Friday, December 29, 2006

Visiting Family in Iowa





This week we've been visiting family in Iowa at the in-laws. We've been staying at Kristi's with her two kids- Jonah (6 1/2) and Olivia who's 5. The kids have been having a blast with their cousins! But even better than that was during the days we've been at Nana & Papa O's where their other 2 sets of aunts and uncles have been staying with the other 11 grandkids! Yes, I said 11 more! FIFTEEN kids all together! They range in ages from 23 (I think) to my daughter who just turned 3. Needless to say, it's great to get together and see everyone as that just doesn't happen much. It's hard to find a time when everyone is available at the same time. Especially for the Prichard's who have 4 of their 7 kids in college right now!

All of the "big cousins" have now left and it will just be us with the little cousins now through New Years. Tony will have the weekend off when he too will finally get to come and join in the festivities. It's sad to say that he had to miss everything and his family too. But the kids are finally napping and as everyone is trying to clean up and catch up, I thought I would do the same. Enjoy some snapshots!

Monday, December 18, 2006

Our Family "Camp-Out"






Saturday night was "camp-out" night at our house. A night where we get out the sleeping bags and this time we blew up the air mattress, then we camp out in mommy and daddy's room by the fireplace watching movies and eating popcorn (upstairs!). Something that we all enjoy and look forward too! Our new family tradition?! The movie: Barnyard! The kids loved it, but had to watch the ending in the morning... I think they pooped out earlier that night than half the nights I just try to get them to go to bed. Oh what a difference a nap makes! Hee hee.

The next day after church and learning about Christmas~the celebration of Jesus's Birthday, we made Christmas cookies with lots of sprinkles and decorations! Yummy!

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Christmas Crayola Playland





Today we saw Santa at Crown Center! What fun the kids had at the Crayola playland there too! So, what did they ask for this year from Santa? Anthony asked for a Power Ranger Kick set and a Power Ranger game and some Transformers while Bella asked for a stroller. She also told me that she wanted him to bring her a rocking chair and some flowers. Our friend Sarah told him that she wanted some toys to play with. Trust me, that girl has toys! But it truly makes me think and to reflect upon the simplicity and innocence of the desires they have, while we commercialize the holidays so much and try to buy them everything that we can possibly afford. And then the sweetness and tenderness within my son was really brought out when he pleaded with me to go back to see Santa again as there were some things that he forgot to tell him, of course I agreed, and when we got there, he told Santa that he needed him to bring mommy a cash register and daddy a robot and not to forget nana and papa too- that they really needed a plate and a fork as they really enjoy cooking. And that was why he needed so badly to go back, to see Santa to ask him to bring thing for others. So sweet and so thoughtful. I hope you enjoy the pictures. (I'll keep working on them- uploaded twice, but still nothing....) Third time was NOT a charm... I guess it was the fourth time that made it work! :P

Monday, December 11, 2006

What a GREAT Time to Sell Real Estate!

*NAR Economist, David Lereah says:

"We now have the most favorable market for home buyers in several years, and most sellers- who've been in their home for a normal period of homeownership - are still seeing very healthy returns on their investment. Conditions for buyers have improved because sellers are flexible now and mortgage interest rates are near historic lows. The market promises to be more balanced between buyers and sellers by early spring, supporting future price growth,"

Existing-home sales, expected to fall 8.6 percent to 6.47 million this year - the third-best performance on record - are projected to be essentially even in 2007 with a 0.6 percent decline to 6.43 million according to RealTrends

New poll finds consumers still confident of home values

Americans remain highly confident about the nations's housing prospects, with more than four out of five homeowners expecting the value of their home to appreciate over the next five years and nearly seven out of 10 calling it their most valuable investment, according to results from a new nationwide survey conducted by RT Strategies. The polling found that 81 percent of homeowners believe that the value of their homes will rise over the next five years.

New poll finds consumers still confident of home values

The poll clearly debunks the more sensational media reports speculating on the demise of the housing market," said David Pressly, president of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). "It is interesting to note that other polls conducted by major news organizations have come up with similar results, indicating that despite the current housing market downturn Americans resoundingly believe that buying a home is the best investment they can ever make."

2 weeks till Christmas!!!





Oh my golly, oh my gee! Can you believe it? How can it be?!

I just got done putting up the decorations and in just 14 days it will all be over?! I guess I need to get on the ball and finish my Christmas shopping and get it all wrapped! My cards are just about done. I made them all this year! 75 cards to be exact! I think I might be just a little bit crazy! But, with my silly ol Christmas poem that I send with them, people have just come to expect it. Be sure to let me know if you want to be added to my Christmas list- just send me an email~ karisma@reeceandnichols.com

Thought I'd also share a few pictures of the season so far.....
We spent an evening out with family Saturday night at Bucca de Beppo's on the Plaza, what a blast! Then Nana and Aunt Cathy joined us for a carriage ride around the Plaza to see the lights, we got the Cinderella Princess carriage and Bella perfected the wave! No coaching, I swear! It was a little colder than we would have preferred, but I think the adults enjoyed it almost as much as the kids!

Monday, November 27, 2006

The Not-So-Stinky House!





Thought you might enjoy an update with curtains and furniture and above all..... CARPET! Stay tuned for more to come. It's a slow and painful process. :P To say the least....

Bella Turns 3!







Happy Birthday to my sweet baby! To celebrate, we threw a Pretty Pretty Princess Dress-Up Tea Party! Sorry, there's not a lot of pix from the party, but I really wasn't sure how other parents my react to pictures of their kids being posted on the web?! The night before, on her actual birthday, she enjoyed opening presents from her grandparents- with her big brother's help of course! That's what big brothers are for, isn't it?! And I'm really not sure who had more fun at the party?! He had a ball playing pin the tiara on the princess, while the three year olds really weren't quite sure what to think of it....... but they had fun watching Sarah and the boys play! The crafts were the hit of the party, making and decorating their own tiaras (and visors for the fellas!) We all had a great time and as usual mom (aka nana jones) got her wish as well- a picture of her four kids...... doesn't happen often so as Tony says: "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit!" I'm just trying to figure out how I got so short?! From left to right- Tim, Me (Karisma), Jay and my little brother Nick! Now if I could just get my house decorated and ready for Christmas, maybe we can get the tripod set up and get some family pix for the holidays!? Wish me luck! Hee hee. In the meantime, don't pout too much if I don't post enough... I'll be busy getting things together and working on the annual Christmas card too- thanks again to Kristen- they'll be handmade this year! I'm stoked, but a little overwhelmed too...... Till then, take care and keep in touch, I'd love to hear back from ya!

Oh, and PS- looks like our quarterly trip to the emergency room was fulfilled once again..... Bella fell out of the van yesterday at mom and dad's on the gravel (AND YES IT WAS PARKED!!) and cut her head open....... no stitches needed, but they did "glue" it and patched her up with some steri strips. FOUR HOURS later we made it home in time for dinner and bed....... tis definitely NOT the season for emergency care! I'm sure there will be pix to come soon.....

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Time for some catsup!






Ok, ok, so I've been a little busy lately and thanks to Time Warner, a lot slow on getting back online! Anyway... things are coming along, S-L-O-W-L-Y! But.... I have gotten the tv's set up and the surround sound hooked up (kinda sorta- still need to mount speakers, hide wires and connect the subwoofer..) and we cleaned and refinished the hardwoods- OMG- talk about a lot more work than you'd ever expect! I'm still hurting from it! And they could still use at least a second coat! Someday...Now we're getting ready to celebrate Isabella's 3rd birthday- NEXT WEEK! I just can't believe how fast they grow! Then Thanksgiving, Tony's birthday and Christmas...... does it ever end?! I think it'll be great! But of course I think we're hosting the family Christmas this year?! AAa! And we're having a Pretty, pretty princess tea party just next weekend! Needless to say, I need to get busy! In the meantime, enjoy some recent photo favorites and thanks for visiting!

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

A little football trivia

This one's for all of you trivia and/or NFL buffs out there:

What team's stadium has a section called "the dawg pound?"

The Cleveland Browns

For more fabulous trivia, click on the link provided to this post........ if it works like that. I don't know I'm trying something new. Good luck and enjoy!

Ok, so I guess I don't really understand the whole "links to this post" and the "link" option under the title line when creating a post, so to visit the appropriate site, just click here-> http://www.chunky.com/NFLtrivia/default.aspx

Did you hear the rumor about the germ?

Oh, never mind..... I hate to spread those things!

Ok, so we're all moved in! Well, all our stuff is at the new house anyway. We're still living out of boxes and searching for a few necessities, but hey, I did find my toothbrush yesterday and my husbands deoderant this morning. We've only been there since Saturday, but who's counting? Don't freak out, we had spares! But seriously, just a word to the wise: pack a suitcase as if you were going on a business trip when you move that way you do have all of those necessities right at hand and some nice clothes too, just in case you have to go back to work before everything's unpacked and put away! Otherwise you could be like me wearing a skirt and boots to work with an old hoodie as a jacket since I haven't found the box with our coats and jackets in them yet! Good thing it's only supposed to drop to 40 degrees this afternoon. :P

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

What kind of stars go to jail?

Shooting Stars! Duh?!

Ok, so the appliances came today!! And after an all day afair of working on putting in outlets and squishing wires and measuring and drilling and cutting and measuring some more, my brother finally got the daggone microwave installed!! The carpet was finished on Monday and now it really is coming all together! We're shipping the kids off to their cousins tomorrow and moving this weekend. Oh boy, the reality is about to really set in.... there's just still sooooo much to do!

In the meantime, the washer just beeped as it's time to get the clothes in the dryer and another load started and Bella is still reading and singing to her babies as she avoids the heavenly slumber that eagerly awaits.... or should I say eventually comes?

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Welcome to my blog?!

I think it's obvious that I'm totally new at all of this, but I thought I'd play and see just what this is all about... My plans, my intents: to create a fun interactive page about Kansas City's Northland area and the people who live here. So, welcome, sit back, relax, interact and enjoy the ride (please excuse any road blocks or bumps along the way...). That's what it's about, "Real Estate For Real Life." Thank you for visiting, let me know what you think!
~Karisma

It's catchy & addictive!

Who would have ever thought what my little blog might have started?! Ok, so it really hasn't started any national craze or anything, but at least I have followers! Hee hee. Thanks Kristen and Bryan! Check out their blogs for more great pix and updates from the Stovall's at http://mylinktotheoutsideworld.blogspot.com/ and http://kolos-thoughts.blogspot.com/. It's fun and it really can be addictive too. Just imagine, maybe this could be our own "6 degrees?!" But you've got to play to win!

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Somedays I wonder....

Ok, so I can't believe what a ding dong I am sometimes... I just realized that I haven't updated forever so in my efforts, I finally realize that there is actually a "title" line.... don't ask! And people wonder why I keep the blonde. :P

Anyway... they picked up the carpet and the pad today! So as it gets laid (boy does that just sound wrong?!), the house is really starting to resemble more of a home. I think it helps too having put up the curtain rods and trial curtains. I say trial as we're on the forth set I think. We've also packed the garage full as we cleared out our storage unit and we've started adding a few personal touches here and there. So there it stands- about 2 1/2 weeks out I'm thinking... Well, it's going to have to be as we close on our house on the 25th! And as far as that goes, everything seems to be moving right along... the inspections went smooth- I think the only thing left to fix is a lock on one of the doors. And now we wait. Hurry, hurry, hurry and w....a....i....t.... That's real estate! And I love it!

Sooooooooo, if you're interested, or if you've got a buyer looking for a nice 3 bedroom home, 1 car garage, fully fenced backyard in Gladstone- I just listed one for only $125,000. You've got my info, contact me for more details!

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

SOLD!

In less than 3 weeks on the market we've got an accepted contract on our house! Whew! And everybody's happy- that's all that really matters! We had inspections today that went pretty smooth from the sounds of it and the appraiser will be out on Friday. I think I'm going to miss it though. Such a great location really- just central to everything! And the kids are really starting to get acclamated to the hood and we just love the things and all the upgrades we've done to the home. But..... the reality is that we've just outgrown the home and need to move on. Which I'm soooooo excited about! Check out a few pix of our progress at hand:



Thursday, September 07, 2006


Our house is on the market!

So, not only are we experiencing the buying side of Real Estate, for the first time ever, we also get to be sellers. However, I don't recommend going about this our way necessarily- always better to have your house at least on the market first and preferrably under contract before finding another. Anyway, this part has got to be the worst part of it. Not just getting it all ready, renting a storage unit for all our crap (to be so blunt), replacing carpet, painting and just trying to get it just as spic and span as possible and now having to keep it pristine and perfect all the time- just in case. Just in case someone wants to call at a moments notice to see or show your house. And then to hear nothing in response afterward. That really sucks! You wait on pins and needles for a showing, then finally you get the call, if possible run the vacuum, burn a candle, put out fresh cookies, wash the windows, open the blinds, put on some music and then nothing?! What's up with that? I'd rather they told me that my house sucked then to say nothing at all. But in the back of my mind, I'm just sure they're busy running their finances and working diligently with their agent to make an offer!


An update from the homefront...

Well, we closed on our new house on Friday, September 1st. We didn't think that was actually going to be possible, between loan approval, same day funding, receipt of the deed packet and everything else out of physical control; but we did it! Or I should say, they did it! We had an excellent title manager and closer who kept in communication with us every step of the way and a kick ass lender who in the end had to make some phone calls to get things pushed through that very day! Thanks Chad Burandt with Continental Title Company and John Jeffries with Plaza Mortgage!

Needless to say, we've experienced some of the fun with the home buying and getting it to close process...... Plus, we did buy it "as-is, where-is." We still chose to have a thorough inspection including termite, whole house and radon; my biggest regret is the termites. Dag nab it, we've got 'em in the wood piles near the house and our contract specifically stated that they WILL NOT treat for termites either. Good news: no major structural damage or foundation issues, the roof is ok, the HVAC system is functional and in decent working order- so nothing major to report there; plenty of other "issues" or concerns however to keep us busy for a while.

So, now for the fun part! We had the dumpster delivered just before we closed then once we were in we started ripping out that nasty, disgusting, foul smelling, urine soaked carpet! That was done in no time at all, but the scrapping and getting all the scraps and pad and little stuff seemed to take forever. We've got the ceilings all painted, the garage painted (that must be a guy thing?!), and after endless hours and days on end of looking at carpet samples and appliances and paint and knobs and pulls, I think I've finally decided on everything and just about got it all at least purchased. Visa is loving me about now! Which brings up a whole new subject.............

Monday, August 28, 2006

Live what you love.

Ok, ok, so I know I haven't been on for a while, but suddenly got busy with life instead. I thought that as a Realtor, I needed to go through just what my clients go through in order to truly empathise with their every move. Pun intended... Sooooo, within the last two weeks, when we weren't really even looking for a house, we stumbled across the house we just had to have. Now, don't get me wrong, it's not perfect by any means- it is a bank forclosure and repossession and it needs just a little work (a little sarcasm there), but we see the potential and made an offer immediately! Within just a few hours, our offer was accepted and the pressure to get our house cleaned up and on the market was ON!

Friday, August 11, 2006

Hello out there!? If you've visiting, you could at least post a comment...... :P Thanks much!

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

"Mommy Stay Home Day"
That's what we call Wednesday's.... It's our special day together. And today, we spent it at the pool! Too fun! And a little too much sun. The kiddos had a BLAST and are sleeping like sweet little babies tonight! Enjoy a few snapshots that really tell a story of their own.

Anthony's addicted to diving! Bella loves swimming in deep water...


Now, for my technology update...... FIXED! Thanks for listening. And as I catch up on my Rock Star Supernova, super saga.... THANK YOU! FINALLY T-Lee and the boys are listening to me and they're making multiple cuts! I thought the first 3 rockers in the bottom three should have been cut right then and there to save all the rest of us the torture...... And what's up with Zayra? I think people are voting for her just so we won't have to listen to her again. :P Well, that's all for tonight, peace out and rock on!

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Ok, so this is where the real life part comes in.... I'm sure that everyone wants to learn more about the basics of agency and contracts and home inspections and what not- and not to worry, I'll still keep posting news you can use. But my reality is seriously technically challenged right now. And the humor in it all is that I'm missing my favorite reality shows: Big Brother 7- All Stars and Rock Star Supernova! Ok, so being a busy Realtor and mother of two (ages 2 &4), I need my DVR to be working appropriately so that I can follow my shows and catch up on my laptop while doing laundry deep into the wee small hours of the morning. :P So, anyone out there that can help- I'd greatly appreciate it. I have an LG- DVR w/ built in hard drive- LRM-519. It has to be connected to the internet to connect to Microsoft Program Guide in order for me to have my program guides updated and followed when recording a series...... anyway, despite all my best efforts, I just can't get it to "connect!" I've unplugged all my connections, replugged and reconnected, but nothing- and OBVIOUSLY I can still get online or I wouldn't be as I sit and type. Some days, my feelings about technology are really love and hate. And yes, I do realize that if only all my problems could be so disasterous..... I mean seriously, I could be the Kansas City Chiefs trying to pick out a new touchdown theme song. :P

Friday, August 04, 2006

What exactly is buyers agency?

Until the last few years, real estate agents always represented the seller, not the buyer in real estate transactions. You can now have an agent specifically committed to representing you, from the initial selection of properties to mortgage approval, contract negotiations and on through the settlement process. To clarify our relationship and to protect your interests, you should have a signed agency agreement.

You will receive skilled and professional service when you select Reece & Nichols and myself to represent you in the home buying process. As Kansas City's #1 Real Estate Company, we help more than 25,000 families move each year.

We have found that buying a home may raise many questions. Let's get together to answer your questions and discuss your home buying goals and objectives. Then we can create and implement and effective action plan to find your new home.
Missouri Laws Regarding Brokerage Relationships
Missouri law allows licensees to work for hte interest of one or both parties in a transaction. It also allows the licensee to work in a neutral position. The law requires that if you want representation, you must enter into a written agreement. These agreements vary and you may also want to consider an exclusive or nonexclusive type of relationship. If you choose not to be represented by an agent, the licensee working with you may be working for the other party to the transaction.
*Prescribed by the Missouri Real Estate Commission as of January, 2005
Reece and Nichols authorizes the following types of Relationships:
Designated Agent: Acts as your specific agent, whether you are a buyer or tenant, or seller or landlord. When the broker makes this appointment, the other real estate licensees in the company do not represent you.
There are two exceptions with both resulting in dual agency:
1. The agent representing you as a buyer or tenant is also the agent who listed the property you may want to buy or lease.
2. The supervising broker of two designated agents becomes involved in the transaction.
Transaction Broker: Does not represent either party, therefore, does not advocate the interest of either party.
A Transaction Broker is responsible for performing the following:
  • Protect the confidences of both parties
  • Exercise reasonable skill and care
  • Present all written offers in a timely manner
  • Keep the parties fully informed
  • Account for all money and property received
  • Assist the parties in complying with the terms and conditions of the contract
  • Disclose to each party of the transaction any adverse material facts known by the licensee
  • Suggest that the parties obtain expert advice.

A transaction broker shall not disclose:

  • Buyer/Tenant will pay more than the purchase or lease price
  • Seller/Landlord will accept less than the asking or lease price
  • Motivating factors of the parties
  • Seller/Buyer will accept financing terms other than those offered.

A transaction broker has no duty to:

  • conduct an independent inspection of, or discover any defects in, the property for the benefit of either party
  • conduct an independent investigation of the buyer's financial condition

Disclosed Dual Agent: With the written consent of all parties, represents both the seller and the buyer or the landlord and the tenant.

A Disclosed Dual Agent may disclose any information to either party that the licensee gains that is material to the transaction.

A dual agent may not disclose information that is considered confidential, such as:

  • Buyer/Tenant will pay more than the purchase price or lease rate
  • Seller/Landlord will accept less than the asking price or lease rate
  • Either party will agree to financing terms other than those offered
  • Motivating factors for any person buying, selling or leasing the property
  • Terms of any prior offers or counter offers made by any party.

The above information is taken directly from the Missouri Broker Disclosure Form, please refer to this form for more information and types of brokerage relationships available.