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Income property can have very stable, respectful and reliable tenants. Wichita, KS

02-09-10
Alf Gizzo
Alf Gizzo: Real Estate Trainer in Evergreen, CO
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  • Office: (303) 679-0634
  • Mobile: (303) 350-9488

Income property can have very stable, respectful and reliable tenants. Wichita, KS

Yes, that’s correct! It all depends on product, location and good tenant screening. If you don’t have all three, your vacancy rate will be too high. Let’s discuss product first. We recommend to our students that they furnish their properties with clean serviceable items, new linens and art work on the walls. What you are creating is an environment that is very agreeable to the tenant, one that not only the tenant will look forward to coming home to, but also one, through pictures on flyers, web sites and word of mouth, will draw new inquires. We are all for building and keeping a pipeline.

Many furnished rooms for rent are not clean and contain aged, thread bear chairs, sofas, and soiled mattresses. Would you want to stay any longer than you had to in a place that does not support a healthy sense of self-esteem? Nicely furnished rooms generate good paying tenants, who stay for extended periods.

Our preferred tenant populations normally do not have their own transportation so proximity to public transportation is necessity.

Key to this equation within our program is good tenant screening, which oddly enough does not include credit or traditional background checks. Our tenants are referred to us, so we learn about them and their history though direct questioning of people who are familiar with each potential tenant individually. We learn of personal background information and work experience. This type of screening done methodically will produce good paying renters who stay for long periods creating a stable house.

To learn more about establishing transitional housing, please download our free Ebook from the side bar on our main blog site.

Don't hesitate to contact us with questions. Learn about us. Learn our system. Learn what others have to say about us and our system.

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Important Information About The First-Time Homebuyer Credit- November 2009

02-09-10
Ron Mowery, Overland Park Real Estate Professional
Ron Mowery, Overland Park Real Estate Professional: Real Estate Agent in Overland Park, KS
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  • Office: (913) 825-4025
  • Mobile: (913) 269-0479

First-Time Homebuyer Credit

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Camden Woods Kansas Housing Market Update February 9th, 2010 for Johnson County suburban Kansas City

02-09-10
Overland Park Real Estate :: Ken Jansen REALTOR, CRS, 913.908.2215
Overland Park Real Estate :: Ken Jansen REALTOR, CRS, 913.908.2215: Real Estate Agent in Overland Park, KS
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  • Office: (913) 908-2215
  • Mobile: (913) 908-2215

Camden Woods Kansas Housing Market Update February 9th, 2010 for Johnson County suburban Kansas City

Leawood Homes for sale in Camden Woods

As of February 9th, 2010 there are 7 homes (non-villas) listed for sale in Camden Woods Subdivision located in Leawood KS 66224. The listing or asking prices range from $469,900 to $514,900. The home currently for sale are either two story plans or 1.5 Story floorplans. Homes currently for sale in Camden woods have 4-5 bedrooms and 4 and a half baths.

How fast are Camden Woods homes selling and how much are Camden Woods homes selling for?

In the last 12 months 4 homes in Camden Woods, Leawood KS have sold and closed. During that time the Camden Woods homes in Leawood KS 66224 have sold in the range of $390,000 to $475,000.

Great Reasons to Live in Camden Woods, Leawood KS 66224

  • Camden Woods is within the award winning Blue Valley School District
  • Camden Woods is close to Ironwoods park at 147th and Mission in Leawood
  • Leawood Town Center is just minutes away with outstanding shopping, restaurants and movie theaters
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Kansans love Basements and we have many kinds! Examples of the basements in the Wichita, KS area!

02-08-10
Sheree Wilkerson
Sheree Wilkerson: Real Estate Agent in Wichita, KS
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  • Office: (316) 461-0575
  • Secondary: (316) 393-7888
Kansas Loves Basements! The Different Types of Basements in the Wichita, KS Home Market!

We love our Basements here! Why? Well, between storms/tornado threats, the fact of the matter is that it's a cheaper way to get more square footage than to build all of that on one level. We often finish our basements out here with extra bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms, game rooms and more! But did you know that there's more than just 1 kind of basement?

When looking at homes for sale in Wichita, KS, it's handy to know what they are referring to as far as the basement goes.
Here are the most common ones you'll see around our area:

Cellar Basements - These you'll see in the really older homes, they're not really finishable, but are handy for storms and some storage (For things you don't mind getting damp). They're usually more moist because they're not fully closed off, there may be exposed/open dirt areas. Sometimes the furnace and/or water heater are down there.

Standard Basements - These are what most folks think of in regards to basements. They're fully underground with just little windows at the top of the wall, not wide enough to crawl through and too high to access really. More for ventilation and light purposes. The older versions are often concrete blocks and can be damper and have more moisture. The newer ones are concrete walls and a little more tight. Both versions can be finished or unfinished, though you may wish to consider extra waterproofing on the block foundations. They provide good storm shelter and lots more usable space, though it can sometimes seem dark and dungeony depending on finishwork.
Standard bsmt windows

Daylight Basements - These are one of the most common newer basements. These are built of concrete walls poured in place, with egress window bumpouts in various areas - this is an area built out from the basement at the time it's poured. A window is set in this area, and through this window, you can "egress" from the basement up the daylight window pit and out into the yard. These windows meet the code requirement for fire egress, allowing rooms with these windows to be used as bedroom areas. They have drainage measures to prevent backups and often covers to prevent water intrusion into the well, though these should be light enough to lift in case the window is used for egress! They are often called Daylight windows because you have daylight that shines down into the pit, and through the window, making the basement brighter than your standard basement. When you look out the window, you see the concrete of the window well, which people often decorate up quite nicely - but be careful not to block your egress with the decorations!
daylight basement window in home in wichita, ksDecorated window well

View-Out Basements - Gaining in popularity, this basement is created by actually raising the house up so that a portion of the basement "wall" area is above grade. Instead of concrete all the way up, it's concreted up to grade, and then framed above that to the ceiling. This allows for windows set in the wall to be level with the ground outside, giving you an actual "View Out" into the yard area. Depending on the height, these also qualify as egress, allowing for official bedrooms in the basement. This style of basement has commanded a higher price in the resale world due to it's current popularity and of course builders charge more. The basement feels more like the above ground living area, with real functioning windows, views, and natural light. On the down side, some folks do feel the ground-level windows present a security risk.
Home for sale Wichita, KS with view-out basement

Walk-Out Basements - The most expensive version, this one comes in 3 varieties itself! The general premise is that in the basement will be a doorway through which you can "walk out" from the basement level and into the yard (without being in an underground tunnel!). The three types are discussed below:
  1. Pit Style - The Walk-Out Pit basement is built as either a standard, daylight, or View-out, but with one area that is cut out to floor level. This area is then framed up in the normal way just as if it was above grade. The area that this would open onto is dug out to provide a "pit" that is then floored, and retaining walls are installed to provide a walled patio area. Generally a drain is installed as well to protect against water infiltration into the basement. They also typically have stairways leading up into the yard area. If the home is a View-Out style, the walled patio is about half height, with a few steps. If it's a standard or daylight basement with a walk-out pit, you'll find a full height wall and stairs up. The nice thing about the pits is that it provides another living area (the private patio) in addition to whatever may be on the grade level, they also allow a lot more light into the basement area without the price of a full walk-out style. You do have to watch the drains and be careful in heavy rains and snows - if the drain is clogged, you can end up with water backing up into the house thru the basement sliders/door. This is the most economical walk-out style.Walk-Out Basement Pit in Wichita, KS home for sale
  2. Mid-Level Walk-Out - Another more affordable option is this style, which features a stairwell going down into the basement, with a landing mid-way down that has a door into the back yard. This landing/door is in-between levels, hence the mid-level term. In this version, from the basement you'd go up half a flight to get ouside, or from the main floor, you'd go down that half flight to get outside. Most have a patio at the walk-out area, and many also have a deck on the main-level portion, giving you two outside entertainment levels. These are typically View-Out level homes, so the rest of the windows would be open to the yard. The door itself is not below grade, presenting less risk of water intrusion. The drawback is that it limits your stairway position, as it will really have to be on a back wall in order to have the door. mid-level walk-out in home for sale in wichita ks
  3. Full Walk-Out - This is the most expensive style as it requires raising the house up along with more extensive grading of the house. From the rear, the home will look like a full 2 story home above ground and from the front you'll see a Ranch with stairs to the front door. In this style, the basement is poured on the sides that will be backfilled with dirt. A retaining wall is usually built on either side of the walk-out area to prevent backfill/dirt/water up against the walk-out portion of the home. That portion is framed out just like the main level - wood frame and siding/brick. In this basement, you'll find a door/sliding doors that open straight on grade with the back yard. The wall with this door can hold full length windows and doors. The rest of the basement will generally be view-out style, though the sides may be daylight/standard. This style of basement leaves the basement finish feeling just like the main-level, with normal windows and doors, and lots of light. It also is convenient for accessing the yard without having to go upstairs, or from re-entering the home from the yard. The downfall is the potential for water intrusion if the home is not correctly graded and protected, the expense of building, and the significant grade change of the lot from front to back. Full Walk-out basement home for sale in wichita, ks
You'll also find references to Lower Level as a Basement type - this simply means that the home is a split level. There should be further definition as to whether that level is daylight/view-out/walk-out or standard, as all of those styles are also found in the split-level home.

If you've been looking for a home with a basement in the Wichita, KS metro area, give us a shout and tell us what style you like and let us help you hunt it down!

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Wondering Why Your Kansas City Home Hasn't Sold? - Papa Explains A Few Reasons

02-08-10
Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa
Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa: Real Estate Agent in Olathe, KS
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  • Mobile: (913) 526-4985

There are many reasons why a house doesn't sell the first time around, but price is usually the number one reason. Most sellers do not understand the current Kansas City real estate market well enough to price the home effectively on their own. And while an experienced agent can give pricing advice to a seller, it is ultimately up to the seller to set their asking price.

Did you know that pricing your home at an unusual value such as $199,950 is often counterproductive as it does not maximize how many times your home will appear in search results on the internet. Click here to contact me for a better explanation of this concept!

We all want the most amount of money for our home, but pricing your home correctly the first time is the key to getting your home sold fast. The higher the asking price is, compared to your competition, the longer your home will stay on the market. Pricing your home right the first time around is essential since a newly-listed home will generate interest and result in more showings the first few weeks it's on the market.

I specialize in marketing great homes that for whatever reason, didn't sell the first time around and am knowledgeable on how to market your property effectively.

PAPA'S PROVEN RESULTS
19799 Rosewood Drive: 166 days with other agent, CONTRACT after 9 days with Papa
22019 W. 51st Court: 130 days with other agent, CONTRACT after 45 days with Papa
1021 Cardinal: 121 days with other agent, CONTRACT after 21 days with Papa
21023 W. 60th : 218 days with other agent, CONTRACT after 49 days with Papa

I can offer a new perspective on how to market your property and plenty of tips on how to maximize your home's potential. Visit http://www.PapasInTheHouse.com and check out the Top Ten Reasons To List With Papa!

A FEW REASONS HOW PAPA IS DIFFERENT
1. Customized Seller Pricing Packages - You Pick My Commission
2. Cancel At Anytime Policy
3. Easy to Get A Hold of Me - Weekly Contact From Me
4. Unique Marketing Strategies - Interview Me Today To See What I Offer

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Brad Papa
Realty Executives
Brad@PapasInTheHouse.com
913.526.4985
http://www.PapasInTheHouse.com

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