welcomehome by The Examiner

summit custom homes Green home builder targeting another record-breaking year | PAGE 10

Simple ways to improve home value

Crafty new uses for old items

Get your porch ready for summer

welcomehome

Identifing springtime pests •Small black ants, called pavement ants, come out of dormancy and begin to forage for food and nests. Although pavement ants build their colonies outdoors, they will venture inside for easy food sources. They can be nuisance pests if not quickly tackled. Carpenter ants are large, black ants that are found in and around the home. They build nests and channels in wood, so they can be particularly troublesome to homeowners for the potential structural damage they may cause. If they are seen in number inside of the home, there already may be an established colony inside of the walls. •Bees and wasps may have made their homes in attics or eaves over winter and then come out of dormancy. If a large bee is seen inside of the home, chances are it is a queen

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looking for a good nesting area in which to lay her eggs and set up her new colony. Treat bee and wasp problems early on before established nests can be created. •Spiders: Where there are other insects, there will be spiders to prey on them. When building a nest, spiders prefer out-of-the-way places that are dark and comfortable. There are some spiders, like the wolf spider, that will actively attack insects instead of lying in wait for a web to snare them. To keep spiders out of the home, make sure it is pest-free. Some homeowners like spiders around the home because they can prevent other insects from becoming nuisances. •House centipedes: It’s likely that homeowners will encounter house centipedes mostly in spring and fall because the insects

MoRtgage

title

House centipede are either coming out due to the warmer weather or retreating indoors to find a warm place to stay. These centipedes prefer a cool, damp place to live, like a basement or bathroom, and generally lay 60 or more eggs at

one time. They feed on many different insects, including spiders. But their alarming appearance, which includes 15 pairs of feathery legs, makes few homeowners content to share a residence with them.

insuRance

1257 S. 7 highway | Blue SpringS, mo

816.229.6391

Visit our website: ReeceAndNichols.com

CoZy independenCe ranCh

Vinyl windows & siding make outside maintenance easy. newer roof and hardwoods throughout. extra living in lower level. $60,000. mary Jo wilSon 816-655-6587

new on marKeT! SyCamore hillS low mainTenanCe ranCh $99K Charming home

lots of fresh paint inside and out. large living room walks out to a large yard & deck. great for entertaining. 3 bdrms/1 bath with double vanities. Jane mClain 816-289-0293

move in ready ranCh

on quiet cul-de-sac in established neighborhood, new paint, custom tile work and finished basement – VeRY nice! ChriSTina Brown 816-896-8916 www.TheBrownTeamCan.com

Home is in excellent shape! 3 bed, 1.5 bath. lots of updates and clean. 14x17 attached workshop in a great neighborhood. Must see! STeve adamS 816-589-2687 Steveadams@reeceandnichols.com

a very SpeCial ranCh new energy efficient upgrades! new concrete outside, updated inside, 3BR, 2Ba, walk-out basement, tranquil view, sPecial! told you so. roSe CaSey-green 816-655-6545 www.rosetherealtor.com

move in ready in Blue SpringS

Really roomy, clean and neat. Daylight finished basement, tons of updates: tile, roof. great price $112,500. paT & BruCe CarlSon 816-665-1371

don’T miSS ThiS greaT Buy! spacious 4 bedroom, 1.5 story. 3.5 baths, den/ office, formal dining, eat-in kitchen. great room + 2nd flr media room. 3 car garage. this is a short sale. The groveS Team 816-210-7113

this could be the best buy in independence. 3BR, 2.5Ba, formal living room, family room with woodburning frplc. Finished basement, fenced yard, storage barn. terrific property at $125,000. The mCgraw Team 816-655-6526 mcgrawteam@reeceandnichols.com

JuST reduCed $10K, 5Br all BriCK Huge price reduction on this beautiful 5BR, 3.5 bath all brick 1.5 story, all on 3.5 acres. For 24 hour recorded info, call 1-888-203-3708, ext. 02, or visit tHagewood.com. TraviS hagewood 816-719-7933

welcomehome

thanks for stopping by by sandy turner

ven though the Spring Parade of Homes has ended, there are still plenty of model homes to view as well as Realtors who would be more than happy to show you their listings. If ever there were a perfect time to move, it would be now. The weather couldn’t be better, interest rates are low and you could enjoy the summer months in a new home. This week’s feature story is from Summit Custom Homes, which built its reputation through custom building homes that are not only Green Certified but also fit the lifestyle and budget of its clients. Read more about Summit on pages 10 and 11. It seems as though every year either rodents or insects decide to build their community on the 10 acres. Last year it was Japanese beetles, that looked like Ladybugs and were determined to spend their waking hours on the inside of the windows. I finally had to vacuum them off every day until they were finally gone.

This year’s invader won’t be as easy and I definitely won’t be able to suck them up with the vacuum. Voles have torn up a good portion of the grass. We’ve tried to gas them out but they must be immune because they won’t go away. Much like moles, voles hibernate during the day and come out to play when the sun goes down. Maybe I will sit out there one night with my shop vac. An interesting article about stink bugs on page 14 just goes to show you — if you can’t find a chemical or trap to get rid of what’s “bugging” you, try inventing a solution for yourself. A young man who was losing the battle against stink bugs developed a foolproof way to capture them and not only cleaned up his problem but added some extra cash to his household budget. Bugs are on my mind, as spring seems to invite them in so I’ve included another article on insects on page 2. If you can get a handle on them now, and stop them in their tracks, the summer months may not

have to be spent with a flyswatter nearby. I’m trying not to be as much of a pack rat as I’ve been in the past, but it’s really difficult for me to throw something out that may come in handy someday. The problem being, the someday never happens and I’m stuck with a basement full of stuff. I love the article on page 6 about crafty new uses with old items. Who would have thought to use a nutcracker to open a stubborn glue bottle? I’m cutting this article out to prove to my boyfriend that there really is a reason why I keep all of those unused items. If you want to put your dishwasher to extra use during this spring cleaning time check out the information on page 18. You’ll be surprised how many things, besides dishes, can get a good scrubbing from the dishwasher. Thanks for stopping by,

Sandy Turner

If you have a question that you would like a professional to answer, questions or comments in general, or if there is something that you would like to see covered in WelcomeHome, please e-mail Sandy Turner at sandydownhome@hotmail.com. Sandy looks forward to hearing from you.

inside MAY 5, 2011

Throw a curve into your kitchen remodeling job..................5 Crafty new uses with old items...................6 Candice Olson advises to go with the flow............7 House plan of the week............................8 Green home builder has another recordbreaking year............. 10, 11 Green features and building homes............... 12 How to improve your home’s value................... 13 The battle against stink bugs........................ 14 Clean the front porch for summer fun.............. 16 Your dishwasher can help you spring clean..... 18 Classifieds....................... 19

welcomehome For advertising, call 350-6383

Steve Curd

Publisher 816.350.6311 steve.curd@examiner.net

Dave Lammers

Advertising Director 816.350.6326 dave.lammers@examiner.net

Sharon Dankenbring

Marketing Director 816.350.6341 sharon.dankenbring@examiner.net

Sandy Turner

sandydownhome@hotmail.com

MaryAnne Tennant

Account Executive 816.350.6378 maryanne.tennant@examiner.net

Joe Boothe

Art Director 816.350.6358 joe.boothe@examiner.net

WelcomeHome, a premier home magazine for eastern Jackson County, is a biweekly publication owned and operated by The Examiner, a locally managed division of GateHouse Media. WelcomeHome is published once a week and distributed in the Thursday’s edition of The Examiner, in portions of The Extra’s circulation and in racks throughout the metro area.

welcomehome

A gift idea for Mother’s Day By Jane Lake

also make a nice little shower game prize or bazaar craft.

www.allfreecrafts.com

ere’s an easy homemade craft to freshen your bathroom or closet decorate a round air freshener with flowers and lace. Easy and quick to do, this project would

Floral Air Freshener Supplies: • round air freshener in a plastic casing • small piece of pregathered lace trim • silk carnation or similar silk flower

• narrow ribbon to make a bow • glue gun and glue sticks • baby’s breath or similar small floral decorations Project Instructions: 1. If the air freshener has a clear plastic wrapping, remove the wrapper. Heat up the glue gun and glue the pregathered lace trim around the top of the air freshener, so that the edge of the lace is lined up around the

edge of the air freshener. Apply glue only to the top of the lace, which will be hidden by the flower. 2. Center the carnation on top of the lace and glue in place. 3. Glue one or two sprigs of baby’s breath, or other small silk flowers, under one section of the carnation. 4. Make a bow from thin ribbon, and glue the bow just underneath the baby’s breath.

– Find more crafts at www.allfreecrafts.com

20101 E. Jackson DrivE inDEpEnDEncE, Mo

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DAN O’NEILL GRI • MGRI

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LIKE LOTS OF BIG WINDOWS?

This modified Chateau-style home has a wall of windows that look out onto the deck and beautiful yard (almost an acre). 2008 N. Farview Drive. Call or text for more info KATHY LIGGETT 816-616-4273

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Garage and basement storage. Two bedrooms and two baths. Utility room. Complete redo! $107,900! BARBARA BRIDGFORTH 816-898-3043

Immaculate three bedrooms and two baths. Fireplace. Finished basement. Large level yard. Only $124,000. RHONDA DYKAL 816-522-1124

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3 bedrooms and 3 baths. Finished basement with office or fourth bedroom. Owner transferring. $129,900. BARBARA BRIDGFORTH 816-898-3043

Two bedrooms and three baths. Open floor plan. Move-in ready!!! GLENNA LUNCEFORD 816-517-9988

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Visit us online at reeceandnichols.com to find out more about joining our team of real estate professionals!

welcomehome

Q&A

ask Tv Host Ed the plumber

Master Contractor/Plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book “Ed Del Grande’s House Call” and for hosting TV shows on Scripps Networks and HGTVPro.com. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.

Throwing a ‘curve’ into your kitchen-remodeling job

I know that this may be an easy question for you to handle, but for a lot of readers like myself, we need basic help when it comes to plumbing. I’m remodeling my kitchen countertops and refacing cabinet doors. Since I’m not redoing the entire kitchen, I really want my new sink to stand out. The idea I have is to install a “not so normal” sink. Do they make round, oval and curved kitchen sinks? I don’t want

the normal square look. Thanks for the info!

That’s a very good question, and I don’t look at this as an easy one to answer. Choosing a sink with the right look for your kitchen can be critical. If you’re looking for a round or curve-style sink, I would suggest an under-mounted sink. Such a sink does not have an exposed rim, and this can allow for

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Located in Blue Springs at 410 SW Woods Chapel Road Uniquely designed for today’s senior, Heritage Farms is a beautiful gated community for adults seeking a maintenance free lifestyle in an upscale setting. Independent living with added services gives its residents peace of mind knowing that the place they call home, can be for a long time.

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some unusual shapes compared to standard top-mounted rimmed sinks. I’ve seen undermounted sinks set up with round, curved and oval bowls that really grab attention. Just know that extra work is usually involved when cutting out the sink hole for the countertop. Plus, the best countertop choice for this type of setup may be stone, so get out the checkbook. For sink material, I would go with cast iron since that material can be very flexible when

it comes to shaping a sink in a nonstandard form. Bottom line: When it comes to unusual models, I believe you’ll want to stick with an under-mounted cast-iron sink. A bonus with an under-mounted sink is that you can mount two different single-bowl sinks next to each other. This can create the look of a doublebowl sink with a “one-of-a-kind” design. Building your own sink in this manner can really make a splash in your new kitchen!

Crafty new uses for common items

Picture Frame as Dry-Erase Board Let’s see—you need milk, eggs…and something to replace the stark white memo board that’s sucking all the style from your otherwise charming kitchen. Frame a pretty piece of fabric or paper, then write temporary to-dos on the glass with a dry-erase marker.

welcomehome Lint Roller as Glitter Pick-Up Clean up glitter (and tiny pieces of construction paper) after craft time.

nutcracker as cap remover Clamp the nutcracker around the top of a glue, nailpolish, or beverage bottle to give you extra gripping power. Your reward: Tight caps no longer drive you nuts. Funnel as Twine Dispenser Dispense yarn or twine at a craft station by placing the spool inside the funnel and pulling the end through the hole.

Ice Cube Tray as Paint Palette Mix watercolors in the tray’s compartments. (There’s actually one for every color of the rainbow.)

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7 tional with a low back that divides the space without stopping the flow. Upholstered in a dark charcoal fabric with a slight heather look to it, the sectional speaks to the charcoal that runs through the kitchen’s backsplash. For me, finishing a design means concentrating on the details. And in this project, details were a big part of establishing the flow. So, I brought in side tables, throw pillows, art-

work and accessories in colors and styles that helped pull the rooms together. It’s one thing to create a beautiful space on its own, but in design, no room is an island. By using colors, materials and even a bit of the unexpected, I created visual flow between Lisa and Randy’s kitchen and family room. The rooms now speak a common language -- and will be happily chitchatting for years to come.

home & garden television

Interior decorator Candice Olson is host of HGTV’s ‘’Candice Tells All.’’ For more ideas, information and show times, visit http://www.hgtv.com/candice-tells-all/show/index.html.

Creating designs that flow

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t some point, we’ve all been told to ‘’go with the flow.’’ And when it comes to great design, it’s definitely sage ad-

vice. This hit home for me during a recent redesign for my clients, Lisa and Randy. The couple recently renovated their kitchen into a sleek, contemporary gem, full of clean lines and beautiful finishes. But they had an adjacent family room that was a total disconnect. With its parquet flooring and clunky furniture -- not to mention a giant giraffe statue -- the family room looked like it belonged to another house. The couple wanted harmony between the two rooms, but didn’t know where to start. So, putting into play the principle of design flow, I set out to make the uninspiring family room visually relate to the gorgeous kitchen. The key to this type of design is getting the two rooms to speak the same language, and this is done with material, form, shape and color. To make this happen, I got rid of everything in the family room and started from scratch. I selected a color palette of the grays, charcoals, tans and browns used in the kitchen, and decided on the best ways to extend those shades into the family room. I painted the family room a light gray and installed new walnut

hardwood flooring that picks up on the color of the kitchen island. The family room consisted of three walls that I made use of in very different ways. On the back wall, I created a dark gray accent wall and installed a modern gas fireplace. I then flanked the fireplace with large white cabinets that include mirrors and wooden display shelves. I fashioned a sitting area along the second wall, complete with two tan faux-hide chairs that relate to the golden color of the kitchen tiles and two graphical ottomans. On the window, I installed simple blinds and flanked them with panels of natural-colored drapes accented with gray banding. I gave the third wall a dash of the unexpected. On one-half of the wall, I installed a largescale floral mural that relates to the kitchen’s flowery chairs. On the other half, I hung a huge custom-made wooden door with exposed hardware, which injects a bit of rustic character into the space. One of the ways to create flow is to ensure that your space has effective traffic patterns from one zone to the next. Lisa and Randy’s old sofa was bulky and really obstructed the flow. In its place, I put a contemporary sec-

Independence

17430 E. 39th St. | 220 W. White Oak

www.HawthornBank.com

The Topeka is well suited for familes, singles alike

ooking at the Topeka, the word “magic” springs to mind. But it’s actually quite real and functional. The steeply pitched gables and intricate detailing of this Gothic revival home are so fascinating you’ll want to run your eyes over all of its various embellishments for a long time, just as guest designer Rodney Pfotenhauer intended. With a compact 1000 square feet of living area, this home is well-suited to the needs of singles or small families. It also makes a delightful mother-in-law cottage, or vacation home. Graceful turned posts support both porches. One shelters the front entry, and the other is on the side, accessed via the living room. Either porch is a great location for suspending an old-fashioned cushioned porch swing for summer use. Entering, you step into the dining room, which is partially open to both the kitchen and the living room. A bathroom complete with shower nestles into an alcove just around the corner, convenient to all of the ground floor rooms. A fireplace warms the vaulted living room, which is two stories high at its apex. Light spills in through one large multipaned window on the ground level, plus two on the upper level that fill most of the triangular wall spaces on either side of the chimney. The remaining main floor room could be used as a bedroom, home office, hobby room, or whatever suits. Its boxed bay window can be built with window seats at both ends, or left open. It’s a pleasant spot for a desk or sewing machine. Laundry appliances are upstairs, along with the Topeka’s owners’ suite. Amenities here include a spacious bathroom, walk-in closet, and cozy window seats.

For a review plan, including scaled floor plans, elevations, section and artist’s conception, send $25 to Associated Designs, 1100 Jacobs Dr., Eugene, OR 97402. Please specify the Topeka 42-012 and include a return address when ordering. A catalog featuring more than 550 home plans is available for $15. For more information call (800) 634-0123, or visit our website at www.AssociatedDesigns.com.

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Summit Custom Homes

Green home builder targeting another record-breaking year

ummit Custom Homes is a shining star in today’s housing market boasting record breaking new single-family homes sales in the communities they build in throughout Eastern Jackson and Northern Cass Counties in Missouri and Johnson County in Kansas. Indeed, 2011 is shaping up to be the best year ever for the Lee’s Summit based home building company and a year that should place them among the top 10 builders in Kansas City once again. “The secret to our success is simple,” says company founder Fred Delibero. “We put our customers first and deliver a better built home at a better value than the competition. We have created and built the most innovative, functional and user friendly floor plans available today and we pack them full of standard features including stone and stucco exteriors,

tiled bathroom floors, wrought iron spindles and an abundance of hardwood flooring to name a few. And, we back up every home we build with the best warranty in the industry that includes 10-years of structural coverage.” Every home built by Summit Custom Homes is also Energy Star certified to meet the most stringent energy efficiency standards. In fact, Summit Custom Homes is a pioneer in green building and is one of the only builders in Kansas City to build every home to meet the strict requirements of Energy Star certification resulting in lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Summit Custom Homes Green Build Advantage™ program incorporates many elements of green building that deliver not only a more energy efficient home, but a home with healthier indoor air quality all while using

environmentally friendly building processes. Summit homeowners enjoy a home built with formaldehyde-free insulation products; an under-slab passive radon remediation venting system with a poly vapor barrier under the slab; a sealed heating and cooling distribution system with centralized return; low V.O.C. (volatile organic compounds) paints, glues and sealants; and a high efficiency furnace filter. Advanced framing techniques are used to maximize energy efficiency while at the same time minimizing the environmental impact caused by lumber waste while environmentally friendly site management practices help insure a cleaner community. Other builders may claim that they build green or know how to build green, but Summit Custom Homes backs it up with independent third party inspection and verification and certifies every home green. No other builder in Kansas City has built and certified more green homes than Summit. Another secret to success is the company’s guaranteed buy program offering homebuyers the peace of mind of knowing that when

their new home is ready to move into Summit will buy their current home at a pre-agreed upon price eliminating the risk of two mortgage payments. “We have been able to help dozens of families into new homes with this program while alleviating stress and allowing them to focus on the excitement of building a home,” said Delibero. “This program also allows homeowners, who might otherwise be sitting on the sidelines, to transition into a new home, to take advantage of the current historically low mortgage rates.” In Lee’s Summit, they currently build in Woodland Shores located off Blackwell Road across from Legacy Park priced from the mid $300’s; the Paddock at Richardson Ranch located at Langsford Road and Bitter Creek Drive priced from the mid $300’s; Mill Creek at Summit Mill located off Langsford Road east of Blackwell Road priced from the $260’s; Fritchie Bluff located off Tudor Road northeast of Scruggs Parkway and 291 Highway priced from the $230’s; Parkwood at Stoney Creek located southwest of Ward Road and 150

welcomehome Highway priced from the low $200’s; Highland Meadows located off Longview Rd priced from the low $300’s; Eagle Creek located off Pryor Road north of 150 Highway priced from the $250s and Winterset Valley located east of View High Drive off Third Street priced from the $320’s. In Blue Springs, they currently build in Lakeside at Chapman Farms located ½ mile north of Colbern Road on 7 Highway priced in from the $260’s and Eagles Ridge located one mile north of Colbern Road on 7 Highway priced from the low $200’s. In Raymore, they build in the Creekmoor golf and resort lifestyle community located two miles east of 71 Highway at 58 Highway and Foxridge Drive priced from the low $200’s. In Johnson County, Summit Custom Homes builds in Wilshire Farms located at 159th and Antioch in Overland Park priced from the $370’s; Bluestem located at 151st and Quivira priced from the low $400s; Canyon Creek located north of K-10 on Cedar Creek Parkway priced from $350s; and Heritage Manor located at 165th and Mur-Len priced from the $270’s. Summit Custom Homes built the 2011 St. Jude Dream Home, located at 1412 Creekmoor Drive in Raymore. While at the home, visitors can purchase a raffle ticket for $100 for a chance to win the home valued at $425,000. All proceeds from ticket sales going to benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. The home will be open Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday’s noon to 5 p.m. until June 19. For more information about Summit Custom Homes call 816-246-6700, or find us on the web at www.summitcustomhomeskc.com or facebook.com/summitcustomhomes.

– Copy submitted by Summit Custom Homes

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Builders expect to hear more requests for green features

ue to demand, builders today are constantly learning about the new and advanced technologies for home construction. Owner-clients want to be assured of living in the healthiest, most durable, least wasteful house possible — and therefore, building a home from the ground up is the best opportunity to get it right. “In addition to fixtures and materials, be sure to ask for the most advanced construction methods,” says Todd Blyth at Nudura, a

LocaL ReMax agent naMed “Rookie of the YeaR” Brian Reed, RE/MAX Heartland, Lee’s Summit office is the recipient of the RE/MAX Mid-State & Dixie Region, “Missouri Rookie of The Year.” Brian credits his success to his “Client First” mentality, a total focus on serving the client. Brian and his business partner Mary Carol Schriefer have a 100% client satisfaction rating. They bring a unique proposition to Buyers and Sellers. After college Brian worked in residential construction. Following the construction business he obtained his appraisal license and owned and operated an appraisal business for over 10 years.

leading name in building system technology. “For example, more and more builders, on request, are discarding the traditional woodframing method — now seen as inefficient and wasteful — in favor of concrete walls.” Why concrete? This advanced technology consists of preassembled, interlocking forms delivered to the construction site. The specialized panels consist of two, stay-in-place forms of Expanded Polystyrene connected with a hinged, fold-

Brian Reed of ReMAX/Heartland accepts Missouri Rookie of the Year Award from RE/MAX Mid-States Regional Director, Wayne Fredrick.

His business partner, Mary Carol Schriefer has been in a real estate related industry in Kansas City since 1986. During her Mortgage Banking career she served as Vice President and Regional Manager for both Bank of America and U. S. Bank. In both of these positions she led her staff to award winning accomplishments, consistently winning Chairman’s club recognition, for sales and production. Brian’s knowledge of construction and value combined with Mary Carol’s expertise in sales and finance has made the difference for many buyers and sellers.

ing web. The forms are stacked, reinforced, and then filled with concrete, creating a solid monolithic wall. “The benefits are extensive,” Blyth explains. “Architects are inspired by new design possibilities; builders cut their construction time in half; and the homeowner (or commercial building owner) can feel satisfied for cutting back on an enormous amount of wood.” As importantly, the quality of life continues long after construction is completed, he continued. As time goes on within “the most technologically advanced walls”, your energy bills could drop by as much as 70 percent. “This type of concrete building envelope delivers twice the efficiency compared to stick frame walls — and with no wood rot and mold it delivers none of the related toxicity. Concrete walls are up to

three times more sound resistant; up to four times more fire resistant; nine times stronger; and far more resistant to thermal bridging where outside cold seeps in to cause uncomfortable cold spots, drafts, and mustiness.”

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‘Wooden’ you enjoy some personalized picture frames? By SANDI GENOVESE

Scripps Howard News Service

hen it comes to preserving precious photos, there is nothing like saving them in a scrapbook. However, a photo that is displayed in a picture frame is likely to be viewed many more times than one that sits in a scrapbook, which is why I print extra copies of my favorite photos and place them in frames around my house. Whether your photos sit on a bedside table, on a bookshelf or on the wall, they help to turn your house into a home by personalizing it in a way that nothing else can. Ready-made frames are available in home stores, photo shops and big-box stores, but if you want to create your own, head over to the craft store. There you will find metal frames, foam frames and plastic frames, but I was intrigued by the unfinished wooden frames because they were so cheap. An 8- by 8-inch square frame made of unfinished wood was less than $5. It has a single hole, drilled partway through the back, that holds a wooden dowel and allows the frame to stand up. Although the wooden frames are unfin-

ished, they are already sanded and ready to decorate. I began by painting them -- one in a neutral butter-cream color and the other in basic black. Once the paint was dry, I pulled out my scrapbook supplies and decorated the frames much like I would a scrapbook page. I embellished the butter-cream frame with patterned vellum sticker strips and a sheet of yellow vellum that I “sticker-ized” by running it through an adhesive machine. A simple pattern of stripes and dots was easy to create with nothing but a pair of scissors. The final touch was a white rub-on word that I placed on one of the larger dots. The black frame was even easier to decorate. I created a bold and graphic design by simply rubbing white words and phrases in different fonts and sizes directly onto the painted surface. Turns out, wood is just as easy to decorate as paper and no special tools are needed to create a couple of good-looking frames that will personalize my home or become great gifts for friends. Find free video demonstrations of more photo projects at www.scrapbookshowgram. com.

Think outside the box – literally – to boost home value

or years, the conversation about strengthening your home’s value has revolved around interior projects. However, by keeping the focus inside, you might be ignoring one of the most effective ways to bring your property value up: the garden. When discussing home value, “garden” means more than just flower beds. It includes your lawn, gathering spaces on your property, paths and walkways, in addition to the trees, shrubs and flowers that decorate the space. In a housing market where it’s still difficult to stand out, turning your attention and efforts to these areas might be just the thing that will attract buyers. It’s a simple concept: A more attractive house is a more valuable house. And since your yard and garden are often what buyers see first, it’s your best opportunity to set the tone as they consider your property and what they’re willing to pay for it. In fact, well-designed landscaping was shown to raise perceived residential property value by as much as 18 percent, in a study recently released by Swedish power tool maker Husqvarna. In terms of return on investment, maintaining an attractive lawn and garden was shown to return $1.80 per dollar spent. For those who want to improve their home’s value but can’t afford to hire contractors for major inte-

While many Americans are reluctant to spend much on their yards - some 65 percent of people spent less than $400 on it annually - keeping return on investment in mind can help you make better smarter decisions. If you want to call in the pros, consider projects that are highly sought-after, like in-ground irrigation systems. Those not sure where to start can look to the wide variety of gardening websites, television programs and magazines for inspiration and practical tips. Some of the top-ranked garden attributes for improving home value included: • A well-maintained lawn • An inviting social area • Stone paths and walkways • Decorative trees, bushes and shrubs • Well-kept hedges • Nicely designed flower beds

rior repairs, garden improvements can be an affordable alternative. Armed with the right tools, most homeowners are capable of tackling garden projects that can improve their property value, and at a relatively low cost. To get a better understanding of what lawn

and landscaping equipment would be most beneficial to your yard, visit an outdoor power manufacturer website like www.husqvarna. com. Simply edging your yard with a string trimmer helps create a clean, finished look outdoors and can be achieved for less than $200.

Gardening season and the high real estate season coincide for a reason: Houses look their best surrounded by growing plants and blooming flowers. As the warmer months progress, remember that not only can investing in your garden give you a good return, it could also be the deciding factor in drawing a buyer to your property.

– From ARA Conent

Stinkbug trap maker reaps double bonus By DOUG OSTER

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

hen 36-year-old Andy Strube lost his job and had to sell his house, he never could have imagined it was a good thing. He used his equity to rent a house for himself and his three children in Columbia, Pa. He found out quickly the place was crawling with thousands of stinkbugs. “The house was so infested we had entomologists from Penn State University taking bags of stinkbugs out to analyze,” he said. He couldn’t sit down to dinner without the bugs landing on his plate, and at night they would drop on his face while he was trying to sleep. The pests actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Strube. When he couldn’t find an effective control, he decided to invent something. He tested all

sorts of different ways in his home, starting by trying to get the bugs to crawl onto a sticky substance. Through trial and error, he realized that the secret was to get the stinkbug to take flight and land on the trap. He hung a coffee can covered in glue next to a lamp and that’s when he realized they were drawn to light. He began to refine the idea and, using skills from his former job in aircraft maintenance, he designed and built different traps. Each version caught more bugs. Strube continued to study the insects, keeping a colony in an aquarium and researching things that attracted them. He discovered they couldn’t resist a cocktail he created of peppers and squash and put the mixture in an interchangeable cartridge inside the trap. When the fluorescent light heats up the cartridge, it releases the odor that humans can barely smell, but the bugs long for. Friends who visited the house saw the traps and asked for one. As they reported back their

successes, a business was born. The Strube Stink Bug Trap is $50; a replacement cartridge is $20. Each cartridge will last about a month and is meant to catch hundreds of stinkbugs. The traps are being sold at hardware stores near his home and can be found online. (For more information, visit www.stinkbugtrapsonline.com or call 1-717-449-3015.) He offers some tips to get the most out of the trap. The warmer the area, the more active the bugs will be, he said. That means upper floors and attics, where heat collects, are most conducive to catching stinkbugs. Leaving the trap in one place and letting it run all night are essential to catching stinkbugs. Turn off any other lights in the room. The trap needs to be the primary light source. Moving into a house infested with stinkbugs might not be everyone’s idea of a good thing, but it’s turned Stube’s life around. “This has been a godsend to us,” he said.

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Strube Stink Bug Trap

Deck, porch railings enhance safety, add adorning style

or years, homeowners considered railing the icing on the cake when considering a deck - it was nice to have, but not essential. Those same homeowners are now realizing that finishing their decks with a complementary railing system can provide the added safety and beauty needed to truly capitalize on their investment. While the deck is the foundation of any outdoor living space, adding railing can dramatically change the look of that space. Style and placement of railing can make the space appear open or closed and polished or rustic. Railing can be installed in colors to match, offset or complement the existing deck or porch. “Over time, consumers have seen the more finished look that railing provides and responded accordingly,” says Stephen McNally, vice president of sales and marketing for TAMKO Building Products. “We’ve seen significant increases in our annual railing sales and had to step up production to meet the customer demand for these products.” Installing a railing system is a great option for homeowners who have already invested in a deck and want to continue adding to the value of their home with a small remodeling project. Railing projects provide a big “bang for your buck” by carrying a smaller price tag than a full deck or other larger remodeling projects. And many new railing systems are designed for do-it-yourselfers and contractors with prepackaged kits and pre-routed pieces. Composite railings are gaining popularity

because some products are strong enough on their own that they do not require metal reinforcements. Tam-Rail Composite Railing is an example of this type of material. The railing is made with a patented three-layer technology that encloses a blend of foamed wood composite material between two layers of PVC. The resulting system is so thick, stiff and rigid that it doesn’t require metal re-

inforcement to meet building codes. Despite this three-layer strength, the product is still lightweight and low-maintenance. “Composite railing, in particular, is now seen as an attractive building product that performs well at an appealing price,” McNally says. Some of the benefits of composite railing systems like Tam-Rail are hidden fasteners,

a wide variety of railing lengths, fixed-angle bracket adapters, stair kits and the ability to install the post mounts in concrete, wood or composite decks. Whether adding railing to a porch or a deck as a do-it-yourself weekend project or a professional contracting job, installing railing will add instant style and impact to your home.

– From ARA Conent

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Lakewood

Discover Eastern Jackson Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best kept secret!

Enjoy all the amenities that Lakewood has to offer such as a private golf course, swimming pools, tennis courts, clubhouse, security, special interest clubs and so much more!!

213 Shagbark - $259,000

Spacious 1.5 sty home w/5BRs & 3.5BAs. Traditional floor plan w/ large BRs & 2 FPs, just needs some updating. Fin. walk-out LL w/FP & wet bar. Lake views from the deck, treed backyard.

Exquisite Mediterranean estate situated on Lakewood Oaks golf course. Private treed lot w/3 deck/patio areas & circle drive.

419 NW Poplar $350,000

Vacation at home! Exquisite Lakewood home is situated on large estate lot w/gorgeous ingrnd pool & gazebo. 2 sty solarium w/blt-in hot tub. Updated kit. & master bath. Fin. LL w/wet bar & sauna. LS Schools.

604 NE Pinehurst $220,000 Beautiful ranch reverse, tranquil setting on scenic Lakewood Oaks Golf Course #6 hole. Nestled on quiet, low traffic cul-de-sac.

700 Silverleaf - $290,000

Move in ready! Main floor MBR w/dbl vanity & whirlpool. Lovely kit./hearth w/frplc, kit.island, & wood floors. Huge BRs w/walk-in closets; possible 2nd mstr! Awesome WO lower LL w/2nd kitchen. New paint & light fixtures.

5337 Northgate Crossing $600,000

402 Point Drive - $300,000

Rare find! Lakefront town home in maintenance provided parcel of Lakewood. 3 bedrooms & 3 full bathrooms.

4600 Dick Howser Circle $650,000

This lakefront villa has upgrades galore. Open fl plan, soaring ceilings, 4 FPs, 3 car gar, fin w/o LL. Beautiful veranda overlooks lake.

3902 Woodridge Drive $217,000

Great 2 story floor plan on a cul-de-sac. 4BR, master ste w/sitting room, tub, double vanities, & large w/i closet.

4212 NE Courtney Drive $475,000

Gorgeous lakefront-original owners - pride of ownership shows! Updated kitchen with island, granite counters, hrdwd flrs in kit/great rm.

609 LaCosta -$300,000

Enjoy lakefront living in this reverse 1.5 story, 3BR, 3BA, patio home. Neutral decor, 2 fireplaces, finished w/o lower level .

4612 Dick Howser Cir. $895,000

Luxurious Grand Villa with panoramic lake views-Exceptional detail thru out. Fully equipped kitchen w/ state of art appliances, island, walk-in pantry, granite. Fin. walk-out w/ fam room FP, wet bar, and media center.

THE MARCIA WALLACE TEAM | 816.251.1745 Visit our website to take a virtual tour: Marciaw.reeceandnichols.com

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Time to get your porch ready for summer

heritage 816-309-9445

4015 WOODBURY StReet InDepenDence, MO $112,500 Nice raised ranch in a great neighborhood! Lots of new in this home. Come and take a look!

DAVID WIeSeMAnn 816-309-9445

www.davidwiesemann.com

he kitchen may be the heart of the home, but the front porch is like a handshake, welcoming visitors, serving as a connection point with the neighborhood and role-playing as the first impression for passers-by and neighbors. “The porch is the calling card of your home,” says Susanna Salk, a design expert and author of “Weekend Retreats” (Rizzoli, 2009). “Don’t neglect it or, worse, use the space as storage. It’s an extension of the soul of the house.” Creating front-porch style is a simple weekend project. First, Salk says, head outside and look at your porch. How is it used? “Some porches are little portals into the house that you don’t notice much, and others are big spaces with a view. What’s going on here — is it a transitional space into the home, or its own living space?” Salk believes a small porch that functions as a transitional space into the house itself should echo the overall style of your home. “You should never shortchange this space, but it’s too small to create a completely new look,” she says. “If the porch leads into a traditional living room, don’t decorate it with tropical accents.” Her top three improvements include: n Paint the front door with a new high-gloss

coat of paint, preferably in a color that pops. If your house is white, paint the door red. A gray house is gorgeous with a deep-purple door. A color that really contrasts with the front of the house in a shiny, glossy paint lends a strong sense of elegance to the space. n Change out your hardware. Slicker, stronger-looking house numbers really change the look of the house. Add a beautiful, sculptural

door knocker to your newly painted door for even more elegance. n Hang a canvas or print specifically formulated for the outdoors to one or both walls. Outdoor art looks like stretched canvas, but it’s printed on aluminum, coated with a special coating and able to withstand weather from snow to sunlight.

– From Home and Garden Television

FEATURE HOME OF THE WEEK 16200 S. COGAN DRIVE INDEPENDENCE • 3 bedrooms • 2 full baths

• 1 half bath

Great family home, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a half bath off of the family room, NEW HVAC! All of the major items have been taken care of and with your cosmetic updates, you’ll have a great property: 4 year old ROOF! Vinyl siding, never paint again! Newer insulated double hung windows. Lots of room for storage in the basement.

$126,900

816-582-1682 OR 816-210-6731 This home marketed by: RE/MAX HEARTLAND

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www.BaileyHomeTeamKC.com RESALE HOMES

MODEL HOME OPEN DAILY

E JA

LON

313 PECAN TREE AVE.

Extra large rooms in this four bedroom, 2.5 bath home located in Lone Jack. New interior paint, carpeting and vinyl throughout. Central Vac, Alarm System, 3 car garage with third door larger than most. Home sits on nice level lot. Office on main floor off the kitchen. Tons of cabinets and pantry. $190,000

ROBIN CLARK 816-200-6513

$185,000

NEED YOUR HOME SOLD?

LET US USE OUR EXPERTISE TO SELL YOUR HOME FAST!

CONTACT

816-503-4685

MEADOWBROOK ESTATES

This New Home subdivision features homes starting in the 240s. McBee Custom Homes, the 2010 Grand Award Winner, sets the standard for quality home building. All homes built will be Energy Star Certified and have extraordinary amenities, to include: Granite, Hardwood Floors, High Ceilings, Five Star Caulk and Foam Package, 9’ Foundation Walls, and much more. Choose from one of McBee’s floor plans or allow them to custom build your dream home. The Model Home, 21513 E. 32nd Terrace, is CONVENIENTLY LOCATED 1/2 mile East of Little Blue Parkway on R.D. Mize Rd.

MICHAEL BAILEY 816-503-4685

builder trades! priced to sell! no reasonable offer refused! I

NCE

NDE

PE NDE

17804 REDWOOD DRIVE

Completely remodeled home has a huge treed back yard with beautiful landscaping & a large deck. It’s a must see. New counter tops, stove, sink, dishwasher, & light fixtures. Tile floors in kitchen & baths, with custom tile shower. New carpet installed throughout. 4 BR, 2 Full BA, $119,900.

ROBIN CLARK 816-200-6513

IEW

NDV

GRA

E BLU

ING

SPR

6316 E. 138TH STREET

Solid 3BR, 2BA tri-level with LR, FR, frplc, 2 car gar, level fenced lot, patio. This home has a new concrete driveway and steps, newer roof and dishwasher. Family room on garage level walks out to patio. MBR has bath and 2 closets. Located on a short, quite street with little traffic. $104,900

ROBIN CLARK 816-200-6513 $104,500

609 NE COUNTRY CLUB DR.

You will LOVE the remodel on this 3 bedroom 2½ bath home! BRAND NEW KITCHEN! Newer roof, windows, carpet, wood floors, heating and cooling and siding. Stainless Steel appliances, finished basement, great backyard. All the big ticket items are done! A must see to believe! $155,000

For more information, please contact

ROBIN CLARK 816-200-6513

$150,000

at 816-503-4685

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Pretty Good Ideas

Candle-wax Removal

Had a dinner or party this weekend, and now you’ve got candle-wax drips to contend with? Here’s how to get wax off of anything made of glass. You’ll need extreme cold or heat, a credit card, razor-blade scraper and toothpicks. For wax on a smooth-glass surface, gently nudge with the edge of a plastic credit card. If it doesn’t come off cleanly at room temperature, chill it with an ice cube — and try again. If that doesn’t work, use a razor-blade scraper. Go easy so as not to scratch the surface. When glass items are small — like candlestick holders — put them in the freezer for a while. Puddled wax and droplets should pop right off. For irregular glass surfaces, use the same cooling and removal techniques, then clean deep into crevices with a toothpick. For stubborn wax in cracks and crevices, heat with a hair dryer or with hot water first. Your best defense next time? A few drops of water wherever wax may fall works wonders. And that’s the On The House tip for today.

– From www.onthehouse.com

tips&tricks

Medicine cabinet organization

•Medical-supply stores have great glass surgical jars for storing cotton swabs and bandages. They keep the items dry and within easy reach. • Only keep the items that you use regularly in the medicine cabinet. Store other items, such as Aloe Vera or extra tubes of antibiotic cream, in a drawer or linen closet. • Decide exactly what you want to keep in the medicine cabinet and don’t deviate from the plan. In other words, don’t give in to the temptation to cram stray items into the cabinet when you’re in a rush to clean up. • Consider moving drugs to a different location, such as a high kitchen shelf. High humidity and heat can cause some medicines to lose their potency. • Keep first-aid supplies together so you can find them easily in case of an emergency. Or buy a small emergency kit to keep on the medicine-cabinet shelf and store the larger boxes of BandAids and tubes of antibiotic creams in the linen closet.

– From Home and Garden Television

Things you can put in the dishwasher •Rain boots should have the liners removed and lie horizontally. Hook flip-flops on tines in the top rack. (FYI, Crocs are not dishwashersafe.) •Ceramic cabinet knobs do well in the silverware basket, so if you feel like embarking on the process (remove, wash, replace), go for it. •Shin guards, knee pads, and mouth guards ―toss them all into the top rack. •Potatoes can get nice and clean in the top rack with a rinse-only cycle (no detergent). Sound crazy? It makes mashed potatoes for 20 a lot quicker.

– From www.realsimple.com

FEATURE HOME OF THE WEEK 1908 S. AZTEC AVENUE INDEPENDENCE • 2 bedrooms • 2 full baths

Immediate possession with motivated seller of this great, clean, maintenance provided ranch! Huge great room with tiled entrance, gas fireplace and built-in bookcase. Kitchen includes Corian counter tops, breakfast bar, oak cabinets and 2 pantries. This home is in mint condition and is move-in ready! Master has linen and walk-in closet. MUST SEE!

$179,900

This home marketed by

REECE & NICHOLS STEVE ADAMS 816-589-2687

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HOMES FOR SALE

INDEP./SUGAR CRK

RAYTOWN/KC

GRAIN VALLEY/OAK GROVE

OTHER AREAS LAKEWOOD SHORES Stunning 4BR, possibly 5, 3 bath, 1.5 story. Amazing kitchen with new stainless steel appliances. Tons of beautiful updates throughout. Too much to list. Only $350K! MUST SEE! JULIE HENKE 816-655-6601 Reece and Nichols

OTHER AREAS

Looking to buy or sell? There's no place like home, Home Sweet Home Realty. We discount the listing percentage, never charge additional broker, transaction or administrative fees to buyers or sellers, advertise aggressively on the internet, print and radio and flat out, we just work dang hard! We're worth checking out! www.hshrealty.com or kellysloan.com Home Sweet Home Realty 816-808-4000

ALL BRICK RANCH DUPLEX! Live in one side and rent the other! Both sides have two bedrooms and basement with utility hook ups. One side has double garage. Smaller side has one garage. Good cash flow! Owner/Agent Rhonda Dykal 816-522-1124/503-4615 REECE & NICHOLS EASTLAND

SERIOUSLY! nearly 30 houses in 6 months SOLD!!! CHECK out why there's no place like home! Real people, real results, Home Sweet Home Realty 816-808-4000

Turn your Monday frown upside down

CLEAN, UPDATED RANCH $70,000 All new interior paint with updated HVAC, bath and new roof. 3 bedroom and 1 bath up and 10x23 rec room that could be 4th bedroom down. Steve Adams 816-589-2687 SteveAdams@reeceandnichols.com Reece and Nichols

and join us, Mondays, noon to one on 1140 AM, KCXL for all your real estate, loan questions. Do you have a home improvement business? Shout it out on the air!! We're live every Monday and encourage your phone calls! Hot line is 816-792-1140. There's No Place Like Home, ENGLEWOOD Home Sweet Home INVESTOR SPECIAL!! Realty. Just reduced! 3 units for 816-808-4000 the price of 1! 2 of 3 units rented. Can live in 1 and HOMES FOR SALE have cash flow from othINDEP./SUGAR CRK ers. CALL! KATHY ELLIS-MOONEY 816-582-0160 www.KathyEllis Mooney.Reece andNichols.com A LOT OF HOME FOR Reece and Nichols THE MONEY! Spacious 3 bedroom ranch. Living room and family room with corner fireplace. Master bedroom has 2 closets. Partially fininished base- NEVER MOW AGAIN!! ment. Raytown schools. Price reduced again!! THE GROVES TEAM Cute and comfy condo 816-655-6515 with two bedrooms and Reece and Nichols two full baths. Snow

DOLLAR$ AND SENSE This $99,000 Ranch will please you with its vaulted ceiling, huge stone fireplace and sliding glass doors leading to the deck. Dan O’Neill 816-786-0317/503-4668 REECE & NICHOLS EASTLAND

removal and lawn care provided by HOA!! MIKE PERKINS 816-935-0253/503-4645 REECE & NICHOLS EASTLAND

RENTAL INVESTMENT $39,900 for four bedrooms and two full baths. Steel siding. Rents for $625. Minutes to freeway. Barbara Bridgforth 816-898-3043/503-4626 REECE & NICHOLS EASTLAND

MOVE IN READY Four bedrooms and three baths in perfect condition. Convenient location. Check it out!!! Glenna Lunceford 816-517-9988/503-4639 REECE AND NICHOLS EASTLAND

“WHAT A SWEETIE”…WONDERFUL HOME FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS! Three bedrooms and one full and one half baths. One car garage. Pretty paint colors inside. Beautiful tile floor in kitchen. Just listed….don’t wait! Call or text me now! Kathy Liggett 816-616-4273/503-4637 REECE & NICHOLS EASTLAND

PICTURE PRETTY IN AND OUT! True ranch with double garage. Beautiful yard HOMES FOR SALE with mature trees. BLUE SPRINGS Newly updated with new kitchen and bath. First floor utilities and separate office. Many wanted features. $117,500. Frankie Liebi BRING THE FAMILY! 816-353-2940/503-4616 Move in ready. Four REECE & NICHOLS bedrooms and three full EASTLAND and one half baths. Two stories. New appliances. Fresh paint. Fenced yard. Blue Springs schools. MICHELLE ST. CROIX 816-509-6883/503-4674 SEASONED WITH REECE & NICHOLS “TLC”! EASTLAND $82,500. All brick ranch with vinyl trim, new roof and thermal windows. Two fireplaces. Three bedrooms and one full and one half bath. danielboneill.com Dan O’Neill EXCELLENT HOME & 816-786-0317/503-4668 EXCELLENT REECE & NICHOLS LOCATION! EASTLAND Cherokee Estates, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, great room with fireplace, rec room with 1st floor finish. Professional updates in kitchen and Wow! New $69K baths. This home has been meticulously mainprice!!! tained. $139,900. Few blocks North of 23rd THE MCGRAW TEAM & 291 Hwy off Sunset. 816-655-6526 Over half acre, darling 2 mcgrawteam@reecebdrm w/ 2 liv rooms, one andnichols.com w/ FP. Home in great Reece and Nichols shape, new roof, hardwoods, fenced portion of back yrd perfect for dogs. No neighbors on one side and in back. Really cute, great, private location. MLS #1692838. Home Sweet Home MOVE IN READY IN Realty BLUE SPRINGS 816-808-4000 Really roomy, clean and neat. Daylight finished basement, tons of Looking for your updates: tile, roof. Great dream home? price $112,500. find it here in PAT & BRUCE CARLSON welcomehome 816-665-1371 Classifieds Reece and Nichols

Raytown, 4 bdrm RANCH w/ 17 x 22 ft. master bdrm! Updated kitch, fin marble rec room, privacy fence, double deck, way worth checking out! So hard to fnd this much space with this many upgrades for price! $125,000 mls 1717015 Home Sweet Home Realty 816-808-4000

Grain Valley BARGAIN!

Newer duplex, both sides occupied at $790/mo. so it definitely cash flows at$169K! That's only $85,000 a side! Updated 2 story w/ garages, easy to Lotawana rent OR live in one, rent other side! Perrrrfect for 1st tier with covered low interest rate, lower well dock. 22,064 square amount down and fabu- feet gorgeous! $259,000 Home Sweet Home lous future opportunities. 816-808-4000 Check it out! MLS 1704116. Clint's cell 816HOMES FOR SALE 519-4489. Home Sweet Home BUCKNER/SIBLEY Realty 816-808-4000

Pleasant Hill

Longview/ Bennington. Grandview Dollhouse. 17 x 27 ft. liv rm! Formal dining, formal living, granite island, main floor master and laundry...THIS HOME IS GORGEOUS, Massive lote w/ treed back yard, 119K! MLS # 1718954 Home Sweet Home Realty 816-808-4000

HOMES FOR SALE OTHER AREAS

Westwood

4 bedroom, 2 full bath, 2 With tons of potential off story enclosed porch, Bell. 3 bedroom, 1 bath Home Sweet Home fenced yard. NICE! Realty $159,000. 816-808-4000 Home Sweet Home 816-808-4000

WOW! Lone Jack, California Split, $155K! 4 bdrm, 3 full bath w/ finished walk out bsmnt! Main floor laundry, fridge stays. Terrific price! Massive master! Clint's cell 816-519-4489. Home Sweet Home Realty, 816-808-4000

Come Home to THE EXAMINER

Call today for great new subscription offers and deals!

350-6302

Choosing a home is one of the most important decisions.

REDUCED THOUSANDS! NOW $287,350! 4.78 acres (m/l) with ranch and lots of extras including 2x6 construction! Four car garage plus out building. Call Larry for a private showing. Larry LaGrece 816-665-3135/503-4609 REECE & NICHOLS EASTLAND

HOMES FOR SALE GRAIN VALLEY/OAK GROVE

HUGE DUPLEX READY FOR BUYER! A MUST SEE! This is an investors delight or rent one side, live in the other. Both units have full basement & 2 large bdrms supersized - $150K. JANE ANN WILLIAMS 816-405-3399 Reece and Nichols

HOMES FOR SALE OTHER AREAS

Country living, Richmond. 4BR, 4 BATH ON THE GOLF COURSE Home backs to the 9th fairway of the Blue Springs Country Club, and is close to the Clubhouse. For more information, call 866258-0103, ext. 2030, or text “80744” to 79564. TRAVIS HAGEWOOD 816-719-7933 Reece and Nichols

Great big house on 4.86 acres, vaulted ceilings, exquisite kitchen, massive walk-out bsmnt. 4 other 3 acre tracts available to build and another 22 acre tract for endless possibilities. Build your own subdivision or just skip the headaches and buy approx 3K sq ft. home. So many extras! Beautiful scenery. Home Sweet Home Realty 816-808-4000

REDUCED $10,000 WHAT A DEAL! That's right! Now listed at $99K. This 3 bdrm, 1 bath raised ranch in Oak Grove is worth every cent. New paint in & out, other updates, CALL!! LINDA STEVINSON 816-589-7039 Reece and Nichols

LAFAYETTE COUNTY Ten acres (m/l) with barn and fenced! House with three bedrooms and two full baths. Newly carpeted. New flooring. $89,900. Barbara Bridgforth 816-898-3043/503-4626 REECE & NICHOLS EASTLAND

Call a local Realtor to help you today!

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Serving Eastern Jackson County Since 1975

HEARTLAND REALTORS

More than 20,000 listings at your fingertips!

T. DAVID ROGERS

816-373-8400 VISIT US ONLINE AT

CCIM, CPM, CRB, ABR

www.kcheartlandrealtors.com

BROKER-OWNER

MAINTENANCE FREE LIVING! RANCH ON 1 BEAUTIFUL ACRE

GOLDEN ACRES...$159,900

All brick ranch has 4 bedrooms & 2 full baths + finished lower level. Many updates include new roof, kitchen granite counter tops, tile splash & floor. Fresh paint, wood floors & wonderful screen porch! See photos: www.LindaPringle@Remax.com

JUDY ENGLE 816-589-8933 LINDA PRINGLE 816-807-2428

Nice 3 bedroom home on park-like setting. Newer furnace, A/C. Dry walk-out basement. Seller wants offer. Easy to show, call me today! BILL VINYARD 816-200-6785

Like new maintenance provided townhome in Lee’s Summit. Minutes away from shopping and entertainment. For additional information or to tour this property, call...

816-582-1682 OR 816-210-6731

LAKE FRONT! 5 CAR GARAGE! $350K Located in a quiet cove with great lake views. Boat dock! Fin. walk-out basement with 4th BR and Bath, Loft bdrm. REDUCED $50,000! Open Sundays 1 to 4. DENNIS HOEHN 816-588-1697 www.dennishoehn.net

AWESOME GRANITE IN KITCHEN INDEP. CONDO – NO STEPS! Nearly spotless w/new carpet and paint plus 35 ft. deck overlooking pond for $120K! View more photos at www.RachelHarrington.com RACHEL HARRINGTON 816-529-4301

KENTUCKY HILLS SPACIOUS RANCH

Enjoy the family friendly kitchen with abundant cabinets and main floor family room with fireplace. The oversized back BR (was 2) & front BR includes 1/2 bath. Non conforming 3rd BR in full basement. $80’s. TERI CARTWRIGHT 816-285-8828 www.tericartwright.com/ks1723187

MOVE-IN CONDITION! Living room w/WBFP and huge family room on main level, too. Vinyl siding. Recorded info – 24 Hours 1-800-808-5509, ID #1446 JOHN COVERT 816-478-9555

NICE 2 STORY! 4 BEDROOMS! Great wood floors. Open floor plan! Huge master suite, jacuzzi tub, walkin closet. 4th bedroom has a bonus area space. Corner lot! $238,900 DENNIS HOEHN 816-588-1697 www.dennishoehn.net

3 bed, 2.5 bath quality 1/5 story. $164,900. (35th & Crysler) Remodeled kitchen, baths, first floor Master & laundry. Fireplace. Awesome pictures at ronvanfleet.com/ KS1696057 RON VAN FLEET 816-721-4048 www.ronvanfleet.com

THIS IS A TOTAL SHOW HOUSE!

Approx 1/2 acre corner lot, nice kitchen with breakfast bar, pantry, formal dining room, great room with wood-burning fireplace. Recorded info – 24 Hours 1-800-808-5509, ID #1766 ANITA COVERT 816-478-9555

TRUE RANCH, 1+ ACRE LOT, $83K New roof, electrical, plumbing, and more! 3BR + walkout basement. Garage. Seller will help pay your closing costs! Pretty place! See photos: www.LindaPringle@ Remax.com LINDA PRINGLE 816-807-2428

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