7 signs You May Have Drainage Problems

You don’t need to be a house inspector to know that puddles in the basement or a lake on the front lawn are signs of drainage trouble. But not all drainage problems are so obvious. Some can be hard to spot unless you know what to look for. Here’s how the pros read seven of the more subtle signs of potential water damage, and why you’ll save big bucks if you tackle these problems now instead of later.  Click HERE to read more!

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/articles/7-signs-you-may-have-a-drainage-problem/#ixzz1HvV0b1tdIf you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

7 Smart Strategies for Kitchen Remodeling

Home owners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project, according to the Home Improvement Research Institute. And with good reason. Kitchens are the hub of home life, and a source of pride.

A significant portion of kitchen remodeling costs may be recovered by the value the project brings to your home. Kitchen remodels in the $50,000 to $60,000 range recoup about 69% of the initial project cost at the home’s resale, according to recent data from Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.  To make sure you maximize your return, follow these seven smart kitchen remodeling strategies.  READ MORE

If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

Local Market Stats - February 2011

Average Sales Price  -  $122,164
Average Days on Market  -  97
# of Properties Sold in Feb  -  47

The territorial jurisdiction of the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS®, Inc. includes Cole, Callaway, Moniteau, and Osage Counties.  This representation is based in whole or part on data supplied by the Multiple Listing Service of the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS®, Inc.  Neither the Board nor its MLS guarantees or is any way responsible for its accuracy.  Data maintained by the Board or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market

If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

Spring & Summer Seasonal Maintenance Guide

Certain home maintenance tasks should be completed each season to prevent structural damage, save energy, and keep all your home’s systems running properly. What maintenance tasks are most important for the Midwest in spring and summer? Here are the major issues you should be aware of and critical tasks you should complete. READ MORE......



If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

Landscaping for Curb Appeal

A beautiful yard is a head-turner, no doubt about it. The good news is that even if you can’t tell a tulip from a turnip at the garden center, you can still create eye-catching curb appeal by paying attention to the basics of good landscaping. Ignoring your yard—or doing something that’s out of character with the neighborhood—can jeopardize the assessed value of your home.  READ MORE..... 

If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

Current Local Mortgage Rates

Current Local Mortgage Rates
30 year 4.75%
20 year 4.75%
15 year 3.875%
10 year 3.875%

If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

Super Bowl Party Ideas

Well.... it's finally here!  Super Bowl is this Sunday.  If you are hosting friends and family, I have found some very useful tips from decor to dips and from guides to games and how to save $$ and entertain the kids.  Click here 


If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

Current Local Mortgage Rates

30 year 4.875%

20 year 4.875%
15 year 4.25%
10 year 4.25%

Rates subject to change at any time. Provided by Lynne Bateman, Mid America Bank, 573-896-4790 Rates quoted above are for qualified borrowers with a 95% loan-to-value (LTV) or less. Please call for rates on mortgage loans with 95.01%-97% LTV. Rates subject to change at any time without notice Credit scores may adversely affect quoted rates.

If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

Curent Local Mortgage Interest rates

30 year 4.875%
20 year 4.875%
15 year 4.375%
10 year 4.375%

Rates subject to change at any time. Provided by Lynne Bateman, Mid America Bank, 573-896-4790 Rates quoted above are for qualified borrowers with a 95% loan-to-value (LTV) or less. Please call for rates on mortgage loans with 95.01%-97% LTV. Rates subject to change at any time without notice Credit scores may adversely affect quoted rates.

If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

Winter Energy-Saving Tips

Winter can be an energy-intensive time of year. It is understandable to want to reduce your energy consumption as the temperature drops. Thankfully, numerous energy-saving strategies are simple and easy to do. Here are a few pointers on how to keep the heat inside this winter.  Click here

If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

Year to Date Stats for the Jefferson City Area

Year-to-Date Statistics


January 1-17, 2011
# New Listings - 92
# Sold Listings - 12
Average Sales Price - $131,908
List-to-Sell Ratio - 96.56%
Average Days on Market - 99

Previous Year-to-Date Statistics
January 1-17, 2010
# New Listings - 70
# Sold Listings - 28
Average Sales Price - $139,596
List-to-Sell Ratio - 95.52%
Average Days on Market - 74

The territorial jurisdiction of the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS®, Inc. includes Cole, Callaway, Moniteau, and Osage Counties. This representation is based in whole or part on data supplied by the Multiple Listing Service of the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS®, Inc. Neither the Board nor its MLS guarantees or is any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Board or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.


If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

Happy New Year!

I have been away from my blog for quite some time now.  However, one of my New Year's resolutions is to commit to keeping it updated more regularly.  I hope to post information that is useful to anyone in the Central Mo area interested in real estate.  Comments and/or suggestions appreciated!


If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

Current Local Mortgage Interest Rates

30 year 5.25%
20 year 5.25%
15 year 4.625%
10 year 4.625%

*Rates subject to change at any time. Provided by Lynne Bateman, Mid America Bank, 573-896-4790 Rates quoted above are for qualified borrowers with a 95% loan-to-value (LTV) or less. Please call for rates on mortgage loans with 95.01%-97% LTV. Rates subject to change at any time without notice Credit scores may adversely affect quoted rates.

If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

The Jefferson City Area Board of Realtors is participating in the nationwide open house weekend, April 10-11.  How is this weekend any different from other weekends?  This is an incredible opportunity for consumers to shop for a new home while interest rates are still low, while home prices are affordable, and the expanded first time home buyer federal tax credit is still available.  Homes all across the area will be open that weekend for the convenience of the looker.  Saturday morning - East of Highway 54, Saturday afternoon - West of Highway 54, Sunday - North of the Missouri River.  Contact me and Watch the News Tribune Home Buyer's Guide for more details.

If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

Local Market Stats

JEFFERSON CITY AREA BOARD OF REALTORS®, INC.

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE  -RESIDENTIAL STATISTICS
JANUARY 2010

                                                       January 2010        January 2009

# of Active Listings                           624                        713

# New Listings                                   153                         83

# Units Sold                                         44                         32

       Avg Sales Price                          $127,998               $135,959

Avg Days on Market                            75                          42

     Total Units Sold – YTD                         44                          32

The territorial jurisdiction of the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS®, Inc. includes Cole, Callaway, Moniteau, and Osage Counties. This representation is based in whole or part on data supplied by the Multiple Listing Service of the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS®, Inc. Neither the Board nor its MLS guarantees or is any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Board or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.


If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

4th Annual Cinco De Mayo Run to Benefit Council for Drug Free Youth

May 1, Memorial Park, Jefferson City

Click here for more info

“FAIR HOUSING ROCKS! A HOME FOR ALL”

April is Fair Housing Month and the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS®, Inc. is recognizing this event with a poster contest.  The contest is open to all area 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students.  Winners will be announced on Thursday, April 1, 2010. 1st place will receive $100 savings bond, 2nd place will receive $75 savings bond and 3rd will receive $50 savings bond.  Winners for each age group!!!  All entries will be displayed at the Capital Mall from April 12-30, 2010.  Click here for more details and rules

If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

How do you tell if there's more value for you in fixing up or moving on?

First, estimate your costs to buy a new home. Add up the home-selling and real-estate-agent costs (packing, moving and the new loan financing). Don't forget hidden items. The buyer may ask you to replace the carpet before you sell. Or what if you have to replace appliances? Make your best effort to include everything it will cost in time and money to sell your home and buy a new place. Then estimate what you may get for your house and how much cash you will leave with to put down on a new home.

If you like your neighbors and your school district, consider remodeling. You can get exactly the home you want, and you won't risk any buyer's remorse. Estimate the cost of making the crucial renovations needed for you to stay. Decide what you would like to do and go price-shopping at your home improvement store. Call contractors, and get estimates. This is especially important if you need to add on extra square footage.

Look at what it would cost to move, then what it would cost to remodel. Add in the X-factors like friends, schools and neighbors, then you can make an informed decision.

If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

Assistance Programs for First Time Homebuyers

Although many people can afford a mortgage payment and associated costs to owning their own home, the thought of coming up with a substantial down payment often stops them from taking the plunge. Charity organizations and federal institutions are available to these buyers to assist with this problem.   read more

If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

There has never been a better time to buy!

Hurry time is running out on the tax credit incentives the Federal Government has in place for home buyers!!

While interest rates remain historically low, there are plenty of homes to choose from at very affordable prices.... and to sweeten the pot there is the tax credit - up to $8,000 for qualified first time home buyers, whose income is within the IRS established limits..... AND up to $6500 for existing home owners. This is money that never has to be repaid as long as you live in the home 3 years.

You must sign a purchase contract no later than April 30, 2010.

DON'T wait, give me a call, I can give you more details and I can help you decide whether now is the time for you to buy.

Click here for more details.

Current Local Mortgage Interest Rates

Rates effective as of 02/25/2010
CONVENTIONAL FIXED RATE MORTGAGES

Term (Fixed): Rate:
30 year 5.00%
20 year 5.00%
15 year 4.375%
10 year 4.375%
*Rates subject to change at any time. Provided by Lynne Bateman, Mid America Bank, 573-896-4790 Rates quoted above are for qualified borrowers with a 95% loan-to-value (LTV) or less. Please call for rates on mortgage loans with 95.01%-97% LTV. Rates subject to change at any time without notice Credit scores may adversely affect quoted rates.
If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

Going Green Website

I found a great resource for "Going Green" at home.  This website has daily tips and news on how to save money and energy at home.  You will find info on home repairs and updates that pay you back, gardening tips, how to measure your home's "green-ness", and how to live a green life in general.  Click here


If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, or just have questions about the market, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at www.hankshouses.com, email: hankvogt@yahoo.com, or text 573-353-7371. “I want to be your Jefferson City real estate resource" ~~  I am at your service!

JC Board visit officials to discuss issues

The Jefferson City Area Board of Realtors met with their elected officials on the state level to discuss issues concerning real estate ownership, taxation, fees, home inspectors, and more. The board has always been pro-active in making sure the people we elect keep home ownership rights in mind when voting on legislation. This year we let them know that we opposed any new taxation on the home owner through property taxes, fees and special assessments. We supported efforts to have inspectors go through some sort of licensing procedure before being allowed to conduct home inspections. This was our chance to make an early and positive impact by insuring those that make policy for Missourians have input from involved real estate professionals.

Current Local Sales Trends

Current Month StatisticsNovember 1-30, 2009
# New Listings - 154
# Under Contract Listings - 37
# Sold Listings - 84
Average Sales Price - $136,586
List-to-Sell Ratio - 96.31%

Year-to-Date Statistics January 1 - November 30, 2009
# New Listings - 1,500
# Sold Listings - 1,071
Average Sales Price - $136,373
List-to-Sell Ratio - 96.56%
Average Days on Market - 94

Previous Year-to-Date StatisticsJanuary 1 - November 30, 2008
# New Listings - 1,355
# Sold Listings - 986
Average Sales Price - $138,301
List-to-Sell Ratio - 96.62%
Average Days on Market - 88

The territorial jurisdiction of the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS®, Inc. includes Cole, Callaway, Moniteau, and Osage Counties. This representation is based in whole or part on data supplied by the Multiple Listing Service of the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS®, Inc. Neither the Board nor its MLS guarantees or is any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Board or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

THANK YOU!!!

The Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS would like to thank the community for supporting the REALTORS & Friends Keep the Home Fires Burning fundraiser to support the Samaritan Center utility assistance program.

Thanks to the overwhelming support, a check in the amount of $3,888.00 was presented to the Samaritan Center to help low-income families in central Missouri pay their utility bills this winter.

The Eagles served chili to 500 people at the fundraiser on October 13, 2009.In addition to the chili supper and raffle, a canned food drive was held with 2,627 pounds of food for the Samaritan Center pantry.

REALTORS PACK THE BUS!

Realtors donated several shopping carts full of school supplies for the Annual Pack the Bus Program. The Jefferson City Area Board of Realtors purchased back to school supplies to be donated to the Smaritan Center for handout to school children who might not otherwise be able to start the school year out with a new back pack, or notebooks, or pencils.

Great Tips for Home Buyers

With the tax credits in place and interest rates still holding at near-all-time lows, here are some tips for buyers:

Start today. Binding purchase agreements have to be in place by April 30 in order to qualify for the federal tax credits, and with the improvements already showing in the housing market, another extension is highly unlikely. While the deadline is still five months away, the time will pass quickly—and so will the opportunities. If you have a home to sell, get it listed now, and price it aggressively. If you wait for the market to improve, the price of the home you’re wanting to purchase will also rise—and you’ll lose the added advantage of the federal tax credit.

Shop for good prices, but don’t count on “steals.” The extension of the tax credit to existing home owners will provide added incentive for sellers who want to gain the advantage on their move up. And that means opportunities for buyers. But don’t count on “lowballs” winning the deal, as more buyers will be in the marketplace competing for the prize! Properties in foreclosure can provide some good pricing, but getting the banks to agree to the “short sale” numbers is a slow and tedious process that could cause you to miss the deadline.

Interest rates will likely rise. Rates are currently at near-all-time lows—with the 30-year-fixed still hovering around five-percent. But as the housing market improves, the government’s purchase of mortgage-backed securities will likely decline. And that will bring rising mortgage rates. That’s another big incentive to get your purchase—and your rate—locked in early in 2010.

Prices will also rise. According to a recent MarketWatch.com report, home sales nationwide are now up nearly 36 percent from their bottom last January. At the current pace, there is only a seven-month supply of homes on the market, and in some areas there are already bidding wars. Increased buyer interest will likely offset any further decreases in prices that may result from the foreclosure marketplace.

Current Mortgage Rates

Rates effective as of 12/01/2009

CONVENTIONAL FIXED RATE MORTGAGES
Term (Fixed):
30 year 4.75%
20 year 4.625%
15 year 4.250%
10 year 4.250%

*Rates subject to change at any time. Provided by Lynne Bateman, Mid America Bank, 573-896-4790 Rates quoted above are for qualified borrowers with a 95% loan-to-value (LTV) or less. Please call for rates on mortgage loans with 95.01%-97% LTV. Rates subject to change at any time without notice Credit scores may adversely affect quoted rates.

If you're thinking of selling or buying in the Jefferson City Missouri Area, contact me direct at (573)761-3485 or online at http://www.hankshouses.com/ . “I want to be your Jefferson City Real Estate Resource ~ I am at your service!"

Bright Ideas for Your Bathroom

The glorious new tub, the beautiful new fixtures, and the sleek countertops always get top billing in the bathroom remodel. But don't forget one of the players most worthy of the spotlight—the lighting.

Lighting designers say a mix of different lighting types is essential in the bathroom to help blend all the bathrooms elements and create a unified look.
Unlike other rooms of the house, the bathroom is crammed with an assortment of materials and finishes.

"You have wall tile, floor tile, shower tile, faucet hardware, towel bars, wallpaper and paint all in a space often smaller than 100 square feet," said Dan Blitzer, a Manhattan-based educator for the American Lighting Association.

There are three general types of lighting: general lighting provides overall illumination; task lighting provides light for a specific task, like reading, homework, and computer work; and accent lighting puts the spotlight on a piece of art, plants, or other favorite possession. READ MORE

Local Housing Market Statistics

Current Month Statistics August 1-21, 2009

# New Listings - 123

# Under Contract Listings - 62

# Sold Listings - 42

Average Sales Price - $128,901

List-to-Sell Ratio - 95.8%

Year-to-Date Statistics January 1 - August 21, 2009

# New Listings - 1,455

# Sold Listings - 713

Average Sales Price - $135,751

List-to-Sell Ratio - 94.4%

Average Days on Market - 93

Previous Year-to-Date Statistics January 1 - August 21, 2008

# New Listings - 1,576

# Sold Listings - 689

Average Sales Price - $134,757

List-to-Sell Ratio - 93.7%

Average Days on Market - 89

The territorial jurisdiction of the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS®, Inc. includes Cole, Callaway, Moniteau, and Osage Counties. This representation is based in whole or part on data supplied by the Multiple Listing Service of the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS®, Inc. Neither the Board nor its MLS guarantees or is any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Board or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.