Blog
The Real Estate Market’s Competitive Surge: What to Expect if Interest Rates Drop
This has been a very strange year for real estate as we’ve seen the pendulum swing from a super strong sellers market in January 2023, back to a more balanced real estate market in the Fall. Interest rates for home mortgages were at 6.50% at the beginning of the year, but we continued to see... Read More
The Current High Cost of New Home Construction in Kansas City
It’s not uncommon for me to get several inquiries per month from people who are considering building or buying a brand new home. The conversation typically begins like this. “We’ve been thinking about buying land and building a new home, but we can’t find anything in our price range of $350,000 to $400,000.” That’s when... Read More
My Love-Hate Relationship With Self Checkout Kiosks
The evolution of self-checkout kiosks has certainly been interesting over the past few years. When they first came out, I resisted using them for several reasons, mostly because I just didn’t want to learn something new. I guess I’m showing my age with that statement, but I’ve witnessed a few recent events that made me... Read More
Disney World: A Playground for Adults Nostalgia, But at What Cost?
Last week, I had the opportunity to travel to Orlando and visit 4 different Disney Parks. Although it was nice to have some time away from work and just have fun, I was extremely surprised by the super high cost of everything, not just for the hotel and passes to get into the park, but... Read More
Finding A Home To Buy In Kansas City Is No Easy Task
Kansas City neighborhoods these days, finding a home for sale is no easy task. Bobby and Sarah Adams recently experienced this firsthand when they purchased a house in Olathe. Their journey involved six weeks of searching and ultimately going $20,000 over their initial budget, a decision they consider themselves fortunate to have made. Read More
The Delicious History of Kansas City: From Possum Trot to BBQ Haven
s a city with a rich history and an even richer culinary tradition. Kansas City, Missouri, is renowned for its mouthwatering barbecue, but did you know that in 1853, it almost bore a rather peculiar name? "Possum Trot" and "Rabbitville" were two proposed monikers for this vibrant metropolis, and their roots are as fascinating as the flavors that have since made Kansas City a barbecue haven. Read More
12 Essential Questions to Ask When Considering a Home with Solar Panels
Last week I wrote an article about solar panels from the homeowners perspective and asked the question, “Do solar panels really increase the value of my home?” I received a lot of feedback on that article, but many people had questions about the buyers perspective and specifically, what questions they should be asking if considering... Read More
Why Solar Panels Don’t Increase Your Homes Value
Solar panels have become a popular choice for homeowners seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and lower energy costs. However, the notion that installing solar panels automatically boosts the value of a residential property is a common misconception. I realize the salesman that came to your door assured you they do, but let's be honest, his job is to sell you solar panels and he's not qualified to make these statements. In this blog post, we'll delve into the reasons why solar panels might not always lead to a significant increase in home value. Read More
The Forgotten Fashion Hub: KCMO’s Legacy in Clothing Manufacturing
In the mid-20th century, a city far from the glitz and glamour of New York City stood as a thriving fashion hub, shaping the wardrobes of countless American women. Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO), rose to prominence as the second-largest center for clothing manufacturing in the United States, second only to the Big Apple itself. From... Read More
Are Home Prices Dropping in Kansas City?
In the last few months, there has been a lot of debate surrounding the stability of home prices in Kansas City. Despite consumer’s potential fears of a market correction, many real estate experts agree that recent home price declines are not an indication of a housing bubble, but rather a result of sellers pricing their... Read More