Greater Kansas City Home & Lifestyle Guide Volume 19, Issue 4
TA X B R EAKS FO R
HOME
OWNERS
RealEstateBook.com Request FREE MAGAZINES online, or call 800-841-3401
Pristine Custom Home
cover PROPERTY: Robin Clark Clemons Home Team 816-200-6513 • www.CLEMONSHOMES.com
sally moore
Why buy now? Ask a REALTOR® • Vol. 19, No. 4 – Page 3
Recognized. Respected. Recommended.
816.268.3828 • www.SallySellsMoore.com Text SALLYSELLSMOORE to 85377 for more listings!
P982181
R232180
Lee’s Summit Loaded with upgrades • 4 Bedrooms / 2 Full /2 Half Bath
P982206
P928637 Grain ValleY Versatile reverse • $249,900
Blue Springs Golf Course View- Gorgeous model home
R179388
Blue Springs Adam’s Pointe Village • 4 Bedrooms/3.5 Baths
P964152
P926512 Grain Valley New construction • $219,900
Blue Springs Energy efficient home
R255684 Oak Grove Gorgeous Ranch
P954424
R254371 Blue Springs Near completion • $234,900
Oak Grove Unbelievable finshes • $189,900
P928613
Oak Grove Beautiful reverse 1.5 story • Lake view
P928714
Blue Springs Brand new maintenance provided ranch • 2BR/2BA
Oak Grove Functional split level • $229,700
We’re here for your insurance needs.
S tephen Pirch FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIVE stephen.pirch@countryfinancial.com
PLATINUM PARTNERS
816.795.6232 Text listing codes to 52187 for more info!
Page 4 – Vol. 19, No. 4 • Moving? For a FREE book, call 1-800-841-3401
913-384-6106 Text WELCOMEKC to 85377 to shop homes on our mobile website. Download our FREE mobile app to shop ALL homes for sale in the Metro area! Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
Kansas City
Lenexa
Lenexa
R197846
Kansas City
R241811
R155217
R186757
GREAT ELEVATION AND VISIBILITY
FABULOUS HOME
PENDING • IMMACULATE & UPDATED
4 BEDROOMS, 3 FULL BATH, 1 HALF BATH
from thousands of vehicles per day on Interstate 435. Easy access; right on the corner of the off-ramp. Call Pete 913-488-5655
In premier Neighborhood. Kitchen/hearthroom perfect for entertaining. Split staircase, HW thru-out main level. Finished basemnt with full BA, possible media room & fifth BR. Call Trish 913-956-8508
Granite island, birch cabinets, HW, crown moulding, hearth room, office, vaulted ceilings, new carpet. Sunlit walk-out basement with gorgeous wet bar, family room, BR & BA. Call Sarah 913-219-0100
Call Trish 913-956-8508
Kansas City
Gladstone
Gladstone
P444565
Kansas City
P857285
P855995
P444563
HOMES BY CHRIS “MARLOW” PLAN
GORGEOUS
BEAUTIFUL REVERSE ON ESTATE SIZE LOT
EMBASSY PARK
Liberty schools. Double front doors with iron detail, 2 story stone FP in great room. Huge kitchen & formal eating area. Spacious master w luxury bath. Wooded walkout lot. Call Trish 913-956-8508
Country French Reverse 1.5 story home heavily wooded and private lot with 2 cedar entertainment decks. 3 fireplaces! Beautiful circular staircase. Call Debby 816-686-7944
Open GR with FP looking out to heavily wooded green space. Large dining area leading to covered deck. MBR with see thru FP over tub. Curved staircase leading to family room and bar. Call Debby 816-686-7944
Open floor plan with main floor master. Walk-in pantry & small work station. Upstairs loft area for a extra living space! Pick out colors and features to make this your custom family home! Call Trish 913-956-8508
Kansas City
N Kansas City
P205853
Shawnee
N Kansas City
P444553
R263009
P444557
CUSTOM REVERSE
BEAUTIFUL WALK-OUT LOT
OVER 2000 FINISHED SQUARE FEET
1.5 STORY “NOTTINGTON” PLAN
Walk-out with master and 2BR on the main level. Add’l finished rec room, wet bar, full BA, and 2BR in basement. 3-Car garage with extra deep 3rd bay. Call Trish 913-956-8508
4BR/3BA, HW and tile & granite throughout. Walkout finished basement rec room, laundry, giant walk-in pantry with grocery drop door, kitchen island, crown moulding. covered deck. Call Trish 913-956-8508
Soaring ceilings, great colors, 2 separate living spaces, and 4 bedrooms. Finished basement offers a stone fireplace and fantastic natural updates. Call Pete 913488-5655
Huge main level, formal DR, office or library, and hearth room. Kitchen with granite island. 3BRs upstairs with piano loft. LL has suspended garage and basement access to the outside. Call Aaron 913-333-1419
We have you covered in Kansas and Missouri. Experienced agents in RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, and LAND. Kansas City
Kansas City
R123045
N Kansas City
P444547
Neodesha
R125777
P1034054
NEW CONSTRUCTION
5 BEDROOMS, 3 FULL BATHS, 1 HALF BATH
NEW CONSTRUCTION
WELL MAINTAINED RANCH ON TREED CORNER LOT
5BR/4BA, Staley schools. Cedar accents, front porch, ~1 acre lot, in-ground sprinkler, kitchen island, covered patio, formal DR, loft with barn doors, zoned HVAC, laundry, double sided FP. MBR/BA. Call Bruce 816-985-8425
Call Trish 913-956-8508
4BR/3BA ranch, 3-car garage, upscale trim, tile & HW. Private backyard with no neighbors behind. Covered deck on cul-de-sac lot. Stone front, kitchen island, walkin pantry. Finished basement. Call Trish 913-956-8508
Open and airy floorpan. Completely remodeled kitchen, newer appliances, custom built cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances. HUGE covered deck. Call Kim 913-219-6140
Gold Member
Info & Photos Sent to Your Phone When You Text the Listing Code to 52187
Design a Stylish yet Functional Kitchen Island in 4 Steps By Talaia Whisenant
Modern kitchen islands are exceptionally versatile and useful additions to your home! They are also incredibly popular and top the kitchen renovation list for most homeowners. Yet, designing the perfect kitchen island takes both careful planning and proper execution. While this addition can transform your kitchen into an absolute dream, a poorly constructed kitchen island can create a whole new set of problems. Whether you are remodeling your kitchen or looking to add a brand new kitchen island, these design tips should steer you in the direction towards form and function!
Divine Proportions?
While you figure out which appliances and features are right for your kitchen island, it is also important that you work within the existing space constraints. Many tend to believe that lavishly large kitchens are blessed because of the available space they offer.
While that is often true, huge kitchens also create some unique design challenges. Your island must always be proportional to the size of your kitchen. If it is too big, then you will inevitably feel closed in, and a diminutive island is both ungainly and a waste of precious space.
The Right Aisle Space
Demarcate the space in your kitchen that you wish to utilize for the island and check out how close it is to your counters. Most homeowners tend to forget about leaving enough aisle space, as they are too focused on the kitchen island itself. If you have a small kitchen, then experts suggest that a minimum of 36 inches is an absolute must, while 42 inches between the counters would be ideal. Having too much space between the counter and the island is not ideal either, as you would be wasting too much time and effort scurrying between the two!
Innovative Shapes & Designs
Remember all those times when you were told to think outside of the box in order to
find a solution to your design conundrum? This is another one of these moments. The image of a square kitchen island is so popular that many of us automatically gravitate toward this textbook idea. However, there are plenty of other designs and styles available, such as an L-shaped or T-shaped addition, a lovely circular installation, or a cool elliptical island inspired by the surfboard; the possibilities are simply endless! Let your kitchen dictate the shape and size of the island and do not fall prey to the stereotypical conventions.
Storage and Cabinets
Storage units and smart cabinets are an essential part of the modern kitchen island. They allow you to tuck away the mess, organize your kitchen in a better fashion, and make sure that everything you need is handy. If you desire a well-organized space, there are quite a few alluring options, and once again, the choice of shelving units and cabinets should be determined by the specific needs of your kitchen. Small kitchens with limited shelving will benefit from extra-deep drawers and large fold-away inserts that will provide you with ample storage.
By Chris Hillman
When looking for ways to add value to their homes, most homeowners reach for the tried and true methods of a kitchen remodel, bathroom fixture upgrades, or a finished basement. Today, there are plenty of newer, more innovative, and less costly ways to give your home value a nudge in the right direction.
1. Go Green Homebuyers are increasingly concerned with energy efficiency for both financial and environmental reasons. The energy efficiency of your home is not only a money-saving investment, but also a world-saving decision. Replacing aging appliances, renewing insulation and seals, and installing new windows are all energy efficient home improvements that can improve your quality of life while providing an excellent return on investment. Solar panels, for example, are a forward-thinking way to entice buyers or increase your appraisal value. Ask your utility provider about any solar incentives they may offer. If your solar panels produce more energy than your household uses, many utilities will pay you for the surplus.
it. Other worthwhile smart appliances to consider are smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, refrigerators, and smart home hubs. A hub can connect and control several smart appliances at once. The future is here, and the Jetsons would love it.
3. Be Secure A frequently overlooked but extremely important feature of any home is its security. Even if crime is not a concern in your neighborhood, quality security improvements still protect and enhance your home’s value. In addition to thermostats and refrigerators, smart security cameras and locks are popular in today’s market and constantly dropping in price. With smart locks, gone are the days when you have to turn the car around if you forget to lock the door. A swipe of your finger from anywhere in the world can do that task. Smarts don’t always outperform brute strength, however. High quality steel doors are still the standard to transform your house into a fortress, and they offer an excellent, reliable return on your investment.
4. See the Light
2. Get Smart The newest and techiest lifestyle improvement you can make to your home is to invest in smart appliances. These appliances are connected to a network, allowing you to not only make fine, programmable adjustments, but also to do it from absolutely anywhere, using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. A smart thermostat can be programmed to automatically adjust throughout the day, providing energy usage data and “learning” more efficient settings the more you use
Homebuyers tend to make their gut decisions within ten seconds of walking into a house. If you want yours to sell for what it’s worth, show your buyers the light. If your home’s natural light is limited, installing recessed lighting, sconces, and dimmer switches is not nearly as difficult or expensive as you may think. Create lighting “zones” in large rooms by combining light from different directional sources. Study the light in your house at all times of day and make note of where the lighting can be improved. Tapping into existing circuitry to install wall-mounted lighting requires some basic research, but it is not a significant challenge for a prepared and motivated homeowner.
5. Greater Outdoors Curb appeal factors highly into homebuyers’ decision making process. If your house is
cute, tidy, and shipshape, turn your attention to your property’s flora. It doesn’t take much to increase the “wow factor” of your yard. Trim and shape your existing trees and hedges. Edge and mulch pathways between trees. Consider planting high-impact flowers or trees. Think ahead: trees such as maple, oak, and fig will grow more valuable as they grow bigger. Shade trees not only add beauty and value to your property, but have a positive impact on your home’s energy consumption, too. And we know you’ve been thinking about lighting, so consider some landscape lighting too. It makes your home more beautiful, valuable, and secure.
6. Suck it Up An unconventional but handy home improvement project is to install a central vacuum system. File this one under H for “How did I ever live without it?” While a central vacuum is certainly a luxury, it also outperforms the power of even the best portable vacuums without costing significantly more as an initial investment. Central vacuum systems average about $1000 installed, but provide a life-changing convenience for homeowners and an impressive feature for buyers.
7. Closets Make the Home The lowly closet gets overlooked a lot: crammed with unwanted goods and shut off from the world. The more spacious your closets, the better, but small closets can benefit from organization solutions too. Look for wasted space and begin planning storage solutions there. Use modular shelving, lighting, and mirrors to turn your boring closet into a DIY storage masterpiece.
Sources: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/brokers-tell-all-10-waysto-boost-house-value http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/20-ways-to-add-value-to-your-home-pictures http://www.upnest.com/1/post/7-smart-home-technology-upgrades-that-increase-the-value-of-your-home/
5 SIGNS YOU’RE READY TO
MAKE THE LEAP FROM
RENTER TO HOMEOWNER BY RACHEL CRONIN
Are you currently renting a property, but starting to wonder if the grass truly is greener on the other side? If you are on the fence about owning a property, here are five signs that you are ready to make the big leap: 1. YOU HAVE BECOME AWARE OF RENTING DISADVANTAGES The first and most common sign of knowing that you are ready to own a home is that you are simply sick of renting one. While renting a property certainly has positive aspects, other aspects of renting are slightly more burdensome. Perhaps you have a creative home improvement idea that is condemned by your landlord or renter agreement contract. Maybe those monthly rent payments are beginning to feel as divesting as inserting your hard-earned funds directly into a paper shredder. For those of you that own pets, you are probably all too familiar with the additional rent or nonrefundable deposits for your furry friend. Regardless of what your personal situation is, sometimes enough is enough.
2. HOMEOWNERSHIP BECOMES MORE AFFORDABLE You have done your research and have discovered that owning a home may be more affordable than renting one. Often times, monthly rent payments can be more costly than mortgage payments. While there are certainly situations in which mortgage payments are more expensive than rent, rental prices typically increase over time (especially if that area is gentrifying), and can ultimately be more expensive than a fixed mortgage price. Owning a property can also be more affordable than renting when housing market has declined, providing an opportunity to invest in a property.
3. YOU HAVE ALL-AROUND STABILITY You have maintained positive credit history to secure an affordable home loan with a low interest rate. You are also aware that owning a home is not as simple as making a single payment, but rather multiple payments for multiple necessities (such as the property’s down payment, mortgage, homeowners insurance, property taxes, and emergency funds). After reviewing your budget, you are certain that you are able to cover these necessities in addition to any recurring bills
that you currently manage. Equally as important as your financial stability is the assurance of your career stability: you should also be confident that you are in a position to support your financial needs in the years to come.
4. YOU ARE SET ON YOUR LOCATION Often times, people choose to rent instead of buy because they’ll have the option of mobility for their career or personal preference. If you are content with your location and know that it could cater to your needs for the next five to ten years, it may be your time to buy a home.
5. YOU ARE READY FOR AN INVESTMENT
You know that owning a home means that you will continuously be investing in it. Whether this is an investment of time during repainting a living room or the financial investment of a surprise emergency repair, you are ready to be in this for the long haul. You are excited about DIY home additions that will not only teach you a new task, but also add value to your home. If you are emotionally and financially ready to take on this responsibility, this could also be a sign that you are ready for your own home!
Why buy now? Ask a REALTOR® • Vol. 19, No. 4 – Page 5
Jennifer Langston-Justus Real Estate Specialist
2016 SALESPERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors
Kansas City
Kansas City
INDEPENDENCE
Office areas for rent. One large office space $300 monthly, plus $100 for utilities. The other spaces are on the 2nd floor… two offices, shared kitchen and bath with other tenant on 2nd floor. $600 month includes all utilities. About 350 sf. Both accessible to Google Fiber.
Fantastic place of worship for those who might be looking to expand or get started. Long term space available for a growing congregation to save money for their own facility and grow. Facility includes a sanctuary, banquet area, kitchen, classrooms, offices & more. Flexible lease terms, utilities included in rate $1000/mo.
Huge raised ranch! Check out the space this home offers & fantastic back yard. This home offers a tremendous value for the beautiful neighborhood, Blue Springs school district. Privacy fenced in patio area and larger fenced in back yard.
Text R161905 to 52187 for more information!
Text R161913 to 52187 for more information!
Text R263156 to 52187 for more information!
816.405.2439 | dreamhomesbyjen.com
Page 6 – Vol. 19, No. 4 • Moving? For a FREE book, call 1-800-841-3401
F I R S T
Spring Has Finally Sprung!
United Mortgage, L.L.C. MO: No.09-384 • KS: No.MC.0002142 • NMLS# 272306
816-454-7900
Ask for Carl Gennusa (NMLS# 279780) to get pre-qualified in 15 minutes today!
Celebrating 18 consecutive years as the Northland’s preferred mortgage leader. Text Listing Code to 52187 for Info & Photos 20 693 R1
Bobbi Cordova
92 528 R1
Odessa Clean open plan 5BR, walkup basement, covered patio, fenced yard on corner of cul-de-sac, in established upper scale Oddessa n’hood.
816-517-9294
Kansas City Solid family home ready for your vision & cosmetic updates! Big front porch, wood floors under carpet. Appls stay, yard, 2-car garage. Smithville • $35,000 Gorgeous cul-de-sac lot backs to acreage full of trees in Cedar Lake Estates. Smithville school district! Close to schools, historical town square & grocery store!
38 859 T11 9601 NE Barry Rd Kansas City, MO 64158
have one of the are on track to we d an re he y selling Spring is finall you thinking of les in years. Are sa e m ho r fo hers s ot best season t it apart from find a way to se to nt wa t bu tic e ar le your hom d a very helpful is issue you’ll fin th In t? ke me. It’s ar m on the value to your ho ive ways to add at ov Inn e! & ak m ple on Sim changes can pact a few small im big e th ing amaz eaded time e it can be a dr tax season. Whil ns ea m o homeowner. als a ril Ap nefits if you are e also many be ar e er th ductions you , ar de ye on of me great tips so th wi us d ide KCRAR has prov me. ply owning a ho can take by sim les are book – new artic we are on Face at es m Remember that ho r fo search tly! You can also posted frequen .com. realestatebook
Enjoy!
Sincerely, Tara Powell Publisher/Owner
Text Listing Code to 52187 for Info & Photos 47 656 R1
70 001 R1
Melinda Humphrey 816-217-4228
Rayville
Excelsior Springs
Nice pasture land 69 acres, Home Golf Hill. Walk to golf course. has lots of potential but is a fixer 4BR/3.5BA, in-ground pool, upper. Must see! finished basement. Updated kitchen & BAs. Newer siding, furnace, windows and AC. Home is so much larger than it appears!
Re/Max Area Real Estate 1350 N. Jesse James Rd Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
c Facebook.com/TREBk City @TREBKansas k.com Blog.RealEstateBoo
For advertising information in The Real Estate Book of Metro Kansas City, MO & KS, contact:
®
THE Armilio Team • www.YourKansasCityHomeSearch.com Kansas City
Tara Powell 816-325-0569
JoMarie Armilio
kctreb@gmail.com
816-682-6111
Text: KCTREB to 85377 for contact info Benson Place Parkfield Beauty 4 Bedroom 2.5 bath home with great room and family room Call 816-210-6111
Keller Williams Northland Partners
310 NW Englewood Rd Kansas City, MO 64118
Text Listing Code to 52187 for Info & Photos 7
96
65
P4
Jim
Dollins
866-956-9458
Excelsior Springs Fenced yard, lawson Clean & well maintained finished basement, vinyl siding, well home in Lawson school district. Full maintained home with recent updates. basement, fenced yard & stg shed
www.jimdollins.com
7
05
2 18
R 300 S. Platte Clay Way Kearney, MO 64060
2
92
33
R1
Lawson True ranch home on large, level, fenced yard. Vinyl siding, new carpet & paint. Perfect for 1st time homebuyer or empty nesters looking to downsize.
5440 N Oak Trafficway Ste. 200 • Gladstone, MO 64118
Our next deadline is APRIL
10, 2017
Scan QR Code to shop homes from your mobile phone!
Want to Sell Your Home Quickly & at the Best Price? Ask your real estate professional to use The Real Estate Book’s Multi-media Marketing Strategy ®
“All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitations, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”
Why buy now? Ask a REALTOR® • Vol. 19, No. 4 – Page 7
David Sanderson (816) 606-6387
Text David to 85377 to shop for more homes
(888) 220-0988 eastalton@netzero.net
Independence Why rent?
This is a great home for the money. Convenient location! Close to 23rd and Noland, shopping. Outside was painted about 2 years ago. Sold ‘as is’, but has never been rental property.
R205021 PENDING • BATES CITY 5 ACRES
Bates City Beautiful building site! Great view from top of property. Overlooks conservation area across Walton Road to the west. R90567
Thinking of selling your home? Contact me for a FREE market analysis!
Text Listing Code to 52187 for more Info & Photos
www.movewithplatinum.com 700 NE RD Mize Rd • Blue Springs, MO 64014
Home Sweet Home Realty 816-808-4000 • www.HSHRealty.com
“There’s No Place Like Home”
Text R162702 to 52187
Text 4795440 to 79564
Main floor living Huge corner lot. Open floor plan, updated kitchen with granite and breakfast bar. Nonconforming 3rd BR or office; laundry; enclosed front and back porches; fenced yard; detached shed/workshop; all appliances stay. Call Sam 816-507-6891
One owner 3BR/1BA 20 Acs in Fort Osage District. Huge outbuilding, small pond, open concept living area. Large eat-in kitchen, formal dining, tons of cabinets/counter space. 2 Large decks, huge workshop you could drive RV through. Call Sam 816-507-6891
Did You Know?
Text R260119 to 52187
Text R260118 to 52187
Independence Instant equity! 3BR/2.5BA in Country Meadows! Vaulted LR ceilings. Big kitchen walks-out to covered deck o’looking in-ground salt water sports pool. Basement has 1/2 BA & wet bar. Fenced yard. Newer hot water heater/roof/gutters. Call Shanna 816-778-4274
Text R255294 to 52187
Platinum Member
Mondays Noon – 1pm on KCXL Radio: 1140 AM • 102.9 FM
Text R254094 to 52187
Independence Open concept with Large L R that opens to a tiled DR. LR has cozy FP and lots of natural light. Nice amount of kitchen cabinets and a great big pantry, tiled floor. 3BR/2BA with full private master bath! Nice big fenced yard. Call Kelly 816-808-4000
Text R260123 to 52187
There are first time buyer loans available! You may qualify as a first time buyer if you haven’t owned a home in just 3 short years.
Conventional loans only 3% down! REDUCED • Lee’s Summit Side-to-side split home in Raintree! Vaulted GR with FP. HW on first level. Eat-in kitchen with pantry and custom finish. Formal vaulted dining room. Extra deep garage 2-car garage. Fenced backyard with large deck. Call Brian 816-868-8141
Free Application Process! LET US HELP YOU GET TO YOUR GOAL! No cost to you out of pocket for an experienced real estate buyer’s agent!
Pleasant Hill Brick front open concept ranch. 2 dining areas, finished office space that could be add’l BR, main floor laundry, loads of kitchen cabinets. Two masters – each with full BA! all appliances stay! Exra deep garage, full basement. Call Kelly 816-808-4000
Independence Fully remodeled 3BR tri-level. Add’l possible 4th nonconforming on lower level with lg walk in closet & new flooring. New hardy Plank cement siding, new gutters, attic fan, new HVAC, updated kitchen & baths. Fenced yard. Call Vanessa 816-309-9031
Text Listing Code to 52187 for More Information and Photos
Page 8 – Vol. 19, No. 4 • Moving? For a FREE book, call 1-800-841-3401
e tiv
Creaving Li ness Businsors Spo
The Resources You NEED When Buying or Selling a Home!
Doors & Windows
Mortgage Finance
Pacific Mutual Door Company 816-531-0161 www.pacificmutualdoor.com
First United Mortgage LLC Carl Gennusa 816-454-7900
Homebuilders
Prime Lending Dale Falck 816-719-3146 www.dalefalck.com
Syler Construction Mike Powell 816-591-6013 www.sylercustomhomes.com
Prime Lending Tammy Ebright 816-698-4891
Roofing & Gutters
Countertops
Mike Huff Construction LLC 816-405-3470 www.huffconstructionkc.com
Trendstone 913-599-5492 trendstone.net
Tile & Flooring Kenny’s Tile 816-765-0400 www.kennystile.com
Realtors JoMarie Armilio Keller Williams 816-268-4411
Starla Janes RE/MAX 816-289-6240
Robin Clark Reece Nichols 816-200-6513
Jennifer Langston Justus Holland Realty 816-405-2439
Linda Clemons Reece Nichols 816-407-5223
Sally Moore Keller Williams 816-268-3828
Bobbi Cordova Reece Nichols 816-517-9294
Peggy Ragan United Real Estate 816-525-SOLD
Jim Dollins RE/MAX 1-866-956-9458
David Sanderson Platinum Realty 816-606-6387
Rob Ellerman Team Reece Nichols 816-304-4434
Elaina Sansone Reece Nichols 816-550-3045
Debby Falck Realty Executives 816-838-1500
Trish Shiever Welcome Home Realty 913-384-6106
Melinda Humphrey RE/MAX 816-217-4228
Kelly Sloan Home Sweet Home Realty 816-808-4000
Terry Jackson Domicile One Realty 913-488-5623
Dawn Unger www.123HomeSearch.com 816-322-6911
Why buy now? Ask a REALTOR® • Vol. 19, No. 4 – Page 9
K E A R N E Y, M I S S O U R I
RESERVE YOUR LOT NOW! the
ESTATES at
greenfield
– sold lots
47 48 60 49 61 59 50
123 122 62 58 51 121 63 57 52 120 64 56 119 53 65 55 118 54 66 117 67 68 116 69 74 115 73 70 114 75 72 71 113 76
the
villas at
greenfield 3
2 1
33 32
4
31
5
30
6 7
29 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
77 78
28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 17 18 19
112
COMMUNITY AMENITIES
MAINTENANCE-PROVIDED HOMES
4-Mile Walking Trail 2 Fishing Ponds Community Pool Kearney Schools
Starting at $310k Only 33 Available Spring of ‘17 Water View Walk-Outs Prairie View Walk-Outs Zero-Entry Garage Floors 2-Car Garages Covered Decks Maintenance-Free Stucco
NEW HOMES Starting in the mid $300’s Water View Walk-Outs Prairie View Walk-Outs Wooded Walk-Outs 10 Lots Available Now 46 Lots in New Phase
Taking Lot Reservations Now!
Taking Reservations Now!
BUILDERS
Freemans Custom Homes McFarland Custom Homes Syler Construction
Located off Hwy 33 • Minutes North of Liberty
816-407-5223
816-410-7676
TheMeadowsAtGreenfield.com
Page 10 – Vol. 19, No. 4 • Moving? For a FREE book, call 1-800-841-3401
Homes are available from the mid $280’s to mid $400’s.
Homes are available from the $600’s to $2M.
Home prices range from the $300’s to the $700’s.
Home prices range from the from the $400’s to mid $2M.
Home prices range from the mid $300’s to the $700’s and up.
816-587-6101 • BarthRealEstate.com
Why buy now? Ask a REALTOR® • Vol. 19, No. 4 – Page 11
905 SE CYPRE SS L ANE • B LU E SPRINGS, MO
This pristine custom built home has all the bells and whistles! 5 Bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Over 5,600 sq.ft. sits on a gorgeous private lot surrounded by trees & over 3 acres of common grounds that include walking trails. Come sit on the beautiful Trex deck & watch the wildlife. Details of this home have been very well thought out by this talented architect. Impressive woodworking and floor plan will impress your guests. Amazing master suite, over-the-top finished rec room with bar, second laundry and loads of storage.
TEX T R259968 TO 52187 FOR MORE INFORMATION
$548,500
FOR MORE INFO ON THIS AND OTHER BEAUTIFUL HOMES CONTACT:
Clemons Home Team | www.ClemonsHomes.com • 816-407-5223
h ome
C us t om Home
C o v er
Pristine
Page 12 – Vol. 19, No. 4 • Moving? For a FREE book, call 1-800-841-3401
Creative Curb Appeal Solutions FOR SLOPED LOTS BY ELLIOT JOHNSON
When we think of landscaping for the front of a house or a backyard, we usually think of a flat terrain to decorate with various plants, trees, shrubs and rocks. But what should you do when the terrain isn't so flat? Some out- of-the-box thinking may be required when creating curb appeal for a sloped yard. It’s important to know the area, acquire knowledge from credible sources and put your thinking cap on.
Create a retaining wall When landscaping a sloped area, it's all about choosing items that are pleasing to the eye as well as fully functional. The best way to landscape a hillside is to create a retaining wall with stairs. This can be done in many different ways and with a large choice of materials such as stone, rocks, wood, bricks, or even a rustic look by using railroad ties. Having a retaining wall will secure the dirt and sediment along with anything that may be planted on the sloping terrain. Using the wall as a stairway is pleasing to the eye, creating a beautiful walk way made brick, decorative rocks, or even grass. The stairway will also be very functional. Going up and down a hillside can be difficult and even dangerous depending on how steep it is. The stairs in the slope is the best option for landscaping this type of area.
Let the landscaping begin! After the slope is secure with a retaining wall and the stairway has been built into the terrain, the next step is to landscape with plants, trees and shrubs. It's important to choose plants that fit within the following categories: drought tolerant, textured, various heights, and color.
Drought tolerant plants Since the dirt on a sloped area can dry out very quickly, drought tolerant plants are absolutely necessary and recommended for sloped lots. The ground does not retain and hold onto water and moisture like a flat surface would. Plants that do not need a lot of water or that do not need to be watered often will be the best choice for a sloped landscape.
Textured foliage Choosing textured plants and trees will give the area depth and keep your landscape from looking monotonous. Using plants of various colors will keep your hillside looking beautiful all year long. Choose plants and trees that bloom different times a year so that you have consistent color throughout your landscaped area.
Play with different sizes Planting trees and shrubs that are varied in height and size will make your landscape flow and will create a perfect first impression. Start with putting the tallest trees at the top of the hillside, and continue with the lower ones near the bottom. Landscaping a hillside will take some creativity, but anyone can successfully do it with the right knowledge. Keep your design simple to give your area a pleasing aesthetics and function.
BY RACHEL CRONIN
There is something to be said about the quality of construction in older homes. Back in the good old days, homes were built with time, expertise, and sturdy materials to ensure safety and longevity. If you have lucked out on a home with good bones, you may choose to keep some of that structure during any remodeling plans. Choosing to reuse components of an older home can maintain that vintage flair of the home’s time period while saving money on quality building materials. Conversely, there are also times when replacing parts are more beneficial. Some dated designs should have stayed in the past and should only be preserved in your memories. In other situations, reusing parts of an old home presents health, safety, and financial hazards.
Here are a few tips that will help you decide whether parts should stay or go:
YOUR PLAN V. THE FLOOR PLAN The first step in remodeling your home is to figure out which aspects of the home are helpful to you, and what could stand to be improved. While the current kitchen cupboards may provide a homey touch, they may not provide enough space for your pantry goods. Make a list of all of the changes that you would like to make to your home and organize them by their priorities. Discuss your ideas with an architect to create a plan for a home that caters to the needs of you and your home
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY While you are creating the remodeling plan with an architect, you should keep in mind that any areas that show signs of rotting, decay, or dilapidation can jeopardize the structural integrity of the home. If you, or a home inspector notice any signs of weakness in your property’s structure, it should be made a priority in your remodeling plan. Fortunately, this particular step can render decision making much more simple regarding whether you keep or replace a part of your home. Alfred Cronin, a professional Carpenter (and my father), provided that a good rule of thumb is to start the remodeling process from the ground up. If, however, the home has a roof in ill repair, you should make the top of your home the first priority, then work your way down.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS During the home buying process, your home should have been inspected for any hazardous materials in the home, such as traces of lead, asbestos, or radon. If for whatever reason this inspection was not completed, hiring a home inspector to examine the home should be a top priority. These toxins are sneaky, and can be found in numerous parts of the home. If your home contains any old pipes, these should also be inspected for traces of lead. If your home had any discovered hidden toxins, you should hire professionals to come and remove them. Any material surrounding the area should also be replaced to ensure there are no toxins continuing to lurk in your home.
UP TO CODE If you have an older home, there is a possibility that the electric or plumbing systems are not up to the current code in your area. When you have created a plan to remodel your home, a code official from your city will check your home to make sure that your home systems have the ability to safely support any current or additional home provisions. While the pipes in your home may have been clear of lead, they may need to be replaced if they seem weak, particularly if they are made from Polybutylene, which is prone to breaking. In addition, any light fixtures or powered furniture (such as an antique lighted mirror) that you want to reuse should be inspected to confirm that they are able to function safely with your up-to-date wiring.
IS IT WORTH SAVING? On occasion, attempting to reuse parts of a home in the remodeling process can be futile, and sometimes more expensive than replacing them. If you find that you need to remodel the flooring, wood can split and tiles can chip. Moving an old window from one area to another can cost more than replacing the old windows with new ones. If certain accents of the home are important to you, get an estimate on how much it will cost to restore them before you make the decision on whether they stay or go. If you decide to replace said parts, you may be able to commemorate it by reusing the scraps to create a unique art piece for your home-depending on what the scraps are!
O T M O O R A G N I R B O T HOW M I R T L U F R O L O C G N I S U E LIF BY TALAIA WHISENANT
When picking trim, it’s important for homeowners to keep a few things in mind. The first is the overall feeling you want to give with the room. Pick a color that defines the room in terms of style. This could be the type of molding used, or just the right color that will add both character and dimension to the walls. It is also important to remember that the baseboards, door molding and window moldings are all part of the trim of the room, and this do wonders in concealing a multitude of imperfections such as gaps.
KEEP IT CONSISTENT
CHOOSING A PAINT TYPE
In order to create a unified theme through all the rooms of your home, the trim should be the same in all rooms throughout the house. Unless you are looking to bring attention to a particular area of the room, this should also be done with all of the trim in the room. However, if you want to showcase a particular part of the room, consider altering the color of the trim within that section of the room.
When choosing a type of paint, you are going to want to choose a color for doorframes and window frames that is in a semi gloss or a high gloss finish. It should be enamel rather than a flat finish. This will provide you with a reflective quality that will work well with the light and shadows within the room. In addition, it is more durable and easier to take care of on areas that are often touched.
BRIGHTEN UP BASEBOARDS
WHICH HUE WORKS BEST?
You can also paint the baseboards a color simi lar to the element you are drawing attention to, such
For most rooms’ trim, you can’t go wrong with a hue along the lines of a classic white color. White is going to lighten a strong color and help to relieve the eye visually. This works for darker hues and colors. If you are using lighter colors, white trim is going to provide a clearer look, while a bit of contrast will help create a visual effect for the room. Use a paint chip of your wall to help you find the right white for your trim.
as a mantel on a fireplace, while painting the window and door frame white. Before doing any painting job, though, it is important to make sure that the colors are going to work for you and work with the room as well. Consider purchasing a small amount of paint to bring home, and try it out on a piece of poster board. Use a fairly large piece is that you can hold it up to the wall and get a good feel for the color you love!
Why buy now? Ask a REALTOR® • Vol. 19, No. 4 – Page 13
Tax Breaks You Can Only Claim as a Homeowner
T
here are many benefits associated with homeownership. The American Dream offers financial gain and stability and many social benefits. A real estate agent will tell you that one of the biggest benefits associated with homeownership can be found when filing your taxes, and depending on your situation, there may be thousands of dollars coming back your way. Homeownership is an investment in your future. It is where we make memories and feel comfortable and secure, it strengthens communities, and it offers homeowners financial security. Tax breaks are just one of many benefits of being a homeowner, and even those who have owned a home for years may be unaware of all the opportunities for savings. As the deadline to file taxes approaches homeowners it’s important to remember the many tax benefits, savings and deductions you can take advantage of simply by owning a home. The mortgage interest deduction. This may be the most notable and advantageous tax benefit that homeowners enjoy. The mortgage interest deduction allows homeowners to deduct the interest paid on a mortgage debt of up to $1 million on a primary residence and one additional residence. This deduction is especially helpful in the early years of a mortgage when the monthly payment goes largely toward interest. Property taxes. It is widely known that being a homeowner means paying taxes on your property to local government, whether it is the city, county or state. What you might not know is that these taxes are entirely deductible from your federal income tax, which is more great tax news for homeowners. Mortgage insurance premium deduction. Homeowners with incomes of no more than $100,000 can deduct their mortgage insurance premiums if they were required to obtain insurance as a condition of receiving financing for the home. With the current obstacles that prospective homebuyers face, such as student loan debt, the deduction is a benefit that can save homeowners a great deal of money. If you are on the fence about buying a home, taking advantage of these tax benefits can help put your dream home within reach. By working with a Realtor ® − a member of the National Association of Realtors ® − you can better understand the homebuying process and the many benefits that come with owning a home.
Buying a home can sometimes be a challenging process, but with a little work and a Realtor® at your side, 2017 may be a good time to start looking.
To learn more about buying a home and connect with a REALTOR® visit:
www.KCRealtorLink.com
Page 14 – Vol. 19, No. 4 • Moving? For a FREE book, call 1-800-841-3401
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Why buy now? Ask a REALTOR® • Vol. 19, No. 4 – Page 15
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