Everything Real Estate From Columbia, Missouri
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Posted by Missouri REALTORS®
Residential properties sold and sales prices are significantly up from July of last year, resulting in a 25.2% increase in dollar volume from July 2014! For a complete summary of statistics on July 2014 and July 2015, watch the video below or download the full report.
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Zillow asked locals 15 questions to get the scoop on life in the metro.
Originally published by Tali Wee on Zillow Blog.
Spanning the Kansas-Missouri border, the Kansas City metro boasts an extremely loyal fan-base for jazz, barbecue, sports and more. Whether it be the opening game for the KC Royals or a stroll through the city’s endless fountains, KC locals take pride in their city. How do residents differentiate state lines though? It looks and feels like one city, but exists in two states. Some locals live in one state while working in the other. If you’re relocating to KC, should you find a home in Kansas or Missouri? Does it matter?
To get a feel for life in Kansas City, we asked locals to share their insights.
1. What is Kansas City’s best kept secret?
The City Market. I’ve met people who’ve lived in Kansas City their entire lives and have never visited the City Market. On the weekends the Farmers Market is open and you’ll find fresh herbs and spices as well as fresh fruits and veggies for cheap. Plus, beautiful flowers and meat vendors. There are street performers, a variety of cultured restaurants and foods to try. — Ericka Chatman of ErickaSaves
The parks for sure! There are so many beautiful parks that often get overlooked. Loose Park is an excellent place to throw a party or get married in the rose gardens. — Cyndi Wright of MrsWrightWrites
The West Bottoms! I absolutely love going just west of 12th Street Bridge on First Friday weekends to hunt for treasures. Antiques, repurposed furniture, home decor … you name it! — Meg Evans of Life of Meg
2. Best place to get the KC barbecue experience?
This is highly-contested issue here in KC, because everyone has their favorite place! Right now, though, at least for me, it’s two-way tie between Q39 and Joe’s Kansas City (but only the Gas Station location counts). — Sarah Hicks of StyleB8sics
There are many places you can (and should!) experience authentic KC barbecue. Arthur Bryant’s, founded in the early 1920s, is legendary in Kansas City. Their location at 18th and Brooklyn, near the 18th and Vine Jazz District, is one of the places President Obama dined when he last visited Kansas City. Expect to wait in line, and know that your experience will be more pleasant if you know what you want to order when you get to the front of the line. Gates Bar-B-Q has also been a part of KC barbecue history for decades. They are famous for their shouted greeting, “Hi! May I help you?” which you’ll hear as soon as you enter one of their many locations. Joe’s Kansas City, formerly known as Oklahoma Joe’s, was on Anthony Bourdain’s list of “5 places to eat before you die.” The original is in a gas station, and the line is almost always around the building. — Leanne Breiby of Grow Your Giving
3. Which is the better stadium for catching a game, Arrowhead or Kauffman stadium?
Why choose — they sit directly next to one another! As one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL, Arrowhead is where to be on Sundays during football season. But nothing beats afternoon games at the K for a great family-friendly experience. We love cheering on our American League Champion KC Royals; there’s no bad seat in the house. — Natasha Burgert of KC Kids Doc
Both offer super fun (and loud!) atmospheres, but there’s nothing quite like a ball game at the K. — Ashley White of Le Stylo Rouge
4. Where can you find the best live jazz music?
Green Lady Lounge is my favorite! It’s a relatively new bar with an impressively authentic jazz age vibe. — Kate Taylor of Cooke and Kate
The best place to find live jazz music is the 18th and Vine District. If you really love music and stay up late, you can jam all night until the morning at the Mutual Musicians Foundation. — Ericka Chatman of ErickaSaves
5. Where does your allegiance fall, KU Jayhawks or Missouri Tigers?
I’m a Jayhawk through and through. Rock chalk! I grew up on the Missouri side, however, so I have plenty of Tiger friends. — Ashley White of Le Stylo Rouge
I am a Missouri girl, without a doubt. “Go Tigers!” — Sarah Ruhlman of Sarah Scoop
6. What essentials must you bring for a true tailgating experience?
Sunscreen, your red or blue shirt (depending on which stadium you choose) and bottomless Bloody Marys for those daytime games. — Kim Wallace of KimberlyLoc.com
Tailgating is an art form in KC. The best tailgates start early in the morning with a full breakfast buffet, settle into pre-game with lawn games in the lot and finish with plenty of KC strips on the grill and ice-cold beer. Be sure to bring plenty of extra chairs for the friends that show up, and park next to one of the many trucks with a big flat screen TV. — Natasha Burgert of KC Kids Doc
7. Is Country Club Plaza or Legends Outlets the best place to shop?
Legends is best for family outings as it’s more kid-friendly, and prices are more affordable. Plaza is better for date nights or a girls’ day out on the town. Their shops are much more upscale. — Cyndi Wright of MrsWrightWrites
Country Club Plaza: you can sightsee while shopping! We have tons of pretty fountains and photo opps! — Enza Ketcham of Enza’s Bargains
8. Where are the top areas to see KC’s renowned art and architecture?
The Nelson Atkins is a world-class museum that is free to the public! It’s my favorite place to take visitors when they come to Kansas City. From there, I would drive by the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, home of the Kansas City symphony. It’s a beautiful, modern building designed by architect Moshe Safdie. — Kate Taylor of Cooke and Kate
The sculpture garden at the Nelson-Atkins is wonderful, as is the breathtaking art inside. There are always fantastic exhibits stopping through. Don’t forget to check out the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. But, the best spot is the local art on display in the galleries at the Crossroads Arts District every first Friday of the month. There’s also a variety of cool street art throughout that district and downtown. As you’re perusing the Crossroads District, look for the KC Star Walk (with stars devoted to Walt Disney and Jean Harlow, who have ties to the city) and admire the stunning curves of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. — Kim Wallace of KimberlyLoc.com
9. Where are KC’s best attractions for kids and families?
LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Sea Life and the Kansas City Zoo are very popular. Both Worlds of Fun and Schlitterbahn Waterpark are fun for amusement parks. We love going out to Starlight Theater to catch a show, to the dog park inside of Shawnee Mission Park, or drive out to one of the local farms/orchards to pick seasonal fruit (blueberries in the summer!). — Meg Evans of Life of Meg
10. Any tips for prospective homebuyers?
Don’t force anything. If it doesn’t work out, it’s because you will find something that is a better fit for you. I love the older homes and condos that have been updated in the Kansas City area. You still get that updated feel with the authentic touches like wood floors. — Sarah Ruhlman of Sarah Scoop
Stay on the Missouri side for the best bang for your buck. Small communities are the way to go! Best schooling, resources and activities for the kids (and restaurants). — Cyndi Wright of MrsWrightWrites
11. Where can you get the most real estate value for your money, Kansas or Missouri?
I think Missouri has incredible deals and unique neighborhoods. But we are sticking to the Kansas side in order to live in a great school district, which you pay a premium for in Johnson County. — Meg Evans of Life of Meg
Missouri. Everything’s higher in Kansas. Gas, tobacco, property tax. … — Cyndi Wright of MrsWrightWrites
12. Where is the best suburb to raise a family?
Overland Park, Kansas, is beautiful and easily accessible to KC. There are trails and parks as well as every retail spot you can imagine. The schools are great and the food scene is thriving. — Kim Wallace of KimberlyLoc.com
I am a huge fan of the Kansas City North area! — Enza Ketcham of Enza’s Bargains
13. What is the most popular neighborhood for 20-somethings?
Plaza is my favorite. Also, Westport, Crossroads, River Market and Power and Light area are all fun places. — Sarah Ruhlman of Sarah Scoop
Lofts downtown or around Westport. Close to all the action, and on the trail for buses, bikes and walking to and from the local universities. — Cyndi Wright of MrsWrightWrites
14. Do you have any tips for finding an affordable rental?
Negotiate! Landlords will often work with you if you know how and when to ask. — Ashley White of Le Stylo Rouge
Don’t be afraid to ask friends, neighbors or strangers where they’ve found affordable rentals. Referrals or drive-bys are always the way I found my most affordable spots. Kansas Citians are nice and most of the time will be happy to offer recommendations. — Leanne Breiby of Grow Your Giving
15. Why do you love living in Kansas City?
Besides being affordable and family-friendly, I value the traditions and the history that keep people investing in KC. The city is an active and dynamic place with emerging arts and technology, but holds a comfortable Midwestern feel. It’s truly a hidden gem, and I am proud to call KC home. — Natasha Burgert of KC Kids Doc
Kansas City has the big city feel with the small town vibe. The people are nice, the food is great and the community is supportive. — Sarah Ruhlman of Sarah Scoop
This week’s penthouse soars over the Gateway to the West. Located in downtown St. Louis, this stunning penthouse condo in the Louderman Lofts Building is on the market for $3,500 a month.
With 3,696 square feet of living space spread over three floors, these luxury digs have plenty of room to stretch out. The Louderman building was built in 1915 and converted into condominium lofts about 10 years ago. Consistent with the building’s pedigree, a renter will find vintage details and touches combined with the modern conveniences in the unit’s kitchen, three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
This premium penthouse also comes with access to a decadent deck perfect for parties and entertaining. With over 900 square feet, you could entertain over 50 guests while taking in views of downtown, Busch Stadium and the mighty Mississippi River.
Listing agent Justin Taylor says the place is perfect for a “young professional or empty nester” looking to experience the downtown vibe in this bustling area.
“We haven’t seen any new developments downtown, so there’s a lot less supply on the market here in St. Louis,” Taylor said. “This is a gorgeous unit in a building that’s totally occupied, so it’s not going to be on the market for long.”
This article was originally published by Erik Gunther on Realtor.com. To see more listing photos and the original article, click here.
So what’s been going on in Mid-Missouri homes sales so far this year? And what does that mean for you, in terms of buying or selling a home?
The following 11 graphs, courtesy of Columbia Board of REALTORS®, have the low-down on what has been happening in residential real estate in Boone County every month, from 2009 to the present.
Flustered by graphs? Don’t have time? Here’s a summary: We’re doing pretty well! Much is the same as last year, but there are some good changes. This is a great time for sellers; market prices are rising, and the average days on market are continually decreasing this year. There has been lower inventory the past two years, and a shortage of homes creates a demand for new listings. With the lower inventory and higher demand, a higher percentage is going under contract than in past years. New construction sales are up compared to past years as well.
Keep in mind, too, that it’s only March!
If you want to see exactly what we’re talking about, take a look at the data!
1. Single Family Homes Sales
2. Existing Single Family Home Sales
3. New Construction Single Family Home Sales
4. Single Family Average Sold Price
5. Single Family Homes Median Sold Price
6. Single Family Homes Average Days on Market
7. Single Family Homes Average Cumulative Days on Market
8. Single Family Pending Listings on Market
9. Single Family Active Listings on Market
10. Single Family New Listings Added to Market
11. Months Supply of Inventory of Single Family Homes
House of Brokers has just received the “2013 Partner in Quality” award from WHR, a major relocation company that helps transferring employees and their families by making moves simple, smooth and enjoyable.
This is a BIG honor, and is given to the top 1% of brokerages who provide service to WHR clients. This award is based on service, cost metrics to WHR, and surveyed transferees who gave feedback on the experiences with their service partners. Again, we have ranked in the top 1 percentile of all service partners in our category!
Thank you and congrats to all the House of Brokers agents who contribute to making our relocation department outstanding!
Bev Curtis & Associates | House of Brokers Realty, Columbia MO | bevcurtis.com
If you’ve just moved into your home or are considering buying a new home, you may be wondering who lives next door. In this day and age with such busy lifestyles it can take awhile to meet your neighbors. However, for safety and community reasons, it’s a good idea to introduce yourself and make some friends.
If you’re shy about reaching out, you can always turn to the latest neighborhood introductory tool, Next Door. Next Door allows you to meet your neighbors virtually and monitor neighborhood safety. You can also share recommendations or give and ask for advice, a helpful tool if you need a local contractor. If you’d like to start a neighborhood garage sale or host a block party, this is an easy way to get it started! You can even download an app for your smartphone to be updated when someone replies to your invitations or notices unusual activity near your home.
Used in more than 16,000 neighborhoods, this free private social network could be the answer to feeling more connected to your neighborhood and your home, even with your busy lifestyle. From finding the perfect babysitter or pediatrician to getting restaurant recommendations, Next Door can make your life easier and your neighborhood safer.
Bev Curtis & Associates is also always happy to help you get acquainted with the area. Do not hesitate to call us at 573-864-5054.
