July 3rd was the I Love America event in Springfield Missouri. There were thousands of people in attendance to see the airshow, skydivers, helicopter rides, music, games, food, and of course fireworks!  The weather was perfect with no rain and warm temperatures. The event is held yearly at the Springfield Underground and sponsored by James River Assembly church. Here are some pictures I took at the event. 07/04/2009

Just a stone's throw from busy James River Freeway is place that you should really visit. A lot of people in Springfield know about it but you'd be surprised how many don't! There are hundreds of acres of woods, water, and trails. There is also a very nice visitor center with exhibits.  On the trails, you will see all kinds of wildlife. Its a perfect place to spend the afternoon and have a picnic. Here are some pictures I took on a recent visit: If you want to buy a home in Springfield MO, we can help!   07/04/2009

Market Report - Residential Greene County Missouri  June 2009 Real Estate         Single Family Total Sold 299     Date Range 6/01/09  6/30/09    Sold Price Range $18,000   $300,000   Average Sold Price $130,034     Average DOM (Days On Market) 73     Under Contract 500     Under Contract Price Range $16,500-  $299,999   Average Listing Price $126,853     Active Listings through 300k 1888     Price Range for this report $15,000   $300,000   Average Listing Price $142,477     Data Provided by GSBOR on 07/01/09. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Prepared by John Knowles, REALTOR. 07/01/2009

  Wednesday the Fed statement came and went without much fanfare and the main reason is because the Federal Reserve didn't change rates or expand their Treasury Bond purchase program. Check out the Wall Street Journal breakdown of the Federal Reserve statement from June 24th. The one change in the statement from the prior month's was that the Fed now sees no risk of deflation. We see this as a nice was of of the Fed saying, "Now we are going to start looking at the real threat of inflation down the road." On the news, Mortgage Bonds (which dictate long-term home loan rates) finished the day unchanged.We are frequently pinpointing reports that let us know that economy here in the Midwest isn't as bad as the news media reports we are bombarded with daily. A recent report from the local "E... 06/29/2009

The first diverging diamond interchange in the US is now open in Springfield MO at I-44 and North Kansas Expressway (Missouri 13). It looks kind of weird! When you drive on Kansas Expressway you'll actually switch over to the left side of the road right before the bridge, then switch back right after. Drivers no longer have to stop to make left hand turns onto I-44. MODOT says this will improve safety and make traffic flow better.   Springfield MO homes for sale 06/27/2009

If you live in Ozark or Springfield Missouri, you're all too familiar with the 60-65 interchange. Traffic headed South to Branson or North to Springfield getts pretty congested on this outdated cloverleaf intersection.With the continued growth of the area, traffic is only going to get heavier.  U.S. 65-U.S. 60 Interchange After ImprovementsThankfully MDOT has started construction to provide relief with the rebuild of this area. Here's a picture of what the Hwy 60-65 project will look like when finished. The bad news is it won't be done until Fall 2012!                                      Springfield MO homes for sale 06/07/2009

Our job is not to really "sell" you a house. Lets face it; homes that are in good condition, priced competitively, and marketed correctly can sell themselves. Our job is to help you find the home that is right for you. However, that is just the first step. We also:  Help you determine how much house you can afford Search properties and eliminate ones that are not a good fit Preview properties for you Schedule and show homes that fit your needs Provide school and neighborhood information Write up offers and present to sellers Represent you and negotiate on your behalf Schedule home inspections Negotiate repairs from inspections Work with loan officers Work with title companies Answer questions Final walk-through Go along with you at closing  Of course this isn't a complete list. Every h... 06/01/2009

Top 5 Myths About Selling Your Home in Springfield Missouri.  Don't be confused by these "myth-understandings"!   Myth #1.   I should wait to sell my house because it’s a buyer’s market.  Truth: While the market has slowed down some, it isn't nearly as bad in our area like some parts of the country. A high proportion of the foreclosures are in four states: Arizona, California, Florida, and Nevada.  The fact is homes are selling in Ozark, Springfield, and Nixa if they are marketed correctly, clean and staged to sell, and priced correctly according to the neighborhood, square footage, age, and condition. We are still a growing area and people still need homes.   Myth #2.  I should list my home with a friend or relative that sells real estate.   Truth: Just as my mother taught me, it's not... 05/26/2009

Is your home evergy efficient?  Will it sell faster?  Now's the time to make sure your home is energy efficient before you place it on the market.  Savey Springfield home buyers are checking to see if the home of their dreams willl save them money. You might assume that making your home energy efficient requires a lot of time and money, but generally that's not the case.  Small maintenance repairs can have a big impact on your heating, cooling, and other utility bills. Here are some easy things you can do to make your home more efficient right now: Tip #1: Don't turn that dialKeep your thermostat set at one temperature and leave it! In the winter around 68 degrees should be right, and 75 degrees in summer (in homes with a cooling system, of course). Avoiding constant adjustments will ke... 05/24/2009

Some agents charge you unnecessary upfront fees for advertising, MLS fees, or paperwork. You don't owe us a dime until We Get Results and your home sells! We are a team so you get leverage in your transaction! Spouses Selling Houses! We market like crazy on the internet since that's where the buyers are! We represent you and negotiate on your behalf! Ase our current and previous clients! We specialize in real estate in Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, & surrounding areas of SW Missouri! www.teamknowles.com   05/22/2009

Last Sunday the Ozark Mountain Barnstormers RC club held a fun fly and picnic. After a couple of postponements due to bad weather, this time it was perfect! There were a lot of new planes and a few new faces. There are members from Ozark, Nixa, Springfield, and surrounding areas of SW Missouri. I think everyone enjoyed the food and flying.  The next fun fly is scheduled for June 13. Visitors are welcome to come and watch the fun! To get to the field, from Hwy 65 go W on CC, then S about a mile on Cheyenne Rd.   www.ozarkmountainbarnstormers.com Springfield Missouri Real Estate Listings     05/20/2009

Don't miss out on this truly historic buying opportunity for first-time home owners! Here are several great reasons why now is the time to act. $8,000 tax credit! This is FREE money! Interest rates are around 4.75% Wow! Home prices are lower and more affordable! Better choice. There are a lot of homes to choose from! Foreclosures and shortsales provide even more affordable prices! You can tell we're excited! If you are even considering buying a home, contact us today for more information. We can walk you through the process and answer your questions. We're here to help! Serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa and surrounding areas of SW Missouri. Springfield Missouri homes for sale             05/13/2009

Market Report - Residential Springfield Missouri April 2009 Real Estate         Single Family Total Sold 193     Date Range 4/01/09- 4/30/09    Sold Price Range $9,000 -  $475,000   Average Sold Price $135,024     Average DOM (Days On Market) 69     Under Contract 411     Under Contract Price Range $22,000-  $799,900   Average UC Listing Price $154,113     Active Listings 1603     Price Range $19,900-  $799,900   Average Listing Price $182,873        Data Provided by GSBOR on 5/01/09. Max price range included $800,000. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Prepared by John Knowles, REALTOR. Springfield Missouri Real Estate Listings 05/01/2009

Top 6 Reasons Now Is The Best Time To Buy A Home in Ozark, Nixa, Or Springfield Missouri! It's no secret it's a buyer's market. The selection of homes is good in all price ranges. This means you can get a great deal whether you are a first-time buyer or moving up to a larger home. Interest rates are very competitive.  With rates below 5%. This helps homes be even more affordable. Foreclosures, REO's, and short sales. While the real estate market in the Ozarks is much better than other parts of the country, there are still a good number of foreclosed and short sale properties available. If you are looking for investment property or just a good deal, now is the time to act. The real estate market moves in cycles. Historically when you buy a home in a slower market, when the market recover... 04/30/2009

I just watched the Dave Ramsey Town Hall of Hope broadcast to millions of people across the country. What an inspiration! He talked a lot about personal responsibility, work, politics and even real estate. He also compared our current recession to ones in the past.  He believes that the housing market will be the driving force to bring us out of the recession. I encourage everyone to check it out at townhallofhope.com     Springfield Missouri Real Estate Listings 04/23/2009

If you are thinking about buying a home in Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, or surrounding areas of SW Missouri, don't miss this opportunity! This $8,000 tax credit is free money that you can use for any purpose. Click here for detailed information on the new $8,000 tax credit available for Springfield Missouri!   04/12/2009

1. Interest rates are at historic lows below 5% It's incredible that rates are this low at the same time prices are affordable.  2. New $8,000 tax credit available for first time homeowners or if you haven't owned a home in the last 3 years you still qualify! This is free money that doesn't have to be repaid! You can file an amended 2008 tax return and get it now or wait until next year's taxes and get it then. It's your choice.  3. There is a good selection of homes to choose from in Springfield, Ozark, and Nixa. No matter what type home you are looking for, we can find it for you.  4. Prices are affordable. Although SW Missouri hasn't been hit nearly as hard as some parts of the country, there are still some great deals out there. Even if you sold your current home at a discount, you... 04/10/2009

Market Report - Residential Greene County Missouri  March 2009 Real Estate         Single Family Total Sold        231   Date Range          3/01/09 - 3-31/09   Sold Price Range        $13,500 - $949,000   Average Sold Price          $133,167   Average DOM (Days On Market)      77   Under Contract        485   Under Contract Price Range        $15,000 - $749,900   Average Listing Price          $150,505   Active Listings through 500k        2097   Price Range        $19,900 - $500,000   Average Listing Price          $169,389   Data Provided by GSBOR on 04/07/09. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Prepared by John Knowles, REALTOR. Search homes for sale in Springfield Missouri   04/07/2009

The Springfield Mo real estate market is over for 2008.  Across the country, prices have dropped, foreclosures have increased and short sales have become one of the best ways to market your home. I received an email recently from a Springfield resident requesting I continue with updates on the Springfield Residential market.  (Careful of what you write about......you never know who's watching!  LOL! Rumor has it that the market is very slow, Springfield homes are not selling and the market reports are depressing.  But that's for those consumers that are not willing to readjust their prices to refect today's market.  So far this year, 4,795 homes were on the market in January, 2009.  1,175 new listings were introduced to the market and 279 sold.  Remember, this is only 5% (FIVE PERCENT) ... 04/05/2009

 Springfield Missouri real estate has ended and we're now in the ending quarter of 2009.  Looking back for the past 4 years, here's a recap of the real estate market. 2008 ended with 16,331 residental homes listed on the market, with 6,082 homes selling.  Think of it this way: that's only 37% of the homes that actually sold.  The other homeowners (63%) were not fortunate enough to be able to relocate. In 2007 40% of the homes listed, sold.  In 2006, almost 50% home homes listed, sold, and in 2005 59% sold. Average sold prices now average the same as homes sold in 2005. What does all this mean to the average Springfield residential seller?  If you want to sell your home in 2009, you must be the best home on the market, it the best condition, at the best price.  RESIDENTIAL New Listings A... 04/05/2009