Benton High School (St. Joseph, Missouri) freshman football player Matt Ziesel was all smiles at the attention on his touchdown run on Monday evening in St. Joseph. Ziesel, who has Down’s Syndrome, ran for a score and a video on YouTube is turning Matt into a celebrity. The [...]]]>

It's Not Always About Winning

Benton High School (St. Joseph, Missouri) freshman football player Matt Ziesel was all smiles at the attention on his touchdown run on Monday evening in St. Joseph. Ziesel, who has Down’s Syndrome, ran for a score and a video on YouTube is turning Matt into a celebrity. The complete story in the Kansas City Star may be found by CLICKING HERE.

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Consumer Confidence

The confidence of the American consumer regarding near-term and longer-term expectations rose sharply in August, following less-than-exciting data the prior two months. A more confident consumer is a key to longer-term U.S. economic performance as consumer spending still represents two-thirds of all U.S. economic [...]]]> See All Kansas City Properties

Consumer Confidence

The confidence of the American consumer regarding near-term and longer-term expectations rose sharply in August, following less-than-exciting data the prior two months. A more confident consumer is a key to longer-term U.S. economic performance as consumer spending still represents two-thirds of all U.S. economic activity.

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, based on a survey of 5,000 U.S. households, rose to 54.1 in August, up from 47.4 in July. Consumer views as expressed in the Present Situation Index rose, reflecting some improvement in the nation’s job market. The Expectations Index rose sharply to its highest level since December 2007, tied to a brighter economic assessment by consumers.

While rising confidence is a positive sign, we have a long way to go. The 54.1 August measure compares to an average of 57.9 during 2008. In addition, levels near 90 to 100 signal consumer expectations of strong U.S. economic growth…..still a good sign.

Home Values

Yes, prices were down an estimated 14.9% when compared to the second quarter one year ago. Note, however, that first quarter home prices were down a more painful 19.1% when compared to the same quarter a year ago.

The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index has been one of the more negative measures of home values in recent years. The Index suggests that the average American home value has plunged roughly 32% since peaking in the summer of 2006.

As one might expect, the sharp decline in home prices has led to more people being able to buy a home…if they still have a job. The combination of sharp home price declines and historically low mortgage interest rates, when compared to average family incomes, now suggests the highest level of housing affordability in a generation. Numerous housing markets are seeing much stronger levels of buying interest, particularly in California…

…another good sign

Budget Deficits

Spoiling the party is the latest estimate of budget deficits during the next decade, which are simply scary…

We can live with budget deficits averaging $150-$300 billion annually…as bad as that is…we have done it for years. In my view, we cannot live with deficits averaging $1,000,000,000,000 EACH year.

The White House now says the projected deficit over the next 10 years will reach $9.05 trillion, roughly $2 trillion higher than its estimate earlier this year. The culprits are a more serious economic downturn than expected previously, higher joblessness, and less aggressive forecasts as to future U.S. economic growth.

One piece of good news in the report, as well as found in a similar estimate by the Congressional Budget Office, is that the projected deficit for the current fiscal year, which ends on September 30, is now “merely” $1.58 trillion, down $263 billion from the projection in May. The reason is $250 billion included in the earlier estimate for an additional bank bailout is no longer needed…

…at least that’s a good sign. 

“Reprinted with permission from the “Tea Leaf” by Jeff Thredgold. Copyright, 2009, Thredgold Economic Associates, LLC. To subscribe to Jeff’s free weekly email update, visit www.thredgold.com.”

Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or seeking information, rely on RE/MAX Best Associates 800-391-BEST(2378) X106 or 913-339-0615 to provide accurate up to date information about the marketplace email to: tfarrell@remax.net  or visit http://www.kansascityerealestate.com/

What was the movie line – We’re  mad as hell and not going to take it any more*?  Earlier this year the Kansas City Royals lost a game in Cleveland when a ball hit by the opposition [...]]]> Click this text to return to the RE/MAX Best Associates Website to see All Kansas City properties!

What was the movie line – We’re  mad as hell and not going to take it any more*?  Earlier this year the Kansas City Royals lost a game in Cleveland when a ball hit by the opposition struck a seagull and the winning run may have scored as a result.  During yesterday’s loss a cat nearly made a trip around the bases and was at one point headed for home plate.  The cat veered into foul territory and was summarily dismissed along with the Royals who lost their 68th game – Only one team in all of baseball has a worse record. 

We deserve better and need to demand it.  The Kansas City Metropolitan Areais a fifteen county metropolitan area straddling the border between the states of Missouri and Kansas that is anchored by Kansas City, Missouri. In 2008, it was estimated to have a population numbering just over 2 million according to Wikipedia.  Our Easterly neighbor’s team the St. Louis Cardinals  are tied for 1st place and are perennial contenders.  Yes St. Louis has a slightly higher population (2.8) but we deserve better. 

Having grown up in Chicago which currently has not one but two contending teams, (the Cubs are tied for 1st and the White Sox are a game out of first), I have experienced how a contending baseball team can change the psyche of a city.  If the Kansas City Royals were contenders, wouldn’t we all be a little happier?  Wouldn’t our property values seem a little higher?  Wouldn’t our schools be a little better?  Our children better behaved?  The sun a little brighter?  The winters a little milder?  Send your ideas on how we can make our Royals a better team?  Not next year but NOW!  We want and deserve a better team. 

*The memorable quote of Peter Finch in the movie “Network” which debuted in 1976 went on to say “…So, I want you to get up now. I want all of you to get up out of your chairs. I want you to get up right now and go to the window, open it, and stick your head out and yell, “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!!”

Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or seeking information or buying Kansas City Royals tickets, rely on RE/MAX Best Associates 800-391-BEST(2378) X106 or 913-339-0615 to provide accurate up to date information about the marketplace email to: tfarrell@remax.net  or visit http://www.kansascityerealestate.com/

Earlier this month, Kansas Congressman Jerry Moran (R – 1st District) introduced legislation to extend and expand the $8,000 first-time homebuyers’ tax credit. Although Congress is not expected to act on an extension of the credit [...]]]> Click this text to return to the RE/MAX Best Associates Website to see All Kansas City properties!

Earlier this month, Kansas Congressman Jerry Moran (R – 1st District) introduced legislation to extend and expand the $8,000 first-time homebuyers’ tax credit. Although Congress is not expected to act on an extension of the credit until later this year, Congressman Moran has demonstrated his commitment to strengthening the housing market and supporting REALTORS® with the introduction of this legislation.

For more details please CLICK HERE.  Do you think tax credits are good for the economy? Do you think the credits should be limited to 1st time buyers? Should the credits be repaid?

Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or seeking information, rely on RE/MAX Best Associates 800-391-BEST(2378) X106 or 913-339-0615 to provide accurate up to date information about the marketplace email to: tfarrell@remax.net  or visit http://www.kansascityerealestate.com/

A decade ago, environmental issues were rarely a part of the typical real estate transaction. Today, however, it’s common for inspections relating to environmental concerns to be part of most sales contracts.

In many states, seller disclosure regulations will [...]]]> Click this text to return to the RE/MAX Best Associates Website to see All Kansas City properties!

A decade ago, environmental issues were rarely a part of the typical real estate transaction. Today, however, it’s common for inspections relating to environmental concerns to be part of most sales contracts.

In many states, seller disclosure regulations will reveal knowledge of certain toxic substances on a property. Typically, though, it’s up to the buyer to pursue environmental inspections and tie any findings to the purchase offer.

Beyond home inspectors

Home inspectors who primarily focus on structural integrity and working systems might not be qualified to conduct specialized inspections for radon, asbestos, lead paint and mold – substances that in recent years have emerged as the most common environmental concerns for home buyers. Testing for these substances typically requires a specialist who will charge a fee beyond the basic cost of a general home inspection.

As with any other inspection issue, the estimated expense of remedying a toxic substance situation may have already been factored into the home’s listing price. Other times, the outcome of an inspection might become a negotiating point.

Radon – A few facts – Radon is a tasteless, odorless gas. It is a proven carcinogen and ranks second only to cigarette smoking as a cause of lung cancer. If you have a radon problem, it is usually easy and inexpensive to abate.

There are a number of radon sampling devices you can buy, or you can have a professional company conduct tests. Radon is measured in pico Curies per liter (pCi/L). The EPA recommends that remedial action be taken when a residence exceeds a radon level of four pCi/L.

Asbestos

Many older homes have asbestos insulation in walls and ceilings, wrapped around hot water pipes or in exterior shingles. Is it dangerous? If you suspect there may be asbestos in your home, you should have a professional inspection. Generally, asbestos is considered a health hazard when the material is friable, that is, when it crumbles, releasing tiny fibers into the air.

Removal of asbestos can be an expensive process and must be conducted by trained and certified professionals. But the presence of asbestos may not be a health hazard, and in some cases, an asbestos hazard can be isolated without removal.

Lead Based Paint

Approximately three-quarters of the housing in the United States built before 1978 (about 64 million dwellings) contain lead-based paint. When properly maintained and managed, this paint possesses little risk. However, 1.7 million children have blood-lead levels above safe limits, mostly due to exposure to lead-based paint hazards at home.

Lead poisoning can cause permanent damage to the brain and create reduced intelligence and behavioral problems. Lead also can damage other organs and can cause abnormal fetal development in pregnant women. People can get lead in their bodies by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips with lead in them.

The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction ACT of 1992 directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure people receive information needed to protect themselves from lead-based paint hazards. Often found in pre-1978 housing Most homebuyers and renters must receive information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards when they buy or rent housing built before 1978. Some housing, such as efficiency apartments, dormitories, vacation rentals, adult housing and foreclosure sales are not covered.

Under the rule, sellers, landlords, and their agents will be responsible for providing information to buyers or renters before a sale or lease. Home buyers will have 10 days to conduct a lead-based paint inspection or risk assessment at their own expense. The rule gives the two parties flexibility to negotiate key terms of the evaluation.

The new rule does not require any testing or removal of lead-based paint by sellers or landlords and does not invalidate leasing and sales contracts.

For a copy of the Environmental Protection Agency pamphlet, Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home, sample disclosure forms, or the rule itself, call the National Lead Information Clearinghouse (NLIC) at (800) 424-5323, or TDD (800) 526-5456 for the hearing impaired. The EPA pamphlet and rule also are available electronically and may be accessed through the Internet at www.epa.gov

Molds

Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.  When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. For more info see http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html

Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or seeking information, rely on RE/MAX Best Associates 

800-391-BEST(2378) X106 or 913-339-0615 to provide accurate up to date information about the marketplace email to:  tfarrell@remax.net  or visit www.kansascityerealestate.com