Kansas City Real Estate Agent | Home Buying Tips

Kansas City Real Estate Agent Gives Money Saving Tips For Home Sellers

8/11/2020

An experienced Kansas City real estate agent like Ed Rippee understands that the cost of getting your house ready to sell can feel daunting. The best way to save money selling your home is to sell it quickly. Fortunately, there are a few ways to cut costs while making your home appealing to buyers. Here I have compiled a few money saving tips for home sellers.

Enhance Curb Appeal

Every Kansas City real estate agent knows that first impressions are everything. Fortunately, a little elbow grease and ingenuity can step up your curb appeal for next to nothing. Start by cleaning up yard debris and spraying down the sidewalk and driveway. Scrub or power wash the outside of the house, including the windows. Weed and mow the lawn, and trim overgrown shrubs and trees. Fresh mulch can make your landscaping look like new, and you may even be able to get it for free using ChipDrop, which connects you to local arborists with mulch to get rid of.

Declutter

When you’re trying to sell your house, it helps to think of it as not really yours already. It is hard for buyers to picture themselves in a home when it is filled with someone else’s knickknacks, photos, and mementos. If you have things that you don’t need or want when you move, selling them is a great way to offset costs associated with preparing your home for sale.

Make Minor Repairs

Necessary repairs like electrical, roofing, plumbing, and drainage problems will be a major red flag to buyers. Any Kansas City real estate agent can tell you that you’ll get a much better price for your house if it is move-in ready. Hiring specialists for all of these jobs can get expensive, so if you aren’t the DIY type, hiring a handyman is a good way to cut costs.

Deep Clean

Cleaning is another area where elbow grease pays off. Prospective buyers will be looking at every nook and cranny of your home, so make sure it is spotless top to bottom. Save money by searching the internet for DIY cleaning solutions and using rags and towels instead of cleaning wipes.

Stage It To Sell

Staging is also important to allow potential buyers to see themselves in your house. You can save money on staging by doing it yourself with your own things, but only if they are clean, neutral, and in good shape. If you don’t have great decor items, pick up a few pieces from a thrift or bargain store to make the space look finished. A knowledgeable Kansas City real estate agent can give you pointers if you aren’t a natural decorator.

When you are ready to sell your home, Kansas City Real Estate Agent Ed Rippee is here to help you save money by selling your house quickly for the best price possible. For more information, click here or call (816) 213-9362.

A Kansas City MO Realtor Gives Curb Appeal Advice

7/28/2020

Every Kansas City MO Realtor knows that curb appeal is crucial to getting top dollar for your home. First impressions are everything, and buyers usually see a photo of the front of the house before they know anything else about it. Even if you aren’t ready to sell, great curb appeal is a source of pride and satisfaction, as well as ingratiating you to your neighbors. It can raise the value not only of your home, but the whole neighborhood. There are many simple things you can do to boost your curb appeal, and some of them take only a few minutes and a tiny budget.

Cleaning up is the first step a Kansas City MO Realtor will recommend. Get rid of or put away any deteriorated pieces or unsightly items like hoses, garden tools, and toys. Power washing sidewalks, driveways, and the building itself can make a huge difference in appearance. Don’t forget to clean out the gutters and wash the windows. Trimming shrubs, removing weeds, and reseeding bare patches in the lawn is important as well. Alternatively, if you’re up for a bigger project, landscaping with mulch or rock cuts back on necessary mowing and weeding, and is an excellent option for areas where it is difficult to grow or maintain lush turf.

As a Kansas City MO Realtor, I love showing a cozy, welcoming home. A few simple additions like planters on and around the porch and shutters and flower boxes on windows can turn a house from stark and plain to cozy and homey in no time. Painting or replacing your front door gives your home a whole new look. A larger undertaking that can make an even bigger impact is a fresh coat of paint or replacing siding on the whole house.

Lighting is an aspect of the home that any Kansas City MO Realtor will encourage you to pay attention to, inside and out. If your porch light fixture is old, replacing it may make more difference than you think. Consider adding additional lighting with string lights around the top of the porch or solar powered LED walkway and garden lights. A motion detecting security light or two can make buyers feel safe and show neighbors that you’re looking out - just make sure they don’t shine into any of their windows!

For the finishing touches, update your house number and mailbox, and don’t forget a cute welcome mat. When you’re ready to sell (or buy) and need a Kansas City MO Realtor, call RE/MAX Results Agent Ed Rippee at (816) 213-9362.

Kansas City Real Estate Experts’ Top 10 Staging Tips for Home Sellers

7/14/2020

Kansas City Real Estate Experts Top 10 Staging Tips For Home Sellers Ed Rippee REMAX.jpg

When you’re ready to sell your home, Kansas City real estate experts like Ed Rippee recommend good staging to make it look its best for potential buyers. Home staging is how we highlight a home’s best features and help buyers imagine themselves living there. These are our ten most important steps to staging your home.

1. Enhance your curb appeal.

Kansas City real estate experts know that curb appeal is your first chance to make a good impression, so be sure to make it count. Power-wash your patios and walkways, mow the lawn, weed the garden, and add some potted plants and flowers.

2. Clean, clean, and clean some more.

Mop, dust, vacuum, wash windows, walls and baseboards - make every nook and cranny sparkle. Potential buyers will look in your cupboards, under your sinks, and in your closets, too. Pay particular attention to odors, as well. Have a friend come by for a smell test to make sure there is nothing hanging around that you’ve become acclimated to

3. Give it a fresh coat of paint.

Kansas City real estate experts advise freshening walls up with a neutral color scheme. You may love that red accent wall, but colors that are too bright or dark tend to put off potential buyers.

4. Finish your honey do list.

If you’ve been neglecting that squeaky door or broken fixture, now is the time to fix it. Update any old or tacky hardware like drawer pulls and door knobs.

5. Mind the floors.

Rip up worn out carpets. Consider refinishing rough looking hardwood floors, or throw down a new area rug to disguise them.

6. Depersonalize the home.

Buyers want to see the house, not your stuff. Get rid of any clutter and unnecessary personal items.

7. Edit your furnishings.

Get rid of any worn or outdated furniture, and break up matching sets. Kansas City real estate experts suggest consulting with a professional staging company to ensure the broadest possible appeal.

8. Display contemporary artwork or photography.

Investing in new artwork is a great way to add a splash of color to a room and show its possibilities to buyers.

9. Let the sunshine in.

Open up blinds and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible.

10. Light it up.

Replace any outdated light fixtures and switches, and supplement with lamps where natural light is insufficient.

When you’re looking for Kansas City real estate experts to help you sell or buy a home, look no further than RE/MAX Results Agent Ed Rippee. For more information, call (816) 213-9362.

I Need A Real Estate Agent Kansas City: Is Home Ownership Still A Smart Investment?

6/23/2020

I Need A Real Estate Agent Kansas City: Is Home Ownership Still A Smart Investment?
“I need a real estate agent in Kansas City because I’m not sure if owning a home is still a good investment.” This is a common sentiment since the bubble burst in 2008, but the truth is that it almost always is. About the only reasons it wouldn’t be a sound investment would be if you want to resell the home in a short amount of time without making any improvements, if you pay more than the house is worth due to needed repairs, or if you buy more than you can afford.

“I need a real estate agent in Kansas City because I’m not sure what I can afford.” RE/MAX Results Agent Ed Rippee can help you determine how much home you can actually afford. He can suggest ways to finance your home and can also help you in the mortgage loan process by suggesting a mortgage counselor and arrange to have you "pre-approved" for home buying.

“I need a real estate agent in Kansas City to help me find the right home to invest in.” When you’re ready to start looking, Ed can supply relevant home buying information such as real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities that may not be easily accessible to the typical home buyer.

“I need a real estate agent in Kansas City to help me avoid a money pit.” Ed has access to a listing of all available homes in your Kansas City, MO location and can evaluate them based on your list of needs and the budget you have available. This will prevent you from wasting your time with homes that don't fit your specifications. When looking at houses, Ed can often suggest simple, creative changes that you might not have considered. When you find a home you like, Ed will provide you with a list of qualified home experts in Kansas City, MO including home inspectors, pest inspectors, and surveyors to help you schedule and coordinate all of your inspection appointments.

“I need a real estate agent in Kansas City to help me find a turnkey home.” A turnkey home is one that is move-in ready with no repairs or improvements required. This will usually be new construction, a newer build, or a home that has been updated by previous owners to suit your personal tastes. Ed will help you find the home that is best suited to your needs, taking into account home and lot size, style of the home, features desired, location and its accessibility to schools, public transportation, shopping and dining options, and any other personal preferences that go into your home buying decision.

Whatever your specific needs are, Ed Rippee has the knowledge, skills, and experience to make sure your new home is sound investment. For more information, call Ed Rippee RE/MAX Results Kansas City at (816) 213-9362.

Kansas City Real Estate Agent Answers: Is Now A Good Time To Buy Or Sell?

6/9/2020

A good Kansas City real estate agent can help you buy or sell a home at any time, but with current events and the state of the economy, you may be wondering if now is really a good time. The answer depends on a few factors.

If you are looking to buy, you should know that we are currently in a low inventory housing market. There are relatively few homes listed for sale, which can make it difficult to find everything you’re looking for at your target price. With some preparation, flexibility, and a great Kansas City Real Estate Agent, though, it can definitely be done.

Get a good down payment set aside and mortgage pre-approval before you start looking. Having all your documentation ready gives you the ability to move quickly and beat other buyers to your dream home when you find it. Having a Kansas City real estate agent working for you is crucial as well, because they often know about promising early listings that you don’t yet have access to.

You should stick to homes at the low end of your budget, because bidding wars are common in a low inventory market. A lowball offer may be dismissed entirely, and you will likely have to raise your offer multiple times to win over the competition. Being flexible on closing dates and willing to rent back to sellers while they finalize their own purchase and move will give you an edge.

The good news if you’re ready to sell your home is that the Kansas City area had more first quarter home sales and fewer homes for sale this year than in 2019 despite the economic downturn. Add to that low mortgage interest rates, and you have a good time to sell a home. The coronavirus pandemic has added a few layers of difficulty to showing your home, however, so an experienced Kansas City real estate agent can make all the difference.

An attractive online listing is crucial for selling in the current market, so make sure you have eye-catching photos and a detailed, accurate description. Offering virtual open houses and high quality video tours is helpful. In person showings are still important, however, so precautions like cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces before and after showings are important. Leaving cabinets and closet doors open to reduce the need for touching surfaces and offering hand sanitizer are also helpful.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, having a knowledgeable and experienced Kansas City real estate agent is on your side is the best way to ensure success. RE/MAX Results Agent Ed Rippee has more than 20 years of experience and the power of the number one brand in real estate ready to work for you!

For information, call Ed Rippee RE/MAX Results Kansas City at (816) 213-9362.

Help! I Need A Real Estate Agent In Kansas City

5/26/2020

Are you thinking “I need a real estate agent?” Finding your dream home in a low inventory housing market can be difficult, but with the right strategy and a professional like Kansas City RE/MAX Results agent Ed Rippee, it is absolutely possible.

Preparation is key to getting the house you want. In addition to “I need a real estate agent,” you should be thinking “I need to secure financing.” Before you even start looking at listings, you should have a solid down payment set aside. The next step is get a mortgage pre-approval from a reputable lender and have all the necessary documentation ready to send in.

“I need a real estate agent” should be foremost in your mind because an established agent like Ed Rippee will know about up and coming listings in Kansas City that you won’t have access to yet on your own. The early bird gets the worm… Or the nest, in this case.

On the flip side, don’t overlook listings that have been on the market for a long time. They may have been poorly priced at the start, but if they’ve been on the market for a while the sellers may be ready to negotiate.

Be realistic about what you can afford, and avoid listings at the top of your budget. Competition between buyers can be stiff in low inventory markets, and homes often sell for more than the asking price. Also consider a fixer-upper - maybe it isn’t your dream home as is, but with a little vision and sweat equity it could be.

When you find the home you want, you’ll need to act quickly and make yourself look good to sellers to win over the competition. Having your financing pre-approved and inspectors lined up ahead of time will allow you to be flexible on closing dates, which is appealing to sellers. When you make an offer, try not to low-ball, and offer cash if possible.

Many sellers care deeply about the homes they are selling, and want to know that the buyer will take good care of it and be a good neighbor to the friends they’ve made there in addition to being serious about the purchase. It may help to write a personal letter to the seller, and you should always offer an appropriate amount of earnest money.

When you find yourself thinking “I need a real estate agent,” Kansas City RE/MAX Results agent Ed Rippee is here to help. Put Ed’s twenty years of real estate experience and the power of the RE/MAX name to work for you today.

For information, call Ed Rippee RE/MAX Results Kansas City at (816) 213-9362.

Tips From Real Estate Experts: How To Sell For Top Dollar In The COVID-19 Market

5/12/2020

Kansas City real estate experts like Ed Rippee are closely monitoring market changes and adhering to best practices during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The good news for sellers is that although some lenders have tightened underwriting standards, presenting a challenge to some buyers, other buyers have been encouraged by decreases in mortgage interest rates. In spite of the economic downturn, the Kansas City area had more first quarter home sales and fewer homes for sale this year than in 2019, making it still very much a seller’s market. If you are ready to sell, you should not let the pandemic scare you out of it. RE/MAX Results agent Ed Rippee is here to help you sell for top dollar even in this time of uncertainty.

Ed Rippee and other real estate experts agree that your home’s online listing is more important than ever in the COVID-19 market. While in-person showings are still possible and necessary, they must be limited and precautions must be taken. Many buyers are therefore doing their initial shopping via virtual open houses and tours. Eye-catching photos, high quality video tours, and detailed, accurate descriptions are a great way to give buyers confidence in your Kansas City property.

As in any market, staging can be the difference between selling for top dollar and only receiving low ball offers. An empty room doesn’t show much better than a cramped, cluttered room. One option that real estate experts are using more frequently during this time is virtual staging. Less expensive than on-site staging, virtual staging uses computer software to change paint, wallpaper, flooring, or anything else that might put buyers off about a property, and add suitable furnishings and decor to give your home the widest possible appeal. Even without a staging service though, there are things you can do to make your home more inviting, like turning on lights and opening blinds and doors to make your home appear brighter and more spacious.

Most buyers will still want an in-person showing before making an offer, and you can help them (and your family) feel safe by taking a few steps before they visit. Real estate experts recommend cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces like doorknobs and countertops before showings, as well as leaving closet and cabinet doors open to limit what needs to be touched. You should make soap and hand sanitizer available, and don’t hesitate to hang signs encouraging their frequent use. After the showing, thoroughly clean and disinfect again.

The single most important way to sell your Kansas City home for top dollar in an uncertain market is to align yourself with an experienced and dedicated real estate expert like Ed Rippee, who will guide you through the entire home sale process with professionalism and expertise. For information, call Ed Rippee RE/MAX Results Kansas City at (816) 213-9362.

Kansas City Real Estate Agent Ed Rippee Gets Results Working For RE/MAX

4/28/2020

Kansas City real estate agent Ed Rippee is a RE/MAX Results agent who is ready to help you sell your home. RE/MAX is the number one recognized real estate name worldwide, thanks to the overwhelming record of excellence held by the company; through the effective use of mass marketing, worldwide advertising and the appropriate use of affiliates, RE/MAX is known throughout the world as the industry’s leader. There are many reasons to use Kansas City real estate agent Ed Rippee to list your home for sale – he gets RE/MAX Results!

When you have RE/MAX professionals on your side, you'll align yourself with the number one brand in real estate, but more importantly, with an experienced and dedicated professional like Ed that will guide you through the entire home sale process. When you align yourself with a RE/MAX agent, you can expect professionalism, guidance, and expertise.

More than 120,000 agents are part of the RE/MAX network, which spans over 100 countries and territories on six continents – meaning there’s a worldwide network of agents marketing your property. Every day, RE/MAX agents translate global connections into “Sold.”

RE/MAX agents work primarily by referral. It takes an extraordinary level of service to earn those referrals. Their years of experience in the business and know-how allows you to sit back and relax. Ed has more than 20 years of real estate experience. As your Kansas City real estate agent, you can trust he will freely give unbiased advice to ensure your home selling experience is successful with as little hassle as possible.

Professional RE/MAX agents will guide you through the process. Plus, once you’re all set to move, our client concierge service will help you update your utilities, sign up for internet service, find a mover, and update your address – all to make the moving process easier for you!

RE/MAX agents are true professionals. They are hard-working, skilled and knowledgeable. RE/MAX agents average 15 years in real estate and average double the sales of other agents in the REAL Trends 500 survey of large brokerages. We make it look easy, but a lot of unexpected circumstances can arise with the sale of a home. Ed’s experience ensures you're in good hands.

More buyers and sellers would recommend RE/MAX than any other real estate brand. This means more inquiries on your home go right back to your RE/MAX listing agent. Nobody knows or can sell your home better than your RE/MAX Kansas City real estate agent Ed Rippee.

For information about Kansas City real estate agent Ed Rippee, RE/MAX Results Kansas City, call (816) 213-9362.

Kansas City Real Estate Experts Know Curb Appeal Can Be An Inexpensive Way To Enhance Your Home

4/14/2020

Kansas City Real Estate Experts like Ed Rippee know that curb appeal can be the difference between selling your home and your home lingering on the market. Learn how you can add some oomph to your home's outward appearance without breaking the bank with the following tips.

Adding pizzazz to your home’s front entrance is an easy, low-cost way to up your home’s curb appeal. Try painting the door a pretty hue that coordinates with your home’s color. Kansas City Real Estate Experts advise to make sure there is a contrast between the front door and the façade of the home. If your home is gray or white with black shutters, consider painting the front door red. Also, add appealing house numbers to your entrance, hang a pretty wreath on the door, and for an extra pop, place a potted plant or two by the front entrance.

Tending to your lawn is a do-it-yourself task that can add instant curb appeal to your home. Get out the lawn mower, cut the grass regularly and conquer those weeds. Kansas City Real Estate Experts like Ed Rippee know it's always a great idea to edge your lawn for a professional look.

In addition to your grass and landscaping, groomed garden beds tell buyers that a home has been well maintained. Start out by weeding your planting beds and removing any debris. Buy a few bags of mulch and spread enough of it to cover the width and length of your home's front beds. The mulch will give your landscaping a fresh appearance and will keep weeds to a minimum while retaining moisture for your plants.

Kansas City Real Estate Experts recommend planting some annual flowers like pansies, black-eyed Susans, impatiens and petunias for quick and long-lasting color. The flowers can be bought already in bloom in low-cost flats of 12 to 48 flowers at garden and home improvement stores. Annuals grow quickly, are inexpensive and bloom longer.

Another inexpensive way to add curb appeal, according to Kansas City Real Estate Experts like Ed Rippee, is to your home is to turn the nozzle on your garden hose to its strongest setting and use the water to blast dirt and debris off sidewalks, your driveway and the front of your home. Be careful not to dislodge or get any water underneath your home's siding. You could rent a power washer at an extra cost, but you probably don't need to go to the trouble — a simple garden hose can do the job, and a power washer can be too powerful and could damage siding.

For information about curb appeal and selling your home, along with any real estate needs, call Ed Rippee, RE/MAX Results Kansas City, at (816) 213-9362.

I Need A Real Estate Agent In Kansas City – How Can Ed Rippee Help?

3/24/2020

I need a real estate agent in Kansas City – how can Ed Rippee help me? As your real estate agent, you can trust he will freely give unbiased advice to ensure your home selling or home buying experience is successful with as little hassle as possible.

Real estate agents are licensed to help sellers sell and buyers buy real estateand are generally licensed to operate, negotiate, and arrange sales under the supervision of a real estate broker. Negotiating and arranging sales can mean showing property, listing a property, filling in contracts, listing agreements and purchase contracts, and other duties.

I need a real estate agent to sell my Kansas City area home – agent Ed Rippeewill:

· Determine the home's value in the current market for a listing price.

· Advise the homeowner in readying the home for listing and showings.

· Enter the home into the MLS database.

· Market the home to other agents and brokerage members of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

· Market the home in print, and other traditional media, as well as on the Internet.

· Supervise and/or schedule home showings.

· Report to the seller any interest and feedback from buyers who have seen the home.

· When a buyer makes an offer, help the seller to try to get the price they wantand to obtain a signed purchase agreement.

· Coordinate the process from signing the contract to closing the deal, including scheduling inspections, preparing documents and other items necessary to close.

I need a real estate agent in Kansas City because I’m ready to buy a home. How will Ed Rippee help me find a home? He will:

· Help buyers to locate and view homesthat meet their requirements.

· Help with securing a mortgage.

· Advise on the area, market conditions, and if he believes that homes of interest are priced right or not.

· Work to craft the initial offer in a purchase agreement.

· Work through negotiations and counteroffers with the seller(s).

· After a purchase contract is executed, coordinate the transaction process on the buyer side.

· Coordinate/schedule appraisals, inspections, and other activities related to the transaction.

· Deliver and explain all documents, title insurance, deeds, etc.

· Work through the closing and getting the house keys.

I need a real estate agent in the Kansas City area – Ed Rippee is the agent to hire! Ed will go above and beyond, whether you’re selling or buying a home. For information, call Ed Rippee RE/MAX Results Kansas City at (816) 213-9362.

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