Friday, November 15, 2013

Home For Sale: 16782 W 155th Terrace in Olathe KS 66062

This 2-Story home for sale in Olathe's Heritage Glen Subdivision featuring tall ceilings and eight oversized windows is full of natural light and room for entertaining. The large deck has easy access from main level living areas and leads to a manageable back lawn surrounded by wooden fencing and beautiful trees.



An open floor plan on the main level allows for easy flow and interaction with family and friends from kitchen to living room to formal dining room. The Master Bedroom offers more space than most similar homes in the neighborhood (17X14) and features a 13x8 Walk-In Closet along with a fully updated Master Bath & Shower.

For more information about this Heritage Glen Home for sale in Olathe or to schedule your showing, please call Dwight Goodwin at 913-912-3470!

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Dwight Goodwin and Joey Jones Discuss VA Home Loans for Veterans

One of the easiest way for veterans or active-duty service members to purchase a house is via the VA Home Loan. In this video Dwight Goodwin and Joey Jones of Veterans United discuss the features and requirements of the VA Home Loan.



The VA Home Loan is a 100% financing government-backed loan that features no down payment and no PMI. It allows the active-duty service member or qualifying veteran the opportunity to purchase a home with minimal money up-front. Although there is no down payment requirement, there are still some costs associated such as earnest money, home inspections, etc.

Contact Joey Jones at vajoeyjones.com for more information about the VA Home Loan or Dwight Goodwin at 913-912-3470 to discuss your real estate needs.

To search for home in the Kansas City area, please visit dwightgoodwin.kwrealty.com!

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Real Estate 101: What is Earnest Money and why do I have to pay it?

The Real Estate 101 series is a short focus video segment focusing on purchase contracts and customary practices in the Johnson County Kansas real estate market.

In this edition, we focus on the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD), its function and purpose. Earnest money is very similar to the concept of a down payment on an item. It is what provides peace of mind and a sense of security to the seller that you are serious about completing the purchase of the home.



If you are a first time home buyer and considering purchasing your first home, earnest money is one of many topics you will want to understand. Contact Dwight Goodwin today (913-912-3470) for additional home buyer resources!

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

What home sellers learn from the latest MLS Statistics for the Johnson C...

What does the average home buyer look like from a numbers perspective in Johnson County, Kansas? Looking closely at the latest statistics from the Heartland MLS, here are some things we can learn:
  • More than 51% of all homes sold in August had four or more bedrooms. Of these home sales, 23% were in the $200,000 to $249,999 price bracket, making this the hottest price bracket in the county. 
  • The best price point for 3-bedroom home sales in August was the $160,000 to $179,999 bracket.
Some home owners wrongly assume that a hot or improving market mean they can get the price they want; however, pricing correctly for location and condition is still (and always will be) essential. From the August statistics again, we see that...
  • 42.5% of homes sold in 0-30 days
  • 26% in 31-60 days
  • 15% in 61-90 days 
  • After 90 days, a seller's chances of selling dwindle dramatically into the single digits.
The KEY really is to price your home competitively from the start and make any necessary adjustments within the first 2-3 weeks on the market!



Home buyers come to the table with a variety of financing packages. The most common is conventional financing, which generally requires 5-20% down. In August, 67% of all Johnson County home buyers used this type of financing. One might think government FHA financing with 3.5% down would be second, but that is not correct. Actually, 14% of all sales were cash, while 13% were via FHA financing. VA loans came in at 4.5% of the market.

With home sales still up 15% year-to-date, there is still time to take advantage of the fall season to sell your house. For a thorough market analysis and to explore putting your house on the market, give Dwight Goodwin a call at 913-912-3470 Today!

Monday, September 16, 2013

Impact of USDA Boundary Changes and Gardner-Edgerton Intermodal on Johns...


The times... they are a'changing!

There are BIG CHANGES in the Johnson County Kansas real estate market as the BNSF Intermodal and Logistics Park KC are scheduled to begin operations in the next several weeks, while USDA lending boundaries are set to change on October 1st.

Located in the small town of Edgerton, Kansas, in southwestern Johnson County, the Intermodal is expected to hire 500 direct employees and anywhere from 7,000 to 15,000 indirect employees, depending on which source you read. While large-scale relocation to Johnson County is not expected in the near future, there already appears to be an uptick in housing prices in nearby Gardner.



Until now, Gardner, Edgerton and all points south have been eligible for USDA rural development home loans. As of October 1st, those boundaries will be extended making previously eligible areas unavailable. In this video, Rick Woodruff of Metropolitan Mortgage (913-266-5800) shows the new USDA boundaries and discusses other types of financing available in these areas.

Although It is self-evident that the small town of Edgerton is in for sizable growth in business and housing as we move forward, it is equally as clear that the cities of Gardner, Spring Hill and Olathe are positioned to benefit early in the process from the perspective of existing infrastructure and housing.

During the housing crisis beginning in 2007-2008, the Gardner and Spring Hill markets in particular, suffered annual declines in real estate between 3-7% depending on specific location. The most recent statistics available reveal that Gardner sellers are now receiving more than 97% of Original List Price.

Please reach out to us today for up-to-date market information and for your next steps to purchasing a home in Johnson County, Kansas. We look forward to earning your business (913-912-3470) and helping you find the right home for you and your family!

Monday, September 9, 2013

September 2013 Real Estate Market Update for Johnson County Kansas

It has been a great year for real estate and that trend continues as autumn approaches...

The average sales price in Johnson County Kansas is up 5% in the past 12 months, creating great opportunity for home sellers. With 20.6% fewer listings than a year ago and 15.3% more sales, limited inventory continues to be a challenge. This is why price pressure is up and many areas around Johnson County are leaning towards a seller's market.

Although interest rates have climbed from the all-time lows of 2012, they are still at near-historical lows. Bottom line? It's now a win-win for Sellers AND Buyers to take the next step... Call us today (913-912-3470) and let us provide the expertise to Make It Happen!



What are the hottest zip codes and areas in the Johnson County Kansas market?

As of the July statistics, Gardner (66030), Olathe (66061, 66062), Overland Park (66213, 66221, 66224, 66225), Lenexa (66227), Shawnee (66218, 66220, 66226) and Stilwell (66085) are all seeing average sold prices exceeding 97% of original list price.

Please call us today to receive a no-obligation market analysis of your home. Call 913-912-3470!

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Home for Sale: 21709 W 52nd St in Shawnee Kansas 66226

Beautiful Home for Sale in Shawnee Kansas' Deerfield Trace Subdivision (66226)!

Open the front door and fall in love! Stunning Atrium Split features vaulted ceilings, hardwoods & Open Floor Plan perfect for entertaining! Huge Kitchen boasts cabinet space galore, pantry & kitchen island. Dining Area overlooks large Lower Level family room with Walk Out to patio. Laundry on bedroom level, landscaping & In-Ground Sprinkler system = icing on the cake!



It's the details that make a buyer fall in love with a home, and this one has plenty of details, including hardwoods, plantation shutters, Hunter Douglas blinds, and an in-ground sprinkler system. Radon mitigation has already been done on this home and the seller is offering a home warranty from Old Republic with an acceptable offer.

For more details or to schedule a showing, call Dwight at 913-912-3470.

For Sale: 7313 Halsey St in Governor's Square - Shawnee KS

This 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home for sale in the Governor's Square subdivision of Shawnee, Kansas, is a side to side split with the Master Bedroom occupying the top floor. This home features new tile and carpet in the Master, new tile in the kitchen and a newer HVAC system.

A bright and cheery main level features gorgeous hardwoods (LR and DR) and a vaulted ceiling in the Living Room. Enjoy summer evenings under mature shade trees on the beautiful deck or on the adjacent patio accessible from the Lower Level Walk Out. Master Suite is on its own level and features new carpet and tile. Laundry in 1/2 bath on LL, not in sub-basement!




Home also features recent updates such as fresh paint on the exterior and many rooms on the interior. Seller invested in new carpet on stairs and hallways & installed beautiful 18x18 inch tile in the kitchen. Home also boasts newer HVAC system with transferrable warranties plus a 1YR HMS Home Warranty with an acceptable offer.

Call today (913-912-3470) for more information or to schedule a showing!

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Home for Sale in Gardner KS - A 2001 Parade of Homes true Ranch Entry

This home for sale in Gardner's Fountain Gate Subdivision was a 2001 Parade of Homes entry. From custom over-sized Rimple oak cabinets to tongue & groove hardwood floors, porcelain tile, a 200Amp Electrical Panel,10-Ft ceilings and energy efficient windows, this home exudes quality and was built to last. Impeccably maintained, the seller also is offering a 1-Yr Home Warranty from HMS with an acceptable contract!


The full basement doubles the square footage of the home & has potential for a 4th bedroom (egress window). The current owner's barbershop area has a sink, toilet & is stubbed for a shower. It is heated by a separate Williams Electric Counterflow wall furnace that offers plenty of heat.

For more information on this home or to schedule a showing, call Dwight at 913-912-3470. Also call us if you are looking to buy or sell a home in Johnson County, Kansas. We look forward to the opportunity to earn your business!

Home for Sale in Overland Park's Cunningham Heights

Located just blocks off Metcalf Avenue and I-35, this home for sale in Overland Park's Cunningham Heights is a rare find indeed! Thanks to the large 2002 addition and high caliber of upgrades, this spacious home rivals its southern Johnson County competitors in quality and ambience - and is more centrally located to many KC-Area attractions like the Plaza, the P&L District and the Truman Sports Complex.

In addition to an Open Floor Plan, the large Master Suite, and impressive Covered Deck, this home also offers the perfect setup for a Home-Based Business via dedicated office space on the Lower Level. Separate quarters for mom, dad or an adult child is a viable alternative as well. For more information on this home for sale in Overland Park, Kansas, call us today at 913-912-3470!

Monday, February 4, 2013

Using your IRA to Build Real Estate Wealth via Non-Recourse Loans

Calling all investors... Looking for a way to purchase more properties, pay fewer taxes and beat the 10-loan limit imposed by Fannie Mae?

Here it is... tax-deferred and non-recourse!



Many investors are aware that they can use cash from their IRAs to purchase real estate. Fewer are aware that non-recourse loans are available to do the same.

For those who may be unfamiliar with the concept, a non-recourse loan is one where there is no personal guarantee and a loan decision is made based on the income stream of the property.

For the newbie investor, this means you won't need to use your credit or income/debt ratios to qualify for the loan. For the pro, this offers you an opportunity to exceed the Fannie Mae 10-loan limit and have your profits tax-deferred.

For a short list of requirements and to be put in contact with the IRA and tax professionals who can get you started, give us a call at 913-912-3470.