Blog
The Surprising Story of One Times Square: The New Year’s Eve Icon
Every year, millions of eyes around the globe are fixed on the glittering New Year’s Eve Ball as it descends in Times Square, marking the transition to a new year. While the event is a symbol of celebration and hope, the building at the heart of it all, One Times Square, holds a story as... Read More
Is Selling Your Home ‘As Is’ the Right Move for You?
Selling a home "as is" means you’re putting it on the market in its current condition, without making any repairs or improvements. The buyer takes responsibility for any issues with the property. This approach has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your situation. It's not the best strategy if you want to make the most money on your investment, but for the right situations, it might make good sense. Read More
The Appeal of Sweat Equity: Is It Worth the Effort for Homebuyers?
As housing markets shift and home prices rise, homebuyers are increasingly being forced to consider properties that require a bit more work and are not “move-in-ready”. These “sweat equity” homes—properties that need repairs, updates, or complete overhauls—offer a tantalizing opportunity for buyers willing to roll up their sleeves. But is the appeal of sweat equity... Read More
Buyer Agreements in Kansas City Real Estate
One of the essential aspects of buying a home is the buyer's agreement, a crucial document that outlines the terms of your relationship with your real estate agent or brokerage firm. This agreement is more than just a formality—it establishes a clear and professional relationship that ultimately benefits both parties. Read More
Surviving Hurricane Floods: What I Wish I’d Known as a Florida Shores Hurricane Ian Flood Victim
As a survivor of Hurricane Ian’s devastating floods, I’ve learned a lot about the importance of preparation, calm decision-making, and taking swift action. I’m sharing these insights not to cause fear, but to equip you with the knowledge we wish we’d had before the floodwaters rose. If you think your home might be at risk for flooding, take a moment to read through these tips. We made it through, and so will you—but a little preparation goes a long way. Read More
How the Federal Reserve Affects Mortgage Rates
Home buyers today are very focused on interest rates, but many times they have no idea what affects these rates and causes them to go up or down. What does the Federal Reserve do? The Federal Reserve was created by the 1913 Federal Reserve Act to manage U.S. monetary policy and stabilize the economy. It... Read More
Recent Changes to How Realtors Conduct Their Business
You may have recently heard some information on the news about an out-of-court settlement involving NAR, the nation’s largest trade organization representing over 1.5 million Realtors. I felt obligated to give you the whole truth because I have yet to see a news media outlet that’s gotten it right so far (so shocking!). In May,... Read More
Our Recent Trip to Guatemala
In the United States, we have many advantages that people around the world wish they had. Yet, I often forget this and find myself complaining about politics, the rising cost of food, the economy, and even trivial things that don’t really matter. We’ve become very pampered living here in America, and this fact became much... Read More
18 days on the market and it’s still not sold!
Despite what you might hear from national or local news media, Kansas City remains a “seller’s market.” By definition, a seller’s market occurs when demand for homes exceeds the available supply, giving sellers an advantage. This typically leads to rising home prices, faster sales, and often multiple offers on properties Specifically, a seller’s market is... Read More
Ten Fun Facts about the 4th of July
Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is a day of celebration in the United States, marked by fireworks, barbecues, parades, and a strong sense of national pride. But beyond the well-known festivities, there are many fascinating facts about this historic day. Here are ten fun facts about July 4th that you might not know:... Read More