Olathe Real Estate : Tips To Show Off Your Property

Curb Appeal
• Remove all refuse, leaves or clutter from yards, sidewalks, porches and decks
• Make sure the gutters are clean
• Prune bushes and trees and keep plants away from the windows
• Pay special attention to the lawn, make sure to mow, trim, weed, fertilize and mulch
• Clear patios and decks of small items, toys, unnecessary furniture or decor
• Hose off the house and wash all windows and screens to make it clean and appealing
• The front entrance should be clean and inviting. Clean thoroughly, purchase a new doormat and
fill pots with colorful flowers

Inside
• Clear the clutter. You plan to move, so start packing now! Pack away collections and valuables
• Take things out of closets & cabinets that are not essential to your life and pack them away
• Clear all unnecessary objects from kitchen countertops. Clear refrigerator of magnets and photos,
• Bathrooms that sparkle, sell homes! Remove any unnecessary items and coordinate towels to one
or two neutral colors. Consider buying fresh towels or neutral shower curtain if necessary
• Rearrange or remove excess furniture if necessary to open up the space
• Store extra possessions in the garage or a storage unit
• Deep Clean! Clean the carpets, windows, appliances
• Check all light bulbs and detail all light fixtures
• Brighten dull basement & storage areas by painting the walls & using high watt bulbs
• Consider painting in neutral colors, ask Brad for color suggestions
• Remove an special item that a buyer may want as part of the house that you intend to keep
• Do not make major improvements without consulting Brad, you may over-improve your home

Showing Day
• Tidy up each room, remove all clutter, make all beds and do a quick dust and vacuum
• Open the drapes and shades, and turn on all lights to make it look bright and cheerful
• Keep pets out of the way, and make sure the pet areas are clean and odor free
• Turn off your television and turn on the radio to an easy listening station
• Check the temperature: cool in the summer and toasty warm in the winter
 

Brad Papa
RE/MAX Stateline
913-526-4985
bradleypapa@remax.net
www.PapasInTheHouse.com
Come to Papa For All Your Real Estate Needs!

Primary Election In Olathe On August 5

Elections are coming to Olathe on August 5! If you don’t know where your polling location is visit the website of the Johnson County Election Office and choose “Voter Lookup” along the left-hand column. This website also has plenty of information such as forms, elected official contact information and voting dates.

This primary is important for the following races: District Attorney (10th District), Johnson County Sheriff, U.S. Senator, and the Board of County Commissioners sales tax renewal, just to name a few.

Check out all the Olathe races here: Olathe Primary Election Candidates

Brad Papa specialized in Kansas City and Olathe real estate and can be reached at www.PapasInTheHouse.com, bradleypapa@remax.net

Olathe Real Estate Agent Passes Along Favorite Kansas City Links

I have been an Olathe real estate agent for almost five years, but I have lived in Kansas City most of my life. I think it’s a great city to live in and there are so many things to do in Kansas City! Here are a few random websites that I visit with more information on restaurants, green living, sports, clubs and so much more!

Kansas City Food Circle: http://www.kcfoodcircle.org/KCCSAC/

Restaurant Guide of Kansas City : http://www.kcrestaurantguide.com/

Kansas City Green Magazine: http://www.greenabilitymagazine.com/

Kansas City Originals Restaurants: http://www.kcoriginals.com/

Kansas City Rag Forum: http://forum.kcrag.com/

Kansas City  Sports And Social Club: http://www.kansascitysportandsocialclub.com/kcssc/index.php

Kansas City Menus: http://www.kansascitymenus.com/

Tastebud, Kansas City Food Magazine: http://www.tastebudmagazine.com/

Kansas City Clubs and Organizations: http://www.experiencekc.com/clubs.html#business

Nelson Art Gallery Classes: http://www.nelson-atkins.org/education/AdultProg_ClassList.cfm?SemesterID=17

Brad Papa specialized in Kansas City and Olathe real estate and can be reached at www.PapasInTheHouse.com, bradleypapa@remax.net

Olathe Real Estate Agent – Buyer’s Agent FAQ

 1. Are you a full-time professional REALTOR®?
Yes! While many agents pursue real estate as a part-time job, I have been a full-time agent for almost four years. My clients are my #1 professional priority, not another job.

 

2. What geographic areas do you specialize in?
I am licensed in both Kansas and Missouri, so I am able to help you with your real estate needs all over the Kansas City metropolitan area, especially Olathe real estate since I live in Olathe!
 

3. Can I search for properties on your website?
Yes! My website contains many useful resources including tips, information on Kansas City and the very important Property Search Tool. You are able to create a profile, run searches on potential homes and save them as your favorites. Click here to start your search!
 

4. How will I be able to get a hold of you throughout my home search and throughout the transaction?
I ensure my clients are always able to get a hold of me, as I never turn my phone off and I always have it at my side. If I do miss a phone call, I return it as soon as possible. In addition, feel comfortable sending me an e-mail or fax as well, because I am able to access them immediately with my mobile device.
 

5. Do you have a staff or a team? If so, what roles will they play in my transaction?
My wife Kelly works for me, helping me with various marketing and administrative duties, but I am the person you will always talk to on the phone and will personally answer all your e-mails. You won’t be shuffled to various staff members or inexperienced agents, I am your agent!
 

6. Will you show me properties from other companies’ listings?
Yes! The service I use to research homes covers all agencies.
 

7. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you also represent the seller?
I will only represent you! I represent my client’s best interest whether it be with price, closing date or home warranties, I will work hard to make sure you get what you want!
 

8. How must do your services cost?
This is the great part! Buyer’s agent’s commissions are paid by the seller of the property. I don’t get paid until you close on the property.
 

9. What distinguishes you from other real estate agents?
My non-pushy attitude. A home is a huge purchase, and a decision that you should be 100% comfortable making. We look at homes based on your desires; I don’t try to force you to like a home. We write a contract when you find YOUR dream home. We work at your pace and time schedule, not mine. Click here to view the Top 10 Reasons To Buy With Papa.
 

10. May I contact some of your recent clients as references?
Yes! Please e-mail me and ask me for references or Click here to view Client Testimonials from satisfied clients!
 

 

Brad Papa

RE/MAX Stateline

913-526-4985

bradleypapa@remax.net

www.PapasInTheHouse.com

Come to Papa For All Your Real Estate Needs!

Olathe Real Estate Calculators & Tools

I ran across this fabulous blog post called By the Numbers: 100 Online Calculators for Everything. It has a ton of calculators for anything and everything: a scientific calculator, savings calculator, Roth IRA calculator, pregnancy due date calculator and so much more. There are many calculators that apply to Olathe real estate and the mortgage industry. Here are just a few you might find useful. Check out the blog post for even more!

Home Improvement Calculators

Mortgage Payment CalculatorMortgage Calculators

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Refinancing Calculator

Amortizing Loan Calculator

Loan Repayment Calculator

Mortgage Points Calculator

Mortgage 15 vs 30

ARM vs Fixed Rate Mortgage

Mortgage Required Income

Brad Papa specialized in Kansas City and Olathe real estate and can be reached at www.PapasInTheHouse.com, bradleypapa@remax.net or 913.526.4985.

Top 10 Reasons to Choose Papa As Your Kansas City Real Estate Agent

1. Customizable Pricing Packages
I have taken a backwards approach to selling a home, which has lead me to offer 5 different sales packages. I let my client pick the package that best matches their needs and goals. You have the opportunity to pick your plan and my commission!

2. Cancel at anytime
My philosophy is that you hired me, so you should be able to fire me. I give my clients the opportunity to cancel their contract at any time. My first-rate customer service skills ensure that once clients begin working with me, they will not need to look for other realtors. I will be the last realtor you will ever need!  Click here to view an example of the Easy Exit Listing Agreement

3. Easy to Get A Hold of Me
This may be one of the biggest complaints I have heard, that people aren’t able to get in contact with their realtor! I ensure my clients are always able to get a hold of me, as I never turn my phone off and I always have it at my side. If I do miss a phone call, I return it as soon as possible. In fact, I will reduce my commission for every occurrence in which I don’t get back with them in a timely fashion. (This has never happened.) Click here to view Papa’s Video’s On YouTube!

4. Market Knowledge
I have lived in Kansas City nearly all my life, so I am familiar with the entire metropolitan area, especially Olathe real estate. From the Plaza to Olathe, I can offer extensive knowledge on your neighborhood. Selling is about much more than asking price, you are selling a lifestyle, not just a home. Click here for some Tips On How To Stage Your Home.

5. Weekly Contact
Many realtors get the listing, and then do not contact their clients until their get an offer. I take pride in keeping the lines of communication open with my clients. I call my sellers each Monday to give the updates as to the status of their home. Including how many showings, feedback from the showings and any ideas on how to improve the traffic to their home. Click here to view Client Testimonials from satisfied clients!

6. Showcase Listings on Realtor.com & Virtual Tours
I make sure my listings are marketed to their fullest potential by offering Virtual Tours and Showcase Listings on www.realtor.com Realtor.com is the #1 real estate web site and with so many homes on the market, it is essential to make sure your home stand out from the crowd. According to REALTOR.com, Showcase Listings on their site are viewed 299% more often than homes that only offer one exterior photo, yet very few real estate agents subscribe to this extra service. All my sellers receive Showcase Listings to ensure they get maximum exposure to help sell their home fast! Visit www.realtor.com to view Showcase Listings.

7. Full Time Agent
Unlike many other agents, real estate is my full time career, so I have many hours a week to devote to my clients. Whether it’s during the day, evening or on weekends, I put my clients (not another job) as my number one career priority. Click here to read my blog for more information on Olathe real estate and beyond!

8. Monthly Contact
Many realtors assist their clients with the transaction, and then they never hear from them again! Not me! I keep in touch with all of my clients monthly either through a quick e-mail, a phone call on your birthday or a fun gift of movie tickets. My business philosophy is to invest in my clients rather than utilize ineffective advertising methods. I also keep my clients informed of what other homes in their neighborhood are selling for so they can keep track of their investment.

9. Financial Background
My background in finance and statistics gives me a leg up on many other realtors and helps me analyze the market to ensure you get your home priced correctly in any market.  Click here to see how your home will be a Featured Listing!

10. Wal-Mart Relocation Program
I have a connection with the Wal-Mart Relocation Department. Whenever Wal-Mart is relocating someone to or from Kansas City, I am one of the first people they call. This helps me to nationally market your home instead of just limiting myself to the local markets.

Invest In Olathe Real Estate Now – Olathe Top Places To Live

 

 

According to Money Magazine, Overland Park, Kansas is ranked number 9 and Olathe, Kansas is ranked number 11 in the 2008 Top 100 Places To Live! Shawnee, Kansas was also ranked number 39. This is definitely bragging rights for Johnson County!

The rankings are based on various data such as cost of living, home values, entertainment availability, job growth and other quality of living factors.

Click here for more information on Olathe real estate

Brad Papa specialized in Kansas City and Olathe real estate and can be reached at www.PapasInTheHouse.com, bradleypapa@remax.net or 913.526.4985.

Why First Time Home Buyer’s Need An Olathe Real Estate Agent

One of the most common mistakes I see with Olathe first time home buyers is being distracted with the sellers decorating style, or lack thereof.  Many buyers cannot visualize how a home would look with different paint colors and/or carpet, or even how it would look with their own furniture. 

In addition, buyers often cannot look past the decor to see the structural elements such as age of the roof, HVAC or windows.  First time home buyer’s are often used to a landlord taking care of the property and thus they don’t look, or forget to care, about these bigger ticket items. 

This is where an Olathe real estate agent that is experienced with dealing with first time home buyers can give them a friendly reminder to keep things in perspective. It’s part of my job to ensure that first time home buyers don’t just purchase a “pretty” home that will cost them an extra $10,000 over the next few months because they didn’t realize that these bigger ticket items needed attention.  In short, first time home buyers need to remember that “looks” are not everything! Their pocketbooks will love it!

Brad Papa specialized in Kansas City and Olathe real estate and can be reached at www.PapasInTheHouse.com, bradleypapa@remax.net or 913.526.4985.

Olathe Real Estate: Steps To Buying A Home

 

When it comes to buying a home, there are really only two primary steps. 

1.  Get pre-approved

2.  Find a realtor you trust 

Getting pre-approved is like getting your license to shop for a home.  You don’t want to waste your time looking at homes that aren’t in your price range.  The pre-approval process should NOT cost you anything.  This process is simply meeting with a lender to let them know what your financial picture is so that they can determine how much money they feel comfortable loaning you.   They’ll take a look at your credit score, income, debts and assets.  One of the easiest ways to determine how much you can afford is to determine what monthly payment you would be comfortable with and working backwards.  If you are pre-approved for $180,000, but you don’t feel comfortable with the monthly payment, then make sure you find the right price range that you would want to stay under so that  your monthly payment will be in your comfort level. 

The second step is to find a realtor that you trust.  There are a lot of steps involved in the home buying process and you want to make sure that you are represented by a realtor that is working for you. They can walk you through the ropes and save you a lot of time and money! In addition, a buyers agent is free to the buyers. The seller’s pay the buyer’s agent commission upon closing.

For more information, come to one of my FREE First Time Home Buyer’s Seminars. This seminar will show you step-by-step how to save time, effort & money when buying your next home. Anyone considering the purchase of a home will gain valuable insight from this seminar especially first time home buyers. Click here for more information or to register online.  Contact Brad Papa at bradleypapa@remax.net  or call 913-526-4985

Olathe Growing By Leaps And Bounds

Move over Overland Park, Olathe is catching up! According to the recent U.S. Census Bureau list, Olathe is ranked nationally at 24th for the fastest-growing city in the nation. During the pat year, Olathe’s population increased by nearly 3%, in contrast Overland Park’s population grew by only 1.6%. Overland Park still holds the title of the largest city in Johnson County, but Olathe is growing quickly and looks to continue will all the development still continuing.

Click here for more information on fast-growing Olathe

Brad Papa specialized in Kansas City and Olathe real estate and can be reached at www.PapasInTheHouse.com, bradleypapa@remax.net or 913.526.4985.