All Brick Ranch - A great piece of Nixa Mo real estate.

With all the ranch stye homes in the area, all brick homes are one of the best selling homes in the Springfield Mo real estate market.

When it comes to home improvement, investing in cost-effective upgrades can actually save you a bundle in the long-run। Painting is one of the most popular home improvement projects you can undertake, but it can be more difficult than you might think। Along with new carpeting, the seller has painted every room of this home. Now the home shows great and the seller should expect a good offer.

P.S. ......This home has sold.....call for a list of others in this neighborhood.

Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas 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.

Real estate is a lot like farming. Some years, the crops are great. Mother Nature cooperates, the farmer plants at the right time and reaps the rewards. Other years, no matter what the farmer does right, Mother Nature decides to destroy everything the farmer plants. The farmer has to plan for these years, keeping reserves back to make it thru the bad years.

Real estate agents must work under the same conditions. They work throughout the year, farming their crops and planning for next year’s success or failure. Staying in touch with past clients, working referrals and staying up with new technology are some of the ways agents successfully handle their business today.

My daughter, Rhonda, and I work the websites daily. We know that over 95% of the buyers are now searching the web before they start looking with a realtor. By the time they are ready to buy, they know us quite well we know what they are searching for.

Many clients use the website for months before they decide to call us. We recently had a client that has been looking for over a year for property. Waiting for their home to sell in Tennessee, they continued to search Springfield Mo real estate, educating themselves on the market in the Springfield area. Rhonda stayed in touch with them and during the year, they made a trip over a weekend and spent time making sure they would be able to find a home quickly, once their home sold.

Last month they received an offer on their home and closed quickly. Within a few days after meeting with them, we had a home under contract and closed on their new home this week. They were able to move right in, keeping their personal belonging from going into storage.

If I hadn’t quit a career in banking twenty years ago to go into real estate, learning to farm, overcoming failures and striving to succeed, we would not still be helping others today.

Rhonda joined the team 5 years ago (having a background as a paralegal). Joining us in 2005 is Brian Peak, our bank foreclosure specialist. We know Springfield community, the different neighborhoods, and our endless enthusiasm to help others find their new home makes us a strong real estate team.

Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Missouri. She is ready and available to be your Springfield Missouri relocation specialist.

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.

Bank Foreclosures and Short Sales


I recently wrote an article about closing another short sale. Knowing that most buyers and sellers don’t understand the steps it takes to close a short sale, I felt the need to explain more about the procedure and what to expect.

Specializing in Springfield Missouri short sales and bank foreclosures was just another way to improve my business. I didn’t know it would be so difficult to help sellers communicate with lenders to sell their property to potential buyers.

Many sellers in the Springfield Mo real estate market are slowly getting behind in their payments and facing the fact that they will lose their home and destroy their once good credit. This is a stressful time, which sometimes ends with the family having to rent, relocate to other parts of the country or even divorce.

Purchasing a home in the past few years, with no money down and adding the closing costs to the purchase price of the home, allowed buyers to fulfill their dreams of owning their own home, however, they were unable to budget for any unforeseen problems. Once the cycle begins, it quickly accelerates to the point of no return. Most sellers do not know how to get help when they first realize they are spending more than they can make.

Trying to sell their home quickly in today’s market, the home must then be sold for less than they owe, including past due payments, late charges and penalties. Contacting the lender before the foreclosure process starts, will allow the lender to send a “short sale package” to negotiate and work with the seller for a short sale. Among the information required is:

Hardship Letter
Two years of financial statements
Current bank statements for all open and closed accounts for at least 2 years
Any documentation that the lender will require – including a letter to the lender giving permission for the realtor to help in negotiating the short sale.
Tax Returns

The procedure to find the right “negotiator” to give the approval to agree on the final sales price takes time. The seller and buyer must know the transaction can not happen over night. In the case of my last short sale, keeping the buyer from withdrawing their offer and the realtor pursuing the lender was stressful for all parties. We were able to finalize the transaction after 2 months.

If the unpaid balance in not “forgiven” or negotiated before closing, the seller must know that the bank can come back and collect any portion of the unpaid balance, late fees, attorney fees, or any other fee due.

If you are facing the possibility that you will not be able to make up your payments, contact your loan company as soon as possible. Negotiating to sell your home for a lower price than other homes of comparable value will actually save the bank more than they may lose if they end up foreclosing. Contact a Springfield Realtor that is familiar with bank foreclosures and short sales.








Kay Van Kampen is a local Realtor serving Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic and surrounding areas in Missouri. She is ready and available to help you with all your Springfield Mo real estate needs. To contact her go to http://www.kayvankampen.com/.

You Can't Take It Back! True Story!

Have you ever said something you can't take back. Here's a true story that recently happened in my office.

A salesperson came in the office selling children's books to hand out to the local kindergarten schools in our area. She had a great product and as much as I wanted, I declined to buy the books. (I'm trying to stay within my budget this year).

A few days later, she returned. Really trying to sell these great books, she now offered to furnish books for Ozark Schools and Nixa Schools for the same price. I really like these books and I know it would be beneficial for our children, but I continued to decline. Before she left, I told her if she didn't have any success selling to another agent to come back.

A week later she returned. I heard her talking to the Receptionist, so I went to greet her. Frustrated and flustered, she stated: I'm sorry, I haven't had any seex .............................stopped, looked at both the receptionist and me. (Meaning to say "success".) You could see the terror and embarrasment on her face.

Laughing and wiping the tears from our eyes, I finally told her we couldn't help her with her problem.........but we would buy her books!

Springfield Missouri Homes

What You Can Expect Of Me At Our First Meeting

What you can expect of me at our first meeting when searching for Springfield Mo Houses, including Nixa, Ozark, Republic, and Rogersville?

Making a good impression is very important to me when first meeting new clients.

I try to get as much information as I can before I agree to meet potential buyers at a home. If the property does not fit their criteria, I will describe it to them and agree to meet them at the office, before we preview.

Sometimes that doesn't work and (against my better judgment), I'll agree to go ahead and show the home they called on. Past experience tells me if the buyer will meet at the office, they are motivated to buy. I can also pre-qualify them to make sure they are ready, willing and able buyers. It also determines if we will be able to work together, with no conflicts of personality.

I also provide a folder filled with useful information for buyers, that include:

1) Missouri Agency Disclosure. I want to give them to opportunity to decide if they want buyer representation. They usually do. This is also a requirement in the State of Missouri.
2) Copy of the disclosures of the homes they want to preview.
3) Current map of the area. (Very useful for out-of-state buyers).
4) My personal brochure.
5) Several business cards. I hand out several because "I'm never too busy for your referrals."
6) Buyer's brochure. In preparing the brochure, I've included information on inspections, definitions of Latent Material Defects, separate pages for writing information as we tour each home, and my office information.
7) Chamber of Commerce packet. Information on local businesses and the area helps buyers become more comfortable, familiar with the area and hopefully reaffirms that I am a professional realtor.

First impressions are lasting impressions. After the first showing, I offer to set up a repeat meeting. I want buyers to feel comfortable with me and know that my main objective is find their future "dream home."

Kay Van Kampen

LuxuryHomesofSpringfield, SpringfieldMoHouses, LuxuryHomesOfOzark, OzarkMoHomes

Contact Kay Van Kampen, ABR, CRS, GRI Broker/Owner, and Licensed in Missouri. Interested in looking at property in Christian, Greene, Webster, Stone or Taney Counties. Individual cities include Springfield, Rogersville, Ozark, Highlandville, Spokane, Sparta, Nixa, Battlefield, Republic, Billings, Clever, Willard, Strafford, and Marshfield. Contact us today!

First Time Home Buyers - Missouri Bond Money Is Being Issued Soon




At a time when the lending companies have tightened up loan requirements, first time home buyers can still purchase a home. The State of Missouri will soon be issuing bond money.

Helping first time home buyers on the buying process and seeing the look in their eyes when they are handed the keys to their new home is priceless.

New home buyers are still able to buy with no down payment. With so many homes available and low interest rates, buyers now have the advantage of buying with lower payments and are able to find homes that have more square footage and better quality.

Missouri First Time Home Buyers Bond Money Program is available to home buyers who have not owned a home in the last three years and have at least a A- credit score. There is a limit to the amount of bond money that the government issues. Income guidelines also play a role. Home buyers need to start shopping now before the funds are used up. One of the best benefits is a Payment Protection Program (at not additional charge) that is available in the event you lose your job or become disabled. (Certain Limitations Apply).

Interest rates are usually lower than conventional rates, with no down payment required. Qualifying first time home buyers is not my job. However, I have a LOAN OFFICER that is available to help with the process.

Interested in purchasing your first home? Give me a call and I'll be happy to sit down and discuss the First Time Home Buyers Bond Money Program. Already own a home and ready to sell or buy another? ...... Call me and lets go over the current interest rates and new lending programs with you.




Kay Van Kampen






(courtesy of Kay Van Kampen Blog in Active Rain)

The Greatest Memories Of Christmas (edit/delete)

When I was growing up, Christmas was one of the most exciting times of the year for my family. We didn't have a lot of money, but Mom and Dad was always able to give us at least one thing we really needed....love. They also reminded us what the true meaning of Christmas was all about.

After we all grew up and left home, his love just continued to grow as each grandchild arrived. He seemed to be able to give his full attention to everyone. His Christmas list just kept getting larger. He and Mom would shop all year long, keeping their eyes open for inexpensive gifts they thought the grandchildren would enjoy.

A few years before his passing, he suffered a severe heart attack that left him unable to work and provide income for himself and Mom. So, they started walking, picking up tin cans along the streets and highways. Contacting the local golf course, they collected cans on a weekly basis. Living in a small town, somehow they survived. Always making sure he didn't forget the family during the holidays, he began making homemade candy.

It wasn't many years after Dad's passing, we lost Mom. The greatest gift they left to their family was the memories of their unselfish love. For me, Christmas is a reminder to help, unselfishly, others that are less fortunate than we are.

Have a safe and happy holiday everyone.

There Is Good News About The Real Estate Market For Springfield Missouri

I'm here to tell you.....There Is Good News About The Real Estate Market In Springfield Missouri.

You know if you hear it enough, you'll start believing it . The sky is falling! The sky is falling! California is falling into the ocean! Walt Disney is moving to the Ozarks! Real Estate is slow! Duh!!!!!!!!!

NO! REAL ESTATE IS STILL GOING STRONG! It's a buyer's market. Timing couldn't be better. If sellers want to sell and buyers want to buy, a sale is going to be made. During the past year, I have been tracking the Springfield MLS statistics. Right now, I'm a month behind (but I will catch up this weekend) writing about real estate in Springfield Mo. I will tell you that interest rates are dropping, the inventory is still very good and there are great loans available.

Need a great walkout basement in Nixa? Then check out this new home. Looking for acreage with a detached workshop? This ranch home minutes from Springfield has it all. We also have a beautiful all brick home near the James River.

There is a home out there for everyone. Care to let me help you look for your next home? Visit my site at http://www.kayvankampen.com/ and sign up for My HomeFinder and see all the new listings that meets your needs. There has never been a better time to buy a home .... Start you search today for Springfield Mo houses for sale.

Kay Van Kampen

Springfield Missouri Real Estate - October 2007

Springfield Missouri Yearly MLS Statistics

We've now past the end of the 3rd Quarter for Springfield Missouri Real Estate.

To date for 2007, 16501 Listings compared to 15223 in 2006 have been marked in the Springfield Missouri MLS.

A difference of 1278 new listings for Springfield Missouri homes.

Sold listings for the 3rd Quarter for Springfield Mo homes - 614 in 2006, compared to 571 for 2007.

Sales have only decreased by 43 for the month of October, 2007 for Springfield real estate.


Let's do a summary. 1278 more listings are on the market plus an additional 43 homes that did not sall equals 1321 additional homes now on the market. For buyers, this means more homes to choose from compared to 2006. For sellers, the competition has just increased.

If you are buying or sell real estate in Springfield Missouri, now's the time to buy and sell. During the 4th Quarter of the year, many sellers decide to withdraw their homes due to the holidays.

Come see the Kay Van Kampen Team at RE/MAX Solutions.

Kay Van Kampen

Tips For Selling Your Home In The Springfield Mo Real Estate Market.


If you haven’t sold Springfield Missouri real estate recently, be prepared for changes. Here are a few tips to help you when you are ready to sell.

1. Pricing your home. Pricing depends on your motivation to sell. If you are just testing the market, pricing may not be as important to you. However, if you need a quick sell, overpricing even 5 – 10% may mean a missed sale.

2. Marketing time. Plan to be on the market a lot longer. Sometimes even pricing your home at the right price, the right buyer is taking longer to buy. And they are looking at more homes.


3. Inspect your home. Before you list, have your home inspected . Making repairs will steer off any unforeseen problems that might arise after your home is under contract.


4. Stage your home. This means clean all the clutter, get rid of anything that takes away from showing off the home. Rearrange your furniture to accent the rooms.

If you would like a list of tips to help your home sell, email or give me a call. Selling Springfield Mo homes is my business. Visit my website for homes near you.

Are Springfield Homes Priced Right?

With the help of Active Rain, showing a prospective client the market statistics today, I used the Springfield MLS statistics to design the comparison of Solds to New Listings.

Springfield Mo homes compared to last year: We were able to see the number of listings increased, the number of sales have decreased....... to be exact, sales for 2006 was 6583 compared to sales for 2007 of 5809. Listings for 2006 were 13820 compared to 14923 for 2007.

What this means to the consumer: If you are in the market to purchase a home, now is the perfect time to buy. Springfield homes are now being marketed to reflect the competative market. If you insult the seller with a low offer, expect them to reject the offer. They have already adjusted their prices to reflect the changing times. Perhaps looking for a bank owned property might be the alternative.

If you are selling: Prepare your home to be the best looking home on the market for the least amount. Today, Springfield homes priced right compares to buying a pair of socks.....would you buy a dirty pair of socks for the same price as a new pair? Of course not! Same concept applies to selling a used home.

Today's homes priced right offers great home in the Springfield Mo real estate at good prices. Call the "K" Team and let us help you find your next great investment. Visit www.kayvankampen.com.

Springfield Real Estate - Christian County News
Working real estate in today's market is very challenging with all the negative articles from the news media.

We were recently interviewed by a local newspaper about the state of the market. Quoting from the previous month's numbers from the local Springfield MLS, the market has slowed approximately 1% from the previous year! ONE PERCENT!

Now, I don't know if you agree, but I don't think that's too bad for Springfield homes in our area. The figures we are including are for the entire Springfield MLS area. My conclusions are:

1. Forget what the news media is saying. Today is the best time to buy homes. Prices are stable. Yes, it is a buyer's market. However, if you want a steal, we don't have it! After careful research, we price our homes to sell at market value.

2. Compare homes before making an offer. You will find that homes are still selling within 95 - 100% of asking price. If you really want to buy a home, an unreasonable offer only wastes paper, time and negotiating power.

If you are ready to buy your next home, check out Springfield Mo Real Estate and Springfield Missouri Homes. We have a buyer's agent to help you research and make an offer that you and the seller will agree on.

Kay Van Kampen

Meta Tags and SEO - So Much To Learn

Many of you remember when real estate was about listing and selling homes by using a Springfield MLS Book that came out once a month. Then the first computer that was directly connected to the MLS and the books eventually disappeared.

Today we research homes from the internet. MLS is on the internet, our database is on the internet, and all our great personal websites are internet based. Newspaper advertising is becoming less a necessity, with knowledge of how to drive traffic to your website more important.

Last week my daughter, Rhonda Jones, also with RE/MAX Solutions drove to Tulsa Oklahoma and Bentenville Arkansas (home of Walmart) to share how we are driving traffic to our websites.

For those that don't know me, I am not a public speaker, I'm a working Springfield Missouri agent just like them and I'm only getting started working with meta tags and search engine optimization. I quickly learned that the groups I spoke to knew much less. What an experience! Training other RE/MAX agents made me realize that I'm further ahead than I thought - but still a long way to go.

Helping buyers and sellers has been my passion for 20 years. I'm never to busy for your referrals.

Springfield Mo Homes

Springfield Missouri MLS Statistics, Springfield Mo Real Estate, August 2007
We are quickly running thru the year , and the Springfield Mo real estate market still remains stable. Fewer homes sold for the month of August, with an increase of new listings on the market. The median sold price from August, 2006 is up an average of $10,000. This figure is an average of all homes in Springfield and surrounding areas.
Figures courtesy of Springfield Mo MLS


In the Springfield, Mo. Area We here at the Kay Van Kampen Team continuously monitor local real estate statistics for Springfield Mo Homes, to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Here is a break down by MLS zone.




Want to know the value of your home? If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, or would like more home information about the Springfield area or be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call. I'd be happy to email you information.

Oh, by the way, I'm never to busy for any of your referrals.

Springfield Missouri MLS Statistics, July 2007
Springfield Missouri MLS Statistics, June 2007
Springfield Missouri MLS Statistics, April 2007
Springfield Missouri MLS Statistics, March 2007
Springfield Missouri MLS Statistics, February 2007
Springfield Missouri MLS Statistics, January 2007

Kay Van Kampen