Kansas City Real Estate Overland Park Homes

Kansas City real estate: What’s happening at the Marriot?

Each time I’m out with clients, I get the usual question, “What’s happening with the Marriot?” Are they closed?  Well, it sure looks like they have shrouded the Marriot!  But in fact, it’s the sheets of plastic that are hiding the transformation of the entire building! Like 20 million worth!  The hotels exterior is undergoing a huge face lift. They are doing more of the earth tones verses the ivory look.  It’ll look like a whole new place when they’re completed.  In fact, the renovations include all the rooms, ballroom, meeting rooms, new sound systems, lighting, electronic equipment and more!  The renovated rooms will have flat screen TV’s but options for plugs in of MP3 players, digital cameras, camcorders & other electronic devices!   The hotel is planning on reducing its carbon footprint to include all energy efficient lighting! The whole community seems to be buzzing on what’s going on!!  Now you have it!

Kansas City Real Estate:  How do I price my home?

I was sitting with one of my sellers the other night.  One of the questions came up, is what can I do to get my home sold fast?  Of course, we discussed price and condition. Both are equally important!  As I had informed them, quality homes are still command top prices, but sellers need to adjust to the market and some are making common mistakes. One of the common mistakes is to build in room for excessive dollars in the price for negotiating, which many times puts them out of the marketplace. Many Kansas City sellers comment, “My neighbor got this price last year and I have a better home.”  Of course, but that was last years market.  Instead, they need to understand the dynamics of today’s market. One of the concerns is that many use just neighborhood sales.  Well, that is great.  But I also bring information on what is selling in the area, our competition.  Many homebuyers don’t just look in a specific subdivision for a home.  But instead, will look in an area.  The seller needs to understand the competition that is out there.  How does their home show value compared to others?  That is exactly what Kansas City home buyers are doing.  Looking at value!  We want our sellers to have a realistic expectation upfront, because this can mean the difference between a quick & profitable sale or a slow and costly one. This is especially important right now as our spring market continues to heat up!

Listen to our podcast on the market conditions in Kansas City!

Kansas City Real Estate Market Update

Our Kansas City real estate market is in full bloom this late spring!  There’s activity out there, especially with the first time home buyer. They’re trying to capitalize on what’s left with the 3% down payment programs.  The hottest activity is the price range in Johnson County homes is the $160,000-180,000 price range.  They are selling 20% of the resale homes available.  Then the move up buyers in the price range of 200,000-250,000 had 18% of the market sold in the month of April. Currently the average of 13% of the Kansas City real estate homes were selling in April. With 36% of those Kansas City homes sold, in less than 30 days.  So value is still king!  Offer great condition and good pricing, you should see an offer!

Listen to our podcast on the market conditions in Kansas City!

Kansas City Home trends

With all the news on network TV talking about how bad the real estate world is, that’s not the case here in Kansas City. Our real estate market in Kansas City is moving, but not at record levels.  That’s normal for Kansas City.  We don’t see the major up and down swings in the market as many areas of the country.  Our area tends to be more a steady market.  Yes, we’ve have the movements just not as severe. Last weekend the Kansas City Parade of Homes had just finished, and it proved that people are out looking at the new trends in home building in Kansas City.  This year, it seems that many of the homebuyers in Kansas City are searching for a home that will provide a lifestyle not just a place to live.  They’re looking for a home that has amenities.

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Kansas City Spring Homes Tour

We know its spring time when the Home Builders Association puts on their annual spring home tour in Kansas City!  It’s always so wonderful to look at the new decorating ideas & to see the wonderful homes for sale in Kansas City along with the new trends.  This is their 46^th annual parade, with over 320 homes available to view between the hours of 11am & 6 pm. The homes are scattered around the eight counties surrounding Kansas City. Homes for sale in Kansas City that are on the Parade of Homes Tour range from $100,000 to $2.6 million.  You’ll have the chance to view the American Dream Award, which are held in conjunction with the Parade of Homes.  The homes that are entered compete in categories determined by price, housing styles, & I believe energy efficiency.

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