Debbie White

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.

Q. I'd like to do a makeover on my house and make it the look more luxurious, but I don't have a lot of money to spend. What do you suggest?

1) You can make your home look more luxurious with a fresh coat of paint and a little bit of creativity. Try the new faux treatments and other new painting techniques. Your local home improvement store-brand paint usually runs about $30 per 5 gallons. Give your kitchen cabinets a clean, quick makeover by applying a coat of flat primer. After it dries apply a top coat of semi-gloss latex enamel.

Another trick: add crown molding where the wall meets the ceiling for a elegant style. Kits are available at home improvement stores.

2) Ceramic tile flooring can add luxury to your entryways, kitchens and bathrooms for $2-3 per sq. ft. If you're handy, you can do the work yourself; otherwise installation is usually $2.50-3.50 per sq. ft.

3) New overhead lighting fixtures can change the look of a room and create a luxurious ambiance. Shop for off brands or contractor packs at home improvement stores that'll save you money.

If you are buying or selling a home and need competent and caring representation, please call us at 816-875-1661.

Bath day for Braxton, our chocolate lab, is most often a calculated and planned event. While he is definitely a good sport about "bath day", it is in two words...a mess. Lots of preparation and lots more cleanup. We recently learned of Brookside Barkery with a convenient location in Lee's Summit with a great pet wash for do-it-yourselfers like us. For a minimal charge (we think so anyway) you can take your furry friend in for an almost spa like experience. You have all the tools and amenities for a pampered bath which includes a variety of shampoos and a conditioner, of course. Their are ear cleaners, nail clippers, assorted brushes, a drying station and a variety of perfumes in which to choose from. I'm sure there was more things we could have done for his additional beauty and enjoyment, but it was our first trip. The employees were terrific and very helpful. We will definitely be back for not only Braxton's next bath, but maybe a little "treat" shopping for our "boy"!

Holiday Lights

Throughout Kansas City you will enjoy the twinkling lights of the season! From our own homes, to our local communities to the lights of Kansas City. We hope you'll have the opportunity to enjoy them.

The recent snowfall seems to put the spirit of the season in our hearts and minds. Since I am a snowbird at heart, I'm assuming you are too! Either way, it seems to melt as quickly as it appears.

Below is a list of just a few of our local main attractions:

Country Club Plaza's Season of Lights
Crown Center Mayor's Christmas Tree Lights
Downtown City Lights
Christmas in the Park

Don't forget our local downtown areas as well. They provide a great resource for hometown restaurants, shops and festivities. We hope you are enjoying a wonderful Christmas season!

Sunday, May 4th, kicks off the Spring Homes Tour. Their are 657 new homes registered for the tour open daily through Sunday, May 18th. It's a wonderful opportunity to check out new home communities. Strong housing values in the Midwest make it a great time to buy a home whether it's new or resale. It's important not to fall prey to the media's sensational stories. Homes that have been properly prepared to go on the market fare well. Good homes still sell! With still historically low interest rates, it's important to take advantage of the market's opportunities. It is anticipated that the second half of this year will experience a pickup in home sales. Visit our website for more information at www.debbiewhitehomes.com. It's your information resource!