Leavenworth Real Estate

Good morning everyone! As I’m sure you have seen, the tents are once again being put up in Ray Miller Park for the Kansas Sampler Festival that will take place this weekend.  If you haven’t gone before you should check it out!

The Kansas Sampler Festival is like a living brochure of Kansas! In 2010, over 150 communities provided a sample of what there is to see, do, hear, taste, buy, and learn in Kansas!
The Kansas Sampler Festival was created to bring communities and attractions from all over the state together to familiarize the public with our wonderful state and explore the many different day trip opportunities Kansas has to offer. 

It provides the public with a sample of what there is to see and do in Kansas. Hiking trails, historic sites, natural landmarks, unique restaurants, off-the-beaten track eateries, architectural gems, hole-in-wall performing centers, artists-at-work, specialty shops, or have-to-be-there Kansas events. 

So much to see and do in our area that most of us have never had the opportunity to hear about.  Now we do!  And for the military members of our community, what a wonderful way for you to become familiar with this wonderful part of the country!

This is the last year for a while that it will be held in Leavenworth so take advantage of it while you can! 

Saturday May 7 10am-5pm

Sunday May 8 (better buy moms ticket for her) 10am-4pm

Tickets are $5 for Adults and $3 for Children ages 7-14 (under 6 get in free)

Or you can purchase a weekend pass for $8 for Adults and $4 for children.

For more information visit http://www.kansassampler.org/festival/

Maybe ill see ya there! And be on the look out for more blog posts with great information about home buying, home ownership, and our community!

Christin

Happy Wednesday everyone! I certainly hope your week is going well!  I recently held an open house at The Ridge at Rock Creek, it had been a few weeks since i had been out there and I was once again floored by the beauty and quality of these houses and the peacefulness of the neighborhood itself. 

Not familiar with this fabulous community? The wonderful people at Reilly Homes put together a fantastic video chock full of wonderful photos and information, check it out!

This community offers many amenities including a Private community Park with Playground,  Picnic Area, Basketball area and planned Swimming Pool, Walking Trail throughout the community, Large Parkway entrance with tree-lined streets and monuments, Homeowners Association and Covenants and Restrictions to protect values, and Large Lots.

With floor plans to meet the needs of families of all sizes, I’m certain you will find what you are looking for at The Ridge.

For more information on available inventory and floor plans Click Here. Or visit reillyandsons.com to see more Reilly Communities.

Is your dream home at The Ridge?

Lets find out together, give me a call and take that first step!

(913)704-7021

Just read a great article comparing cost vs. value on some great home improvements.  Check out the estimated return on your investment for these DIY projects.

Entry Door Replacement (steel)…  Return on Investment 102.1%

Garage Door Replacement… Return on Investment 83.9%

Siding Replacement… Return on Investment 80.0%

Kitchen Remodel (minor)… Return on Investment 72.8%

Deck Addition (wood)… Return on Investment 72.8%

Basement Remodel… Return on Investment 70.0%

Any of these projects could help increase curb appeal, create a more memorable first impression for buyers, or give your home an edge over the competition!

The percentages listed here are the national average, for values more specific to your region or to check out cost vs value on more home remodel projects check out the full article at http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2010/costvsvalue/national.aspx

When you feel you are ready to put your home on the market give me a call, together we can discuss the best marketing strategy to get your home sold fast!

Hey everyone, i just read a great article on houselogic.com that i wanted to share with you.  With everyone rushing to get their taxes filed before the fast approaching deadline this month you might want to double check any home-related deductions.

1. Did you deduct property taxes for the correct year?  Property taxes are paid a year behind, you want to make sure you deduct whatever amount you actually paid this year, NOT the amount you were billed this year.

2. Did you deduct the amount escrowed or the amount paid?  The amount escrowed could very well be more or even less than the actual amount paid.  Your lender should send you an official statement that lists the actual taxes paid, make sure you use this number instead of just adding up the amount escrowed each month.

3. Did you deduct points paid to refinance? Instead of deducting points in total the year you refinance like you were able to the year you bought your home, you must deduct them over the life of your new loan.

4. Did you deduct your Private Mortgage Insurance? If you put less than 20% down on your home, your lender requires you to purchase Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).  Don’t miss this tax deduction!

5. Did you deduct for your home office? Be careful, this deduction may not actually be worth your while.  Not only does it usually not add up to much of a deduction, but it also must be recaptured if you profit when selling your home.  It also can cause the IRS to take a special interest in your return.  Can end up as more trouble than its worth.

For a more in-depth description and mistakes 6-10 check out the article on Houselogic.com!!  This site also has some great tips on how to improve or maintain your home!

If you don’t yet own your own home, think of all the tax deductions you’re missing! Give me a call and we can start searching for your 2011 “tax deductions” now!

931 Oakmont Lansing KS

A steal at $279,995

What a sight to wake up to each morning! But wait, there’s more…

Oh yes, it has a pool and custom waterfall too!

Don’t just take my word for it, come see this exquisite 4 bedroom home for yourself.  It has a beautiful, professionally landscaped yard, cut glass front door, multiple stained glass windows, all stainless steel appliances, pickled oak cabinets, new granite counter tops, 10′ ceilings, huge windows with cut glass and a beautiful stone fireplce in the living room.

French doors lead into the main floor Master Suite with large windows overlooking the lake, a jetted tub, shower,  his & her sinks, and a large walk-in closet. Wrought iron fence backyard that backs-up to the lake.  A 3 tier 10′ wide waterfall flows into in-ground kidney shaped pool with terra cotta decorative concrete. Matching wrought iron spiral staircase leads to upper deck.

Click here to view the visual tour.

Call me for an appointment to see this amazing home and fabulous view for yourself, the pictures just dont do it justice!!

Christin M Urban 913-704-7021