This Weekend: Caffeine Crawl and Waldo Crawldo

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Here’s an event I was not aware of in Kansas City:  The Caffeine Crawl.  I saw a postcard for it when I stopped by The Roasterie a week or so ago.  And it’s just what it sounds like:  a bus tour of local coffee shops tasting various coffees. Mmmm…sounds like fun!

Caffeine Crawl Kansas City 2012

Kansas City has a good number of locally-owned coffee shops and roasters.  The 2012 KC Caffeine Crawl runs over two days this weekend, and covers 14 different venues.  Not only do the stops include the obvious spots, like The Roasterie, LatteLand and the Broadway Cafe, but also places I’m not familiar with:  Revo Cup Coffee Roasters in Overland Park and Oddly Correct Coffee Roasters on Main in midtown. (I’m making a visit to the Oddly Correct coffee shop just because the name sounds so inviting!).   The Caffeine Crawl is sold out, but anyone is welcome to the free after party Sept 15  at About the Coffee, 3185 Terrace.  This is a family friendly event featuring the ‘baristalympics’ and an organic BBQ food truck (with vegetarian options!).  The Caffeine Crawl happens in a few other cities as well, watch the website for details on the 2013 Kansas City event.

Another event happening this weekend is the 8th annual Waldo Crawldo to benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.  Starting at 6pm, all seven venues participating are within walking distance of 75th and Wornall.  A great way to check out several different bars, meet new friends and not have to worry about driving from place to place.  There are prizes and drink specials, too!  Order your tickets on line, just $5 in advance–visit www.waldocrawldo.com to order.  (For some reason the link isn’t working, so I am printing the website address for reference).

Why I Recommend Using a Local Mortgage Lender

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Regular readers of this blog will know that I champion local businesses, especially those in the Brookside/Waldo area.  Recently I had a client who decided to use a large, national lender for his mortgage loan to purchase an Armour Hills home.  I advised him that it would probably not close on time and recommended he contact Michael Kauffman at the Brookside Bank Midwest location.  He did contact Michael, but decided to use Bank X (I won’t name the bank, but you would know it!) because of a previous transaction with them.

“Jeff,” I said, “here’s what’s going to happen.  Your local contact will provide excellent service.  She will tell you that everything is going well.  She will say all of your paperwork is submitted and the loan should go through, no problems.  Then, a few days before closing, your local contact will get a message from a processor in some other city, requiring you to submit more paperwork and demanding other conditions be met before underwriting approves the loan.  You will have to scramble to meet the requirements,  and it will cause you, and the seller, a lot of stress.  And your closing will be delayed.”

And that is exactly what happened. Two days before closing, the lender demanded repairs be made to the property, even though no repairs were negotiated (we negotiated a price reduction).  The lender had the inspection well over three weeks prior to closing to review it–the required repair list was sent two days before closing.  Why?  Because I think the  out-of-town processors don’t even review the file until 48 hours before closing, and then raise the red flag.

My buyer was very upset.  We had to drop everything and get repair bids, schedule contractors and submit receipts.  Which we did. But yet..the closing was STILL delayed by five days!  My buyer had to pay additional rent and the seller (who, fortunately, had moved out and was not purchasing another home), generously let my buyer move in prior to close.  Of course, when Jeff found out about the delay, he called Michael to see if he could switch the loan to Bank Midwest–but it was too late.

Next chapter in this story….poor customer service follow-up!  My buyer wrote a long letter to his Bank X contact, outlining step by step the problems caused by the delay.  He politely asked for a lender credit on the HUD to reimburse him for the rent money he had to pay.  Bank X refused, saying “it would set a precedent “ for other customers who experience similar problems.  Sadly, the local lender contact didn’t even go to bat for her client, pushing for some sort of compensation with her manager.  And I know  Bank X has given lender credit before in other delayed deals. ( I’ve heard plenty of stories about that from my fellow agents.)  There’s the  true reflection of how  much they ‘care’ about their customers. The letter was ignored.  Not even a written response back to the buyer.

So, lesson learned once again, about the benefits of spending your money with  locally owned businesses.  Most of the time you will get better service and keep your  money in the community.  Buy local!

Career Musings on Labor Day

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It’s been a relaxing weekend for me so far…and it feels great!  I did work with some out of town buyers relocating to Kansas City, and took the girls shopping.   Tonight, we are having friends over for dinner, although it’s too hot and muggy to eat outside.  I’d like to visit the pool one last time.  This is the last holiday weekend until..Thanksgiving, at least for most folks who  don’t work for the government.

Feeling a bit lazy Saturday night, I started watching a Chris Rock concert on HBO.  I’m  a  fan of his humor. He’s very smart and sharp when it comes to composing his comedy bits  Like all good comics, he bases his humor on what he sees and feels about everyday life. At one point in the show, he started riffing about the difference between a job and a career.

Chris Rock

He started out by admitting he stupidly dropped out of high school  He got a job in the back of a fast food seafood restaurant, scraping shrimp off plates.  For hours and hours, he scraped, scraped, scraped those plates. And that job was the best he could do with his level of education at the time. He hated it.

Then, Chris started talking about his career.  As a comic, he works a lot, constantly coming up  with new material, searching for inspiration on new bits to develop, working in movies and as a stand-up comic.  Because he loves what he does for a living, he emphasized  this is his career, not only a job.  WIth a career, you are focused, determined, motivated to do better.  A job is just a way to earn a paycheck, and you can’t wait until your shift is over.

Inspired by Chris, I was thinking of my career as a real estate agent on this Labor Day.  In the beginning, it felt like just a job, but  without a regular paycheck.  I had to educate myself on various neighborhoods, contract documents, financing, attend inspections, learn how to market myself and my services. It was tedious, time consuming, and very little income. But I liked what I was doing, so I  worked long hours on my own little ‘start up’ business.  There were days in the beginning when I had nothing I had to do that day for my job, but I worked anyway.  There was so much to learn, and so I forced myself to soak up as much as I could about being a professional, knowledgeable agent–even though it would have been easier to just blow off the day and watch movies on the sofa. Eventually, I turned the job into a career.  When did that happen?   When I really started to enjoy what I was doing, when I felt this was a service I could provide to people and be proud of it. When I started learning from the mistakes, when I realized I was in control of the business.  When I felt a sense of accomplishment and appreciation from my clients.  When I had to work three days straight with one client but enjoyed their company so much, it was a bubbly mixture of work and interesting  conversations.

Now I still work long hours and am constantly trying to improve myself as an agent.  Keeping up with technology, new rules and regulations, recognizing the shifting needs of buyers and consoling sellers who can’t get what they want for their house–these challenges are ever present.   But like Chris, I really like what I do and have developed  my career.  Thankfully, it will never be just a job to me.

Where are the Mutt Mitts in Arbor Villa Park?

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Heavy sigh as I begin this post…it’s about the ‘mutt mitts’ (plastic bags for doggie waste) provided by the Armour Hills Homes Assn in Arbor Villa Park. At our board meeting last week, a resident stopped by wondering when the supply would be replenished.  Board member Tiffany Moore did some investigation as to why the box is frequently empty.

A resident who lives near the park orders the mitts and stocks  the dispenser.   Armour Hills has been spending about $4500 per year on these plastic baggies. A shipment of 6400 mitts lasts…just 6 to 8 weeks.   Yes, we have lots of dog lovers in Armour Hills, and I’m sure residents of other neighborhoods use our mitts when walking their pets.  But I doubt that every person walking by is taking just one mitt…it’s obvious some folks are taking hundreds of  mitts for their personal ‘stash’.

What to do?  This is an issue the board will have  to discuss.  We want to provide this service  for our residents, and the occasional non-Armour Hills homeowner is welcome to take one if necessary.  But it’s hard to justify a $4500 annual expense when it’s obvious some people are just helping themselves to as many mitts as they can take with them. There are approximately 1200 homes in our subdivision–if every single homeowner had a dog that was walked twice each day, there’s no way 6400 mitts could be used in eight weeks’ time!

I don’t have a dog.  But if I did, I would appreciate having the convenience of a mutt mitt dispenser in the park when needed.  I hope  this service does not have to be discontinued because of a few selfish people who are stealing the supply.  However, Armour Hills residents should not subsidize the cost of doggie waste bags for those who feel entitled to abuse the service.

What’s Next for Hale Cook Elementary?

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As a real estate agent, I am often asked about the public school districts in the metro area.  It’s no secret that many KCMO families move to Kansas or another neighboring Missouri school district when their kids reach school age.  A recent study by the Kauffman Foundation estimates that less than 10% of the approximately 6000 elementary school aged children living in zip codes 64112, 64113 and 64114 attend a public school. But that’s what Friends of Hale Cook are trying to change. Located at 7302 Pennsylvania, this non-profit group is trying to re-open Hale Cook as a  neighborhood school managed  by  the KCMO district .

So will the school be ready for the 2013-2014 school year?  Too early to say.  Kansas City School Superintendent Steven Green and Mayor Sly James are supportive,  and the  next step is the feasibility study which will be taken to the school board in the fall. Friends of Hale Cook welcome all area residents to take the study–and it’s easy to do.  Just go to the Hale Cook website  and click on the link.  It took me less than five minutes to complete.

Although operated by the KCMO school district, Hale Cook  will feature focused  and  constant parent involvement with volunteers in every classroom. The  advisory board will push to partner with the hiring of the principal and teachers.  Even though the school is still  in the  planning stages,  many teachers who live in the area have contacted the Hale Cook volunteers, expressing  interest in working at the school.

In the meantime, Friends of Hale Cook are maintaining a very visible profile in the community.  Yard signs are visible,  there are regular meetings and events open to the public, and the group has a grant from the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce to grow food on the school grounds for the needy–drive by and see the garden!

Friends of Hale Cook is the best example of a group of parents committed to changing the reputation of the KCMO school district by bringing back this community school. It’s a true grassroots movement. So how will the school district respond? Will they support Hale Cook, cooperate with parents, push through entrenched bureaucracy to get the school open? This will be a test.  The KCMO school board is always talking, talking, talking about ‘getting the community and business leaders involved’ to improve the schools.  Here’s the  opportunity to see if they mean what they say.  Prove it, KCMO school board, by supporting Hale Cook. Embrace the  advisory board, partner with the parents and volunteers. And please voice your opinion by taking part in the survey.

She’s Leaving Brookside

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My first-born, Erin, is leaving home Saturday for Truman State University.  On my way to being an empty nester!  If you have a Facebook account..it seems like all of the postings the past few weeks are pictures of the college bound kids on their way out the door. This blog isn’t going to be about how much I’ll miss her, or advice I want to share with her..it’s about Erin leaving Brookside.  She’s spent here whole life here so far…how has it influenced her?

As Erin grew up, she realized what a special place this is…..she played in the nearby parks, biked the trail, friended the neighbors, babysat for families, attended  three different schools.  She learned to appreciate the uniqueness of the homes here, inside and out. (Whenever she would come home from visiting a new friend’s home, she would  tell me about it –the original charming features, the curb appeal, the lush finished basements.)  She enjoyed supporting locally owned businesses. Her first job was at The New Dime Store, and she always had stories about various customers and family friends that stopped by.  She learned a lot there about working with the public!

Erin at The New Dime Store

Of course she will ‘come home to Brookside’ for holidays and summers, but she won’t be really living here as before.  Her carefree childhood as a Brookside kid is over.   As she flies away, I know she will get a warm, nostalgic  feeling every time she drives back here through our streets, visiting with old  friends at  63rd and Brookside  for drinks, a meal or Foos Frozen Custard.   When she’s older, ready to choose her own home,  will she be influenced by her Brookside childhood?  Will she chose an urban, walkable, neighborhood full of older homes and locally owned restaurants and shops?  Will she want to come back and live in Brookside??

It’s a small community here, and Erin is leaving to explore the world.  Her Brookside roots will stay strong.  I know her Brookside home will always be with her, wherever in the world she ends up.

Armour Hills Home Sales Statistics- July 2012

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Time for our monthly review of home sales in Armour Hills! Homes are selling quickly in our neighborhood. Let’s review the stats:

 
In July 2012, 9 single family homes sold.  The average list price was $225,422 and the average sales price was $224,111.  Average days on market:  53.

In July 2011, 5 single family homes sold.  The average list price was $226,460
and the average sales price was $224,470. Average days on market:  80.

Almost twice as many homes sold this year, although the average sales price is virtually unchanged. Days on market is shorter, which is good news for sellers. Also, notice how the average sales price is just about $1000 less than the list price.

Now let’s look at year-to-date figures:

From January-July 2012, 44 single family homes sold.  Average sales price was $220,406.  Average days on market: 89.

From January-July 2011, 30 single family homes sold. Average sales price was $210,151.  Average days on market: 137.

Year-to-date, average sales price has jumped up $10,000 from last year, more homes have sold and days on market has shortened by almost seven weeks! In addition, we had a home sell last month for $382,500–a very robust sales price for Armour Hills.

It will be interesting to see if these trends continue in the Fall, a  traditionally slower time for sales. Currently there are 18 homes for sale in Armour Hills, with an average list price of $245,975 and 126 days on market. If you would like moer specific information on home sales in the Brookside area, contact me!

(All figures taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

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Brookside/Waldo Tax Reassessment Notices-In the Mail!

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Did you recently get a letter from the Jackson County Assessment Department? Yes, neighbors, it’s that time again…Jackson County is reassessing residential property for the 2013 tax bills.

We recently got the letter at our house, so I called the assessor’s office to get more details about the process. Working north from south KC, their  focus is now on the Brookside area. Staff from the assessment department will soon be inspecting and measuring the  exterior of homes.  Workers will NOT ask to enter your home; however, you will receive a door hanger asking you to call in more specific information. When  you  phone in, you will be asked questions about various features of your home: how many bedrooms and baths; if you’ve added on any rooms or have a finished basement. All of this information will be used to determine a ‘fair market value’ for your home, based on recent comparable sales in your neighborhood.

Next spring, the valuation notices will be mailed.  Not only will your home have a specific dollar valuation, but it will also feature  an estimate of your new property tax bill.  In the past, your notice stated  the value of your home but not how much the tax bill might be. Property taxes are due at the end of the year, so residents will have plenty of time to protest the new property valuation if they feel it’s unfair. And remember, when your property taxes go up, so will your monthly mortgage payment to cover the tax escrow account.

Watch for assessment personnel walking around your neighborhood in the next few weeks. If you want more information, the Assessor’s office phone number is 816 881 4661.

Google Fiber Coming to Brookside – Part 2

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I wanted to write about a few more things I learned at the Google Fiber neighborhood association meeting on Monday night.  Google Fiber is  the fastest internet speed there is, 1000Mb per second, which is 100 times faster than what consumers have right now.  Google chose Kansas City KS and Kansas City MO to roll out this service, which you can register for now at the website.

You can read part one of my blog about Google Fiber at the top of this page. Other information about Google Fiber for reference:

*The ‘fiberglass box’ bringing the service to your home will be attached to the house, and stays with the house.  You will have one fiber box per TV set.

Google Fiber boxes

*Google says they will ‘work with the neighborhoods’ as to the placement of the service huts in each neighborhood location. I am concerned about this because of the unsightly AT&T UVerse boxes that were plopped on the easement and 68th St and Main in Armour Hills, which is not only an eyesore but blocks the view of oncoming cars.

* Users will have a regular remote control stick and a tablet for TV control .  (I was not allowed to take a picture of the tablet, but it’s about the size of a Kindle and very easy to use).

*You will not need a router or a server with this service.  You will have three small boxes, one for storage, another for cable and a third for DVR service.

*Four computers can be served by one network box.

*You can find a list of available TV channels on the website.  Right now, premium channels (like HBO) are not listed.  ESPN and AMC aren’t on the list either.  But Google is still negotiating, and feels these channels will be available eventually.

Google welcomes anyone interested in this service to stop by their local headquarters at 1814 Westport Road for a demonstration.  It’s very impressive–you can test out the mega-fast internet connection and the bright, hi-def TV service.  There’s plenty of Google staff to chat with you and answer questions… and it’s a very  relaxing, inviting space to hang out  and play with the new toys!  Hours are Sunday-Friday 12noon-8pm and Saturday 10am-8pm,  1814 Westport Road at State Line.

Having Google Fiber access to the KC metro area is going to change the way we work, play, and entertain ourselves.  The rest of the nation will be watching how we use this service and what happens as a result.  Even if you don’t think you have the need for faster internet service–if you plan on moving in the next few years, sign up. I believe it will add to the value of your home if it’s connected to Google Fiber.

Google Fiber Coming to Brookside–More Details You Should Know Pt 1

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 Last night I attended the Google Fiber meeting for homeowner association leaders.  Google has done an excellent job of launching this service in Kansas city—plenty of media advertising, local news coverage and an easy to navigate web site with detailed  information.  Before the meeting,  I asked friends and family:  what other questions do you have about signing up for Google fiber?  Here’s what I found out:

1)      What if you have more than one TV?  Yes, you will be charged extra to connect more than one TV to the service.  Those rates aren’t determined yet.

2)      What fiberhoods wil get connected first?  The order of installation depends on the number of  people registered in that area.  If your fiberhood has more households signed up as of the deadline, you will get service quicker.

3)      What if I have Google Fiber connected to my house and I move? Can I take Google Fiber with me?  No, the fiberbox stays with the house.

Shuttlecock light fixture at Google Fiber HQ

4)      What if I buy a house in a fiberhoodthat doesn’t have the individual Google Fiber box and I want the service?  If that neighborhood has already been serviced by Google, and your new house doesn’t have it, you will have to wait until Google can come back and connect your individual house. No timetable for how long that will take.

5)      If I don’t sign up for the service before the Sept 9 deadline, and decide later I want Google Fiber, can I still get the service?  That may be  possible, but it may be a long time before your home is connected.  Those who sign up by the deadline are first to get the service.

6)      After the Sept 9 deadline, when will Google start connecting individual homes?  Google plans to start connecting homes by mid 2013, and there will be a calendar online that shows which fiberhoods will be connected when.

7)      How will customer service work?  Google will have local customer service  representatives and two remote call center service centers.

8)      How will condos be connected to the service?  Google is still working out the details on this. 

9)      When will Johnson County get Google Fiber?  It was announced yesterday that parts of northern Johnson County will be able to register soon for the service.

I have more information to share about my visit to the local KC Google headquarters, which I will do in part two of this blog.  This is a very exciting opportunity for homeowners, and I believe it’s worth the $10 to register for the service now, even if you change your mind later and decide you don’t want it. Watching the demos of this superfast connection–it opens up a whole new way of instantly connecting with business, services, friends, family and entertainment.  The tech world will be watching us closely as this service is implemented.  Get on the spaceship!