Babe, We've Had A Great Afternoon!

This last weekend started out quietly here in Springfield Missouri. Only had one client to open a house for, so my "Hubby" and I took off on the motorcycle, thinking we'd go for a short ride after meeting with our clients. It's been six months since we spent time together on the cycle.



Prepared to take photos of the Springfield area and the wonderful parks, I grabbed the camera and off we went, head phones on, cell phone clipped to the head phone.





Our first stop took longer than we anticipated, so we quickly dashed to Springfield. Our first stop was Burrell Park. Located across from the Hulston Cancer Medical Center, this is one of the most beautiful parks to walk around and enjoy in Springfield.





Before I finished taking photos, we received a call that an offer had been received on one of our listings. We quickly called the seller and found out they would not be home for a few hours, so off we went back to my office, picked up the contract and headed back into Springfield to take more photos.



After a quick lunch at Smokey Bones, next stop was Jordan Valley Park. Included in the park is Hammons Field. This is the home of the Springfield Cardinals Baseball team, the Double A Texas League affiliate of the St Louis Cardinals and the Missouri State University Bears. They've only been in Springfield since April 2004. Here's the schedule for 2007.






John Q Hammons, owner of Hammons Field also built the Jordan Valley Ice Park and Hammons Tower.









Our next stop was 2426 N Grant, Springfield. With a few minor adjustments to the contract, the buyers and sellers came to an agreement. So far a successful day. Before leaving their home, another call came in. One of our clients had family in town for a few hours and wanted to see the inside of their new home in Ozark. Off we went once more. Now it's starting to get later in the day.

Thinking we'd better head for home, we receive another call - another offer on one of our listings - Ozark Jubilee. Off to the office, once more. This time we were able to email the contract, call the client and receive another accepted offer.

And they say real estate is slow?

We thought we had a great morning - but Babe it's been a great afternoon!!

Once Again - Safety First!
Before going into Real Estate, yers ago I worked in several different banks. Starting as a teller, then working into the loan department and finally transferring to a small branch. During that time, we as bank employees, were trained on safety in the event of a robbery.

A few weeks ago, one of the realtors in my MLS held an open house alone. She ended up being robbed and left tied up in the basement of the empty home she was holding open. Fortunately, the agent wasn't harmed and they caught the robber a few states away.

This week I was showing property and one of the agents with me, fell and ended up in the hospital. What does all this have to do wiith Real Estate? Everything!!!! Safety First! That's the most important part of any job, no matter what your occupation.

Listed below are some of the things to remember when showing property and how to stay safe.

1) Always meet your clients at the office. Make it a habit to copy their driver's license to keep for your files.

2) Tell a designated person where you are going, what your schedule is and the approximate time you are going to return.

3) When doing an open house, take another agent with you - share the leads - and always stay with the clients. I try to never turn my back on a client. I allow them to enter the room first and I keep myself between them and the door.

4) My banking experience taught me to estimate their height and weight - mentally keep track of any identifying marks, such as tatoo's, scars, etc. Remember what they are wearing. I still size up people when they walk thru a doorway.

5) When showing property, never wear expensive jewelry or carry large amounts of money.

6) Wear comfortable shoes. If you feel ill while showing property, stop! Contact the designated person and get help. Always carry a first aid kit in your car in the event of an accident. It would be wise to take a personal safety course.

7) Always keep your cell phone close. Memorize emergency phone numbers that you have saved into your speed dial. A final tip is to trust your first Instinct.

8) Always lock your doors and never take the same route home.

For additional safety tips, visit NAR's website. Observe National Safety Week daily.

The real estate agent that was with me is now at home recovering from a dislocated shoulder, very black eyes and deep facial wounds. Because of her age, it will take longer than usual for her to recover - I'm just thankful she wasn't hurt worse.

Kay Van Kampen

Springfield Missouri Real Estate Update
Springfield Missouri Real Estate Market Update - February 2007



February has been a very busy month for our team. Temperatures are starting to get warmer and buyers are beginning to purchase homes once more. Among the counties included in the Springfield Multiple Listing System are Greene, Christian, Taney, Stone, Webster and several others. Here are the statistics for the month of February for residential homes for these counties.


Residential Homes for Sale - 3244
Expired - 193
New Listing for January - 898
Under Contract - 413
Sold - 392

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

$0 - $100,000 - 104
$100,001 - $200,000 - 210
$200,001 - $300,000 - 47
$300,001 - $400,000 - 25
$400,001 - $500,00 - 6
$500,000 & Up - 6


Interest rates are still low for single family residential mortgages. Interested in finding out what your home is worth, call for a free home evaluation or visit my website at www.kayvankampen.com.


Figures courtesy of Greater Springfield Board of Realtors

This "Ain't My First Rodeo"



Or Business Expo either. Every year the Ozark Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Ozark Business Expo.

Preparing for the Expo is usually a 2 week long preparation for me. Designing a new powerpoint presentation with all the latest listings, ordering promotional items, organizing help from all the other realtors.....usually, pleading for help!!!

As a self employed business owner, I'm excited to meet new businesses, reacquaint myself with current businesses, old friends and clients.

And what better place to meet than at the beautiful new Ozark High School. This year, there will be Over 90 Ozark Businesses show casing their products & services, along with the fire department, civic clubs and other businesses from Springfield and surrounding areas.


The first Business expo was held here at the Ozark Community Center. Located on the square in the center of Ozark, it held approximately 40 vendors and parking was a problem. The new High School has plenty of space for all the vendors and parking galore.

Open to the public, the expo will be March 10, 2007 from 9:00 A.M - 3:00 P.M. Come and join in the fun.

www.kayvankampen.com