Kansas City North Real Estate Blog

Looking for a Real Estate Deal in Kansas City

You know everyone is looking for a "Deal" these days, but what most real estate buyers don't understand is that sometimes the "deals" aren't so obvious at first glance. Most buyers today assume that Short Sales and Bank Foreclosures are where the deals are, but I've personally found that Relocation sales and even regular home sales can also be some fantastic deals as well.

For example, I just recently sold a home that was a Relocation sale. The original homeowner had negotiated a "buy-out" option for his home since his employer wanted him to move to California quickly. In April 2011 we got two appraisals for the home with an average suggested value of $435,000 and the company bought his home.  

After buying the home, the employer/company contacted me to sell the home. Because the company didn't want to hold this property for more than a few months, we put the home on the market at $420,000. With an appraisal price of $435,000 I thought this home would sell pretty quickly at a discounted price, but unfortunately when we put this home on the market there was a lot of competition in the area so we ultimately had to lower the price two times. We finally got a buyer several months later and negotiated a final purchase price of $365,000. A $70,000 discount!! Now that's what I call a deal.

Another buyer I was working with was willing to pay full price for a great home priced at $165,000.  This week the appraisal came in at $188,000!!! This was NOT a short sale or a bank repo.  The inspections were very clean and it's a great home.  The seller just needed to sell and had it aggressively priced. 

If you're looking for a deal in Kansas City, give me a call and let's see if we can find YOU a great deal on a home.

 

Ron Henderson, Keller Williams Northland Partners, Kansas City MO 816-651-9001

 

 

Living in Parkville, MO

Parkville, Missouri is a beautiful riverfront community full of great restaurants and unique shopping! Lots of homes are available now for your immediate purchase!

CLICK HERE --->>>Living in Parkville, MO<<<---TO SEE THE HOMES ON THE MAP!

Ron Henderson & Associates

Keller Williams Realty, Northland Partners

816-651-9001

6800 N Pontiac Ave, Coventry Court, Kansas City North Homes for Sale

Coventry Court is a small subdivision of homes located in Kansas City North near I-29 and 64th St. With quick access to shopping at The Tuileries and Zona Rosa, the location of this home for sale is quite nice. Click here to find more information about this Kansas City North home for sale. Want to know more about this home? Call Ron Henderson at 816-651-9001 any time!

3 bed/2 bath ranch home on nice walk-out lot.

Hardwood floors and upgraded kitchen cabinetry plus a pantry.

One of the best things about this home is the framed-in movie theater. It has 3 tiers ready for you to add carpet and lighting plus some comfy theater seating. Can you just see the plush red velvet curtains around the projection screen? Your friends will love coming over for movie night!

Townhomes For Sale at Staley Homes Golf Course in Kansas City

If you've ever wanted to live on or near a golf course, you can do that right here in Kansas City! The Staley Farms Golf Course has townhomes built right next to the course so you can enjoy a pristine view from your home every day of the week.

The course itself is extraordinary. Beautiful and challenging, the championship style 18-hole course with a knowledgeable golf shop staff, rustic clubhouse offering both fine dining and a casual grill area, plus a fitness center with outdoor pool, tennis and volleyball courts all combine to make Staley Farms Golf Club an exciting and inviting place for you and your family.

 

We currently have a listing in this community at 2109 NE 107th Terr. Drive by and see what you think! Click on the images below to see more pictures and get more information.

You can also go to www.staleyfarmshomes.com for more information.

 

 

Lake Homes for Sale in Barry Harbor Subdivision in Kansas City, MO

If you've even spent any time in a home on or near a lake, you can appreciate the beauty and tranquilty that such a setting offers. It is so fun to watch the seasons change around a lake. The fall leaves, the gentle snowfall, the spring rains all seem a little more wonderful near the lake.

Barry Harbor in Kansas City North is a subdivision built around a private lake. Here is some information from the Barry Harbor Homeowner's Association website.

An inviting, friendly neighborhood describes the northland community of Barry Harbor-Hunter’s Ridge.

This established subdivision is conveniently located in Platte County, south of Barry Road at N. Marston Ave in close proximity to major highways, great health facilities, quality schools, variety shopping, and fine dining.

The original subdivision of Barry Harbor was established in July of 1979 along the southern shoreline of a small private lake. The lakeside picnic play area and walking path that now surrounds the lake give residents the opportunity to greet and gather with their neighbors.

In the mid-1990s, Hunter’s Ridge was developed south of Barry Harbor. New homes were also constructed along the north shore of the Barry Harbor lake. These combined adjacent communities function under one set of Covenants and Declarations that address the policies for 210 residential homes.

Barry Harbor-Hunter’s Ridge is governed by a board of seven elected members who strive to serve the communities needs and oversee the established policies. The board meets periodically and hosts open neighborhood meetings 2-3 times per year. Resident involvement is encouraged on several committees that address architectural considerations, communications, grounds, and neighbor relations.

Each year the community is invited to participate in a neighborhood garage sale, family picnic, and golf tournament. Groups of neighbors often gather informally throughout the year for picnics, dinners, and fun get-togethers. Neighbors also volunteer to enhance the beauty of our subdivision through regular cleanup of community areas and annual tree trimming.

This year Northland Neighborhoods, Inc. assisted our tree trimming by supplying necessary tools and supplies while the KCMO Parks and Recreation Department provided the expertise.

Barry Harbor-Hunter’s Ridge is a wonderful community in which to rear children, form rewarding friendships, and enjoy a relaxing environment amid the numerous amenities that the Northland has to offer.

Ron Henderson and Associates currently has a home for sale in Barry Harbor. Listed at $220,000 it fronts the lake and gives you a lake view from the deck. Click the link above for the address and more pictures!

Of course, there are other communites with homes that sit on lakes or have lake views in the Northland. Just drop an email to ronhenderson@kw.com and we'll be happy to email you a list of area lake homes for sale.

Parkville Days Riverfest This Weekend

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, check out Parkville Days Riverfest at English Landing Park. It runs Friday, August 20th through Sunday, August 22nd. It's free admission and there will be music, carnival rides, more than 100 craft and art booths, a Saturday parade at 10:00 AM, good eats, games and fun for the whole family!

You can get there from the Northland by getting yourself over to I-29 and exiting south onto 635. From there take the 9 Highway exit and keep driving until you see the festival on your left.Parkville is such a great town.

I encourage you to take some extra time to drive around the city. Of course, if you think you might actually want to buy a home in Parkville, you can check out some of the homes for sale in Parkville by going to www.clayandplatte.com. Have a great weekend and maybe I'll see you there!

-Elizabeth Gilbert, Administrative Assistant

Ron Henderson & Associates 816-651-9001

The Ultimate Guide to Moving to a New Place

Being in the real estate industry, I read a lot of articles related to home ownership. I found this one to be particularly interesting. Moving your entire household can be a huge ordeal, probably only just a little easier than planning a wedding! And if you're getting married AND planning to move, I hope you carry a bottle of aspirin with you wherever you go.

This is a great article from Adam Dachis over at lifehacker.com. If you've never visited their site, you should. A lot of it is tech related, but they do have some practical, hands-on advice as well.

Check out the article here. Got any great stories about moving? Be sure to share them with us!

Tax Deductible Moving Expenses: How to Qualify

Which moving expenses are tax deductible?

If you move more than 50 miles for a new job, deduct your relocation costs

By FrontDoor.com

Published: May 4, 2009

Pay attention to which moving expenses are tax deductible. (Photo: Steve Cole/iStockphoto)

Moving, in short, isn’t fun. Whether you pack and move your own stuff or pay someone else to do it, it takes time, energy and lots of money. Lucky for you, some of those expenses could be tax-deductible.

How to qualify for relocation deductions

You must start a job within a year of your move. It is not necessary that you arrange to work before heading to a new locale.

Your employer cannot reimburse you for the expenses. If your employer does reimburse your expenses, you must claim the money as income on that year’s tax return.

You must pass the “distance test.” Your new job or business must be 50 miles further than your old job was from your previous home. If you don’t have a previous workplace, your new job must be 50 miles from your former residence. If you move less than 50 miles, you must prove that your move was necessary for work or that a closer home is saving you time or money to get the deduction.

You must also pass the “time test.” Once you relocate, you must work full-time for at least 39 weeks during the 12 months after you move. Self-employed workers have to meet the first criteria, plus they must work full-time for a total of 78 weeks in the first 24 months. If you moved in 2007 but did not meet the “time test” until after the tax deadline, you can still deduct the moving expenses. You can also file an amended return in 2008 after you’ve met the time limit.

The benefits

If you’re eligible, you can start deducting expenses as soon as your belongings are on their way to a new town. You’ll figure your moving expenses on Form 3903.

What you can deduct

Travel by car. If you (or a member of your household) drive to your new digs, you can deduct the cost of gas and oil — provided that you keep and document your receipts. You can also deduct the standard mileage rate of 20 cents per mile.

Packing and moving belongings. You can deduct the cost of packing, crating and moving your stuff from your former home to your new home. You can also deduct the cost of shipping pets or cars.

Storage costs. Once you move from your former home, any storage costs for the next 30 days are deductible.

Lodging expenses. You can start deducting expenses for lodging the day your furniture is removed from your old house. If your family does not travel together, you can deduct expenses for one trip per person.

What you cannot deduct

Food expenses. All the snacks, drinks and meals bought on your trip come from you own pocket.

Moving costs for new furniture. If you buy furniture on the way to your new home, you cannot deduct the price of moving it. You also can’t deduct the cost of the furniture — no matter how good of a deal you get.

Detours or sightseeing on the way to your new home. You’re on your own if you deviate from the most direct route to your new place.

Costs associated with buying or selling homes. This includes closing costs, mortgage fees and improvements to help sell your old home.

Trips other than the actual move. Costs from pre-move house-hunting trips or returns to your old haunt are not deductible.

Always consult your tax advisor. For more information about moving expenses, read IRS Publication 521.

Tax Deductible Moving Expenses: How to Qualify

Moving

Which moving expenses are tax deductible?

If you move more than 50 miles for a new job, deduct your relocation costs

By FrontDoor.com

Published: May 4, 2009

Pay attention to which moving expenses are tax deductible. (Photo: Steve Cole/iStockphoto)

Moving, in short, isn’t fun. Whether you pack and move your own stuff or pay someone else to do it, it takes time, energy and lots of money. Lucky for you, some of those expenses could be tax-deductible.

How to qualify for relocation deductions

You must start a job within a year of your move. It is not necessary that you arrange to work before heading to a new locale.

Your employer cannot reimburse you for the expenses. If your employer does reimburse your expenses, you must claim the money as income on that year’s tax return.

You must pass the “distance test.” Your new job or business must be 50 miles further than your old job was from your previous home. If you don’t have a previous workplace, your new job must be 50 miles from your former residence. If you move less than 50 miles, you must prove that your move was necessary for work or that a closer home is saving you time or money to get the deduction.

You must also pass the “time test.” Once you relocate, you must work full-time for at least 39 weeks during the 12 months after you move. Self-employed workers have to meet the first criteria, plus they must work full-time for a total of 78 weeks in the first 24 months. If you moved in 2007 but did not meet the “time test” until after the tax deadline, you can still deduct the moving expenses. You can also file an amended return in 2008 after you’ve met the time limit.

The benefits

If you’re eligible, you can start deducting expenses as soon as your belongings are on their way to a new town. You’ll figure your moving expenses on Form 3903.

What you can deduct

Travel by car. If you (or a member of your household) drive to your new digs, you can deduct the cost of gas and oil — provided that you keep and document your receipts. You can also deduct the standard mileage rate of 20 cents per mile.

Packing and moving belongings. You can deduct the cost of packing, crating and moving your stuff from your former home to your new home. You can also deduct the cost of shipping pets or cars.

Storage costs. Once you move from your former home, any storage costs for the next 30 days are deductible.

Lodging expenses. You can start deducting expenses for lodging the day your furniture is removed from your old house. If your family does not travel together, you can deduct expenses for one trip per person.

What you cannot deduct

Food expenses. All the snacks, drinks and meals bought on your trip come from you own pocket.

Moving costs for new furniture. If you buy furniture on the way to your new home, you cannot deduct the price of moving it. You also can’t deduct the cost of the furniture — no matter how good of a deal you get.

Detours or sightseeing on t

via www.cyberhomes.com