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Why Matterport Matters to Your Homeselling/Homebuying Experience

View of home living room

Virtual 3D Home Tours!

Looking for a way to step up your real estate game and help you reach your home-owning goals!? Ellen Zetmeir works with cutting edge tools and technology to help!

Times may be uncertain for many people, but the way you feel about a home doesn’t have to be. Ellen has all the experience and insight to help you discover and build your dream home.

One tool in Ellen’s real estate belt is a virtual tour guide called Matterport that allows you to completely examine a home from top to bottom and inside out – without ever setting foot inside! Walk through the front doors, peer out the kitchen window, snoop in the basement! It’s all there for you to take an open house tour anytime. No need to awkwardly peek around the place with other potential buyers or in front of the owners, you get your own personal tour and as much time as you want! Snoop away! No, really – Click here to  virtually walk through an example!

Dollhouse View

Imagine eating breakfast in the cozy kitchen nook, or sitting down with family and friends in the spacious living area; check out the bedrooms, the closet spaces, and the garage. This virtual tour guide allows you to visualize just how your dreams can become a reality! You can even measure a space to make sure that your furniture will fit where you want it to! With various views including a “dollhouse” view, an inside view, a floorplan view, and a measurement tool – Matterport has something for everyone!

Ellen also knows this tool is a game-changer for those selling their homes. Great photos of the house generate more interest, and with Matterport, your chances skyrocket! Your potential buyers can peruse your home anytime they’d like – and buyers are far more likely to contact you about the house with questions and feedback. With Ellen to help set everything up, preparing a virtual tour is fast and painless. Matterport uses an app that scans for accurate measurements and breathtaking photos so that potential buyers can see just how enticing your home is. You can even call out your favorite features of your home by utilizing tags throughout the virtual tour! Ellen will use this tool to “up your house-selling game” and give you a cutting technological edge over other homesellers. Rise above the competition and sell your house faster!

There are several benefits to utilizing a technology like the Matterport virtual tour guide:

  • Screen Buyers: You are able to screen buyers without a physical walk through the home which eliminates the need for any additional people in your home. Only the most serious buyers will want a physical walkthrough.
  • Showing Off: Showing family your potential dream home is just a shared link away! When there is a virtual walkthrough, family is able to share in the excitement of home buying that much easier.
  • The Out-of-Towners: Many people still find themselves moving to new cities or even new states, and setting up a virtual tour opens up a whole new market of potential buyers who are not close enough to see the house in person.

Ready to take the next step? Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Ellen is the personal and professional presence you need.

Give Ellen a call today at (816) 489–6950! See for yourself the difference a virtual tour and an agent like Ellen Zetmeir can make!

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Brookside Community Comes Together

Brookside Community Comes Together While Maintaining Social Distance

Even though times have been uncertain for everyone here in the Brookside/Waldo communities there is still a lot of good to be found when taking the time slow down and take a look around. In the words of, Ellen Zetmeir, with Brookside Real Estate,

“I have really been challenging myself, my friends, and my clients to observe the good that is happening right now and the closeness of the community through all of this. I am truly blessed to live in Brookside. The community coming together in this time just reminds me of all of the reasons that I was excited to move into this neighborhood in the first place. “

For example, some kind individuals are offering their help by sewing masks either for free or simply for donation; other neighbors are purchasing and delivering groceries to elderly friends who are stuck at home. A couple of kind hearts are volunteering simple joys like free flowers and other plants from their own gardens in the hopes of brightening people’s days. The Brookside community is more close-knit than ever thanks to thoughtfulness. chalk hopscotch

It is evident that the community’s creativity is alive and well. Many families are taking the time to create sidewalk chalk art – these bright and colorful creations include fun hopscotch games and meaningful messages of encouragement!

Brookside’s creativity has also forged a way for the community to still share music; sit out on your front porch some evening and you may well hear “Front Porch Concerts” drifting through the streets. From cellos and violins to pianos and flutes, neighbors are serenading the community from their very own homes. If you’re lucky, you might even witness ukulele concerts or some pretty phenomenal bagpipe playing!

Following proper social distancing and precautions of course, Ellen recommends getting out and breathing some fresh air.  Take note of the fluffy dogs delighted to have their humans home; watch for the kids on bikes or playing in their backyards.

See if you can discover which neighbor has a pet tortoise! Admire the sweet signs of spring like bright tulips! Wave to your neighbors! Remember, there is plenty of joy to go around! Take a stroll around your lovely Brookside community and you might just be surprised at what you find.

Ellen knows all about buying and selling homes, but she also has all the key insights into the Brookside community! Contact Ellen today for any questions about your home or any tips on becoming more involved in your Brookside neighborhood.

And please, feel free to share your own messages of encouragement with Ellen! Brookside Real Estate is delighted to have you as part of our beautiful Brookside bunch!

 

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I’ve Got a Guy Episode 5: Understanding Mortgage Forbearance

UPDATE: After we shared this video on social media, we were thrilled to learn that the Wall Street Journal had reached out to Andy Nolte to interview him on the topic of mortgage forbearance. Click here to read the full article.


Attention All Homeowners!

There is a lot of misinformation going around right now concerning mortgage options, so Ellen has brought in her mortgage guy Andy Nolte from Movement Mortgage to share some insight!

In this “I’ve Got a Guy” episode, Andy gives us some inside perspective into what “Mortgage Forbearance” really means and how you the homeowner should go about making the right choice for you during the COVID-19 crisis.

Promising mortgage options about postponing payments are not all they seem to be. Keep in mind the future consequences of rash actions and check out this online video for Andrew’s tips!

Andy’s main takeaways on mortgage forbearance is this:

  1. If you have your job, make your payment!
  2. If you lost your job and still have money in the bank, make your payment!
  3. If you lost your job and cannot make your payment, only then ask about your forbearance options but do your research! Be sure to review the agreement terms cautiously! This option is your last resort so please contact Andrew for more information or further questions.

Give loan officer Andy Nolte a call today at (816) 309 – 8175 or email him at andrew.nolte@movement.com.

For all homeowners and potential homeowners, Ellen has the answers for your real estate questions. She is taking special precautions during these unusual times to ensure your safety while still helping you reach your homeowning goals. From inside contacts like her “I’ve Got a Guy” Series to her wealth of personal knowledge and experience, Ellen is prepared to guide you in the best decisions for you. Contact Ellen today for any and all questions you might have about your real estate situation!

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Ellen’s Five Tips for Spring Home Maintenance

Two chairs on a sun porch

Time to give spring cleaning its due!

For many of us this year, we find ourselves in a unique situation with a little more time at home than usual this spring. What a perfect opportunity to turn your attention to those at-home projects you’ve been meaning to get to! Involve your kids in your home projects for some family fun, or do it yourself for a little productive alone time! However, you want to go about it, spring cleaning is here, and Ellen has some tips for how to get your home spring and sunshine ready!

  1. Front Porch and Deck. First impressions start with the hello on the front porch! Always remember that safety comes first. Look for any damage like warping, water stains, or discoloration that may have occurred before or during this last winter; go ahead and get rid of any rusty or loose nails and screws. Make sure to replace old boards that are either rotting or warped. Once you’ve assessed and secured the structure, it’s time for the touch up. Clean and reseal the wood when you’re sure that the weather will be sunny and dry enough.
  2. Landscaping. While you’re outside, take a good look at your curb appeal. A little green can go a long way to shaking off the winter blues! Some plants are more resistant to the cooler temperatures so look into pansies, coneflowers, catmint, a few daffodils or even some peonies. For more subtle statements in your gardening projects, check out blue spruce trees, boxwood varieties, or even hydrangeas. Maybe you’re searching for a professional landscaper to help fix your yard’s slope or to deal with excess runoff water; Ellen knows just the landscaping guys to help!
  3. Windows and Walls. You may have noticed some pesky winter drafts this last winter! Check for cracks in the sealing of your window and door frames. Even with winter drafts gone, it’s still important to reseal your home in order to keep the cool air in and all of those determined little bugs out!
  4. HVAC Maintenance. Spring is the perfect opportunity to make sure everything is operational and functional. You don’t want to wait until the middle of scorching July to find out that your cooling system doesn’t work! Clearing debris from the unit and changing the filters is a regular part of HVAC maintenance, but if you have any questions, go ahead and schedule a check up with a professional before they’re booked this summer!
  5. The Roof. Spring cleaning isn’t just a main level event; your home’s touch up should cover everything from top to bottom! Your roof is certainly a crucial part of your home so don’t forget to get a bird’s eye view!  Call a professional and they can review your shingle condition, your flashing, and anything that poses an immediate concern or a potential issue.  They will check for damage first and make sure to replace damaged or missing shingles. Consider your own safety and be sure to involve a professionally insured roofing company. Ellen to the rescue! She knows the perfect team to check the health and stability of your roof.

Whether you’re looking to sell your house and start a new chapter or whether you’re developing the home of your dreams, Ellen is passionate about guiding you on your home-owning journey. With a knack for curb appeal and the insider view on home maintenance, Ellen has the answers you’re looking for! Contact Ellen today!

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Ellen’s Tips for Navigating the Paint Trends of 2020

With the start of a new year came some vibrant new color trends! Bold is back, and we are here for it!

A thrust of individualism in culture is driving some thrilling hues in the face of the neutral colors that have dominated the scene for awhile now. Here’s to personalization and customization in a world of sameness.

However, these vibrant shades are causing some concern and hesitation in the homeowner ring; radical paint colors can make resale a bit tricky when potential buyers don’t share the same love for the bright hues that you like.

Let’s take a look at the new paint trends of 2020 and call attention to the colors you catch a glimpse of in magazines and reality home décor shows. Pantone released a Classic Blue with husky hues, while Sherwin Williams took blue to a deeper level with a rich naval shade; Benjamin Moore opted for a soft, rosy pink indicative of a rosy, blooming spring. Patterned after nature and soft meadowlike impressions, Behr is promoting a yellow-green, while Dunn-Edwards has chosen a fresh minty green.

Don’t jump to coat your house in yellow-green just yet! It’s important to understand that these paint trends are selected by companies in an effort to drive certain aspects of the paint market or to promote cultural movements. Notice that neutrals are not disappearing altogether; rather, they create a flexible canvas on which you can express more vibrant hues. One classic, white, is making its own understated march through homes as it provides the perfect blank slate for bolder accessories or art pieces. Quintessential white is still the more popular choice for cabinets, walls and interiors, and even flooring; with its crisp and clean presence, it will always be a top choice in home color trends, especially in kitchens.

Are you ready for Ellen’s perfect home décor secret? The key to following trends is “inspiration not imitation.” Homeowning is about designing your own space where you feel good. What do you seek in a home? Comfort. Strength. Peace. Happiness. These characteristics should be the goal of your home. Give your house its soul and beauty by expressing yours! Use the canvas of your house to create the environment you want!  Don’t copy exactly what you see on HGTV; use the trends as a muse. Gather ideas and trends and blend them with your own taste to express your home as a unique piece of art.

That being said, take into consideration how long you’re planning on being in your house; if it’s a lifelong home, go ahead and get creative with your walls! Only planning to be there for three years at the most? Try keeping the neutral walls and adding your vibrant colors with pillows, art pieces, and other accessories. If you still want to be bold with your paint choices, consider repainting to a neutral color before you resell.

Another tip Ellen has for you is to test your paint colors first. Test. Test. Test. Those beautiful shades you chose from the paint selections may not appear the same on your walls; the hues can be influenced by everything from the lighting to the furniture around that area. Sample those paint colors before you jump about splashing them on your walls. Keep in mind that certain colors also photograph better than others; you want a color that will reflect light, making the home feel warmer and larger than it perhaps is. Test out paint swatches or use peel-and-stick samples which can be larger and more easily removed; this will give you a better idea of how your finished product will look. And remember – the cost of a sample quart will seem like nothing if you paint a room the wrong color!

Whether you’re ready to go big and bold with the colors in your home or looking to change up the accent colors a bit, Ellen is here to answer all your questions about homeowning. Are you ready to sell your house? Perhaps you’re looking for a dreamy home to begin settling into! Contact Ellen today to start the next step of your journey today!

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Brookside’s 40th Annual St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade

bagpipers marching in parade

Celebrate Brookside’s 40th Annual St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade

Woman in black convertible
Ellen Driving in St. Patrick’s Day Parade

In Brookside Irish roots have historically run deep with hundreds of area residents tracing some or most of their family heritage back to the Emerald Isle. But on Saturday, March 14, it may be difficult to spot anyone without a little Irish spirit in them among the sea of green on hand for Brookside’s St. Patrick’s Day Warm-Up Parade!

Join the crowd – and the fun – as thousands of spectators and participants celebrate all that is Irish during Brookside’s 40th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Warm-Up Parade. The parade officially starts at 2pm on Saturday, March 14th – but insiders will recommend an early start to find parking, grab a bite to eat and peruse local shops prior to the festivities!

Recently rated Kansas City’s “Best St. Patrick’s Day Parade” by Kansas City Magazine, there’s a little something for everyone at one of Brookside’s favorite family and pet-friendly special events. Businesses and groups from across Kansas City participate in the parade which includes floats, classic cars, Irish dancers, drill teams, bagpipes and more!

The Brookside Real Estate team is no stranger to this celebration – having participated in the Irish fun for decades. Be sure to keep a look-out for Ellen Zetmeir driving her convertible “Scout” in the parade (and don’t forget to wave!)

map

The Parade Route:

  • Starts at 65th and Wornall
  • North on Wornall to 63rd St.
  • East on 63rd St to Main
  • South on Main St. to Meyer Blvd.
  • West on Meyer Blvd. to Brookside Rd.

Download the 2020 Parade Route here. 

One of the things we love the most about the Brookside-area neighborhoods is the amazing community participation. Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll be hooked too! If you’re considering making Brookside your home – or, even if you just have more questions about living in one of the best KC neighborhoods – stop on by the Brookside Home Center at 9 W. 63rd Street and ask for Ellen Z. – or give Ellen a call (or text) at (816) 489-6950.

May the luck of the Irish be with you!

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I’ve Got a Guy – Episode 4: Concrete in Brookside with Bedrock Concrete

In this Episode of “I’ve Got a Guy,” your favorite Realtor, Ellen Z, talks all things Brookside concrete with Beau Hahn from Bedrock Concrete.

Whether you’re considering a new patio, driveway, garage floor or another project all together, Concrete work in the Brookside/Waldo neighborhoods presents its own unique challenges. That’s why Ellen brought in expert Beau Hahn to talk all things concrete. Since Brookside is an older, time-tested neighborhood, its concrete sidewalks, driveways, and patios can tend to show the daily wear and tear that comes along with such a rich history.

Watch the video below to answer all of your concrete questions as they talk concrete from both a home-buyer and seller’s perspective.

Brookside Concrete Challenges:

  • One of the common challenges in redoing driveways in Brookside is that layers of old concrete are often covered by layers of old asphalt and over the years has become thicker and thicker layers. This means that in order to truly repair a driveway or garage floor in Brookside a lot of work often needs to be done to first remove the old structures and do the project the right way.
  • Tree roots from the beautiful old trees in the neighborhood have often pushed up sidewalks, stairs and driveways.
  • Over the years, settling occurs and causes problems with driveways and foundations – often directing water flow toward the home instead of away from it.

Beau’s concrete tips for homeowners, buyers and sellers:

  • Sealing concrete – make sure to seal new concrete especially in order to get the most out of your concrete projects for a long time.
  • Never use harsh salts on your new concrete – it will tear up and deteriorate it much faster. Use sand instead.
  • Rinse off concrete with a hose if there is a nice winter day to help preserve it.
  • Settled concrete holds water and can come up in a home-inspection. Sellers should make sure to know what issues there may be – you don’t want any surprises!
  • Remember, concrete can sometimes be patched instead of having to completely replace it.Workers pouring concrete

In this video Beau Hahn also talks about the steps in the process of doing concrete work in Brookside and gives his inside tips for choosing the right contractor for the job.

If you’re considering a spring concrete project you won’t want to miss out on these expert tips. Call Beau at Bedrock Concrete for even more information. Are you looking to buy or sell in the wonderful Brookside neighborhood? Contact Ellen today to get connected with your dream home!

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DIY Home Selling: 5 Reasons to Avoid the For Sale By Owner Approach

Statistically, less than 10 percent of “For Sale By Owner” sellers actually succeed. Selling your home without a real estate agent may seem like a good idea. The thought of not having to pay a commission is a persuasive factor in why some sellers go the FSBO route. But is the “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) option the right choice?

Here 5 reasons that FSBO sellers are unsuccessful more often than not:

DIY tools: tape, clamps, wire cutters and pliars1. An Ill-Prepared Property

Preparing a house to be sold doesn’t just mean making sure everything is tidy; the condition of the house needs to be perfect. Houses that have obvious things wrong are going to be challenging to sell and they’re not likely to command top dollar.

This will involve:

  • Doing repairs.
  • Removing unnecessary furniture and clutter.
  • Painting and decorating neglected rooms in a way to make them look as appealing as possible.
  • Having a professional cleaning.

2. Handling Potential Buyers

A major part of the real estate agent’s job is handling inquiries. Staying on top of calls and emails, being prepared to show the property when it is convenient for potential buyers, can be some of the hardest things to manage for a FSBO seller. This is where an experienced agent would eliminate that stress from a seller.

3. Unsatisfactory Inspection Results

home inspection may turn up some problems with the house that the owner doesn’t want to acknowledge. Most buyers will require a home inspection, and very often, they will highlight some problems with the house. This can upset the owner and can lead to the deal falling through when the owner is unwilling to fix any issues unearthed. Real estate agents have been through the process many times and can offer their expertise in negotiating a successful outcome. Getting through a home inspection is often about give and take.

4. Negotiations with Buyers

The value of pricing your home correctly can be difficult to get right if you don’t have the experience. Negotiations over price can be problematic if the owner has lofty or misguided expectations. The purchase contract is something that also needs to be negotiated. The homeowner may not fully understand what the contract holds them to, and when they need to negotiate with the buyer.

It isn’t just about negotiating on the price; the contract needs to be paid attention to as well if the sale is going to be successful.

5. Closing the Deal

and signing house contractEven if the FSBO seller is lucky enough to get an offer, things can still go very wrong. After an offer is accepted, the homeowner can very easily make mistakes in the process, which can lead to failure. A specific order of events needs to take place for the sale to close. This will involve many different parties, and if they aren’t contacted at the right times, the sale can be delayed or even canceled. Selling a house for sale by owner is risky and should be heavily compared to using an agent before a decision is to be made.

 

Contact Ellen today or stop by at 9 W 63rd St, Kansas City, MO 64113 to find out how you can avoid the hassle of a FSBO deal!

 

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I’ve Got a Guy – Episode 3: Landscaping with Envision Lawn and Tree

Your favorite Brookside realtor is back with more insider tips!

In this episode of “I’ve Got a Guy,” Ellen asks the questions we’ve all been wondering about landscaping in the Brookside neighborhoods.

The first impression of a house rests greatly on its landscaping and exterior presentation; when buying or selling a home, it’s crucial to examine this influential aspect because as Ellen’s go-to landscaping guys claim “how it looks on the outside is usually what’s on the inside.” In this episode, Ellen talks with her landscaping go-to guys, John and Charlie Smith from Envision Lawn and Tree to bring you insight into how they address Brookside-specific landscaping challenges.

Check out the video below, plus John and Charlie’s ways to improve and maintain your yard’s appearance.

Brookside Landscaping Challenges

Brookside is essentially a park with well-established trees. While this creates beautiful views, Brookside landscaping can be a real chore!

  • KC’s unpredictable weather means that freezing rain and snow cause easily dead and broken limbs; these dead limbs are hazardous as they hang over houses and exposed power lines.
  • The tall, beautiful trees contribute to an overabundance of leaves in the fall, which can clog gutters and drains, leading to drainage issues.
  • The excessive leaf amount also means that without proper leaf removal, those leaves will suffocate your grass and plants come spring.
  • Many Brookside homes also struggle with wet basements and flooding. John and Charlie explain what “grading” is and how landscaping can help prevent a flooded basement!

Tips When Buying/Selling

  • Be Observant: the exterior of the home is a strong indication of any issues that may be inside the home.
  • Tidy the Look: Use fresh mulch, cut back shrubs, or even plant new ones to refresh the house’s appearance. Look into seeding versus sod for your yard and ensure green grass.
  • Check the Yard’s Grade: does the lawn slope down towards the house leading to flooding? Or does the lawn slope down away from the house?

Envision Lawn and Tree Services

John and Charlie have got your back! Envision Lawn and Tree can not only clean up the most untamable of yards, they can also address the wet basement issues by sloping the lawn and/or installing French drains! From tree removal to fresh mulch, there’s a reason Ellen counts on these guys to quickly and effectively assess and deal with any landscaping issues she encounters.

Are you looking for a house in the Brookside area? Ellen can’t wait to help you find the perfect home! Contact her today! Ready for some high quality lawncare? Contact John and Charlie at (816) 788 – 0808. Let them know that you saw this video and tell them Ellen sent you!

 

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New Year, New You – In Brookside!

Did you make New Year’s Resolutions about weight loss or fitness but don’t know where to start?

Maybe you aren’t keeping resolutions, but you have some fitness goals in mind. Whether you’re a fitness veteran and new to Brookside or a long-term resident new to the gym scene, Ellen knows just the local places to visit!

With the winter months still upon us, exercising outdoors is not a delightful prospect for most. Brookside offers indoor gyms that can help you find just the fitness program you need. Here are four of Ellen’s favorite gyms:

  1. Orange Theory (near 62nd Terrace and Main in Brookside)– With intentional coaches and the technological tools to monitor your progress, Orange Theory offers group classes with professional guidance to encourage you in completing your goals! Sign up for classes now; if you’re a first time visitor, you can take one class for free!
  2. Barre3 (on 63rd Street across from Brookside Real Estate office) – This unique fitness community blends ballet barre techniques with yoga and pilates to create a strengthening course easy enough for beginners! As an extra bonus, Barre3 also offers a “play lounge” day care setup so you don’t have to worry about your little ones while you’re working out – distraction free! Find a trainer and community here!
  3. City Gym –  (Located in in the heart of Waldo) City Gym offers everything from Spin to Zumba to Strength 360 classes. Check out their membership options here! Have any questions finding the right spot for you? Let them know!

If you’re not looking for a gym, just a little time outdoors, Ellen knows just the spots in Brookside for a lovely walk. The local Trolley Trail is four miles long and covers a historic section of the Brookside community. You can also check out Loose Park with its lovely views and excellent walking paths – with a small loop of just over a mile and a slightly larger loop so you can switch it up and enjoy a change of scenery while you exercise. Don’t forget the Brookside neighborhood streets are also quite walkable; most places in Brookside are dog friendly, but if you’re looking for off-leash options you’ll have to check out Swope Dog Park.

Whether you’re looking to start your fitness journey or you’re searching for a new community, Brookside has a wonderful selection of fitness options. Interested in becoming a resident of the beautiful Brookside neighborhood? Ellen can’t wait to help you discover your perfect home! Contact Ellen today and take the first step to joining the blossoming Brookside community.