Kay Van Kampen, CDPE, Broker, Springfield Missouri Real Estate

My husband planted this beautiful Tulip tree ten years ago.  It was about 3' tall back then.  Sitting on the deck, we could see over the horizon and would joke about how long it would take for the tree to grow up.

Tulip trees are rare in Missouri. The Tulip Tree Is one of the most magnificent and valuable trees in North America.  It is the state tree of Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina.  Tulip trees grow 80-100' tall and 40' wide.

Each year we have watched and waited for the beautiful flowers and finally last year, we had a few small buds. The color of the flowers blend so close to the leaves, it's hard to see them. 

Today is my hubby's birthday...as you can tell from the windmill, he's a Dutchman.  Born and raised around Pella, Iowa.

And for his birthday, the Tulip Tree is blooming!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR VAN KAMPEN!

Is your home evergy efficient? Will it sell faster? Now's the time to make sure your home is energy efficient before you place it on the market. Savey Springfield home buyers are checking to see if the home of their dreams willl save them money.

You might assume that making your home energy efficient requires a lot of time and money, but generally that's not the case. Small maintenance repairs can have a big impact on your heating, cooling, and other utility bills. Here are some easy things you can do to make your home more efficient right now:

Tip #1: Don't turn that dial
Keep your thermostat set at one temperature and leave it! In the winter around 68 degrees should be right, and 75 degrees in summer (in homes with a cooling system, of course). Avoiding constant adjustments will keep your energy bills stable.

Tip #2: Stop the drip-drips
Check all your showerheads and faucets to make sure there is no waste. Toilets that run can also cost you on your water bill. The majority of required repairs are covered in the most basic do-it-yourself handbook.

Tip #3: Go fluorescent
While compact fluorescent light bulbs cost more than the standard incandescent bulbs that you're used to, they last up to five times longer and use only a quarter of the electricity. Many of these bulbs last over five years, and each energy-saving fluorescent bulb will save you $40 to $60 on your electric bill over the course of its lifetime.

Tip #4: Watch that fireplace
Energy can really leak out of that fireplace. Check the dampers and screens to make sure that energy isn't leaking when the fireplace is not in use. If the fireplace is just for decoration, cover the chimney. A well maintained fireplace should be an economical way to heat your house and add a warm atmosphere as well.

Tip #5: Keep those appliances humming
Clean air conditioning and furnace filters frequently, and have your appliances inspected once a year. Efficient appliances lower energy bills and future repair costs.

Tip #6: Windows that waste
Windows are the most common energy waster. Make sure that all the weather-stripping is in good condition, and consider double-paned windows and storm shutters to reduce the energy drain.

Thinking of selling your home in or around Springfield Mo? Give me a call. We'd love to help.

Another Successful Christian County, Mo Short Sale Closed!

If I told you last November it would take five months to close on your next Christian County Mo home, would you have waited that long to buy a house?

Not many people would. But I had a great couple that fell in love with this beautiful home near the James River and along with their realtor, patiently waited while I worked through the process to obtain approval from the seller's bank to do a "short sale".

The home badly needed a new roof and the buyers requested escrow funds to replace the roof.

Most banks are not willing to allow the escrow of funds, but at the request of the buyer's agent, I submitted the offer. The buyers first offer was quickly rejected by Countrywide.

After a few weeks of no additional offers, I called the buyer's agent back and asked if they were still interested. They were and resubmitted the offer deleting the roof repair.

I'm sure many times all parties felt this was never going to happen, but everyone continued to work together to close. Three weeks ago, we received loan approval from Countrywide (now Bank of America) to close on the property.

Of course, not without a glitch.......the buyers had to install a new roof prior to closing to meet their lenders guidelines. The home was vandalized and two sets of French doors were taken. I happen to have a set sitting in my garage which I was going to use in our old office (before we moved to the new office), so they received a brand new set. The neighbors even mowed the yard for the new owners.

We closed today! YAHOO!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!! I Love Selling "Short Sales".

This weekend Christian County is celebrating their 150 years of existance. Three fun filled days are scheduled on the square in Ozark.

The Sesquincentennial (ses-kwi-sen-ten-ee-uhl) Celebration begins on Saturday morning at 10:00 A.M. with a parade beginning at the Ozark Park.

Here's a list of all the Events Scheduled:
Saturday

•· 11:30a -Step Dance Troupe

•· 1p-Fashion Show at the old Community Building

•· 2p-Fire Department bucket brigade competition

•· 2p-Showtime Productions dance

Musical Performances:

•· 3p-The Remnant

•· 4p-Johanson's

•· 5p-Johnny Doxx

•· 7p-Kirkland and Bilyeau

Sunday

•· 11a-Community Worship service.

•· 1-6p-Free tours of Bell Tower Chapel

•· 1p-Gospel music

•· 2p-Baldknobbers Monument dedication

•· 2:15-6p-Contemporary Christian music

•· 6-9p-Songwriting contest

Monday

•· 10a-4p-Car show

•· 10a-Address by County Commissioner John Grubaugh

•· 10:30a-Address by Sheriff Joey Kyle

•· 12:30p-Address by Rep. Roy Blunt

•· 3p-Jim and Kim Lansford performance

•· 4p-Oldfield Opry

The weather is suppose to be great. Grab a friend and join in the fun. I just passed a line of antique cars coming in for the show. See you there.

*Information courtesy of Ozark Chamber of Commerce

On 3 acres, minutes Southwest of Springfield, we have a new listing that features an open floor plan, covered back patio and great location. Wind View Subdivision is a small subdivision of newer homes with small acreages. Country living at it's finest.

Billings, Missouri is a community of 1000+ population located on the west edge of Christian County and is made up of a large number of mini farms and larger estates. Other small communities include Clever, Republic, and Battlefield.