Urban KC Living Real Estate Blog

Chris made his dream of purchasing his first home a reality

Chris new one thing when he called me, he loved the Waldo area. Even given this, during his search, we still explored parts of Lee's Summit clear to Waldo just to make sure we found the right area. Once we found the right area, still set on Waldo, we had to find the right home. Chris wasn't afraid of the idea of putting some work into the right home or even adding a bedroom and bathroom to one to make it right. Given this, it made his search easier!

We found a great home, priced below market value, in a short sale. A few months later, we had the sellers lien holders approval on the short sale and the buyers lender got him closed ahead of schedule. Chris got his keys today, though he was a little tired today at closing since he couldn't sleep last night with excitement!

Many years of happiness to you, Chris. I can't wait to see the photos when you have completed the home of your dreams! Cheers!

Ed finds the perfect home in Overland Park

Ed contacted me just about two months ago looking for the right home. He had a wish list, like most buyers, and had goals in getting into his new home quickly. We viewed a very small amount of homes on three tours, around 16 in total. When he walked into one, he knew it was the right one. I love that feeling of "knowing" when you find the right home!

He had a great lender and we closed way ahead of schedule. I was very happy to give him is keys this morning. 

Congratulations, Ed! Many years of happiness to you, cheers.

Christina and Craig find a foreclosure a great choice for an investment property

Christina and Craig were not new to the idea of being investment property owners. They owned a few lofts around Downtown Kansas City that they lease out as investments. When they contacted me to help them find a steal, I was happy to help.

They found a two story loft in the heart of Downtown Kansas City that was a foreclosure needing just a few touches to make it perfect. Offering first a great location (key to renting a property), a great price point and a community that offers a ton of amenities was just a few reasons they chose this one. Exercise room, club room, garage parking, pool and more!

They get their keys tomorrow and I am very happy for them. Congratulations Christina and Craig!!

James and Katelyn find a fully updated condo at a steal of a price!

James and Katelyn had a goal to become proud home owners. I was happy to help them with their search! They were first time home buyers not sure of what they wanted though they knew they wanted to stop throwing away money on rent. They considered purchasing the loft James was renting from his landlords. However, when I sent them a foreclosure listing, they put it high on their list.

Some foreclosures need a lot of work. This one, however, had new carpet, new paint and recently refinished hard wood floors. With an outstanding view from their private balcony, quality finishes throughout including stainless steel appliances, updated cabinets, granite counter-tops,  and tile floors, it was definitely high on their list until I told them the asking price when it became number 1 on their list! Great value. The community offers every amenity you can think of plus a tax abatement, two garage spaces, extra storage and much more. We had multiple offers up against us but with my assistance and guidance, they got the winning contract!

Congratulations James and Katelyn. Cheers to many years of happiness in your new home! I can't wait to give you your keys this afternoon.

Soho and Coffee Lofts agent tour

Agents...tomorrow is your chance to view 11 lofts at Soho and Coffee priced from $124,000 to $675,000. Stop by anytime from 11:00am-1:30pm. Hors D'oeuvres, dessert and five $20 gift cards will be given away! I will have two lofts open at Soho on the 4th floor. Come and see us! *Buyers welcome as well*

Craig and Christina invest in a great loft in Downtown Kansas City

Craig and Christina were not first time home investors. They currently owned a loft in Downtown Kansas City that they had as a rental property. Seeing home prices at an all time low, they decided they wanted to purchase another investment property to rent out. I was eager to help them find the right property at the right price!

We searched over a couple of months from Downtown Kansas City to the Country Club Plaza and viewed most every community that would offer a better opportunity for renters than others due to location, finishes and price. In the end, they decided to purchase a loft in the same community as their other rental property. They felt comfort and knowledge in the community and new it was "the one". We viewed every property for sale in the community and they purchased the best one for the best price. Top of the line finishes and the most unique windows in the building but we didn't break the bank.

Congratulations Craig and Christina! You made a great choice and I am very excited for you both!

Which of our Featured Listings is on YOUR holiday wish list?

20 photos 

$399,000

2 bed, 3 bath

2254 sq. ft.

mls no. 1754266

5044 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO 64112 Condo/Townhouse

This hilltop Italian style villa offers three stories and is designed to bring the... Courtesy of Chartwell Realty L L C

• View
• More Info
• Visit
• Locate
• Save

20 photos

$184,500

2 bed, 1 bath

mls no. 1687046

1111 W 46th Street, Kansas City, MO 64112 Condo/Townhouse.

Knock your socks off WOW! This one is a Must See - packed with detailed top of the... Courtesy of Chartwell Realty L L C

• View
• More Info
• Visit
• Locate
• Save

19 photos

$149,500

1 bed, 1 bath

724 sq. ft.

mls no. 1742635

308 W 8th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105 Condo/Townhouse

Great one bedroom floor plan with a full bedroom wall! Exposed brick and tall wood... Courtesy of Chartwell Realty L L C

• View
• More Info
• Visit
• Locate
• Save

18 photos

$123,500

2 bed, 1 bath

810 sq. ft.

mls no. 1746601

4430 Jarboe Street, Kansas City, MO 64111 Condo/Townhouse

Updated Plaza/Westport area condo ready for you to move in and enjoy! Granite,... Courtesy of Chartwell Realty L L C

• View
• More Info
• Visit
• Locate
• Save

20 photos

$122,500

1 bed, 1 bath

mls no. 1750405

700 E 8th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106 Condo/Townhouse

Welcome to the Manhattan, a premier address in a prime downtown KC location! This... Courtesy of Chartwell Realty L L C

• View
• More Info
• Visit
• Locate
• Save

18 photos 

$119,900

2 bed, 2 bath

1250 sq. ft.

mls no. 1712991

4057 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO 64111 Condo/Townhouse

Top floor, nicely updated condo with a great view of the pool. This one is ready... Courtesy of Chartwell Realty L L C

• View
• More Info
• Visit
• Locate
• Save

12 photos

$109,900

1 bed,1 bath

529 sq. ft.

mls no. 1697261

609 Central Street, Kansas City, MO 64105 Condo/Townhouse

Take in the daylight from the large windows and great views this corner loft... Courtesy of Chartwell Realty L L C

• View
• More Info
• Visit
• Locate
• Save

14 photos

$109,900

1 bath

634 sq. ft.

mls no. 1677814

706 Broadway Street, Kansas City, MO 64105 Condo/Townhouse

FHA approved development and tax abated! Updated and ready for you to move in.... Courtesy of Chartwell Realty L L C

• View
• More Info
• Visit
• Locate
• Save

20 photos 

$109,000

1 bath

708 sq. ft.

mls no. 1753798

706 Broadway Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64105 Condo/Townhouse

This one has NEW carpet, a NEW bathroom, NEW paint throughout and is ready for you... Courtesy of Chartwell Realty L L C

• View
• More Info
• Visit
• Locate
• Save

14 photos 

$99,950

1 bed, 1 bath

775 sq. ft.

mls no. 1728747

4426 Jarboe Street, Kansas City, MO 64111 Condo/Townhouse

Welcome to Normandy Square! A short walk to the Plaza or Westport, this condo... Courtesy of Chartwell Realty L L C

• View
• More Info
• Visit
• Locate
• Save

11 photos

$89,500

1 bed, 1 bath

745 sq. ft.

mls no. 1703069

4515 Headwood Drive, Kansas City, MO 64111 Condo/Townhouse

Located just 1.5 blocks north of the Plaza this condo offers the location you are... Courtesy of Chartwell Realty L L C

• View
• More Info
• Visit
• Locate
• Save

Buyers Carri and Sasha wait for a short sale approval

Carri and Sasha were wanting to make the move to home ownership when their landlord told them they were going to increase their rent by almost 30% per month if they renewed their lease for  another year! Really?!? Their landlord is a little unrealistic if you ask me. With interest rates at an all time low, they truly could purchase a property and have a lower monthly payment then continue to lease and throw their money away.

We narrowed down their search quickly to two properties that fit their needs. One was on the smaller side but  the price reflected this. The other property was a much larger two story loft with a private roof top deck. After much discussion, I think we all agreed that it is always better to purchase a property that you can grow in to and not out of, especially in this market. You want to have the ability to not out grow a property for at least 5 years, not 2, to protect your investment. The other winning argument was that the larger property was a short sale and priced way under market value - "deal"! The obstacle in putting in an offer on the short sale property was the waiting process for the sellers mortgage lien holder to approve a first and second mortgage. We gave the sellers lien holder 60 days to respond. Unfortunately, we didn't get an answer in 60 days. With this contract I did encourage them to wait another 30 days for a response and we did. The only reason to wait another 30 days was the great value in this property. I don't usually recommend this. Bingo, they received an approval and get their keys tomorrow!!!

I took the second picture below from their private roof top patio. I must say I am a little jealous of their views, haha! Great job Carri and Sasha. Many, many congratulations and cheers to year of happiness ahead!

 

Garrett and Lauren find their new home in the Northland

Garrett and Lauren called me looking for their first home and I was very excited for the opportunity to assist them! They knew they wanted to stop throwing thousands of dollars a year away in rent. Their original focus was on houses in Liberty. Like most buyers, they wanted to find a deal. So, we first viewed house foreclosures and short sales.

After searching a few foreclosed homes in Liberty, they decided the foreclosures we viewed needed too much work, even for the lower asking price. This was their first home purchase but they didn't want to spend all of their free time working on their new home. I don't blame them!

We moved our search to maintenance free foreclosures and short sale townhomes staying in line with the budget they were comfortable with. It took a couple of weeks but then the right townhome came on the market. Best of all, the seller had it priced right. They got a "deal" and it wasn't a foreclosure or short sale so the buying process went very smooth. It was move in ready and just like new!!

Garrett and Lauren get keys and get to move into their new home tomorrow. I am very excited for them!! Congratulations!!

 

 

Brent and Kristin go to work on their dream

Brent and Kristin were not first time home buyers. They both purchased properties before they met and wanted to create a home for themselves together, literally.

They knew they love older neighborhoods but didn't want to go the route a lot of people due in Brookside and Waldo. They wanted something that felt more unique to them. We searched some homes in Valentine and midtown but in the end, they knew they wanted to find the right home in Westside.

The obstacle was that they wanted to create their new home and put finishing touches on it. They did have a budget in mind and we stuck with it. They found the right home but it was pretty much gutted without even so much as a toilet hooked up. The buying process was a little more challenging for them since they had to go with a renovation loan which took some time to obtain approval on. However, after a few months, they got the keys to their new home. Their goal is to have it completed and moved into by the end of the year.

Congratulations Brent and Kristin. I can't wait to see pictures or be lucky enough to have a tour. You are going to have a beautiful home!!