SAVE THIS PAGE IF YOU ARE MOVING to Kansas City The LOCAL Real Estate BLOG and topics from the Radio show Door 2 Door with David Van Noy Jr. at 1510 Hot Talk READ ALL TOPICS BELOW >>>> 
Door 2 Door with David Van Noy Jr.
- Some quick tips on hiring a contractor
I dedicated the show today on July 19th to ALL contractor stories along with how to hire and possibly fire. Click the TITLE HERE >>> to listen to the show NOW >>>
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You have the right to having your home built to specifications, including quality workmanship, meeting all building codes and in a reasonable period of time based on the contractual agreement.
Get familiar with your state's laws concerning contractors and what constitutes a violation of these laws.
Don't rely on verbal agreement alone. Get it in writing.
Send your letters to the contractor certified mail, return receipt.
Document the project with both photos and a written history.
Consult an attorney knowledgeable in contract law or construction defect as to any civil exposure you may face.
File a complaint with your State's Contractor License Board or regulatory agency that protects consumers.
Remember To Do The Following:
1. Keep a job file and be sure to include copies of all papers relating to the project. Document work and any damages with
photographs.
2. Keep an open line of communication with the contractor and be alert to any disruptions that may delay the project's progress, e.g., in climate weather, material or labor shortage, problems with the permit, etc.
3. Do not let payments get ahead of work and keep a record of all payments.
4. Do not pay cash-ever!
5. Do not make the final payment until you are satisfied with the job. That’s your right.
One last note: A great contractor is a godsend and they’re out there, but you must do your background checks to ensure that’s who you end up with.
- Synthetic Stucco Question came in on the show.....and I wanted to provide this link >>>>
It is beneficial to to through what it is, and how to maintain it. I thank you for your questions and I hope this is helpful. Contact me if you would like to talk about it further....
EIFS, Synthetic Stucco
What is EIFS?
EIFS stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems. The product is also called synthetic stucco, and refers to a multi-layered exterior finish that's been used in European construction since shortly after World War II, when contractors found it to be a good repair choice for buildings damaged during the war. The majority of repairs to European buildings were to structures constructed of stone, concrete, brick, or other similar, durable materials.
EIFS in North America
North American builders began using EIFS in the 1980's, first in commercial buildings, then applying it as an exterior finish to residences--mostly wood frame houses--using the same techniques that had been successful in Europe.
There are three layers to EIFS
Inner Layer Foam insulation board that's secured to the exterior wall surface, often with adhesive.
Middle Layer A polymer and cement base coat that's applied to the top of the insulation, then reinforced with glass fiber mesh.
Exterior Layer A textured finish coat.
EIFS layers bond to form a covering that doesn't breathe. That's fine when no moisture is present behind the covering, but if moisture seeps in it can become trapped behind the layers. With no place to go, constant exposure to moisture can lead to rot in wood and other vulnerable materials within the home.
What had worked well as an exterior shell for concrete and stone became a problem when used on wood. Moisture related problems lead to individual and class action lawsuits by consumers.
Synthetic Stucco vs. Traditional Stucco
* Synthetic stucco is soft and sounds hollow when tapped.
* Traditional stucco is hard and brittle, and sounds solid when tapped.
Maintaining EIFS
* Any opening, such as door and window frames and the areas around flashings, must be sealed to prevent water from seeping behind the EIFS.
* Gutters should be kept clean and positioned to drain away from the house.
* Foam should not extend below grade.
* Items that penetrate the stucco must be sealed.
In other words, no moisture should be able to seep behind the EIFS.
Signs of EIFS Problems
* Mold or mildew on the interior or exterior of the home.
* Swollen wood around door and window frames.
* Blistered or peeling paint.
* Cracked EIFS or cracked sealant.
EIFS Today
Newer EIFS systems include a drainage arrangement to help keep moisture from being trapped behind the covering. Ask a trusted home builder for details about contemporary EIFS.
for more on the radio show go to www.door2doorkc.com
- What did that house sell for?
Quickly Find Out What that Home Down the Street Sold For, By Email, for Free.
If you are considering selling your home, you are probably wondering what other homes in the area are selling for.
There might be one home in particular that you'd like to know the sale price on, or you might be interested in all the homes that have sold recently in your neighborhood. I can always help!
I can tell you exactly what any home sold for in your area. I will furnish you with a list of homes that have recently sold on your street or in your neighborhood. I can also tell you about homes similar to yours that are currently for sale.
This service is entirely FREE, without obligation. As a top real estate broker, this is part of the service that I provide to home sellers on a daily basis.
Find out what a home or property sold for, by email, for free! It's my job to help you determine real estate values in Leawood, Lee's Summit and Kansas City! There's no obligation, and I promise to get back to you quickly...
David Van Noy Jr.
(816) 536-7653 CELL
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(913) 345-3080 office
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EMAIL: davidv@prukc.com
Gmail: davidvannoyjr@gmail.com
BlackBerry PIN: 31A7895A
WEB: www.davidvannoyjr.com
- Faster Computer? Here are a few tips that I ran across that you can use--------------
You can probably think of a dozen things to do today, sure, and your boss probably has a dozen more for you. I'm going to add to the list and suggest some maintenance chores on your PC. They're painless, I assure you, and if you take the time, your system will run a little more efficiently.
Tips for a Faster Hard Drive
Okay, so maybe your hard drive won't actually spin faster. But there are things you can do so disk access by applications will speed up. For instance, my hard drive was yelling bloody murder because I hadn't defragged in months. Once I did it, my PC's performance increased. That's because even a fast, 10,000 rpm drive spends an inordinate amount more time looking for files it needs rather than accessing them. (I used to joke about spraying WD-40 onto floppies for faster access, but my editor was afraid some knucklehead would try it, so I had to stop.)
You need to defrag, too. To get started, read my just-posted Hassle-Free PC column.
As usual, though, I had a few more things to say and ran out of space in the column. And with a handful of early readers sending e-mail, I also need to clarify a couple of the tips.
Defragging Tips
Besides the tricks I mentioned in the column, you might also delete all but the most current Restore Points. Logon as Administrator, then go to the Start menu and select All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and click Disk Cleanup. Click the Options tab and select Cleanup in the System Restore dialog box.
Deleting ZoneAlarm's Big Files
I suggested using a batch file, an ancient programming language used by equally ancient old-timers. Too many of you youngsters have no idea what I'm talking about. Browse ComputerHope.com's Batch File Help page to get up to speed:
If you plan to download the zipped file I mentioned in the column, make sure to first copy the fie named " tvDebug.1" into the \Windows\Internet Logs folder.
If you're having trouble using the batch file, if you've got the ZoneAlarm firewall running, close it from the System tray, head for the \Windows\Internet Logs folder, and delete the TVDEBUG.log file. Once that's done, re-launch ZoneAlarm.
Don't have ZoneAlarm? You can download it from PC World.
Dig This: Imagine you're facing a big project (like writing this newsletter) and you need a diversion. No problem. Click over to the Neen site and check out samples of the artists' work: (Hint: Click on the numbers, not the names.)
Look at Those Duplicates
Getting rid of duplicate files can be tricky, even with Duplicate File Finder, the free program I mentioned in my column.
My strategy is simple (and relatively risk free): I take the time to examine the folders where each set of duplicates reside. I'm just looking for important hard drive wasters, such as duplicate video or image files. If one of the two files is located in the Windows folder, or any of the Windows subfolders, I leave it alone.
Looking Over Your Hard Drive
I like Windirstat, the free utility I picked as the Hassle-Free PC Tool of the Month.
But there are alternatives. SequoiaView uses a visualization technique called "cushion treemaps" to provide you with a single picture of the entire contents of your hard drive. You can use it to locate those large files that you haven't accessed in one year, or to quickly locate the largest picture files on your drive.
Dig This: Warning! Don't play with Fly Guy if you've got work to do. [With thanks to Harry M.] Hint: After you click, use your arrow keys. And be sure to head up to outer space.
Back Up Your Critical Drivers
Have you backed up your drivers recently? Yep, I know, all of you have a full and complete backup of your entire drive. But wouldn't it be handy to have just the critical drivers for, say, your mouse, graphics adapter, printers, and who-knows-what-other-devices in one spot?
Why would you want a driver backup? If you're reinstalling Windows, what better than to have all your drivers in one spot, ready for those pesky hardware devices ranting for their driver. Or if one hardware device goes kaflooey, say, your printer, Windows will pop up and try to reinstall the hardware's driver. If you don't have the original CD handy (or even if you do), it's much easier to aim Windows to your new "driver backup" folder to find the driver.
Drive Those Choices
WinDriversBackup finds all the essential hardware (and some software) drivers on your PC and backs them up. It works by creating a folder and copying all the drivers to individual folders with the name of the driver.
Just as good is DriverMax, also free, because it not only backs up all your drivers, it also zips them all into one handy file.
Of course, you're now a batch file expert. You might as well look at Lincoln Spector's batch file, which backs up all drivers to a folder.
Double-Check Your PC With Free Web Scans
Trust, but verify. It's a good motto to keep in mind when thinking about your antivirus and anti-spyware software. There's no harm in running an extra scan-- and who knows, it may prompt you to switch to a product that's more effective than the one you're using.
- Come join me on 1510 HOT Talk...
| 1510 HOT Talk This is YOUR Kansas City People and Business Talk Radio |  | David Van Noy Jr has invited you to join 1510 HOT Talk Monday through Friday hosts include:Dr. Laura and Dennis Miller. Local talent include: David Van Noy Jr. and business show Bizz Buzz Live. I would love for you to join our Hot Talk radio network. We are keeping it fresh....
.....talk to you soon
David Van Noy Jr.
Check out 1510 HOT Talk: http://hottalk1510.ning.com/?xgi=aVg4WXl
|  | About 1510 HOT Talk...
Monday through Friday hosts include:Dr. Laura and Dennis Miller. Local talent include: David Van Noy Jr. and business show Bizz Buzz Live.
| | | 
- Come join me on 1510 HOT Talk...
| 1510 HOT Talk This is YOUR Kansas City People and Business Talk Radio | | | David Van Noy Jr has invited you to join 1510 HOT Talk Monday through Friday hosts include:Dr. Laura and Dennis Miller. Local talent include: David Van Noy Jr. and business show Bizz Buzz Live. I would love for you to join our Hot Talk radio network. We are keeping it fresh....
.....talk to you soon
David Van Noy Jr.
Check out 1510 HOT Talk: http://hottalk1510.ning.com/?xgi=aVg4WXl
| | | About 1510 HOT Talk...
Monday through Friday hosts include:Dr. Laura and Dennis Miller. Local talent include: David Van Noy Jr. and business show Bizz Buzz Live.
| | |
If you have watched any financial news recently you have seen Warren Buffet at his annual shareholders event in the oracles hometown of Omaha Nebraska. Any news on the fact that the bulk of his businesses that are having record breaking years are all economy driven and housing market driven ventures. He has made a fortune in home industies. I had to look in his annual shareholders letter to find his real thougths on the housing market and the future of its related industries. Here is a small quote where he siad, "Overall, our 76 operating businesses did well last year. The few that had problems were primarily those linked to housing, among them our brick, carpet and real estate brokerage operations. Their setbacks are minor and temporary. Some major financial institutions have, however, experienced staggering problems because theyengaged in the "weakened lending practices" I described in last year's letter. John Stumpf, CEO of WellsFargo, aptly dissected the recent behavior of many lenders: "It is interesting that the industry has invented new ways to lose money when the old ways seemed to work just fine." And, looking further at his investment strategy in these areas it is plain to see that he still likes these same industires moving forward and has continued his bullish outlook on real estate. By the way if you see anyone complaining about the economy, the Nebraska Furniture Mart (purely an economically driven/ discretionary income destination right?) Yeah, well it did 7.25 MILLION dollars this saturday...that's right in ONE DAY! Stay upbeat.......for more real estate related topics and trends or to search for homes in Kansas City go to www.davidvannoyjr.com
David Van Noy Jr.
- Can Jesse Jackson really take credit for the Fair Housing Act of 1968?
In regards to Jesse Jackson I have to admit that I got most of my frustration out on the radio show today about my position on personal responsibility when it comes to financial decisions in America. And I don't say this to any certain sector or group but a generality to all people to make clear. The reason it shows up in this article about Jesse Jackson is because he jetted down to Kansas City in his private jet this week talk to about how the government should take a more aggressive stance on past predatory lending offenders and to propose that the government freeze interest rates for basically anyone that can't afford their payments anymore. And if that wasn't enough he thinks that just resetting any high interest rates to 6%, apparently because he arbitrarily thinks that sounds like a good average number, will make things more manageable for consumers and businesses alike.
So, let me clarify to get this off of my chest, because it was an unfair topic to tie to the federal fair housing act of 1968, which is one of the most positive events in business history, to his political agenda. Now, it is not to say that I approve of predatory lending, because I don't. Neither is it safe to say that I recommend anyone be in any loan that they can't afford or don't understand. But, that is is a separate point from the fact that YOU are responsible for the contracts you sign and the obligations you make. I really don't buy it that all of these foreclosures and freezing interest rate stories are from people who "just didn't know better." These will likely be the same people who will go purchase a car at 0% next week and when that gets taken away I am not sure who will be to blame....maybe GMC for making the Jimmy look to shiny, I don't know....where does it end, and where does your own decision making take over?
Jesse Jackson has responsibility to his community to spread a word of hope and prosperity and the only true way that any of us will ever find that in this world is by looking deep within ourselves, educating ourselves on a daily basis and at the end of the day blaming and thanking the only person who is responsible in this world....and that is YOU!
If you don't understand the document you are about to sign then don't sign them...If you don't know how much you can afford then reevaluate and recalculate. And, if you don't understand what you have just read then read it again or ask a friend, but please don't tell me that President Bush should have offered you a program at your church to understand BLOGS and crazy talk show hosts who beat people over their heads with mortgage papers!
with love and respect in my heart towards all people, let's do this right.....sincerely, David Van Noy Jr.
- I seriously hand picked this intelligent group to take your calls.....
Hey, Do you ever wonder………“What is going to happen to the real estate market?”…………“When will it turn around?”…………“What should the government do to help homeowners and mortgage companies?”……….and will any kind of economic stimuli make it easier? This >> Saturday morning 10am to 11am The answers to all your questions on the current condition of the Real Estate market and much more this morning as I have summoned a round-table discussion with 3 of the most knowledgeable professionals to join in the talk……... My Guests this morning include: - Matt Derrick is Staff Vice President of Public Relations at the Kansas City Home Builders Association
- Jim Phillips is Head of Retail Lending at Brotherhood Bank
- Mike Brown is the Master Builder, and Developer at Brown Midwest.
I cant wait myself to hear what these guys think about the real estate market…….on Door 2 Door with David Van Noy Jr. The #1 Real Estate Show         want to listen to some of my other shows NOW for FREE 
- The Forbes top 10 recession proof investments you can make in your home
Cork Floors
Cork is quickly becoming an alternative to pricier tile and wood-plank flooring. Low-density cork is an effective insulator, plus it doesn't rot when exposed to water nor does it absorb dust. Premium cork flooring from a company such as Luxury Home Products will run $6.75 per square foot, assuming that you're looking to cover a space of 600 square feet or up.
Bamboo Countertops
Compressed to the thickness needed for a countertop, bamboo is significantly harder and more dense than woods such as maple--often used for cutting boards--which makes it last. Bamboo is sold in different swatches depending on how much space you need to cover. A good option from Totally Bamboo is the parquet model, which sells at the size of 96 inches by 30 inches for $517
LED Lighting
Short for light-emitting diode, LED lighting systems use less energy than standard bulbs, which translates into a lower electric bill. LED lights are more expensive than conventional light bulbs, but can pay for themselves over time. Swing by Home Depot and you'll find120V light bulbs like this one for $39.99.
Garage Doors
No one does garages like Vault, which can be best thought of as the Williams-Sonoma of garage design. Luxury carriage-door models and revamped pavement leading up to them can boost your home's curb value; this is especially important if your garage is one of your home's dominant features. Costs depend on how many garage doors you have and the style and the quality of the pavement you want leading up to the garage door. It's not uncommon, however, to spend $10,000 for a Vault custom solution.
EnergyStar Windows
You'll definitely pay a bit more for an EnergyStar certified window, like this $175 32-inch-by-62-inch American Craftsman 8500 model, available at Lowe's and Home Depot, but you'll get a 10% rebate from Uncle Sam. You'll also enjoy hundreds per year in saved heating costs. For an expensive place to heat your home, like Boston, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates an annual savings of $465 a year. More moderate climates like Los Angeles can only expect about $100 in savings.
Water-Saving Toilets
Based on the American Institute of Architects' 2008 research, homeowner demand for water-saving toilets has grown. It's easy to see why: 1.6-gallon per flush models like this $370 Royal 2010 use about half the water of conventional toilets. They're sold at hardware stores or at online plumbing outlets like my-bath.com.
Water Heater
Conventional heaters warm water continuously. The $770, 13.8-inch-wide Takagi Flash T-K3 heats water on demand, a more energy-efficient system that in some households might pay for itself in a year. Plus, since it works on demand, you'll never run out of hot water in the shower.
Radiant Heat
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that radiant heating is 20% more efficient than conventional heating systems. Though it can be inconvenient and pricey to install a radiant heating system, many of which run between $5,000 and $7,000 if you're looking at an 800-square-foot space, this luxury buy may save you 20% a year in heating costs.
Landscaping
Besides the aesthetic and health benefits of a garden and yard, it's often the first thing buyers see when they're looking at a home. The National Association of Realtors estimates that 70% of home buyers start the buying process online, and if your front yard pushes people away before they even come to visit the house, you're in trouble in this kind of market
Doorless Showers
Also called walk-in showers, this is a design trend that likely isn't the function of a down economy, but is mentioned again and again by builders and architects as something consumers want. This $1,550 polished-silver trimmed Kohler Cyan walk-in shower enclosure is popular among boomers as they get older, and is a design element that can also be found in high-end urban apartment complexes.
- TIPS on Pumping your GAS to SAVE Money!!!!
TIPS ON PUMPING GAS- this is not my original content, but I liked the tip and really thought it was worth sharing. Your comments are welcomed on the info......
Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role.
A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.
When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3)stages: low, middle, and high. In slow mode you should be pumping on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some other liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.
One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL or HALF EMPTY. The reason for this is, the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service stations, here where I work, every truck that we load is temperature compensated so that every gallon is actually the exact amount.
Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up--most likely the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up some f the dirt that normally settles on the bottom. Hope this will help you get the most value for your money.
www.davidvannoyjr.com
- TIPS on Appraisals and REAL Estate >>>>>
About Appraisals > Working With A Real Estate Agent
It is not unusual for homeowners to yield to the temptation to try to sell their own home. It seems easy enough--just place an ad in the weekend paper and wait for buyers to show up. Although it may seem simple, real estate sales transactions are extremely complex proceedings.
The first pitfall can come with pricing your property realistically. Homeowners often price their property too high initially, then drastically slash the price when weeks go buy without an offer. Even if a prospective buyer agrees to the initial asking price, there could be complications if the buyers begin to feel that they have agreed to pay too much, or if the lender's appraisal values the property at far less than the agreed-upon price. Some clients hire agents to market their home professionally after weeks or months of trying to sell their own home without success, or after their FSBO transaction fell through.
for more tips you can subscribe to www.davidvannoyjr.com
- The KANSAS CITY Power and Light District, I was a little before my time on this one.....
 
About a year ago on my radio show Door 2 Door with David Van Noy Jr. on Hot Talk 1510 I featured a series of shows outlining the future of downtown Kansas City and all the tenants that the Cordish Group were in talks with and the commitment from the huge developer and the city to bring BILLIONS of dollars worth of construction and development to the once blighted area. About the time the gentrification seemed inevitable to me I bagan to talk about it with local residents and business owners. I am not claiming that I am at all responsible for it...dont get me wrong. I just mean to say that it was a good topic of discussion then and now it is undeniable. EVERYONE is talking about it now and I cant say I blame them.
The Kansas City Power & Light District or Power & Light District is a shopping and entertainment district currently under construction in Downtown Kansas City, Missouri, USA, developed by the Cordish Company of Baltimore, Maryland and designed by 360 Architecture. When completed, the district will comprise nine blocks on the south side of the downtown loop. It is is located between Baltimore Avenue to the west, Grand Boulevard to the east, 12th Street to the north, and Interstate 670 to the south. The $850 million mixed-use district is one of the largest development projects in the Midwestern United States. The Power & Light District will be one of only a few places in the United States where possession and consumption of open containers of alcoholic beverages are allowed on the street, although they remain prohibited on the street throughout the rest of Kansas City.
The Power & Light District is immediately to the west of the Sprint Center. It originally was to be named Kansas City Live!, but the Cordish Company decided instead to name the district after the art deco Kansas City Power and Light Building. The present headquarters of the Kansas City Power & Light Company (a subsidiary of Great Plains Energy) is also located on the northern side of the district. A one-block area within the district, however, is called Kansas City Live!, and will contain three floors of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, as well as a large, partially-enclosed courtyard and concert venue.
some of the MAJOR tenants include:
* Angel's Rock Bar - 4,000 square foot music venue and club† (opened March 7, 2008)
* Bristol Seafood Grill - 8,000 square foot seafood restaurant (opened February 26, 2008)
* Chefburger - 3,300 square foot, locally owned, build your own burger joint (opened March 10, 2008)
* Chipotle Mexican Grill - 2,400 square foot location of the Denver-based Fresh Mex chain (opened on February 27, 2008)
* The Drum Room - restaurant, martini bar, and live entertainment lounge located in the historic President Hotel
* Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que - 6,300 square foot location of the Minnesota-based barbecue restaurant chain (opened February 22, 2008)
* Gordon Biersch Brewing Company - 8,500 square foot location of the Chattanooga-based chain of brewery/restaurants† (opened March 10, 2008)
* H&R Block world headquarters (opened October, 2006)
* Hilton President Kansas City - 213-room refurbished historic 1926 hotel, featuring the Drum Room (reopened January 5, 2006)
* Howl at the Moon Piano Bar - 4,700 square foot location of the Cincinnati-based chain of "dueling-piano bars"† (opened February 7, 2008)
* Lucky Strike Lanes - 23,000-square-foot, 12-lane upscale Hollywood-based bowling alley, featuring live DJs, food, and drinks† (opened on March 6, 2008)
* McFadden’s Sports Saloon - 6,900 sq ft Irish-themed sports bar† (opened November 9, 2007)
* Raglan Road - Irish pub comprised of pieces transporpted from Ireland† (opened March 4, 2008)
* Sprint Studio - 5,500 square foot store in the district. The interactive, high-tech store will “coach” customers on the latest technology from Sprint Nextel. (opened March 5, 2008)
* Ted's Montana Grill - location of the Atlanta-based chain of restaurants featuring bison on its menu (opened February 12, 2008)
* Tengo Sed Cantina - Mexican-themed bar and nightclub (opened March 7, 2008)
* Vinino - concept Italian restaurant and wine bar† (opened November 16, 2007)
So now I think I can start talking about what a HOT spot it is going to be to LIVE and about a year from now I dont think you will be able to touch a place near GRAND for less than $300 a foot....thats about a 50% increase from todays average prices. Cordish also plans to build four residential towers in the project. As of August, 2007, only one is under construction: a 38-floor 350-unit residential tower, which may include a boutique hotel. The site is just north of the H&R Block headquarters, on a lot once occupied by the Jones Store Company's flagship store. The department store building was demolished during the summer of 2005 and the ground was leveled and dug out beginning in March, 2006.
If you would like to tour some of the residential components or get on the list to be notified when the best deals come available just send me an email or sign up for latest listings at www.davidvannoyjr.com
- Take a look at ALL my Listings via this NEW Trulia Map that I use
- 14905 Hemlock NEW LISTING "Inside PICS coming soon"
- The WEBSITE OF THE DAY for the radio show:
For insurance purposes here is how to list all the contents of your home
When Conducting and storing an inventory of the belongings in your home.
You can Download free home-inventory software such as www.KnowYourStuff.org a service of the Insurance Information Institute, or www.MakeLifeEasy.com
The software will help you inventory your home by creating files for individual rooms and adding descriptions of their respective items, including the purchase date, replacement cost and serial number. You can also upload photos through some services. Scan receipts and appraisals, and include them in your home inventory to prove the value of an item. Find out if the software provider offers free or low-cost secure online data storage.
For instance, Switzerland-based Vault 24 www.vault24.com/public charges $14.99 a year to store a home-inventory project that you can access via its Web site in the event of a disaster. When taking inventory, you should typically videotape the exterior and interior of your home, describing each item you see. Store your video or DVD in a safe-deposit box, along with a printed copy of your inventory, and give another copy to a friend or relative
to subscribe to the weekly newsletter you can go to www.davidvannoyjr.com
- Kansas City Launches Street View from GOOGLE
This is some NEW technology to Kansas City and it is unreal. Look at the map here and then touch and view the whole thing. It is called "street view" from GOOGLE. It just go launched in Kansas City, so if you live here or somewhere that they have this, go look at your house! It is going to change everything. Also, when you are looking arrow down to the car view that shows that a car drove around all these streets and neighborhood with a camera on top! Did you see it?
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Lets talk about your credit card and how it may hinder your ability to buy a home:
Sometimes home buyers think they’ll be able to get away with making a large purchase just after they’ve been approved for a mortgage. But charging up a ton of debt on your credit card before you’ve closed on your new home isn’t a smart move. In fact, all that debt could sink your mortgage application and kill your real estate deal. When home buyers go to get approved for a mortgage, the lender takes a snapshot of their financial life. The lender pulls a copy of the borrower’s credit history and credit score, and then looks at bank account statements and tax returns. If the lender approves the borrower for a loan, the lender will expect his or her financial picture to remain roughly the same up until after the loan closes. What many borrowers don’t realize is that the lender may take another financial snapshot of their lives just before the closing. The second pull of your credit history and credit score could come any time within a week or two of your scheduled closing date. The lender is just checking to make sure nothing has gone wrong or changed with your credit. What the lender doesn’t want to see is a huge run-up of credit card debt or other loans in the days before the loan closes. The lender will generally also require the borrower to sign a statement at closing affirming that there has been no change in the borrower’s financial ability to repay the loan and the borrower’s employment status remains the same. And yet, many times borrowers will get approved for their mortgage and then run out and buy a new car. If you buy a Corvette two weeks before closing and you get a loan to pay for the car, or even if you lease it, that information will immediately get posted to your credit history and your mortgage lender will see it. The lender will also know how much you’re going to pay each month for that loan, and that car payment will have a direct impact on whether the lender feels you’ll be able to afford your new home loan. Sometimes home buyers make a list of all the list of things that need to be bought for the new property, such as appliances, window treatments, furniture, carpeting, or other items. Do these items need to be bought before you’ve closed on the property and moved in? Most of the time, the answer is “no.” But, it’s easier to buy these things and have the movers move them, and so your credit cards can easily take a beating in the month leading up to the closing. How much debt are we talking about? Often, home buyers spend up to $10,000 buying new stuff for their new home. For many buyers, that’s enough to throw your debt-to-income ratios out of whack. When you start changing your debt ratios, lenders get nervous. You don’t want your debt-to-income level to be seriously out of whack a few days before the closing. Suddenly, to the lender, it will look as though you’ve lost your financial mind. The consequences can be fairly severe: If your debt ratios change by too much, the lender may decide that you don’t fall within the prescribed limits for your particular loan. The loan could then be canceled, leaving you without financing in the days before your closing. You’ll have to start shopping around to find a new mortgage lender who can close in a short period of time. If you can’t close, you may default on your contract with the buyer. And since you’ve probably already arranged to move out of your current residence, you could wind up without a place to live. A less drastic scenario is that the interest rate, fees, or payment terms of your loan may change. Your added debt might change your credit score and your lender may no longer be willing to loan you the money at the rate promised but rather at a higher rate. This could leave you with higher initial or monthly costs in the short term. But you might also have a long-term problem, especially if you can’t find replacement financing or you can’t afford the new interest rate charges. The solution to these issues is to stop spending, at least between the time you apply for your mortgage and you close on the property. Once you’ve closed on your new home, you can start buying stuff. But if you’re able to wait a bit before you buy the big stuff, you should. If, however, you can make do with your old furniture for awhile, bank the savings, and avoid increasing your credit card debt, you’ll find it easier and more rewarding to be a homeowner.
- Homes Of Celebrity Real Estate Losers - Forbes.com
- What is the difference between the FED Rate cut and the BOND market, and how does it affect my adjustable rate payment?
If you are looking to purchase a home or to refinance, I'm not so sure you'll see mortgage rates fall. Mortgage rates don't have that much room to fall. Last week, the av  erage rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 5.48%, one of the lowest rates since 2004, according to Freddie Mac's survey. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee lowered the target for the federal funds rate by 50 basis points to 3%. In eight days the Fed has cut rates by 1.25 percentage points, the fastest pace in 20 years. After the Fed's move, market rates for 30-year notes and 10-year bonds rose steeply. By contrast, rates fell sharply for 3-month and 6-month bills. Fixed-interest mortgage rates are set by markets based on long-term money rates, not short-term rates. If bond investors fear that the Fed is letting inflation get out of control, then long-term rates could rise, as they did on Wednesday after the rate-cut decision. I don’t see mortgage rates soaring, they should be attractive for quite some time and the weakness in the economy will keep long-term rates from rising too much. Interest rates for other consumer products could drop. Adjustable-rate mortgages and some credit card rates are tied to short-term rates that closely follow the federal funds rate set by the Fed. Consumers will see rates on home-equity lines and credit cards tumbling over the next two months. With home-equity rates falling it will present an opportunity for financially well positioned homeowners with significant amount of equity to borrow at a very attractive cost.
- Dan Marino's Parkland Estate on the auction block
Do you want to take a look at Dan Marino's house currently up for auction. Click the link here. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/realestate/sfl-danmarinohouseforsale-video,0,6249569.worldnowvideo They trickled in slowly Friday, driving through ornate, electronically-controlled wrought iron gates to walk the halls of a multi-million dollar home that former Miami Dolphins football legend Dan Marino had once planned to live in. The mansion, at 6429 NW 65 Way, is up for auction on Saturday, another casualty of South Florida's continuing real estate slump."It's nice for entertaining," said Parkland resident Stacey Zedeck, as she and her brother Frank Hawthorne, of New York, checked out the airy kitchen and sprawling living room during an open house. "It's an interesting house and it's well-decorated."The seven-bedroom, 9½-bath mansion was listed for sale at $3.5 million. It will be sold by auction at 11 a.m. on Saturday by Naples-based auctioneer Daniel DeCaro.In South Florida to check out property, Hawthorne said the house is impressive but not suited to his taste. He spent more than 30 minutes touring the huge house, but said the Dan Marino link to the property had nothing to do with his curiousity."It has a lot of architectural interest. It's sort of Southwest meets Morocco meets South America," Hawthorne said, grinning. "But it's not exactly what I'm looking for. There's a lot of dark wood, and that's not really my thing. The master bedroom was very nice, and the courtyard was very nice.""Stars don't really impress me too much," Hawthorne said.Walking through the foyer, Coral Springs resident Gail Roberts nodded her approval."It's big," said Roberts, who works in a medical office, and stopped by Friday afternoon for a look-see. "I was curious and my husband said, 'Go look.' I said, 'Why not?'"The open house was scheduled to last until 5 p.m., but only registered bidders will be permitted to attend the auction. To qualify, bidders must show a driver's license, a certified check for $25,000 and a blank personal check.DeCaro said Marino and his wife, Claire, can reject the highest bid, but the Marinos "are very motivated to have the house sold," DeCaro said.The couple bought the home for $2.95 million in 2005. They won't be at the auction but likely will listen in on the phone, DeCaro said. Many frustrated sellers are turning to auctions as a way to unload properties during the housing slump.The Marinos could not be reached. They're also selling their Weston estate, which has been reduced to $13.5 million from $15.9 million. Might they consider auctioning that property? "I don't know what their plans are," listing agent Tim Elmes said.Even if both houses sell, the Marinos are not expected to leave South Florida.
- 10 TIPS FROM THIS WEEKENDS SHOW ON RETURN ON YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENTS
The truth is that most home improvements don't increase the value of your house as much as they cost. If you are getting ready to move and want to make home improvements that actually increase the value of your house, HERE IS YOUR TOP 10
1. Clean / de-clutter - 973% Average Return on Investment: Remove clutter by storing items in basement, attic or friend's home. Rent a storage space or sell excess items, if needed. Keep every room very clean during open homes. Do pre-open house cleanliness inspections.
2. Lighten and brighten - 865% Average Return on Investment: Replace any burnt-out bulbs and use higher wattage bulbs, if possible. Have defective electrical components repaired or replaced. Make sure skylights are clear and keep drapes open during the day.
3. Yard - 426% Average Return on Investment: Store away personal effects from front yard. Hire gardener or landscaper to trim back the overgrowth and maintain yard. Make sure that your lawn has a healthy green appearance.
4. Plumbing and electrical - 260% Average Return on Investment: Consider repairing or replacing any defective plumbing or electrical items in your home. Make sure you have the right person for the job by getting several estimates.
5. Staging - 251% Average Return on Investment: Buy some fresh flowers, live plants and other decorations to liven up the home. Dispose of old furniture or other large items. Consider renting furniture or hiring a staging consultant.
6. Update kitchen and bath - 168% Average Return on Investment: Update kitchen and baths by resurfacing cabinets or painting with neutral color. Replace toilet seats, dated fixtures and drawer/cabinet handles. Freshly caulk and redo grout in countertops, sinks, tubs and showers.
7. Paint interior - 148% Average Return on Investment: Repair any damaged interior walls by patching all chips, holes and cracks; then touch up or repaint interior walls with neutral color.
8. Carpeting = 104% Average Return on Investment: If carpets are only lightly soiled, shampooing and/or spot removal should suffice. If there are rips, fading, heavy wear, smells or deep stains, replace with neutral color.
9. Flooring - 101% Average Return on Investment: Repair and refinish damaged floors, or cover with neutral-colored wall to wall carpet and note damage in your disclosure.
10. Paint exterior - 76% Average Return on Investment: Repaint or resurface the outside walls of house, as needed. Patch and repair any damaged areas.
- NEW Website!
I can't tell you how excited I am about the NEW website. It is JAM packed with info on listings and real estate tools. Check it out and tell me what you think.
www.davidvannoyjr.com
- Foreclosure and Redemption Question on the Show
Q: I listened to your radio show last Saturday. My home has been foreclosed on and I am selling it in the redemption period. You mentioned a difference in selling a foreclosed home as far as funds needing to be somewhere seven days ahead of time verses one day on a normal sale. I didn't catch the whole conversation but I am concerned all the parts won't come together on the sale. My agent has called the mortgage company for the necessary paperwork but he hasn't worked with this type of sale before. A: Borrowers have redemption rights in Missouri only if the buyer at the sale was the lender, but not if the buyer was anyone else. Does that make sense? However, the redemption requirements are so cumbersome that most borrowers do not take advantage of this right. First, the borrower must give advance notice of their intent, either at the sale or 10 days prior to the sale. Second, the borrower must post a bond within 20 days after the sale, which provides an amount equal to the following: the mortgage interest, any secondary loan interest, and taxes that will accrue for one year after the sale; foreclosure expenses; legal fees; damages; plus 6 percent interest. If able to meet these requirements, the owner can redeem the property within one year by paying off the amount owed plus any fees.
Here is a link that you may find helpful http://www.foreclosureuniversity.com/studycenter/foreclosurelaws/missouri.php
Door 2 Door with David Van Noy Jr. on Hot Talk 1510 Saturday mornings 10am-11am
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First Time Buyers >Finding A Real Estate Agent
Finding an experienced, reliable real estate agent whom you like and trust is the first step in locating your new home. Here is an approach to finding the right agent.
Call or stop by a real estate office and ask to speak with the manager. Describe the type of home you are looking for. The manager can refer you to an agent who knows that market very well. You might also use weekend "open houses" as opportunities to look for a real estate agent, as well as a new home. It is really a matter of chemistry! If you meet someone who is knowledgeable and with whom you feel comfortable, call that person!
Once you establish a strong working relationship with a real estate agent, your agent can show you a number of homes for sale, even if they are listed with other companies. Often the agent can show you a property as soon as it is placed on the market. Many of the best homes never even make it to the weekend classified section of the newspaper!
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| Q |
What bizarre post-midnight pageant celebrated the great transformation in Manhattan architecture during the 1920s?
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| A |
Beaux-Arts Architects' Ball (January 23, 1931) at the Hotel Astor commemorated the end of the first skyscraper age. |
 See More Real Estate Trivia > |
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