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bradleypapa

I am a licensed Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Stateline and have lived in Kansas City almost my entire life. I enjoy sports, working out and trying the newest restaurants and bars. I currently live in Olathe with my wife, Kelly and our dog, Colin.
January 2009
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Sign up for this free seminar and learn how to get $7,500 from the government to buy your first home! 

Do you have questions about the $7,500 government tax credit for first time home buyers? Not sure where to start your home-buying journey? Have you  heard it's a great time to buy, but you aren't sure? Come to this FREE seminar and learn money-saving secrets to buying a home!

Free Homebuyer Class
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Chase Suite Hotel
6300 W. 110th Street
Overland Park, KS
RSVP Required: 913.526.4985 or bradleypapa@remax.net

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When you think about what kind of home your want, it's important to look at your current stage of life. Are you just starting out, with an anticipated increase in income or the size of your family? Do you have children? What are their ages? Will they be moving away from home soon? Different Kansas City homes can suit your needs at different stages of your life.


There was a time when people lived in the same home virtually all their lives, but that is no longer the case. Now, statistics indicate that people live in their homes an average of 5 to 7 years. Instead of looking for one home that will meet your needs indefinitely, consider buying a home that meets your needs for the next 5 to 10 years.


Your neighborhood is every bit as important as your home, so spend some time thinking about what you want in that too. There are great houses for sale in many different subdivisions and it's important to choose the ones that fits your needs. Is proximity to certain schools important to you? Recreational amenities such as a pool or tennis courts? Maintenance provided? Take some time to decide what is most important to you and your family!
 

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 When it comes to buying a home, there are really only two primary steps. 

1.  Get pre-approved

2.  Find a realtor you trust 

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Application/Origination Fees: Fee charged by lender for processing a loan application, it is stated as a percentage among and may be called "points"

Closing Fee: The fee charged by the closing agent who prepares the closing documents and closes the loan on behalf of the lender. The is usually called the Title Company

Closing costs: Expenses (over and above the price of the property) incurred by buyers and sellers in transferring ownership of a property. These are sometimes called "settlement costs"

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 ImageChef.com - Custom comment codes for MySpace, Hi5, Friendster and moreThe house you ultimately choose to call  home will play a major role in your family's life. A home can be an excellent investment, of course, but more importantly, it should fit the way you really live, with spaces and features that appeal to everyone in the family At easy home pay close attention to these important considerations.

Location: Is it convenient for your work? Near major highways and shops? Notice if it backs to a busy street or is near railroad tracks.

Is there enough room for you now and in the near future: How many bedrooms do you anticipate needing? Do you want an extra bedroom for use as an office? Do you need a finished basement?

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Many people don’t realize how important their credit score is and how much of an impact it can have on their mortgage payment.  Sometimes just a difference of 1 point can make a difference of around $50 on one’s mortgage payment.  There are several techniques that one can use in order to improve their credit score.  The easiest one is to manipulate credit card debt.

The credit bureaus will look at your ratios on your credit cards.  If you have a $1000 limit, and you have a balance of $750…that is considered high risk and thus your credit score will be impacted in a negative fashion.  You can help your score by taking one of 3 actions:     

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Remember the main rule of selling your home: the way you live in a home and the way you sell a home are two totally different things! You should try to make your house as universally appealing as possible with natural colors, minimized personal items and absolutely no clutter!

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So, you are ready to buy or sell in the Kansas City real estate market, but now you are now wondering how to you find a qualified, professional real estate agent? Here are some helpful suggestions!

A real estate agent should not just be just handed the job, they should have to earn it. Before you got your current job, you had to complete a resume with your qualifications, interview for the job, make a great impression on the hiring agent and most of all, demonstrate why you were the best solution for the position. It should be the same when hiring a real estate agent.

I suggest identifying three to four agents in your area and interview them. Ask them similar questions such as:

  • Are you a full-time or part-time agent?
  • How long have you been in the business?
  • Can I call your previous clients for references?
  • How do you differentiate yourself form other Olathe real estate agents?
  • Why should I hire you?

Make up your own list of questions! Then consider other factors important to you such as: experience, communication style, areas of experties etc. You deserve the very best representation!

As a client, you deserve to have the best representation. If you receive a referral or if you have a friend that is an agent, make sure that they are your best solution. If the agent doesn't find your needs, a friend, family member or a referral could cost you thousands.

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Low Interest Rate:  Interest rates are historically low, so buy now and lock in at a great rate!  Click here for a mortgage calculator

Lots of Choices: Housing volume is at an all time high, so you have a lot of inventory to choose from when searching for your dream home.
 
Stop Paying Your Landlord: Start paying yourself! By buying a house, YOU will be gaining the benefits instead of putting money in a landlord’s pocket each month.

It’s Grilling Season: Because of the fire code, most apartment complexes don’t allow grills, but if you own, you can host outdoor BBQ’s with your friends every week!
 
You Decide The Color: With your own house, you will be able to redecorate and renovate any way you like, any time you like. You have total freedom to choose your paint colors, install carpet, re-do the bathroom or throw out the kitchen sink!
 
Sellers Want To Negotiate: Because of all the houses on the market, many sellers need to sell their home! This could make them more apt to work with you by lowing the purchase price, paying for your closing costs or leaving the refrigerator!
 
Save On Your Taxes: While you will have to pay interest each month, it is tax deductible and give you a lot to write off at the end of the year. By continuing to rent, you will only be paying that money, not saving!

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My personal RE/MAX website now features a foreclosed homes search! Visit http://www.PapasInTheHouse.com or click on the below direct link and start your search for foreclosures in the Kansas City area.

http://www.papasinthehouse.com/remaxmidstates/modules/agent/agent.asp?p=findahome.asp&selected=foreclosure

The foreclosure search is easy to use, but to get the full information on the home you will have to register for a free trial at RealtyTrac. If you don't want to register, but want more information on any of the homes, contact me at bradleypapa@remax.net or 913-526-4985.

This search is made available through a partnership with RE/MAX, Webeveloper Reliance Network and foreclosure data provider RealtyTrac.

Brad Papa is a licensed real estate agent in both Kansas and Missouri and can be reached at bradleypapa@remax.net , 913-526-4985 or www.PapasInTheHouse.com today!

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