Springfield Real Estate Chatter

Remember when newspaper advertising, signs in the front yard, distributing flyers to all the local real estate offices were just a few of the ways to market homes? The benefits of joining Active Rain - here's a few great new ways to market listings.

Not only can you use these small postlets to send to all your email database, but realtors enjoy them without being an attachment. The internet now allows instant advertising that can easily be updated.

Interviewing for a new listing this week, the seller questioned every way we made sure the public was informed about their home. He understood that local newspapers no longer bring results. We explained all the new technology we are using including our new website and showed samples of the latest new tools furnished by RE/MAX.

Thank you Active Rain for giving us a great website to learn and share ideas. Do you have any new tech toys? P.S. We got the new listing with a promise of more to come.

  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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Recently writing about a title company closing, we closed a contract today that was jeopardized when the company suddenly closed.

The sellers had listed their farm with several different realtors in the area.  In desperation, they started searching the internet for other realtors, when they came across a listing near their home and contacted us.  Not thinking they would get a response, they included a phone number and we quickly contacted them.  Working up a Comparative Market Analysis, we met with them, listed the property, completing the Visual Tour and started the marketing on the home.

With the power of the internet, the home sold to an out-of-state buyer that wanted acreage and seclusion. Never having a problem losing earnest money funds, the buyer, seller and realtors cooperated to successfully transfer ownership. 

 Now this is what selling real estate is all about.

The power of the internet is wonderful.  Do you have a success story?

  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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Reading some of the new groups here in Active Rain, I've come across several new ones that I joined over the weekend - one is: Positive Attitude For The Weary Soul.

Negative attitudes breed negative results.  My Dad said this over and over to me while I was growing up.  I love my job.  Selling real estate is not always the most fun thing I can do, especially when contracts are falling thru, inspection reports come back with bad repairs, financing contingencies aren't met on time - - the list goes on and on. 

The most satisfying part of our job is sitting down at the closing table, everyone happily signing paperwork and talking afterwords trading information on the home information.

I closed a home today, with the buyer relying on a life long friend to help her purchase a home while she was out of state.  Never seeing the home, we wrote the offer, completed the home inspections, assisted with financing, set up closing and finally ended up at the closing table.  The buyers brought with them, the friends that they trusted to help buy the most important purchase they will ever make.  Now, how great is that?  They love the home.  Their friends are so happy they are moving back close to them and we were able to make all this happen without any glitches.  

I'm positive I like selling Real Estate in Springfield Missouri?  Do you have a success story to share?

  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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Taking a class on 100 Days to Greatness with Brian Buffini has become very difficult.  Keeping up the normal routine, selling Springfield Mo real estate and trying to change our work habits is not easy.  Closing on a home took priority over class this week.  Not only did I miss class, the rest of the team wasn't there either.

One of our daily tasks is to write thank you notes to our past clients.  Right now,  approximately 100 notes behind, I can not see how I can maintain this pace.  To my surprise, my assistant is currently on track with her notes and today received a phone call from a past client thanking her for remembering them.  They actually were getting ready to market their home when they received the hand written note. 

Even, after having a great experience with my assistant, they were prepared to list with another agent.  As much as we keep up with our past clients, we somehow missed connecting with this client - until now.  My assistant not only reconnected, but set a time next week to list their home.

The Buffini class is working!  Working so well, that we may end up rehiring some of the staff that was laid off last year when the market slowed.

If you haven't taken a Brian Buffini class, this might be a great opportunity for you.  If you have, do you have a success story to share?

  Kay Van Kampen

A New Admirer of Brian Buffini - Part 2

A New Admirer of Brian Buffini

 

  

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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On our way to photograph a new listing this weekend, we stopped by Riverdale Bridge.  Located south of Nixa, Missouri, the first bridge was constructed in 1906 by the Canton Bridge company.  Some of the oldest bridges remain in Christian County, Missouri.

 Riverdale was once a thriving community that was located on the banks of the Finley River.  One of the first mills was constructed there.

Christian County endured some heavy rains this past week.  With the water high, the falls were beautiful.

The store owned by the Turner Family still resides by the river. 

The old bridge was torn down in 2004 and replaced with the existing bridge.

 Take a drive and enjoy the beauty of the Ozarks. 

  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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 Property Inspections is a well known subject here at Active Rain.

Homes inspections are normal in the Springfield Missouri real estate market.  The normal inspection is done after the home is under contract.  During the inspection, a certified property inspector inspects everything about the home including the foundation, roof, well, septic, plumbing, electrical, etc.

Recommending the home owner to inspect the home prior to marketing is something I've started doing recently.  The cost will certainly outway the possibility of a contract falling thru.  Along with peace of mind, the home owner will be reassured the home should have no problem when they do receive a contract.  Marketing the home with a home warranty and property inspection becomes a great selling point.

My biggest complaint is receiving an inspection report back stating the inspector recommends the roof be inspected by a certified roofer or certified chimney sweep or certified heat and air technician or certified whatever. 

I thought hiring an inspector gave the buyer all the answers as to the condition of the home.  So when we have an inspection done, should we  be hiring instead:

A certified roofer..... A certified plumber..... a certified electrician... A certified chimney sweep.... A certified heat and air technician.... A certified termite inspector.... A certified well and septic inspector? 

I'm sure I've forgotten someone.  What's your recommendation?

  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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  My team and I spent a day in Kansas City Missouri at a RE/MAX Convention this week learning about the latest technology for our websites. 

A few months ago, David Teefy, the developer of our website let the Brokers know of many new changes coming to the website, one of them being RealPing technology.  RealPing is a tool that allows consumers to speak immedialtely to an agent.  Along with Steve Auger, Dennis Curtin, and many other great RE/MAX leaders, they helped to make this new technology possible.

Albert Clark, the principal partner of RealPing introduced and gave a brief tutorial on how the product works.  Read more....

How would you use this great technology? 

    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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 One of my first jobs was working at a bank.  The best position I held was working in the loan department.  There I gained a great background to start off my career in real estate.  Interest rates for conventional loans in the Springfield Mo area right now averages between 6% and 6.5%.  I remember interest rates as high as 18%.

Refinancing a home was a common occurance.  Homeowners always questioned current interest rates and the best time to refinance their current home.

Some of the best times to refinance was when interest rates fell more than 2 percent below their current interest rate.  Also the length of time you plan to stay in your home.  Staying in your home for more than four or more years, refinancing would be worthwhile.

Also, eliminating the private mortgage insurance that is attached to your home mortgage will also save.  However, depending on your lender, eliminating PMI may only require an appraisal that shows the value of your home to be 20% more than your mortgage balance.

Do you remember what the highest interest rate you paid on your home mortgage?

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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 We all seem to have the same problem - we have buyers that are waiting for the market to drop more before they buy their dream home.

Read an article in Realty Times that the market has hit bottom.  I'm sure that home sellers are hoping this is true.  Pricing a home today has become more inportant than ever.  Many sellers are waiting to purchase a new home when their current home sells.

For buyers, this could not be a better time to buy a home.  Lower prices, low interest rates, seller incentives are only a few of the benefits buyers are taking advantage of.

If you are a money conscious consumer, hesitation may cost more than you know.  Read more.....

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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The number of bank repossessions this year is increasing.  The large range of bank repossessed listings might surprise you.  The market is affecting everyone, regardless of whether they are blue or white colored workers.

Priced now at $364,900, this Springfield Missouri home sold in 2006 for $500,000. 

With a 3 car garage, here is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home that offers 1844 square feet, built in 2003, located in Nixa, Missouri.  Now priced at $163,975.

 Built in 1930, this 3 bedroom, 1 bath home is located in Marionville, Missouri.  With approximately 1400 square feet, here's a bargain at $47,900.

Prior to marketing, the bank has completed an appraisal and also has 3 Broker Price Opinions to determine a good market price for the home.  The misconception is that bank owned property can be bought for much less than market value.  Not necessarily the case.  These homes are usually priced to sell quickly.

Are you seeing an increase of repossessed properties in your area?

  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!