Real Estate Update for 2008    2003 thru 2007, Wichita‘s average increase in home values rose 15.2%.  2008 values rose 3+% the first half of the year and were stable the second half.  The Wichita, Kansas metro area was only one of 5 to 6 areas out of the top 100 metro areas  that showed an increase in home values for 2008.  There were areas in Florida, Arizona and Nevada that showed as much as a 30% drop in values during the same period.   Wichita real estate sales were down roughly 18% in 2008 compared to 2007 but a similar reduction in listing for sale tempered the reduction and created a balanced market for the metro area.  2008 sales were similar to 2003 sales which at that time was a record for the metro area.   The national unemployment rate has passed 7.2% and is projected to go ... 01/19/2009

Hey - it's me again... Eric Henderson, Broker of Advantage Partners LLC Realty in Wichita, Kansas. I've been learning a lot on these boards, and on other sites... I've worked my butt off to get some good listings from Ocwen, First Preston, Bank of America, Fannie Mae and others - I do a ton of BPO orders... If you are like me - you might be wanting to take your business to the next level - hire an assistant to help with the data input chores and contract followup. I have long been a fan of delegating authority and responsibility with full oversight and final approval - if you catch my drift - but trying to find someone in your local market who understands what a BPO is, the vendors out there, what they require different from each other, how to get info from our MLS and county courts etc... 01/19/2009

Often overlooked in the prepping your home for sale arena - Carpet cleaning!  I know we mention that your home should be clean, ditch the stains, but for some reason most people jump straight to the "I don't want to replace the carpet!" response!   Folks, you'd be amazed at what a good carpet cleaner can do for your carpets! For the Wichita area, I personally have tried oh, about 8 carpet cleaners.   And have finally discovered the one I will be sticking with.  Let me preface this with the fact that I have 3 kids, 2 being rowdy boys who spill everything, and the 3rd being of the drooling, bottle dropping variety.  I also have 2 dogs, 1 large to get the majority of the carpet dirty, and a small one to reach the spots that the bigger one can't fit into!  So needless to say, my carpets get... 01/07/2009

  Three important aspects you need to look at when purchasing new construction are Specials, HOA, and Restrictive Covenants. These will vary in each New Home Community you look at. These will have a direct impact on your monthly payment and life style. Special Assessments pay for the improvements (streets, water, sewer, retention ponds, drainage sloughs, ect.) to a New Home Community. There are many variables that can cause Specials in some Communities to be higher than others and this will directly impact your monthly payments. Lower Specials will allow you to purchase more home or achieve a lower monthly payment. In regards to No Specials you should check if they have been added to the cost of the home site. Specials generally last for 15 or 20 years depending on the overall cost for... 01/06/2009

Wichita Real Estate-Top 10 Foreclosure Deals!      Everyone's Looking for a Great Deal Right?! Well, look no further than the Wichita Ks Real Estate market.   If you are looking to find a Wichita Home Bargain-now is the time! Below are just a couple Wichita homes that have been foreclosed on and just waiting for an investor to buy and make a profit in the Wichita Real Estate Market.        $32,900      $45,000 If you would like me to provide you with a Free email list of Wichita foreclosures the simply go to Wichita Real Estate Foreclosures.    Wichita Real Estate is expected to experience a record number of foreclosures in 2009 according to The Wichita Eagle. Now is a great time to invest in Wichita Real Estate to hold as rental properties.   Many people who will want to buy a home in ... 12/29/2008

McConnell Air Force Base-Wichita Homes for Sale If you happen to be stationed at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, you may be interested in Wichita homes for sale.   There are many nice neighborhoods near McConnell Air Force Base and the towns of Derby and Andover are also nearby.   The current Wichita real estate market is favoring Buyers with a wide variety of homes for sale at BARGAIN prices!   I have assisted many Military families at McConnell Air Force Base find great Wichita area homes.  I also  work with reputable, local lenders who know VA loan programs.   One of the best benefits of using your VA loan is that you are not required to have a Down Payment!   If you would like more information on VA loans check out The United States Department of Veteran Affairs. Wichita homes ... 12/26/2008

Wichita Homes for Sale-Market Your Home in a Slow Market    In today's tougher Wichita Real Estate Market you need a way to get the word out about your Wichita Home for Sale.   In fact, in November Wichita homes that sold were down 37% from the previous November.  (Read Article-Wichita Business Journal) The reality of the Wichita Real Estate market is that your home has to stand out in order to get Sold   Wichita Home Sellers may be feeling really frustrated right now because their homes have not yet sold. In order to get that done, a Wichita Real Estate owner needs a Marketing Plan that works.  In 2007 80% of Homebuyers used the internet to search for their home.   Marketing your Wichita Home for Sale where the Buyers actually are is the key.     In order to sell your home for the most... 12/23/2008

It's time for another episode of: Captain Jamie! A rousing escapade of bold daring and cunning adventures by a 3 year old boy! After performing wrestling moves that should have won me an Olympic Gold medal, I have finally gotten my 3yo dressed.  Knowing the acrobatics needed, I have yet to do my makeup and hair, so I leave Jamie happily playing with toys in the living room as I sneak off to brush my hair and apply my face-cover that lets me pretend I've slept lately.  A mere 7 minutes later, I stroll out with my laptop, ready to pack my briefcase and load the car, when I hear my husband scream.  Dashing into the kitchen, I round the corner and see: My husband is holding aloft the offending weapon, moaning "Permanent, it says Permanent marker, permanent!"  Jamie has dashed off to hide so... 12/22/2008

 Wichita Homes for Sale-Getting Pre-Approved for a Home Loan  Do you keep hearing in the news about the credit crunch?   Has it got you worried about buying a home...   I wanted to talk about when to get prequalified for your mortgage.  Many people ask me when they should talk to a mortgage lender about buying a home.   It's really important when you are shopping for a Wichita home for sale to visit your financial or lending institution before you begin shopping. One benefit of this is that you'll quickly know the amount of mortgage you qualify for. This will allow you to search Wichita homes for sale in the right price range. Most importantly however, you'll tell Wichita home sellers that you are a serious buyer. You'll have more negotiating power and put your offer in the best possib... 12/21/2008

For Sale by Owner MLS-Wichita Real Estate Kansas Real Estate is still experiencing a slow market this time of year.   Wichita Real Estate can be a challenging world.   There are some Homesellers who want to attempt selling their home "For Sale By Owner"  but in this current Kansas Real Estate market, is that a good choice? Sure interest rates are now the lowest they have been since they started reporting mortgage rates 37 years ago! (watch video at Yahoo) so the Buyers must be out in droves right?  Well, not yet... Choosing the For Sale by Owner route may seem like a good option for Wichita Real Estate Owners.   For a minimum investment and a lot of your personal time, you can put a sign in the yard, pay a fee to list it in the MLS and wait for a Buyer. However, the MLS (definition from... 12/18/2008

What can I get in Wichita for that much $$$?Many times I find folks coming here from areas are surprised by how much home they can get for their money here.  I thought it'd be fun to do a quick review and show you some of what you can get in various price ranges here in Wichita! What can I get for $50,000?  You could get this 1940's starter home in South-East Wichita, all brick, no basement or garage.    * 2 beds * 1 bath * 1001 sq ft       What about $100,000? Or this 1978 ranch home on the west-side with fenced yard, and by the park:  *3 beds * 2 baths * 1600 sq ft * 1 car attached garage * Finished basement       Wow, how about $200,000? Try a 2008 West-side home with tons of room in a new subdivision:   *5 beds *3 baths *2590 sq ft *3 car attached garage *Finished basement *Fireplac... 12/18/2008

Wichita Homes For Sale-New Homes in Maize School District at No Money Down! Wichita Homes for Sale-Valley Center Development offers New Homes, no downpayment! If you are in the market to buy a Wichita area home for sale then you should check out the Brand NEW homes for sale at Tylers Landing development directly accross the street from Maize South Middle School.   This family friendly neighborhood is located in Northwest Wichita close to New Market Square and K96 and in the desirable Maize School District!  But best of all-these homes qualify for the Rural Home Development loan program that requires NO MONEY DOWN and NO PMI.   There are no other no money down loan programs available in the Wichita area for Wichita homes for sale.   Take advantage now of buying a new home in the Maize S... 12/17/2008

Wichita Homes for Sale-Valley Center Development offers New Homes, no downpayment! If you are in the market to buy a Wichita area home for sale then you should check out the Brand NEW homes at High Ridge Development at 69th and Hydraulic.   This new development is located on the far NE outskirts of Wichita and features wooded lots, lake lots and is within walking distance from the Valley Center city park and pool.   It is also located in the Valley Center School District.   Valley Center is a community located North of Wichita and is only 10 minutes from downtown Wichita.  If you have been searching the Wichita MLS or internet for Wichita homes for sale, consider Valley Center.  One of the fantastic benefits of buying a home in Valley Center right now is that the majority of homes in V... 12/17/2008

Wichita Homes for Sale-What Does Fed Rate Cut Mean? Sometimes I really wonder if anyone in Washington knows what is going on in REAL America....So today the Fed slashes interest rates 3/4 percent, which should be really good news right?   Is this going to get the housing market moving again?   I don't know if anyone cares what a Real Estate Agent in Wichita KS has to say about the issue but here are my thoughts....  Basically what I see is that our local Wichita market is stalled because people are concerned about the economy and are holding onto their money.  Times are uncertain and no one feels it's time to make a big purchase.  A major financial decision like buying a Wichita home in times like these is not easy to do.  In order to give consumers confidence and motivation to buy agai... 12/16/2008

OK fellow Realtors, I thought we might be able to pool our massive brain power together and come up with some great ideas for DownPayment Money for the Renters out there who are left that want to become Homebuyers!   In my market (Wichita, KS) I can still find people who want to buy, who can qualify for an FHA loan but who just don't have any money for a downpayment.   3% is all we need for that FHA loan!   Does that sound familiar to anyone else? If so, why not play a game with me!   I would like to see how many ideas we can come up with for Average Joe out there to find money for a downpayment.....   They can be serious, silly or near impossible but what the heck-what other job is there where blogging is considered "work"? I'll get things started with the following: Borrow against you... 12/15/2008

         Wichita Homes for Sale-VA Loan Rates Unbelievably Low!  As a real estate agent in Wichita, I am constantly trying to find ways for Wichita renters to become Buyers.   It's no secret that interest rates on mortgage home loans are currently at record lows, in fact I spoke to my favorite lender today (Aaron with Met Life Home Loans) and he tells me that if you have a credit score of 720 and put 10% down, you can get a mortgage loan rate of 4.625%!   That is a fantastic rate if you are wanting to buy a Wichita home for sale in this current market.   If you have good credit and currently have a home to sell with some equity in it, you should really consider selling your current home and upgrading.   Here is another idea, if you need the 10% for the downpayment-you can use your money... 12/15/2008

Winter Break in Wichita, KS- What do I do with these kids?? It's here again! The Winter Break!  Kids come screaming out of school this week, the 19th for Wichita Public Schools, and they are home-free until January 5th!  Unless you have vacation plans, endless patience, or own a toy store, chances are you may be looking for something to keep the little angels busy and make their holidays a little more special this year!   Here's a few activities you might keep in mind! Exploration Place - Tons of exhibits for kids to enjoy, and grown-ups too! This unique Wichita building brings some of the most educational, entertaining, interactive, and just plain awesome activities to town.  Currently running exhibits include Our Body: The Universe Within (you know, the one where you get to look into... 12/14/2008

Hi All! I am trying to figure out how to have posts from my personal blog RSS fed to this blog so that I don't have to cut and paste everything... For now, I would be thrilled if you would click over to my blog and leave a comment if you feel so inclined... http://blogwichita.com Have a great December! ~Evin 12/14/2008

Wichita Homes for Sale-Zero Down Home Loan Program still Available! If you are looking for a Wichita, Andover, Maize, Valley Center or Goddard Home for Sale, there is a fantastic loan program from the United States Department of Agriculture called the Rural Development Loan that can assist you with your purchase. This program DOES NOT REQUIRE you to make a DOWN PAYMENT!  You can get 100% financing on your Wichita, Andover, Maize, Valley Center or Goddard home. This is the only 100% loan program left that I am aware of in the Wichita area.  The home itself must be located in a qualified area.   You can check to see if the home for sale you are interested in would qualify for this program by going to the website at Ks Homes for Sale Eligible for Rural Program The website will also give y... 12/11/2008

Wichita Homes for Sale-How to Market Your Home Well it's another COLD day in Wichita and at this time of year Wichita Homes for Sale are getting very few showings.   Wichita Home Sellers may begin to feel frustrated because their homes for sale have not sold yet.   What Wichita Realtors have found it that Wichita Real Estate Buyers are changing!   "Over time Buyers use of the internet to search for homes has increased, rising from 71% in 2003 to 80% in 2006.   Even more importantly, the share of buyers who reported using the internet frequently to search for a home has risen from 42% in 2003 to 59% in 2006." (2006 National Association of Realtors Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers) As a professional Wichita Realtor who frequently sells Wichita homes, I intend to sell them for the maximu... 12/10/2008