Debbie White

So you're looking for a home!  Foreclosures are abundant.  Not to mention, there are plenty of short sales to consider as well.  Once in awhile you see "One Owner", "Pride of Ownership" or something similar in the remarks.  Do you really care?  You might!

In the vast sea of foreclosures and other distressed properties you can count on those properties having no disclosure, no history, no nothing, zilch!  You want it?  Here it is!  But wait.  Along comes the home that is being sold by the original owner or perhaps someone who has owned it several years.  Maybe it doesn't matter to you, but the Seller can tell you when and what repairs he or she might have made over the years.  Who made the repairs or who replaced the roof or replaced the appliances.  Is there a transferrable warranty?  It hasn't set empty for prolonged periods of time.  Have you talked to a buyer of a foreclosure recently who purchased a home without the water having been on for a period of time?  Surprises!  And not necessarily fun ones.  That is an entirely new topic we could delve into.  That "one" owner or the owner with "pride of ownership" can tell you if there are other children in the neighborhood.  What the neighbors are like.  Did they like the school nearby or having a park within walking  distance.   Every home has a personality and a story to tell.  Each home has its own idiosyncrasies.   The Seller who has a history with the home can tell you what those are.  Have you tried asking the Seller of a foreclosed property any of these questions?  Sorry, but, as-is, where-is my friend.

I'm not knocking the foreclosure sales or the short sales.  They are an important part of the current market.  But, I do think there is tremendous value to purchasing a home that you know has been cared for.  There is a history.  Just like the reports you obtain when purchasing a car, the Seller can be instrumental in helping you know how a home has been cared for.   Next time you see the descriptor words of "one owner" or "pride of ownership" in the description, you may not under estimate the value it brings to a prospective buyer.

If you or someone you know is looking for a home with the value that a "one owner" or "pride of ownership" home has to offer in the Raymore, Missouri area, please have them check this home out at http://www.104WHeritageDrive.com and call me today for a private showing.

Winning the day! It sounds so easy, but we are so easily distracted with customers, putting out fires, social media and, well, sometimes just the beautiful Springtime weather. I have found that systematizing my work habits with a daily worksheet and checklist has been monumental in keeping me on task. I know that when my daily "must do's" are complete, then I can have the time and can enjoy some of the other time grabbers. For me, there is gratification in checking off the list and knowing that my day has been productive. Systems create good work habits. Both equal a successful business.

Now off to finish Winning The Day!

Yes. Radon is a gas that comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water that gets into the air you breathe. You can't see, smell or taste it, but it can get into any type of building and it's found all over the U.S. Its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family's health.

The U.S. Surgeon General and Environmental Protection Agency recommend that all homes be tested. You can test your home yourself by ordering a test kit from the National Safety Council (www.nsc.org) or some home improvement stores.

If you prefer, or if you are buying or selling a home, you can hire a qualified tester to do the testing for you. Contact your state radon office or either of the two privately run national radon programs (The National Environmental Health Association National Radon Proficiency Program or the National Radon Safety Board). The average cost for a contractor to lower radon levels in a home can range from $800 to about $2,500. For more information, see the "Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon" at www.epa.gov.

If you have any questions, or need capable and trustworthy representation, please call me at 816-985-3444.

To buy or not to buy? Do we or don't we? Have you ever looked back and thought, 'gee, I wish I would have bought that...look what it's worth today'? We think 2009 is posturing to be a great year to buy real estate. We are still at historically low interest rates, prices are low and the government is looking to offer a stimulous tax credit. We already have a $7,500.00 tax credit for first time home buyers who purchase a home before July 1st and are waiting to hear what the stimulous package will offer as well. The conditions to buy simply couldn't be much better. Contrary to popular belief, lenders are lending money. You do need steady employment, a reasonable credit rating and as little as 3.5% downpayment for FHA and 5% for Conventional financing. Don't look back wishing you would have...when we can show you how. Give us a call to see if the time is right for you 816-875-1661.