Springfield Missouri Attractions - Bass Pro Shops - See The Video! We visited Bass Pro Shop yesterday and decided to make a video to show you some of the sights! If you are a hunter, fisherman, or outdoorsman, you've got to visit the Springfield Missouri store! Its the grandaddy of them all! P.S. This is my singing debut in the video!   02/07/2010

Buying a Home in Springfield Missouri? Avoid These Costly Home Buyer Mistakes! 1. Not asking enough questions of your lender can make you end up missing out on the best deal. Interest rates and closing costs can vary from lender to lender. 2. Not acting quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house you want. 3. Not finding the right agent who’s willing to help you through the home buying process. Finding an agent is kind of like dating. You need to choose someone who is compatible with you and that will work hard to make the process run smoothly. 4. Not doing enough to make your offer look appealing to a seller. Ask your REALTOR® about ways to make your offer more attractive. 5. Not thinking about resale before you buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a h... 02/07/2010

Open House - Walkout Basement in North Valley Estates - Springfield Mo Real Estate     Before the Super Bowl game today, come visit this wonderful home in North Valley Estates.  We just finished adding new carpet, paint, new kitchen stove and finished the walkout basement for a second living area and 4th bedroom. Stop by today from 2:00 - 4:00 PM and say hi. More photos of State Street 02/07/2010

A Formula For Disaster In the Springfield Market Place After spending several hours with a home owner today, I finally convinced the sellers to price their home at market value.  A few months ago I met with them and at that time the price was higher.  Now, the home is competing with a larger number of homes.  Here's a great article by Paula Hathaway that backs up the reason to price your home aggresively in today's market. Via: Paula Hathaway OVER PRICING HOMES = HIGH INVENTORY + LESS SALES + DESPERATE SELLERS = CONTINUED HOUSING CRISIS: A FORMULA FOR DISASTER IN A FRAGILE MARKET PLACE!!!   We MUST do in-depth research before we price properties!!! ....and we MUST price properties as if our lives depend on it.(...because they do!) If we don't face over-pricing head on, we will see the i... 02/06/2010

Springfield Missouri Attractions Modern innovation opens the door to ancient history at Fantastic Caverns. As visitors board a comfortable Jeep-drawn tram for the 55-minute tour of America'sride-through cave, they begin a journey back in time. People are very recent additions to this picture. Human history adds up to little more than a few ticks on the geologic clock by which caves count their age.Fantastic Caverns, just northwest of Springfield, MO., is one of more than 5,600 known caves that dot the Missouri landscape, and more are still being discovered. Of these, just 18 are open to visitors — and only one offers a riding tour.Riding wasn't even an option back in 1867, when the first known explorers visited Fantastic Caverns. They were 12 women who, equipped with ropes and ladders,... 02/06/2010

Springfield Missouri Real Estate Market Statistics Jan 2010 Absorption rates give a good idea of the supply and demand of homes by price range and neighborhood. The best selling price range for January 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 02/03/2010

Should You Rent Or Buy a Home In Springfield Missouri? HOME OWNERSHIPShould you buy or should you rent? This has become a complicated question for thousands of consumers. Not only is this question loaded with personal and lifestyle considerations but financial issues as well. For some, buying is the only sensible thing to do and for others, renting is much more  convenient. Most homeowners enjoy the pride of owning such a large investment, and others enjoy having a place to call “home”. There are several advantages that go along with homeownership. Here are a few: Tax BreaksFederal tax laws strongly favor homeowners. Mortgage interest and property taxes are generally taxdeductible on your federal return. This can in turn provide you with an enormous tax benefit. Capital gains benefits ... 01/31/2010

Here's some good news for Springfield Builders.  The Springfield Builders Market is one of the healthiest markets in the United States.  Where Does Your Market Rank? Yes, with markets across the country struggling to sell, the Springfield market is starting to see new construction again.   Builders are hoping that 2010 will start the construction cycle on the rebound. In a previous article about Springfield New Construction , the number of new construction homes on the market have drastically dropped.  With lower construction costs, building a new home could be the answer to purchasing a home in the Springfield real estate market this year.     Looking for a home in the Springfield area?  Give me a call.  I'd love to help you buy or sell your home.         01/29/2010

Springfield Home Builder Association Home Show This Weekend - See You There! Despite the slow down in Springfield residential construction, the Springfield Home Builder Association is hoping to draw a large crowd.   THE 2010 HBA HOME SHOW WILL INSPIRE YOU Today through Sunday stop by the show and see all the new gadgets and great new ideas.  With approximately 225 exhibitors and more than 450 booths, I could spend hours going through the exhibition.  This year it is held in the Springfield Expo Center.  The Springfield Home Show is a hit every year.  The weather might deter a few lookers, but I bet with the increase on new construction in 2010, this will be a great time to meet all the home professionals......all in the same place. Looking for a home in the Springfield area?  Give me a ... 01/29/2010

Springfield Missouri Real Estate Investment Buyers, FHA Has Suspended the 90 Day Flip Rule! The 90 day flip rule has been temporarly suspended for all sellers effective February 1, 2010 and the waiver will expire one year from February 1, 2010 Here is HUDs press release: Pursuant to 7(q) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act (42 USC 3535 (q)) and 24 CFR 5.110, I hereby waive 203.37a(b)(2) of the regulations. The regulations at 24 CFR 203.37a(b)(2) provide that a mortgage for a property will not be eligible for FHA insurance if the contract of sale for the purchase of the property is executed within 90 days of the prior acquisition by the seller, and the seller does not come under any of the specific exemptions that apply to the 90-day rule. This waiver, which takes eff... 01/29/2010

Eariler I wrote a post about the Hammond Organ I am wondering what TO-DO with.  Every story has a part II, so as the saga continues here is the next part of my dilemma: Daughter-in-law has a piano she wants kept in the family, just not at her house.  I would prefer to have the piano over the organ primary b/c it is important to Kelly and I like the wood finish on the piano vs the painted black console of the organ. My thought was how hard can it be to fine a tuner type person and trade (barter) the organ for a fix up on the piano.  Let me tell you it is harder than one thinks.  Evidently organ and piano are two different worlds. I called a local, found in the phone book piano place and inquired if any techs might be interested in the Hammond for service on the piano.  The person I spoke... 01/28/2010

I am going to make my post today about this Hammond.  Back story is I was given this instrument by a friend who was moving.  He had not 'played' in awhile but 'it works just fine'. I don't have to tell you how thrilled my Hubby was to get to bring it home.  I don't really want or need an organ BUT..... I did play when I was younger and thought my sister might like to have this at her house for her girls.  (Wrong- - note to self, call first before moving any heavy objects) If any Music people are looking at the photo and dying that it is sitting in front of a window (on an outside wall mind you) plz know that this is the before shot. You are right to be concerned.  The next picture is how nice and dusty a piece can get when not in use and stored by an open window.   I found enough info ... 01/28/2010

The HBA Home Show in Springfield Missouri starts this Friday! Visit TeamKnowles at the GSBOR booth Friday from 12:00 to 2:00! The show is located at the Expo Center, 635 St. Louis St., Springfield, MO 65806 If you are thinking about building or remodeling, the 2010 home show is the place to be.  Attendees of the 2010 HBA Home Show, which runs from Friday, January 29 through Sunday, January 31, will have an opportunity to visit with approximately 225 exhibitors occupying more than 450 booths in the Springfield Expo Center. Cost of admission is $6. Children under 12 are admitted free. Show times:-Friday, January 29 - Noon to 8 pm-Saturday, January 30 - 10 am to 8 pm-Sunday, January 31 - 11 am to 5 pmThis is your chance to visit with home builders and remodelers face to face and ask quest... 01/28/2010

If you travel on S Campbell in Springfield Missouri towards Nixa, you know all about the traffic congestion. Traffic backs up and you have to wait and wait. A remedy for that congestion is on the way! The first 1.4 miles of Campbell will be expanded to 6 lanes. The project also includes adding multiple left turn lanes to help traffic flow more smoothly. This is just the first step of making the highway six lanes all the way from Springfield to Nixa - once funding becomes available. Construction is expected to start on the 1.4 mile stretch in late 2010 or early 2011 and will take about 18 months to complete.Hopefully this road expansion will provide much needed relief to motorists in the area! Springfield Missouri Homes For Sale 01/27/2010

Missouri has a $15 million initiative launched earlier this month to aid in home ownership;  Home Ownership Purchase Enhancement or HOPE. Through the HOPE program, the Missouri Housing Development Commission provides a financial incentive equal to the cost of the homebuyer's first year of property taxes, up to $1,250.  There also is an enhanced incentive - which could increase the total incentive to a maximum $1,750, for homeowners who purchase energy-efficient homes or who purchase and remodel existing homes or buy items such as Energy Star appliances, aimed increase the home's energy efficiency. Eligibility for HOPE is based on previously adopted MHDC guidelines and ranges from $58,300 to $98,560, depending on the counties in which the homes are sold. The HOPE incentive is available ... 01/24/2010

Springfield Missouri Community Event Eagle Days at Springfield Conservation Nature Center Come out to Eagle Days at Springfield Conservation Nature Center this Saturday January 23rd from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  You'll have the opportunity to watch for bald eagles from the boathouse and marina. You can also get a close up look at Phoenix, a bald eagle visiting from the Dickerson Park Zoo. The indoor program will be held every hour on the hour from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. 01/22/2010

Be on the lookout for a Missouri constitutional amendment in the November 2010 general election. The purpose of the amendment is to prevent double taxation on homes and other properties sold in Missouri. The specific language of the proposal is: "Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to prevent the state, counties, and other political subdivisions from imposing any new tax, including a sales tax, on the sale or transfer of homes or any other real estate?"What is a real estate transfer tax?It’s a tax imposed by state or local governments, or both, that is collected when you transfer ownership of your home, land or other real estate. Typically, once the tax is on the books; the rate can be increased by the state, city or county without a vote of the people.Why is this tax unfair?Mis... 01/21/2010

Ten Great Reasons To Buy A Home In Springfield Missouri! 1. Quality of life – a home provides more stability and security for you and your loved ones.2. Pride of home ownership – it’s your personal haven and you’re your own landlord.3. Historically low interest rates – around 5.25% in Missouri4. Tax Credits – U.S. government provides a special $8,000 incentive for qualifying first-time buyers and $6500 for homeowners in their current home for five years.5. Appreciation potential – Buy while homes are affordable and your home investment can grow in value.6. Equity buildup and debt pay down – homeowners enjoy a much higher net worth than renters.7. Leverage – where else can you buy an investment of this magnitude with relatively little money down?8. Tax deduction advantages – property ta... 01/19/2010

Buying a Home in Springfield Missouri – Should I Be Concerned about Encroachments? Absolutely!  For example: you find a great home with a nice backyard and a little garden at the back. If that garden is actually on the neighbor’s property, its an issue that needs to be resolved. Can we expect that the neighbor will continue to permit it? Not necessarily. It is a problem and we cannot expect the permissive user to continue. The seller must establish the following:• The use was visible, open, notorious (i.e. that the neighbor knows about it)• There was never expressed permission• The use was continuous for at least five yearsIf the seller cannot establish these elements the use may constitute anencroachment over the boundary line and a trespass.Unless a prescriptive easement is legally c... 01/14/2010

Several years ago I was invited by a college to attend a luncheon meeting. I didn't know exactly what to expect but was pleasantly surprised by the face to face meeting with some really wonderful women and even some men.  I have had the honor of belonging to the Women's Council of REALTORS® of Springfield Missouri Chapter.  I have had the privlidge of being a member ever since. I served on the board in 2009 and I am very honored at being selected President Elect for 2010.  I can't think of another organization where fellow REALTORS® come together once a month to learn, gain knowledge about their community, city and state and sit together not as competitors but as friends building relationships.  Women's Council of REALTORS® are making a difference in our local community, state and Nati... 01/13/2010