Beat the Heat in CoMo!

With temperatures reaching 100 and heat indexes close to 110, you would think we lived in Death Valley, not the middle of Missouri!  When I travel out of state and meet people from all over the country, most are surprised to find out that Missourians suffer through very high heat indexes and very cold winters.  I'm not complaining...I love summer!  Here are five great ways to beat the heat in Columbia this summer!

• If you need a break from the heat, visit a Cooling Center designated by the city.  Places like the ARC, the Columbia Public Library & The Salvation Army are open during normal business hours to provide A/C and a place to cool off. Check out the full list here.
• Want to get out and enjoy the sun? Grab the kiddos and hit up Little Mates Cove at Twin Lakes, Albert Oakland Pool, or Stephens Lake & Spraygrounds to get wet! Make sure to bring your sunscreen!
• Check out School House Rock, being performed July 14-17 by kids from CoMo! Or, get your kid involved and have them try out for a play.  Click here to visit PACE's website for ticket or audition details.
• Go out for some frozen custard! One of my favorites, Andy's Frozen Custard offers a cool treat on a hot summer night.  Located just off of Grindstone Parkway, next to Buckingham's & Hu Hot. 
• July 20th is Summer Fun Fest at Flat Branch Park downtown. It runs from 6-8 and offers entertainment for the whole family.   

JK

Real Estate is Local, Right?

It's everywhere...real estate is local! But, is it?  Of course, with the Internet and the ability to do a real estate transaction from across the globe, it is more world-wide than ever!

I sold a piece of property in Columbia.  I had it listed for the seller, who lived in Southern California who I almost always communicated with by email. I had it advertised on the Internet where the buyer, from New Jersey saw the property and purchased it sight unseen.  I never physically met either party to the transaction, and I don't believe either party ever saw the 10 acres they owned.  It's amazing what technology can do!

It can get a little overwhelming, too.  With all the different websites like Realtor.com, Google, Yahoo! Real Esate, Zillow, Trulia, Craigslist, and on...and on...and on, it's no wonder Buyers and Sellers are on listing information overload.  That's where real estate agents come in! If you try to sell your home yourself, it is nearly impossible to cover the 60+ websites out there dedicated to real estate listings.  Let alone all the individual company websites, newspapers, etc.  At Crane & Crane, we subscribe to marketing software that sends the listing to over 50 websites, and then outsources to every Broker's website, including Realtor.com.  That is priceless exposure in this ever-changing global real estate market. 

I say real estate is local...it's the advertising that isn't. 

JK

Under Contract: Most Expensive Home in America

According to the Wall Street Journal, the most expensive home ever sold in America was just put under contract by a 22 year old Formula One Racing heiress.  The home, listed for $150 million, was owned by the late Aaron Spelling and is located in Holmby Hills (L.A.).  It's been listed since March 2009 and the price hasn't changed.  The sales price has not yet been disclosed.  See the full article here.

While Columbia doesn't have those kind of prices, the most expensive home currently on the market in Columbia: $2,900,000!

JK

 

Memorial Day: What to do in CoMo

It's supposed to be a great weekend in Columbia...high's in the 80's and maybe no rain!  Here are some ideas to have fun with your family.  Enjoy the holiday weekend and remember the veterans and those who are currently serving our country. 

Salute to Veterans Memorial Day Airshow: Saturday & Sunday: It is free and open to the public. There is a shuttle running from the Hearnest Center for $3 per person. Just remember your lawn chair (and sunscreen)!  Airshow Official Website

Memorial Day Parade: Starts at 9:55 am in downtown Columbia on Monday May 30th.

Family Fan Fest with Mizzou Women's Softball: Saturday May 28th from 5:30-7:30 in the softball parking lot they will have face painting, balloon artists and food/drinks.  Then, enjoy the softball game at 8 pm! The Tigers will be taking on Washington in the NCAA Regionals. WEAR GOLD! 

Peter Pan is playing at Jesse Hall: Shows at 2 pm on Saturday & Sunday and 7 pm on Saturday night.  They are going to be flying and everything!

Happy Memorial Day! JK

Our Hearts Go Out

Our hearts go out to Joplin, Missouri and all of those affected by the horrible tornado that teared through the town.  The devastation that occured there is unimaginable.  Over 100 people killed in a town of only 50,000.

In Columbia, there are so many collection points, opportunities for donations, and lots of helping hands going to Joplin.  The Columbia Board of Realtors is conducting a shoe drive.  The Central Missouri Food Bank is hosting a food/non-perishable item drive.  It is amazing the support that one community can give to another. 

I am so proud to be a Columbian.  JK

What do you do with kids' clutter?

Because my son, Colten, is turning 1 today, I thought I'd make a special blog about how to make your home the most presentable with those little kiddos running around!

Before I became a parent, I didn't understand the necessary STUFF that came along with that kid.  Now, each room in my house has something extra in it that belongs to my boy.  I wouldn't trade it for the world, but for those parents who are trying to sell their home, it makes it a struggle.  On one hand, you want to de-clutter and get rid of the most you can, but one the other hand, its so hard to live without all those wonderful gadgets we've gotten used to.  Here are some easy, practical tips for each room that might help sell your home easier with all the kiddo's stuff:

1.  Kids' bedrooms: If you have a crazy color (like bright pink or dark blue), you may consider painting it a more neutral color--it really does help buyers visualize their stuff in there, whether they have kids or not.  If you have any decals or stickers on the wall, it's best to remove those too.  To declutter their room, consider adding a bookshelf with baskets to hide all the toys & books and make it look clean.  A toy box is a must--either use big woven baskets or even extra laundry baskets--at least they will have a place to be put away. 

2. Bathroom: Try to make it as neutral as possible.  Hide all the toys behind the shower curtain that you can close for showings.  Put extra toothbrushes, cups, & hair ties in a drawer.  Just keep the sink as clean as possible. 

3. Dining room: The huge highchair that takes up half your room is very nice, but would it be more practical to have a booster seat tied to one of the dining room chairs?  It hides very well--most aren't even noticeable when the chairs are all slid under.

4. Living Room: Keep as many toys as you can in the kids' bedrooms so the living room looks nice and de-cluttered. If you do have to keep toys in the living room, consider a bench with storage underneath or an extra shelf in your TV stand might provide good storage.

5. Kitchen: Most kids kitchen stuff can fit into a cabinet or drawer--just make sure and utilize it and if your kid doesn't use an item (bottle, sippy cup, etc.) anymore, put it in a box and store it (or sell it). 

6. Flooring: If your carpet is looking a little rough from grape juice and muddy shoes, consider throwing a throw rug down and offering a carpet allowance to the buyers. If you try to replace the carpet before you sell it, it may just end up stained again. 

Most of all, don't make your life miserable. Just do some small things and it will make a difference.  And, remember, about 50% of households already have children so they are looking at how your house will work for them and their children as well. 

I hope that helps! JK

Buying a Duplex as a First-Time Home Buyer

In Columbia, there are so many available investment properties that it should be on the top of the list of considerations for the first-time home buyers.  Whether you're a student, single, or just starting a family, it is a great option.  Here's why.

1. There are almost 100 different duplex/triplex/fourplex properties to look at that are listed currently.  That adds quite a bit of selection to choose from. 
2. Prices are affordable, too. Right now the cheapest is $59,900 for a duplex here in Columbia, so it opens a lot of doors for buyers. 
3. Because Columbia is a college town, they are not limited to one area of town--whichever direction you go, you'll find multi-family housing. 
4. The biggest reason...you can subsidize your payment with the other units' income.  For example, say you purchase a $130,000 duplex and your payment is $1,000 a month.  One side rents for $650 per month.  So, the unit you live in, you are only paying the difference--$350 per month. Wow! Pretty affordable, right?
5. After you've decided to move on to a different home, you can keep the same duplex above as your first investment.  Rent out the side you lived in--if it rents for the same as the other side, $650, you've just put your total income at $1,300. This actually profits you $300 per month! 
6. You've turned your owner-occupied property into an investment property and at a fraction of the down payment. Most investment property loans require 20%-30% down, which is unaffordable for a lot of people out there just wanting to get started in real estate investing. By owner-occupying, you can cut your down payment to 3.5% with an FHA loan. 

Potential drawbacks: 
1. Be aware that some loans, grants, etc. for home buyers require you live in the property for a certain time period.  It can vary from 6 months to 5 years or more.  It just depends, so make sure to check on that requirement when purchasing to know how long you have to stay put.
2. Obviously, real estate needs to be maintained.  With a duplex, you have to worry about the tenants living there and how well they take care of it (or the lack of care they provide).  You'll need a backup budget for any repairs needed so it's good to use the profit you make every month to build that savings plan. 

Any questions?? Just ask by email/phone/text!  JK