The Kansas City Zoo Announces October and November are F R E E

Yes, you read right..... The Kansas City Zoo is offering free admission to Kansas City, Missouri residents for the months of October and November.

Of course you have to prove that you live in Kansas City, Missouri and rightfully so.

You will need proof of residence and a state-issued ID which is required at the admissions gate.

You can also verify that you are a resident with a bill or credit card statement, even a bank statement, with your name and Kansas City, Missouri address.

It is free during normal zoo hours.

Gladstone Residents Will Be Paying More Personal Property Tax

In 2005 Gladstone voters approved a 39-cent property tax increase. That tax increase will begin showing up in your personal property tax bill this year.

The City Council has voted to set the city's 2008 tax levy at 93 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. So in other words if you buy a new car that cost $25,000 you are going to pay about 32.00 more in personal property taxes beginning this year.

This voter approved raise in taxes gave Gladstone leaders the authority to set the tax levy no higher than 93 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. Up until this year Gladstone council decided to stay at the existing tax rate of 54-cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

The reason for the decision to raise it is unexpected expenses which includes the May 2 tornado which cost the city more than $357,000 in payroll costs and repairs to city-owned facilities. In addition salt for road treatment went up $75,000 and fuel cost for city vehicles went up $71,000 over this past year.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all of my wonderful readers. The holidays are over and it’s time to get back into “real estate” mode.

If you are planning to get your home on the market for Spring, start to get it ready now!

A fresh coat of paint will brighten any room. Clean the carpets. Touch up the molding. Do whatever needs to be done now to get it ready.

My experience has been that Spring market starts in March. It begins to warm and people get in the mood to begin to look for their new homes.

If you need assistance with some ideas on what you could do to get your North Kansas City home ready for spring market, give me a call. I’d love to come by and give you some ideas.

Fran White 816-682-3897

The Holiday Season is Officially Started!

The Holidays are officially kicked-off in Kansas City. Thanksgiving is over, the Plaza Lights are shining bright. The Mayor’s Christmas Tree is sparkling and Zona Rosa is all a twinkle with those beautiful crowns that use to call downtown Kansas City home.

But is it time to buy home in Kansas City? Of course it is! There are many amazing homes on the market at utterly amazing prices, now is the time. If you’ve even remotely considered buying a home in the last 6 months NOW is the time to do it, you’d be shocked at what you can get for your $$$!

If you’d like some assistance looking in the North Kansas City area I’d be more than glad to assist you!

Please feel free to call my cell 816-682-3897 or email me at FranWhite@kc.rr.com

1008 NW 73rd Terr, Bradford Place, Kansas City - Clay County, Missouri $205,000

Can you SEE ME Now?

I came across a great project that is just it it's beginnings here in Kansas City!
In honor of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the American Institute of Architects they have started a program called Blueprint of America. It's a nationwide, grassroots community service program that will empower each cities residents to participate in developing new visions for their community's design priorities.
So where does Kansas City come in? Well if you live here you know that our town is made up of sprawling urban and suburban as well as exurban and transurban areas, no different than many other cities. The Kansas City portion of this nationwide program is being dubbed "The Kansas City SNAPSHOT" and will engage the diverse people and places that inhabit the Johnson Drive / Van Brunt corridor.
I don't want to take away any excitement from their project, so please take a moment to visit the website they are developing for this project Kansas City SNAPSHOT at www.kcsnapshot.org.

It's interesting and perhaps it will help all of us in Kansas City to see each other again.

Why You Should Take Care of Your Credit like a Family Heirloom

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Insurance Companies Want to SEE Your Credit Score
I previously wrote about how you should get your homeowners insurance during the inspection period when you are buying a home.
Now I SEE more than ever the importance of that when buying a home in Kansas City, Missouri.
At sales meeting this morning we were discussing how more and more insurance companies are using individuals credit scores to determine their insurability and their premium rates.
We all know it's important to pay our bills on time to keep our credit as healthy as possible, and now it's even more vital!
Insurance companies are lining up to look at your credit score to decide if they want to insure you and if they do what the likelihood is that you will have a claim.
Do I feel this is right? Well, not really, but they are doing it.
Again let me stress the importance of getting your insurance during the initial inspection period after you sign a contract. If a problem arises around homeowners insurance you will know at the front end of the deal rather than wait till it's time to close and it becomes a major problem.
I believe that everyone deserves to own their own home and with all the mortgage possibilities out there it is possible. A word to the wise: protect your credit because it may affect the premium you will pay for homeowners insurance.