Special offer

Columbia, MO Real Estate News

By April Ferrao
(Re/Max Boone Realty)
The new elementary school at Waco Road is planned to be opened for Fall 2009 school session.  They currently plan to house 525 students.  Of course, this means school boundaries will need to be redrawn again.This happened five years ago with the opening of Paxton Keeley.  Sometimes the redistricting doesn't make sense to some parents.  I remember when they redistricted for Paxton Keeley.  We had been in Fairview, we were around the corner from Mill Creek but were redistricted into Paxton Keeley.  The furthest elementary school from our home.  Doesn't make much sense right?  I'm currently in Parkade and don't expect to be redistricted this time since I'm so far south of the new site, but who knows? I imagine they have very tough decisions to make as to how to redistrict and have to draw ...
Comments 0
By Gary Tinsley
(Professional Mortgage Group, Inc.)
I attended the Small Business Committee meeting today at the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. We broke into groups to discuss the challenges faced by small businesses here in Columbia, Missouri. And, while the usual topics of health care costs and wages and lack of qualified labor all were brought up, my interest was peaked by a topic that concerns those of us in the real estate industry.It is becoming more apparent to the business community that we have a severe lack of low to middle income industry. By that I mean jobs for the so called "blue collar" workers. Columbia is becoming a city of those being catered to and those who are being ignored. It seems that members of the Chamber are concerned that we are too focused on attracting only the highly paid and are forgetting that the majorit...
Comments 0
By Gary Tinsley
(Professional Mortgage Group, Inc.)
We wanted to say thank you to our Realtor friends who came to our first monthly luncheon today. It was a great time to socialize with our peers in the industry.The following people attended the lunch:Tracy Arey, GaslightMeaghan Kingdon, GaslightHayes Murray, Plaza Real EstateTim Kuchta, 3D RealtyJohn Sorenson, The Ginsburg GroupThe meal was catered by our friends from D'Rowe's. We hope everyone had a good time and took away some new information about Professional Mortgage Group and the way we do business.
Comments 0
By Gary Tinsley
(Professional Mortgage Group, Inc.)
I have talked with several realtors here in the Columbia, Missouri area to keep an eye on the local housing market. After these conversations I am left with the feeling that this market has got to be the best one for buyers in a really long time. Currently we have over 3800 houses listed for sale over many different price ranges. Think of all those choices for the buyer!Whenever the marketplace has a large supply compared with demand, deals should start happening as the power shifts to the buyer. This hasn't happened to a large extent here in Columbia, but I believe that it is just a matter of time until the buyers realize the power that they have to negotiate. Usually, the market will swing quickly back to an equilibrium allowing both seller and buyer to be on equal footing. So, now is...
Comments 0
By Gary Tinsley
(Professional Mortgage Group, Inc.)
As I am sure you have noticed, interest rates have gone up in the last week and half. Why is this happening?There are, of course, many factors contributing to the increases. I will focus on two of the big ones. The stock market has been going up like crazy the last few months and last week the sale of bonds was weaker than expected. Both are related but one does not necessarily cause the other.Let's talk about the stock market first. I believe the stock market is finally factoring in all the good news that has been coming out (company earnings, low unemployment, increasing wages, etc.) since the end of last year. If you remember, the market was somewhat stagnant last fall. So, why would this good news affect the interest rates negatively?When the stock market is doing well the investing...
Comments 1
By Gary Tinsley
(Professional Mortgage Group, Inc.)
I thought it might be time for a refresher on what documentation and information that a client needs to provide in order for a loan to be done. Every loan will not need all of the following documents, but it is good to make sure you have it all on hand just in case you need it.When you're ready to apply, you need the most current information on your monthly income and debt, a total of your assets, your social security number, and employment information. Lets take these one at a time.1. Documenting your income - You will need to provide 30 days worth of pay stubs and last two years W-2 statements (used when you file your taxes). Or, if you are self-employed and have been for several years, you can provide copies of the last 2 years tax returns. You may also provide up to 12 months worth ...
Comments 0
By Scott Batt, NMLS #254754
(Flat Branch Home Loans, NMLS #224149)
Moving can be a stressful time for everyone involved, especially children.  They may feel like all that they know is aboutto change.  Your child may become impulsive or have problems sleeping.  They may seem unable to concentrateor appear nervous.  If you are noticing some of these behaviors in your child, you will want to help alleviate some of their stress.Leaving behind friends and school may cause children to exhibit behaviors such as lying, bulling, or defying authority.  They may begin bed wetting or seem withdrawn from social situations.  The most important things that you can do to help your child is to talk to them, make them a part of moving, and help them to prepare for moving day.CommunicationTalking with your child about moving is an integral part of a child understanding w...
Comments 0