Author: Cami Jones

How to Go the Extra Mile and Sell Your Home Fast

If you’re ready to sell your home, odds are, you don’t want to wait around forever while it sits on the market.Most homes sell within a couple months of being on the market. However, there is also a long list of horror stories from friends and family who talk about their house being on the market for months and months.To avoid a nightmarishly long house sale, keep reading to learn all of the expert tips and tricks to sell your home fast!

How to Sell Your Home Fast

We won’t lie to you in order to pull this off, it’s going to take a little groundwork on your end.However, after a couple of weeks and weekends of prep-work, your house will be primed and polished for the market. Follow these basic rules on how to sell your home fast and move on with your life!

Clean It Like a Professional

We’re not just saying pick it up a bit. In order for your home to appeal to potential buyers, it needs to appear is if no one lives there. In fact, if it’s an option, move out before your house goes on the market. Don’t feel like cleaning your home yourself? Our agents have plenty of professional cleaning companies in Kansas City that we can recommend!

Make Minor Repairs and Updates

You don’t have to break the bank with a full-blown renovation, but it is important to make small repairs and updates to your home before it hits the market.Buyers want to walk into a home and not feel like they’ll need to get to work the second they move in. For example, plumbing issues, heating and air conditioning, and a haggard roof are a few of the most important home improvements you can make when trying to sell your home.

Use an Experienced Realtor

Next, you want to make sure you’re in experienced and capable hands. Hiring the right realtor may make the difference between selling your house in a couple of days or a couple of months.Look for agents with stunning reviews and testimonials to make sure they can help you sell your home fast.

Stage Your Home

Studies show indisputable evidence that staged homes sell much faster than unstaged homes.Home stagers know how to decorate and furnish a home in a way that it most appeals to potential buyers. They can make a home feel full and homey, yet open and spacious. Additionally, they use the right furnishings to come off as comfortable and elegant. Click here to take a look at some of our home staging tips.

Perfect Your Curb Appeal

They say curb appeal is everything if you’re trying to sell your home fast. The reason is that first impressions are very important in the world of real estate.Think about it this way: Our homes are our sanctuaries, the place we retreat to after hard, long days. They are a safe place. People will very quickly judge their potential safe place based on its outside appearance.To sell your home fast, make sure your curb appeal is on point!

Get Started Today

If you want your home to sell fast, you have to act quickly!Get started prepping your home today. With a little elbow grease and dedication, your home will be on the market and sold in no time.If you need a little help getting your house on the market and finding potential buyers in Kansas City, let us help you. Give us a call today! You can reach our team at 913.521.8806. Want to come and see us? Our office is conveniently located at 5000 W. 135th St. Leawood, KS 66224.

Let’s Talk Closing Costs When Buying and Selling a Home

New to the real estate game? A little freaked out about all of the costs that you may or may not know about? We are here to help. If you’re ready to make your move and plant some roots in KC or just want to buy a new home within the city, then it is critical to make sure that you set aside money for your new home’s closing costs. If you’re unsure about what closing costs are and how much money you will drop on them, stay tuned.

What Are Closing Costs?

The costs of buying a home can run high. Between your down payment, commission fees, staging, and repairs, those dollars add up pretty quickly.Closing costs are the total service fees associated with finalizing the sale of a property. So, if you and the seller agree on the property price of $200,000, then expect your closing costs to increase your total cost.

What Fees Makeup Closing Costs?

Some of the fees included in the closing costs are:

Appraisal fee ($300-$400)
Home inspection ($300-$500)
Title search ($200)
Application fee for a home loan (varies)
Loan origination fee ($0.5% of loan total)
Property taxes (estimated two months)
Homeowner’s insurance (depend on house value and location)
Homeowner’s association (HOA) fee if applicable (varies)
Mortgage insurance application fee (varies)
Property transfer tax – if you are a seller.

But not every buyer will encounter all of these fees during the closing portion of a property sale. In fact, some closing cost fees such as property taxes and any homeowner association dues that get covered by the buyer and others by the seller. This is normally decided during the negotiation period. Regardless of which role you play, it’s important to become familiar with them.

Seller Closing Costs

When selling a home, the seller pays off the loans to clear the title. The seller may pay for the commission of both realtors depending on your state and municipality. Property taxes and the transfer of the title may be the seller’s responsibility, but it’s negotiable.

Buyer Closing Costs

The buyer handles the majority of the closing costs fees. Some of the fees need to get paid before you actually attend the closing. The application for a home loan, loan origination fee, home inspection, title search, and mortgage insurance application fee get done before attending the closing.

How Much Are Closing Costs?

While the total cost of buying a home varies, the closing costs usually run between 2% to 5% of the total loan amount. Yet this depends on the cost of the home and where it’s located. But if your new home costs $200,000, then a 3% closing costs brings the total price to $206,000.

Ready to Buy

Buying or selling a house is a process. But now that you’re informed on the closing costs of a home, it’s time to move into the Sunflower State.Are you ready to sell your home or looking to buy in the Kansas City area? Contact our team at Cami Jones Collaborative today. We’ll help you through every stage of the process and ensure you are as stress-free as possible. We’re here to meet all of your Kansas City real estate needs!

Our Favorite Brunch Spots in Kansas City

Brunch is one of those versatile meals that always leaves us with fond memories. Whether it’s a family meal or a fun time with friends, brunch is a great way to spend those late morning hours.There are so many awesome brunch spots around Kansas City that it can be hard to choose. Luckily our team of Kansas City experts have done the research (a tough job, but someone had to do it) to put together this list of awesome low-key brunch spots right here in Crown Town.

Check Out These Awesome Kansas City Brunch Spots ASAP

Eggtc

The name alone shows how dedicated this restaurant is to traditional brunch foods. Eggtc is a homey restaurant that focuses on all the favorites: eggs, crepes, waffles and pancakes, breakfast burritos, and so much more.The nice thing with this particular restaurant is that they know their strengths and they focus on them. They skip dinner and only serve breakfast, lunch, and brunch. Come for the food and stay for the deliciously crafted coffee drinks!If you’re looking for one of the best brunches in KC, Eggtc is a great place to start!

Blue Bird Bistro

Good organic food is what Blue Bird Bistro is all about. They skip the preservatives and additives and go straight for wholesome foods cooked with love.They offer a Sunday brunch full of succulent foods such as soups, cured salmon, salads, eggs of all preparations, and more!They also have great vegetarian and vegan options as well, making it a perfect choice for all types of brunch fans.

Bristol Seafood Grill

If you’re a fan of delicious seafood, then this is the brunch spot for you.Bristol Seafood Grill offers a wide variety of options such as smoked fish, shrimp, crab soufflé, and more. Their lobster mac and cheese is one of the best things on the entire brunch list – trust us on that one.But don’t worry. If you bring a friend who isn’t a fan of seafood, there are plenty of wonderful choices for them, too! Dishes such as omelets, waffles, grits, and corn hash are available for those who aren’t into the fish thing.

BLVD Tavern

Take your brunch experience to the Crossroads at Blvd Tavern. We love the atmosphere of this hip spot and the food even more! They have a wide variety of options that are sure to impress. From chilaquiles to French toast and corned-beef hash, BLVD Tavern brings breakfast comfort food to another level. With a full bar and delicious drink specials, this brunch spot is definitely where it is at in our opinion!

Beautiful Brunch Spots in Kansas City Are Easy to Find

Although the restaurants listed above are some of our favorite brunch spots in Kansas City, don’t worry. There are many more wonderful restaurants in the area that have delicious brunches.Finding that perfect brunch spot is all about experimentation. If one doesn’t suit your needs, try another. With so many places to choose from, you’re bound to find a Kansas City spot that makes you crave a good brunch meal.Whether you are looking to move to Kansas City or already live here and want a new place to call home the Cami Jones Collaborative Team is here for all of your other Kansas City real estate needs!Learn More about Buying a Home with Cami Jones Collaborative!

The Most Important Home Improvements to Make Before an Appraisal

As of the first quarter of 2019, homes in the U.S. had an average sales price of $377,000.With that kind of money on the line, it’s not surprising that home buyers have become savvier. They’ve honed their negotiation skills and aren’t afraid to use those skills to drive their costs down.You may have used such skills when you were a buyer yourself searching for houses for sale in Kansas City! And as someone with buying experience, you know how crucial the home appraisal is when buying a home.

Make These Improvements Before Your Home Appraisal

Make sure your home is ready in time for an appraisal. Use this list as a refresher so you can boost your chances of selling your home fast (and for the right price)!

1. Cabinets (Especially in the Kitchen and Bathroom)

It may have something to do with how the average American household owns 300,000 items. Or how intriguing cabinets – and what lies behind them – are. The important thing is, home buyers naturally gravitate to opening cabinets and shelves.So, imagine how they’ll react if the handles are loose or the cabinet doors or shelves don’t open all the way or if there’s a loose hinge or web-like cracks on the glass.These are simple fixes that you need to address while preparing for a home appraisal.

2. Water Fixtures

A single faucet that leaks 3 drips per minute wastes more than 100 gallons of water a year. While not all home buyers are aware of this, everyone knows that leaks are a huge waste of money. If homebuyers see these plumbing issues in your home, they may use that to negotiate a lower price.Also, shoppers may think that if something as easy as a leak wasn’t addressed, other things weren’t either. That said, be sure all water fixtures, like sinks, bathtubs, and showerheads are leak-free.

3. Plumbing

Another key step on how to prepare for a home appraisal is to ensure pipes are free of clogs. A home buyer can easily find out if you have blocked pipes after testing the hot and cold water faucets. If they notice the water doesn’t go down the drain right away, they may think you have bigger plumbing issues.

4. Roof

Replace broken or missing parts of your roof before the appraiser arrives. Failure to do this can make home buyers think of the possibility of an entire roof replacement. While you’re at it, have the gutters cleaned out too.

5. Ceilings and Walls

After repairing water damage, some signs, such as staining, may still be visible. Inspect your ceilings, walls, and floors for these stains and give them a fresh coat of paint. Painting your home’s exterior is also an affordable upgrade that boosts home value.

6. HVAC System

Perform routine maintenance on your HVAC system, starting with a filter change. Also, clean both the interior and exterior components to increase the unit’s efficiency. This will also help give your home a cleaner, more sanitary vibe.

Follow this Home Appraisal List and Have Your Home Ready to Sell

Many people consider Kansas City as one, if not the “most lovable” city in the country. Take advantage of that and also prove that it’s true by ensuring your home is more than ready for occupancy.Need more guidance on how you can sell your home quickly without compromising price? If so, then please feel free to connect with us! We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about real estate in Kansas City.

What to Expect During the Home Buying Process

For most people, the thought of buying a new home is equal parts exciting and terrifying, so let’s take a quick look at the 5 main steps in the home buying process so you can get an idea of what to expect before you jump headfirst into buying a new home.

First-Time Buyer? Here is What You Can Expect During the Home Buying Process

1. You Will Need to Determine How Much House You Can Afford

When you schedule a new buyer consultation with Cami Jones Collaborative, we’ll sit down to discuss your wants, needs, and timeline for buying a house—and we’ll also get you in touch with our trusted loan officers for a free pre-approval. Knowing that you’re pre-approved (and for how much) will help you set a home-buying budget, and it also means you’ll be able to move faster through some of the paperwork later on.Insider Tip: Depending on your specific situation, you may be eligible for special loans, grants to help with a down payment or programs offered through your employer. Research online and talk to your real estate agent and lender to find out what resources you may be eligible to make your down payment go further!

2. Preview Homes & Tour Different Areas

Now that you know what you’re working with, you’ll have the chance to view any homes you’re interested in by setting up viewings with your agent. It’s also important to visit the community you’ll be relocating to—take a drive and pay attention to the layout of grocery stores, parks, and schools; have dinner at a new restaurant; try a test run of your new commute to work. Really get a feel for the new neighborhood, especially if you’re deciding between two or more different areas! If are unsure of where you want to live in Kansas City, check out our neighborhood guide!

3. Make an Offer & Negotiate

Once you’ve narrowed down your search to the one perfect home, your agent will prepare the offer to purchase and go over all the details. After the contract is submitted, your agent will expertly negotiate the purchase of your new home with your best interests in mind. Our team is 100% committed to communicating with you every step of the way during the home buying process so you know exactly what is going on and if your offer is accepted.

4. Finalize the Contract and Mortgage Paperwork

Once there’s an agreement with the seller on the terms, the paperwork, inspections, appraisals, and mortgage will be finalized. This is the part of the process that can take a while to get through—and there will be a lot of paperwork to sign—but once it’s done, you can start packing and planning your move to your new dream home!

5. Closing Day

This is the big day! Your agent will be with you as you sign the final paperwork to purchase your new home. Champagne is recommended—or whatever you normally do to celebrate an important life milestone. All that’s left after closing day is to make memories in your new home!Let our team help you find the perfect home in Kansas City. Give us a call today! You can reach our team at 913.521.8806. Want to come and see us? Our office is conveniently located at 5000 W. 135th St. Leawood, KS 66224

Simple Upgrades to Increase Home Value

The road to increasing home value can often seem like a long one, but that is usually due to the fact that most homeowners feel only extensive, fancy remodeling projects will yield the biggest returns on investment. However, contrary to popular belief, updates that are valued in the low-to-mid cost range will increase your home’s value the most. Updates like siding replacements and roof replacements recoup nearly 93% of their costs while minor kitchen remodels have more than 80% recoup value. The purpose of upgrading your home is to add value, take away what’s not working, or improve upon what is working while not going overboard. While new granite countertops and steam showers may seem extravagant, if you’re thinking about starting home improvement projects this year, there are a few other options you may want to keep in mind.

Try These Easy Upgrades to Increase Home Value

If you’re considering making some changes around your home, choose a few of the upgrades to tackle from this list and update the features in your home that will increase your home’s value the most.

1. Updates for the Kitchen

According to a 2017 survey conducted by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, kitchen remodels are ranked as one of the things that appeal the most to home buyers, but before you tear down your entire kitchen and start from scratch, there are a few minimal kitchen updates that you can complete in a matter of days.

Install a Double Sink

According to a 2017 Home Buyer Preferences Survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, the number one feature that home buyers considered to be essential in kitchens were double sinks. Most Consumer Reports recommend deeper sinks due to their limited splash zone and at least one sink that’s big enough to fit larger pots and pans. This upgrade makes a sink extremely functional and easy to clean – something that will please any new home buyer.

Add an Island

Another update that home buyers desire in a kitchen is a central island. Now, building an entirely brand new island in your kitchen is quite time consuming, but a simple way you can make this update to your kitchen is by purchasing a pre-made/portable kitchen island that you can fit practically into any space. Most pre-assembled kitchen islands come with storage space, additional eating space, and more room for food preparation and most of which can be found for less than $500.

2. Freshen Up Your Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the areas of the home where you can tell if money has been well spent. They are also one of the areas in a home where people spend quite a bit of time. With a low cost, mid-range bathroom remodel, you can update your bathroom and keep your costs low on a project that will pay off when you do decide to put your home on the market.

Add New Fixtures

If you’re hoping to add some much-needed shine to your bathroom, you can install new fixtures like new shower heads, faucets, or lighting to make this area more appealing to potential home buyers. A brushed nickel finish goes with nearly every style of bathroom and you can even find matching three-light vanity fixtures to give your bathroom a complete makeover for under $100.

Install Efficient Toilets

While you might think it’s a simple upgrade, another update that potential home buyers will appreciate is a brand new toilet. Instead of sticking with your outdated bowl, you might want to consider replacing it with an updated, energy-efficient model that’s easy on the eyes, as well as the environment. You can find a classic two-piece toilet for under $200 while most home improvement stores provide in-home installations for less than $300.

3. Add Some Curb Appeal

Home improvement projects also apply to updates that will increase your home’s curb appeal. Updating your home’s exterior is simple, cost-effective, and can bring in some extra cash when you do decide to sell.

Tidy up Your Yard

Believe it or not, lawn care is another one of the top things buyers look for when they are house hunting. The great thing about this project is that it costs almost nothing but your time to complete. Setting aside a weekend to plant a few low maintenance bushes or line your driveway with pavers will add 5-15% to your home’s value and immediately grab the attention of potential home buyers.

Paint the Exterior

One of the simplest updates when it comes to home improvement projects is painting. A freshly painted home not only looks clean and updated, but it also protects your home and spells value to potential home buyers as it will give them the impression the rest of your house is just as well maintained. You can take the DIY route or easily hire a local painting company to complete this project.

Are you looking to buy a home in Kansas City or thinking about putting your home on the market? Give us a call today! You can reach our team at 913.521.8806. You can also come visit our office at 5000 W. 135th St. Leawood, KS 66224.

Our Favorite Things to Do This Season in Kansas City

At Cami Jones Collaborative, we love to go out and explore the city when the weather starts warming up! We want our clients to be in the know about all of the cool things that Kansas City has to offer whether they just moved here or have lived around KC their whole lives and want to just find something new and fun to do.

7 Awesome Things to do in Kansas City During Spring and Summer

1. Go to a Baseball Game

There is nothing like attending a baseball game when the weather is perfect. We love going to both Royals and T-Bones games throughout the spring and summer. If you are new to KC, we highly suggest catching a game! Click to view the 2019 Royals schedule and the 2019 T-Bones schedule.

2. Attend Shakespeare in the Park

Shakespeare in the Park, also known as the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, is a free event that runs from June 11th to July 7th and starts at 8:00pm Tuesday-Sunday. We highly suggest heading out to Southmoreland Park and enjoy some amazing live theater performances this summer!

3. Catch an Outdoor Movie

Movies in the Park at Shawnee Mission Park is a great way to revamp the typical at-home movie night when evenings start to warm up. All of the movies played at this cool community event are family-friendly so you can even take the kids to see some of their favorites. Gates open at 7:30pm and the movie starts at 8:00pm. Did we mention that admission is only $1.00? Make sure you bring a blanket and some lawn chairs!Upcoming movies:

June 12: Beauty & the Beast
June 26: Wonder Woman
July 10: Despicable Me 3
July 24: The Land Before Time
August 7: Coco

4. Explore Powell Gardens

Powell Gardens is a must during the spring and summer. They have eight themed gardens that you can walk through with all with different types of plants and landscapes. You can even pack a picnic and enjoy lunch surrounded by beautiful flowers.

5. Visit a Famer’s Market

Farmer’s markets happen all around Kansas City in the spring and summer months. Enjoy eyeing fresh produce, browsing jewelry and crafts made by locals and soak up some sunshine. You should, of course, check out City Market, but here is a full list of farmer’s markets going on in the area.

6. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is probably the first place that comes to mind when you think of art museums in Kansas City, but the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is definitely an impressive establishment that is deserving of a spot on this list. They have a fantastic permanent collection and regularly bring in new exhibitions all of the time. The museum is a bit smaller than the Nelson, so you can look at every beautiful piece easily in an afternoon.

7. See an Outdoor Concert

Kansas City has a fantastic music scene and offers a ton of outdoor concerts throughout the warmer months. Some of our favorite venues to see shows at include the Starlight Theater, KC Bier Co. and CrossroadsKC at Grinders. Great music and drinks in the great outdoors, what more could you ask for in an evening of summer fun?!Our team at Cami Jones & Company truly loves all things Kansas City and want to help you find the KC home of your dreams. Give us a call today! You can reach our team at 913.521.8806. Want to come and see us? Our office is conveniently located at 5000 W. 135th St. Leawood, KS 66224.

Home Spotlight: A Stunning Craftsman Home in Overland Park

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Located at 16304 Flint Street in Overland Park, KS, this spacious craftsman home is nestled in the beautiful and family-friendly Mills Farm subdivision in Johnson County. With plenty of new upgrades and room for more, this stunning 7,019 sq ft home features six bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and two half baths. With simple, yet tasteful modern touches and a neutral color scheme, this home is brimming with opportunity to incorporate your own personal style and taste. Here’s a closer look at what this home has to offer.

Exterior

The stone trim and stucco exterior make for a beautiful and inviting front entrance of this gorgeous home. From the front steps, to the back patio, the exterior of this home is subtle and eye-catching at the same time interior. One of those most notable features, the screened in outdoor space complete with a fireplace attached the the back of the home, this area provides a private escape without obstructing your view of the landscape. Click the images below for a larger view.[/vc_column_text][vcex_spacing size=”15px”][vcex_image_grid img_size=”full” image_ids=”2175,2176,2177,2178,2179,2180,2181,2182″][vc_column_text]

Interior

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The interior of this home is upscale, functional and inviting with eye-catching upgrades throughout. There is plenty of space for you and your family to spread out and enjoy yourselves before sitting down together and enjoying dinner or a movie. Click the images below for a larger view.

A Dream Kitchen

Visually appealing and functional, this kitchen adds a little extra excitement to traditional meal prep. Some notable features include top of the line appliances, beautiful quartzite countertops. The kitchen island is the perfect solution for helping your kids with their homework–while still having dinner ready on time. An enormous butler’s pantry offers plenty of extra space for storage.[/vc_column_text][vcex_spacing size=”15px”][vcex_image_grid columns=”3″ img_size=”full” image_ids=”2184,2186,2187,2188″][vc_column_text]

Family Living Areas

The living areas in this home are perfect for spending time with family and friends. The living areas on the main floor get a lot of natural light and lead to the open kitchen. In these spaces you will find cozy fireplaces, beautiful built ins and vaulted ceilings.[/vc_column_text][vcex_spacing size=”15px”][vcex_image_grid img_size=”full” image_ids=”2200,2203,2207,2201,2187″][vc_column_text]

Master Bedroom and En-Suite

This grand and spacious master suite is an escape all of its own. A cozy sitting area equipped with a fireplace and plenty of natural lighting provides the perfect place to unwind or curl up with a book.Those who call this place home may just eliminate the age-old battle for closet and counter space. The master suite includes two walk-in closets and double vanity. Simple yet elegant, the bathroom features modern, classic paint and tile colors. At the bathroom, walkway lies yet another opportunity for rest and relaxation, a jacuzzi tub.[/vc_column_text][vcex_spacing size=”15px”][vcex_image_grid columns=”3″ img_size=”full” image_ids=”2113,2189,2190,2191,2192″][vc_column_text]

A Walk-Out Basement Made for Entertainment

For anyone that loves to entertain and host, this house does not disappoint. Whether it’s hosting friends for the big game or providing an area for kids to retreat with friends from school, this home offers plenty of room for fun.

The Bar

This finished walk-out basement provides a nice secluded getaway for entertaining guests. For game nights and other gatherings, one of this area’s most shining features is the bar area. It offers an island that is perfect for sitting and chatting with friends or displaying potluck dishes and finger foods for guests. Convenient and functional, the bar comes with a sink and plenty of storage area for food and beverages.

Game Area

Conveniently situated near the bar area, this area is a versatile, open space. Natural lighting pours in through the window, keeping this area feeling light and comfortable. Whether you choose to set up a pool table, extra seating, or even a larger table for board games, this space is ideal for socializing.

Multi-TV Setup Seating Area

This spacious area leaves plenty of room for comfy seating and provides the perfect hangout for entertaining friends. Whether you’re hosting all the big games or the kids have friends over for movie night, you’ll wow your visitors with this multi-TV setup. And for those that need a break from the screens or prefer to snack or socialize–this basement has you covered.[/vc_column_text][vcex_spacing size=”15px”][vcex_image_grid columns=”2″ img_size=”full” image_ids=”2193,2194,2195,2196″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This home has so much to offer; whether you love to entertain friends on the weekend or want to cozy up by the fireplace with your family, this house has it all! To view all of our featured listings click here.[/vc_column_text][vcex_spacing size=”10px”][vc_column_text]Thinking of putting your home on the market? Let our team help you! Give us a call today! You can reach our team at 913.521.8806. Want to come see us? Our office is conveniently located at 5000 W. 135th St. Leawood, KS 66224.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Home in Kansas City

If you’re thinking about moving to Kansas City, or already live here and are looking to buy a house, there are a lot of important considerations to be made and questions to answer. We’ve put together a quick guide of the most important things to figure out before buying a home in Kansas City.

Do These 4 Things Before You Buy a Home in Kansas City

1. Know How Much House You Can Afford (Front and Back-End Ratios)

The general rule is to be prepared to spend no more than 30% of your income on housing, but lenders use a slightly more complicated equation than that. In fact, lenders actually use two equations, called the “front-end ratio” and the “back-end ratio.” The front-end ratio is a percentage of your before-tax income and the back-end ratio is your total monthly debt as a percentage of your income (again, before tax). Standard rates for these ratios are 28% for the front-end and 36% for the back-end, but your lender may use different ratios (if they don’t tell you, ask!).Calculate the front-end by dividing your gross income by 12 and then multiply by 0.28. That’s it, that’s your front-end ratio!The back-end is a little more complicated. Start by adding up all your monthly debts that aren’t connected to your current house, then take your annual gross income, divide by 12, multiply that by 0.36, and subtract your monthly debts.The lower of the two ratios is what you should base your budget on to calculate the maximum mortgage payment you can afford. We know it can be frustrating to have to work within these limits, but it’s better to choose a house that you know you can afford and to invest in that house for the future than to choose a house that will be a struggle to pay for and maintain your current standard of living.

2. Decide What Area You Want to Be In

There are a lot of neighborhoods to consider when you’re buying a home here you should consider your lifestyle and what area works best for you. If you are looking for great schools, you may want to go a little bit outside of downtown. If being close to restaurants and shopping is your thing, then you may want to look around the Crossroads District where all of the action is. Take a look at our guide to Kansas City neighborhoods for more information about what types of people live in each neighborhood.

3. Make a Checklist of What You Want—And What You Don’t Want

The more information you have before you start looking for homes in Kansas City, the less time you’ll have to spend figuring out what you do and don’t want. One of the first decisions you make should be the size and style of home you want, along with anything you absolutely have to have and anything you definitely do not want. You should also make a list of pros and cons for each home you visit and use it to update your house hunting checklists regularly.

Consult with a Local Real Estate Agent

Local real estate agents know the area because they live here and they love KC! Local agents also have a good understanding of the market and can provide important guidance you wouldn’t be able to find on your own.Now that you know what to do before buying a home, you can get started looking for your dream home.Let our team help you find the perfect home in Kansas City. Give us a call today! You can reach our team at 913.521.8806. Want to come and see us? Our office is conveniently located at 5000 W. 135th St. Leawood, KS 66224

9 Ways to Improve Your Credit Before Buying a Home

Are up dreaming about buying a home? Spring is a fantastic time to start looking for a new home, but there may be a few things you back from making an offer on your dream home like your credit rating. If you feel like you will never be a homeowner because you don’t have a perfect credit score right now, then we have some tips that will help improve your credit before buying a home. Here are a few ways to give your credit rating a much-needed boost so that you can purchase the home of your dreams.

How to Improve Your Credit Before Buying a Home

Everything hinges on your credit score when it comes to home financing. It is a simple three digit number, but lenders value what it tells them. They want to see an acceptable credit score so they feel confident that you can fulfill payments on your home loan. Having a good credit score is important when buying a house because you are asking a lender to trust you with a great deal of money for a long time.Here are a few tips on how to improve your credit score:

1. Pay Your Bills On Time

Paying your bills on time each month helps increase your credit score, and it also shows lenders that you are responsible. If you have missed a few payments in the past or been late, then you will just have to do better moving forward. Poor payment history will not haunt you forever if you show that you can pay your bills on time each month for at least a year.

2. Pay Off All Outstanding Collections

You might have to pay off old collections. However, even if you pay off the collections, they will still show up on your credit report for many years. You might have to these to a home loan lender even if you settle the balance in full.

3. Keep Your Credit Card Debt Low

Never max out your credit cards. Ideally, you should only use 30 percent or less of the card amount – ideally you should only use 10 percent of your available credit in order to increase your score quickly. High outstanding amounts push your credit score lower each month instead of increasing it. Check your credit card balance regularly to ensure that you are not using more than 30 percent of your credit each month.

4. Pay Off Debt

It is imperative that you pay off debt to improve your score. Do not go out and get another credit card and then transfer the balance from one card to another. This practice will tank your score, and it will take a very long time to bring it back up to a good number.

5. Do Not Close Unused Credit Cards

Closing unused credit cards will not raise your score. In fact, it might lower it.

6. Do Not Open New Credit Cards

Opening new credit cards might hurt your credit instead of increasing it. If you get a number of new credit cards it looks like an act of desperation and that you need credit fast. This is a red flag and can seriously hurt you.

7. New Credit

If you do not have a long credit history, then it is imperative that you avoid opening up a bunch of credit. You will seem like a risk to the bank. In addition, your score will lower if you have a lot of new credit on your report.

8. Re-establish Your Credit

If you have had a few bumps in your credit history, then you must reestablish yourself. Start out small and show that you can pay off your balances. Remember, responsible credit management not only helps you improve your score but also shows a home lender that you can be trusted to handle money and loans.

9. Be Responsible with Credit Cards

Yes, it’s important that you have credit cards, but not a whole wallet full. Instead, use one or two. Keep the balance low and pay on time.Luckily, you can improve your credit before buying a home! Just follow the above tips, see your credit score increase, and start your journey to becoming a homeowner.When you are ready to buy, let our team help you find the perfect home in Kansas City. Give us a call today! You can reach our team at 913.521.8806. Want to come and see us? Our office is conveniently located at 5000 W. 135th St. Leawood, KS 66224