Local market updates from the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors (KCRAR) provide a closer look at the Kansas City metro area's current market conditions. Whether you're a buyer or seller, visit Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes' Better Living Blog each month to stay updated on the latest home sale trends.

Monthly Indicator Analysis from Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors (KCRAR)

As the weather warms and pandemic restrictions ease across much of the country, the U.S. housing market shows little sign of cooling. Robust buyer demand, fueled by low mortgage rates, continues to outpace supply, which remains near historic lows. Nationwide, inventory remains much lower than it was at this time last year, and

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Local market updates from the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors (KCRAR) provide a closer look at the Kansas City metro area's current market conditions. Whether you're a buyer or seller, visit Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes' Better Living Blog each month to stay updated on the latest home sale trends.

Monthly Indicator Analysis from Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors (KCRAR)

April was another strong month for home sales. The busy spring market continues to see many multiple offer situations driving sales prices above asking price. With such strong activity, by the time a property sale closes, the market may have already moved higher than that sold price suggests. Such market conditions can create

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Local market updates from the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors (KCRAR) provide a closer look at the Kansas City metro area's current market conditions. Whether you're a buyer or seller, visit Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes' Better Living Blog each month to stay updated on the latest home sale trends.

Monthly Indicator Analysis from Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors (KCRAR)

Normal spring increases in sales activity, coupled with relaxing COVID-19 policies, created a very busy March real estate market as buyer demand continued largely unabated in the face of rising home prices and mortgage rates. Existing home seller and new construction activity continue to remain below levels necessary to bring

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Spring - The Season of Charcuterie

When enjoying company in the backyard, something light and tasty to snack on can set the mood for the whole party. It seems everywhere you turn these days, new and ornate charcuterie spreads are making their way into your social media feeds and getting hundreds of likes. So let’s jump on the trend, and look at the essentials for a springtime charcuterie board. 

1. Cheese

Three different types of cheeses are the goal. If you can, go to a local cheese shop or delicatessen and find one hard, one soft, and one blue cheese. This gives a varied tasting profile to your guests and different flavors to experiment with.

2. Meat

Your choice of meats can be broad, but you generally will want to stick with

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The Spring Season Has Officially Arrived

Spring is here, and the warm weather has arrived. Flowers will soon be blooming, and gardens will be flourishing. Jumpstart your outdoor activities this year with resources from Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Kansas City Homes. From patio redecorating and spring cleaning to crowd-favorite recipes, check out tips from our Better Living Blog.

A Beautiful Succulent Display

Known for vibrant colors and delicate textures, succulents are drought-tolerant plants that are easy to maintain. A mini succulent garden can add a pop of color to spruce up your outdoor area. Making the garden is as easy as one trip to the local nursery. 

Supplies

• 18-inch-diameter, 8-inch-deep pot     

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Tradition Home Group From Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes’ Northland Office Wins Top Team in International BHGRE Network

Longtime friends and business partners, Shannon Stumpenhaus and Nickole Stark are the team leads for Tradition Home Group (THG) from the Kansas City Homes’ Northland office. No strangers to recognition, Tradition Home Group is routinely named in the top teams at Kansas City Homes. 

THG received the Emerald Elite award for the #1 Team in Volume and the #3 Team in Units in 2020 for the entire Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate international network, spanning 350+ offices and six countries. This award is presented to the top 1% of agents and teams in the BHGRE network.

In our recent interview with Nickole

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Local market updates from the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors (KCRAR) provide a closer look at the current market conditions in the Kansas City metro area. Whether you're a buyer or seller, visit Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes' Better Living Blog each month to stay updated on the latest home sale trends.

Monthly Indicator Analysis from Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors (KCRAR)

Mortgage interest rates ticked a bit higher in February but remain below their February 2020 levels. Interest rates may rise a bit further in coming weeks, but according to Freddie Mac chief economist Sam Khater, “While there are multiple temporary factors driving up rates, the underlying economic fundamentals point to rates…

The Average Down Payment For All Homeowners is 12%

One of the most common misconceptions about buying a home is the amount you need to pay for a down payment. The common value we hear is that you need to have a 20% down payment or you will not be able to buy a home. Will not having a 20% down payment make or break my home purchase? Absolutely not. 

While having a significant down payment can help save you money in the long run, it is far from required in today’s marketplace. First-time homeowners average a 7% down payment when they buy their home. All homebuyers average 12% and repeat homebuyers average 16%.

For many potential homebuyers, the down payment is an area where a majority of uncertainty is centered. More often than not, it is the

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In the early months of 2021, the blazing hot real estate market is continuing across Kansas City. In December alone, in Johnson County, closed sales rose 19% over last year according to the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS®.

This means buyers are still in the market and are still looking for their dream home. With cold weather and snow on the way, improving your curb appeal now will lead to a sold sign in your yard faster than ever. Let’s take a look at how you can increase your curb appeal and reach your goals in 2021.

Tip #1 - Keep Your Driveway and Walkways Clean

With snow on the way across the metro, no one wants to worry about slipping on their way into a showing. Do your part by keeping your pathways clear from snow and

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Goering Assumes the Title After Darrel Stiles Retires

Kansas City Homes’ agent and Assistant Broker, Alex Goering, has been named Managing Broker of the Blue Valley office. He took over on January 1st of this year.

This change is part of the office’s succession plan. Stiles selected Alex as his replacement, and the two worked together to ensure a smooth transition that took effect when Stiles officially retired on December 31st, 2020.

Alex, already a decorated and successful agent and former team lead for the Goering Group, is ready for the new role. In 2017 he was awarded Salesperson of the Year from the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS®, and in 2019 Kansas Association of REALTORS® awarded him Realtor Salesperson of the Year. He

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