Mortgage News of the Week

Here's the Kansas City area mortgage news from Carol Poppe


Carol Poppe, Vice President Mortgage
Ph 913-652-7302 cell 913-707-1153
www.fcbloan.com/CLPoppe

MORTGAGE NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF 09/27/2007

UPDATE ON MORTGAGE INSURANCE TAX DEDUCTIBILITY:

A House of Representative panel has met recently to enact a bill that will help ease problems in the housing crunch. Top on their list was changing the law that taxed homeowners on the amount of forgiven debt by lenders. As the law stands, homeowners who short sell their home back to their lender to avoid foreclosure get taxed on the forgiven debt because they treat it as income. The legislation was approved to change this rule.

The big news is that the committee proposed legislation to extend income tax deduction for private mortgage insurance. A temporary one is in place but is expiring December 31, 2007. The new legislation will extend this through December 31, 2014.

The new bill is backed by The National Association of Home Builders, the Mortgage Bankers Association, and the National Association of Realtors.

This new bill will be presented to the House of Representatives for a full House vote after the House Ways and Means Committee approved the bill by voice vote.

Pick Your Pumpkin!

The Frost Will Soon Be On The Pumpkin

Ready for some old fashioned fun for your family weekend adventure?

It's time for Kansas Citians to visit one of the area Pumpkin Patches!

Weston Red Barn Farm
This farm was puchased in 1989 by Steve and Cindi Frey. They have a pumpking patch, orchards, sheep to pet and pony rides in beautiful and historic Weston.

Johnson Farms
With over 30 acres you can pick your own pumpkin or buy them already picked! The wagon rides and animal corral are great fun for the kids. They have gourdes, squash and flowers too.

KC Pumpkin Patch
Here you will find 10's or 1,000's of U-Pick pumpkins and many other activities to keep your children busy all day!

Carolyn's Country Cousins
In Liberty, Missouri is just plain fun! A "mega" pumpkin patch, animal barn, pig races and you can even make your own scarecrow!

http://www.pumpkins-etc.com/
Located east of Platte City they have a down home pumpkin patch, gourds and beautiful mums.
It's a family run farm, not heavy on the bling but full of old fashioned fun.



Check out the websites of these Pumpkin Patches for more information

Proposed Changes to FHA Loan by Brian Brockman with Plaza Mortgage

NOTE: this bill has been proposed but not yet passed.

FHA Modernization Bill. Key provisions include a sales price limit increase to $271,050 in our area. There is a possible increase to $417,000 and to $730,000 in some areas. The increase to $271,050 would be effective immediately and higher limits may follow depending on how the bill is passed.

It is possible that the down payment would be lowered to 1.5% but then the upfront MIP would have to be included for a total of 3%. The House version includes a $0 down provision but it's doubtful it will be adopted.

The bill would also facilitate the acceptance of Fannie and Freddie condominium projects.

The Senate Banking Committee has approved this bill and there is bi-partisan acceptance. We should expect the process to be completed and signed by the President in the next 30 days.

What does it mean to you? More sales qualify for FHA due to a higher loan limit.
Since FHA is credit history and not credit score driven, more buyers are eligible.

Some FHA reminders - 1) Seller may contribute up to 6% of the sales price, 2) no termite inspection required unless appraiser sees obvious damage, 3) no non-allowables required to be paid by the seller, 4) buyer may currently be in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, 5) loans are assumable - important if rates go to 8%, 6) Occupying borrower not required to have income. Great for parents buying for a college student!

Remember this bill has been proposed and not yet passed!

Fall Lawn Care Tips From My Ryan Lawn Guy

Fall Seeding Instructions
Improve your lawn through seeding

If your lawn hasn't performed well this summer, now is a great time to seed. RYAN can help you improve the quality of turfgrass in your lawn, from seeding for you to selling you our Gold-Tag seed.

If you would like to seed yourself, follow these instructions:
Measure the area to be seeded.
Buy the seed you need. Great lawns start with the best grass. Call RYAN to buy Gold Tag seed.
Mow lawn at lowest setting.
Call RYAN if you think you have thatch. We'll suggest a plan to remove it.
Flag all sprinkler heads and valve boxes.
Put down starter fertilizer.
Apply seed carefully with a cyclone-type spreader.
Rent a verticutter and set it to cut grooves 1/4" deep.
Verticut area twice AFTER SEEDING.
Start watering right away.
Soak lawn thoroughly the first day.
Water daily for three weeks, keep newly seeded area continually moist.

Protect Crabapples, Pines Next Season
Our plant protection products prevent disease

Certain plants are susceptible to fungal diseases during wet spring months. Many crabapples, pines and hawthorns are commonly affected.

Crabapples and hawthorns are affected by apple scab and cedar-apple rust. A common symptom of these diseases is yellowing leaves with spots. Premature defoliation is a common result. Austrian and Scotch pines are prone to tip blight, a foliar disease that causes needles at the tips of the trees to brown.

This can be frustrating as a homeowner because the trees must be protected on a preventative basis. If you noticed any of the above symptoms, give your RYANPro a call. Through our preventative program, we can prevent these diseases from occuring. Proper timing of our applications can control the fungi and enable you to enjoy healthy trees next season.
Iron Chlorosis Still Evident
It's not too late to relieve this condition


In August's issue of our landscape guide, we brought iron chlorosis to your attention.


Pin oak and river birch are commonly affected by this condition. If you would like to learn more about iron chlorosis, visit our resource library: Iron Chlorosis.

Without proper treatment, trees may lose leaves prematurely, or suffer branch and limb dieback. Death can result from severe cases.


If you have questions, or have a tree that needs treatment, give your RYAN Certified Arborist a call. It isn't too late in the season to relieve this condition. We can provide the tree with the iron it needs by injecting an appropriate mixture of iron and water directly into the trunk of the tree.
Feed Trees To Assist Stress Recovery
Give trees, shrubs nutrients they need to thrive

Many of us were affected by the freezing temperatures earlier this spring. This added to typical summer stress, making this a particularly rough year on trees and shrubs.

Your RYAN Certified Arborist recommends our deep root fertilization this fall to help your trees and shrubs recover from all of this season's stresses. In addition to assisting with stress recovery, root feeding can increase plant health and vigorous root and shoot growth.

You can learn more about root fertilization by visiting our resource library: Root Fertilization. Contact your RYAN Certified Arborist to schedule this application this fall.

Landscape Calendar: September
Seed lawn if needed. Remember to water daily for three weeks after seeding.
Prepare new landscape beds for planting in the spring: Kill the grass and till in compost.
Fertilize your lawn to help it recover from summer stress.
Continue to water and weed landscape beds as needed.

President Bush is Reading My Blogs?

I wrote previously about the Saturday morning that we stopped by the Corner Cafe for some of their delicious bisquits and gravy. It was so good.... good enough for the President I guess.

There are many things President Bush did while he was in Kansas City yesterday: snarled traffic, addressed the VFW Convention and ate breakfast at the Corner Cafe.

The Corner Cafe is in Riverside, Missouri, a very small suburb of Kansas City. Most people don't even know that it's there and usually only locals go to Riverside. So I'm thinking that someone in the President's immediate group or the President himself has been reading my Active Rain blog.... how else would he know about their yummy bisquits and gravy?

Mr. President enjoyed his breakfast with other well known Kansas City figures such as George Brett, here's what Wikipedia says about George; Carl Peterson with the Kansas City Chiefs; Terry Dunn from Dunn Construction and Ann Dickinson.

The owner of the Corner Cafe, Ed Rule, just agreed to reserve a room for a "business meeting".... little did he know that it was the President.

So I say keep on reading Mr. President, I'll keep you informed on what's going on in Kansas City and the Kansas City Real Estate market.


*Photo Courtesy of bethanyll22 on Flickr

NKC School District Receives Good News

NKC School Districts Scores Improve

The North Kansas City School District received good news last week that the district's test scores on the National ACT and Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) have gone up.

Their MAP scores outperform the state average in nearly every category measured.

Their ACT scores exceed state and national averages.

This was good news for the district since they were previously placed on the "No Child Left Behind" watch list.

Antioch Shopping Center Gets A Face Lift

New Site Plan Breaths Life Into My Old Stomping Grounds= Antioch Shopping Ctr.

I've written previously about Antioch Shopping Center and how it was dying a miserable death.

Well now they have a new and smaller budget to cover the cost of re-developing my old stomping grounds.

The new budget has been approved by the Kansas City Tax Increment Finance Commission.

The total cost of the project is now estimate at $72 million vs. $82 million

The size of Antioch Center is going to be reduced by 55,000 square feet. Sears will stay in it's current location and they will tear down the rest of the mall around Sears and rebuild it.

The area will be reborn and things should start thriving again once the project is done.

If you'd like to look at any Kansas City Real Estate by Antioch, please be sure and get ahold of me!

How to Avoid Being A Victim of Identity Theft - BE WISE

How To Help NOT Being a Victim of Identity Theft

Imagine this: You are sitting at your desk or the kitchen table balancing your check book and preparing to pay your monthly bills. You open your credit card statement and you realized there's an $1100.00 charge you are sure you didn't make...

Unbelievably upset with that sick feeling in your gut you realize you've becom a victim of identity theft.

Immediately you wonder what you did or what you didn't shred to cause this.

Here are a few things you can do that could help prevent the headaches involved with identity theft:

Only give out your social security number when it's absolutely necessary. Some states give you the option of using your social or NOT as your driver's license number. NOT is the correct answer. And never carry your social security card with you. And for Pete's sake do NOT put your social security number on your personalized checks!

Cancel credit cards that you are not using or do not need. When canceling, be sure to request that a notation be made that the "card was cancelled at the cardholders request."

Don't leave outgoing mail in your own mailbox. I'm not talking about the birthday card to Uncle Bubba. I'm talkin about anything that includes your personal or banking information.

It's far too easy for identity thieves to target mailboxes even in nice neighborhoods, or perhaps I should say ESPECIALLY in nice neighborhoods. Instead, drop those off at the box at the post office.

SHRED, SHRED, and SHRED some more!!!
Shred credit card receipts, debit card receipts, insurance bills.... anything that you don't need to keep that even remotely tells and inkling of your personal information. This is a big prevention tool. Thieves will ransack trash just to make a buck.

Use complicated passwords on your computer, email and Internet accounts. The bst combination would be a the use of upper and lower case letters in addition to number. Don't use your house number, your birth-date, your phone number or maiden names that will help in making you a target!

NEVER (did I make that clear?) NEVER give out personal information over the phone, email or on the Internet. I bought my 81 year old father his latest computer, my rulse was simple. If you don't know who the email is from, do not even open it.... and if you do don't EVER give out personal information over the Internet. Most companies you do business with have a policy against asking your personal information over the Internet.

Call your bank or credit card company if you feel a statement or bill should have arrived and it hasn't. A missing bill or statement could indicate that you are being targeted.

Upon receiving your charge card bills or bank statements each month, take a careful look to make sure no unauthorized activities have occurred.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) an many as 9 million individuals have their identity stolen each year. It seems the thieves also like to target older individuals due to vulnerability issues.

My mother is a sharp old gal, but received a phone call from someone claiming to be with the FTC stating that someone was trying to get into her account. She freaked and spilled her guts to anything they asked her. She immediately realized after hanging up that her moment of panic could have cleared out her checking. She immediately went to the bank and closed the account.

No one immune to these predators.

Thanks for stopping by!

The Latest Kansas City Mortgage News

Here's the latest Kansas City Mortgage News from my friend at First Community Bank

Mortgage Division



From: CAROL POPPE 913-652-7302



WEEKLY NEWS REPORT: 8/6/2007



Well as we say in this business, “the wheels are falling off the bus.” Last week was The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. The good news last week came in the form of friendly inflation and employment news which helped rates on CONFORMING home loans improve over the course of the week. I just locked a $390,000 loan (80% LTV) in at 6.375%. Conforming home loans are those under $417,000 and subject to very standard credit, income and asset qualifying, nothing exotic, outside the box, or fancy.



A little bad news came by way of the Bureau of Economic Analysis, revising previous personal savings rate estimates higher, but showing that Americans still save less than 1% of their income.



The Ugly last week – well, was really ugly. The media screamed all week about issues in the mortgage industry particularly impacting what are called Non Conforming home loans; those that are dollar amounts higher than $417K, or with credit, income or assets not falling under traditional guidelines. Many of those rates got excessively ugly, in many cases, overnight. Why? Over the past several yeas, many loans were made to homeowners with somewhat non-traditional or “non-conforming” situations, be it poor credit, inability to document income, or any number of factors that do not fit within the traditional box for home loans. These loans are often called “Sub-Prime” or “Alt-A”, meaning that they were somewhat riskier in nature than A credit, prime or traditional loans. Another type of “non-conforming” home loan is one where the credit and income might be perfectly fine, but the loan amount is higher than $417K, which is the current maximum loan that can be done using pools of money from mortgage giants Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FHLMC). These are known as Jumbo Loans – but the end money comes from private institutions, not from the large government sponsored entities of Fannie and Freddie. Most Non-Conforming loan product rates popped significantly higher in the last week even though Jumbos have not suffered from the increased delinquencies like the Sub-prime and Alt-A. This was due to the fact that these pools of mortgages are being purchased by smaller private entities that can’t afford to take on the margin of risk of foreclosures.



From our pool of investors, Wells Fargo jumped the highest in their Jumbo rates. The 100% financing options are deteriorating very quickly and the rules are changing overnight. Several large companies have shut their doors in the last week including American Home Mortgage (huge in stated and no income programs) and Fieldstone (a Sub-Prime company). US Bank has announced today that they are no longer doing “No Income” and “No Ratio” mortgage loans. BE WARY OF OLDER PRE-APPROVALS whether you are putting a contract on a home or are receiving one. Everything is changing so quickly it is hard to keep up with all the changes. Some investors have raised the credit score minimums for 100% financing. We are seeing that those people who have credit scores under 680 and make more than $82,000 are going to be challenged in 100% financing if they purchase over the FHA limit (approximately $210,000). Their options are dwindling. This is the group buying $225,000-$350,000, and even though some of these are buying their second home, they are not netting enough out of the sale of their first home to have much downpayment after they cover their costs.



Remind your buyers that now is NOT the time to be playing the risky game of trying to scour the entire nation to find someone who promises to save you a paltry amount on costs, or deliver a rate that seems too good to be true. A smooth closing and being reassured that it will close on time are just too important, and the times have changed. I am here to help and advise during these volatile times – and would welcome calls from you and your clients.

Lawn and Tree Tid-Bits from My Ryan Lawn and Tree Expert

Lawn Diseases of Summer
Fungus problems common during summer months

To be sure, watering during the hot summer months is a necessity. Most lawns need 2" of water a week to thrive when it is hot. This should be spread out throughout the week so the turfgrass has the ability to absorb the water, instead of it running off the lawn.

Watering should be avoided during the evening hours, from 4p.m. until 4a.m., to avoid fungal problems. However, the rains that we receive often happen in the evening hours, leaving our turfgrass vulnerable to infection.

Although brown patch is on the decline, pythium blight can become more of a threat because the night temperatures are higher than average during this time. To learn more about brown patch and pythium blight, visit our resource library: Lawn Diseases.

Your RYANPro can apply a preventative fungicide to help protect your lawn against summer fungal problems. The product we use helps prevent both stress and fungus from occurring.

Look out for Yellow Leaves
Iron chlorosis common problem

Some trees, like pin oak and river birch, are commonly affected by a condition called iron chlorosis. Iron chlorosis is caused by the tree's inability to absorb the iron existing in the soil. Look for lighter green or yellow leaves with dark green veins.

If left untreated, trees may lose leaves prematurely or suffer branch and limb dieback. Death can result from severe cases.

If you have questions, or have a tree that needs treatment, give your RYAN Certified Arborist a call. We can provide the tree with the iron it needs by injecting an appropriate mixture of iron and water directly into the trunk of the tree.

Brown Spots in Your Lawn?
Soil Problems may be at fault

New homes are especially vulnerable to hot spots. These occur when there is little good soil and the rocks and cement left over from constructing the new house is left in the lawn and the sod is laid on top. The high heat that we are experiencing will result in the lawn being bleached out.

The best way to fix this problem is to remove the rocks or debris below the turf, followed by reseeding or sodding this fall.

Heavy clay soils, common to older areas of town, can hold water which can also cause brown spots to appear in your lawn.

If you have brown spots in your lawn and are unsure of their cause, contact your RYANPro today.
Sprinkler System Confusing?
Your RYANPro can help.


If you have a sprinkler system, you may be among those who are unsure of how to set them properly. Did you know that a common problem when watering with sprinklers is the length of time?


Drought stress is a common problem during this time of year. People are not watering enough. If you need help setting your system up to meet your landscape's needs, contact your RYANPro. Many of our associates are comfortable helping you set up your system. We also have a referral list of sprinkler companies that we trust. We can refer you to someone who can help set up your system and make sure all areas are getting hit evenly.



Lawn Not Performing Well?
Seeding may be your best option

If your lawn isn't performing to your expectations, consider seeding your lawn to improve the quality of grass. Some cool-season lawns contain inferior grass types that will never perform well. These lawns should be killed-out and reseeded, a process that can begin in August.

If you would like to thicken up your existing stand of turfgrass, consider overseeding with high-quality seed. Your RYANPro can advise you which method is best for you.

If you would like us to assist you with your seeding needs this fall, contact your RYANPro today for a FREE seeding estimate.
Landscape Calendar: August
Water your lawn and landscape plants with 2" of water if rainfall is lacking.
Check shrubs for mites and other insect pests. Call RYAN if control is needed.
Weed flower beds regularly.
Evaluate lawn for seeding needs this fall.

Fun in the Sun!

The Sun Always Shines on People Who are Cool!
It's going to be another hot day here in Kansas City!

Generally August is really how as you probably know if you've lived in Kansas City for any amount of time.

There are a number of ways to stay cool!

There is Oceans of Fun the largest tropically themed water park in the Midwest, offers 60 acres of splashing excitement and fun for every member of the family and all the sunburn you can handle!!

There's Tiffany Springs Aquatic Park with loads of fun for the whole family with reasonable prices.

There's also Gladstone Aquatic Center that's recently had a major face-lift.

Or you can visit a neighborhood pool and if none of these are an option..... try the old fashion cooling system of letting the kids play in the sprinkler while watering the yard. This way you kill two birds with one stone.

BUT REMEMBER to always use sunscreen...... and don't forget about your pets.

Try to remember not to leave your pets outside in this horrible heat and humidity.... ESPECIALLY if they don't have a dog house or any legitimate protection from the sun. Water in a dogs bowl outside in these temperatures heats up fast..... how would you like to lay in the sun with a fur coat on?

Have fun in the sun, but be safe!

Convert a Can Light into a Pendant Light

In our new home we had a can light over the sink. I really didn't like it.

During one of our many trips to Lowe's I found a Pendant Light I fell in love with.

If you'd like to read how to change out a can light and install a Pendant light ,

read about it here: http://fountainhillskcmo.blogspot.com/

We're Not in Kansas Anymore!

We're not in Kansas anymore!

That was quite a little storm we had nearly a week ago.

Now it's rather funny, but at the time it was really scary!

My husband and I were sitting on the deck with the cat. I'd just gotten up to put down the umbrella because we were seeing the storm coming in. I commented as I looked to the left of the above picture...."Look at all that dust!" Then it hit.

It had to have been a micro burst. I threw open the door and yelled at the cat to get inside and then proceeded to hold on to the umbrella for all I was worth. It blew some of my plants off the deck to the ground below and actually was blowing the b.b.q grill, moving it on the deck.

Now I know how Dorothy felt in the Wizard of Oz. We're all safe and there was no major damage. It went away as quick as it came. Ken had just snapped these pictures before the wind began to blow and I stitched them together.

We have a beautiful view from this little piece of Kansas City Real Estate!

The Only Name You Need To Know in Real Estate
Fran WhiteREALTOR®Reece and Nichols816-682-3897

franwhite@kc.rr.comhttp://www.kansascity-realestate.net/

808 E 14th St., Kearney, MO For Sale $154,900

FOR SALE:
3 bedroom, 2.1 bath RANCH in beautiful Kearney
Take a peak at the tour....

Missouri's SALES TAX HOLIDAY!

Monday, July 16, 2007

Missouri's Sales Tax Holiday for '07

Just a reminder for all you parents in with children going to school.
There is another sales tax holiday coming on August 3rd thru 5th.

The sales tax holiday does not have mandatory participation, local jurisdictions and declare not to participate.

Be sure to ask when going into a store if they are participants of the sales tax holiday.

The Missouri Department of Revenue's site has a list of counties that have opted out. It can be found here: http://dor.mo.gov/tax/business/sales/taxholiday/counties.htm
I do not see Clay County or Platte County listed!

Here are the limitations for the exemptions:

Clothes - any article having a tax value of $100 or less
Computer Software/Programs - tax value of $350.00 or less
Personal Computers - cannot exceed $3,500
School Supplies - cannot exceed $50 per purchase
Computer Peripherals - (such as printers, etc.) cannot exceed $3,500
Additional information on qualifying items found on the Missouri Department of Revenue site: http://dor.mo.gov/tax/business/sales/taxholiday/consumers.htm

Happy Shopping! And if I can help you with any of your Kansas City Real Estate needs just email me franwhite@kc.rr.com or give me a call 816-682-3897

The Roasterie...Yummy Coffee...New Blends

My favorite coffee to enjoy while working on Kansas City Real Estate! The Roasterie has new blends!!


Now is the time of the year for friends and family, barbecue, little league baseball and sitting by the pool and reading a book. Enhance the experience of summer with hot or cold coffees and teas prepared with passion by your friends at The Roasterie.

Only the Best Get Canned:Our Limited Reserve Coffee Cans symbolize the uniqueness of the coffees within. Many of these coffees have won awards and have been reviewed as some of the highest rated coffees in the world. We are currently offering all Limited Reserve Coffee Cans at a discounted price of 20%.
Santa Isabel of Nicaragua - Cup of Excellence®http://www.theroasterie.com/shopping/detail.asp?DOM=1&productID=722

Guatemalan Huehuetenango:http://www.theroasterie.com/shopping/detail.asp?DOM=1&productID=687

San Cristobal of Guatemalan - Cup of Excellence®http://www.theroasterie.com/shopping/detail.asp?DOM=1&productID=723

Santa Sofia of El Salvador - Cup of Excellence®http://www.theroasterie.com/shopping/detail.asp?DOM=1&productID=721

Kimel Estate of Papua New Guinea:http://www.theroasterie.com/shopping/detail.asp?DOM=1&productID=666

Pitalito Estates of Colombia:http://www.theroasterie.com/shopping/detail.asp?DOM=1&productID=665

Try one of the above tasty beverages in our new diner mug.http://www.theroasterie.com/shopping/detail.asp?DOM=1&productID=728

It's “Never Summer” with Iced Coffee:When that muggy heat starts rolling into your neighborhood, it’s time to get equipped. The Never Summer Blend is a coffee dedicated to retaining a complex flavor while having the ability to quench the summer thirst.

Brewed Iced Coffee Recipe:Grind 2 oz. (4 tablespoon) of coffee to every 6 oz. of water. Refrigerate in a glass or plastic container. Pour coffee over a cup of ice and serve. Never Summer! Revolt against the summer heat.

Employee Pick of the Month:Clint is our Event Coordinator here at The Roasterie and has recently been raving about Gotham Espresso. “It’s a sweet, smooth espresso (good drip too) and has an insane crema!” Try this wonderful and underrated espresso and let us know what you think!http://www.theroasterie.com/shopping/detail.asp?DOM=1&productID=520

In The News:The Roasterie’s Santa Sofia of El Salvador was recently featured in Barista Magazine as one of this summer's spotlighted coffee products. Also Imbibe's May/June issue has an article on Kansas City’s hard working coffee community and features The Roasterie while mentioning some of the restaurants that serve our coffee. You can check out either of these magazines by visiting your local magazine retailer.
Imbibehttp://imbibemagazine.com/
Barista Magazinehttp://www.baristamagazine.com/

The Roasterie1204 W 27th St. • Kansas City, MO • 64108816.931.4000 • www.theroasterie.com

Kansas City Missouri Heating and Cooling Experts

I learned a couple of things yesterday that will help me in my Kansas City Real Estate adventures!

Of course I try to learn something everyday, but yesterday was something that will definitely help my clients!

Ever since we moved in our home five years ago we've maintained a maintenance contract with A.M. Heating and Cooling. (it was a stroke of luck that we found such a wonderful provider)

Some may think a maintenance contract with a Kansas City Heating and Cooling company is foolish, we find it very wise.

Regular maintenance of your a/c and heating units are essential in keeping a safe and healthy environment for your family. And you personally should change your furnace filters once a month.

Mark Avinew of A.M. Heating and Cooling is amazing when it comes to knowledge, customer service and maintaining your heating and cooling units.

We were visiting with him yesterday about heat pumps... and here's what I learned:

Kansas City Power and Light (KCP&L) gives customers a discount if they
have a heat pump...

In the Kansas City area, if the temperature
gets below 40 degrees, A.M. Heating and Cooling suggests switching over to your gas furnace which will save on the life of the compressor in your heat pump.

It's amazing the things we learn!

After talking with Mark yesterday, I'm going to start suggesting, in addition to a general home inspection, that my buyers get a mechanical inspection on the heating and cooling units of the home they are interested in. It makes sense.... who knows heating and cooling in Kansas City better than the specialists like A.M. Heating and Cooling?

For your Kansas City Real Estate needs, call me 816-682-3897
But for your Kansas City Heating and Cooling needs, Call A and M. Heating & Cooling....913-268-6203:: Tell them Fran White sent you!

BBQ Capital of the World Event Supports Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association (MFCAA)

From the B.B.Q. Capital of the world....... one of the things that Kansas City, Missouri is FAMOUS for.... B.B.Q.
McGonigle's Market was the location today for a great benefit for Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association (MFCAA)
McGonigle's Market donated $5.00 from every slab of ribs purchased to MFCAA and of course we were there!
You cannot find a better place for fresh, tender meats to cook at home or purchase their smoked meats and fish if you prefer not to do it yourself.
Smoke filled the air and the aroma of the neighborhood was mouth-watering! McGonigle's predicted that 3500 slab of ribs would be sold.

REALTOR® Says "No Thank You" to Listing Home Above Value

Don't be surprised if you want a REALTOR® to list your home and they say "No Thank You." It could happen to you if you fall into the following senerio.

Last week I went on a listing appointment. Before I go on an appointment I spend a lot of time getting my presentation packet all in order and I also spend a lot of time studying the comps (comparable: what other homes in the neighborhood have sold for) for the area.

I entered this home as I always do with an open mind and the ability to visually remove the contents.

This home was totally outdated (carpet, bathrooms, kitchen), it had rotten windows, it was cluttered and messy and bottom line the sellers wanted me to list it for 20K more than the highest comp.

The sellers were wanting to build a new home and the husband wasn't up for making any repairs. They had no cash for a downpayment and wanted to get their down payment out of this poor house that they already had mortgaged to the hilt.

In this tight market, your realtor has to price your home accordingly and still expect (in the mid-west) for someone to come in and offer you 5K immediately off the asking price.

Sellers need to be able to do some work or be willing to have it done, or not expect top dollar for your home.

A simple comparison would be (although I'm not fond of car salesmen) trading in a vehicle for a new shiny one.

Would you take a filthy car and expect top dollar as a trade-in if you had Micky D's fries in the cracks of the seats and popcorm remnants on the floor from the drive-in the night before?

Another thought: When you go to an outlet that carries scratch and dent products - you pay scratch and dent prices.

Buyers thing the same way about houses. Sure every home has some issues - but if it presents itself product, expect scratch and dent prices.

Even the best REALTOR® in town cannot perform miracles (although I like to think I can)... at some point they have to step back and say "no thank you." And that's a really difficult thing to do.

If you need assistance in the Kansas City Real Estate market...... give me a call 816-682-3897

Help Desperately Needed: Bone Marrow Donor

The following post was posted on Active Rain, a real estate network that I participate in.
I have the permission of the poster: Julie Ferenzi to re-post it in it's entirety.
If there is ANYTHING you can do to help.......please don't hesitate


This has nothing to with Real Estate but everything to do with humanity...
I wondered and thought for such a long time before I decided to use the Active Rain forum in this way. After speaking to the grandmother of this little boy this afternoon I really don't feel like it's even a choice. Trevor Kott needs a bone marrow donor now. I can't worry myself with whether or not someone will be upset that I posted this here on Active Rain. I will take any and all critism for posting about Trevor here, but the truth is that now with over 25,000 members I know that 25,000 people have the potential to hear and act on behalf of this little miracle.
I am writing today about something very important. This isn't a forward, and this isn't about an imaginary child floating around on the internet.
This is about a real baby boy named Trevor Kott. From the second I first laid eyes on him he stole my heart.
I first heard about Trevor's story a few weeks ago from someone on Cafe Mom, which is an on-line forum that I belong to. Rather than me go on an on about what led me to this point I will share a open letter from his parents that I took from his website: Help Save Trevor Kott
The rest of this is a message was included in a personal e-mail to my family and friends. I decided I needed to harness the power of Active Rain to help this family and share it with you.
"SAVE THE LIFE OF A CHILD!
A hundred years from nowIt will not matterWhat your bank account was,The sort of house you lived inOr the kind of car you droveBut the world may be differentBecause you were importantIn the life of a child
Trevor is our son -- a beautiful baby boy who fills us with joy -- but he is fighting to survive. He was diagnosed with AML a rare form of leukemia at birth and must have a bone marrow transplant -- but the doctors informed us on March 15, 2007 that they were not able to find a match for Trevor in the International Bone Marrow Registry. Trevor 's need is urgent. His life depends on finding a match immediately. Since that news, the doctors have given Trevor about 6-8 weeks unless a match can be found. This lack of matching donors is a crisis that affects thousands of families every year. It only takes one match to save a life. It could be you, and it is so easy to find out if you do match. It does not require a blood or marrow sample, simply a swab of some cells from your cheek, and the compassion to help save a life. You don't even need to be a blood type match for Trevor, just a tissue match. Trevor's life will depend on your prompt action. Please take action by booking an appointment today. Time is of the essence.
Please forward this information to everyone you know and encourage each of them to do the same. We are attempting to reach millions with a national grass roots campaign and need your help. We are praying for a miracle for Trevor.
Thank you and God bless you. Bob and Angela KottSacramento CA"
I can't get this little boy out of my mind or the agony his parents and family must be going through. I need to act.
Some of you may, or may not know, the effects that cancer has played in both mine and Tony's lives. We have been touched by this disease from the farthest corners of our social circle, to the inner sanctum of our daily lives.
I can't explain why I feel so called into action. I don't know why I feel it is my duty to help this family find this very special person who will save their little boy... but I do know one thing. Trevor hasn't given up and neither am I!
I should also mention that Trevor's mom Angela, just underwent surgery to remove skin cancer from her arm that she developed during her pregnancy with Trevor. This is one strong family!
I have been in touch with his mother, Angela, and I am going to do all that I can to help her find the miracle Trevor so desperately needs.
That is why I need your help. I will be hosting a Bone Marrow Registry Drive next month in Trevor Kott's honor.
I need you to be there and say that you will become a member of the National Bone Marrow Registry. You will not only be giving hope to Trevor's family... but to the many families who are waiting for their angel to find them. Registrants must be between the ages of 18 and 60 and never have had cancer or blood related illnesses.
Normally there is a $52 fee to become a member of the registry. This fee covers the cost of the Tissue type testing that matches donors with recipients. Because I am organizing this drive during the "Thank Mom" campaign, this fee is being waived by the National Bone Marrow Registry!
It is important to understand though that even though you may not be a match for little Trevor, you could someday be a match for someone else!!! Can you think of anything more precious than the gift of life?!
Testing is painless. I did it last week at a drive at Midwestern University in Downers Grove. 4 quick and simple swabs from the inside of your mouth, and that is it!
My drive will be hosted sometime between May 7th and May 21st. I am working with a coordinator at Life Source and at the National Bone Marrow Registry to plan this event. Most likely this will take place sometime between May 12-14th at the Babies R Us store in Shorewood, IL.
You can host your own drive by contacting the National Bone Marrow Registry!
Please tell everyone you know about little Trevor. When I have all of the details I forward you all of the details of this drive.
Thanks for listening!
Click here to watch this beautiful video of little Trevor....

~Julie Ferenzi
UPDATE: Trevor's grandmother, Linda Kott, called me today to ask if there was a way that I could help gain national publicity for his story.
I have contacted all 4 major news networks in my area as well as Oprah, The Today Show, Good Morning America, 20/20 and Primetime. We are all only 6 degrees from being connected from to every single person in this world!
Do you know someone who could help us? A celebrity? A contact at your local news station?
Active Rain is such a great community of people always willing to help. I thought this was a great place to start. If you have any support or contact information to offer, please contact me at 630-673-6233. THANK YOU!