welcomehome by The Examiner

• Is installing a generator in your spring plans? • New gardening tools to make digging dirt easier • The ins and outs of making the move

The Michelle Smith Team

Building success while working their magic | PAGE 10

welcomehome

How to make the grass greener on your side of the fence

he secret to green, great-looking grass isn’t how much you spend in terms of time or money, but how wisely you spend. Investing in improving the soil under the grass gives your lawn a good foundation, and can fix many lawn issues such as poor drainage, soil compaction and thatch buildup. These issues can deprive grass roots of

water, nutrients and air. Aeration is one task where you can spend a lot of time and money and reap only frustration if you go the traditional route of either renting a mechanical aerator or hiring a professional to do it for you. Many homeowners are finding liquid lawn aeration is a faster, easier, cost-effective - and successful - alternative to mechanical aera-

tion. LazyMan Soil Doctor, for example, combines liquid lawn aeration, dethatching, fertilizing and soil conditioning in an all-in-one, easy-to-use, spray-on liquid. Simply spray the polymer mixture on your lawn and it goes to work aerating, dethatching, conditioning, and fertilizing soil. The product covers 100 percent of your lawn, is chemical-free, adds nutrients and

amino acids, increases much-needed airflow and boosts the earthworm population underground. If you start out with decent topsoil, you can expect the first application to reach a depth of about 6 inches. Reapply one to two weeks after the initial application, and continue to apply, as needed, at two week intervals.

– From ARA Content

20101 E. Jackson DrivE inDEpEnDEncE, Mo

816.373.9292 Kc’s realtor/salesperson of the year 2010

DAN o’NEILL GRI • MGRI

BRICK RANCH REDUCED ovER $20K

cell: 816-786-0317

website: www.danielboneill.com e-mail: dano@reeceandnichols.com

Great established neighborhood. Swimming pool and tennis available. Three bedrooms and two full and one half baths. Basement. BARBARA BRIDGFoRTH 816-898-3043

CUTE AND MovE-IN READY!

BRICK RANCH - $69,900

Three bedrooms and two full and one half baths. Rec room with fireplace. Needs a little up-dating. 2827 Collin. What a buy! LARRY LAGRECE 816-665-3135

Ranch in the heart of Fairmount. Large fenced backyard for kids and pets. Updated bath. Roof, central air, furnace, vinyl siding and thermal windows less than 10 years old. Call or text Jennifer at 699-0619 or KATHY LIGGETT 816-616-4273

ENJoY BREAKFAST...

in sunroom overlooking the lake. This home offers many unique features. Call for appointment. GLENNA LUNCEFoRD 816-517-9988

the clemons home team

RoBIN

KELLY

Call us for all your Real Estate Needs. We also specialize in Short Sales and Foreclosures. RoBIN CLARK: 816-200-6513 KELLY JENNINGS: 816-695-1027 www.clemonshomes.com

SUPER GLENDALE HoME!

Three bedrooms and two full baths. Fireplace. Large Kitchen. Double garage. Move-in condition! $125,000. RHoNDA DYKAL 816-522-1124

THREE CAR GARAGE!

Eight years old and custom built. Three bedrooms and two full and one half baths. Executive area. Loaded with extras. Gourmet kitchen. BARBARA BRIDGFoRTH 816-898-3043

Your Career. You Decide. PRICE REDUCED!!

Bella Vista Village Condo. Two bedrooms and two baths. Quiet neighborhood. $21,000 below county appraisal! Bring offers!!! MIKE PERKINS 816-935-0253

CUSToM BUILT RANCH

Large and roomy brick home. His and Hers Hobby Rooms. Main floor office. Three fireplaces. Three bedrooms. Only $176,000. FRANKIE LIEBI 816-804-5156

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

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thanks for stopping by by sandy turner

he old saying of watching the grass grow couldn’t be truer as I wait anxiously for quality mowing time on the tractor. It seems to have been a long winter and with the arrival of spring this past weekend, I’m demanding Mother Nature give the snow a rest. I’m looking for greener grass, and not on the other side of the fence. I just want something to mow. Speaking of greener grass, an article on page 2 gives some great advice on how to spend wisely and get the best looking lawn in the neighborhood. Even though fall is the best time to aerate your yard, there are still plenty of things to do now in preparation for the spring rainfall. With plenty of garden centers in our area, your best bet is to gain from these people who have the knowledge, follow a plan and prepare to mow as your efforts will be rewarded with a carpet of green grass. It seems the winter months have been busy and I was proud of myself when

inside March 24, 2010

Beautiful tabletops for spring......................... 5

I actually took down the Christmas decorations. With Springs’ arrival I’m ready to decorate for Easter and put the months of being cooped up in the house by mounds of snow behind me. It’s time to refresh and refocus, and what better way than to put the spring back into your step by cleaning away winter’s aftermath and spruce up everyone’s mood with reminders of what’s to come. On page 5, Mary Garrity, owner of Nell Hill’s, gives some great examples of incorporating several different layers of spring décor to your tabletop. This is the time of year to gather many of your inside décor pieces from the outdoors, with sticks readily available from the winter winds along with grapevines that are ready to be made into a wreath. Roaming around hardware stores and garden centers are one of my favorite things to do. It ranks right up there with buying a new pair of shoes. Although my gardening box is full of tools I’m always on the lookout for something that makes

digging in the dirt a little easier. On page 7 you will find some great information on new tools that are available at the local hardware stores. Last year we installed a generator, as it seems every time the wind blows we lose power. It’s amazing how dependent we are on electricity and when it’s not readily available, it can really throw everything out of whack. Although there are many precautions you need to take with running generators, it’s not a bad idea to have one ready to go in case of a power outage. Read what Ed the Plumber has to say about generators on page 8. Whether it’s from rain falling on the rooftops or from a fountain, the effects from the sounds of trickling water is amazing. Installing a backyard mini pond or waterfall can be easier than you think. Check it out on page 15. 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.

Simple equipment for digging in the dirt........... 7 Powered up about generators....................... 8 Realtors team up for success............... 10, 11 House plan of the week...............................13 Wrought iron designs make a comeback.........14 Backyard water features made easy.......15 The ins and outs of making the move.......... 16 Green cleaning with unusual items............... 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

Tracey Mummaw

Senior Real Estate Marketing Specialist 816.350-6383 tracey.mummaw@examiner.net

Joe Boothe

Art Director 816.350.6358 joe.boothe@examiner.net

WelcomeHome, a premier home magazine for eastern Jackson County, is a weekly 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.

n e e r G

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www.McBeeCustomHomes.com 1st NAHB Certified

Home in Independence, Mo

Improved air quality Energy Star certified n Renewable and/or recycled durable building materials n Water and energy effiecient products and practices n

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For more information, please contact Michael Bailey at 816-503-4685

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5 Mary Carol Garrity is the proprietor of three successful home furnishings stores in Atchison, KS, and the author of several best-selling books on home decorating. Write to Mary Carol at nellhills(at)mail.lvnworth.com

with mary carol garrity

Beautiful spring tabletops

hen it comes to creating beautiful dining-table displays for spring and summer, I’m craving simplicity this year. I want my dining table at home and those at Nell Hill’s to reflect an understated elegance — uncluttered and clean but still fetching. Want to give your table place settings and centerpiece a fresh look for spring? Try these ideas. I am crazy about this one contemporary, restful table at Garrity’s in Atchison, Kan. The organic elements, like the rough tabletop, wicker chairs and tufts of spring grasses, make me feel peaceful — for a minute, anyway. We wanted to show off the pronounced grain in the trestle farm table, so we opted against using a tablecloth, topper or placemats. The centerpiece couldn’t be easier or more attractive. We

filled four sleek white pots with bunches of faux green grasses. Each place setting features several layers, in the Nell Hill’s tradition, but they are simple — just an oversized square dinner plate, a salad plate and dessert plate, with a plain white linen napkin tucked in. To carry on the curvy lines in the pots, we used silverware with a twisted metal design on the handles and clear water glasses sporting rings. We went for a charming vintage look with a table at Nell Hill’s Atchison. The tablecloth is beautiful in tans and cornflower blues. To play off the floral pattern in the tablecloth, for chargers we used aluminum trays that feature a chain of daisies around the edge. The shiny silver is repeated through the napkin ring and silverware.

If you haven’t yet invested in a set of white dishes, you’ve got to get some now. White dishes are one of our decorating building blocks because you can achieve so many different looks with them simply by switching out table linens, serving pieces, accent dishes, glassware and centerpieces. Birds are another favorite icon of spring, so why not include images of birds on your spring table? We started with a white dinner plate, then added accent pieces from a cute set of dishes featuring bird images in a yummy cocoa brown. I’m all about simple centerpieces this season. What could be lovelier, or simpler, than three glass hurricane lamps holding small glass bud vases? Simply cluster a trio of glass vases, hurricanes or apothecary jars at your table’s center, fill them with spring images like flower blooms, eggs or nests, and call it good. If you have a long, rectangular table, you could multiply your glass containers by three, placing all nine containers in a row going down the table’s center. I often work rustic garden statuary into my formal table settings because I enjoy the juxtaposition of formal and informal. Steal a neat container from your garden or get a new one, then fill it with a large and leggy faux fern. Springy, dramatic and lovely!

This column has been adapted from Mary Carol Garrity’s blog at www.nellhills.com. She can be reached at marycarol(at)nellhills.com.

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Marcia Wallace real estate Group | 816.251.1745 Visit our website to take a virtual tour: Marciaw.reeceandnichols.com

darling raised ranch

all Brick true ranch!

lakewood patio hoMe Beautiful ranch reverse, tranquil setting on scenic Lakewood Oaks Golf Course #6 hole. Nestled on quiet, low traffic cul-de-sac. Finished lower level. $220,000

This all brick 3BR home is located in a great neighborhood in Independence. Home features newer 30 year roof. Energy efficient heating and cooling and new thermal windows. $115,000

Fin w/o LL could be 2nd living quarters-2nd kitchen, family rm & full bath. 2 car gar, circle drive, fenced yd, & patio, walk-in cedar closet! Newer roof. Quality thruout! $129,500.

Lee’s Summit -This darling 3BR home is move-in ready! Finished lower leave w/tile floor & plenty of storage. Gorgous treed yard w/lush landscaping, spacious deck & fenced yard. Lovely neighborhood-excellent location! Close to schools! $140,000.

pride of ownership.

like new 2 story!! Lg kitchen/hearthroom w/island, FP, SS appliances, & granite counters. Spa like mstr ste w/FP, his/ her vanity, wp, & wlk-in shower. Bonus loft area. Wlk-out lower lvl w/12’ ceilings.$300,000.

Grand Villa! Priced to sell – this lakefront villa has upgrades galore. Open floor plan, soaring ceilings, 4 fireplaces, 3 car garage, finished walkout lower level. Beautiful veranda overlooking lake. $650,000.

Blue springs

lee’s suMMit 2 story

Interior looks just like new! New Carpet, paint, & wood floors throughout. Move - in ready. Large MBR with walk - in closet& private bath. F/ walk-out lower level. All app. stay, new roof. $118,000.

the falls at lakewood

rayMore/peculiar

Blue springs villa Great villa w/finished LL, 2BRs on main level. Great rm w/FP, eat-in kitchen w/pantry & wood floors, formal dining. Mstr suite w/dbl vanity, tile floors, & w/i closet, 3 full baths. Sun Room! $160,000.

luxury adult living

No maintenance here. Great location, near Indep. Center, Centerpoint Hospital & restaurants. Bsmt, 2 parking spaces & storage unit. 2 bdrm, 2 bath. 2 units avail. $129K & $140K.

lakewood

2 hoMes on 5 acres

Park like setting. Each home features an updated open floor plan. Pride of ownership shows here. Property has an 18 hole golf course, swimming pool, gazebo & a 30’x39’ barn. $350,000

2 stry flr plan on a cul-de-sac. 4 bdrms, mstr w/sitting rm, tub, dble vanities & lg w/i closet. Great rm has a frplc & built-in bookcases. Screened in porch. $220,000.

ls address/Bs schools

creekMoor villa This home is situated across the street from the golf course! Beautiful kit. w/huge walk-in pantry & island. Master suite has all the amenities. Outstanding LL w/frplc, bar, & stereo system. Covered deck, sprinkler system, & 3 car garage. $290,000

Maintenance provided villa Fairfield Woods Model now for sale. French Country Villa with quality features throughout. All stucco, 50 year timerline roof. Open Sat and Sun 1-5 p.m.

serene wooded lot

white ridge farMs -Spacious home w/ 3 bd and 2.1ba. Finished walk-out lower level with fireplace & family room. Very well maintained in established neighborhood. $135,000

Situated on golf course. Private treed lot w/3 deck/patio areas & circle drive. Spacious flr plan w/soaring ceilings. Beautiful kit. w/slate, granite & SS appl. $600,000

New 2 bdrm ranch duplex w/2 car garage. Up to the moment decor, Friese carpet, gorgeous decorator colors, & fantastic cabinetry. Maintenance provided. Prices starting at $136,500.

oaks ridge Meadows Spacious 2 story w/4 bd on a treed, fenced lot. Kitchen has builtin hutch, pantry, & breakfast bar. Mstr suite w sitting rm, w/i closet, & wp tub. Fin ll. $240,000

lakewood lakefront Gorgeous lakefront- pride of ownership shows! Updated kit w/island, granite counters. Fin w/o ll w/ fam rm,l bath, & FP. Large deck & paver patio. Newer roof. $475,000

Open floor plan with tons of extras! Spacious kitchen with granite counters, breakfast bar & pantry. Master suite with dbl vanity, whirlpool & walk-in closet. Beautiful sun porch off kitchen. Indep. Schools. $240,000.

Beautiful 1.5 story lake front w/panoramic vies on cul-de-sac. Quality throughout! Large finished lower level w/built-ins, & fireplace. Side entry 3-car garage. $325,000.

Blue springs villa

Former model home w/separate living qtrs in finished wlk-out bsmt. Includes full 2nd kitchen, laundry, living rm, & BR,all with it’s own entrance! Gorgeous kit w/custom cabinets. Lg Mstr bdrm w/wlk-in closet, dbl vanity, & whlpl tub. $240,000

exQuisite Mediterranean estate

grain valley

Darling 3 bdrm, 2 bath home. Situated on corner lot w/3 car garage. Open floor plan w/vaulted ceilings, large kitchen w/in pantry and island. Incredible finished lower level! $167,000.

Open floor plan with designer features & colors. Kit. features island, stainless applcs, and pantry. Awesome fin. LL – wet bar, frplc, & theater room! Backyard feels like you’re in the country. $225,000

Spacious 1.5 story home w/5BRs & 3.5BAs. Traditional floor plan w/large BRs & 2 FPs, just needs some updating. Finished walk-out LL w/FP & wet bar. Lake views from the deck, treed backyard. $259,000

Blue springs schools

Newer beautiful townhome Open floor plan with fp & walk-out bsmt. MBR has large walk-in closet & vaulted ceiling. The kitchen features an island, pantry, and all appliances stay with home. $120,000

Incredible Wellington 2 story w/4 BRs & 4.5 BAs. Beautiful kitchen/ hearth w/see thru FP & kitchen isl. Bonus loft/craft room or office on bedroom level. Awesome fin 11. $315,000.

Open & Spacious 4BR Home w/tons of upgrades!! Awesome kit. w/ss applcs, brkfst bar, & wood flrs. Lg Mstr w/2 walk-in closets, wp & access to laundry! Fin LL w/ Family rm and 4th Bdrm and full bath. $187,900

lakewood/ls schools

Vacation at home! Exquisite home is situated on lg estate lot w/gorgeous inground pool, gazebo w/BA, 2 story solarium w/blt-in hot tub. The updated kit. features new SS appliances. Updated mst ste w/FP & lg w/i closet! Fin LL w/ wet bar, family rm, $350,000.

lakewood

royal view Meadows

faBulous 2 story hoMe!

Better than new!

Lots of upgrades-hardwoods in kitchen & formal dining, upgraded cabinets. Beautiful kitchen w/island, pantry, & SS appliances. Finished LL w full bath, bar, & family rm. Fenced backyard & front porch. $218,000

independence dollhouse Darling Tudor style home, situated across from Elementary School. Grt rm w/ stone fp. Spacious kit w/ lots of cabinets. Enclosed porch. $110,000

welcomehome

Gardening equipment to simplify urge to dig in the dirt

By Tamara Browning

use and store. Fiskars Lop & Saw ($35), a lightweight, twoin-one tool that cuts through branches up to 1 1/2 inches thick. Its double-edged saw, for larger branches, is sheathed in one of its handles. Bionic Gloves Blooms Gardening Gloves ($30) have a silicone grip that allows for picking up small clippings and pulling weeds. Toolite Sifting Shovel ($72.88) is a lightweight, perforated shovel that can sift dirt and peat together and scoop out and drain muddy earth and clay. It has a nonstick coating that protects it from rust.

GateHouse News Service

hen it comes to picking a useful garden tool, the choice is simple for Jennifer Fishburn. “My favorite garden tool is a garden knife. A garden knife is a multifunctional tool that can be used for several gardening activities, such as digging, weeding and cutting,” said Fishburn, horticulture educator with the University of Illinois Extension. The garden knife is available under several brand names, including Multi-Purpose Garden Knife. Its features include a comfortable handle and a sharp stainless-steel blade with a serrated edge, Fishburn said. “Another good feature to look for is a notched tip, ideal for getting out long roots of dandelions that invade flower beds. Be sure to get a protective sheath with a belt loop,” Fishburn said. Buying basic tools for multipurpose gardening is a good way to save money, said Robert Chellios, store manager at Ace Hardware in Springfield, Ill. “You don’t have to go out and spend millions of dollars. You don’t need to have every single tool there is out there. You can get away with some basic ones and use them,” Chellios said. Basic yard and garden tools a homeowner should have are a round-point shovel, a square shovel, a leaf rake (plastic or metal) and, depending on the age of the property’s trees and bushes, a pair of hedge shears or loppers, Chellios said. New ideas: old standbys A variety of loppers and pruners are available, Chellios said. “Probably the newest thing in some of the loppers is that there’s some that are telescoping to give you more leverage when you’re trying to cut a bigger branch,” Chellios said. Cultivating standbys include the Garden Weasel ($25.99) and the Garden Claw ($29.99). “The Garden Claw actually is a good item for working up because ... you just stick it in the ground and you turn it to break up the soil,” Chellios said. A gardener may use “some of everything” in garden tools, depending on the job he’s tackling, Chellios said. “You might use a round-point shovel if you’re actually digging for shrubs and things like that,” Chellios said. “You’re going to use a fork for just turning the soil, a hoe for just doing some weeds or making the grooves for your seeds in the garden. There’s no one set tool.” Easy gardening The right tools make creating and maintaining yards easier and faster, said Kathleen Hud-

Pot Lifter dy, the gardening writer with Good Housekeeping Research Institute, which offers its six picks of innovative finds for 2011 at www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/best-gardentools. Among the picks is the Fiskars Florist Bypass Pruner ($8), which can snip flowers and trim plants quickly. The pruner is great for smaller clippings, but not so much for woody rose stems, the institute found. Because some plants, especially rose bushes, should be pruned this time of year, having an anvil pruner and flower-cutting pruner is important, Huddy said. “You need to have both of them. You need to have the anvil for thicker cuts, thicker branches and then the finer, smaller pruner for finer, smaller branches,” Huddy said. “Sometimes a thick branch needs a clean cut, and a smaller pruner will just smoosh it. It won’t make a clean cut, and it will make a mess, and that will allow insects to get inside.” Best picks Good Housekeeping Research Institute’s 2011 six picks for “New Gardening Gear” were tested by master gardeners and female consumers who ranged from 4 feet 11 inches tall to 5 feet 11 inches. “We thought that a lot of these products are really great, especially for the female consumer who’s gardening,” Huddy said. In addition to the Fiskars Florist Bypass Pruner, GHRI selected: Garden Grips Nimbus rubber-coated gardening shoes ($65), which the institute found to be comfortable and stylish. The shoes have a high

cut for blocking out splashes and good traction. PotLifter ($25), a strap-designed item that can move large planters and more. It needs two people to operate, but testers found it easy to

Taking care of your tools Preventing rust on garden tools such as shovels, forks and hoes is important - and pretty easy. “You don’t have to go out and buy the fanciest things in the world. You don’t have to go buy the most expensive ones in the world. It just a lot comes down to how they’re taken care of,” said Robert Chellios, store manager at Ace Hardware in Springfield. To increase the lifespan of your gardening tools, Chellios recommends washing dirt and mud off your tools, and then spraying them with WD-40. Set the tools aside to dry, and then hang them up. That’s it.

UNLOCK YOUR DREAM! The right mortgage is the key!

Lock in an outstanding fixed-rate

home loan at today’s historically low rates. Plus enjoy the convenience and security of dealing with a hometown lender. We’ll be here to help you, before and after you close on your loan. Give us a call.

816.252.1521

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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.

Generators offer protection

I remember reading an article you wrote last year about standby generators. Well, this winter I lost power during one of the larger storms, and now I’m very interested in having one installed. What is the best time of year to do the job? I’m thinking in the fall. What other tips can you give me?

First, let’s get everyone “powered up” on this topic. A standby generator is not the same as a portable generator. Standby generators are

permanently mounted generator systems, connected directly to your home. Kind of like a central air-conditioning system would be. Also, most standby generators are powered by “self-feeding” natural or propane gas. Finally, the system is controlled by an “intelligent transfer switch” that automatically turns on the generator when a power outage occurs. So, basically, when you lose electrical power, your standby generator will “automatically” keep the electricity on in your home. If it’s properly sized, that means you can keep running your heat, hot water, air conditioning

and even your refrigerator/freezer. How cool is that! It does take about one or two weeks to have a standby-generator system installed, so plan accordingly. As far as the best time of year to install a standby generator, consider this: Spring is on the way, and many homeowners worry about basement flooding from heavy spring rainstorms and snowmelt. Basement sump pumps protect many homes, and if the electrical power goes out, the sump pump will lose its A/C power. After spring, of course, we have summer and fall, and that’s where the “big guns” can

kick in. Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes can all cause long-term power outages. You and your professional standby-generator contractor need to discuss — and agree upon — the job’s size, scheduling and pricing. Make sure your contractor has all the proper licenses and insurance, and that he or she gets the appropriate permits from local authorities. Also, I recommend getting a standby generator with a composite shell that is especially built to stand up to the elements. This could be particularly important if you live by the ocean, because the salt air can be very corrosive to standard materials.

FEATURE HOME OF THE WEEK 38811 W. 92nd St.

• Wrap around pourch • 4.89 acres • Walkout basement • Amazing kitchen

• 2 master suites • 2 fireplaces • 10 ft pantry • Granite counter tops

$299,000 This home marketed by

Home SWeet Home Realty

Kelly Sloan 816-808-4000

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www.BaileyhomeTeamKC.com reSaLe hOmeS S

D L SO iNg

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809 NW ArliNgtoN PlAce

This well-maintained 3BR, 2BA home sits on a quiet cul-desac. The home features a fin walk-out bsmnt, frml din rm, walk-in pantry, stainless appliances, tile surrounds in baths, 170 sqft deck w/stairs, newer A/C & water heater and beautifully designed archways. Updates include new sump pump, expanded deck, & shower door in MBR. $135,000

michAel chAmPioN 816-503-4666

$125,000

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mODeL hOme OPeN DaILY

17804 reDWooD DriVe

This completely remodeled home has a huge treed back yard with beautiful landscaping and a large deck. This you must see. New counter tops, stove, sink, dishwasher, and light fixtures. Tile floors in kitchen and baths, with custom tile shower. New carpet installed throughout. 4 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, $119,900.

roBiN clArk 816-200-6513

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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. $195,000

roBiN clArk 816-200-6513

$190,000

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

Buildertrades!pricedtosell! noreasonableofferrefused! k

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2212 mcBriDe Street

Raised ranch, 3 bedrooms, huge extra family room, very well kept home. Large fenced yard on a quiet street. Relax on the deck and entertain your friends. Independence School District Basement is partially finished. $94,900

roBiN clArk 816-200-6513

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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

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

roBiN clArk 816-200-6513

For more information, please contact Michael Bailey at 816-503-4685

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A winning team The Realtors of The Michelle Smith Team join forces to work their magic

By sandy turner

WelcomeHome

ichelle Smith, Realtor with Reece and Nichols, firmly believes in the old adage of two eyes are better than one. By developing The Michelle Smith Team the goal of providing superior services to homebuyers and sellers has been met and exceeded through four pairs of expert eyes. Michelle, along with Karen Cragg, Janice Cunha and Lisa Lewis have enhanced their role as Realtors to benefit their clients in the areas of marketing, transaction coordination, feedback and follow-up as they truly embrace the team concept. Wanting to service every need for their clients, the team also offers cleaning services and staging for those wanting to sell their homes. “We are confident in each other’s abilities and in return the client can be assured that no matter who is handling their request or concern, it will be done in a timely manner and by a professional,” Smith said. “The team concept not only benefits our clients, but it provides us with the peace of mind that it’s business as usual if we are away from the office.” As a team, they promptly return inquiries from prospective buyers or their agents while potential problems are avoided during the closing process because one of them is always available. “Each person on the team offer their professional expertise in a specific area,” she said. “The diversity we bring to the table offers clients the opportunity to buy or sell a home in an environment that promotes less stress and we make sure to have some fun along the way.” The team of four, generating positive energy while staying focused on the ever-changing marketplace, has committed to give their clients ultimate customer service. “We are real estate,” Cragg said who’s been a Realtor for the past 13 years. “After working as an individual agent, I’m very excited what the team has to offer, not only to me but for our clients.” Cragg, with a background in finance and banking offers expert advice on short sales and foreclosures. “There isn’t any kind of transaction that The Michelle Smith Team can’t handle successfully,” she said. Recently joining the team, Janice Cunha has been a Realtor for seven years and offers the team an extensive background in customer service and relations. “I truly enjoy working with first time homebuyers,” she said. “There are so many different programs available that can enable people to purchase their first home. We are here to help, guide, coach and mentor to help make those dreams of owning your own home come true.”

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Welcome!

The Michelle Smith Team welcomes Janice Cunha, a specialist working with first time homebuyers. For the past six years, Lisa Lewis has successfully built her real estate career through her passion for assisting homebuyers and sellers. Lisa, who is also an EMT, brings another level of customer service to the team. “We are connected to the community and to our clients,” Smith said. “Not only in person but through Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin. Whether we’re marketing a house to be sold or looking for the perfect home, we have the tools to do it right.” Smith, a native of New York, has been a Re-

altor for the past 13 years, coming to the real estate industry after having served the public as a policewoman in Lee’s Summit. “From new construction to resale, foreclosures to short sales, the Michelle Smith Team can accommodate,” she said. “We will work around your schedule and availability, and that’s the advantage of being able to hire four Realtors, for the price of one.” For more information call any of the members of The Michelle Smith Team at 229-6391 or 655-6615.

(TOP) WOW! Unbelieveable home. Walk to Lake Jacomo! Upgrades Galore - stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, under cabinet lighting, bamboo hardwood floors, tiled master shower and guest bath, 6 panel doors. Very spacious, elegant home. Huge Master bedroom walks out to back deck. Finished walk-out basement with wetbar and sitting room with a fireplace. 4 car gar, sprinkler system and intercom! (ABOVE) The MOST bang for your Buck!!! 95 feet of lake frontage- AMAZING views!!! Huge deck, gazebo, dock and lakeside patio, it just doesn’t get any better than this!

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Crownpoint: Prairie-style design with a modern twist

ow-pitched roof lines, wide eaves, and bold squared porch support columns mark the Crownpoint as a contemporary Prairie-style home. Frank Lloyd Wright is the acknowledged master of the Prairie house, one of the few indigenous American styles. Families who enjoy attracting and watching wild birds will particularly appreciate those wide eaves. Feeders hung there are safe from the rain and all but the trickiest squirrels. Immediately after entering, you pass double doors that lead into what could be a dining room, parlor, or home office. A conveniently located half bathroom is directly ahead, bedrooms are to the left, and the great room is ahead and slightly to the right. The great room fills the heart of the home and is open to the kitchen and nook as well. In the G-shaped kitchen, an array of counters, cupboards, and built-in appliances wrap around all four sides. From at or near the kitchen sink, you can serve informal meals and snacks to family and friends seated along the raised eating bar, enjoy watching flames dance in the gas fireplace, or keep track of activities on the partially covered patio. A good-sized utility room is right around the corner, along with indoor access to a two-car garage. The bench by the door is designed for shucking off messy footgear, which can then be stowed out of sight beneath the seat. A shelved storage closet lines the hallway leading to a guest suite, which could do double duty as a home office or hobby room. In the spacious owners’ suite, amenities include a walk-in shower, private toilet, two vanities, a deep walk-in closet, and direct patio access. The Crownpoint’s other two bedrooms share a bathroom that has a combination tub and shower.

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 Crownpoint 30-790 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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Artful designs made from wrought iron back in fashion By Pam Adams

GateHouse News Service

he wonder is the welder who does in steel what the needle-pointer does in thread or the carver does in wood or stone — the same delicate, swirling vines and intricate, lace-like designs. Usually larger and always in metals forged at temperatures from 2,000 degrees to literally a million degrees hotter, the end results are decorative yet sturdy fences, railings, driveway gates, furniture and mailbox posts — functional art. Decorative ironwork is often referred to as wrought iron. “When people refer to iron, anymore they’re really talking about steel,” says Breck Nelson, an owner of Kelley Ironworks in Peoria, Ill. A sign in front of the headquarters reads “fabricators of fine metal work.” True wrought iron, as in the specific type of iron, is no longer available in the United States, though it is still made in Europe. But “wrought,” as in the layman’s term for decorative metals — be it steel, stainless steel or construction-grade aluminum — is fashionable again. Nelson says customers have grown tired of pre-bought ornamental products. They want custom specialty work, either in traditional de-

signs or trendy glass and steel combos. Funny how a craft thousands and thousands of years old never quite disappears. Kelley Iron-

works and Prairie State Ironworks in Kickapoo, Ill., are two ironwork companies that keep the craft alive.

“We buy materials from literally all over the world: Italy, France, China,” he says. “We bring it here, modify it, work it into our designs.” Workers may add details to transform them into a one-of-a-kind piece, or they may make one-of-a-kind pieces from scratch. Nelson was familiar with Kelley’s, a company that dates back to 1941, when the opportunity to buy it came about in 1996. He had worked at a local nursery and often ordered ironwork from Kelley’s to incorporate into his landscape designs. He still loves design. Now he designs in steel, construction-grade aluminum and other miscellaneous metals. “His imagination takes him a long way, and we have to figure out how to get it done,” says Arnie Ahrens, a welder and shop foreman at Kelley’s. “We push the limits of working in steel.” Sparks fly around the shop as workers with burning-hot torches bend, stretch and shape solid steel into forms reminiscent of fine jewelry. They can also use lasers to cut their own computer-programmed designs into metals. Steel is stronger, but Nelson is nostalgic for the malleable dough qualities of true wrought iron. “It’s easier to work with, and you can get so much more creative,” he says.

FEATURE HOME OF THE WEEK 821 S. JONES ROAD INDEPENDENCE

• 3 bedrooms • 2 acres • 2 fireplaces • Horse facilities

• 2 baths • Formal dining • Fenced yard • Patio

$154,500 This home marketed by

RE/MAX HEARTLAND LINDA JUDY PRINGLE ENGLE (816) 807-2428 (816) 589-8933

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Creating water features not as hard as you might think

onds can create a focal point, serve as a restful oasis and add the soothing sound of water to an outdoor space. Many homeowners may shy away from building one, thinking it will be too difficult to do themselves and too costly to hire a professional to build. Yet creating a backyard pond doesn’t have to be difficult — if you prepare properly and use pond supplies that are intended to make the job manageable for most do-it-yourselfers. TotalPond provides kits and supplies that make pond-building well within the abilities of most do-it-yourselfers. The company groups products into four easy

Real estate

steps to help you determine what is needed to create your water feature. Pro-grade quality pumps - including waterfall pumps - feature UV bulbs inside that kill bacteria, providing extra algae-fighting help to keep the pond cleaner. You can even incorporate a nice spray and night illumination by selecting an advanced multipurpose product such as the Pond Boss that pumps, purifies with a UV sterilizer, provides a spray and features LED lights. This product ensures the pond is oxygenated and crystal clear by reducing bacteria and micro-organisms with minimal maintenance. Go to www.totalpond. com for more product information.

– From ARA Content

MoRtgage

title

insuRance

1257 S. 7 highway | Blue SpringS, mo

816.229.6391

Visit our website: ReeceAndNichols.com

The priCe haS Been reDuCeD! on this lovely ranch home on 2 wooded acres. open floor plan. Formal dining & eat-in kitchen. Walkout basement – a Must see HoMe! Sally groveS 816-655-6515

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

Turn-key perFeCT Just the right size in Blue springs. 4 bdrm ranch, 3 full baths, gorgeous kitchen, office, family room w/ walk-out to patio, great room opens to deck. $200,000 The mCgraw Team 816-655-6526 mcgrawteam@reeceandnichols.com

FanTaSTiC ConDo

Beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo. absolutely no steps. Patio looks at pool! garden area. all appliances stay. ease of living at it’s best! mary jo wilSon 816-655-6587

priDe oF ownerShip ShowS extremely well-cared for 3BR, 2.5Ba raised ranch. Main floor laundry. Finished basement. newer champion windows, roof, furnace, a/c & much more. $122,500 julie henke 816-655-6601

juST reDuCeD! 10 beautiful acres with this 1 1/2 story beauty! newer horse barn, two lean-to pole barns, 24x50 shop, stocked pond, above ground pool and much more. oak grove area. BarBara waTTS 816-215-7787 bwatts@reeceandnichols.com

eXCepTional aCreage loCaTion

new listing off Blue Mills Road. 3 acre pond m/l and 12 acre m/l. 4 bedroom, finished walkout basement, 1.5 story & approx 4000 sq ft. Fort osage schools & listed at $450K. paT & BruCe CarlSon 816-665-1371 Carlsonhomesales.com

low mainTenanCe ranCh $99k updates include: roof, driveway, HVac, steel siding and more! 3 bed, 1.5 bath in great condition. large attached workshop to garage. STeve aDamS 816-589-2687 Steveadams@reeceandnichols.com

3003 CrySTal aire CourT seller will consider trading down in grain Valley schools. Beautiful custom built 1 1/2 story home with 5BR’s, 3.5 baths in grain Valley on 3+ acres! for 24 hour recorded info, call (888) 203-3708, code 02. TraviS hagewooD 816-719-7933 www.Thagewood.reeceandnichols.com

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Do-it-yourself moving tips

he economy is moving again - and so are Americans. About 38 million people moved to new locations, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Warm weather locales seem to be top-of-mind these days. If you’re planning a move here’s some advice: • Pack in increments. Start early to avoid the stress of last-minute rushing. It’s OK to leave a box open in case you need something you’ve packed inside it; it’s much easier to tape a box shut on moving day than it is to pack at the last moment. • Buy sturdy boxes in a variety of sizes, along with foam and bubble wrap to protect fragile items. You’ll also need a good supply of packing tape and markers for sealing boxes. • Make sure you have moving blankets and

ReAl eSTAT e

hand trucks on moving day to make the process easier. • Purge before packing. It’s much easier to throw away, donate, sell or give away items that you don’t need than it is to pack them and move them. As a rule of thumb, if you haven’t used something in the past 12 months - or it’s still packed in a box from the last time you moved - you can probably get rid of it. • Label boxes as you pack. First, list the room that the contents belong in, and, if necessary, a few details such as “glass,” “fragile” or “dishes.” As you load the truck, try to keep boxes from each room grouped together. • Load the heaviest items onto the truck first to create a sturdy base, then start stacking on top.

MORTgAge

TITle

• Moving trucks are taller, wider and heavier than the passenger vehicles you are used to driving. They require more distance to stop. Be extra careful driving your moving truck, especially after it’s loaded. Be aware of low-hanging tree branches and building overhangs, and use caution when cornering. Park only in well-lit ar-

InSuRA nC e

1257 S. 7 HiGHwAy | BLUE SPRiNGS, MO

816.229.6391

Visit our website: ReeceAndNichols.com

eas and keep the rear door padlocked and the passenger compartment doors locked. Finally, create a travel bag for moving day and keep important paperwork, credit cards, identification, a change of clothes, beverages and snacks close at hand.

– From ARA Content LARGE 4 BR, 3 BA iN GRAiN VALLEy This is not your average split, extra wide staircase and open floor plan. Seller has other homes available from $150K to $200K. For more information, call (888) 203-3708, ext. 0256. TRAViS HAGEwOOD 816-719-7933 www.THagewood.ReeceandNichols.com

3 BEDROOM RANCH ON GOLDEN POND!

True Ranch home full walkout bsmt. Kitchen is huge!! Covered back porch, stone fireplace and bedrooms on the main level. Master bath with whirlpool and double vanities. Short sale sold AS IS Only $165000. See it before it’s too late! PAT & BRUCE CARLSON 816-665-1371

RANCH – PERFECT TO ENTERTAiN iN! Remodel with finished basement, formal living and dining room, 2 brick fireplaces, hardwood floors, inground pool... A MuST See! CHRiSTiNA BROwN 816-896-8916 www.TheBrownTeamCan.com

HONEy STOP THE CAR! MUST SEE! A rare find! 3 BR, 2 BA straight ranch w/1st fl. utilities. new carpet thruout! Beautiful Masonary fireplace & large unfinished basement. low $130’s. jANE ANN wiLLiAMS 816-655-6574

ATTRACTiVE ALL BRiCK RAyTOwN home. 3 BR, 2.5 BA, 2-car garage on quiet cul-de-sac with fenced yard. updated kitchen. MBR has 2 closets. KATHy ELLiS-MOONEy 816-582-0160 www.KathyEllis-Mooney.ReeceandNichols.com

ExTRA SHARP iN GLENDALE GARDEN

MOVE-iN READy iN OAK GROVE Pride of ownership shows in this lovely 3 BR raised ranch home. lots of upkeep & upgrades. new int. & ext. paint & much more. Call now! LiNDA STEViNSON 816-589-7039

nothing to be done here but turn the key and move on in to this well cared for 3 BR ranch. Replacement windows, 3 yr. old roof, new carpet, fresh paint, updated kitchen appliances, fenced yard, gas grill, storage barn, full basement. $84,300 THE MCGRAw TEAM 816-655-6526 mcgrawteam@reeceandnichols.com

3-CAR GAR. & HOME UNDER $80K 3 BR, 1 BA home with attached and detached garage. Home is full of neW and updated items. Carpet, countertops, tiled shower, etc. STEVE ADAMS 816-589-2687 SteveAdams@reeceandnichols.com

MOVE-iN READy TOwNHOME! Tile entry opens to living room with corner fireplace. eat-in kitchen with all appliances. 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath, bedroom level laundry. great for investor. SALLy GROVES 816-655-6515

welcomehome

Three steps to get the best deal when buying a house ness Bureau website to see if the lender has any complaints against them, and type the name into your search engine to see if they’ve made the news - in a good or bad way. 3. Leverage a Realtor relationship It’s true that many would-be homebuyers are now using the Internet to facilitate their search. Yet 79 percent of all buyers last year purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker, according to the National Association of Realtors. While it is possible to buy a home without the aid of a Realtor, working with one has several benefits. Realtors strive to be experts about the communities they work in, so a Realtor can provide you with valuable advice on home prices, schools, recreation and businesses, as well as other information about the area you’re interested in. Another bonus - as a buyer, you pay the Realtor nothing. He or she will share a percentage of the commission the home sellers pay to their Realtor. Buying a house is a big investment - the biggest most people make in their lives - but with some preparation and smart negotiations, you can ensure you’re well positioned to take advantage of the current buyers’ market.

– From ARA Content

mple inventory, low mortgage rates and motivated sellers - all these key elements are present in real estate markets across the country, indicating it’s still a great time to buy a house. If you’re thinking of buying a house - whether it’s new or existing, your first home or your fifth - you can help ensure you get the best possible deal by doing a few things before you get down to serious shopping.

1. Check your credit You might think that getting pre-approved for a mortgage is your first step in home-shopping, and it is an important one. But before you talk to a potential lender, you should check your credit report and score - because the mortgage company certainly will. Your credit score is a reflection of your credit status, and one that potential lenders will consider when assessing your credit worthiness. Knowing your credit standing can make you better prepared to secure the best possible conditions and rates for a home loan. It’s a good idea to monitor your credit for a while before making a move to apply for a mortgage. Websites like freecreditscore.com allow you to access your credit score when you enroll in credit monitoring. By monitoring your credit, you’ll be able to see how changes in your credit

report can affect your score, and you’ll receive credit score alerts whenever your score changes. 2. Capitalize on lender competition When it’s time to apply for a mortgage, many people turn to the banks they’re used to dealing with on a regular basis. While banks are definitely a familiar source of home financing, they’re not the only one. Even after the mortgage crisis, you’ll still find many companies in the home loan field. Wading through the pleth-

ora of claims from lending companies can be time consuming - but well worth it. Despite the credit crunch - or perhaps because of it - competition is fierce among lenders to work with the best-qualified buyers. That means if your credit score and report are good, you could be in a position to snag the loan terms and interest rates reserved for the most-desirable borrowers. But you’ll still have to compare rates and offers from a number of companies. Be sure to thoroughly investigate any lender you’re considering applying with; the Internet is a great resource. Check out the Better Busi-

heritage 816-309-9445

3816 s. coachman ct. independence, mo $354,900 This home is a show stopper! It is a must see! You will not find a nicer, cleaner home. 12 ft. ceilings on the main level, 9 in finished basement. Sprinkler system, zoned heating & cooling, extra deep garage with no support poles, ceiling fans, drain, sink in garage, extensive landscaping, great curb appeal.

daVid Wiesemann 816-309-9445

www.davidwiesemann.com

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Pretty Good Ideas

Green cleaning with usual items

• Use white bread to: Dust an oil painting. Gently dab a slice of white bread over the surface to pick up dirt and grime. • Use ketchup to: Remove tarnish from copper and brass cookware. Squeeze ketchup onto a cloth and rub it on pots and pans. They should go back to their coppery color in minutes. Rinse with warm water and dry with a towel. • Chrome Polish: Forget keeping skin soft, baby oil also polishes chrome. Apply a dab to a cotton cloth and use it to shine everything from faucets to hubcaps. You’ll end up with shiny, happy surfaces from a medicine-cabinet staple. (Who actually owns chrome cleaner, anyway?) • Musty Clothes: Your vintage woolens are back in style, but they bear stale odors picked up during their stint in fashion purgatory. Spritz garments with a small amount of vodka (spot-test first). Straight vodka kills bacteria, but it doesn’t leave a scent. Hang clothes to dry in a well-ventilated area. • Odor on Ice: Those UFOs (unidentified frozen objects) in the freezer make your piecrust smell like a substance from another planet. Wipe the freezer with a cotton pad dampened with pure vanilla extract. Refrigerator shelves will benefit from a wipe-down with a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water.

– From www.realsimple.com

Tune in to KCXL 1140 AM radio every Monday from noon to 1 pm for Home Sweet Home with Kelly Sloan. Live broadcast, real estate shop talk. Call in questions are welcomed and encouraged at 816-792-1140. Cell phone users, call 816-883-2133 or listen at www.kcxl.com

tips&tricks

Watercolors in the tub

Think whirlpool spas are only about bubbles to relax and soak away troubles? Today you’ll learn that, spa-wise, there’s more to be seen...including today’s sparkling Irish green! Indeed, “watercolors” are here in the form of variable underwater lighting called chromatherapy. Now, while you soak amid warming effervescent bubbles, underwater lenses cast a soothing glow of color that slowly changes throughout the spectrum. Should you find a hue you especially like, you can command it to “hold” with the tub’s unique floating remote that also controls the intensity of the water jets

New use for CDs Have you been getting lots of CDs for online service in the mail? And, have you been tossing them? Not so fast. Instead of tossing them out, drill a hole in the edge of each CD and thread thin wire, twine or dental floss through the hole. Then hang them on your fruit trees. The silvery, flashy surface will scare birds away. You can protect low-lying fruit plants and vegetable gardens, too, by hanging these “digital scarecrows” on coat hangers (bent into hooks) and sticking them in the ground. Got pesky birds? Small critters that nibble? “The answer my friend is blowing in the wind.”

– From www.onthehouse.com

of the week! WOW! 1st tier w/dock in Lake Lotawana. BIG house w/new roof, wndws, electrical, 2 car gar, level walk to dock. 22x13 living rm! So much house for $215K.

$60K cutie pie! Never seen a bigger liv rm & bdrms in a 2 bdrm house! FULL basement w/bar, pool table. Indep. SUCH A NICE HOUSE! 23rd/Ralston.

Wow! 4BR, 3 full BA, California Split. $155K! Lone Jack, walk-out bsmnt w/wet bar, BR, full BA. SS appliances stay, granite counters...WHAT A PRICE!

Storybook country home, beautiful scenery, wrap around porch, outbuilding on 4.86 acres. 2 MSTR suies w/ private baths. Full walkout bsmnt.

FOR RENT: Lake Lotawana, 3BR, 2BA, 2nd tier. Gate 1. $1,100/mo. $1,000 deposit. Available immediately.

Home Sweet Home Realty

kellysloan.com • hshrealty.com

816-808-4000

welcomehome REALTORS

HOMES FOR SALE

INDEP./SUGAR CRK

BLUE SPRINGS

RAYTOWN/KC

GRAIN VALLEY/OAK GROVE

OTHER AREAS

Looking to buy or sell?

Country living, Richmond.

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

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

Turn your Monday frown upside down 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, Home Sweet Home Realty. 816-808-4000

HOMES FOR SALE INDEP./SUGAR CRK

FIRST TIME BUYERS?? Interest 4.5 to 5% buys this three bedroom and two full bath home. Cheaper than rent. Basement is finished. Oversized garage. $74,900 Barbara Bridgforth 816-898-3043/503-4626 REECE & NICHOLS EASTLAND

Like new! Spacious two bedroom ranch with full basement and double car garage. $160's Rhonda Dykal 816-522-1124/503-4615 REECE & NICHOLS EASTLAND

THE PRICE HAS BEEN REDUCED! On this lovely ranch home on 2 wooded acres. Open floor plan. Formal dining & eat-in kitchen. Walkout basement - A MUST SEE HOME! SALLY GROVES 816-655-6515 Reece and Nichols

PRICE REDUCED!!

GREAT LOCATION! Two homes with an extra large yard and 5-6 car detached garage has studio apartment…a little something for everyone. Call today for a private showing. Jennifer at 699-0619 or… Kathy Liggett 816-616-4273/503-4637 REECE & NICHOLS EASTLAND

Bella Vista Village Condo. Two bedrooms and two baths. Quiet neighborhood. $21,000 below county appraisal! Bring offers!!! Mike Perkins 816-935-0253/503-4645 860REECE & NICHOLS EASTLAND

WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY Beautifully decorated ranch home. New kitchen with stainless appliances. First floor utilities. Home office. Double garage. $120,000 Frankie Liebi 816-353-2940/503-4616 REECE & NICHOLS EASTLAND

SPEND LESS - GET MORE!

HIT THE JACKPOT!

$105,000! Huge Family Room, stone fireplace, vaulted ceiling, oversized Kitchen and Dining Room combo. Three bedrooms, two baths CLOSE TO and three car garage. EVERYTHING! Dan O'Neill Split-entry offers four 816-786-0317/503-4668 bedrooms and three full REECE & NICHOLS baths, first floor laundry EASTLAND and sauna. Check it out! Glenna Lunceford Independence 816-517-9988/503-4639 BARGAIN!! REECE AND NICHOLS Darling 2 bedroom with EASTLAND huge full basement, wet bar, & pool table. 23rd/ralston, behind Church's Chicken. Big bedrooms and big liv rm...much nicer than what you're used to seeing in a 2 bdrm! Really good buy! $60K FANTASTIC Home Sweet Home Realty CONDO 816-808-4000 Beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo. Absolutely no steps. Patio looks at pool! Garden area. All appliances stay. Ease of living at it's best! MARY JO WILSON 816-655-6587 Reece and Nichols

MAINTENANCE PROVIDED VILLA!

Sitting on the fence waiting for a better home…..DON'T WAIT! $85,000 buys this three bedroom all brick ranch! Dan O'Neill 816-786-0317/503-4668 REECE & NICHOLS EASTLAND

SUSQUEHANNA RANCH $99,900. Three bedrooms and three baths. Two fireplaces. Attached garage. Fenced yard. Finished rec room. Hardwoods. Larry LaGrece 816-665-3135/503-4609 REECE & NICHOLS EASTLAND

Wow! New $69K price!!! Few blocks North of 23rd & 291 Hwy off Sunset. Over half acre, darling 2 bdrm w/ 2 liv rooms, one w/ FP. Home in great 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 Realty 816-808-4000

CLASSIFIEDS WORK! 350-6302

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 Reece and Nichols

LOW MAINTENANCE RANCH $99K Updates include: roof, driveway, HVAC, steel siding and more! 3 bed, 1.5 bath in great condition. Large attached workshop to garage. STEVE ADAMS 816-589-2687 SteveAdams@ reeceandnichols.com Reece and Nichols

Lotawana 1st tier NEW PRICE! $225K. 3 bdrm, 3 full bath, big living rm w/ gleaming hardwoods, HUGE walk out bsmnt, 2car garage, level yard, private dock, new roof,windows, electrical, Everything you want at lake at such a great price! MLS#1707115. Not ready to buy? Rent 2nd tier 3 bdrm, 2 full ba, dock, $1,100/mo. w/ $1,000 deposit. Home Sweet Home Realty 816-808-4000

HOMES FOR SALE LEE’S SUMMIT

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 rent OR live in one, rent other side! Perrrrfect for low interest rate, lower amount down and fabulous future opportunities. Check it out! MLS 1704116. Clint's cell 816519-4489. Home Sweet Home Realty 816-808-4000

JUST REDUCED!

10 beautiful acres with this 1 1/2 story beauty! Newer horse barn, two lean-to pole barns, 24x50 shop, stocked pond, above ground pool and much more. Oak Grove area. BARBARA WATTS 816-215-7787 bwatts@ reeceandnichols.com Reece and Nichols HOMES FOR SALE

GRAIN VALLEY/OAK GROVE

HOMES FOR SALE OTHER AREAS

3003 CRYSTAL AIRE COURT Seller will consider trading down in Grain Valley Schools. Beautiful custom built 1 1/2 story home with 5BR's, 3.5 baths in Grain Valley on 3+ acres! for 24 hour recorded info, call (888) 203-3708, code 02. TRAVIS HAGEWOOD 816-719-7933 www.THagewood. ReeceandNichols.com Reece and Nichols

Just the right size in Blue Springs. 4 bdrm ranch, 3 full baths, gorgeous kitchen, office, family room w/ walk-out to patio, great room opens to deck. $200,000 THE MCGRAW TEAM 816-655-6526 mcgrawteam@ reeceandnichols.com Reece and Nichols

New listing off Blue Mills Road. 3 acre pond m/l and 12 acre m/l. 4 bedroom, finished walkout basement, 1.5 story & approx 4000 sq ft. Fort Osage Schools & listed at $450K. PAT & BRUCE CARLSON 816-665-1371 Carlsonhomesales.com Reece and Nichols

EXTRA SHARP IN GLENDALE GARDEN

PERFECT HOME FOR YOU! New carpet, new hardwood floors in the office and living room. Very open floor plan. Huge Master Bathroom. HUGE walkout basement. Great backyard. TONS of closet space. Priced Way below tax assessment! Call Skippy Blair at 816-519-6464 or Robin Clark 816-2006513 The Clemons Home Team 816-200-6513/503-4601 REECE & NICHOLS EASTLAND

Extremely well-cared for 3BR, 2.5BA raised ranch. Main floor laundry. Finished basement. Newer Champion windows, roof, furnace, A/C & much more. $122,500 JULIE HENKE 816-655-6601 Reece and Nichols

TURN-KEY PERFECT

EXCEPTIONAL ACREAGE LOCATION

Raytown Rd, 68th Terr. NEW PRICE!! Dollhouse! 3 bdrm, huge din/liv rm w/ gleaming hardwoods. Covered deck, fenced yard, shed. Big master. full bsmnt great shape, no piers, dry...a keeper! Best part, TWO CAR GARAGE for $72,500K! Won't last, MLS #1700546. Home Sweet Home Realty 816-808-4000.

PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP SHOWS

9+ ACRES AND 2 PONDS

Nothing to be done here but turn the key and move on in to this well cared for 3 BR ranch. Replacement windows, 3 yr. old roof, new carpet, fresh paint, updated kitchen appliances, fenced yard, gas grill, storage barn, full basement. $84,300 THE MCGRAW TEAM 816-655-6526 mcgrawteam@ reeceandnichols.com Reece and Nichols

Fenced with a three bedroom and two full bath home. Barn with three stalls and tack room. $89,900. Barbara Bridgforth WOW! 816-898-3043/503-4626 Lone Jack, California REECE & NICHOLS Split, $155K! 4 bdrm, 3 EASTLAND full bath w/ finished walk out bsmnt! Main floor laundry, fridge stays. Terrific price! Massive master! Clint's cell 816519-4489. Home Sweet Home Realty, 816-808-4000

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UPDATED RANCH – $74,900

COUNTRY MEADOWS...$139,950

Great house at a great price + Seller will help pay your closing costs! 3 bdrm + 3 full baths + backyard oasis for the kiddos! New carpet, thermal windows, siding, many updates. 1st floor laundry + finished lower level. See photos: www.JudyEngle.com JUDY ENGLE 816-589-8933 LINDA PRINGLE 816-807-2428

SOUTH KANSAS CITY 4 BEDROOM Side/side split, tri-level, great room, eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, family room with wood burning fireplace + rec. room. Recorded info – 24 Hours 1-800-808-5509, ID #1646 JOHN COVERT 816-478-9555

4 BEDROOM, 1 ACRE Only $105,900. 4 bed, 2 bath – Awesome updated on 1 acre. Wood floors, large kitchen. 2522 N. Whitney Rd. Pictures at ronvanfleet. com/ks1702668. RON VAN FLEET 816-721-4048 www.ronvanfleet.com

Enjoy 3BR’s, wood floors and kitchen with updated counters, backsplash & appliances, plus composite deck & large yard. MLS#1716742. RACHEL HARRINGTON 816-529-4301

INDEPENDENCE 3 BEDROOM

A real show home! Great room with fireplace, very open kitchen with island & eat-on bar, new hardwood floor, 2 car garage. Recorded info – 24 Hours 1-800-808-5509, ID #1636 ANITA COVERT 816-478-9555

OPEN & INVITING RANCH $240’S

2 ACRES IN INDEP...$79,900 This darling home has 2 bdrms, 1 bath + 1st floor laundry, 2 car garage! 416 S. Hunter. See photos: www.LindaPringle.com LINDA PRINGLE 816-807-2428

Built in 2002 and still new with just over 3700 sqft. Spend your time in the spacious kitchen with breakfast area and sun room. 4 BR and 3 BA. Check out pictures at tericartwright.com/ks1716539. TERI CARTWRIGHT 816-285-8828

WANTED 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

RANCH ON 1 BEAUTIFUL ACRE 3 BR home – 1 acre – quiet neighborhood. Neat, clean, dry walk-out basement. Motivated seller. Call and see today! BILL VINYARD 816-200-6785

Investor to finance a first mortgage $58,000. 5 year balloon.

$126,900 – 16200 S. COGAN DR. Great family home. 3BR, 2 full baths and a half bath off of the family room. All of the major items have been taken care of and with yoru cosmetic updates, you’ll have a great property: 4 year old roof! Vinyl siding, never paint again!

DAVID SANDERSON 816-373-8400, EXT. 367

VISIT US ONLINE AT:

816-582-1682 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