Sunday, October 31, 2010

Preparing Your Home for the Cooler Months

For Your Clients: Preparing Your Home for the Cooler Months
By Stephanie Andre

RISMEDIA, October 30, 2010—This year has certainly flown by, and now, with the fall in full swing, it’s a great time to start prepping your home before winter strikes. From water leaks to the chimney, it’s better to be ready for the cold season…before it hits.

Here, State Farm offers up some fall maintenance tips for your home:

Check all window and door locks for proper operation
* Windows that can be opened by breaking the glass and unlocking them, are less effective deterrents to criminals. Check with the hardware store for window lock alternatives.
* All exterior doors should have deadbolt locks.

Make sure there are working nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs
Other safety ideas for stairs:
* Tile and painted wood or concrete stairs can be slippery when wet or when a person's shoes are wet. Resurface the treads with slip-resistant strips near the stair nosing.
* All stairs of at least three risers should have a handrail.
* Do not store items on the stairs.

Have a heating professional check your heating system every year
Woodburning stove connector pipes and chimneys should be inspected by a certified chimney sweep at least annually.

Replace your furnace filter
Furnace filters need to be replaced frequently to allow your heating and cooling systems to operate properly.

Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel tank is emptyBy doing this, you are removing flammable liquid storage from your garage. At the same time, make sure you aren't storing dirty, oily rags in a pile. They can ignite spontaneously.

Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and check your fireplace damperSoot and creosote, which build up inside the chimney, can ignite when a fire is lit in the fireplace.

Remove bird nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixturesBird nests on top of light fixtures are a fire hazard. Bird nests in chimney flues can prevent a proper venting of combustion gases and can catch fire from sparks. You should exercise great caution when working on your roof or consider hiring a qualified professional to take care of any work that needs to be done.

Make sure the caulking around doors and windows is adequate to reduce heat/cooling loss
Check glazing for loose or missing putty or glazing compound. This will also help reduce water damage to the windows and door frames.

Make sure that the caulking around your bathroom fixtures is adequate to prevent water from seeping into the sub-flooring

Check for cracked or missing caulk around the base of your toilet, bath tub, and bathroom cabinets. Properly sealing gaps between your bathroom fixtures and flooring material can prevent damage.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Re/Max State Line Office Listings


9012 Cherokee Lane
Leawood, KS
Marketed By: Allen Epstein
www.allenep.remax-midstates.com


8730 Greeley Dr.
Kansas City, KS
Marketed By: Jodi Danziger
www.JodiDanziger.com


5320 Rosewood St
Roeland Park, KS
Marketed By: Jim Henderson
www.JimHendersonTeam.com


7119 Conser Dr.
Overland Park, KS
Marketed By: Marilyn Dugan
www.MarilynDugan.com


3140 W Townsend Ct.
Kansas City, KS
Marketed By: Sheila Vardakis
www.SheilaSellsKC.com


2405 W 104th St.
Leawood, KS
Marketed By: Jim Henderson
www.JimHendersonTeam.com


2205 W 119th Tr.
Leawood, KS
Marketed By: Joe Schloegel
www.schloege.remax-midstates.com


1815 S Cedar Ave.
Independance, MO
Marketed By: Sheila Vardakis
www.SheilaSellsKC.com


431 W Red Bridge Rd.
Kansas City, MO
Marketed By: John Arnold
www.ArnoldSellsKC.com

Monday, October 25, 2010

10 Ways to Make a Small Room Look Larger

For Your Clients: 10 Ways to Make a Small Room Look Larger

RISMEDIA, October 25, 2010--Most people have one: that room in the house that they wish was just a little larger. What many don't realize is that with a little work and some TLC, they could have exactly what they're looking for.

Here, Lowe's offers 10 designer tricks to help you make any room look larger:

1. For the illusion of a larger room, use a color scheme that is light rather than bright or dark. Pastels, neutrals and white are all color possibilities.

2. Use a monochromatic color scheme on the furniture, rugs and walls. Select different shades and textures of your single color.

3. Lighting is a key element in opening up a space. Recessed spot lighting is visually appealing and is perfect for a small space. A torchiere light is great for bouncing light off of the ceiling and back down on the room.Skylights and solar tubes are natural alternatives for adding light to a room.

4. Limit the number of accessories to avoid the cluttered feeling.

5. The floor and the ceiling are the fifth and sixth walls of every room. A light-colored flooring such as light oak or a light-colored carpet will make the room appear brighter and more open. The same applies to the ceiling—use a light color or white to "open up" the space above.

6. Increase the appearance of the size of the room by adding wall mirrors. They not only reflect images, they reflect light and color. Be a little daring! Use mirror tiles to mirror an entire wall. Your room will appear to double in size.

7. Don't place too many pieces of furniture in a small space. A love seat may work better than a full-size sofa depending on the size and shape of the room. Add two medium-sized chairs or two small wood chairs. Place the chairs closer to the wall and then pull them into the area when additional seating is needed.

8. Add paintings or prints to the walls. One large painting works better than a group of small paintings.

9. The visual balance of a room is also important. A large, brightly colored element can overwhelm a room and decrease the appearance of space.

10. A glass table, whether it is a dining, coffee or end table, will keep the appearance of an open and free space.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Tips to Get the Most out of Your Photography

Quality Photos are Essential - Tips to Get the Most Out of Your PhotographyBy Paige Tepping

RISMEDIA, October 19, 2010--They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and in today’s real estate market, a thousand words has never been more important. Taking good photos for your listings is crucial as they make or break the first impression prospective buyers create about a home.

BroomeByOwner.com offers the following tips for real estate agents who are looking to take their photo skills to the next level.

Wait for a sunny day
When taking exterior photos of the home you are listing, wait for a sunny day when the sky is blue. Be sure to position yourself so that you avoid any shadows and make sure the sun is shining on the front of the house.

Shoot during daylight
Interior photos should be taken during daylight hours to provide the best lighting conditions. Turn the lights on in every room and use the camera’s automatic flash. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time, as you don’t want to be taking interior photos after the sun has set.

Avoid glare

In order to avoid capturing any glare in your photos, don’t shoot directly into a window or mirror.

Be still
To avoid blurry or poor quality photos, hold your camera still when taking any and all photos. If a photo comes out too dark or blurry, don’t post it online.

Photogenic rooms
When planning what photos you will take of the house, concentrate on photographing the most attractive rooms. In most cases, one bedroom photo is all you need.

Go with the flow
Be sure to photograph the home in the order you want the photos to be posted online. A good transitional sequence starts with the front exterior, moves to the living, dining room, kitchen, family room, master bedroom, master bathroom, exterior, pool, backyard and gardens. Don’t worry about taking too many photos as you can choose the best ones once you are done.

Clean up
In order to get the best photos possible, it may be necessary to get your clients to rearrange some of their furniture, in addition to clearing off countertops, folding towels, closing toilet lids and removing papers from the refrigerator.

Not too personal
Make sure your clients understand that the photos included with their listing are used to showcase the home, and not their valuables and lifestyle.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Re/Max State Line Office Listings


423 W 59th St
Kansas City, MO
Marketed By: Scottie Broderick
www.ScottieBroderick.com


5448 W 130th Tr.
Leawood, KS
Marketed By: Cindy Dicianni
www.CindyDicianni.com


5721 Holmes St.
Kansas City, MO
Marketed By: Sam Lind
www.SamLind.com


2711 W 73rd St
Prairie Village, KS
Marketed By: Wesley Piercy
www.PiercyGroup.com


7208 Cherokee Dr.
Prairie Village, KS
Marketed By: Scottie Broderick & Heather Broderick
www.ScottieBroderick.com


12822 Garnett Lane
Overland Park, KS
Marketed By: Allen Epstein
www.allenep.remax-midstates.com


10130 Theden Circle
Lenexa, KS
Marketed By: Melanie McGraw & Janice Mackay
www.KCHomes4U.com


9701 Sagamore Rd.
Leawood, KS
Marketed By: Jim Henderson
www.JimHendersonTeam.com


9209 Switzer Rd.
Overland Park, KS
Marketed By: Marilyn Dugan & Cindy Nabors
www.MarilynDugan.com


9101 Central St.
Kansas City, MO
Marketed By: Sheila Vardakis
SheilaSellsKC.com


9001 W 71st St.
Merriam, KS
Marketed By: Cindy Dicianni
www.CindyDicianni.com

Re/Max State Line Office Listings


7624 Hemlock St.
Overland Park, KS
Marketed By: Marilyn Dugan & Cindy Nabors
www.MarilynDugan.com


7245 Lowell Dr.
Overland Park, KS
Marketed By: Marilyn Dugan & Cindy Nabors
www.MarilynDugan.com


7200 Maple St.
Overland Park, KS
Marketed By: Jim Henderson
www.JimHendersonTeam.com


7018 N Congress Ave
Kansas City, MO
Marketed By: Carrie Cowan & Lisa Kanter
www.INeedThatHouse.com


4403 Booth St.
Kansas City, MO
Marketed By: Marilyn Dugan & Cindy Nabors
www.MarilynDugan.com


3700 W 63rd St
Fairway, KS
Marketed By: Melanie McGraw & Janice Mackay
www.KCHomes4U.com


1721 W Ferrel Dr.
Olathe, KS
Marketed By: Beth Potts
www.BethPotts.com


1308 Skyline Dr.
Blue Springs, MO
Marketed By: Sam Lind
www.SamLind.com


901 W 85th St
Kansas City, MO
Marketed By: Carrie Cowan & Lisa Kanter
www.INeedThatHouse.com


431 E 81st St
Kansas City, MO
Marketed By: Brent Kendrick
www.BrentKendrick.com

What You Should Know Before Buying a Home

For Your Clients: What You Should Know Before Buying a Home

RISMEDIA, October 18, 2010--There are so many things to understand as you embark on purchasing a home, especially if it's your first purchase. Learn the basics as you get started and understand everything you need to know as it relates to financing.

Here are 10 tips about financing:

1. Before you start looking for a home, get pre-qualified for a loan. Banks, credit unions and mortgage bankers make home loans; mortgage brokers process them. The lenders will take an application, process the loan documents, and see the loan through to the funding stage.

2. If you have marginal or bad credit, consult your lender. You may be able to qualify for a loan depending on how long ago and what reason(s) caused the bad credit. A lender should be able to advise you on whether your credit history will prevent you from qualifying for a home loan.

3. You will need a down payment. Down payment requirements vary depending on the type of loan. Many down payment assistance programs exist. These programs may loan or grant you the funds necessary for the down payment. Consult with a lender about programs available in your area.

4. You will need funds for closing costs Closing costs are charges for services related to the closing of your real estate transaction. They include, but are not limited to:

* Escrow fees charged by the company handling the transaction
* Title policy issuance fees charged by the title insurance company
* Mortgage insurance fees
* Fire and homeowners insurance
* County Recorder fees for recording your deed
* Loan origination fees

Consult your lender for an actual estimate of these costs, as well as information about loan programs which can assist in financing your closing costs

5. Some loans have "points" and some do not. A point is a loan origination fee equivalent to 1% of the loan amount. Together with the interest rate they constitute the yield on your loan for the lender. Some lenders charge a higher interest rate to compensate for charging no points. It is important to comparison shop lenders to make sure your loan is at a competitive yield.

6. Should you select a mortgage with a fixed rate or an adjustable rate? The answer to this question depends on whether mortgage rates are at a high or a low point when you purchase, and on how long you plan to live in the home. If rates are high, an adjustable rate might be attractive since subsequent rate drops could reduce your monthly payments. Additionally, lenders may offer a low rate during the first few years of an adjustable mortgage to make it appealing to you. If interest rates are low you might want to take a fixed rate to protect yourself against the possibility of rising interest rates.

7. Be aware of the two main types of loan categories.

* Conventional Loans. Conventional mortgage loans are available with fixed or adjustable interest rates. Some loans may require mortgage insurance.
* Government Loans. These include Federal Housing Administration (FHA) fixed and adjustable rate mortgage loans, and Veterans Administration (VA) fixed rate mortgage loan

8. If you are a low or moderate income home buyer, there are special programs designed to help you. These loans are available through private lenders, as well as local and state housing agencies, like the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). Most lenders specializing in real estate mortgage loans are aware of these types of loan programs.

9. Why might I have to pay mortgage insurance? Mortgage insurance protects the lender from potential loss if you should default on your mortgage loan payment. Generally, conventional loans that require larger down payments do not require mortgage insurance. Mortgage insurance is always required on FHA mortgage loans.

10. Many organizations offer home loan counseling to prospective home buyers. These organizations provide classes for homebuyers to cover the steps to homeownership. They will cover home selection, realtor services, lenders, loan programs, homeownership responsibilities, saving for a down payment, and other important pieces of information. Many first-time home buyer programs require homebuyers to attend this type of class to be eligible for selected programs.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Overcoming Communications Styles

Overcoming Communications Styles Can Boost Business Efficiencies

RISMEDIA, October 13, 2010--Ever find that there is one co-worker that is harder to get along with than the others? It might be because you have different communication styles. However, in the work environment, especially in a small business, employees and managers have to get along to meet the bottom-line.

Small- to medium-sized business (SMB) expert Denise O'Berry offers advice on how to work with others more effectively by using the I Opt® assessment tool, a proven technique to help identify four key communication styles in the workplace. O'Berry provides insights on what each style looks like in the business environment and how to best work with each one for a positive and productive office environment. Small businesses can visit www.telephones.att.com/smb for O'Berry's advice and learn more about communicating with their employees.

What Communication Style are You?
Trying to work with introverts and extroverts, and ensure that everyone is playing nice in the cubicle sandbox can be challenging. However, examining employees' communication styles can help turn any team into a powerhouse by leveraging the strengths of each person. Most people can fit into one of four communication styles:

* Relational Innovator -- This is an idea person who will communicate in "big picture" terms. A phone call is a great way to help them throw out ideas that pop in their heads.
* Logical Processor -- This person communicates by finding the process of a situation and is very detail oriented. Social media is the worst way to communicate with them, as you can't give enough details in 140 characters!
* Hypothetical Analyzer -- The Hypothetical Analyzer loves to discover the "why" by digging deeply into a discussion to dissect all the elements. Managers should arrange a meeting or phone call to answer questions and help them explore the various options of a problem.
* Reactive Stimulator -- They are an action-oriented communicator with low attention to detail. A quick call or short email is an ideal way to connect with them.

"There will always be conflict in the work space, but by determining each employee's communication style, managers can help connect with staff and increase productivity and efficiency by eliminating confusion and misunderstandings," said O'Berry, SMB blogger and author of Small Business Cash Flow: Strategies for Making Your Business a Financial Success. "If a manager is constantly sending one-off emails to a Relational Innovator, it will only lead to frustration for everyone. They need a conversation or short call to let them talk about their ideas and new, exciting approaches to getting things done."

Monday, October 11, 2010

How to Live Large in a Small Space

For Your Clients: Downsizing? How to Live Large in a Small Space
By Jaclyn Banash

RISMEDIA, October 6, 2010--(MCT)--It's a constant battle: Small versus big. Less or more? There are arguments to support both sides.

Having just downsized to the smallest apartment I have ever lived in, I was intrigued by the idea of small being the new big. The challenge of storage and saving space is usually the No. 1 problem for most small-home dwellers. Organization is key, as is making the space work for your lifestyle.

I have been racking my brain for months over how to make my new 656-square-foot apartment work best for me. I have found some great new ideas to integrate with some of my old tricks of the trade.

Creative use of furniture is essential in small spaces or even in larger spaces that might need to be multifunctional. Take, for instance, a guest bedroom that doubles as an office. Instead of crowding the room on a daily basis with a bed that only gets used a few times a year, why not use a sleeper sofa or a chair and a half with a twin sleeper sofa? This will free so much space for day-to-day activities in the office.

A daybed is another good-looking piece of furniture that multitasks. A daybed is a great way to divide a large space, but in a small space, if positioned against the wall, it doubles as a sofa with pillows across the back and an extra sleeping spot when the pillows are removed.

Lots of furniture pieces are known for their great multipurpose and space-saving qualities. The ever-popular pouf, for example, can double as an ottoman, become a small table for books, computers and drinks to rest upon or even turn into extra seating.

Nesting tables also provide options for tiny spaces because they are small and easily moved. Storage ottomans are an obvious choice for doubling as a bench or coffee table that can house toys, blankets and extra bedding.

In dining room/eating areas, a custom-built bench/banquette with storage underneath is a great option for tight spaces. If your budget does not allow for custom, then good-looking storage boxes fit nicely under most pre-made banquettes. If you are not looking for more storage but are just short on space, a breakfast nook can be created with a small table and stools that can tuck underneath when not in use.

Simply by pushing a dining table against a wall or window you can save at least three feet. All you have to do is pull the table out for dinner parties. And don't forget, an old or unattractive table can always be put to use and instantly jazzed up with a custom table skirt in a fabulous fabric. Voila, another spot for hidden storage!

One of my recent favorite small-space solutions is installing built-in top-to-bottom mirrors on the inset of closet doors. How brilliant! No longer are you taking up precious wall space in the room with a floor-length mirror.

As for the actual layout and decoration of a small space, conflicting theories abound. Some say not to fill a small room with over-scaled furniture, as it eats up the space and feels cramped. Others say big furniture makes a small room seem grander.

I gravitate toward the middle. In general, I stay away from large, overstuffed furniture and do find that too many small pieces can feel cluttered. But I need enough seating for entertaining and recently purchased a set of Lucite folding chairs (clear furniture is another small-space trick) that can be stowed when not in use.

I have never subscribed to pure minimalism, although I admire those who can. I find it almost impossible to not surround myself with lovely items that I find along my travels, antiquing or shopping. The key is rigorous editing. I have seen many small, successful spaces that have a plethora of mementos or objets d'art.

But once you get to a certain point, it becomes necessary to do the practice of one thing in, one thing out. After all, no matter what size your space is, you need the room to enjoy it.

(c) 2010, The Kansas City Star.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Tips for Using Social Media in Business

10 Tips for Using Social Media in Business
By Stephanie Andre

RISMEDIA, October 7, 2010—With so much talk these days about social media, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and anxious about where to start. While using social media for business is a necessary solution in today’s competitive environment, it’s also important to make sure you use create and manage your social media platforms correctly.

Here are 10 tips from Kodak’s chief blogger:

1. Know what you are talking about. If you are going to work with social media, be involved in social media. Start your own Twitter account, Facebook page, read blogs and get engaged. That is the best way to understand the culture, tone, best practices, and protocol.

2. Always be transparent. When you are communicating in social media say who you are and who you work for. Don’t try to be sneaky and plant comments, don’t hire people to go out and say nice things about you and stay away from ghost writing. Be genuine and be real.

3. Be yourself. Readers can see through marketing talk. Be passionate about what you do and let that show through your personality. Let people see you as a person, not a mouthpiece.

4. Post frequently. It’s a lot of work but don’t post to your blog then leave it for two weeks. Readers won’t have a reason to follow you on Twitter or check your blog if they can’t expect new content regularly.

5. Add value. Share tips, tricks, and insights. People’s time is precious and they need to get something out of the time they spend with you. Make listening to you worth their time.

6. Respond. Answer questions, thank people even if it’s just a few words. Make it a two way conversation.

7. Listen to what others have to say. Appreciate suggestions and feedback, it will make what you do even better.

8. Learn from your mistakes. Don’t be afraid to say you were wrong and be quick to make changes when you are.

9. Be external. You don’t have to be 100% internally focused. Link to other blogs, videos, and news articles. Re-tweet what others have to say.

10. Have fun. If you don’t like what you are doing, others will notice it and won’t enjoy interacting with you.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Real Estate Auctions

Yesterday we had Nicole Kelley come talk to our office about Real Estate Auctions. It was very informative! Here are a few of the things we learned:

- Just because a house in up for auction, does not mean that the owner is behind on payments or the home is in foreclosure. Many times Auctioned off homes go for market value - it's just a faster way to get to the end result.
- When you list a home in MLS, you list at the highest price and work your way down. In an auction, it's just the opposite. You start low and end up high.
- An Auctioned home is sold "as is, where is, with NO contingencies". Any financing issues or inspections must be done prior to bidding. It is up to the buyer to do their due diligence on the property.
- A 10% buyers premium is typically added to the sales price to pay the auction company and any agents involved.
- An auction is really about turning an asset (home) into money (quickly).
- Auctions are typically marketed for a few weeks before the actual event.
- Most auctions close within 30 days.
- Properties are not giving away, they typically go for market value!
- There are three types of Auctions:
- Absolute Auction - The property is sold to the highest bidder, regardless of the price
- Minimum Bid Auction - The auctioneer will accept bids at or above a published minimum price.
- Reserve Auction - A minimum bid is not published, and the seller reserves the right to accept or reject the highest bid.

Auctions are not for everyone, but there are some sellers that can benefit from them.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Have You Started on Your Fall Home and Garden Checklist?

Have You Started on Your Fall Home and Garden Checklist?
By Debbie Arrington

RISMEDIA, October 5, 2020--(MCT)--In the garden: Pull out the summer garden and get started on cool-weather vegetables and flowers.

Now is the time to plant seeds for many flowers directly into the garden, including cornflower, nasturium, nigella, poppy, portulaca and sweet pea.

In the vegetable garden, seed bok choy, mustard, spinach, radishes and peas. Plant garlic and onion sets.

Set out cool-weather bedding plants including calendula, pansy, snapdragon, primrose and viola.

Around the house:

It's time to get alarmed.

This is National Fire Prevention Week. According to a new survey, most American homes don't have enough smoke or carbon monoxide detectors.

About two-thirds of homes don't meet the national recommendation for the number of smoke alarms set by the National Fire Protection Association, said the nationwide survey conducted by First Alert. Only one in 10 homes meets the recommendations for carbon monoxide monitors.

The association recommends at least one carbon monoxide alarm on each level of a house and one in or near every bedroom or sleeping area. For smoke alarms, one should be installed at the top of each staircase, and one in every bedroom or sleeping area, under the guidelines. For an average two-story, three-bedroom house, that adds up to four smoke alarms and five carbon monoxide alarms. (For details, see www.nfpa.org.)

Need more reasons to get fired up? According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 84 percent of all civilian fire deaths occur at private residences. Each year, nearly 3,000 Americans die in home fires and about 450 succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Experts recommend installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and checking the batteries once a month to make sure they work.

Protection One, another home-security company, recommends that families practice fire drills so they know what to do when the alarm goes off. Devise an escape plan, and post it where it's visible at all times.

For more tips and a home safety checklist, click on www.firstalert.com/safety—checklist.php.