Well, this past weekend was VERY WINDY, but warm.  We were fooled earlier this month with a nice warm day (near 80) followed by 10 days of BELOW average temperatures. It really did in alot of flowering and fruit bearing plants that were not protected.  Now, with the warmer temperatures and brighter days, it does seem like there are more people out looking at the inventory on the local real estate market.  I had 5 open houses this weekend and had visitors at all but 1 (I can't complain about that).  Interest rates are still very favorable and if you have any questions about buying or selling a home/property, don't hesitate to ask.  Better yet; ask me about finding you a property which could be an asset (income producing) for your investment portfolio.  I have been working with a young couple over the past 2 years and they are purchasing their 3rd income producing property.  With the proper management and a stable rental market, they are making some of the right decisions for their long term investment needs.

As March comes to an end, the housing market in Leavenworth County (and I believe the Kansas City area in general) is fairly stable.  Interest rates are still hovering near 6% and that makes purchasing a home very attractive.  There are many good homes (new and resale) on the market and I believe that buyers have as many choices now as ever.  I have noticed fewer new homes being built compared to the last few years (don't read any good or bad into that.. just an observation) and the overall quality of new homes is very good.  The advances in efficiency and components/products make new homes much more economical to opearate and maintain.  As most of you know the weather here has been warmer than usual and the last couple of days has brought us alittle over 2 inches of rain.  We started the month with brown, dormant grass and now it is green and I have to MOW again!  Hope everyone has a great spring and if you have any real estate questions, don't hesitate to ask!  I would like to take this opportunity to thank my clients/customers who have listed their properties with me or have asked me to help them purchase a property.  I will work hard to help you meet your goal!    Mike

As part of supporting our annual Muscular Dystrophy Association fund raising effort, I will be "in jail" on Thursday from noon-1pm.  I am attempting to raise as much money for "bail" as I can in the next 48 hours.  I have contacted some of my friends and acquaintances to see what they can do to assist me!  The word of the day will be "Thank You!".  I will report back with my success (or term to serve) :)   Mike

I was able to attend a luncheon seminar today sponsored by the Kansas City Regional Assosciation of REALTORS(R) and the speaker was Rossi!  For those who are not REALTORS(R) and don't know Rossi, he is a very entertaining and wonderful speaker.  I have found his information and humor very rewarding and it was very nice meeting him.

As I post this message now, the snow continues to fall (supposed to get 1-3 more inches), but the weather is supposed to warm.  It was -5 this morning and it is now in the mid teens.

Have a great week!

Saturday, Feb10th was the semi-annual PAIR Day at Fort Leavenworth.  PAIR stands for Post Activities Information Registration and is held to assist newcomers and "old-timers" alike with interacting with local area agencies, service providers and military friendly businesses.  Coldwell Banker Reilly and Sons, hosted an information table and many of us pulled shifts to "meet and greet" many of our servicemen and women and their families.  It was also a good opportunity to meet some of our past clients and future customers.

As a recently retired Army Officer, (has it really been over 2yrs now?) it was nice to visit with friends and previous co-workers and meet potential customers.  I always enjoy talking to people about real estate and informing them on the different ways that I might be able to assist them (especially when it is time to relcate).

And the day wouldn't have been complete without some great pictures.  I was able to meet some of the Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders, KC Wolf (a Chiefs mascot) and even the Scarecrow and Tinman!

Wishing all a great weekend!

You often hear of agents offering relocation assistance.  What does that mean?  For me, especially as a retired Army Officer, I understand the requirements necessary to prepare you and your family when it is time to move.  Having qualified representatives/agents on both sides of your move (selling and buying) is important and can save you valuable time and stress. 

My company is a principal broker member of the CARTUS relocation network (which represents major companies/organizations like USAA members, Bureau of Prisons, etc).  As a member of this network, I am able to link you, your family or friends up with qualified REALTORS(R) on each side of your move.

Of course, if you are selling locally or moving locally, I would like to assist you personally, but with our Nationwide Relocation service, I am still able to provide support for your move.

USAA Members!  Please contact me before you begin your search for a REALTOR to assist you in your upcoming sale or purchase. Let me assist you with the USAA MoversAdvantage Program which provides you valuable assistance at NO COST (just for being a member).

If you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me!

Mike

Well, the temperature dropped to below zero last night.  It was 5 below at my home when I woke up this morning.  I wouldn't mind the cold weather if we had received snow instead of ice over the past few days.  The ice and sleet did affect travel in the area and I did cancel 1 of my Open Houses.  I held 1 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday, but needless to say, not many people were trudging out into the weather.

Interest rates are still very low (around 6%) and very favorable for a person to buy a new home or upgrade a current home.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me!

I read today where PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is now a tax deductible item for 2007.  That is an additional benefit for people who want to purchase a home, but don't have the standard 20% down.

Have a great day!

Well, it's December 22nd and only 3 days until Christmas Day.  I just wanted to take this time to say "Merry Christmas", "Happy Holidays" and wish you and your families a very prosperous New Year!  We have not had any major snow to speak of (well, South of KC earlier this month, they did) and the weather has been very "mild".  A few hours to the West though (Western KS and Eastern CO) have received al  ot of snow and it is affecting the travels of thousands.  We may get some rain and maybe some scattered snow showers sometime over the next week, but I don't see a "White Christmas" coming to my home this year. 

The Real Estate market has been "steady".  Homes are still coming on the market and still selling, although some may take a little longer than compared to last year.  The surprise has been the extraordinary low interest rates.  This week the rates were still hovering around 6% for a 30yr loan.  As home prices in this area stabilize (and some may fall just a little) this is often a great time to consider "buying up".  If you are looking for a larger or newer home, don't hesitate to give me a call and see if we can get you into your next home!

Again, have a great holiday season and a wonderful New Year!

Mike

Well, the Kansas City area received between 0 inches of snow (for those of us located near KCI or Leavenworth) and over 8 inches of snow (for those located near Olathe) yesterday and last night.  Most of the area schools were closed and I know the kids enjoyed another day off today.  It was 8 degrees this morning and it looks like the geese are trying to stay warm.  It is hard to imagine that it is actually warmer to be in the water, but the geese seem to think so.  This picture was taken looking from my back deck facing our lake (facing East) about 730am.  I hope everyone stays warm!

When you are thinking about a new home to help keep you warm, please don't hesitate to give me a call!  :)

Mike

I hope everyone had a pleasant Thanksgiving Holiday and you are recovered from the turkey and stuffing.  The weather was very nice and there were some good football games this past weekend.  As we head into the Christmas/Holiday season, please take some time and enjoy the gifts/blessing that we all have (family/friends/workmates).   Also, please take a moment and say a prayer for our deployed servicemen and servicewomen.

Strive to make your plans and goals for next year so you can hit the ground running on January 1st.  Remember, people generally do NOT plan to FAIL - they just FAIL to PLAN.  Also, it is OK to make adjustments in your plan as the year goes by.  Changes in your situation happen and having the ability and flexibility to adjust to change is the key to your own success and happiness.

If you need any assistance in planning/executing your Real Estate goals, don't hesitate to give me a call. 

I have spent the last few days in New Orleans attending the National Association of REALTORS^® (NAR) annual convention.  It was a chance to receive additional training and housing market commentary about the current market and trends for the future.  Additionally, it was a chance to meet many of the nearly 30,000 REALTORS^® who were expected to attend.  I have been to New Orleans before and this was a great opportunity to give something back to a city that needs our help.  I had the privilege today to work with REALTORS^® from various parts of the US and Canada on a Habitat for Humanity home.  There are many areas that people are volunteering their time to help.  Our area was called Musician's Village and our group worked on 2 homes and poured concrete footings for a 3rd.  I worked with a group that put siding on a new home that will be completed in the next few weeks.  You will see some photos of the work home and of some area damaged homes.  In the area we were working, all new homes must be a minimum of 3-4 feet above the ground.  PS.  The Habitat Staff and Americorps student/volunteers were fantastic.  I hope you enjoy the photos.

I hope you enjoyed viewing these photos.  I am sure that the agencies in New Orleans would appreciate any assistance
you could give them!

Coldwell Banker Reilly and Sons celebrated Halloween with their annual Halloween Parade/Contest/Pumpkin Give-a-way on Saturday, October 28th.  Everyone had a great time.  Reilly and Son's newest office (the Basehor Office) hosted their First Annual Halloween Party/Carnival on Tuesday, October 31st from 5-7pm.  Local businesses (including Sonic and First American Title) provided gifts and support which allowed all the children to have a wonderful time (even though it was cold!).  Some selected photos from the Basehor party are below.