Are you selling a home in Springfield MO, or does your yard need more privacy? A more private yard accomplished by either obscuring the view of the neighbors or by reducing noise from nearby road traffic can be a wonderful selling point for a house on the market and a great source of peace for homeowners.  1.       Add a Fence. This is a pretty obvious choice but still a great idea. Not only will a fence reduce the view of neighbors or traffic, but fencing can also reduce noise.  There are many styles to choose from to meet your personal taste and budget.  2.       Plants, hedges, or shrubbery. For those who want to go with something a bit more "green," why not create a "fence of plants?" hedges have been popular for years and will add some timeless charm to the yard, and once again, ob... 08/30/2011

Springfield MO neighborhoods will participate in  "National Night Out" this Friday night, Aug. 26. This will be the 14th year the city will be involved in the event which includes block parties, cookouts, and exhibits with lots of activities for the kids. National Night Out is a great way for people to get to know people in their neighborhoods and build support for anti-crime programs and strengthen police-community partnerships.    Some of the locations participating in the event include:      Doling Neighborhood Association, Doling Park, 301 E. Talmage St.      Grant Beach Neighborhood Association, Grant Beach Park, 833 W. Calhoun St.      Heart of the Westside Neighborhood Association, Nichols Park, 1900 W. Nichols St.      Midtown Neighborhood Association, Washington Park, 1600 N. S... 08/25/2011

Are you thinking about buying a foreclosure property in Springfield MO? Make sure to get a property inspection! Foreclosures are sold "as-is" by the lender and do not usually disclose issues with the properties like a normal real estate transaction because they have not lived in the home and do not have firsthand knowledge. Although it is sold "as is", it is important that you know the extent of defects and repair costs. A thorough inspection of the property will not only identify material defects but will also help you anticipate potentially thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs or replacement of components. Issues commonly found with foreclosures: Termites Damage or removal of plumbing components Damage or removal of pool mechanical equipment Damage to AC condensing unit and/or ... 08/24/2011

We love living and selling homes around the Springfield MO area! One of the best things about living here is many outdoor recreational activities. There are beautiful lakes, rivers, the Ozark Mountains, trails, caves, and much more. Just a little over an hours drive from Springfield is Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Its a great place to hike, picnic, and it makes a great day trip! The views from the top of the rim are so beautiful. There are fourteen trails with varying degrees of difficulty from handicap accessible to challenging. The story goes that the name Ha Ha Tonka is Indian for "laughing waters". I can see why! Here is a video we made while hiking in the park. The remains of the "castle" at the beginning is a structure built by Robert McClure Snyder in 1904. It burned several years lat... 08/22/2011

The Watershed Center of the Ozarks is now complete! Now complete, the Watershed Center at Valley Water Mill is a result of many years of planning, and one of only a handful of watershed education facilities in the United States.  The main facility is approximately 3,500 sq. ft. in area, and includes a public meeting room, staff office spaces and public toilets for Valley Water Mill Park. The building is designed to meet sustainable, U.S. Green Building Council standards for the LEED® Gold level. Building components designed to meet this certification are:  rainwater harvesting innovative stormwater management low-maintenance, native plant materials requiring little to no irrigation daylighting sustainable building materials efficient water fixtures energy efficient heating and cooling s... 08/19/2011

Selling A Home In Springfield MO? – Don’t Let Your Pets Spoil The Sale We all love our furry friends, but they can cause some special challenges to the sale of your home. Buyers are more perceptive than ever these days when deciding if a home is the right one to buy. With a lot of competing homes out there in Springfield all it takes is one little issue and they will move on to another home. The last thing you want are pet odors or other pet issues to deter a potential sale. Dogs may be man’s best friend but your buyers may not agree. If you leave pets home during a showing Little Fido might get nervous and have an accident, bark too much, jump on someone, or worst case bite someone. If at all possible take your dogs with you when you leave your home before a showing. Pets, for some peo... 08/19/2011

Ten Things You Must Repair Before Selling Your Home In Springfield MOIf you are thinking about selling your a in Springfield MO, here are a few items that you need to address before listing. Buyers won't put up with these issues and if they do, you it will cost you more in negotiations than fixing them upfront. 1. Light switches or fixtures that don't work properly. If there's a switch, it should do something. There should be a working light bulb so that people can see it in action. Don't leave any questions about the integrity of your electrical system and make sure all fixtures work properly and safely. 2. Things that wiggle, shimmy, shake or teeter. While you may know where to grab the basement handrail so it doesn't wiggle, buyers won't and inspectors will be sure to notice and list... 08/18/2011

Springfield MO MLS Home Search Links If you are buying your first home and need some help understanding how the process works, relocating to the area, or you are thinking about selling a home and downsizing, we can help make your move easier. Here are some quick MLS links to make it convenient to search for a home in Springfield, Ozark, or Nixa. Once you find some properties that look interesting just give us a call and we'll help you get started and answer all your questions. You can also easily customize your search criteria to meet your needs.               Springfield MO Real Estate    Ozark MO Real Estate      Nixa MO Real Estate $400,000 & above            $400,000 & above              $400,000 & above $300,000 to $400,000       $300,000 to $400,000            $300,000 to $400,000... 08/16/2011

Saturday Aug 13th admission to the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield MO is only one dollar! Zoo hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Come on out and spend the day watching the animals and don't forget your camera!   Some of the most popular exhibits are the Ambler Diversity of Life building (reptiles and amphibians), "Missouri Habitats," Asian elephants, giraffes, lions, flamingos and hippopotamuses. There is also a cafe, gift shop and train ride. This will be a lot of fun for kids and adults too!     Dickerson Park Zoo is located at 3043 N. Fort Ave. Springfield, MO 65803       08/11/2011

Back in March, I had the pleasure of working with a really great couple who had relocated to our area for the husband's company.  His wife, Joan, had found a job working for a local municipality.  I showed a few homes to them, not many, and they quickly decided on a home that needed a LOT of TLC and rehab that had been languishing on the market for several months.  I'd told Joan that I knew she and her husband were looking for a "fixer upper," but this one was going to be "a real hum dinger."  As she and I walked through the home, I pointed out all of the major issues with the home, like the mold ALL throughout the home, the HVAC that wasn't working, numerous roof and plumbing leaks, the downright scary inground pool with creatures in it that I didn't even realize lived in Southwest Mis... 08/10/2011

Springfield MO Area Open Houses Searching for open houses in the Springfield, MO, area?  Below is a list of all open houses in the metro Springfield area, including Ozark, Nixa, Republic, Rogersville, and Willard.   08/05/2011

Below is the Springfield MO Real Estate Market Report for July 2011. The market really did a flip-flop this month.  Home sales from $100-150K were up this month, contrary to last month, while sales were WAY down for homes priced over $200K.  The good news is there are a lot of homes under contract priced over $200K, so we can expect to see those numbers really climb in the next 30-60 days.           Homes for Sale in Springfield, MO: Total Active Listings: 1657 homes Under Contract:  274 pending sales Total Sold Listings for July:  214 sales Springfield MO Sales Price Information Average Sales Price: $120,154 Sale Price to List Price Ratio: 96.44% Days on Market (for Sold homes) Average Days on Market: 101 days     Search Springfield MO Homes For Sale   08/03/2011

Back to school shoppers in Springfield, Ozark, and Nixa won't have to  pay Missouri state sales tax, normally 4.225 percent, this weekend! However, they will still have to pay local taxes. Republic MO shoppers won't have to pay state OR city taxes! This is a great opportunity to buy school supplies, clothes, shoes, and even computers without paying taxes!  This tax exemption runs August 5th - 7th. Items Included: Clothing less than $100 an item: Includes clothes and shoes. Personal computers less than $3,500: Includes laptops, desktops, tablets and computer components, as well as all computer accessories. Computer software less than $350: All software, not just educational software. School supplies up to $50 per purchase: Typical school supplies including book bags, backpacks and textbo... 08/03/2011

Springfield Missouri Real Estate Market Statistics July 2011 There are currently 1961 homes for sale in Springfield MO. The best selling price range for July was $50,000 to $99,000. This is also the price range with the most current listings. Real estate absorption rates in Springfield continue to vary widely by price range. Values above 26 weeks supply indicate a buyers market while below 26 weeks indicate a sellers market. If you would like to know what the rate is in your neighborhood or specific price range give us a call today! Springfield Missouri Real Estate 08/02/2011

Springfield MO Real Estate Open House 307 S River Birch Sunday July 31 2-4 p.m. UNDER CONTRACT Come check out the first open house on this stunning 3 Bedroom 2 Bath home in Cherry Hills Subdivision! Large bonus room for second living area or 4th bedroom. Lots of character and upgrades including beautiful stone fireplace, quality bamboo flooring, and open floor plan. Luxurious master bath with jetted tub, walk in shower, and double sinks. You will really enjoy relaxing or entertaining in the large privacy-fenced yard with wonderful sunken hot tub. 07/31/2011

This was a status on the Facebook page of an older lady I know, and I thought it was so cute, I just had to share it! Quick Bible Lesson:  In the Bible, Ruth patiently waited for her mate, Boaz. While waiting on YOUR Boaz, don't settle for ANY of his relatives:  Brokeaz, Poaz, Lyinaz, Cheatinaz, Dumbaz, Downlowaz, Cheapaz, Lockedupaz, Goodfornothinaz, Lazyaz, or Marriedaz!  And especially his third cousin Beatinyoaz. Please.....wait on your Boaz and make sure he respects Yoaz! 07/30/2011

  The Rivercut Community is located in southwest Springfield, Missouri off the James River and designed around the beautiful Rivercut Golf Course. The neighborhood features diverse, innovative home designs that make this one of the most attractive communities in the area, with stunning architectural styles that will satisfy any home buyer. Rivercut features amenities such as a swimming pool, basketball court, walking trail, and a Riverhouse perfect for large gatherings or taking in stunning views of the golf course. Rivercut’s course is a premier course featuring 18 holes of rolling hills and beautiful views of lake features. This peaceful and enjoyable community is a perfect place to call home for any lifestyle. If you are interested in viewing current homes for sale at Rivercut, conta... 07/28/2011

  Located off South National and Weaver Road in Springfield, Missouri, this partially gated subdivision features attractive brick homes and beautiful landscaping. Ironbridge is positioned next to Twin Oaks Country Club and some homes offer excellent views of the stunning, private 18 hole golf course. Close to shopping, Cox South Hospital, and James River Expressway, this neighborhood is in the perfect location for any home buyer. Amenities at Ironbridge include a large swimming area, open-air pavilion, and recreational sporting areas including tennis and basketball courts. The subdivision also features nearly 16 acres of common area. Ironbridge will include 225 homes when completed, and have recently sold from $225,000 to $380,000.   Ironbridge is a beautiful community, and a beautiful ... 07/28/2011

Its that time again! Time for the Ozark Empire Fair in Springfield Missouri! This year is the 75th anniversary of the fair. Time to enjoy the exhibits, midway rides and games, food, concerts and more! This year the fair runs from July 29th through August 7th.  Hope to see you there!  Here's the full scheudle of events. 2011 Concert Lineup  Imagination Movers Friday, July 29 Smash Mouth Saturday, July 30 Dwight Yoakam and Ashley Monroe Sunday, July 31 Ernie Haase & Signature Sound with theHosea Bilyeu Family Monday, August 1 Three Dog Night Tuesday, August 2  07/27/2011

I've never really liked my professional photos, and I've never had a logo.  I always wanted a logo, but figured it would cost a small fortune to have one professionally made for me.  Not many agents in our area have a logo, and the ones that I do see around here are typically pretty cheesy. In the last year, I've hired a buyer's agent and a secretary/home stager, and gotten married.  I figured it was time to revamp my marketing materials.  My first call was to Joshua Hill at Slingshot Creative.  Josh is a graphic designer, specializing in web graphics, ad design and illustrations.  I asked him to create a new logo for me.  He asked me what I was looking for and sent me several examples.  The logo I decided on was the very first logo he sent me.  I went through the logos, making changes,... 07/27/2011