What was the movie line – We’re  mad as hell and not going to take it any more*?  Earlier this year the Kansas City Royals lost a game in Cleveland when a ball hit by the opposition [...]]]> Click this text to return to the RE/MAX Best Associates Website to see All Kansas City properties!

What was the movie line – We’re  mad as hell and not going to take it any more*?  Earlier this year the Kansas City Royals lost a game in Cleveland when a ball hit by the opposition struck a seagull and the winning run may have scored as a result.  During yesterday’s loss a cat nearly made a trip around the bases and was at one point headed for home plate.  The cat veered into foul territory and was summarily dismissed along with the Royals who lost their 68th game – Only one team in all of baseball has a worse record. 

We deserve better and need to demand it.  The Kansas City Metropolitan Areais a fifteen county metropolitan area straddling the border between the states of Missouri and Kansas that is anchored by Kansas City, Missouri. In 2008, it was estimated to have a population numbering just over 2 million according to Wikipedia.  Our Easterly neighbor’s team the St. Louis Cardinals  are tied for 1st place and are perennial contenders.  Yes St. Louis has a slightly higher population (2.8) but we deserve better. 

Having grown up in Chicago which currently has not one but two contending teams, (the Cubs are tied for 1st and the White Sox are a game out of first), I have experienced how a contending baseball team can change the psyche of a city.  If the Kansas City Royals were contenders, wouldn’t we all be a little happier?  Wouldn’t our property values seem a little higher?  Wouldn’t our schools be a little better?  Our children better behaved?  The sun a little brighter?  The winters a little milder?  Send your ideas on how we can make our Royals a better team?  Not next year but NOW!  We want and deserve a better team. 

*The memorable quote of Peter Finch in the movie “Network” which debuted in 1976 went on to say “…So, I want you to get up now. I want all of you to get up out of your chairs. I want you to get up right now and go to the window, open it, and stick your head out and yell, “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!!”

Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or seeking information or buying Kansas City Royals tickets, rely on RE/MAX Best Associates 800-391-BEST(2378) X106 or 913-339-0615 to provide accurate up to date information about the marketplace email to: tfarrell@remax.net  or visit http://www.kansascityerealestate.com/

REMEMBER THE MILK doggone it!

Go to http://www.REMEMBERTHEMILK.com

Are you aware of any great applications to make all of [...]]]> We all have our daily to do lists.  After all how would we get anything done with out them?  The best way and FREE way to manage your to do tasks. Never forget the milk (or anything else) again.

REMEMBER THE MILK doggone it!

Go to http://www.REMEMBERTHEMILK.com

Are you aware of any great applications to make all of our lives a bit more manageable.  Gas prices are at least not rising and the KC Star said heating costs for natural gas should rise little or NOT at all.  It is a great time to buy or sell real estate in Kansas City.

Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or seeking information, rely on RE/MAX Best Associates
800-391-BEST(2378) X106 or 913-339-0615 to provide accurate up to date information about the marketplace.email  tfarrell@remax.net  or  www.kansascityerealestate.com

A digital model is stored and secure data electronically collected and saved on a computer. To complete the model a RE/MAX Best Associate will ask questions and your answers will be stored on a password protected [...]]]> Click this text to return to the RE/MAX Best Associates Website to see All Kansas City properties!

A digital model is stored and secure data electronically collected and saved on a computer. To complete the model a RE/MAX Best Associate will ask questions and your answers will be stored on a password protected secure web based form. 

You will be asked questions such as your price range, the minimum # of bedrooms and baths you require and the geographic boundaries of your search. The online form will save your specific needs such as a minimum number of garages or your need for a fenced yard or a finished basement.   Next your model is “matched” to the central Heartland MLS database for all properties that meet or exceed your specific needs. The list of matches returned from the central database becomes our baseline list. You will receive a copy of the baseline list of properties.

As you see more properties your criteria may change and your digital model will be constantly updated. A match search on your model is run as often as required, weekly, daily or even hourly. The advantage of using a digital model is you always stay current with the market. As new properties reach the market matching your model, you will be notified via email or by another method you prefer.

Building your digital model takes under an hour including time to explain and provide you with a package of valuable information.  If you are serious about buying a home, building your personal digital model is the first step. Please send your request for an appointment to create your personal digital model to tfarrell@remax.net in the subject line please type digital model.

Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or seeking information, rely on RE/MAX Best Associates 800-391-BEST(2378) X106 or 913-339-0615 to provide accurate up to date information about the marketplace.email tfarrell@remax.net  or  www.kansascityerealestate.com 

To receive a free computer generated market appraisal please provide your name and address, subdivision name if known and a brief description of your property and an email address or fax number where appraisal may be [...]]]> Click this text to return to the RE/MAX Best Associates Website to see All Kansas City properties!

To receive a free computer generated market appraisal please provide your name and address, subdivision name if known and a brief description of your property and an email address or fax number where appraisal may be sent. The computer appraisal may be sent by email or by facsimile. Please indicate your preference when transmitting your property information. 

All the data for your appraisal will be obtained exclusively from the Heartland Multiple Listing Service. You will be
presented with all sold and on the market data for your area. Appraising is an inexact science. If you’d like a more comprehensive analysis of your property’s value, have questions or simply do not agree with the analysis after you review it, please let us know. When it comes right down to it, any product is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay. The market determines value. It is our hope that the appraisal gives you the awareness you seek in establishing the value of your property. To receive your free computer generated market appraisal, please email your request to tfarrell@remax.net

Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or seeking information, rely on RE/MAX Best Associates 800-391-BEST(2378) X106 or 913-339-0615 to provide accurate up to date information about the marketplace.email  tfarrell@remax.net  or  www.kansascityerealestate.com

If you plan a move across town or anywherein North America you may request a free relocation package filled with information about your destination city delivered to you within three working days. Often the fear of [...]]]> Click this text to return to the RE/MAX Best Associates Website to see All Kansas City properties!

If you plan a move across town or anywherein North America you may request a free relocation package filled with information about your destination city delivered to you within three working days. Often the fear of anything is the unknown. Fortified with the knowledge contained in these informative packages you’ll be prepared for what ever new and exciting adventures await you. Please provide your destination city, state and zip code. Please also include your name, phone number with area code if outside of Kansas City and the address where you’d like the package delivered.   Please, no post office boxes and phone numbers must be included for package  delivery, routing information and verification. Please email your request to tfarrell@remax.net  

Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or seeking information, rely on RE/MAX Best Associates 800-391-BEST(2378) X106 or 913-339-0615 to provide accurate up to date information about the marketplace.email  tfarrell@remax.net  or  www.kansascityerealestate.com

 Have a real estate question? Please email your questions to tfarrell@remax.net    

This forum is used to field Real Estate questions and to disseminate pertinent information about real estate trends and practices. Answers to your questions may be [...]]]> Click this text to return to the RE/MAX Best Associates Website to see All Kansas City properties!

 Have a real estate question? Please email your questions to tfarrell@remax.net    

This forum is used to field Real Estate questions and to disseminate pertinent information about real estate trends and practices. Answers to your questions may be found here. 

Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or seeking information, rely on RE/MAX Best Associates 800-391-BEST(2378) X106 or 913-339-0615 to provide accurate up to date information about the marketplace.email to  tfarrell@remax.net  or  www.kansascityerealestate.com

It is most frustrating to find the perfect place, negotiate an offer everybody’s happy with and not qualify for the needed financing. The best way to avoid frustration is to qualify for a mortgage through [...]]]> Click this text to return to the RE/MAX Best Associates Website to see All Kansas City properties!

It is most frustrating to find the perfect place, negotiate an offer everybody’s happy with and not qualify for the needed financing. The best way to avoid frustration is to qualify for a mortgage through a lender before you begin to look at houses.

Use a lender

Qualification through a lender doesn’t have to commit you to finance your home through that same lender. It is simply a chance for the lending company to market its services. If you want, you can continue to shop for the best mortgage deal while you’re house hunting. Your real estate agent can provide you the names of reputable lenders and set up a qualification
meeting.

After you’re qualified, it’s worth moving forward with the loan application process as early in your house hunting as possible. The process can be lengthy, with lenders requesting highly detailed information about your debts, assets and credit history. By starting early, everything can be in place when you find the right home.

Sellers know you’re serious  

 In addition to clearly letting you know how much home you can afford, qualifying shows sellers know how serious you are. One of the first concerns a seller or listing agent has when an offer is submitted is: “Is the buyer qualified?”

When it’s a seller’s market with multiple offers and quick sales, qualification through a lender is vital. And regardless of market conditions, qualification always increases a buyer’s standing in comparison to buyers who aren’t qualified. Sellers don’t like having a property tied up in negotiations – only to have the transaction disintegrate in the 11th hour because the buyers don’t qualify for the necessary financing.

Get qualified

If you’re not ready to talk to an agent or lender, you can qualify yourself using the same basic formulas used by the mortgage industry. This will give you a good idea of your price range. But when it’s time for serious shopping, it’s worth knowing exactly what a lender thinks. And it’s worth confirming that your credit history doesn’t hold any surprises. An experienced real estate agent can help you through this process.

How much do I Need

There is no strict formula used by all lenders to determine a home loan amount, but a good working rule of thumb is that you can afford a home equal in price to three times your gross annual income. This formula, of course, needs to be adjusted to a number of factors:

•Amount of available cash for a downpayment.

•Closing costs and cash reserves required by the lender

•Your outstanding debts (your total debt to income ratio should be under 40 percent)

•Your credit history

•The type of mortgage you select

Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or seeking information, rely on RE/MAX Best Associates 800-391-BEST(2378) X106 or 913-339-0615 to provide accurate up to date information about the marketplace email to: tfarrell@remax.net or visit www.kansascityerealestate.com

Buying a house, whether your first or your fiftieth, can be an exhilarating process. A house must stand on it’s ‘own two feet’ in a marketplace that is always competing for customers. You make a house a home. [...]]]> Click this text to return to the RE/MAX Best Associates Website to see All Kansas City properties!

Buying a house, whether your first or your fiftieth, can be an exhilarating process. A house must stand on it’s ‘own two feet’ in a marketplace that is always competing for customers. You make a house a home. Unless your plan is to build a house designed for you, there will be trade offs or concessions you’ll make in the house you purchase.

The KC marketplace in the last twenty has had its share of ‘buyer’s & seller’s markets’. A buyer’s market is one where there are more products available than there are customers to buy. The opposite market is a seller’s market where there are more buyers than products available. In a seller’s market you might have multiple offers on your property. In a buyer’s market you have plenty of products to choose from.

The marketplace is always competing for buyers. Therefore sellers who offer their products at the most competitive price compared to other similar products usually sell quicker and closer to the asking price. If you have a product to sell before you can buy, you are both a seller and a buyer.

Many sellers in today’s marketplace are reluctant to accept contingency offers. A contingency offer is an offer where something must happen before something else can happen. Most generally, this ’something’ is a house must sell before a buyer can buy. Most of us can’t afford to own two residences. A buyer making an offer to purchase subject to the sale of their residence has no negotiating strength. Even if you find a seller willing to accept a contingency offer, the seller almost always insists on the right to continue to show the property to other buyers while you try to sell yours. If the seller finds another buyer whose offer is not subject to the sale of a house you generally are given one to three days to remove the contingency or the other buyer buys the property.

Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or seeking information, rely on RE/MAX Best Associates 800-391-BEST(2378) 
X106 or 913-339-0615 to provide accurate up to date information about the marketplace email to: tfarrell@remax.net
or visit  www.kansascityerealestate.com