Posted by: kellyinkc | April 21, 2009

5 Tips For Kansas City First Time Home Buyer’s

 

PhotobucketReview Your Monthly Expenses: Take account of how much you spend and where. Can anything be cut back? After you analyze your expenses, you should then be able to come up with a monthly payment you are comfortable with. This is the amount you should take to your leader, NOT how much of a house you think you can afford. Payments are not simply principal and interest, there is also taxes, insurance and sometimes PMI (private mortgage insurance)

Get Pre-Approved: A pre-approval letter is basically your “license to shop”. You should have this letter before you begin looking, so you know how much of a house you can truly afford. Your Olathe real estate agent, Brad Papa has a handful of trusted, qualified mortgage brokers to recommend. Remember, a pre-approval and credit check should NEVER cost money!

Save, Save, Save!: You can never save too much! And recently, the mortgage industry in the Olathe real estate market has changed and they have drastically reduced the number of 100% financing loans they make available, so you will most likely need a down payment of some type.. One additional tip, ask Olathe real estate agent how you can have the seller pay your closing costs!

Inspection: You should ALWAYS have an inspection on a home before you purchase it. Licensed real estate agent Brad Papa always, always has his buyer’s do an inspection on the property to make sure it is a sound property.

Ask Questions: That is your licensed, Olathe real estate agent’s job! Remember they represent YOUR best interested and should gladly answer ay questions you have. Make sure you are 100% comfortable with the process.

 

 

 

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Brad Papa
RE/MAX State Line
913-526-4985
bradleypapa@remax.net
www.PapasInTheHouse.com
Come to Papa For All Your Real Estate Needs!
Posted by: kellyinkc | April 21, 2009

Reasons To Get Pre-Approved Before House Hunting

1. Interest rates are usually locked for a set period. Getting pre-approved will let you know in advance exactly what your payments will be on offers you choose to make.

2. You won’t waste time considering homes you cannot afford.

3. You can select the best loan package without being under pressure.

4. Most seller’s require a pre-approval letter along with the contract, so it will make your offer more enticing.

5. You will have an estimate of total closing/purchase costs along with their explanations.

6. You will have the opportunity for your mortgage broker to explain the different financing alternatives and help you select the one best suited for you.

7. You will be able to accurately guess your monthly mortgage payment including principal, interest, private mortgage insurance (PMI), taxes and escrow.

8. Since you have the pre-approval step completed, your real estate agent will have ample time to discuss home styles, availability, location, schools and any specific features you desire.

Don’t find the perfect house and then realize you can’t afford it! Get pre-approved today and start looking for your future home. Contact Brad Papa if you have any questions or what to start your home buying journey!

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

Posted by: kellyinkc | April 19, 2009

Reasons Brad Papa Should Be Your Olathe Real Estate Agent

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 if you are interested in attending a FREE First Time Home Buyer’s
Seminar!

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 addition, feel
comfortable sending me an e-mail or fax as well, because I am able to access
them immediately with my mobile device.

Click here to view Client Testimonials from satisfied clients!

Market Knowledge
I have lived in Kansas City nearly all my life, so I am familiar with the entire
metropolitan area. From The Plaza to Olathe, I can offer extensive knowledge on
which neighborhood that would best meet your needs.

Already own a home? Click here to view information on Selling With Papa!

Visit http://www.papasinthehouse.com/kansas-city-buyers-agent.aspx for more reasons to choose Brad Papa as your Olathe real estate agent for life!

Posted by: kellyinkc | April 19, 2009

What To Look For When Looking At Olathe Home For Sale

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The house you ultimately choose to call home will play a major role in your family’s life. A home can be an excellent investment, of course, but more importantly, it should fit the way you really live, with spaces and features that appeal to everyone in the family At easy home pay close attention to these important considerations.

  • Is there enough room for you now and in the near future?
  • Is the home’s floor plan right for your family?
  • Is there enough storage space?
  • Will you have to replace appliances?
  • Is the yard the size that you want?
  • Are there enough bathrooms?
  • Is the layout right for you? Open? Ranch-style? etc
  • Will your present furniture work in this home?

  

 

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Brad Papa
RE/MAX State Line
913-526-4985
bradleypapa@remax.net
www.PapasInTheHouse.com
Come to Papa For All Your Real Estate Needs!
Posted by: kellyinkc | April 19, 2009

2009 Taste Of Kansas City Tickets On Sale Now

PhotobucketLooking for something great to do in the upcoming weeks? Get your tickets for the 6th Annual Taste of Kansas City hosted by The Pitch. The event will start at 7:00 p.m. on May 17. Attendees will be able to sample great food and drinks from 20+ area restaurants and there will be an exciting cooking competition between 6-8 local chefs for the Golden Fork award!

The venue will once again be Live Block, located in the Power & Light District and will benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater KC.

This event is limited to 1,200 people and will sell out so get your tickets now! $30 til May 1st! $35 -May 16th $40 Day of the event. So get your tickets at http://www.pitch.com/tasteofkc

For more information on Kansas City real estate and area information, contact Brad Papa at bradleypapa@remax.net or 913-526-4985 or visit http://www.papasinthehouse.com/ today!

Low Interest Rate:  Interest rates are historically low, so buy now and lock in at a great rate! Click here for a mortgage calculator

Save On Your Taxes: Did you owe taxes to the government this year? Buying a home in 2009 can help lower your taxes! If you purchase before December 1. 2009 first time home buyers will receive an $8,000 tax credit. Plus, while you will have to pay interest each month, all interest is tax deductible and that will give you a lot to write off at the end of the year. By continuing to rent, you will only be paying that money, not saving!

Lots of Choices: Housing volume is at an all time high, so you have a lot of inventory to choose from when searching for your dream home. Brad Papa can set up a customized home search so you are automatically e-mailed homes that fit your criteria as soon as they are entered into the MLS system.
 
Stop Paying Your Landlord: Start paying yourself! By buying a house, YOU will be gaining the financial benefits, instead of putting money in a landlord’s pocket each month.

It’s Grilling Season: Because of the fire code, most apartment complexes don’t allow grills, but if you own, you can host outdoor BBQ’s with your friends every week!
 
You Decide The Color:
With your own house, you will be able to redecorate and renovate any way you like, any time you like. You have total freedom to choose your paint colors, install carpet, re-do the bathroom or throw out the kitchen sink!
 
Sellers Want To Negotiate: Because of all the houses on the market, many sellers need to sell their home! This could make them more apt to work with you by lowing the purchase price, paying for your closing costs or leaving the refrigerator! 

Get To Know Your Neighbors: By owning, you will have a vested interest in the affairs of the community and might even start attending town meetings! You will naturally get to know your neighbors and spend time at neighborhood gatherings or block parties.

Green Grass: Buy a house and buy a mower! You will enjoy the opportunity to plant trees, flowers, herbs grass or even a garden in your own yard.

Free Education: Brad Papa holds a FREE First Time Home Buyer’s Seminar the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month which provides tons of information for novice buyers. Contact Brad at 913-526-4985, bradleypapa@remax.net  or register at http://www.papasinthehouse.com/  today!

Brad Papa has been helping people buy and sell homes in the Kansas City area for over five years. For more information on Olathe real estate contact Brad Papa at bradleypapa@remax.net or 913-526-4985 or visit http://www.papasinthehouse.com/ today!

Posted by: kellyinkc | April 17, 2009

Overland Park Farmers Market Adds Free Music To The Mix

The Downtown Overland Park Farmer’s Market is a great place to get your hands on reasonably priced produce, herbs and plants, but this summer it’s also a great place to hear some free music. I can’t think of a better way to spend your Saturday morning than by taking a leisurely stroll around the local market and hearing some great music. The farmers market plays live music from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm and goes from May – October on most Saturday mornings. Check the calendar for more details

The May 2009 schedule features:

May 2: The Hatchlings (classic rock)

May 9: Shawnee Mission West High School Band, 11:30am-12:30pm

May 16: Fashionably Late (easy listening rock and roll) and Blue Valley NW Jazz Band 1:30 – 2:30

May 23: Miss Major & her Minor Mood Swings (rockabilly)

May 30: Grand Marquis (Swing Jazz)

The Farmer’s Market is held Saturday’s from 6:30 am – sell out and Wednesday from 7:30 am to sell out. The Farmers Market and free concert series is located between 79th and 80th Streets on Marty, just two blocks west of Metcalf.

For more information call 913-642-2222 or visit http://www.downtownop.org/

Brad Papa is a licensed real estate agent in both Kansas and Missouri and can be reached at bradleypapa@remax.net , 913-526-4985 or http://www.papasinthehouse.com/ today!

Posted by: kellyinkc | April 17, 2009

Check Out Your Olathe Real Estate Agent

 olathe real estate

Did you know that real estate agent’s license information is public record? It’s always in your best interest to double check that your real estate agent has a current license to work in your state.

Kansas Real Estate Commission: https://www.accesskansas.org/ssrv-krec-verification/index.do

Missouri Real Estate Commission: https://www.accesskansas.org/ssrv-krec-verification/index.do

All Other States : http://www.homes-and-real-estate.com/stateinfo.htm

Brad Papa is a licensed real estate agent in Kansas and Missouri and can be reached at bradleypapa@remax.net , 913-526-4985 or www.papasinthehouse.com

Posted by: kellyinkc | April 17, 2009

2009 Kansas City Spring Homes Tour Dates Announced

Like looking at the latest and greatest houses on the market? Wondering about the newest home trends and decorating ideas? Then mark your calendar for the 2009 Spring Homes Tour! This annual tour, produced by the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City, is sure to have beautiful homes that you are able to visit at your convenience. The tour is dailiy from April 18-May 3. Approximate hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Click the below link to start your online home tour search:

http://www.kchba.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=151

Visit their website at for more information. http://www.kchba.org

For more information on Olathe real estate and Kansas City area information, contact Brad Papa at bradleypapa@remax.net or 913-526-4985 or visit http://www.papasinthehouse.com/ today!

In this economy, everyone is looking for free entertainment. Well, free movies are back on the schedule at Crown Center this summer! Films will be shown at the Crown Center Square on an outdoor movie screen. Admission is free and the movies begin at approximately 9:00 pm. Make sure and bring plenty of chairs, pillow and blankets!

2009 schedule: 

The Sandlot” – July 3

Men in Black – July 10

The Karate Kid – July 17

Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb – July 24

Mamma Mia -July 31

The Wizard of Oz - August 7

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl – August 14

More information: http://www.crowncenter.com/Entertainment/Event.asp

Brad Papa is a licensed real estate agent in Kansas and Missouri and can be reached at bradleypapa@remax.net , 913-526-4985 or www.papasinthehouse.com

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