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

Springfield Missouri Real Estate - July 2007

We are quickly running thru the year , and the Springfield Mo real estate market still remains stable. The median sold price is up an average of $6600. However, the number of units have dropped. This figure is an average of all homes in Springfield and surrounding areas.

Figures courtesy of Springfield Mo MLS



In the Springfield, Mo. Area Real Estate, We here at the Kay Van Kampen Team continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.
Below you will find Springfield's real estate statistics for the first seven months of 2007.
New homes on the market: 525
Number of homes entering escrow: 417
Number of homes closing escrow (sold): 346
Number of homes expiring: 108Avg Days on Market: 69

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.

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

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

Buying A Home Involves Teamwork

The stress of moving is sometimes overwhelming to some clients and the realtors. Without teamwork, a simple transaction becomes a struggle between all parties involved.

The buyers and sellers are sometimes in the dark as to what is happening behind the scenes during the time a contract is signed and the title changes hands.

To educate the consumer, we hand out booklets to buyers and sellers to help answer some of the many questions. Here are a few tips for first time home buyers.

Do Your Homework. If schools are important to you, visit the local schools, check out the neighborhoods and have the realtor give you a list of available homes in your price range.

Start Planning. You need a list of service providers, loan officers. Do research on home buying, home financingThe perfect home won't find you by itself. The key step in buying a home is doing the proper research. Educate yourself on local schools, neighborhoods, and the kinds of homes available. By reading available materials and talking with experts, you can start to put together your idea of the perfect home.

Get PreQualified. Some loan officers are willing to prequalify you over the telephone. Remember, prequalifying does not mean you can buy a home, but it does give you a general idea of your payments, taxes and insurance and private mortgage insurance if applicable. This will also reassure the seller you are a serious buyer.

Look for Value. Depending on the amount of time you plan to stay in the home, it is important to consider the future value of the home. Your realtor can give you history of closed sales in the neighborhood to assist you in pricing the home.

Narrow Down Your Search. If you are looking for the perfect home, you may have to build. Looking for a home with hardwood floors may narrow your search, but remember, you may be missing out of a great home where hardwood floors can be added.

Relax. Buying a home is a big decision. When you decide to make an offer, remember a contract is legal and binding. Some contracts can not be broken just because you have a change of heart. Also, check out the taxes and monthly utilities. Ask your realtor for help if you have any questions. This may make a huge difference in your monthly expenses of the home.

Protect Yourself. Always plan to pay for a home inspection and any other inspection applicable in your area. Even new homes have defects. You may save yourself a lot of money if the inspection reveals flaws that could cost you thousands of dollars to repair.

Eveyone involved becomes part of your team. Happy Home Buying!

Kay Van Kampen

Halfway through the year, the Springfield Mo real estate market still remains stable. The median sold price is up an average of $6000. However, the number of units have dropped. This figure is an average of all homes in Springfield and surrounding areas.

In the Ozark Mo. Area Real Estate

We here at the Kay Van Kampen Team continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Below you will find Ozark's real estate statistics for the first six months of 2007.

New homes on the market: 323
Number of homes entering escrow: 58
Number of homes closing escrow (sold): 280
Number of homes expiring: 141
Avg Days on Market: 56

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 Ozark 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.

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

Kay Van Kampen

Springfield Missouri MLS Statistics, April 2007

Springfield Missouri MLS Statistics, March 2007

Springfield Missouri MLS Statistics, February 2007

Springfield Missouri MLS Statistics, January 2007

(Figures courtesy of Springfield Mo MLS)

How Many Professionals Does It Take To Do A Property Inspection?




Homes inspections are normal in the Springfield Missouri real estate market. The inspection is usually completed once 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. The home is being inspected for latent material defects not readily apparent to the buyer or seller.

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.

Remember, the inspector is only an inspector! He may see the need to have a more detailed inspection from: 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, etc.

Kay Van Kampen

Super Star or Average Joe - The choice is yours!

A group of RE/MAX agents met today for lunch in Springfield at Hickory Hills Country Club. We had the pleasure of listening to Regional Owner, Dennis Curtin's version of the history of RE/MAX and the the vision Dave Liniger had to build a great real estate company.

Knowing that real estate has it's ups and downs, Dennis spoke of his experience of the slowing market and surviving when the market was slow. Today's market is no different than it was years ago. Interest rates were higher then. The interest rate on my first Ozark Missouri home was 15.875%. Today's rate averages a little over 6%.

During my years in real estate, I've worked to be one of the best real estate agents in Springfield Missouri. Without the proper training, I struggled as most new agents do. Today, RE/MAX offers extensive training to any agent that wants to be more than an Average Joe - they want to be Super Stars!

We strive to give our clients all the information available for them to make good business decisions. Our business is focused on our knowledge of the business and our referrals from past clients and friends. We Love Referrals! Have you changed the way you are doing business today?

Dennis Curtin and Dave Liniger's vision of forming a great real estate company has become a reality. They have brought to the real estate industry a remarkable company that has focused on making every agent a Super Star.


Kay Van Kampen

How Do You Leave Your Home For Another House?

As I was reading some the great posts from Ann Cummings contest about what makes a house a home, it reminded me of my own home. When showing homes, I speak to the buyers as "their new home". Sellers - "the house". Buyers have to feel they could live in the dwelling. Sellers have to disassociate themselves from the dwelling.

My husband and I have been doing some serious thinking about moving over this Memorial weekend. We live on 3 acres and we want to start doing other activities besides working after we come home. As we go thru all the pros and cons of moving, here's what we concluded:

PROS

1. We could build another home.

2. We could move back to the city that has city utilities.

3. Hire someone to mow the lawn.

CONS

1, My father helped build our home. I can't replace the memories.

2. Higher taxes.

3. Home would cost approximately $50,000 more.

4. Upgrades on existing home would cost approximately $10,000.

5. Trees I planted in memory of my family - Dad, Mom, Bill, Uncle Bill, Aunt Phyllis, Tom (My brother), Wauthena (My stepmother). I can't take them with me.

What really has made our house a home is the memories of all the family that helped us, the love that we have shared, and the grandchildren that have grown up here the past 12 years.

The thoughts of moving made us both reconsider. When the time comes, we'll have the yard mowed, update our home yearly, we have wonderful neighbors, we live in a great location and we still like our home. The money we would have used to purchase a new home will pay for all the vacations we plan to take when we retire (realtors don't retire). OK! When we take time off.

www.kayvankampen.com

Downstown Springfield is once again very alive each evening. Feeling time had turned back about 30 years, my husband and I attended a concert with the Ozark Mountain Daredevils at the Gillioz Theatre in Springfield.

This talented group of musicians started recording back in 1973. They play a variety of country/rock music that sets everyone's toes to tapping and hands a clapping. You can't help but join in with the crowd to keep from missing every beat. For you that have never heard of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, you have missed a wonderful local band that has more talent than any group around. (My Opinion).

One of my favorites: " If You Want To Get To Heaven, You Got To Raise A Little Hell" really brought the house down.



To enhance the evening, we were seated in the newly renovated Gillioz Theatre that reopened last year. A historic building just off the square in Springfield, this theatre is spectacular! Built in 1926, it seated 1200 people and is located on old "Route 66".



Tickets for the show sold out within 3 days of announcing the Daredevils would be performing together for the first time on stage in 26 years. The last time I remember them performing was at a July 4th Celebration in Springfield about 5-6 years ago. Not thinking, I checked a day before the concert and realized that I had no way of getting tickets.

I called an old friend that manages the Christian County Headliner News in Ozark and told him if he heard of anyone giving up tickets to keep me in mind. To my surprise, I received a call 5 hours before the concert and he had 2 tickets available. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!



We arrived well in advance and walked the Springfield Square. This part of Springfield is being rebuilt.

Loft apartments are springing up all over.

Many out-of-the-way restaurants and night clubs have relocated to the downtown area.



If you are planning a trip to Springfield Missouri, stop by and visit this beautiful piece of Missouri history. You will be pleasantly surprised at what is available to see and do.

www.kayvankampen.com

Springfield Missouri Real Estate Update - April 2007


I continue to read about real estate throughout the country and how some of the markets are suffering, prices are dropping and the increase of bank repossessions are increasing.

Through all the gloom and doom of the real estate market, sales in Springfield Missouri and surrounding areas still remain strong. Average sales for the Springfield Missouri real estate market still remain within 97% of the asking price. Below is a breakdown for April, 2007.


Residential Homes for Sale - 3518
Expired - 208
New Listing for April - 1119
Under Contract - 522
Sold - 584



An additional breakdown for single family residential homes sold by price range:

$0 - $100,000 - 179
$100,001 - $200,000 - 324
$200,001 - $300,000 - 54
$300,001 - $400,000 - 18
$400,001 - $500,000 - 5
$500,000 & Up - 5

January Statistics

February Statistics

March Statistics



Counties included in this survey include: Christian, Greene, Taney, Webster, and Stone. Information courtesy of Springfield Missouri Multiple Listing System.

Whether buying or selling real estate, give us a call. We'd love to help you with your next purchase. We service Springfield, Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Republic, Willard, Strafford and surrounding areas.



Kay Van Kampen

Work In Springfield, Live In Highlandville, Shop In Branson





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 Springfield and Branson! Now priced at $220,000. Complete details are available at 422Mulberry.com.

Preview all my listings at www.kayvankampen.com.

I'm Not In The House Business - I'm In The People Business

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 rented the home out.

Whos 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

Do You Get High On Conventions?


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