Olathe Real Estate Agent - Brad Papa

2009 is half over and that means the clock is ticking on capitalizing on the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of $8,000! Just a couple key points to remember:

• Home must be your principal residence

• You must live in that home a minimum of 36 months/3 years from the date of purchase

• You must be CLOSED on the home by December 1, 2009.

This last point is key because with the current mortgage industry, the MINIMUM close is 30 days, so that would mean you would have to have to have an accepted contract on a home as of November 1, 2009. Keep in mind this is the BARE MINIMUM date, because you would actually want to write closer to October 15, 2009 to give yourself a couple extra weeks cushion.

So if you are interested in buying a home and getting that $8,000 tax credit, you really should start looking for a home around mid/late September....just a couple months away!

For more information on the tax credit visit: Basic Information from the IRS or FAQ from the IRS

Brad Papa teaches a FREE First Time Home Buyer's Seminar bi-monthly that covers the tax credit and all the other steps necessary to purchasing a home. Click here for more information on the class and register today!

http://www.PapasInTheHouse.com

Click here to view Papa's listings

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 theirl 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. Here are three recent examples of how I successfully repackaged homes in the Kansas City real estate market to get them sold in this challenging market:

In this more difficult market you need an Olathe real estate agent who is experienced in your area and who will get your home sold for a fair market value in a reasonable amount of time. I can offer a new perspective on how to market your property and plenty of tips on how to maximize your home's sales potential. Click here to view the Top Ten Reasons To List With Papa!

Brad Papa

bradleypapa@remax.net

Click house to start your Kansas City area home search!

Are you searching for an Olathe house, Johnson County condominium, Overland Park townhouse, acreage or other Kansas City area property? If so, Brad Papa is here to offer you the finest real estate services available to meet your needs. Brad works in ALL areas of the Kansas City metro, so if you want to live in the Northland, Lee's Summit, Olathe or the Plaza, Brad Papa is your real estate agent!

Simply register and have unlimited access to search for properties! You will be able to search the entire Kansas City MLS system with bonus features like saving searches and favorite properties. Want Brad to do the work for you? Give Brad your basic criteria and he can run a customized search and e-mail you properties based on your needs.

Once you find properties you are interested in, contact Brad Papa at bradleypapa@remax.net or 913.526.4985 and he will take care of setting up the showing appointments.

Click here to start your Kansas City home search

View Brad Papa's Featured Properties Here

Search for Foreclosed Properties Here

Curb Appeal
Remove all refuse, leaves or clutter from yards, sidewalks, porches and decks
Make sure the gutters are clean
Prune bushes and trees and keep plants away from the windows
Pay special attention to the lawn, make sure to mow, trim, weed, fertilize and mulch
Clear patios and decks of small items, toys, unnecessary furniture or decor
Hose off the house and wash all windows and screens to make it clean and appealing
The front entrance should be clean and inviting. Clean thoroughly, purchase a new doormat and fill pots with colorful flowers

Inside
Clear the clutter. You plan to move, so start packing now! Pack away collections and valuables
Take things out of closets&cabinets that are not essential to your life and pack them away
Clear all unnecessary objects from kitchen countertops. Clear refrigerator of magnets and photos
Bathrooms that sparkle, sell homes! Remove any unnecessary items and coordinate towels to one or two neutral colors.
Consider buying fresh towels or neutral shower curtain if necessary
Rearrange or remove excess furniture if necessary to open up the space
Store extra possessions in the garage or a storage unit
Deep Clean! Clean the carpets, windows, appliances
Check all light bulbs and detail all light fixtures
Brighten dull basement&storage areas by painting the walls&using high watt bulbs
Consider painting in neutral colors, ask Brad for color suggestions
Remove an special item that a buyer may want as part of the house that you intend to keep
Do not make major improvements without consulting Brad, you may over-improve your home

Showing Day
Tidy up each room, remove all clutter, make all beds and do a quick dust and vacuum
Open the drapes and shades, and turn on all lights to make it look bright and cheerful
Keep pets out of the way, and make sure the pet areas are clean and odor free
Turn off your television and turn on the radio to an easy listening station
Check the temperature: cool in the summer and toasty warm in the winter

Brad Papa
RE/MAX Stateline
913-526-4985
bradleypapa@remax.net
www.PapasInTheHouse.com
Come to Papa For All Your Real Estate Needs!

1. Are you a full-time professional REALTOR®?
Yes! While many agents pursue real estate as a part-time job, I have been a full-time agent for almost six years. My clients are my #1 professional priority, not another job.

2. What geographic areas do you specialize in?
I am licensed in both Kansas and Missouri, so I am able to help you buy or sell all over the Kansas City metropolitan area, especially Olathe real estate since I live in Olathe!

3. Will you show me properties from other companies' listings?
Yes! The service I use to research homes covers all agencies.

4. Can I search for properties on your website?
Yes! My website contains many useful resources including tips, information on Kansas City and the very important Property Search Tool. You are able to create a profile, run searches on potential homes and save them as your favorites. Click here to start your search!