As Britney Spears says, opps we did it again. Overland Park Kansas has made CNN/Money Magazines best place to live list again. This time we slotted in at #9, not bad for this little old prairie town. Once again CNN/Money louded Overland Park for it's top schools, good jobs and close proximity to a majot city. Some of the other factors were low crime, golf courses and parks/open space. Don't take my word for it, click the link below and see for your self. Overland Park Kansas CNN/Money Article Thinking about moving to Overland Park? Click Here to see homes for sale      The Russell Home Team specializes in Overland Park & Johnson County Kansas. Please feel free to contact us @ info@russellhometeam.com or 913-681-1383    Copyright 2008 The Russell Home Team www.SearchjocoHomes.com 913-681... 07/18/2008

Overland Park Market Conditions Overland Park had 1051 homes sell and close in the last 6 months, counting all homes and price ranges, including existing homes and new construction. There are 913 Single family homes listed for sale in Overland Park. Upper Bracket Homes in Overland Park Upper Bracket Homes in Overland Park accounted for 96 of the recent six month sales, based upon most recent listing price. There are 248 homes listed for sales in the $500,000+ range, which means the market is still overcrowded in that range with a roughly 15 month supply of homes. Seller's should review their house's condition and curb appeal. If you have been on the market more than 30 days, talk with your agent about how the house could be presented better. If you don't need to sell, this may not be th... 07/14/2008

  iPhone Mania hits Overland Park Kansas. This admitedly amateurish video was shot around 8:57 a.m this morning outside the ATT store at 119th and Metcalf. I did a double take when I first drove by looking at the huge number of people in a normally relatively quiet parking lot. I can't wait until the iPhone supports the GE supra lockbox - then I could consider getting one! Ken Jansen, Keller Williams Realty Partners, Inc. Overland Park KS 913-825-4014! Overland Park Homes For Sale Leawood Homes For Sale Olathe Homes For Sale Lenexa Homes For Sale Shawnee Homes For Sale   07/11/2008

The words affordable and South Johnson County usually don't go together. Willow Bend in Southern        Overland Park bucks that trend. Willow Bend continues to be very affordable and the housing choices are fantastic. Willow Bend has a unique mixture of 2 story & split level homes. Located just east of 159th & Metcalf, Willow Bend is family friendly and won't break the bank. The average price in Willow Bend is between 190 & 200 thousand. Willow Bend is a great choice if you are looking for Blue Valley Schools without going to the poor house. Here are the last 6 months home sales for Willow Bend Homes Listed 17 Homes Sold  13 Average List price $201,000 Average Sold Price $195,000 Average days to sell 38   If you think Willow Bend might be your next stop call The Russell Home Team Today... 07/08/2008

It is summer time and the Real Estate market is in full swing, now is a good time to give you an update on the 1st six months of home sales in Hampton Place. Southern Overland Park is still growing and Hampton Place continues to be a very popular destination. It has a dynamic mix of older, newer and new homes with prices from the 250's to the mid 400's. Hampton Place boasts one of the largest community pools in the area and the HOA has a lot of great community events planned for the summer. I have included a link to our Hamton Place virtual tour and the statistics for the last six months Hampton Place Virtual Tour Last six Months Home Sales Report Homes Listed  40 Homes Sold    15 Average List Price $332,000 Average Sold Price   $315,000 Average Days to sell  36 Highest Sold Price $428,... 07/08/2008

  Interested in seeing Fireworks in Overland Park KS? Fireworks in Overland Park are available at Corporate Woods Office Park from 4-11pm. The actual Fireworks display is scheduled to begin around 9:30pm The event is the Star Spangled Spectacular www.StarSpangledSpectacular.org There are other events including inflatable rides, several bands and  some speeches by OP Mayber Gerlach and Rotary President Goodman.  Ken Jansen 913-908-2215 KenJansen@TopProducer.com http://www.kansascityrealestate411.com Broker Associate, CRS, ABR, CLHMS, e-PRO, CSP Keller Williams Realty Partners, Inc. 11005 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS 66210 07/04/2008

Homes for Sale in Overland Park Kansas under $200,000 are moving well. There are 196 homes for sale in Overland Park KS under $200,000. There have been 201 Homes for Sale in Overland Park which have sold in the last 90 days. Using the rate of absorption (sales) and comparing it to the current supply, this would be a GOOD time to sell your home in Overland Park if you are under $200,000 in price as the demand is strong. If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Overland Park, KS or just have some questions regarding Overland Park Real Estate, please contact me for a no-nonsense marketing plan and a market evaluation of your home.  06/29/2008

Below are some Easy Search links to find Homes for Sale in Overland Park Kansas in various price ranges. I hope you find them helpful. Overland Park Kansas homes for sale by price range Homes for sale in Overland Park under $125000 Residential real estate listings in Overland Park $124000 to $150000 Overland Park properties for sale $149000 to $175000 Overland Park properties for sale $174000 to $200000 Overland Park Homes for sale - $200,000 to $300,000 Homes for sale Overland Park Kansas $200000 to $210000 Houses for Sale in Overland Park Kansas $210000 to $220000 Real estate for sale in Overland Park KS $220000 to $230000 Properties in Overland Park for sale $230000 to $250000 Houses for sale in Overland Park KS $249000 to $275000 Homes in Overland Park KS $274000 to $300000 Homes in... 06/17/2008

It becomes increasingly difficult to find the lenders who have been in the business 10+ years and who make a point to stay on top of the everyday changes in the marketplace right now.  I have used OPEN mortgage for years and I would not go on the line for them if they were not seriously qualified and experienced. Open Mortgage is proud to be granted an FHA Full Eagle Lender endorsement.  To earn this designation, a number of difficult criteria had to be met.  Very few mortgage companies achieve this prestigious endorsement by the Federal Housing Administration.   As mortgage bankers they have access to multiple investors nationwide including their own portfolio products.  If there is a loan out there, they will find it.  With more than 50 years of experience in the lending business, the... 06/03/2008

The upper bracket homes in Overland Park comprise over 70 subdivisions. There are some great prices and access to excellent subdivisions and or locations that you might not have been able to financially reach 2-3 years ago. This is the time to buy in Overland Park. ZIP Codes: 66223, 66209Approximate Location Boundaries: $500,000+ homes in Overland Park Location Characteristics: Currently there are 241 homes for sale in Overland Park, KS. There are only 89 homes sold in the last 6 months. This give a with a roughly 15 homes per month absorption rate, it would take 16 months to sell all of the available homes. A smart seller who does not need to sell, might be wise to take their home off the market right now.A smart buyer will have a wide variety of homes to look at and choose from. If yo... 05/31/2008

Not trying to be a traffic reporter but this is a pretty big closing I wanted to make everyone aware of.  May 12, 2008 EASTBOUND I-435 AT U.S. 69 TO CLOSE OVERNIGHT FOR A WEEKEND With the end of the I-435/Antioch interchange project in sight, crews are working quickly to get the flyover ramp complete. Starting Friday, May 16, crews will close all eastbound lanes of I-435 near the U.S. 69 interchange overnight so they can construct the flyover. The closure will include: All eastbound lanes of I-435 from U.S. 69 to Antioch Road The ramp from eastbound I-435 to northbound U.S. 69, and The ramp from southbound U.S. 69 to eastbound I-435. Crews will close the highway starting at 10 p.m., reopening it to traffic at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 17. The closure will occur again Saturday night starting ... 05/15/2008

159th STREET TO CLOSE NEAR ANTIOCH ROAD Starting Monday, motorists should expect delays in the area of Antioch Road and 159th Street, including the closing of 159th Street. The city is widening Antioch, from 151st Street south to 167th Street. The road, which runs in front of Blue Valley West High School, will be built to a standard four-lane divided thoroughfare. The first phase of work involves construction of 159th Street from Eby to Lowell. This will require the full closure of 159th Street in two phases: first east of Antioch (Lowell to Antioch) Monday, and then west of Antioch later this summer. One lane of Antioch in each direction will be open throughout construction with the exception of temporary short-term lane closures and scheduled weekend closures. Lane closures/reductions... 05/15/2008

According to the Kansas City Star, there are some nutty changes going on with a favorite local bar, The Peanut. The Peanut at Metcalf and 76th has changed it's name to: 76th Street The Peanut Downtown is closed for remodeling, but will reopen June 1 with the new name: The Peanut of Kansas Back in January, The Peanut in Shawnee converted to Famous Sam's The Peanut in Lee's Summit will remain the same Brad Papa is a licensed real estate agent in Kansas and Missouri and can be reached at bradleypapa@remax.net 913-526-4985 or www.papasinthehouse.com 05/13/2008

The Downtown Overland Park Farmer's Market is a great place to get your hands on reasonably priced produce, herbs and plants, but this summer it's also a great place to hear some free music. I can't think of a better way to spend your Saturday morning than by taking a leisurely stroll around the local market and hearing some great music. The Clock Tower Music Series is held from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm and the 2008 schedule features:May 3: Blind DateMay 10: Doug TalleyMay 17: The PeabodysMay 24: Laura ChalkMay 31: Eddie DelahuntThe Farmer's Market is held Saturday's from 6:30 am - sell out and Wednesday from 7:30 am to sell out. The Farmers Market and free concert series is located between 79th and 80th Streets on Marty, just two blocks west of Metcalf.For more information call 913-642-2222... 05/02/2008

Thinking about selling your Overland Park home?  This video is a brief overview some of the services offered by Michael Pierce, an Overland Park Real Estate Expert with Prudential Kansas City Realty. For more information, or to contact Michael:Michael PiercePrudential Kansas City RealtyOverland Park Kansas 66210(913) 661 2367Overland Park Real Estate An independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. © 2008 Michael Pierce. All rights reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity. 04/19/2008

Overland Park city council voted 10 - 2 in favor of an 80 acre developement planned for 159th Street and Metcalf.  The site is planned to be anchored by a Lowe's retail store and had been met with much resistance.  The surrounding neighbors had a petition protesting the project which made approval require at least 10 votes to pass (which it did get on Monday).  The developement will be a mixed use type of developemnt which is becomeing more and more popluar in South Johnson County.Click here for more informationOverland Park Real Estate 04/18/2008

Motorists should expect delays on U.S. 69 near 132nd Street on Sunday. U.S. 69 will be reduced to one lane in each direction, and crews will need to completely close the highway for short periods of time between 6 a.m. and noon so they can install portions of the bridge for the new 132nd Street overpass. Additionally, two other street closures will occur during the same time because of the bridge installation: southbound Blue Valley Parkway at 123rd Street and the northbound U.S. 69 on ramps at 135th Street. Detours for these street closures will be available via Metcalf Avenue and Antioch Road. The overpass is being built for two lanes of traffic. It will include sidewalks and street lights and will serve as a connector between Metcalf on the east and Antioch on the west. Once complete... 04/17/2008

The city of Overland Park has a great feature on their site that allows the public to view live video feeds of over 57 of its traffic cameras.  This is a great way to plan your route based on the traffic congestion in certain areas.  Here is a link to the list of traffic cameras on Streaming video to choose from.  Overland Park Traffic CamerasOverland Park Real Estate 04/17/2008

SATURDAY'S OVERLAND PARK STREAM CLEAN UP EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONEDRain and the forecast of a possible snowstorm have forced organizers to postpone Saturday's Overland Park Clean Stream Day. More than 750 volunteers, including scout groups, neighborhood and outdoor clubs and individuals, have signed up for this annual event. Group representatives may still pick up their supplies from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Myron E. Scafe Building, 8500 Antioch. Due to varying conflicts for dates and times in trying to bring all volunteers together again, everyone is asked select a future date for cleanup that is convenient and when the weather is cooperating. For more information, call Jim Twigg, special projects coordinator, at 913/895-6273. 04/10/2008

There are many opportunities for higher education in Overland Park.  The following is a list of some of the higher education institutes located in Overland Park Kansas: BAKER UNIVERSITY8001 College Boulevard - Suite 340Overland Park, KS 66210(913) 491-4432 CLEVELAND CHIROPRACTIC COLLEGE10850 Lowell AvenueOverland Park, KS 66210(913) 234-0600 JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE12345 College BoulevardOverland Park, KS 66210(913) 469-8500 NATIONAL AMERICAN UNIVERSITY10310 MastinOverland Park, KS 66212(913) 217-2900 OTTAWA UNIVERSITY - KANSAS CITY CAMPUS10865 GrandviewOverland Park, KS 66210(888) 404-6852 ST. MARY COLLEGE - KANSAS CITY CAMPUS11413 Pflumm RoadOverland Park, KS 66215(913) 345-8288 UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS - EDWARDS CAMPUS12600 Quivira Road Overland Park, KS 66213(913) 897-8400  Sear... 04/08/2008