To see more, go to my http://activerain.com/blogs/franwhite blog
Mobile post sent by FranWhite using Utterz.
Replies. mp3Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Well I'm getting all prepared for the upcoming icestorm using Utterz! Traditionally in Kansas City we get horrible ice storms and we are in for 18 hours of it starting now!
I'll keep you up to date on the weather through my Utterz.
Mobile post sent by FranWhite using Utterz.
Replies. mp3Saturday, December 01, 2007
7 Tips To Spruce Up Your Home This Winter
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When it's cold and the weather encourages us all to spend more time inside it makes us look at our surroundings.
Here are some ideas of things you could do to spruce up your home this winter season!
First determine the kind of lifestyle you live in your home and a budget.
Ask yourself, "what's my style?"
Do you have children or visiting children? Do you entertain a lot? Do you prefer contemporary or casual?
Paint works wonders. Dollar for dollar, paint
gives you the greatest bang for your buck. You
can totally change the look of a room by painting
the walls, trim or ceiling a different color.
Wallpaper is back! And it’s better and more
fashionable than ever. Today’s styles are more
varied, with textured vinyls that can simulate
stucco and grasscloth. You can get BIG looks
without spending a bundle, especially if you do
it yourself.
Toss it up. Bring life to that old sofa with some
fresh new toss pillows in different shapes and
complementary colors. Along the same lines,
throw rugs can add interest and instantly warm
up a room.
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!
Little things mean a lot. Give your home
personality with touches like floral arrangements,
plants, candles and artwork.
Visit flea markets and yard sales for unique items that can be
re-purposed. For example, transform an antique
milk can into a functional umbrella stand.
Turn on the light. Lighting can set the tone
for a room, so it’s important to choose the right
lamps and installed lighting.
Rooms should have a lighting source about every 10 feet, so consider
using both floor lamps and table lamps.
Treat them right. Custom window treatments
can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, so
you’ll want to work with off-the-shelf shades,
swags and curtains.
Drapery panels that are positioned high above
the window and flow to the floor are “hot” right
now, as are Roman shades and eco-friendly
bamboo shades.
If you are just starting to look for a home in the North Kansas City real estate market and need some help, I'd be glad to. 816-682-3897
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Kansas City Kicks Off The Holiday Season
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The Holidays are officially kicked-off in Kansas City. Thanksgiving is over, the Plaza Lights are shining bright. The Mayor’s Christmas Tree is sparkling and Zona Rosa is all a twinkle with those beautiful crowns that use to call downtown Kansas City home.
But is it time to buy home in Kansas City? Of course it is! There are many amazing homes on the market at utterly amazing prices, now is the time. If you’ve even remotely considered buying a home in the last 6 months NOW is the time to do it, you’d be shocked at what you can get for your $$$!
If you’d like some assistance looking in the North Kansas City area I’d be more than glad to assist you!
Please feel free to call my cell 816-682-3897 or email me at FranWhite@kc.rr.com
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
1108 NW 73rd Terr., Kansas City, MO
Click the details button at the bottom of the visual tour to get additional information on this property. If I can be of assistance with your real estate needs, please feel free to contact me at franwhite@kc.rr.com or 816-682-3897
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Oct 2007
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Meet Lola... well her name really isn't Lola, it's Dolores, but I have permission to call her Lola.Lola is a dear friend of mine - we worked together in television.
In 2004, Lola was diagnosed with breast cancer.
With her son and husband to care for she wasn't quite sure how she was going to manage. Friends and family were eager to help with meals, car-pooling and housekeeping.
Keep everything straight on who was coming when and to do what was taxing - this normally vivacious, beautiful, spunky gal didn't need one more thing to keep track of while trying to concentrate on healing.
Being Lola...she created an online schedule system where friends and family could log in and sign up for whatever duties on whatever date and time was available.
It worked beautifully and everything got accomplished when it was suppose to.
Now 3 years later Lola has won her battle with cancer and just today launched her own dot.com.
MyPinkPlanner.com is a free online service offered to breast cancer survivors to give them an extra edge on organization while undergoing chemo or radiation.
I'm proud of Lola - she's helping make lemonade out of lemons for breast cancer patients.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month please consider sharing this website with someone you know whose life has changed by breast cancer.
Good going Lola!
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Fall is Upon Us...... Tree, Yard and Lawn Tips for Fall
Help Lawns Recover from Summer
Fall watering can go a long way
If your lawn looks a bit rough after the heat and dry conditions summer normally brings, get out your hose. Fall watering is one of the best things you can do to bring your lawn back after a hot, dry summer.
We usually suggest watering each area of your lawn at least 30-90 minutes each time you water, depending on your sprinkler type. If you are restoring your lawn without seeding, plan to water every week in the absence of rain. As the days shorten and the nights become cool, there is less evaporation and watering lasts much longer.
If you have seeded your lawn, you should water daily for three weeks. Continue to water every 2-3 days once this time has passed.
Protection Next Season Starts Now
Our plant protection products prevent disease
As leaves begin to fall for this season, take time to think of next spring. With rake in hand, it is easy to think of deciduous trees, like crabapples and hawthorns, that are commonly susceptible to fungal diseases in the spring.
We must also turn our attention to susceptible evergreens. Scotch and Austrian pines are commonly infected by tip blight during wet spring months. Tip blight was especially bad this year, which means there is a greater risk of tip blight next spring. Of the steps you can take to minimize your pine's risk of infection, prevention is the best method.
All pines can be protected on a preventative basis. Proper timing of our applications can control the fungi and enable you to enjoy healthy trees next season. You can rest easy by placing your trees on our program now. Contact your RYAN Certified Arborist today.
Ready, Set, Rake!
Leaf clean-up important during fall months
As trees begin to shed their leaves for the fall season, grab your rake. It is important to keep up with leaf clean-up, especially on newly seeded lawns.
It may be tempting to use your mulching mower to grind up your leaves. However, this is not the best method. Large amounts of leaves can significantly increase the amount of organic matter in your lawn and may contribute to low pH levels.
High levels of organic matter in the soil in your turfgrass areas can cause lawns to dry out extremely fast during dry spells. If you would like to use your mulching mower to grind up your leaves, be sure to move them to your landscape beds where organic matter is needed. Otherwise, bag the leaves.
Mowing Season is Winding Down
Final mowing height, mower maintenance important
Soon we will be packing away our lawn mowers for the winter season. Before parking your mower, be sure to do a final mowing. (Both warm season and cool season turfgrasses should be cut at two inches for their final mowing.)
Mowing at two inches has improved cold tolerance among warm season turfgrass. It also prevents cool-season turfgrasses to from falling over under the weight of snow.
After mowing the lawn the final time, there are a few important maintenance things to do. First, sharpen the blade. Also, change the oil and add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. This will reduce hassles in the spring when you are ready to get outside and work.
Fall Optimum Time for Feeding Trees
Give trees, shrubs nutrients they need to thrive
Trees and shrubs undergo many stresses throughout the year. This year is no different. From freezing temperatures late in the spring to typical summer stresses, many trees and shrubs would benefit from fertilization.
In addition to assisting with stress recovery, root fertilization can increase plant health and vigorous root and shoot growth.
Landscape Calendar: October
Water cool-season lawns to help recovery from summer stress.
Continue to water newly seeded lawns every 2-3 days.
Call RYAN to fertilize your trees and shrubs.
Plant spring blooming bulbs for early color next season.
Plant pansies to complement spring flowering bulbs. Simply plant the pansies over spring bulbs for a dramatic display. Mulch well.
Remove begonias, caladiums, dahlias and other tuberous plants for overwintering indoors.
Empty ornamental containers and store for winter.
Continue to water and weed landscape beds as needed.
Fall watering can go a long way
If your lawn looks a bit rough after the heat and dry conditions summer normally brings, get out your hose. Fall watering is one of the best things you can do to bring your lawn back after a hot, dry summer.
We usually suggest watering each area of your lawn at least 30-90 minutes each time you water, depending on your sprinkler type. If you are restoring your lawn without seeding, plan to water every week in the absence of rain. As the days shorten and the nights become cool, there is less evaporation and watering lasts much longer.
If you have seeded your lawn, you should water daily for three weeks. Continue to water every 2-3 days once this time has passed.
Protection Next Season Starts Now
Our plant protection products prevent disease
As leaves begin to fall for this season, take time to think of next spring. With rake in hand, it is easy to think of deciduous trees, like crabapples and hawthorns, that are commonly susceptible to fungal diseases in the spring.
We must also turn our attention to susceptible evergreens. Scotch and Austrian pines are commonly infected by tip blight during wet spring months. Tip blight was especially bad this year, which means there is a greater risk of tip blight next spring. Of the steps you can take to minimize your pine's risk of infection, prevention is the best method.
All pines can be protected on a preventative basis. Proper timing of our applications can control the fungi and enable you to enjoy healthy trees next season. You can rest easy by placing your trees on our program now. Contact your RYAN Certified Arborist today.
Ready, Set, Rake!
Leaf clean-up important during fall months
As trees begin to shed their leaves for the fall season, grab your rake. It is important to keep up with leaf clean-up, especially on newly seeded lawns.
It may be tempting to use your mulching mower to grind up your leaves. However, this is not the best method. Large amounts of leaves can significantly increase the amount of organic matter in your lawn and may contribute to low pH levels.
High levels of organic matter in the soil in your turfgrass areas can cause lawns to dry out extremely fast during dry spells. If you would like to use your mulching mower to grind up your leaves, be sure to move them to your landscape beds where organic matter is needed. Otherwise, bag the leaves.
Mowing Season is Winding Down
Final mowing height, mower maintenance important
Soon we will be packing away our lawn mowers for the winter season. Before parking your mower, be sure to do a final mowing. (Both warm season and cool season turfgrasses should be cut at two inches for their final mowing.)
Mowing at two inches has improved cold tolerance among warm season turfgrass. It also prevents cool-season turfgrasses to from falling over under the weight of snow.
After mowing the lawn the final time, there are a few important maintenance things to do. First, sharpen the blade. Also, change the oil and add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. This will reduce hassles in the spring when you are ready to get outside and work.
Fall Optimum Time for Feeding Trees
Give trees, shrubs nutrients they need to thrive
Trees and shrubs undergo many stresses throughout the year. This year is no different. From freezing temperatures late in the spring to typical summer stresses, many trees and shrubs would benefit from fertilization.
In addition to assisting with stress recovery, root fertilization can increase plant health and vigorous root and shoot growth.
Landscape Calendar: October
Water cool-season lawns to help recovery from summer stress.
Continue to water newly seeded lawns every 2-3 days.
Call RYAN to fertilize your trees and shrubs.
Plant spring blooming bulbs for early color next season.
Plant pansies to complement spring flowering bulbs. Simply plant the pansies over spring bulbs for a dramatic display. Mulch well.
Remove begonias, caladiums, dahlias and other tuberous plants for overwintering indoors.
Empty ornamental containers and store for winter.
Continue to water and weed landscape beds as needed.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
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.
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
Monday, September 24, 2007
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!
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!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
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.
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