The Housing Affordability Crisis Housing affordability continues to be a problem for many areas throughout the United States. Home prices have surged, interest rates have essentially doubled. Meanwhile, home builders haven’t really kept with demand since coming out of the Great Financial Crisis of 2008. In response, the Donald Trump administration, together with the Federal …
As summer turns into fall, and the leaves begin to turn, it’s time to start getting your home ready for winter. Here’s a list of smart things you can do to that will reduce energy usage, extends the life of its systems and components, and makes your home safer. Doors & Windows, etc: Trees & Lawn Outdoor …
As a resident of Cunningham Heights (formerly Cunningham Highlands) in Overland Park, I like to keep my neighbors informed about real estate in the neighborhood. My wife and I bought a fixer-upper on Hardy Street in June of 2013 and moved in shortly thereafter. There’s a very neighborly feel here, and it’s a great, centrally-located neighborhood. Upon …
The Bureau of Labor Statics says that Americans across all income levels spend between 25-30% of their income on housing. That’s a massive portion of your income, no matter who you are. What if you were able to invest that money instead, or take an extra vacation each year? It’s actually possible. It requires a …
Have you ever thought about investing in real estate? Many people who have watched house flipping shows on TV might think it’s a quick way to get rich. While I’m a huge fan of real estate investing, unlike the tv shows, this isn’t a great way to “Get Rich Quick”. Further, flipping houses, in my …
Getting Started in Real Estate: Why Waiting Isn’t the Best Option When you think about the Kansas City Royals, it’s easy to imagine a team that hits home runs to win games. But if the Royals only relied on home runs, they wouldn’t be very successful. While home runs are exciting, they are not the …
You’ve certainly heard about house prices going up over the last several years. When that happens, your property taxes are likely to go up. However, that doesn’t mean the value assessed by the county is correct. If you believe the county’s assessed value is too high, you have the option to appeal it. Here’s how …
The holidays are over and the new year is here! Spring will be here before you know it. Spring is a popular time of year to sell your home, but there’s a lot that goes into it. If you’re planning on selling this spring, NOW is the time to start making your plans. Here is …
In the world of real estate, the term “as-is” can mean different things to different people. When buying real estate, you might think “as-is” equates buying to some dilapidated money pit. When selling real estate, you might think “as-is” means you’re able to pass on your problems to the next person without any repercussions. However, …
What questions do you have about real estate? More importantly, what questions have you never thought to ask? Famous jazz composer and trumpeter Miles Davis once said “Don’t play what’s there, play what’s not there.” There are a couple ways you could interpret what he said. 1. Micro Level: Musicians have to know what belongs and what …