Becky Alumbaugh, Realtor, CDPE, SFR

The interest rates have been the best since history can remember; for me since 1962. So why are the buyers not taking advantage of this market in the Kansas City area. That can be easily debated that the security is not there for buyers to take a leap of hope and purchase their dream home.
There are still a rising number of jobs being lost through out the United States and just the news in general that the economy hasn't gained ground to give buyers security.Now this can be the very best time to take advantage of the interest rates and the deals that you can find with the home values falling in most neighborhoods. This could be a win win for you if you have that blanket of security.
If you are unsure as to what to do, such as rent vs buy...buying is still the way to go. I will tell you to hire an agent that can find you a property in an area that will retain its value and look out for things that could keep it from selling in the future, if you did need to get out quick.
A lot to think about, but security is something that comes within and with in your financial portfolio to decide if now is the time to purchase.
Til next time Becky Alumbaugh, The Diva Team, Keller Williams Realty

One thing that I am starting to notice in the Kansas City Metro area are lazy buyer's agents. I believe when a buyer chooses an agent to work hard for them it doesn't mean that the agent should have their buyer sign a buyer agent's contract and then tell them to go find a home on their own and and then come back to your buyer's agent only to write the offer, without being actively involved in the search process... NOT!
That is so wrong! Buyers need to work with an agent that will show them all of the properties that they want to look at, they need to get the data that will help show the price point the offer should come in at, the buyer's agent needs to ask the questions that the buyers need answers for...
Buyers if you are working with an agent that doesn't show you the properties, or give you data or information needed to make an intelligent decision. Fire that buyer agent!
Make sure you are working with an agent that can be available when you need them to be, do not expect the seller's agents to always show you the properties, when you have your own agent. That is what you need to do, to protect your interest.
Remember, look for agents that work full time and are dedicated to you and your house hunting!

The Diva Team
Becky Alumbaugh
Keller Williams Realty Partners, Inc.

I know all of you have heard about the book; Who Moved My Cheese? I read it several times, it is an easy read but boy does it have a world of meaning for Me as a Realtor! I was continuously going to work doing the same routine and expecting the same results..even in this marketplace that is forever changing.

But one day, I woke up and decided that I wanted a change in my direction for my team and my overall real estate goals; I wanted to be in an office with life and ideas that were being shared by other successful agents. I was tired of never having the opportunity to charge my own battery and being my own cheerleader.

I made that change this past week, and my battery is charged and I have new challenges and goals, but guess what they are "stretching" me and I am excited about the opportunity that I have within my new office! My team is energized and is working on their own goals and accountability. I believe that change is a good thing, I believe in this marketplace it is wise to change up your selling strategy and find creative ways to get your listings sold!

The cheese moved and I found it! I'm good for another 10-15 years! The Diva Team is rocking and rolling and catching the energy we need to stay focused!

Until next time.....Becky Alumbaugh, Keller Williams Realty Partners, Inc. The Diva Team

The New Year is here in all of its glory and according to all of the real estate experts the 1st quarter is going to be the time to buy or sell. Why? The main reason is for the tax credit perks that are in effect until April 30, 2010. This is the date that you need to have a contract down on a home. The closing date needs to be on or before June 30, 2010.
Does this sound like something that you want to be a part of? If you are a 1st time home buyer you will receive $8000. approx. on your purchase.
Now for people that have lived in a home for 5 years out of the last 8; you too qualify for $6500. approx. if you buy another home.
In either scenario, don't wait til the month of March to decide to do something. If you are a seller, you need to be putting your home on the market ASAP! This will give you the most time available to get it under contract and have time for you to purchase, all before 4/30/2010.
If you are a buyer, you want to have choices and not be competing for the same home some other buyer is looking at. You also, want to allow time to do inspections and make sure the home you put a contract on doesn't have any issues that would cause you to not go forward...if it is after 4/30...you have now just lost out!
My advice on either, is to begin early! Get your chosen Realtor and get your home ready to go on the market or get out and start house hunting! This 1st quarter is going to be a busy one..more than normal.

Until next time, Becky Alumbaugh, The Diva Team, Reece and Nichols, #18 in the Top 25 Realtors of 2009 KC Business Journal

Are you living in your dream home? A simple yes or no to this question. So, you are asking yourself is this my "forever" home? Do I like my floorplan? Is there a neighborhood that you have driven through just because you like the feel of the surroundings and the homes. This is something that you need to ask yourself when saying yes or no.

The government offering tax credits not only for 1st time homebuyers, is now having other possible buyers/current homeowners think through their financial situations to decide if they want to take advantage of the $6500.00 tax credit and the low interest rates we are currently experiencing.

If you have lived in your home for 5 years consecutively out of the last 8 years then you qualify. This tax credit and the 1st time tax credit expire 4/30/2010 to have an accepted offer/contract. The contract then has to close by 06/30/2010. Most real estate experts say there will be no more of these offered after the above dates.

If you are thinking about moving, give it some serious thought, the 1st quarter will be strong in the Kansas City Metro Area, due to the credits and the interest rates. If you have questions or want to find out more about this information....please contact The Diva Team.

Until next time...Becky Alumbaugh, The Diva Team, Reece and Nichols, Top 25 Realtor in the Business Journal for 2009 for the entire Kansas City Area