A Rose Among The Thorns!

Recently, I Turned Down A Listing - not because the home wouldn't sell - Because the clutter around the home.

The seller was the only homeowner on the block that had a wonderful home - the neighborhood devalued the home! I seldom turn down a listing. Doing the market analysis on the home, I realized homes were selling as much as $20,000 more a few street away. I told the seller they had a problem they could do very little about. Returning to the office, I knew I had disappointed the seller, so I started researching to come up with a solution to his problem.

Although, not an overnight fix, if you live withing the city limits, review your local laws. There might be ordinances that can be enforced. Newer subdivisions have covenants that can apply to a neighborhood nuisance. Check for an "abandonded car" ordinance. Covenants and city ordinances can be found at your local "City Hall or Court House.

If the home is next to a repossessed home, contact the realtor (if it's on the market) and request the problem be corrected. Realtors working with bank repossessions, usually have to request for funds for maintenance.

Sometimes, just contacting the neighbors and letting them know that you are selling your home, will correct an obvious problem. It will benefit the entire neighborhood to make a great impression on potential buyers.

Helping the sellers clean up their neighborhood, may just encourage them to stay right where they are. Do you have a home to sell? Call me! I'd like to help.

Kay Van Kampen

Another Great "Ozark's Beauty"!



I'll bet a Squirrel Lives in the large mature trees in the backyard of this 4 bedroom custom built American Traditional home on 5 Acres.You will need a bird guide to identify all the colorful birds that frequent the feeders. The home offers large sun-drenched rooms, 2 complete kitchens, finished walkout basement, private office, 2 laundry rooms, all the modern built-ins, and a 3 car garage plus a 30 x 40 detached workshop in the most delightful setting imaginable. Located minutes east of Ozark Missouri. Click here for additional details. View this and all active listings in Springfield at www.kayvankampen.com.


Click here for additional details.


kvankampen@remax.net

Is Your Real Estate Career Like Kristal's Post?

Watching the market the last few months in Springfield, I've wondered where all the buyers have gone. This time every year, there is a slow down, but I still continue to stress! But it always gives me time to reorganize and prepare for another great year in real estate.

And, as usual, after the holidays, buyers start searching for homes once more. Kristal Kraft wrote a great post this week about her climb up the Active Rain ladder. I've thought of it several times this week and realize that real estate is a lot like her article.

Kristal is one of my favorite writers to read about, along with dozens of others. Without agents like her, I wouldn't come back every day to search what others have written on Active Rain.

I went on one of those bicycle tours last year. I rode on the back of a motorcycle while 800 bicycle riders rode 60 miles one way. Along the way, several had bike trouble, flat tires, chains coming off, and other unforseen problems. We would stop and assist them and send them back on their way. Some became totally exhausted and dehydraded and we would call for assistance. I saw riders of all ages, pacing themselves, knowing from experience, if they didn't, they wouldn't reach the finish line. We had it easy! We were motorized! To the riders, we were hero's! We had air pumps, tools, everything that would help them get back on track.

Real Estate is much like riding a bike. It takes great stamina, constant change, upgrading the systems, and a strong will to be the best agent in our market area. It takes great leaders to help them along when times get bad.

Do you need to slow down and reorganize your real estate career? Pace yourself! Enjoy The Journey! And remember to treat everyone with respect. I promise it will be the best year in your real estate career!
Kay Van Kampen

Who Do You Want To Represent You?

When I first became a realtor, showing property was easy. I represented the seller, was compensated by the seller, with no relationship or obligation to the buyer. It was a "Buyer Beware" era.

Several years ago, the Missouri Association of Realtors (MAR) made changes for the better, and today, in the state of Missouri, there are many ways to represent Buyers. So before I set out to show clients property, I start by going over the types of relationship between buyers and agents. The most common is to work for the buyer as a Buyer's Agent.

Under this agreement, Broker is a Buyer's limited agent with the following duties and obligations:

To perform the terms of a written agreement made with the buyer; to exercise reasonable skill and care for the buyer; and to promote the interest of the buyer with the utmost good faith; loyalty and fidelity.

Another way, if the Agent has the property marketed, is to become a Dual Agent, representing both Seller and Buyer.

Additionally, an Agent can become a Transaction Broker: representing neither Seller or Buyer.

If you're ready to buy a home this year, come and see me. I'd love to explain Buyer's Agency in detail.

Preview you all my homes at: www.kayvankampen.com.

Springfield Missouri Real Estate - December 2006

Springfield Missouri real estate was typical to the majority of markets across the county. Although the number of homes sold decreased, average days decreased and average sales price increased ... here is how the market compares to this time last year for the month of December.

1. Number of homes on the market....7087

2. Homes sold ... 473

3. Average sales price of those homes sold .... $147,433

4. Average days on the market in the last six months...64

LAST YEAR, SAME PERIOD...



1. Homes sold in December, 2005...626

2. Average price of those homes sold ...$140,749

3. Days on the market...65

To take a look at the listings in my area visit: Kayvankampen.com

Figures taken from the Springfield MLS Statistics

Search for homes at: www.kayvankampen.com.

ARE YOU IN THE DARK?

As I sit here tonight rocking and writing to the music on the radio, it takes me back to my teenage years. As a young girl, I thought country music was terrible. Now listening to Jim Ed Brown, Charlie Pride, Dollie Parton, and others, what a great era the 60's and 70's were.

This past week has been a hardship for many residence that live in and around Springfield. While a lot of us have been without power, we were somewhat handicapped and disgruntled because everything wasn't as it should be.

On the other hand, doing without television, water, heat and internet has made me remember and appreciate what we take for granted every day. Actually sitting in the dark with my wind-up flashlight reading a good book is something I haven't done in years. And we could hear --------nothing!!! Silence!!!

We need to give thanks to Springfield Public Utilities, Webster Electric, Empire Electric, White River Electric, Ozark Electric (I know I've missed a lot more) for working around the clock to bring our lives back to normal. To all the electricians, plumbers, firemen, police, the National Guard, tree trimmers, gas utilities, neighbors and all of the rest of you that have given hours of your time. We live in a great city full of wonderful people.

So the next time you see all these public officials, thank them for all their hard work. I will.



Kay Van Kampen

Where There's Light - There's No Phone?

Yeah!!!!! We have electricity! Not So Fast! There's no telephone at home yet! @#$%? Thank goodness I have a cell phone. I am spending a large part of my day, making sure that all our listings are not damaged. And I'm getting a lot of calls of what to do to make sure the homes are kept from any further damage.

Here are some tips Courtesy of Disaster Response Handbook.

Ice, Snow, Cold and Storms

Alternative Heat Sources
Frozen Plumbing
Freezers During Power Outage
Ice and Snow Accumulations on Roofs
Farm Practices During Ice and Snow
Evaluating Ice Damage to Forest Stands
Managing Storm-Damaged Urban Trees
What to Do During a Power Failure on the Farm
Tree Removal Following a Storm
Electrical Safety During a Flood or Ice Storm
OSHA's Tips for Keeping Workers Safe in the Cold

If you have an interesting tale to tell about Springfield Missouri, I'd like to hear about it.

Springfield Missouri Ice Storm - 2007


Mother Nature is in the process of pruning her trees! Since the ice storm over the weekend, I am spending several hours a day making sure all the unoccupied homes that we currently have on the market are winterized and ok.

Yesterday, we actually showed a few homes, then worked thru each home, shutting off the water and gas, if the homes are out of electricity. Pulling limbs off the roofs and checking on some of the elderly people we know.

Here are a few photos of Springfield Missouri that we photographed today. I am still without power at my own home, except for a Brand New Generator that came in today!

Hopefully we'll be back to normal in about a week. Some of the residence think it will take several months to clean all the debris!

On the bright side, we have been blessed with an abundance of help.

"First Time Home Buyer" - Timing Is Everything!

My assistant is currently working with a "First Time Home Buyer". She has him prequalified, discussed buyer's agency, explained the closing procedure and he's ready to buy a home. So far, timing has been his greatest enemy - as they find one he likes, another offer is accepted. Now, my assistant checks before showing and as they race back to the office, she checks again. They've missed buying two homes.


This week, they wrote another offer, only to find out that the home is getting a new sewer - and a new sewer fee! The seller thought because they were already hooked to the line, they shouldn't have to pay any additional fee. Without thorough investigating, the buyer could have ended up paying an unexpected bill.


What can a Real Estate Agent do to help you buy the right home for you?

First, they can introduce you to a great lender - get you prequalified and determine what payment is comfortable for you.

They can work for you as a buyer's agent, helping negotiate for the best price and terms. Or work as a sub-agent of the seller (or disclosed dual agent).

They will help you work out a realistic idea of the home best suited to your needs - size, style, features, location, accessibility to schools, and other personal preferences.

Based on your qualifications, they have access to all the home within the MLS, to avoid showing you homes that do not meet your needs.

They can supply information on current real estate values, taxes, utility costs, provide a list of qualified home inspectors, pest inspectors, and any other inspections needed for a smooth transaction.

My assistant could have written an offer without investigating just to "make a sale". But because she is very thorough, these problems were avoided. Cudo's to Rhonda Jones. By the way, she's also my daughter!!!

How To Improve The Value Of Your Property!

As I list real estate in Springfield Missouri and surrounding areas, I usually go thru the home looking for small details that a potential buyer might view as a problem. Other than a homeowner's regular maintenance of the home, the one factor that really determines price is market conditions. Other factors are:

1. Condition of the home
2. Certain improvements
3. Location and neighborhood conditions

Market prices increase when it becomes a Seller's market - a strong economy and increase in home sales. Factors that improve the value of a home above the cost of improvements are:

1. Remodeling the bathrooms.
2. Adding a bathroom
3. A master suite that includes a full bath

Remember: Plan well and do quality work. Check out your contractor, prior to hiring them. A bad remodeling job could decrease the value of your home instead of increase.

If you would like a home evaluation, please contact me at kay@morehomeinfo.com or visit my website: www.kayvankampen.com

Sooner Or Later?

I've sold many homes over the years and I've always wondered why some home owners overlook normal wear and tear items. In the Springfield Real Estate market, homes are usually inspected once the home goes under contract. Many problems could be avoided if the home was inspected prior to being put on the market. Homes that get a clean bill of health once a contract is pending give the home buyer a sense of satisfaction, knowing they are purchasing a home. For more information on home repairs, see: kayvankampen.com

Clean Up Your Act!

I've had help from a realtor friend of mine, Steve Dalton on compiling a list of requirements in order to successfully close a new construction home.

Real Estate in Springfield Missouri is no different here than any other area and is not kind when we fail to record or provide certain information to the buyer. In order to avoid problems down the road, especially when the buyer decides to sell, take a little time out to :


1) Follow up with the title company to make sure all well agreements, well agreements and association articles were recorded and mailed to all parties.

2) Check with the new buyers to see if they received copies from the title company. Sometimes, the seller promises to record them himself, and never does.

3) Have a check list to follow to avoid a problem in the future.

4) Extra garage door openers and the codes so they can be reprogrammed.

5) Photos of the home while under construction.

6) Home Warranty Manual spelling out what things are covered for a year or two years, and what things should be considered maintenance. Wow can that be a big issue later on.

7) I like your idea of the list of trades that worked on the house. We also include an emergency list of trades and utilities and government agencies that they should call if something happens.

8) Changing utilities seems to be a particularly hard thing in the case of new construction. There's never been a phone line or a cable line to this house, it may not be a matter of a couple days.

9) And of course there's the dreaded walk through list. The customer needs to spend some time really going over their home with the new home builder. Really ask questions. The REALTOR could be of some help here, if they remember that their job is to help and not to pick on the house one day before closing.

10) I’m adding another: In the event the home has a brand new septic system, provide the buyers a copy of the permit and layout of the lateral lines. I’ve had buyers call back after moving in, complaining their septic had backed up. They had driven the moving van across the lines and crushed them.

If you have any other items to add, feel free to contribute.

I'm never to busy to accept your referrals: contact me at: kayvankampen.com

If I Had A Hammer!! Safety First!
One of the things that is sometimes overlooked is the safety of realtors when showing property.
One of the experiences I've had years ago, happened on a Saturday afternoon. I was in my office catching up on clients, when I left the front door unlocked. A middle aged man came in demanding someone help him. I walked him back up to the conference room ( lots of windows) and sat down to listen to him. He was upset because he couldn't get anyone to show him property that day - described he wanted a home with acreage, off the main highway, and would spend up to $300,000 for it. WOW! I had a ready, willing and able buyer!!!!!! Landed right in my lap. I had just pulled up the perfect listing for another client. Not hesitating I showed it to him and he wanted to see it immediately. Calling the seller, we headed off.

He loved the property! We looked at everything. On the way back, he explained that he had left his check book back in Illinois, for me to go ahead and write the contract and he'd be back next week to sign and asked: Unless you'd loan me $10,000 to put down? Quickly declining his request, I dropped him off at the office.



A week went by and he called me from the airport and said he'd be there within 45 minutes. Knowing the airport is at least 30 minutes away, he walked in 15 minutes later. DING! DING! DING! Alarms start going off in my head. He wanted to look at the house once more. As I walk out of the office, I tell the secretary to call in 30 minutes to let me know if my client had arrived. (Didn't have a client coming in, but she got the hint). As we got into the car, one of the realtors had placed a hammer he had borrowed earlier, in my seat. The buyer looked at the hammer and asked: what's that for? Protection, I exclaimed and placed the hammer on the floor beside me. Off we went - him sitting as close to the passenger door as he could - hands between his lap - looking straight ahead. Seeing the home once more, he was still excited about it and off we went back to the office. Once he signed the offer, he realized he was missing his check book once more. I handed him his copy of the offer with the promise that he would mail the check.

Several weeks later, I received a call from the highway patrol. They had recovered a stolen vehicle with my paperwork in it. They were looking for one of Illinois "most wanted" criminals. He befriended another realtor couple, stole their truck and boat, leaving the prior vehicle behind with my paperwork in it. When I told the officer about the hammer, he laughed and said the hammer was probably my saving grace.

No contact is worth the safety of any agent. Here are a few pointers:
1. Believe your feelings (gut instincts). Mine went off and I knew I had a problem.
2. Meet with all your clients at the office FIRST.
3. Prequalify.
4. Inform your office personnel - develop codes.
5. Check in regularly.
6. Know where you have no phone service - avoid those areas.
7. Dress down - avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
8. Never allow yourself to get cornered in a house. Alway stay behind the client - never lead.
9. Carry your keys with you at all times - they make great defense tools.
10. Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.

Remember, when in doubt, bring someone with you. Do you have a story to share?

Office Competition – Motivational and Effective

Read an article from a fellow realtor, Randy L. Prothero about helping new realtors. It reminded me of my first years as a realtor. I worked in a small office with several top producers. Having no knowledge of how to list or sell real estate, I started watching the other agents, listening to how they handled details, doing their open houses, and basically eaves dropping on them. My office wasn't big on training – they just threw us to the wolves and hoped we would come back with a listing or sale. As a highly competitive person, ending up last was not on my “most wanted” list.


As I progressed, top producers started watching me. If they did something successful, I'd try it. If I did something different, they would try it. It wasn’t long before we started having friendly office competition among ourselves. We never talked opening to each other about it - we’d eat lunch and stare at the Listing / Sales board to see what the other realtor had accomplished that day. Then, we’d race back to our desk and start working to try to one-up the other. At the end of the month, we’d stock pile our achievements until the last day. Our office would then advertise the “top producer” for the month. Very childish – but effective. We all started selling more and reaching our goals.

Times have changed. One of my idols retired. Another couple left and started a new office. I left too. We still call each other periodically to give the other a boost. I still compete against their numbers. I’m anxious to see new agents in our office come in and learn and become “friendly competition” with each other. Does your office thrive on Office competition? It is a wonderful way for them to improve their confidence, increase their net worth and the office as well.