The Better Homes & Garden Magazine is ubiquitous nationwide. Since it was first published in 1921, it became a staple for homeowners looking for ideas to make life better. Currently, it’s the #1 home and lifestyle publication in circulation with a readership of 32,145,000. Even at that volume, each issue they put out is a love letter to the lifestyle of better living. A full 60% of the content in each issue is dedicated to home and lifestyle-related topics. 

We recently had the opportunity to see first-hand, the hard work, passion and craft that goes into every BHG magazine when a select group of agents and staff chartered a bus and traveled to the Meredith mothership (publisher of Better Homes & Gardens Magazine). They pulled back the curtain for us and

Local market updates from 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)

As the summer draws to a close, multiple opposing factors and trends are competing to define the direction of the real estate market. After the Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate on July 31, 30-year mortgage rates continued to decline, approaching all-time lows last seen in 2016. Yet most experts agree these

In Part 2 of this blog, we provided you with some tips for raising your home's value with a modest investment in improvements. These long-term solutions are meant to help increase what your home is worth now and in the future, when you may decide to sell. In Part 3 we'll show you how an even larger investment can mean even more ROI when you decide to sell. We'll also let you in on what improvements to avoid because they simply won't pay off when you sell you home.

Significant Cost. Significant Effort

Make Smart Decisions About Upgrades
Gadgets that enhance safety and convenience are becoming a must-have for many buyers. This is especially true of the younger and “techier” generations. Replacing existing devices in your home with ‘smart’ ones is

In Part 1 of this blog, we gave you some ideas about how to raise your home's value for no or little money. These long-term solutions are meant to help increase what your home is worth now and in the future, when you may decide to sell. In Part 2 we'll provide you with even more ideas to make your home worth more by investing a little more into it. These ideas are a little pricier but are intended to deliver a greater ROI in the end.

Medium Cost. A Little More Effort

Add Some Low-Maintenance Landscaping
This one is a great way to improve your curb appeal and save money at the same time. Everybody loves lush shrubs and colorful flowers. Try planting some near your front door. It makes your entrance more attractive and helps entice potential home

Home value is probably one of the top influencers for both whether or not your home sells, and how much it sells for. By now you probably know you can find your home’s value using Kansas City Homes’ Home Compare tool. But is that where it ends? 

No. Not even close. Once you find out your home’s value you can, and should, do what it takes (within your means) to raise your home’s value. Now we’re not talking a thorough cleaning and a little improvement to your home’s curb appeal for an open house or showing. It should go without saying that you need to keep your lawn mowed, your house clean, and your closets tidy. We’re talking about real changes that fundamentally improve your home and raise its value now and when you sell. Some things you can do aren’t

Local market updates from 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)

In July, the U.S. economic expansion that began in June 2009 became the longest in the nation's history, marking 121 straight months of gross domestic product growth and surpassing the 120-month expansion from 1991 to 2001. The average rate of growth during this expansion has been a milder 2.3 percent per year compared to 3.6

The great thing about living around Kansas City is its eclectic lifestyles, ideal location, and overall livability. It doesn’t matter if you're a young person with a vibrant nature who enjoys always being where the action is. Or maybe you're a fitness lover who lives a healthy lifestyle. You walk everywhere you go and swear by your favorite health food market's latest Keto diet. Perhaps you have a young, growing family with an eye on the suburbs, great schools, and parks to keep your kids active and having fun. No matter what kind of life you live or have always dreamed about living, the KC metro has areas and homes that fit what you’re looking for.

In the past, it's been tricky to find a home you love in an area perfect for how you want to live. But the

It seems like Summer is flying by, but there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the sun and have some fun around Kansas City! In order to keep kids active and help them escape the mid-summer blues, we’ve compiled a list of 7 fun activities to enjoy during the rest of summer vacation.

1. Visit a Local Park, Library, or Farmers Market

A park, library, or farmer’s market is a great opportunity to get out and explore different things. And chances are there’s one (or more) near you!

Kansas City is known for its many beautiful parks, and some of our favorites include Swope, Loose, and Penguin.

Swope Park, located at East Meyer Boulevard and Swope Parkway, is filled with different attractions and adventures. Kids can hike on the various trails, complete the

KCRAR's Local Market Updates provide a closer look at the current market conditions within the Kansas City metro area. Whether you're a buyer or seller, visit our Better Living Blog each month to stay updated on the recent trends.

KCRAR Monthly Indicator Analysis

As was widely expected, the Federal Reserve did not change the target range for the federal funds rate – currently set at 2.25 to 2.5 percent – during their June meeting. Although the economy is still performing well due to factors such as low unemployment and solid retail sales, uncertainty remains regarding trade tensions, slowed manufacturing and meek business investments.

In terms of relative balance between buyer and seller interests, residential real estate markets across the

Why are professional home stagers so expensive? Because they’re worth it!!! Experienced and skilled home stagers can make your home look like a million bucks! And while it may not sell for quite that much, a well-staged home can fetch a substantially higher price than an empty, bare-walled, plain-looking home would.

But you don’t have to spend a small fortune to make money on your home. Believe it or not, with a little hard work and a clear plan, you can stage your home almost as well as the pros and achieve similar results! Follow these 7 can’t miss tips for making your home look it’s best so it can sell for more!

1. Free up some space by employing the TDDS (Toss, Declutter, Depersonalize, and Store) method

Toss - It’s time to get rid of - once and