Happy Valentine's Day

Life can be seen through your eyes, but it is not fullyappreciated until it is seen through your heart.-- Mary Xavier

Customer Service

This is an unbeleiveable video. It talks about customer service in the most basic of ways. I encourage you all to pass it along.

http://www.stservicemovie.com/

Housewarming Gift Ideas

Welcome to your new home! Now, what?! A housewarming party of course!

Inspired by last nights HGTV, the top 3 Housewarming Gifts were listed as:

1. The American Flag
2. Personalized stationary with the new homeowners address
3. Home repair book

Other top ideas include: candles, coffee table books, houseplants, wine, windchimes, unique accessories (corkscrews), artistic vases, trendy finds, a touch of style and birdhouses. For more about these Top 10 Can't-Miss Housewarming Gifts, visit http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_tips_shopping/article/0,,HGTV_3213_4119241,00.html.

Kindergarten Field Trip

Ok, so I totally didn't realize how long it had been since I'd posted... until one of my most loyal readers oh so suttley hinted tonight... well, she mentioned that another friend had started a new "daily blog" and about all the really cool stuff that she's going to post.... I was so jealous! So, I thought I'd better bring things up to date and really give an honest try to doing better.... really!

Friday was a great trip for the Martin Luther Academy Kindergarten class! We went down to the Nelson Atkins Art Museum and toured Mythical Creatures and then the class had their own time to create their own mythical creatures as well. Some with two heads, or five faces, many with scales and swirlies, lots of colors with different textured papers and craypas and then they painted over them with water colors. The kids really had a great time with this activity and really enjoyed their tour as well!

Without express permission from their parents, I did not share photos of any other kids during their trip- enjoy some of the sites from the gallery instead!

Getting Organized

From the Lowe's "News You Can Use" newsletter. Studies say that getting organized is one of the top resolutions that people make, along with exercising more, getting out of debt and spending more time with family. I could definitely benefit from all three, but I think if I focus on getting organized, it will help create the time for the others to fall in place as well. Especially when I think about the upcoming events in our household and the 101 virtual tours that people have ordered from me recently, my booming real estate business, dad's bookkeeping, and balancing the daily household and two active kids too boot! On top of that, we've decided to host a small Super Bowl party on Sunday, Bunco the following Sunday, Anthony's birthday on Valentine's Day with a party at school and parent teacher conferences that afternoon and a trip to Iowa for a pool party celebration that weekend!! I'm sure you're probably just as busy and I hope we can all truly benefit with some of these great tips and ideas! And when better to get started then today? Just click on the following link to see what it's all about!

https://www.lowesrealtorbenefits.com/newsletter/pdf/012008.pdf

And as my way of saying "Thanks" and with my partnership with Lowe's Realtor program I can save you 5% on your gift card purchases, so email me now and let me know what you need! karisma@reeceandnichols.com

The Amazing Banana

Did you know that bananas are the number one fruit among the world's leading athletes? It's no surprise when you hear what they're full of and all the good they do! Because of the fiber bananas contain, when combined with their 3 natural sugars- glucose, fructose adn sucrose; they give instant, sustained and substantial boosts of energy! They also help prevent and overcome many illnesses and conditions such as: depression, anemia, blood pressure, brain power, constipation, morning sickness, nerves, heartburn and ulcers, smoking ceasation (sp?) and strokes. When compared to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It's also rich in potassium and one of the best value foods around.

-Sources: Mother & Child Reunion and http://www.inspirationline.com/

Major change for rental property in KCMO-please read!

That is a newly effective program for dwellings in Kansas City, Missouri. Below is the information from the City’s homepage.


Rental dwelling registration program

Neighborhood and Community Services Department

Registration
In October 2007, ordinance No. 071046 was passed requiring that all rental housing units within the City limits of Kansas City, Mo., be registered with the City starting Jan. 1, 2008. You may register your units anytime during January 2008 without penalty. A $50 per month fine for failure to register will begin Feb. 1, 2008.

A rental dwelling is any property that contains a dwelling or rooming unit that is being offered for rent or is being rented or occupied by any person who is not the owner of the premises. However, property occupied by a child, grandchild, mother, father, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law or grandparent of the owner is not considered rental property. In addition, duplex dwellings in which one of the units is owner-occupied are not considered rental dwellings for the purposes of this program.

Beginning Jan. 1, online registration became available (please read the application instructions prior to online registration). Applications can also be printed from this site and submitted by mail or in person. Applications are available at the Neighborhood Preservation Division office at 4900 Swope Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64130. Registration of rental properties is keyed to the ownership of each property. You may register several properties on one application as long as they are under one ownership.

Registration is required on a calendar year basis and will expire each Dec. 31. Applications for renewal will be accepted beginning each Jan. 1.

Inspection
Rental dwellings located in designated target areas must also be inspected for compliance with the City’s nuisance and property maintenance codes. The target neighborhoods have not yet been designated by the City Council. Inspections will begin May 1, 2008.

If your property is located in one of the target neighborhoods, the Neighborhood Preservation Division will contact you to schedule an exterior inspection of the building and grounds, and an interior inspection of any vacant units.

For more information about the Rental Registration and Inspection Program, call the Neighborhood Preservation Division, (816) 513-9010.

Online· Online registration · Application instructions (pdf) · Print application (pdf) · FAQs

184 Things That REALTORS Do:

This past summer, NAR President-Elect Pat Vredevoogd Combs testified before the House Financial Services Committee on Housing to help blunt government complaints about industry pricing and derail speculation that a federal real estate oversight commission should be created. As part of her testimony she submitted the following list of 184 things that listing agents do in every real estate transaction. "By all accounts," she said, "the general public is not aware of all the services that agents provide to sellers and buyers during the course of the transaction, probably because most of the important services are performed behind the scenes."
Transaction List

Pre-listing activities:
___ 1. Make appointment with seller for listing presentation.
___ 2. Send a written or e-mail confirmation of appointment and call to confirm.
___ 3. Review appointment questions.
___ 4. Research all comparable currently listed properties.
___ 5. Research sales activity for past 18 months from MLS and public databases.
___ 6. Research “average days on market” for properties similar in type, price and location.
___ 7. Download and review property tax roll information.
___ 8. Prepare “comparable market analysis” (CMA) to establish market value.
___ 9. Obtain copy of subdivision plat/complex layout.
___ 10. Research property’s ownership and deed type.
___ 11. Research property’s public record information for lot size and dimensions.
___ 12. Verify legal description.
___ 13. Research property’s land use coding and deed restrictions.
___ 14. Research property’s current use and zoning.
___ 15. Verify legal names of owner(s) in county’s public property records.
___ 16. Prepare listing presentation package with above materials.
___ 17. Perform exterior “curb appeal assessment” of subject property.
___ 18. Compile and assemble formal file on property.
___ 19. Confirm current public schools and explain their impact on market value.
___ 20. Review listing appointment checklist to ensure completion of all steps.

Listing appointment presentation:
___ 21. Give seller an overview of current market conditions and projections.
___ 22. Review agent and company credentials and accomplishments.
___ 23. Present company’s profile and position or “niche” in the marketplace.
___ 24. Present CMA results, including comparables, solds, current listings and expireds.
___ 25. Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgment and interpretation of current market conditions.
___ 26. Discuss goals to market effectively.
___ 27. Explain market power and benefits of multiple listing service.
___ 28. Explain market power of Web marketing, IDX and REALTOR.com.
___ 29. Explain the work the brokerage and agent do “behind the scenes” and agent’s availability on weekends.
___ 30. Explain agent’s role in screening qualified buyers to protect against curiosity seekers.
___ 31. Present and discuss strategic master marketing plan.
___ 32. Explain different agency relationships and determine seller’s preference.
___ 33. Review all clauses in listing contract and obtain seller’s signature.

After listing agreement is signed:
___ 34. Review current title information.
___ 35. Measure overall and heated square footage.
___ 36. Measure interior room sizes.
___ 37. Confirm lot size via owner’s copy of certified survey, if available.
___ 38. Note any and all unrecorded property lines, agreements, easements.
___ 39. Obtain house plans, if applicable and available.
___ 40. Review house plans, make copy.
___ 41. Order plat map for retention in property’s listing file.
___ 42. Prepare showing instructions for buyers’ agents and agree on showing time window with seller.
___ 43. Obtain current mortgage loan(s) information: companies and account numbers.
___ 44. Verify current loan information with lender(s).
___ 45. Check assumability of loan(s) and any special requirements.
___ 46. Discuss possible buyer financing alternatives and options with seller.
___ 47. Review current appraisal if available.
___ 48. Identify Home Owner Association manager if applicable.
___ 49. Verify Home Owner Association fees with manager — mandatory or optional and current annual fee.
___ 50. Order copy of Homeowner Association bylaws, if applicable.
___ 51. Research electricity availability and supplier’s name and phone number.
___ 52. Calculate average utility usage from last 12 months of bills.
___ 53. Research and verify city sewer/septic tank system.
___ 54. Calculate average water system fees or rates from last 12 months of bills.
___ 55. Or confirm well status, depth and output from Well Report.
___ 56. Research/verify natural gas availability, supplier’s name & phone number.
___ 57. Verify security system, term of service and whether owned or leased.
___ 58. Verify if seller has transferable Termite Bond.
___ 59. Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure.
___ 60. Prepare detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact.
___ 61. Prepare detailed list of property’s “Inclusions & Conveyances with Sale .”
___ 62. Compile list of completed repairs and maintenance items.
___ 63. Send “Vacancy Checklist” to seller if property is vacant.
___ 64. Explain benefits of Home Owner Warranty to seller.
___ 65. Assist sellers with completion and submission of Home Owner Warranty application.
___ 66. When received, place Home Owner Warranty in property file for conveyance at time of sale.
___ 67. Have extra key made for lockbox.
___ 68. Verify if property has rental units involved. And if so:
___ 69. Make copies of all leases for retention in listing file.
___ 70. Verify all rents and deposits.
___ 71. Inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled.
___ 72. Arrange for yard sign installation.
___ 73. Assist seller with completion of Seller’s Disclosure form.
___ 74. Complete “new listing checklist.”
___ 75. Review results of Curb Appeal Assessment with seller and provide suggestions to improve salability.
___ 76. Review results of Interior Décor Assessment and suggest changes to shorten time on market.
___ 77. Load listing into transaction management software program.

Entering property in MLS database:
___ 78. Prepare MLS Profile Sheet — agent is responsible for “quality control” and accuracy of listing data.
___ 79. Enter property data from Profile Sheet into MLS listing database.
___ 80. Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy, including proper placement in mapping function.
___ 81. Add property to company’s Active Listings list.
___ 82. Provide seller with signed copies of Listing Agreement and MLS Profile Sheet Data Form within 48 hours.
___ 83. Take additional photos for upload into MLS and use in flyers. Discuss efficacy of panoramic photography.

Marketing the listing:
___ 84. Create print and Internet ads with seller’s input.
___ 85. Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, and other Realtors®. Return all calls — weekends included.
___ 86. Install electronic lock box if authorized by owner. Program with agreed-upon showing time windows.
___ 87. Prepare mailing and contact list.
___ 88. Generate mail-merge letters to contact list.
___ 89. Order “Just Listed” labels and reports.
___ 90. Prepare flyers and feedback faxes.
___ 91. Review comparable MLS listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive in price, terms, conditions and availability.
___ 92. Prepare property marketing brochure for seller’s review.
___ 93. Arrange for printing or copying of supply of marketing brochures or flyers.
___ 94. Place marketing brochures in all company agent mailboxes.
___ 95. Upload listing to company and agent Internet sites, if applicable.
___ 96. Mail “Just Listed” notice to all neighborhood residents.
___ 97. Advise Network Referral Program of listing.
___ 98. Provide marketing data to buyers from international relocation networks.
___ 99. Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network.
___ 100. Provide “Special Feature” cards for marketing, if applicable.
___ 101. Submit ads to company’s participating Internet real estate sites.
___ 102. Convey price changes promptly to all Internet groups.
___ 103. Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed.
___ 104. Review and update loan information in MLS as required.
___ 105. Send feedback e-mails/faxes to buyers’ agents after showings.
___ 106. Review weekly Market Study.
___ 107. Discuss feedback from showing agents with seller to determine if changes will accelerate the sale.
___ 108. Place regular weekly update calls to seller to discuss marketing & pricing.
___ 109. Promptly enter price changes in MLS listings database.

The offer and contract:
___ 110. Receive and review all Offer to Purchase contracts submitted by buyers or buyers’ agents.
___ 111. Evaluate offer(s) and prepare “net sheet” on each for owner to compare.
___ 112. Counsel seller on offers. Explain merits and weakness of each component of each offer.
___ 113. Contact buyers’ agents to review buyer’s qualifications and discuss offer.
___ 114. Fax/deliver Seller’s Disclosure to buyer’s agent or buyer upon request and prior to offer if possible.
___ 115. Confirm buyer is pre-qualified by calling loan officer.
___ 116. Obtain pre-qualification letter on buyer from loan officer.
___ 117. Negotiate all offers on seller’s behalf, setting time limit for loan approval and closing date.
___ 118. Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance or amendments to buyer’s agent.
___ 119. Fax copies of contract and all addendums to closing attorney or title company.
___ 120. When Offer-to-Purchase contract is accepted and signed by seller, deliver to buyer’s agent.
___ 121. Record and promptly deposit buyer’s earnest money into escrow account.
___ 122. Disseminate “Under-Contract Showing Restrictions” as seller requests.
___ 123. Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to seller.
___ 124. Fax/deliver copies of Offer to Purchase contract to selling agent.
___ 125. Fax copies of Offer to Purchase contract to lender.
___ 126. Provide copies of signed Offer to Purchase contract for office file.
___ 127. Advise seller in handling additional offers to purchase submitted between contract and closing.
___ 128. Change MLS status to “Sale Pending.”
___ 129. Update transaction management program to show “Sale Pending.”
___ 130. Review buyer’s credit report results — Advise seller of worst and best case scenarios.
___ 131. Provide credit report information to seller if property to be seller-financed.
___ 132. Assist buyer with obtaining financing and follow up as necessary.
___ 133. Coordinate with lender on discount points being locked in with dates.
___ 134. Deliver unrecorded property information to buyer.
___ 135. Order septic system inspection, if applicable.
___ 136. Receive and review septic system report and assess any impact on sale.
___ 137. Deliver copy of septic system inspection report to lender and buyer.
___ 138. Deliver well flow test report copies to lender, buyer and listing file.
___ 139. Verify termite inspection ordered.
___ 140. Verify mold inspection ordered, if required.

Tracking the loan process:
___ 141. Confirm return of verifications of deposit and buyer’s employment.
___ 142. Follow loan processing through to the underwriter.
___ 143. Add lender and other vendors to transaction management program so agents, buyer and seller can track progress of sale.
___ 144. Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track.
___ 145. Relay final approval of buyer’s loan application to seller.

Home inspection:
___ 146. Coordinate buyer’s professional home inspection with seller.
___ 147. Review home inspector’s report.
___ 148. Enter completion into transaction management tracking software program.
___ 149. Explain seller’s responsibilities with respect to loan limits and interpret any clauses in the contract.
___ 150. Ensure seller’s compliance with home inspection clause requirements.
___ 151. Recommend/assist seller with identifying and negotiating with trustworthy contractors for required repairs.
___ 152. Negotiate payment and oversee completion of all required repairs on seller’s behalf, if needed.

The appraisal:
___ 153. Schedule appraisal.
___ 154. Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to appraiser.
___ 155. Follow up on appraisal.
___ 156. Enter completion into transaction management program.
___ 157. Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low.

Closing preparations and duties:
___ 158. Make sure contract is signed by all parties.
___ 159. Coordinate closing process with buyer’s agent and lender.
___ 160. Update closing forms and files.
___ 161. Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale.
___ 162. Select location for closing.
___ 163. Confirm closing date and time and notify all parties.
___ 164. Assist in solving any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc.) or in obtaining death certificates.
___ 165. Work with buyer’s agent in scheduling and conducting buyer’s final walk-through prior to closing.
___ 166. Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable prorations.
___ 167. Request final closing figures from closing agent (attorney or title company).
___ 168. Receive and carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy.
___ 169. Forward verified closing figures to buyer’s agent.
___ 170. Request copy of closing documents from closing agent.
___ 171. Confirm buyer and buyer’s agent received title insurance commitment.
___ 172. Provide “Home Owners Warranty” for availability at closing.
___ 173. Review all closing documents carefully for errors.
___ 174. Forward closing documents to absentee seller as requested.
___ 175. Review documents with closing agent (attorney).
___ 176. Provide earnest money deposit from escrow account to closing agent.
___ 177. Coordinate closing with seller’s next purchase, resolving timing issues.
___ 178. Have a “no surprises” closing so that seller receives a net proceeds check at closing.
___ 179. Refer sellers to one of the best agents at their destination, if applicable.
___ 180. Change MLS status to Sold. Enter sale date, price, selling broker and agent’s ID numbers, etc.
___ 181. Close out listing in transaction management program.

Follow up after closing:
___ 182. Answer questions about filing claims with Home Owner Warranty company if requested.
___ 183. Attempt to clarify and resolve any repair conflicts if buyer is dissatisfied.
___ 184. Respond to any follow-on calls and provide any additional information required from office files.

A New Year's Resolution?!

'Twas the week after Christmas, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.

The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).

I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,

The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt

I said to myself, as I only can
"You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"

So away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
"Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie - not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.

I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore
But isn't that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

Christmas Updates...

Better late than never, I guess!

Enjoy a short clip from Anthony's school Christmas program:

(It was so sweet and he was so tired.... sorry about the "shakey" video, but Bella just insisted on sitting perfectly still on my lap like a lady the whole time! And no, I have no idea who's phone that was that rang?! Just push play and enjoy!)

A few more Christmas favorites- just for fun!

Christmas cookies!! Yummm!

Daddy helped make the Gingerbread house while they decorated! YUM!

I just loved this picture of my tired little Princess who got all "dressed up," literally, for Christmas Eve Services.

Our cute little Elf on Christmas morning!

Elf #2 on "Santa daddy's" lap and posing for the camera Christmas morning?! I know that couldn't be Bella?!

Some of our favorite gifts:

Me: a GPS- finally!!! Now, if I could just work out all the kinks... :O)

Tony: probably just a whole day off without any "honey-do's" and I think the "family gift" that Santa brought, that fills our entire play room- An Official ESPN Air Hockey Table! (As if he'll ever actually have or take the time to play it.)

Anthony: Darth Vader to Death Star Transformer and other various Star Wars Transformers

Bella: Emma- her new baby that responds to "mommy" and reacts w/ her bottle, blanket and bear, plus the other four babies she got- especially baby "Princess Leah" that came with a walker with a feeding table and her own plush carrier, which she bought after Christmas with her own Christmas money!

Speaking of which- who would have ever thought that a 4 and 5 year old could have so much fun spending "their own" money! Mom had to pick up the tax of course, but they really had fun shopping and budgeting for their own thing. But come on, they just got like a hundred new toys, I would have thought it should have been harder to find something that they didn't already have?! But no, it's just amazing how that list goes on and on.

Goodbye Scott...

A former friend and co-worker of mine, Scott Kehr was killed last night in a head on collision on Missour highway 152. I received the call this afternoon and was just shocked to hear the news- it was later confirmed on the news tonight, only to hear more of the devastating details that followed. After a birthday celebration with some friends he was on his way home when a 15 year old girl, without a drivers license (and apparently a conscience, will to live or the understanding of the effects, finality or severity of her actions) was out joy riding with two friends in an SUV with some cocaine, traveling at high rates of speed against the oncoming traffic. Scott was killed instantly along with one of her passengers. While charges are pending a complete investigation, it just really reminds of how short life can be and how some of the stupidest decisions we can make can drastically affect our lives now and in every way and shape ever imaginable. While considering myself a friend of Scott's and knowing him and his winning personality, he never held a grudge and could never harm a fly... I just don't know still what to say or how to react, this was such an unexpected and tragic event of two lives taken way too short and way too soon. It's not fair and it's not right and I just wanted to say, I too knew Scott and enjoyed his friendship and although we haven't been close- but boy did he help me keep my sanity and saved my butt a few times at Best Buy- sharing a joke and a smoke, covering lunches and keeping me up with the latest news and technology- making it fun.... and I hadn't seen him for months- since catching up briefly when I last saw him running around, directing "traffic" and keeping things running smooth at Green Lantern, he still left a lasting impression and will be greatly missed.

Holiday Preparations....

From pigtails for daddy's birthday to finally getting to sit on Santa's lap.... this month has just FLOWN by! I think the Miracle On Main Street played a big part with that, but it was sooooo worth it! Honestly, how could anyone resist the cutest little shepherd up there?! And tomorrow night he'll preform once again in his school's Christmas program as well! So with a night off tonight, we took advantage of the weeknight and the good weather and headed downtown to visit the best Santa in town at Crown Center! Uncle Jay even went! We met Sarah and Christopher there as well- it's sort of become a family tradition! And thankfully Sarah and Anthony could fill each other's sibling absense on Santa's lap as well! And after a small melt down from Bella because we couldn't stay and play any longer and then after realizing that by not sitting on Santa's lap he wouldn't know what she wanted for Christmas, I had to promise to help her write a letter to him that we could send to the North Pole right away!! That seemed to help make everything better, plus of course the promise of food.... :O)

More Extreme Lights

9 Highway- on the South side of St. Therese

I can't believe they didn't have their lights on when we came by..... 109th Court- Tiffany Lakes

Although this is not "Extreme," sometimes it's the simple things that really get the attention. This is my son's favorite scene that he asks to drive by everyday- "Baby Jesus"

68th Street & Bell

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like CHRISTmas!

2007 Ice Storm

291 Hwy East of 169 Hwy

Waukomis Drive- South of 68th Street (plus 3 close-ups)

Ok, so did I pick a great time to decide to wanna do a Holiday Lights Tour or what?! I swear, as soon as I sent my emails and made my post, we entered into a winter twilight zone?! The ice storm fortunately wasn't nearly as bad as they had predicted was actually quite a beautiful scene. However, it did make for quite the catastophic event just North of us in St. Joseph, MO and shut things down for a while here too. At least we never lost power here (at my house) and we kept busy with plenty to do around the house too! We made our gifts for the grandparents and teachers (at least we started them) and some cookie dough and crafts too..... Hopefully this weekend we can even finish what we started!?

Anyway.... we finally made it out of the house yesterday, for Anthony's Christmas Musical dress rehearsal and tried to get some pictures of a couple of Extreme Lights ~only to find out that those pictures are a little harder to take than one might think!! Of course, a few obstacles like busy roads and kids in the backseat of the minivan always help! And the snow coming down and wanting to get in the shot was a little distracting too for some reason! But still, you get the jist....

Enjoy and keep the stories and locations coming!! I will do my best to get out and about and shoot what I can.

The Northlands Extreme Tacky Lights Tour

After watching HGTV all day yesterday and putting up my Christmas decorations at last... I saw an episode about Richmond, VA's Tacky Lights Tour. It was great. They actual go out and tour those homes that go to the extremes- no holds barred! They interview the homeowners and have minimums that must be met- I think they said the first year was something like 10,000 lights, but now it's more like 30,000 just to be considered! It was crazy to hear some of the stories and the extra breaker boxes and re-wiring people have done to accommodate 100's of thousands of lights and animated Christmas ornaments and blow-ups and everything else you can imagine! They start their designing and planning and building in April for lights they put up sometime in the fall. It's just amazing! Go to www.tackylighttour.com to see what it's all about!

I'd just love to get something like this started here in the Kansas City Northland area. I know I have always enjoyed driving around and looking at the lights and now especially in sharing this time with the kids and to see the wonder in their eyes as they see them too. But how much more fun would it be to actually track these amazing homes that really go all out and to route it and show them off?! I think it'll be great and I can't wait to see all the entries come pouring in! So, send me your stories, your interviews, your pictures and addresses too so that we can create our own Northland Extreme Lights Tour....... it'll be fun!

Make Your Home Your Castle

You don't have to spend a fortune to make your living space a showplace. With a little creativity and a willingness to do things yourself, you can stretch your decorating dollar and get the "look" you want.
Now is a great time to spruce up your interior, when the cold weather encourages all of us to spend more time inside. Take advantage of these great decorating tips, just in time for the holidays!

https://www.lowesrealtorbenefits.com/newsletter/pdf/112007.pdf

And as my way of saying "Thanks" and with my partnership with Lowe's Realtor program I can save you 5% on your gift card purchases, so email me now and let me know what you need! karisma@reeceandnichols.com

Turkey Trivia Answers and Story

I know, it's just killing you that I haven't posted the answers yet.... I thought for sure you'd already looked them all up! :O) But just in case you haven't, here goes:
1) d
2) c
3) d
4) a-yes
5) a- yes they can, but technically the answer is c.
6) b
7) d
8) a
9) c
10) b
11) d
12) a
13) b
14) c
15) c

Our Mad Lib story:

The Lost Marching Band Member

It's Thanksgiving day and a lost guitar player is making his way through the Thanksgiving Parade Route in Kansas City. The parade chaos is making it difficult for him to reunite with the Cap'n Crunch Marching Band. The musician has to make his way through the gander, celery stalks, and chairs. He giggles for miles and wonders if he will ever find his yo-yo. After walking on his arms for 103 minutes, the band member spots the black uniforms and the pink hats that his band wears. "Goo goo gaa gaa," he exclaims gleefully. Soon the guitar player is back with his band. The band begins to play The Lullaby Song and merrily marches along.

I just can't believe the princess is FOUR!!! What a great birthday celebration we had- with presents throughout the day and a Posh Princess Pedicure party! The girls got to soak their feet with a massage and lotion then the moms topped them off with some pretty sparkley polish and fuzzy flip-flops to fit the theme.

And who would have thought we'd have Thanksgiving here less than a week later?! What fun the kids had with our Thankful Tree and making turkeys too. We had a Thanksgiving Mad Lib story just for fun and some trivia I thought I'd share too. Good luck and enjoy!

Let's Talk Turkey:

Why are turkeys called turkeys?

a. It's fun to say

b. From the Indian word 'tuka' meaning 'peacock'

c. When turkeys are scared they say "turk, turk, turk"

d. Both b & c

Which president set aside the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving?

a. George Washington

b. Abraham Lincoln

c. Franklin D. Roosevelt

d. Ben Franklin

How many turkeys are cooked on Thanksgiving?

a. 2.7 billion pounds

b. 4.4 billion pounds

c. 45 million turkeys

d. Both a & c

Do all turkeys gobble? Yes/No

Can turkeys fly?

a. Yes

b. No

c. Domestic turkeys cannot fly, wild turkeys can fly short distances

d. Domestic turkeys can fly short distances, wild turkeys cannot fly

What is the name of that thing that hangs off the turkey's neck?

a. Gobble

b. Wattle

c. Throttle

d. Adams Apple

What are giblets?

a. Something mean parents make their children eat

b. Part of the turkeys stomach

c. The thing that hangs off the turkey's neck

d. Edible internal parts including the gizzard, heart, liver and neck

The History of Thanksgiving:

Who was the Greek Goddess of corn?

a. Demeter

b. Artemis

c. Zeus

d. Hera

Where do we get our word for cereal?

a. From Cap'n Crunch

b. From the real sea

c. From the Greek Goddess Ceres

d. From the origin of wheat

What harvest festival do Jewish families celebrate?

a. Thanksgiving

b. Succoth

c. Nothing

d. Borah

Sail With the Pilgrims:

What was the Mayflower used for before the Pilgrims sailed on it?

a. Freeing slaves

b. Transporting tobacco

c. Making moonshine

d. Hauling lumber, tar and fish

Who was the captain of the Mayflower?

a. Christopher Jones

b. Christopher Columbus

c. Timothy Jones

d. Ben Franklin

What were common colors used in women's clothing?

a. Black and white

b. Reds, greens, browns, violets, blues and grays

c. Pink, lavender and orange

d. Rainbow colors

What are breeches?

a. A food similar to leeches

b. A green vegetable

c. Mens pants

d. The thing that hangs off a turkey's neck

At what age did boys and girls start wearing clothes like their parents?

a. Around 15

b. 18-21

c. 7-10

d. Always

OMG! It's NOVEMBER?!

Ok, ok, so it's been over 2 WEEKS since my last update! I know! I just can't believe how fast time flies!!! I swear it seems like just yesterday was Halloween and next week is already Thanksgiving! And to think that I JUST put the Halloween decorations up tonight! And only because I'm trying to get the house somewhat put back together and ready for Bella's birthday on Saturday! To think that my precious baby girl is already going to be FOUR! What am I thinking, four?! It's more like six.... somedays she just really acts so much older and more mature- she really does think she's equal to Anthony- you know, anything he can do... of course, she can do too!! But anyway... we're totally planning a girly, girl party for Saturday- a Princess "Paint-Polish" Party as she refers to it, or pedicure party as it's better known for! One of her most favorite things!! It'll be great fun. Till then, I need to get the goody bags done- and the frilly flip flops I'm making for them finished. :O) I can't wait to post pictures when all is said and done.

So, why in the world has it been so long since my last post? Well, starting November 1st, I enrolled in a Top Producer- highly effective, productive and accountable Real Estate Seminar Course. It's just crazy!! It's great fun and I'm learning a lot, but more importantly, I'm getting out there and getting it done. Or at least trying to! I'm just trying not to get too stressed out about getting the results of his requirements, as those are not necessarily the results I'm in it for. It's hard to explain, but..... Anyway, it is stressing me out just a little and keeping me up late and working harder. But in this process and in watching other Top Producer Motivational Speakers, some other great things have transformed.... From another Realtor, she spoke of one of her motivations that she carries with her throughout the year in "One Word." For example, her word this year is "Ask," as in to ask just one more question, to ask for the sale just one more time, to ask it in a different way.... she also said that every year, she asks her entire family to participate and to choose one word to impact them for the upcoming year- ie: her mother's word is "Swim," as she is going to take some swim classes to meet people and to get back into the swim of things; her five year old neice chose "Cartwheel" to be her word... WOW. I was so inspired by this that after thinking about it for a while I decided to try this in my family on a smaller scale- to implement it for the remainder of the year- my word being "NOW." No more excuses, no more procrastinating, just do it and do it NOW! As I was tucking the kids in the other night, I talked to them a little about it and tried to explain it in a way that a 3 year old and a five year old could understand. I did this one on one as I tucked them in so they couldn't influence each other and try to "steal" the others word- don't ask, they would. Anyway, Anthony was torn for a while, between either "Savior" or "Dog," he thought he needed a back up as he was pretty certain that Savior wouldn't work since it was really two words- Save Your. But don't let that completely let your heart melt till you hear what Miss Bella chose so adamently and decisively as soon as I explained it to her- she said, "My word is 'Parents,' cuz Parents is love." And they've stuck with it since. Somethings just make your heart smile.

Panoramic Sign Riders

I totally hate to take anything away from my Halloween party update, but some posts are just too few and too far between. So check this out!! As most of you know, I also have my own Virtual Tour company I do on the side?! And now I can incorporate these new panoramic scene sign riders WITH their own website!! I'm really excited about this and the potential it has to provide! Let me know what you think and if your house is listed.... tell your agent you need one too!!