Kansas City North Real Estate, Fran White, REALTOR

Wandering Out of Kansas City North For a Short Road Trip

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:01:45 -0700

Looking for something different to do this weekend that is not that far away? We'll be venturing over to that quant little town of Lawrence, Kansas this evening for their annual Busker Fest. What is a Busker? It's a street performer and they will be all over downtown Lawrence this weekend beginning Friday night and Saturday and Sunday. My favorite street performer Mama Lou will be performing tonight and tomorrow. For more information about her visit strongwomanshow.com Mama Lou can tear a phone book in half, swallow fire, drive nails through her tongue and keep an audience entertained like never before. Her website states "Phone books or your heart neither stands a chance." She's remarkably entertaining and extremely talented. She's traveled from Australia to Seattle to North Carolina to New York entertaining at street festivals. For more information on the hours and performance schedule visit www.lawrencebuskerfest.com See you there! Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

Bluesfest In Gladstone This Friday and Saturday June 5-6, 2009

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:32:44 -0700

For the 13th year the Gladstone Summertime Bluesfest will be this weekend at the Oak Grove Park in Gladstone. Oak Grove Park is located at 76th and N. Troost. What's really nice about this bluesfest is it is FREE... that's right free and parking is only $5.00 This festival has grown to over 15,000 and attracks folks who love the blues not only from our community but surrounding counties and states. For additional information visit the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce website.Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

Memorial Day Celebration at Union Station

Mon, 25 May 2009 03:45:47 -0700

As with each Memorial Day we should honor those who have protected our country and paid the extreme price of doing so with their life. Last evening we attended a wonderful Memorial Day Celebration at Union Station and the fireworks were shot by the only WWI Memorial in our nation... Liberty Memorial. It was a great event, widely attended and music was performed by the Kansas City Symphony. Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

Happy Easter

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 11:31:12 -0700

As we gather tomorrow with our family and friends..... I want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter! In 2006 Zona Rosa in the Northland introduced an all time Kansas City favorite, the Easter Parade! It caused such enthusiam that it's become an annual tradition at the shopping area. The community is invited to participated in this tradition which features the Easter Bunny, a petting zoo, free giveaways and a best dressed contest. Our furry friend Buddy won't be in the best dressed contest but he certainly is festive! Happy EasterFran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

Kansas City Home Show

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:46:54 -0700

The Kansas City Home show was this past weekend and we went on the first evening it opened. There were a lot of vendors there with different things: windows, siding, housewares, guttering, roofing, more windows and more siding, fountains and all sorts of different things. We chatted with the gentleman that was there from an invisible fence company because we are considering doing that for our little furry friend we adopted the end of January. It was an interesting evening... unfortunately due to the weather here in Kansas City, they were reporting on the television that it drastically effected the turnout of the home show. Here are a few shots I took there..... I don't know why there were birds there.... < Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

First Time Home Buyer $8,000.00 Tax Credit Tax Forms

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:25:25 -0700

I have heard that here in Kansas City there have been a couple of instances where accountants have been telling their first time home buyers that they cannot apply for the $8000.00 tax credit until 2009. THAT is NOT TRUE! I have a copy of the blank 1040. Go to page 2, under line #69 where it says attach form 5405. I also have also a copy of form 5405 that you will need. You can look at "C" at the top. You can claim it now if purchased in 2009. If they purchase in July, 2009, they can file an amended return and get their $8000 immediately. However, the drawback is that the EZ form which most of them would file does not accommodate this so they will have to file the regular 1040. I would be willing to share these forms with whomever wants them.......... just email me at franwhite@kc.rr.com........... in the subject line put TAX FORMS and I'll send them to you as PDF file you can print out. And if you know someone who is wanting to buy, NOW is the time to do it.....if they are looking in the Kansas City North area, have them give me a call 816-682-3897 Until next time....... Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:52:10 -0700

Aye me little wee lads and lassys.... it's St. Patrick's Day again in Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City has a very active Irish following, along with an Irish Fest that happens over Labor Day, we have a great St. Patrick's Day parade downtown! This year the parade will run Broadway - 33rd Street (Linwood) to 43rd Street from 11 AM to 1 PM. This is the 36th edition of this Kansas City tradition and the weather appears to be very cooperative! Follow this link www.kcirishparade.com for more information.... Until next time..... Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

Super Secret Spice Store... www.penzeysone.com!

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:45:34 -0700

Every once in a while we venture out of our neighborhood in the Northland and go to this fabulous spice store that carries nothing but SPICES! I know I've mentioned before that my wonderful husband was a Chef in another life before he became a Pharmaceutical Robot Engineer........ and that the kitchen is HIS domain ! We have this special place that we go to in old Overland Park, Kansas, just a hop, skip and a jump from our neck of the woods. Upon walking in your mouth begins to water at the mere possibilities of what you could dress up with their array of spicies from all over the world. It's truly delightful! You can get anything from vanilla from other parts of the world to mouth watering garlic to dried chopped celery..... We can't even go in the place without dropping fifty bucks! They also have boxed gift sets for every occasion It's a real treat! Check out their website www.penzeysone.com And you are ALWAYS greated with a smiling face! Until next time...............Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

Gladstone Missouri Smoking Ordinance

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:52:37 -0800

This week the Gladstone City Council hammered out the details of its ban on smoking in most enclosed places.... places of employment and public places within city limits. This includes Gladstone's thirteen parks.The ban does have some exceptions for instance: bowling alleys, pool halls, bars and restaurants that seat less than 75 people as long as they post a sign that says "non-smoking areas are NOT available."A decision to my knowledge hasn't been reached as yet... but watch for a decision to be made shortly.Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

My Buyers Are Getting $8000.00 FREE!!!

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 04:44:21 -0800

Yes, you read correctly..... a lovely couple that I just worked with are getting $8000.00 for buying a home.Of course I'd love to tell you that it was just for the pleasure of working with me, but in all honesty it's due to the new American Recovery and Reinvestment ActThey qualified in every way...#1. They haven't owned a home in the last three years#2. They purchased between 1/1/09 and 12/1/09#3. Their combined income wasn't over $150,000#4. They intend to keep the house for three years.With anyone who is wanting to get a home, you need to have your credit in order in addition to all the requirements of the act.So if you have been sitting on the fence and not making a decision to buy a home ... Now is the time!If you need some assistance with your real estate needs, please feel free to call me. 816-682-3897 Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

My Buyers Are Getting $8000.00 FREE!!!

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 04:42:50 -0800

Cocoa Mulch....... A Poison Problem For Pets

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:41:53 -0800

I am a pet lover and the new ownere of a Kerry Blue Terrier.... I use mulch in my yard and so do some of my clients in the Kansas City North area. I felt this important information to share to keep your pets safe. With the Spring season upon us, please be sure and check the contents of the mulch you are putting in your landscaping. Checked on Snopes and it is true. ( http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp) Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from local discount store to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog Calypso decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk . Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly. Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's website, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats. Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that 'It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it.' Cocoa Mulch, contains a lethal ingredient called ' Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine. Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

$7500.00 Tax Credit For First Time Home Buyers Clarification for Missouri Residents

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 03:16:31 -0800

This just in from a Mortgage lady I refer to: The $7500 tax credit for first time buyers is a great thing to help stimulate interest. There have been a lot of questions and little clarification. The Tax groups are finally getting some information. Here is a recent clarification: Unmarried couples get a break on claiming the new credit for home buyers. They can allocate the credit any way they want. Example: If one of the two unmarried purchasers has more than $95,000 of AGI, the credit can be allocated in full to the other buyer. Similarly, if one of the buyers has owned a principal residence in the past three years and thus is not eligible to claim the credit, the entire credit can be taken by the other. The maximum credit is 10% of the purchase price, but not more than $7500. For homes purchased in the first 6 months of 2009, buyers can claim the credit on their 2008 return or they can file an amended return. When filing a joint tax return as a married couple, neither buyer can have owned a home in the last 3 years. Missouri Housing Development Corporation has come up with a program in which buyers can "borrow" against the $7500, up front, for their downpayment, and pay MHDC back when they receive their funds. Missouri is the first state to come up with a program to get the money up front to help with downpayment. Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

321 Candy Cane Lane: This Home Will Make You Sick!

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 01:14:05 -0800

As with every year in our home a day is set aside to make Gingerbread Houses... this year was no different. We assembled all the little candies in bowls in preparation for decorating our little gingerbread houses. This year my daughter was definitely the prize winner! My home definitely had some issues: Hole in Roof Crack in the back of the house Foundation Settling And it made me sick! By the time we were finished decorating I had such a belly ache from eating the trimmings ... it was terrible! But.... we had a wonderful time and a lot of Christmas memories. Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

"Tell Em About The Dream"

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 03:40:18 -0800

I had a wonderful conversation last week with my dear friend Tom Plant and he shared with me that he'd met this wonderful musical artist and she had a special message to share... and I want to help her share it here. (Thanks Tom!) Without hesitation....... enjoy Laura Vecchione Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

Obama or McCain.... Voting in Missouri or Kansas

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:01:15 -0700

Just a few days and all the election commercials will be over.... and you can watch your television in peace. In case you are in Missouri or Kansas here is some voting information for you: In Missouri.... you can get Voter and Poll Information including locations, accepted forms of ID, listings of county clerks for Clay, Platte, Cass and Jackson counties at Vote KC In Kansas..... you can get Voter and Poll Information Vote Kansas And for your entertainment...... here's a video of the line getting into one of the rallies that was held here in Kansas City for one of the Presidential Candidates. If you ask me real nice, I'll tell you which one OR you can GUESS. :) Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

Your Own Coffee Blend for Your Clients

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 03:31:05 -0700

I've written on here many times about how I LOVE COFFEE, and I've even written about The Roasterie that is located here in Kansas City. Within the last few days they have launched their www.myblendcoffee.com site where they take you through a series of questions about your preferences on coffee... then from your answers they develop your own special blend. You have the option of personalizing the label that goes on the front with your area of real estate and a picture if you would like!I thought you might like to visit their page and possibly use this as a marketing idea for the upcoming holidays... I get paid nothing for this, their coffee just has the FRAN STAMP OF APPROVAL! :)Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

Weston Irish Fest!

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:58:42 -0700

We had this pleasure this past weekend of attending the Weston Irish Fest. It usually takes place around the second weekend of October every year for about the last nine years. This year they couldn't have had better weather! The trees were beginning to turn color, there was a breeze in the air and little or no humidity. As we were walking down the street of the friendly sidewalks of Weston, Missouri I encountered this young lad. He was really talented and I couldn't resist putting money in his violin case after this stellar performance! Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

Let's Go Pick A Pumpkin!

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:28:06 -0700

It's that time again here in Kansas City when we pack up the kids for a day of events at one of the area Pumpkin Patches! Weston Red Barn FarmThis farm was puchased in 1989 by Steve and Cindi Frey. They have a pumpking patch, orchards, sheep to pet and pony rides in beautiful and historic Weston. Johnson FarmsWith over 30 acres you can pick your own pumpkin or buy them already picked! The wagon rides and animal corral are great fun for the kids. They have gourdes, squash and flowers too. KC Pumpkin PatchHere you will find 10's or 1,000's of U-Pick pumpkins and many other activities to keep your children busy all day! Carolyn's Country CousinsIn Liberty, Missouri is just plain fun! A "mega" pumpkin patch, animal barn, pig races and you can even make your own scarecrow! Pumpkins Etc.Located east of Platte City they have a down home pumpkin patch, gourds and beautiful mums.It's a family run farm, not heavy on the bling but full of old fashioned fun. Please check out the links of their websites for more information. I'd like to personally thank an old and dear friend Katy for the use of her gorgeous little pumpkin pickers pictures for this post.Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

Kansas City Zoo Announces October and November are F R E E !

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 08:52:21 -0700

Yes, you read right..... The Kansas City Zoo is offering free admission to Kansas City, Missouri residents for the months of October and November. Of course you have to prove that you live in Kansas City, Missouri and rightfully so. You will need proof of residence and a state-issued ID which is required at the admissions gate. You can also verify that you are a resident with a bill or credit card statement, even a bank statement, with your name and Kansas City, Missouri address. It is free during normal zoo hours.Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

Part II Of A Kansas City Icon = The Music Exchange

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:46:57 -0700

I wrote previously about the Music Exchange about it being a Kansas City Icon and that it was now closed due to the untimely death of the owner. I mentioned that I'd gone with my daughter to the sale........ well it was on a PART of the sale.... Below is the notification of the next segment of the sale of memorabilia from The Music Exchange. Presents... Historical Memorabilia AuctionFeaturing Items from "The Music Exchange" Auction Date:Saturday, September 27th at 10AM Public Exhibition:Saturday, September 27th at 8AM Auction Location:Sunflower Auction Gallery(Inside The Kansas City Gift Mart)6800 West 115th StreetOverland Park, KS 66211Phone: (913) 491-2930www.sunflowerauction.comgregg@sunflowerauction.com Click Here to View the Online Catalog (Proxibid) Click Here to View the Print Catalog (.pdf) Click Here to Print an Absentee Bid Form (.pdf)Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

Kansas City Power and Light Intends To Raise Rates... It's Electrifying

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:45:12 -0700

Luckily here in Kansas City we didn't have a really hot summer like we've had in the past... but prepare yourself for next year! Kansas City Power and Light (KCPL) is seeking to raise electrical usage by 17%. Yes you read right! We've just experienced an increase from Missouri Gas Energy (MGE) and now KCPL is going to raise their rates! The rate increase is suppose to take place next summer and they have filed in Missouri and Kansas to raise rates for 800,000 customers. Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

Gladstone Raises Personal Property Tax Levy To Maximum

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:03:54 -0700

In 2005 Gladstone voters approved a 39-cent property tax increase. That tax increase will begin showing up in your personal property tax bill this year. The City Council has voted to set the city's 2008 tax levy at 93 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. So in other words if you buy a new car that cost $25,000 you are going to pay about 32.00 more in personal property taxes beginning this year. This voter approved raise in taxes gave Gladstone leaders the authority to set the tax levy no higher than 93 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. Up until this year Gladstone council decided to stay at the existing tax rate of 54-cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The reason for the decision to raise it is unexpected expenses which includes the May 2 tornado which cost the city more than $357,000 in payroll costs and repairs to city-owned facilities. In addition salt for road treatment went up $75,000 and fuel cost for city vehicles went up $71,000 over this past year.Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

Looking For Something To Do In Kansas City Over Labor Day Weekend? The Irish Fest!

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 01:15:11 -0700

Ay, Top of the mornin' to ya! Are you looking for something to do in Kansas City over the Labor Day weekend? Well my little leprechauns you can't afford to miss the Kansas City Irish Fest! Since my wonderful husband has Irish in him this is an event that we never miss! This year it's back at Crown Center and it's expanded to have THREE stages and includes even more Irish fun! All of the Irish Eyes will be smiling with all the entertainment that's packed into this weekend, including my very fav....... The Elders! There's fun for the entire family and don't forget to bring the wee ones! For more information visit their website: www.kcirishfest.com Here's a little taste of The Elders that I found on YouTube Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com

I Snapped This Sign Of Summer At An Outdoor BBQ!

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:58:59 -0700

Fran White, REALTOR®Reece and Nichols Residential816-682-3897www.kansascity-realestate.netwww.franwhite.reeceandnichols.com