The only thing worse than an abandoned, overgrown and vacant property with foot tall grass and old newspapers littering its driveway is two abandoned, overgrown and vacant properties or three or more. The Kansas City metro area recently topped Forbes magazine’s list of America’s Abandoned Cities.

Take heart fellow [...]]]> See All Kansas City Properties

The only thing worse than an abandoned, overgrown and vacant property with foot tall grass and old newspapers littering its driveway is two abandoned, overgrown and vacant properties or three or more. The Kansas City metro area recently topped Forbes magazine’s list of America’s Abandoned Cities.

Take heart fellow Kansas Citians – according to Forbes, San Francisco is the second most most abandoned city and Tucson, Arizona is number three. If you have ever had an unkempt house in your neighborhood, you know you would do almost anything to improve its state. Abandoned and foreclosed real estate attracts vandalism, vermin and worse – they lower the value of every nearby property.

Although I am not sure how the program would work within Missouri’s statutory right of redemption – according to the Kansas City Star editorial - the proposed Kansas City ordinance would allow the city to appoint a receiver for an abandoned property. The receiver could do what they want with the property. They could tear it down, repair it or sell it if the owner refused to act.

The rub is apparently some neighborhood advocates want only non-profit CDC’s (Community Development Corporations) to be eligible for receiverships. Seems to me it only makes sense to encourage the use of private capital to fight the blight in Kansas City. Any group qualified, whether non-profit or for profit should be allowed to aggressively pursue receiverships and the sooner the better. Have an opinion on this subject?

Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or seeking information, rely on RE/MAX Best Associates 800-391-BEST(2378) to provide accurate up to date information about the marketplace email to: info@kansascityehomes.com  or visit http://www.kansascityehomes.com

Well I was worried about it but did it anyway.  On July 1st, I signed on to the somewhat controversial KCPL (Kansas City Power and Light ) Energy Optimizer program.  The program offers [...]]]> Click this text to return to the RE/MAX Best Associates Website to see All Kansas City properties!

Well I was worried about it but did it anyway.  On July 1st, I signed on to the somewhat controversial KCPL (Kansas City Power and Light ) Energy Optimizer program.  The program offers a FREE programmable thermostat ($300 value), including installation, to KCP&L residential and small commercial customers to help manage energy consumption.  A person may program their thermostat from any Internet location in the world.

The controversial part of the program occurs when a ‘cycling’ event takes place.  A cycling event is when participants Energy Star rated thermostat receives a radio signal to turn off the air conditioning compressor for 15 minutes then back on for 15 minutes.  The cycling may repeat continuously for up to four hours.  Cycling may only occur between June and September excluding holidays and weekends.  I have not had a cycling event since July 1. 

According to an article in today’s Kansas City Star, KCPL has the ability to cycle 34,000 of its 800,000 customers in Kansas and Missouri.  To sign up for the program (866) 882-4429 or online SIGN UP HERE and Save Money with Free Thermostat in Kansas City.

A proposed $200 million use of government stimulus money would make a 150 block GREEN IMPACT ZONE in Kansas City more energy efficient by incorporating a smart grid, a green sewer project, neighborhood stabilization – including buying up forclosures and installation of solar panels on schools. 

Are you aware of any other FREE, nearly free or reasonable ways to cut energy use in Kansas City.  Clearly, considered side by side which of two identical houses would you buy?  The energy efficient one or the one not so efficient? Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or seeking information, rely on RE/MAX Best Associates 800-391-BEST(2378) to provide accurate up to date information about the marketplace email to: info@kansascityehomes.com  or visit www.kansascityehomes.com

What was the movie line – We’re  mad as hell and not going to take it any more*?  Earlier this year the Kansas City Royals lost a game in Cleveland when a ball hit by the [...]]]> Click this text to return to the RE/MAX Best Associates Website to see All Kansas City properties!

What was the movie line – We’re  mad as hell and not going to take it any more*?  Earlier this year the Kansas City Royals lost a game in Cleveland when a ball hit by the opposition struck a seagull and the winning run may have scored as a result.  During yesterday’s loss a cat nearly made a trip around the bases and was at one point headed for home plate.  The cat veered into foul territory and was summarily dismissed along with the Royals who lost their 68th game – Only one team in all of baseball has a worse record. 

We deserve better and need to demand it.  The Kansas City Metropolitan Areais a fifteen county metropolitan area straddling the border between the states of Missouri and Kansas that is anchored by Kansas City, Missouri. In 2008, it was estimated to have a population numbering just over 2 million according to Wikipedia.  Our Easterly neighbor’s team the St. Louis Cardinals  are tied for 1st place and are perennial contenders.  Yes St. Louis has a slightly higher population (2.8) but we deserve better. 

Having grown up in Chicago which currently has not one but two contending teams, (the Cubs are tied for 1st and the White Sox are a game out of first), I have experienced how a contending baseball team can change the psyche of a city.  If the Kansas City Royals were contenders, wouldn’t we all be a little happier?  Wouldn’t our property values seem a little higher?  Wouldn’t our schools be a little better?  Our children better behaved?  The sun a little brighter?  The winters a little milder?  Send your ideas on how we can make our Royals a better team?  Not next year but NOW!  We want and deserve a better team. 

*The memorable quote of Peter Finch in the movie “Network” which debuted in 1976 went on to say “…So, I want you to get up now. I want all of you to get up out of your chairs. I want you to get up right now and go to the window, open it, and stick your head out and yell, “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!!”

Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or seeking information or buying Kansas City Royals tickets, rely on RE/MAX Best Associates 800-391-BEST(2378) to provide accurate up to date information about the marketplace email to: info@kansascityehomes.com or visit http://www.kansascityehomes.com/

The Kansas City Health Department will hold a “Back-to-School” immunization clinic from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, August 8th at 2400 Troost Ave.

No appointments are necessary, but participants should plan to arrive early.

Parents [...]]]> Click this text to return to the RE/MAX Best Associates Website to see All Kansas City properties!

The Kansas City Health Department will hold a “Back-to-School” immunization clinic from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, August 8th at 2400 Troost Ave.

No appointments are necessary, but participants should plan to arrive early.

Parents and guardians need to present a copy of their child’s shot records or a letter from the school stating what shots are needed.

Immunizations are free for children who have no insurance, who have limited insurance that does not cover immunization or who are eligible for Medicaid’s Vaccine For Children program.

For more information, call the Health Department at (816) 513-6042.

Lynn Horsley, lhorsley@kcstar.com.

Do you think these immunizations should be FREE?  Would you like to see the program expanded?

Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or seeking information, rely on RE/MAX Best Associates 800-391-BEST(2378) to provide accurate up to date information about the marketplace email to: info@kansascityehomes.com  or visit www.kansascityehomes.com