the New KC? NO WAY!!! The key to insuring a premium, reserved parking spot for most any downtown event--never more than just a few blocks away from where all the action is, and, that is environmentally and gasoline conservation-friendly to boot--is not with the keys to your car, but with the keys to your new downtown condominium or loft!Whether your new dream home is a converted industrial space with exposed brick walls and 20 foot ceilings, a thoughtfully restored turn-of-the-century architectural treasure, or, an ultra-modern contemporary with clean, artful lines and thoughtful spaces, the downtown Kansas City condominium and loft market currently offe... 12/18/2007

The Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association boasts that there is currently over 4.5 Billion dollars worth of redevelopment under way in the New Kansas City downtown, including The Sprint Center, The Power & Light District, and The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. But, with all this building and build up of excitement, there seems to be one area of concern many are doubtful is being properly addressed, and that is sufficient parking for this emerging entertainment destination. They may have a point, for as challenging as the downtown traffic and parking for Garth Week and other events at the Sprint Center has been, what if the Lion King had also been performing at the Music Hall while the WNBA played an exhibition game at Municipal Auditorium, with The Kansas City Symphony ... 12/14/2007