The Truth About the Housing Slump, And How to Protect Yourself from an Abusive LenderIf you don't have thick skin and don't want to know the truth, you will not want to read this.As a relocation specialist I get asked questions about the housing slump daily. In fact I have been interviewed 10 times the past 2 months. It irritates me how facts can be manipulated. Again, if you don't have thick skin and don't want to know the truth, you will not want to read this. My research is based on countless hours of pouring through real estate sales, foreclosures and interviewing many professionals related to the real estate industry.  Although most professionals will not state the obvious and prefer to give some long winded explanation that doesn't make sense, I'm going to give you the good, bad a... 08/20/2007

Like the song said, "Anticipation is making me wait". One thing I can tell you The famous Cris cakes is worth the wait. After years of traveling the pancake breakfast circuit for local churches and charitable organizations Cris cakes is finally ready to settle down into their permanent digs at the corner of 151st & Nall in Overland Park. For those of you who are familiar, Cris Cakes serves fluffy little circles of heaven. Their new restaurant adds a little twist though, they also have a full buffet with eggs bacon and all the trimmings. While you are filling up on some of the best cakes around, check out the show. Cris cakes has won several awards for being the fastest flipper in all america. They won a Food network challenge by flipping over 500 flaps in one hour. The kids will love it... 08/10/2007

For those who live south of 435 your dining options can be pretty limited to the National chains. Thats why it is so great to finally have a great local place to call our own Llywelyn's pub opened recently to rave reviews from the neighborhood. The former church has been converted to a beautiful English style pub that oozes old world charm. The decor is complemented by well placed flat screen tv's and a smoke free environement. The staff is super friendly and the beer selection is perfect. I would suggest the Goose Island pale ale. Lastly the food was tasty perfect pub food. Fish & Chips, Burgers and a great Steak sandwich. You can find Llyweyn's on 151st just east of Metcalf in Overland Park.Tell me what your favorite place is, and I will feature it here. It doesn't have to be a restau... 08/10/2007

Wilderness Valley continues to be one of Overland Parks move up neighborhoods. You will find a fantastic selection of homes to choose from including Traditional style 2 story, Mission Style and some contemporary homes. If you are looking to build your dream home there are several lots still available and also several new spec homes ready to move into. Home prices in Wilderness Valley range from the mid 400's to the 700's. Here are the sales statistics for the last 6 months Homes Listed               15 Homes Sold                   9 Average Sales Price   $525,000 Highest Sale                 $640,000 Low Sale                        $436,500 Average days to sell    92 To see all of the great homes for sale in Wilderness Valley visit www.WeSelljoco.com or give us a call at 913-681-1383 f... 07/27/2007

Right in the shadows of Blue Valley High School is a small hidden jewel of a neighborhhod called Sylvan Lake. Built in the 90's Sylvan Lake offers a wide variety of homes from traditional 2 story, 1.5 story and ranches. The only thing you will love more than the houses are the prices. Homes range from $200,000 to $250,000 with the recent average being $225,000.To see all of the great houses available in Sylvan Lake visit www.WeSelljoco.com or give us a call at 913-681-1383 for a personal neighborhoor tour.The Russell Home Team Specializes in South Johnson County. If you are looking for a great home inside the Blue Valley School District give us a call. 07/17/2007

I know that I have been waiting for this day for a while. No it's not my birthday but the opening of Cris Cakes. Some of the best pankakes you will ever have. After years of traveling the all you can eat pankake circut cris cakes is opening it's first sit down restaurant. Located in the Iron Horse Plaza at the corner of 151st & Nall, I will be the first in line for some Mickey Mouse cakes. Ahh, just one more reason to live in South Overland Park, great bike riding, great schools and now Cris cakes. Yummy, Yummy, Yummy... 07/14/2007

What was once mostly farm land is now becoming the new mecca that is Southern Overland Park. Through anexation sleepy areas formerly known as Stanley, the Village of Morse and other's are now Overland Parks future. New home subdivisions are popping up around every corner. In these areas you will find some of the areas most swanky new home subdivision like; The Vineyards, Colton Lake, Mills Farm and Lakeshore.  If you are looking for a high end home in Johnson County, Southern Overland Park is the new destination. To see all of the beautiful homes in Southern Overland Park visit www.WeSelljoco.com or call us at 913-681-1383 to set up a personal home tour. 07/14/2007

I've written about Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead  in Overland Park, KS before, but that was when I only knew about it from information the Internet. We had an opportunity to visit in June and it is absolutely and immeasurably better than the publicity indicated.There are many pens of farm animals who are prepared to enjoy petting. Goats have a great time. There are babies and adults. There are two set-ups with chickens, more than one duck pond. One pond has ducks, geese, AND swans. We had the little one there and she had ample opportunities to touch animals. The little goats are quite assertive. At one goat stop, if a person had a notion and a dollar, a baby bottle of milk could be obtained to feed some very assertive young goats! We did pass on that with the little one because of th... 07/14/2007

When most people here the word Brittany they think of a trailer trash pop singer from Louisianna. But let me tell you this is one the best kept secrets in Southern Overland Park. Do you want to send your kids to Blue Valley Schools? Well I know I do, this subdivision is for all of hard working souls who can't afford the mini-mansion yet with prices from the low 160's to the 210's you will find a great home and still be able to eat Steak tonight. Here are some recent sale stats to chew on with that SteakMay & JuneHomes sold                          8Average Sales Price               $194,577High Sale                             $230,000Low Sale                              $168,500Average days on Market         40 I like the sound of those numbers, especially the 40 days average to sell.... 07/13/2007

  This fantastic subdivision in Souther Overland Park has just opened it's second phase for new homes. You can find a great selection of models from local builder Duggan homes. Prices range from the mid 350's to the high 400's for a nicely adorned 2 story home. In the last 2 months we have see the following sales trendshomes sold                               6Average Price                            $393,755High Sale                                 $475,000Low Sale                                  $337,500Average days on market            76 To see all of the great homes for sale in Blackthorne Estates visit our website www.WeSelljoco.com or give us a call at 913-681-1383 for a personal tour of the this and all the other great neighborhoods in Southern Overland park. 07/13/2007

  Hampton Place continues to be one of the most popular subdivisions in Southern Overland Park. Some people think there is something in the water. I have lost count of how many families who live in Hampton Place, stay in Hampton Place when it comes time to move. If you want some more information on this beautiful community visit the community website www.hamptonplacehomes.com As for sales in Hampton Place here is Junes statistics Homes sold                    6Average sold price            $320,353High Sale                         $436,000Low Sale                          $259,900Average Days on market    36You can view all of the great homes for sale in Hampton Place at www.WeSelljoco.com or give us a call at 913-681-1383 for a personal tour of the neighborhood 07/13/2007

 Do you want to get your kids into Blue Valley Schools but find the cost of homes too high? Well Willow Bend is your neighborhood. Homes priced between $185,000 and $225,000. Property values have been rising steadily in the great neighborhood.Over the last 2 months there has been 5 homes sold for an average of $205,000 with an anemic 33 days to sell. If you want to find out what makes Willow Bend such a great place to live give us a call at 913-681-1383 or check out some great Willow Bend Homes at www.WeSelljoco.com 07/03/2007

 Are you looking for an affordable family friendly neighborhood in Southern Overland park than Green Meadows is your place. With home priced from the 190's to the mid 200's you can get a great home even on a tight budget. Over the last 2 months there has been 8 home sales with a average sales price of $243,000 and a measly 43 days to sell. If you want to be in Green Meadows you will need to act fast. Call us Today at 913-681-1383 to get you Green Meadows dream home or you call see for yourself at www.WeSelljoco.com 07/03/2007

    Wilderness seems to be bucking the trend. With alot of the local market in a slowdown mode, sales in the Wilderness subdivision are still moving at a brisk pace. Located in Southern Overland Park Wilderness is a fantastic community with close proximity to shopping, great schools and everything Johnson County has to offer. Recent home sales in Wilderness show a strong trend. 6 homes have sold in the last 2 months with an average price of $336,000 and a low average of 47 days on the market. If you think Wilderness is your perfect place give us a call 913-681-1383 or to see all the great homes for sale in Wilderness visit our website www.WeSelljoco.com 07/03/2007

Welcome to Downtown Overland Park, home of the Downtown Overland Park Farmers Market, Clock Tower Series Concerts, and other family-oriented events. Located just off Metcalf between 78th and 83rd streets in the heart of Overland Park, Historic Downtown Overland Park is an integral part of our community's heritage. Situated on the historic Santa Fe Trail where it originally bustled with horse-drawn traffic, the famous Steam Electric Interurban Railroad Line, gravel streets, a dance hall, restaurant, dry goods store, blacksmith shop, The Aviation Park and other popular amenities that people enjoyed daily. A century later, Downtown Overland Park's charming past and small town flavor are thriving through a vast array of 300 locally owned and operated shops, where the business owner still wa... 06/27/2007

Located on Marty between 79th and 80th Streets, the Downtown Overland Park Farmers Market is a thriving open air market offering produce, flowers, specialty foods and entertainment for the entire family. Open Wednesdays from 7:30am through sellout and Saturdays from 6:30am until sellout, this market offers the best of the best from local growers under the Farmers Market Pavilion.   On the sidewalks near the clock tower, patrons can find fresh pies, gourmet pasta, locally baked bread and other specialty food items.  The Clock Tower Series provides entertainment for the entire family and is the perfect opportunity to bring lawn chairs and gather at this central point in the Historic Downtown Overland Park Business District.  Take a walk through this Historic District and experience the am... 06/27/2007

More people become millionaires through real estate investments than any other method. Investing in real estate is a great way to accumulate wealth quickly. Don't miss out on it as it is one of the best investments around. Just learn how to invest. Designing an investment portfolio that fits your needs is always a complex process. Unfortunately, many people neglect real estate as one of the most attractive ways to diversify their investments because they aren't aware of the variety of ways it can be included. In the past few years, the real estate market has exploded and the opportunities to invest in it either directly or indirectly has grown to keep pace. Individual investors should always consult a professional if they want to design a portfolio that properly balances the opportunity... 06/16/2007

There are currently seven homes in Brookhighland listed for sale. The price range of homes currently Listed for sale in Brookhighland is $469,900 to $649,950. There has been two homes listed and sold in the last year in Brookhighland. This gives a roughly three year inventory of homes based upon the current rate of absorption. This is affected somewhat by Brookhighland not being very old, so many people have only been in their homes for a few years and are not ready to move yet. The price range of homes listed and sold in the last year at Brookhighland is $480,000 to $695,000. With a large supply of homes compared to demand, pricing, marketing, presentation and differentiation are going to be key factors in getting your house sold is some reasonable time frame. Ask me about the KCSmartM... 06/07/2007

Number of LionsGate Homes for Listed for Sale: 19 Search for Overland Park Homes for sale in Lionsgate Number of LionsGate Homes Listed and Sold in the last Year: 27 Number of LionsGate Homes Pending Sales or accepting Back-up Contracts: 5 (2 & 4) Price Range for LionsGate Homes Listed for Sale: $412,000 to $695,000 Price Range for LionsGate Homes which were Listed and Sold in the last year: $395,000 to $798,000 LionsGate is located within the Award wining Blue Valley School District. Lionsgate is in Overland Park, Kansas. LionsGate is comprised of the following Subdivisions; LionsGate by the Green, LionsGate by the Park, LionsGate Southlake, The Enclave at LionsGate, LionsGate Waters Edge, Villas of LionsGate. The borders of LionsGate are 134rd St., Nall Avenue, 151st St. and Lamar Ave... 06/07/2007

GlenEagles and the Estates of GlenEagles are located on the North side of 143rd Street in Johnson County. GlenEagles is a Matt Adam Development. There are currently four homes listed for sale in GlenEagles and The Estates of GlenEagles.   The price range of homes currently for sale in GlenEagles and The Estates of GlenEagles is $588,900 to $1,460,000. There have been three homes listed and sold in the last year in Glen Eagles and the Estates of GlenEagles. This gives a roughly 15 month inventory of homes based upon the current rate of absorption. Correct pricing strategy, Home Staging, Warranty, Marketing, Presentation are going to play key roles in having your home sell.   During the last year the closing price range of homes listed and sold in GlenEagles and The Estates of GlenEagles... 06/07/2007