Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
5 Ways Springtime Brings Out the Kid in Kansas City
It’s been a long winter… too long. But, the sun is breaking through, the temps are warming up and the itch to go out and get active is becoming impossible to ignore. Your condition is clear, and the treatment is simple. The only way to break your springtime fever is to go out, jump in and run wild at Kansas City’s fun, family-friendly attractions. There are literally hundreds of ways to indulge your inner-child (and real children) around Kansas City. But if we included all of them in this blog, we’d be writing until sometime next Spring, so we’ve narrowed it down to our 5 favorites.
Game Day at the K
For springtime in Kansas City, catching a Royals game at Kauffman Stadium is must that everyone should experience at least once. There’s nothing quite like the boys in blue taking the field with the crowd cheering them on through every pitch, hit, run and win. And there’s nowhere quite like Kauffman Stadium to be a part of it all. Fans young and old alike can enjoy attractions and make memories at one of the nation’s best ballparks. The Royals Hall of Fame is a gameday must-see. This shrine to baseball in Kansas City is filled with exciting exhibits that showcase the franchise’s history and celebrate its most beloved players.
Certainly littler fans won’t want to miss the Outfield Experience. This recreation area located at the north side of the stadium offers kid-friendly fun. They can run, play pitch, hit and even putt at different activity stations made just for them.
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
Located 20 miles and 120 years away from Kansas City, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead shows what life was like on a family farm in the early 1900s. This Kansas City favorite provides the perfect way to get away from technology and get back to simpler times. Young ones and those young at heart can spend hours leisurely strolling through this throwback community. The farmstead includes a working dairy barn, an old-time general store, a frontier bank, and a turn-of-the-century, one-room schoolhouse.
There is so much to see and do during the springtime, but it’s not really a complete visit to Deanna Rose without taking a wagon ride, feeding the goat and enjoying a cone at Alex and Emily’s Ice Cream Parlor during the springtime. Deanna Rose is in South Overland Park, off 135th and Switzer.
Get Creative at Kaleidoscope
Located in the heart of Crown Center, Kaleidoscope is the center of creativity for kids. Free to the public and staffed by Hallmark volunteers, this colorful creative wonderland is full of hands-on crafts, projects, whimsical creatures, and unlimited imagination. Parents and children can spend their time drawing, painting, and designing their own puzzles. They can also create glowing light art in the dark room.
After finishing your own artistic masterpieces, you can go next door the Hallmark Visitor’s Center and see Hallmark’s own Art collection. You’ll also be view exhibits that tell the story of America’s largest greeting card company.
Feed Your Brain at Science City
From hands-on art creation to hands-on science exploration. Science City is an interactive museum built inside Kansas City’s Historic Union Station. Kids of all ages can experience the amazing wonders of science through fun and engaging exhibits.
Plan on spending the better part of a day at Science City to be able to enjoy all of the exhibits and attractions. Kids will love defying gravity as they take a high-flying ride on the Sky Bike. And they won’t believe their eyes (literally) when they enter Mr. E’s Hotel of Illusions. Science City’s newest exhibit, Simple Machines at Play, is an outdoor playground guaranteed to exercise kids’ bodies as well as their minds. They can navigate their way through ramps, levers, wheels, pulley and more.
Worlds of Fun
For a more adventurous, thrill-seeking springtime outing, you can’t beat a trip to Worlds of Fun. This amusement park has been a family favorite for more than 45 years and is perfect to visit during springtime in Kansas City.
It has rides, attractions and fun for kids of all ages. For the daring, there are some of the most exciting roller coasters in the midwest like the Patriot, Prowler, and Mamba. There’s also more mild options for the less adventurous. We’d recommend the Skyliner Ferris wheel, Autobahn bumper cars, and the Grand Carousel. And for the little ones, Camp Snoopy is filled with rides that are just their size.
The good times at Worlds of Fun don’t end with the rides. You can take a breather from the loops, drop and spins by taking in an entertaining show. Worlds of Fun is known for their variety and high-quality of acts from Broadway-style shows to high-flying acrobatic spectacles and high-energy musical performances to beloved character skits.
Altogether, it doesn’t matter if you are looking for quiet, quality family time or to just scream at the top of your lungs in sheer excitement and joy. Springtime in Kansas City offers a variety of ways to keep you and your family entertained and bring you closer together. Post on social media and use #kansascityhomes so we can see what you get up to!
Spring Cleaning Checklist 2023: 10 Categories to Tackle
Spring is here, and it’s time to refresh and renew our homes after a long winter. However, spring cleaning doesn’t have to be daunting; it can be an opportunity to get organized, clear out the clutter, and start fresh. Here are 10 categories of specific items to clean and tips to help you make spring cleaning a fun and enjoyable experience.
Windows: Let the sunshine in!
Spring is the perfect time to clean your windows and let the sunshine in. Turn on some upbeat music, grab a squeegee and a window cleaning solution, and make your windows sparkle. Not only will it brighten up your space, but it will also boost your mood.
Carpets and Rugs: Freshen up your floors
Refresh your carpets and rugs by giving them a good vacuuming. Add some vacuum deodorizer beads and enjoy the feeling of fresh, clean floors. For a deeper clean, rent a carpet cleaner and make your carpets look and smell like new.
Upholstery: Get cozy and comfortable
Your furniture is where you spend most of your time, so why not make it clean and cozy? Take the time to vacuum your couches and chairs, and spot-clean any stains. Add some new throw pillows or blankets in bright jewel tones or cute pastels to give your space a fresh, new look.
Bedding: Create a fresh sleep sanctuary
Spring is the perfect time to wash your bedding and create a clean sleep sanctuary. Invest in some high-quality sheets and pillowcases (maybe silk??) and make your bed look and feel like a luxury hotel room.
Kitchen Appliances: Make cooking fun
Cleaning your kitchen appliances may not sound like a fun task, but it can be. Put on your favorite apron, grab a mild cleaner and a microfiber cloth, and give your appliances a good scrub. A clean kitchen will inspire you to cook and create delicious meals.
Bathroom: Relax and unwind
Your bathroom is where you go to relax and unwind, so make it a clean and peaceful space. Light some candles, put on some soothing music, and give your bathroom a deep clean. Add some new bath towels, bath mats, and update your soap to make it feel like a spa retreat.
Floors: Dance your way to clean floors
Cleaning your floors doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be a dance party. Put on your favorite tunes, grab a broom and a mop, and dance your way to clean floors. Your space will look and smell amazing, and you’ll get a great workout too.
Closet: Get organized and stylish
Cleaning out your closet can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when it can lead to new pieces in your wardrobe. Try on different outfits and get rid of anything that no longer serves you! Donate what you no longer want, and have fun trying on new outfits with your new or re-discovered clothes.
Garage: Tackle your DIY projects
Spring-cleaning your garage can be an opportunity to tackle your DIY projects. Get organized, clean out any clutter, and create a space where you can work on your projects. Add some fun decor and lighting to make it a space you’ll love spending time in.
Outdoor Spaces: Enjoy the sunshine
Spring is the perfect time to enjoy your outdoor spaces. Clean your outdoor furniture, plant some flowers, and create a space where you can relax and unwind. Add some outdoor lighting to create a cozy and inviting space for entertaining. To take it a step further, there are many fun springtime activities for you and your family in Kansas City.
Spring cleaning can be a fun and enjoyable experience with the right mindset and approach. Turn up the music, get creative, and make your space a place where you love spending time. Happy cleaning!
Find more spring-cleaning tips at Better Homes & Gardens → HERE
Along with spring decorating tips → HERE
Discover Your Dream Home: Mega Open House with $25,000 in Sweepstakes!
Are you on the lookout for your dream home? Welcome to our BHGRE Kansas City Homes Mega Open House and enter for a chance to win over $25,000 in prizes at our event on May 6th and 7th. This two-day extravaganza offers an opportunity to explore diverse properties while enjoying the exciting sweepstakes.
Our Mega Open House showcases a wide range of homes, from condos to family houses. With expertly selected listings, you can explore various styles, neighborhoods, and amenities, finding the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget. Our team of dedicated real estate professionals will be available throughout the event to provide personalized guidance and answer your questions, ensuring a stress-free experience for buyers of all backgrounds.
Participate in our sweepstakes during the Mega Open House event for a chance to win a share of over $25,000 in prizes. Simply attend the Mega Open House event on May 6th and 7th to receive an entry form. By exploring different properties, you increase your chances of winning exciting prizes. Receive $1,000 in closing costs just for visiting an open house and registering! We’re giving away some incredible prizes – find out more information on our website HERE.
Join us at the Mega Open House event to explore remarkable properties, receive personalized assistance, and enter for a chance to win over $25,000 in prizes. Whether you’re actively searching for a new home or curious about the real estate market, this event is a must-attend. Make your home-buying journey memorable with our team of professionals by your side. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
The sweepstakes ends on May 8th, 2023, so be sure to enter before it’s too late. Mark your calendar and join us for our Kansas City Homes Mega Open House. You never know – you might just find your dream home and WIN BIG at the same time!
Looking Back at a Historic 2020 | Kansas City Homes
A monumental year closes for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes
Historical, monumental, and record-breaking are all words you could use to describe the real estate market in 2020. From a worldwide pandemic to the lowest mortgage rates we’ve seen in decades to a housing boom in the mid to late summer, the Kansas City real estate industry was challenged to say the least. It was a welcomed challenge at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes and one we not only rose to meet but excelled in doing so. Let’s look back at how 2020 became one of the most significant years in both real estate and Kansas City Homes’ history.
In 2020, our BHGenius Training platform was developed to provide our agents elite-level real estate courses and sessions. Then Director of Career Development, Christian Barnes implemented the new training platform early in 2020 and taught the majority of classes. In total, 412 classes and sessions were held and made available via social media for our agents, straight from the comforts of their home offices. Over 5,400 cumulative participants attended these sessions, spending 4,460 hours training with our industry-leading resources.
Using our comprehensive training platform, our professionals brought expert knowledge and customer service to every client they worked with. This led our agents to sell over 4200 units in 2020 to exceed $1.5 billion in total real estate sales and placed Kansas City Homes in the top brokerages in the 350+ office, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network.
Our offices continued their support in the community and their activeness was not deterred this year. We continued our work with the Veterans Community Project in 2020, whose mission is to provide living arrangements for homeless veterans in their Tiny Homes Village. In December, we partnered with Charlie Hustle in their 1KforKC campaign to provide aid to families who were struggling as a result of COVID-19. In the first two weeks of the campaign, we, as a company, raised over $13,000 in donations to assist Kansas City families.
We also saw increased growth in our reach to the Kansas City community on social media. Over 17,000 active engagements were logged across our Facebook and Instagram channels. We also grew our social audience by 16% throughout the historic 2020. The development of our signature Distinctive Collection social channels highlighted our 2020 social media strategy.
Placing the ‘monumental’ definition on this year for Kansas City Homes rang true in early November when Christian Barnes became the majority owner, President, and CEO of the company. Following her pioneering work as the Director of Carer Development, Christian took over the role from former President David Cooper. Now the top female owner in the international Better Homes and Gardens brand, Christian is looking to the future and what it will bring for her agents and for the entire Kansas City community.
Our deepest and most sincere gratitude goes out to the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS, our agents, and to our community for their continued support this year. Only tireless efforts in 2020 allowed real estate to continue serving our city and our clients the professional customer service they’ve come to expect from Kansas City Homes. While the historic 2020 will be a year no one will ever forget, we are ready to see and welcome the new horizons 2021 offers.
7 Summer Activities for Kids Around Kansas City
It seems like Summer is flying by, but there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the sun and have some fun around Kansas City! In order to keep kids active and help them escape the mid-summer blues, we’ve compiled a list of 7 fun activities to enjoy during the rest of summer vacation.
1. Visit a Local Park, Library, or Farmers Market
A park, library, or farmer’s market is a great opportunity to get out and explore different things. And chances are there’s one (or more) near you!
Kansas City is known for its many beautiful parks, and some of our favorites include Swope, Loose, and Penguin.
Swope Park, located at East Meyer Boulevard and Swope Parkway, is filled with different attractions and adventures. Kids can hike on the various trails, complete the Treetop Adventure Course, visit various nature centers within the park, and plenty more.
Jacob L. Loose Park on Wornall Road, commonly called ‘Loose Park’, is a more scenic and tranquil area with a gorgeous rose garden. Kids have the opportunity to visit the garden center, the spray park, a playground, historical monuments, Loose Lake, and more.
Penguin Park, located on Vivion Road in Kansas City’s northland, is a well-known favorite among children, because of the simplicity and uniqueness of the park itself. The park is adorned with different animal statues, including a penguin, giraffe, elephant, and kangaroo that children can interact with while playing on the playground.
You can also take your child out to your local library. Some libraries have events specifically for children, like storytime, that keep them engaged while also increasing their reading skills. It’s the perfect place to let your child pick out a few books, read them, or even take books home for later.
Farmers markets are great places for children to experience something new and learn more about food. There are tons of farmers markets in a variety of places throughout Kansas City where you and your child can buy fresh fruits and vegetables or find some unique locally made items. The fun doesn’t have to end when you leave the market. You can make a plan with your child to use the fresh produce from the market to cook lunch or dinner together.
2. Get Acquainted with Some Animals
Zoos are a great place for children to witness both common and exotic animals. Visiting zoos or animal sanctuaries allow children to learn and interact with a variety of animals that they may never normally come across. Our favorite animal places include the Kansas City Zoo and the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.
At the Kansas City Zoo, located in Swope Park, kids can discover all sorts of different animals and habitats from around the world! This 202-acre sanctuary gives children an interactive experience with animals that entertains, educates, and engages. The KC Zoo boasts over 1,300 animals, including chimpanzees, kangaroos, elephants, penguins, sea lions, and more. In fact, the Kansas City Zoo was honored as one of the top 60 zoos in the U.S. in “America’s Best Zoos 2008”, and was ranked no. 1 in the nation for “African Animals and Exhibits” and no. 1 in the nation to see chimpanzees and kangaroos! The zoo also hosts special events and shows throughout the year, like the Sea Lion Show, Wings of Wonder (WOW Bird Show) and Mizzou Day at the Zoo.
At Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, in Overland Park, kids can see and interact with farm animals, birds, butterflies, and more. The attraction features different show gardens, nature trails, a Native American display, pony rides, etc. for children and adults. Children will learn about more than 250 animals and different birds, flowers, and vegetables. The farmstead gives kids the opportunity to bottle-feed baby goats, milk cows, and ride horse-drawn carriages.
3. Learn at a Museum
Going to a museum offers children knowledge about a variety of topics and can be an all-day, engaging experience. There is an impressive amount of museums around Kansas City, on both sides of the state line. Some of the more popular ones include the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City: The Money Museum, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, and many more!
Some of our personal favorites are the Arabia Steamboat Museum, Wonderscope Children’s Museum, Science City, and Children’s Peace Pavilion.
Arabia Steamboat Museum sits in the heart of Kansas City’s famed River Market area. It offers children the historic story of the sunken and lost steamboat Arabia. At the museum, kids and kids-at-heart alike can learn about the history of the steamboat by viewing preserved treasures from 1856 and by observing preservationists recover artifacts. Children will be enthralled for hours by the museum’s interactive displays and artifacts that continue to piece together the history of Steamboat Arabia.
Wonderscope Children’s Museum, located in Shawnee, allows children to learn through cooperative play with others. At Wonderscope, children can engage with fun and unique exhibits and programs that educate them on the arts, sciences, and literature. Most exhibits allow children to use their imaginations to pretend play while learning valuable skills and concepts. Kids learn how food comes from farm to market to table. Wonderscope keeps children entertained and helps keep their minds active and sharp through innovative exhibits.
A well-known favorite for children of all ages, Science City (located in Union Station) is a scientific world of wonder. This museum focuses on sparking children’s interest in science through interactive exhibits. The museum features The Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, the Dino Lab and Dig Site, The Burns & McDonnell Engineerium, and much more.
4. Indulge Your Inner Thrillseeker
A great way to keep children occupied and engaged for hours, and perhaps for the whole day, is by visiting an amusement park. Amusement parks, like Worlds/Oceans of Fun and Schlitterbahn Waterpark, allow children to explore a different atmosphere and have relaxed fun through a variety of different rides.
At Worlds of Fun, located in Kansas City, MO, kids can ride many different rides made specifically for them and bond with family. Worlds of Fun boasts over 20 kids attractions that will spark young minds with wonder. Attractions include Planet Snoopy, where children can interact with the well-known Peanuts gang, plenty of more mild, but still thrilling rides, and even a petting farm. At Oceans of Fun, the aquatic adventure sister of Worlds of Fun, kids race down speed slides, cruise down curving tube slides and take a vertical plunge down the Predator. Milder options are available for the less adventurous like pools, play areas and Splash Island. All are designed to keep kids and their parents cool in the summer heat.
5. Get Crafty
Crafts are a great way for children to use their imaginations and feel a sense of accomplishment when they make something with their own hands. It can also be a great way to bond with your child. There are endless possibilities when making crafts, and you can use common objects scattered around your house to create something new. You can even tailor crafts to your child’s developmental level and make them easier or a little more challenging.
Some craft ideas include: making paper snowflakes, painting or coloring, creating paper puppets, making clay to sculpt cool creatures, create frames for photos with popsicle sticks, and many, many more.
The crafts can also be tailored for upcoming holidays or family events, allowing your child to think outside the box and use more of their imagination. With so many different craft ideas, children are sure to have fun and be engaged while using their hands to create something of their own!
Getting a home inspection can help you learn more about the house, its condition, and can help you learn of any future issues you may need to fix if you purchase the home.
6. Make Homemade Food
Making homemade food with your child is a fantastic way to teach them about different foods, bond with them, and have a little fun creating something delicious. There are many different foods your child could help you make. They could even help make breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Some great foods to make include things like pizza, ice cream, cupcakes, bread, popsicles, and more. The key is to get your child involved throughout the process. In making pizza, a child
could help knead the dough and place the different toppings on the pizza. Your child could even make their own small pizza by picking toppings only they want, while you supervise. In making homemade ice cream, children can see science in action and learn how different ingredients interact with one another (i.e. the reaction between salt and ice).
When making homemade food, children will not only have a delicious treat but will also learn more about different ingredients.
7. Take a Little Trip
Sometimes getting away from the house can offer you and your child a little break. A nice fun-filled and relaxing weekend can provide your child with a new atmosphere and allow them to experience some adventure. Your getaway doesn’t need to be complicated, just enough to give your child something new and exciting to do. Places like Great Wolf Lodge or CoCo Key Water Resort can give your child a nice little break from home and can be a great family weekend.
At Great Wolf Lodge, in Kansas City, Kansas, there’s a ton children can do to pass the time. Children can participate in pool parties, barbecue dinners, and a Trailblazer challenge, complete the MagiQuest, play mini-golf, have an adventure with the Compass Quest, create their own Great Wolf Kids character, and more. Great Wolf Lodge also has many different attractions in their large indoor waterpark, including a watercourse, tubing rivers, small pools, and many water slides. There’s no doubt your children will have many different activities to take up their time!
At CoCo Key Water Resort, located in Kansas City Missouri, children can explore the large indoor water park, the arcade, and relax in the hotel portion of the resort. The Key West themed indoor waterpark has many different attractions for children, including Parrot’s Perch (an aquatic jungle gym), the Coconut Grove Adventure River perfect for tubing, a small wading pool for the smallest guests, body slides, tube slides, and much more. And after all that fun and swimming, you and your children can stay at the attached Adam’s Mark Hotel for some relaxation. Children of all ages are sure to have water-filled fun at CoCo Key Water Resort!
Kansas City offers a variety of ways to keep you and your kids entertained all Summer long. Learn more about all that Kansas City has to offer on our online Communities page.
The Legend of Homebuying: A Millennial Fairy Tale | Part 2
The princess was ready to embark on an adventure and sell her castle….
She picked an excellent time to enter the castle market. The real estate industry in her kingdom was hot and everyone wanted to buy a new home all across the land.
Now that part is not fantasy. Bringing it back to reality, the real estate market in Kansas City is blazing hot, even now in the usually slower winter months. All across Kansas City, homes are selling at a record pace, averaging less than 23 days from initial listing to a signed contract. The median sales price of homes in Kansas City rose almost 20% last month to $233,000 while inventory decreased 46%. Positive growth has been shown in pending and closed sales for the last three months.
If any of that information is surprising to you, it is a good time to introduce today’s real estate myth that we are going to debunk…
Real Estate Myth #2 – I Do Not Need A Real Estate Agent To Sell or Buy a Home
Like playing Yahtzee without dice, or driving a car without a steering wheel, not using the services of a real estate professional risks the safety of your wallet and leaves you in the dark to navigate the wild and unpredictable real estate market of today. Let’s take a look at the top three reasons why you should utilize the services of a real estate professional.
Rigorous Education Standards
As agents at Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Kansas City Homes, from the date our new professionals join our team, they embark on a rigorous training program linking with a dynamic and interactive library of learning resources. We do this to make sure that every single one of our real estate experts brings the most innovative, cutting edge tools and knowledge of the Kansas City home market, to you, to help reach your goals.
These tools include industry-leading home search software featured on our website that allows you to search for homes, condos and more, to buy and rent across the Kansas City area. You can search specifically in the city you’d like to live, and narrow your search by HOA dues, amenities, and school districts to name just a few. From that same website, you can read about every community in Kansas City, access our Better Living Blog, guides for first-time homebuyers and sellers, and tips for selling your home.
All of our eight offices across the metro are focused on the continuing education and standards for all of our agents. Our offices are managed by non-selling brokers which allows for increased instruction for our agents and a much more inclusive atmosphere.
Saving Time and Money
While this section could be pages long, we truly focus on how a real estate professional can use their knowledge to save you the most money. As we outlined above, our experts are highly educated in real estate to bring you the best home buying or selling experience in Kansas City.
You can sell your home on your own which is called a For Sale by Owner or FSBO listing. When you embark on a For Sale By Owner journey, like 6% of homeowners did in 2019, you are likely not prepared for the amount of work it will take. Marketing, listings, taking potential buyer phone calls, staging, visits, negotiations, inspections, and price settings are all on you to take care of. When you also throw in the regular demands of a full-time job, this is a daunting task to undertake for anyone who is not a licensed real estate professional.
Most FSBO homes go in that direction because people want to save themselves from having to pay an agent’s commissions. A top real estate agent can set an appropriate price and, on average, can sell your home for 10% more than most other agents according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and 15-20% more, on average, than a FSBO listing. The national average agent commission is around 5.8% according to Investopedia, and the average home sells for around $250,000. When you consider an agent can net you 15-20% more for your home than listing it FSBO, the average commission shows exactly how much value an agent has.
Additional Services
Most agents work for a brokerage that gives them many additional benefits for their clients. At Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Kansas City Homes, we have several programs for our clients that extend beyond just assisting with your buying or selling a home.
This year we unveiled our BHGRE® Moves program that links you with businesses in the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate network and offers exclusive deals and coupons to help you with your move. Businesses like Home Depot, Lowes, and PODS all participate and save large amounts of money on moving essentials.
We also feature a quarterly Distinctive Collection® magazine that showcases luxury homes in Kansas City and offers additional advertising to a nationwide audience.
The backing of America’s leading lifestyle brand, bringing a reputable and well-established brand identity to our company. Better Homes & Gardens circulates to 7.6 million people every year and is one of the most subscribed magazines in the country.
The Legend of Homebuying – A Millennial Fairy Tale | Part 1
Once upon a time a young princess wanted to buy a home in the mystical land of enchantment called Kansas City…
There are a lot of myths out there about buying your first home and many millennials believe that their home-buying journey is more like a fairy tale than real life. The market has changed drastically over the last few years and as much as you learned from bingeing HGTV for three straight nights, trust the actual experts to give you relevant advice to your individual situation.
While myths are rampant across the real estate industry, we are here to tell you that many of the age-old stigmas of one of the oldest industries on Earth are totally false. Over the course of this blog series, we will cover the ten major myths and share the truth about buying your first home.
Real Estate Myth #1 – You Need a 20% Down Payment
The more I ask people in my circle about real estate myths, this one is routinely the first they mention. In 2019, the average 20% down payment in the United States is over $60,000 and the average home price is over $300,000, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). So you need to have $60,000 in your back pocket before you can buy…right? Wrong. The mortgage industry is currently at an all-time low and mortgage brokers have a myriad of loan options that offer down payments of significantly less than 20%.
In 2019, The NAR reports that the median down payment was “12 percent for all buyers, six percent for first-time buyers, and 16 percent for repeat buyers.” According to Keeping Current Matters (KCM), that means when buying a home at the average home price in America, with a 6% down payment only requires about $18,000 as down payment. In addition to this information, a professional mortgage broker can help you explore more loan options and programs like USDA, Veteran home loans, and FHA loans, all offering either little or no down payment.
47% of millennials have savings between $1,000 – $10,000, representing the overwhelming majority according to KCM. In terms of the current market, it is the perfect time for new homebuyers to take the plunge from renting to buying. The best move you can make today is talking to a real estate professional or lender to learn your options. No calls or in-person visits are necessary, our Kansas City Homes offices are available on social media and from our industry-leading Kansas City Homes website where you can access a wealth of homebuying knowledge no matter where you go.
Better Homes From a Simpler Time
As a lifestyle real estate company affiliated with the Better Homes and Gardens brand, we understand and relish in the fact that we are about much more than buying and selling homes. Our association with something so ingrained and influential in the American culture as Better Homes and Gardens is always on our collective minds, but sometimes even we have to be reminded of just how connected and synergistic our relationship to it is. The latest example of this happened when one of our Plaza/Kansas City office agents, Jessica Thomas, showing homes to her client.
One of those homes, on East 79th Street in KCMO had quite a unique history that made for an interesting and interwoven connection to our company and our brand. Jessica recalls that as she was showing the home, she noticed, “The seller was in the process of an estate sale and she had 2 or 3 old BHG magazines. I asked if I could buy one and she was nice enough to give me a copy.”
The issue Jessica was given was dated May 1950 and it just so happened to feature the very house that she was currently showing. “That house was featured in the magazine because it had undergone some massive porch renovations,” Jessica recalled.
When Jessica came into our company’s main office to share the little gem that she had, along with the story about showing the home in the magazine, she stumbled across another coincidence. We have decorative reproductions of BHG magazine covers from over the years hung throughout our office. Right outside our CFO’s office was none other than a reproduction of the cover of the same issue that Jessica found at an estate sale in the house that was featured in the issue.
So, if you’re keeping score, you have a Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate agent showing a home to her client that was once featured in the very same May 1950 issue of Better Homes and Gardens Magazine which was part of an estate sale at the home. As a bonus, a poster of the cover for that issue is hanging in the corporate office of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes. It’s so inter-connected and self-referential it’s practically meta!
Beyond the brand coincidences and connections, that old issue of BHG served as a sort of time capsule for what was on-trend and in demand at that time in America through its articles, columns and even advertisements. Jessica had a fun time looking over all the anachronisms found throughout the magazine and she was a good enough sport to let us video her while doing it.
Behind the Scenes at Better Homes & Gardens Magazine
The Better Homes & Garden Magazine is ubiquitous nationwide. Since it was first published in 1921, it became a staple for homeowners looking for ideas to make life better. Currently, it’s the #1 home and lifestyle publication in circulation with a readership of 32,145,000. Even at that volume, each issue they put out is a love letter to the lifestyle of better living. A full 60% of the content in each issue is dedicated to home and lifestyle-related topics.
We recently had the opportunity to see first-hand, the hard work, passion and craft that goes into every BHG magazine when a select group of agents and staff chartered a bus and traveled to the Meredith mothership (publisher of Better Homes & Gardens Magazine). They pulled back the curtain for us and let us peek behind the scenes… see how the sausage is made, so to speak.
NOTE: The only actual sausage being made was in one of the test kitchens.
Our group marveled at the amount of work, care, and detail that went into creating the visuals for the magazine. We imagined it rivaled the production of a Hollywood movie with all its sets, props, technology, and special effects.
Having the Better Homes and Gardens brand behind our company is one thing, but seeing exactly what that means in person is nothing short of mesmerizing. This glimpse backstage gave us real insights into how the BHG brand helps us as real estate professionals. The truth is, it does because what we do is an extension of what they publish. For every beautiful shot of a living room or bedroom, we get inspiration for how sellers can stage their home. Every article on paint and decor gives us ideas to share with buyers about how to make a new home their own.
Ultimately, Better Homes & Gardens, the magazine, and Better Homes and Gardens, the real estate company have very similar goals – helping people live their ideal lifestyle.
The resources Better Homes & Gardens supply and the support they lend to our work in real estate is what helps our agents be better. If you’re thinking about
buying or selling, go with the lifestyle experts.
Also, be sure to check out or pick up a copy of Better Homes & Gardens magazine. Once you find your home, their magazine will help you find ways to make it your own.
Why We Love the Holidays in Kansas City – And Why You Should, Too
Something special starts to happen when the days get shorter and the temps get colder. You can practically smell it in the air…yep, it’s Kansas City during the holidays. Sure, there are bigger and more well-known locales for celebrating the season, like New York with the Rockefeller Center tree, and 5th Avenue window displays, or Chicago’s “Nutcracker” Ballet or shopping on Michigan Ave., but for our money, you just can’t beat the merry Midwest!
Whether you live around town or are just visiting family and friends in KC, you’re sure to fall in love with this city and its surrounding areas when you experience these five holiday-time treasures.
Holiday Lights (and not just at the Plaza)
You know the holidays in Kansas City have officially kicked off when they flip is switch on Thanksgiving evening and the festive lights that cover the Country Club Plaza shine for all to see. It’s a pretty big deal and is one of the most anticipated events of the year. In fact, it is so popular that year in and year out, the Plaza squeezes in the population of a decent-sized suburb to accommodate all of the people who want to see the ceremony in person.
It’s a Kansas City fixture and the holidays wouldn’t be the same without it, but you don’t necessarily have to limit your love of festive filaments to the Plaza.
From humble neighborhood displays to elaborate, wattage-busting presentations at parks, shopping centers and family destinations all over the KC-area, there is no shortage of ways to make your days merry and especially BRIGHT, including:
Longview Lake Christmas in Park – Lee’s Summit, MO
A tradition for more than 25 years, the park is transformed into a delightful winter wonderland with more than 300,000 lights and almost 200 animated figures.
While you’re in Lee’s Summit, be sure to check out the Magic Tree, too!
The Mayor’s Christmas Tree at Crown Center – Kansas City, MO
Checking in at a lofty 100 feet, the Mayor’s Christmas Tree at Crown Center stretches higher than those on display at the White House and Rockefeller Center. The massive holiday icon sparkles with 7,200 white bulbs and represents the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund.
Legendary Christmas, Legends Outlet – Kansas City, KS
Unique lighting display on a 45-foot holiday tree created by a world-renowned technology-driven holiday lights team all synchronized to music.
Holiday Lights on Farmstead Ln., Deanna Rose Farmstead – Overland Park, KS
Watch sparkling lights synchronized to music with animation, lighting effects, patterns, and messages.
Crown Center
It doesn’t get more magical than Christmastime at Crown Center. Oh, where to begin? Aside from being a major holiday shopping hub, it’s practically bursting with festivity and spirit. The Center creates a Christmas wonderland for kids to visit Santa and play in his Gingerbread Station before and after sharing their wish list with him.
Bustling shoppers can take a rest and take in some musical spirit courtesy of local school, community and church choirs who fill the Center with festive favorites and traditional songs to celebrate the season.
These seasonal singers aren’t the only entertainers who will help get in you in a festive mood. Take in a family favorite play like “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at the Coterie Children’s Theatre or more grown-up fair like that performed at the Musical Theatre Heritage stage.
No visit to Crown Center would be complete without a trip to the Ice Terrace. Bring back childhood memories of ice skating on Kansas City’s favorite outdoor rink, or sit back and watch your children get their first taste of this wintertime activity, with the Mayor’s Christmas Tress serving as a picturesque backdrop.
Holiday Performances
While Crown Center is home to several choices for watching holiday performances, Kansas City has many more opportunities, including some longtime traditions.
The Kansas City Repertory Theatre will be putting on a performance of this classic Charles Dickens tale.
Celebrate TubaChristmas in Helzberg Hall on Monday, December 4 AND Friday, December 8! All area tuba and euphonium players are invited to join in the festivities.
The Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center
The Nutcracker is the heart of Kansas City’s holiday season! As soon as the lights dim, you’ll be transported to a magical place.
Handel’s Messiah at the Kauffman Center
The impeccable acoustics of Helzberg Hall together with your Kansas City Symphony and Chorus make this THE Messiah performance of the season.
“The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” at Sprint Center
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is making a limited appearance at the Spring Center this December, bringing the residents and visitors of Kansas City a brand new production entitled “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.”
Holiday Express Train
The Holiday Express Train has been a Christmastime tradition at Kansas City’s Union Station for almost 20 years. It’s favorite holiday treat for both kids and kids-at-heart. Each year, led by the Rudy the smiling locomotive, the Kansas City Southern Holiday Express is a seasonal celebration on rails! It brings a smiling and jolly Santa Claus, accompanied by his elves, back to Kansas City and into Union Station.
Visitors can greet Santa and tour the carefully decorated cars which include a miniature village car, the elves workshop, a gingerbread boxcar and of course, a little red caboose.
Holidays in Kansas City: The People.
All of the amazing destinations and decorations around Kansas City during the holidays, while beautiful, just can’t compare the bright light created by the people who live here. Kansas Citians are known to be caring and kind all throughout the year, but their warmhearted nature shines even greater during the holiday season.
You see it everywhere you go around town and it makes you glad you live here. Whether it is someone ringing a bell next to a red kettle for the Salvation army, local businesses collecting food for Harvesters to keep those in hard times fed, or homegrown servicemen taking in Toys for Tots so that every area child has a merry Christmas, the people in the heart of America truly have the biggest hearts of all.
