Springfield Real Estate Chatter

I read a wonderful article from a fellow RE/MAX agent in California. The market for him is no different than the Springfield Missouri real estate market. Selling homes is really not a science or miracle for any home seller. It's all about pricing. Read what William Johnson has to say.

I inherited a listing from a former agent that was overpriced. I did a new market analysis of the home and determined that it was at least $20,000 overpriced.

When I met with the seller, they decided not to lower the price, but raise it $10,000. After a year, I finally received a contingency offer that was much lower than the asking price. I was able to keep it on the market during that time, but never received another offer.

Unfortunately, the new buyer never sold his house, my sellers never sold their house. The listing expired and the seller ended up renting the home.

Who's fault is it the home didn't sell? I believe it's a combination of both seller and realtor. The seller should not have listened to the Realtor. The Realtor, me, should not have accepted the listing without having the seller agree to price reductions, regardless of a prior agent's listing. All my comparable sales told me the home was overpriced, but I could not convince the sellers of the facts.

Remember:  A home is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay.

  Kay Van Kampen

 

  

Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

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 Live in the country in this great Spanish style on on 6.8 beautiful acres.  Conveniently located between Springfield and Branson Missouri, Highlandville Missouri is a growing community of 872 people.

Elementary and Middle Schools are in Highlandville;  High School is Spokane High.

 Custom built for the owner in 1993, the home includes 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, formal dining.

 Beautiful landscaping outside, flowers, gardens, and even a small water fountains!

Complete with 2 kitchens, finished walkout basement, two living areas.

Separate building unit is currently being rented out, about 400 square feet just outside back of home. Could continue to be rented or turned into Mother-in-law quarters, in home office, wood shop, etc. Complete utilities and water service to it.

Home is very convenient to Hwy 160, with great access halfway between   This home is no longer active on the market, but you can preview my current listings at www.kayvankampen.com.

 

  

Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

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RE/MAX Solutions                                             www.kayvankampen.com Springfield, MO, 65721
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After spendng three days at a RE/MAX Broker Convention at Big Cedar Lodge in Branson, Missouri, I've come back with great information and ideas to share.  This was my first year to attend a Broker's meeting.  With approximately 150 attendees, it really is a pleasure to meet  fellow agents and see how their business is changing.

Now, I know I was suppose to be focusing on the Convention, but how do you keep from enjoying the beauty of the Ozark's when you see all the wonders that Big Cedar Lodge has accomplished over the years.  Forgetting my camera, I had to go back today and capture the beauty this wonderful resort has to offer.

Here is the Convention center where all of our meetings were held. 

Across the street is the entrance to Devil's Pool.

Being afraid of heights, I quickly took this picture.  Glad to see it turned out ok, because going back for seconds wasn't part of my plan.

A view of Tablerock Lake as we were walking to one of many restaurants.  Mother Nature gave us a great day for photos.

Truman Smokehouse Restaurant

 Want a quiet way to spend a vacation, this is it!  Close to Branson, the area is filled activities for all ages.  If you would like additiional photos  -------->  Click Here.  This is a small tour of our photo gallery.  Coming to Branson Missouri this year?  Don't forget to visit.  I'm just up the road, south of Springfield, in Ozark, Missouri. 

 www.kayvankampen.com

 

  

Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

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RE/MAX Solutions                                             www.kayvankampen.com Springfield, MO, 65721
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Where The Finley River Meets The James River.

On a clear day, you can see sit on your covered deck or relax in the gazebo, with your own rock waterfall and fish pond. 

Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this lovely all brick ranch set amidst 1.65 acres of trees. 

 Visit the complete details of this home.

          Enjoy the Virtual Tour of this home.

Four bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, formal dining room, new granite countertops, finished walkout basement, high energy efficient heat pump, central security system, updated carpeting,  storm shelter, multiple level decks. 

Comes with access to private park on the James River.  Located minutes south of Springfield, Missouri in Riverfork Estates, Stone county.

  Kay Van Kampen

 

  

Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

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RE/MAX Solutions                                             www.kayvankampen.com Springfield, MO, 65721
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I recently participated in a military simulation of a fictitious air strike.  With a group of 16 participants, including 3 generals, one assistant, one weatherman, we went to work determining how to eliminate our target.  Our Mission:  To destroy #6 of 6 targets.  I was the "Ace" in charge.  We were given one hour to accomplish our mission.

After getting the remaining participants to tell me what their part was in the mission, I determined that I had one aerial plane, one radar plane (AWACS - I think it's called), one tanker plane full of fuel, the remaining were different types of fighter jets with the ability to accomplish different missions in certain weather conditions.

I had my assistant start keeping track of different planes - while I had one general keep telling me we needed first to wipe out the radar.  The weatherman kept changing the weather on me every 20 minutes, - which made us lose a plane and ammunition.  I finally sent the the aerial plane and the AWACS up to get into place. 

Halfway through the simulation a "big light" came on!  I wasn't focused on our mission.  I was losing!  I immediately had my assistant draw an excel spreadsheet on the board and we determined what each plane was capable of doing in order.  We finally were able to eliminate all but target #5.  However, in our chaos, we lost a plane due to our neglect of sending up the tanker.

We were successful with our mission - but we could have saved the plane.  We also went overboard, eliminating more targets than we needed to accomplish- our mission was only to eliminate target #6.

Lessen Learned:  I lost track of what my mission really was:  To eliminate target #6.

Is your real estate career like the lesson I've just learned?  Do you constantly have to step back and reevaluate what you are doing to accomplish your mission.  What is it going to take to meet your goals?

1)  Identify your mission.  My mission is to retire at age 70 with enough assets to enjoy the rest of my life and to leave behind a business that I can pass on.

2)  Determine your assets.  What is it going to take to reach your goals. 

3)  Factor in for changing market conditions.  We all know with the changing market, we need to change the way we're selling real estate.

4)  Prepare yourself to have the energy to accomplish your goals.  Take vacations.  They don't have to be far away - just far enough to get away from real estate long enough to refuel.

5)  Stay focused on your mission.  Deligate, deligate, deligate.  If you don't, you'll tend to try to accomplish more than you are capable of doing without help.    

Finally, put your plan of action into effect.  Fear of success keeps us from accomplishing our mission.

"We Have Nothing To Fear, But Fear Itself!      Franklin D Roosevelt

Have you reached your full potential?

   Kay Van Kampen                                                      

 

  

Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

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RE/MAX Solutions                                             www.kayvankampen.com Springfield, MO, 65721
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 I'm approached daily by different vendors - lenders - internet solicitors - advertising agencies - local school and community events.  Everyone is always asking to be a part of my business.

Working with new clients,  I have to slowly win their respect, before I gain their confidence as to my ability to sell their home and help them purchase a new home.  Over the years I've learned that an agressive, pushy realtor does not sell as well as a confident knowledgable agent. 

Today, it's even harder to gain the confidence of your client.  The internet is the first introduction to your business.  A good internet site will allow the client to feel like they know you, months before they are ready to buy or sell real estate.  Daily maintenance is actually more productive than the old Sunday Newspaper that didn't last on the newsstand.  You were lucky to get a call from a $500 ad.  The internet is a 24 hour advertising machine.

 The presence of Active Rain and Localism have become the icing on the cake for me.  I'm still a newbie at blogging.  Realty Blogging have become one of my favorite reference books.  With a little work and a lot of practice, Blogging will become the norm for all agents.

  Kay Van Kampen

 

  

Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

Search For Springfield Homes

RE/MAX Solutions                                             www.kayvankampen.com Springfield, MO, 65721
Visit MyBlogLog and get a signature like this!

Secluded close to the Finley River on 52 acres, there's rumored that during the Civil War, troops camped along the river.  Might even be a cemetary nearby.  I can not imagine the difficulty of the times, but I can see how someone would appreciate the serenity and seclusion of this wonderful piece of real estate.

Several weeks ago I wrote an article about waiting on the seller as I enjoyed the watching and photographing the Finley River.

Met with the seller and listed this wonderful piece of real estate.  You actually have to drive IN THE RIVER to reach the road that leads to the property.  There is another way in, but I've yet to find it.  Behind the home is a wet weather creek, with a large bluff to enhance the seclusion.  Knowing how difficult it is to find this type of "hidden paradise", I'm sure it won't be long before we get an offer.

 

  

Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

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RE/MAX Solutions                                             www.kayvankampen.com Springfield, MO, 65721
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 I love to play golf - haven't in years.  Really no excuse, except that I focused for years on real estate.  Just sitting at the club house and watching the golfers is a relaxing way to spend a hot summer evening.

Designed by Jerry Slack, Island Green Golf Club was completely renovated in 1999.  It now includes a "million dollar" clubhouse, 18-hole golf course, a new pool, with breathtaking views and rolling hills.

Located in Republic, Missouri, in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains.

 There are approximately 25 great building sites in Island Green Country Club Estates still available.  Located 15 minutes southwest of Springfield, Missouri.  Prices starting at $43,000. 

Fairway lots still available.  One of the finest golf courses in the Springfield Missouri area. 

For additional information, see http://www.kayvankampen.com/.

  Kay Van Kampen

 

  

Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

Search For Springfield Homes

RE/MAX Solutions                                             www.kayvankampen.com Springfield, MO, 65721
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   717 Placer Mill Road, Nixa, Missouri

Located minutes south of Springfield Missouri.  For a 3 Bedroom Brick/Frame home in friendly Placer Mill Subdivision, it is unbelievable but true. Unusual circumstances force an immediate sale so it's priced to MOVE. But there's more: super landscaping, fenced yard, almost new carpeting, and 3 car garage make this a value unlikely to be seen again. First one here will be the winner.  $169,900.  A visual tour is available.

For additional information go to www.kayvankampen.com.

  Kay Van Kampen

 

  

Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

Search For Springfield Homes

RE/MAX Solutions                                             www.kayvankampen.com Springfield, MO, 65721
Visit MyBlogLog and get a signature like this!

 No!  This is not Lake Taneycomo!  Nor is it Tablerock Lake!

A Big Fat Fish Lives in the man-made lake behind this wonderful home that offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 3 car garage.  The home features an open floor plan, hardwood floors, gas log fireplace and more.  Sit on the patio, read a book, listen to the sound of a serene fountain or go for a walk around the lake.  A great catch for the money.  Located between Springfield and Ozark Missouri in Waterford Estates.

Take a Visual tour by going to www.kayvankampen.com.

This home is no longer available on the market.

    Kay Van Kampen

 

  

Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to www.kayvankampen.com. If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard and surrounding areas or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 417.839.4534.

Search For Springfield Homes

RE/MAX Solutions                                             www.kayvankampen.com Springfield, MO, 65721
Visit MyBlogLog and get a signature like this!