Travel Tips for a Successful Trip

August 11, 2010

Most of us have mastered the art of domestic travel with weekend trips to Disneyland and road trips to national parks. But when we switch the destination to a far-flung locale, we’re at a loss as to how to prepare for our vacation and, even, what to do once we’ve arrived. Everything from language barriers to cultural differences can make a trip abroad feel daunting, if not exciting at the same time.
 Fortunately, if you do a bit of pre-trip planning and follow insider travel trips once you arrive, you can calm your nerves and guarantee your trip will begin and end worry free. To learn how to make your trip a success, read on.

Fish Tales

August 5, 2010

Our friend, Alan Van Hoosier, recently went fishin’ with a buddy at Weatherby Lake. Here’s living proof that there are some big daddies in the deep end. By the way, if you’re in need of a skilled HVAC technician we recommend Alan’s work. You can reach him at 816-520-0379.

Alan is the fisherman on the right.

Cone Team July 2010 Newsletter

August 2, 2010

Existing-home sales had another strong showing in May with gains reported in the West and South. According to a June report by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), existing home-sales are on an annual pace to reach 5.66 million units for the year, approximately 19 percent above 2009 levels. Read more….

Escape to Door County Wisconsin

August 2, 2010

Located on a 75-mile peninsula surrounded by the waters of Green Bay on the west and Lake Michigan on the east, Door County, Wisconsin, is fast becoming one of the nation’s most popular travel destinations. The county embraces 300 miles of picturesque shoreline that is dotted with bustling harbors, quaint seaside towns, pristine beaches, and quiet coves. Ten lighthouses guard the harbors and the 42 islands in the county. Read more….

Vacation in Seattle

July 27, 2010

July is vacation time for many families, ours included. Marlin, my husband, flew with the Seattle grandchildren as they returned home from Kansas City, on July 17. I came a week later and have enjoyed the wonderful Seattle summer weather (warm, no rain and humidity) plus the backyard pool parties with the kids and friends. We head back to the mid-west on July 28th and then it is much of the same for us. Have you taken a vacation this summer? Any great places you can recommend? Would love to hear about it.

Ballard Locks

Watch for a new daily post to be coming here shortly called “365 Things to do in Kansas City.” The idea came from the 11 days we hosted 5 grandchildren in age 4-14 and the daily question, “Grama, what are we going to do today?” Check this out starting next week…August 2, 2010

Taking the grandkids to Worlds of Fun

July 10, 2010

Last night we (my husband, Marlin, and Ray & Ann Krob—friends of ours and our youngest son’s father-in-law and step mother-in-law) took our five grandkids who are staying with us (from the 4th of July to the 17th!!) to World’s of Fun, a great family amusement park.  JD & Tori (twins age 14 from Houston) have been there before and we heavy into the hard core rides right up until the end.  Aidan, 7 from Seattle, had his first two roller coaster rides and did quite well with the support of his two older cousins.  Nina (Aidan’s 4 year old sister) and Avery (our 3 year old great granddaughter from Houston) had a great time with Ann & me on the kiddie rides.  Marlin & I were able to stump the guy who guesses either your BD, your weight or your age.  He pegged me at 50 and Marlin at 41 (his non-gray hair is what did it!)—what a ego boost!!  So, we were able to let the two little girls pick out their favorite stuffed animal (as if they needed another one???!!!).

Amazing Weatherby Lake, MO Home in 64152

June 5, 2010

This home, featured by KansasCityLifestyles.com is Weatherby Lake living at its finest.

Love to entertain? A story and1/2 floor plan with 5 bedrooms and a possible 6th, plus 3 full and 2 half baths. Other features include 4 living areas and gorgeous fireplaces in the kitchen, dining room, master suite and the family room downstairs. Enjoy spectacular sunrises all year long, while sipping coffee on the deck, breakfast room or master bedroom. Just a short stroll to your own boat dock on the shore of Weatherby Lake!

The interactive floor plan is below…or click the button to see the full virtual tour site.

Take a Virtual WalkThru!

Home By Design Magazine

May 3, 2010

Click here for beautiful design, decor, and recipe ideas from Home By Design.

May Newsletter

April 13, 2010

Help for Buyers and Sellers!

Tax Credit Expires April 30th

Looking for a great deal on a home? April may be your best chance! The Extended Home Buyers Tax Credit offers current homeowners and first-time home buyers alike an incredible tax-saving opportunity when they buy a home through April 30, 2010. First time buyers, who haven’t owned a primary residence in the past three years, are eligible for a tax credit of 10 percent of a home’s purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000. Current homeowners are also eligible for a tax credit of their own. Homeowners who have lived in their primary residence for 5 consecutive years of the past 8 are eligible for a tax credit of 10% of a home’s purchase price, up to maximum of $6,500.

The following conditions apply:

  • The tax credit is only awarded on homes purchased for $800,000, or less.
  • Full tax credit is available to buyers earning up to $125,000 a year, or $225,000 for married couples filing jointly.
  • Partial tax credit is available to buyers earning between $125,000 to $145,000, or for married couples earning between $225,000 to $245,000.
  • Under the rules, as long as a written binding purchase contract is in effect on April 30, 2010, the buyer has until July 1, 2010 to close.

Under the rules, as long as a written binding purchase contract is in effect on April 30, 2010, the buyer has until July 1, 2010 to close. National Association of REALTORS president Vicki Cox Golder said some buyers are just starting to realize the urgency involved. “If home buyers want this tax credit, there is literally no time to waste,” she said.

The tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the buyers tax liability, and does not have to be paid back as long as the buyer remains in their home for three years or more. This is a once-in-a-lifetime offer to have Uncle Sam help you buy a house. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!

In addition to the above information……this just in.

If you or someone you know has been serving in the military or the government outside the USA for 90 days, starting December 31, 2008, and ending May 1, 2010, they will qualify for an extension of this tax credit for one year. This means they must be under contract by April 30, 2011 and close by June 30, 2011.

Go to irs.gov for more information.

Stop Double Taxation, Protect Your Home

Existing Home Sales Report

The number of existing home sales declined nationally in February despite gains in the Northeast and Midwest. Sales were down 0.6% for the month of February, according to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). Although levels dropped this winter, existing homes sales are on pace to reach 5.02 million units in 2010, which is up 7% from the 4.69 million-unit pace from February 2009.

Existing Home Sales By Region

Weather definitely played a part in the slowdown, says NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun. “Some closings were simply postponed by winter storms, but buyers couldn’t get out to look at homes in some areas and that should negatively impact near-term contract activity,” he said. “The key test for a durable recovery comes in the next few months as the tax credit deadline approaches. “If we see a surge in home buying comparable to last fall in the months leading up to the original tax credit deadline, then enough inventory should be absorbed to ensure a broad home price stabilization.”

Many buyers are taking advantage of the low mortgage rates available from today’s banks. Freddie Mac reported in February that a 30-year, conventional fixed rate mortgage was hovering in the high-4 to low-5 percent range.

Real Estate Listing at 9002 NE 94th Place, Kansas City, MO 64152

February 17, 2010

GREAT, fresh plan ,only four years young! Great room open to kitchen and dining as well as formal dining space. Corner fireplace, tall ceilings and detailed woodwork enrich the floor plan. Expanded garage will hold up to four vehicles…a guy’s dream garage!

The Interactive FloorPlan Tour is below.

Take a WalkThru Video Tour

Please contact me if you are interested in more information or a showing.

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