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 If only money grew on trees...
Did your property tax assessment go up last year? Are you paying higher property taxes? We have found that some homes are assessed at a higher value than what that home might sell for-some homeowners have taxes much higher than their neighbors. This not only costs you money in over-paid taxes, but may make your house harder to sell! We'd like to help you save money on your taxes by telling you how to contest the assessed value! If you would like complimentary information about the market value of homes in your neighborhood and the average assessed value of homes similar to yours, give us a call! We will guide you through the process. Deadlines are: Platte County: -April 1st-April 30, 2008 Clay County: -April 1st-April 30, 2008 in Missouri Tell your friends & neighbors. We can help them too! Mary Richards 816-420-5060 Reece & Nichols Realtors maryrichards@reeceandnichols.com www.kcmoves.com
 TIPS ON PUMPING GAS
I received the information below in an e-mail. These tips were provided by a person who has been in the petroleum industry for 31 years. It is good, common sense information so I thought I would share it.
Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role. A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.
When filling up, do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode. If you look you will see
that the trigger has three (3) stages: low, middle, and high. In slow mode you should be pumping on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a
vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some other liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.
One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL or HALF EMPTY. The reason for this is, the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This
roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation.
Unlike service stations, here where I work, every truck that we load is temperature compensated so that every gallon is actually the exact amount.
Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping in to the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up--most likely the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom. Hope this will help you get the most value for your money.
DO SHARE THESE TIPS WITH OTHERS!
Mary Richards Reece & Nichols Realtors maryrichards@reeceandnichols.com www.kcmoves.com 816-853-9698
The Fight Against Identity Theft in Missouri  I recently attended The Capitol Conference in Jefferson City, Missouri. This is an annual conference where Realtors are able to meet the Representative for our District. We are given the opportunity to talk with that person about concerns we have as citizens living in the district and as Realtors. We are there to represent our local Association of Realtors and work for the good of the public. I met with Doug Ervin who is the State Representative for Missouri's 35th District. He sends out regular e-mails regarding the legislation they are working on. Though each issue is important, I thought this was especially important to share with you as we are all susceptible to Identity Theft. See below.
 | The Office of Doug Ervin State Representative for Missouri's 35th District | | | print this Capitol Connection March 6, 2008 Identity Theft On Wednesday, the Missouri House passed HB1384, giving Missourians a new weapon to help fight identity theft. We don't have to spend much time watching television or listening to the radio to see or hear one of the many commercials offering free credit reports or credit card security services designed to protect us from the threat of identity theft. While the ads are often humorous and the jingles are usually catchy, they shed light on a serious problem that is no laughing matter to the millions of Americans victimized by identity thieves each year. Innocent Missourians have been the victims of crimes ranging from someone using an existing credit card account to purchase goods to an individual opening multiple accounts using stolen personal information to someone using a stolen identity to secure a business or home loan. The methods for perpetrating identity theft are many and that is why it is important that Missourians are provided with adequate protection from these devastating and very personal crimes. Identity thieves work hard to steal information about us from online transactions, looking over one's shoulder at an ATM, to going through our trash. Our trash is a potential treasure trove information if credit card offers and various other mailings with personal information are not shredded before being discarded. It's this information that can be used to register new credit cards and endanger the financial stability of innocent, unsuspecting Missourians. The avenues of identity theft are many and that is why identity theft is so hard to combat. In 2004, the legislature passed legislation to increase the penalties for those who steal our personal information (HB916). That bill put some real teeth into our law to send the message that Missouri views identity theft as a serious crime and criminals will not get away with a simple slap on the wrist. On a federal level, President Bush created the first ever Identity Theft Task Force to protect American families from identity theft and to crack down on criminals who traffic in stolen identities. The combination of state and federal efforts has made it more difficult to engage in this illicit behavior. This year the House is taking additional steps with another piece of legislation that makes a very simple change that could mean a big difference for anyone who is victimized by identity thieves. This bill clarifies that identity theft victims have the right to contact local law enforcement to have an incident report prepared and filed. While many police departments already do this, believe or not, there are some that are not willing to take identity theft reports. This is especially important when a victim attempts to have charges removed from a credit card that were run up by an identity thief, because the victim needs a police report to substantiate the fact that they were the victim of a crime. This is a simple, commonsense change that will assist Missourians victimized by identity theft to straighten out the financial mess that can result from these types of crimes. Identity theft is a serious crime and all of us are at risk of becoming the kind of cautionary tale we see in those catchy commercials. By being smart with the way we do business and by enacting laws that give Missourians adequate protection, we can thwart the efforts of these criminals who seek to impersonate us. Feel free to forward this email to friends and family to promote an informed and active citizenry. | Be Informed! House Legislation Connection | Capitol Office State Capitol Room 412-B 201 West Capitol Avenue Jefferson City, MO 65101-6806 Tele: 573.751.2238 Fax: 573.522.9320 Legislative Assistant: LaTonya Percival District Office P.O. Box 461 Kearney, MO 64060 Tele: 816.628.4311 Email: doug.ervin@house.mo.gov Committees Chairman: Small Business Family Services Healthcare Transformation Tourism Joint Committee on Government Accountability
The following links provide quick and easy access to your state government: Missouri House of Representatives
Missouri General Assembly Missouri Senate
Missouri State Government
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Video Clips | Bills referenced in this report: - HB1384 - Identity Theft Law Passed in 2004: - HB916 - Identity Theft " We must take human nature as we find it, perfection falls not to the share of mortals. " - George Washington, letter to John Jay, August 15, 1786 |
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For a Better Missouri,
Doug Ervin
State Representative
District 35, Missouri
Thanks for the timely information Doug! Mary Richards Reece & Nichols Realtors www.kcmoves.com mary@reeceandnichols.com 816-853-9698
902 Ash Drive Smithville, Missouri 64089 $220,000 All-American Beauty! This large home was professionally painted within the past year and is in very nice condition-move right in! This home offers 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and a 3 car garage. Tastefully decorated, the open plan has over 2,300 sq. ft. of living space. There is a bonus built-in storage room behind the garage. 
Formal Living Room Step in onto the tile entry and be ready to be impressed. There are dramatic, vaulted ceilings that will draw your guest into the house. As you step through the front door, you can see into the breakfast room. 
Breakfast Room This room overlooks the kitchen and the Family Room. This is a perfect spot for meals or your morning coffee. The deck is off of this room. This is the heart of the house! 
Kitchen There is plenty of cabinet and counter space here. You can cook up a storm or just enjoy the pretty kitchen. Display your treasures in the glass front cabinets over the breakfast bar which will accommodate 2 or 3 bar stools. 
Family Room This could easily be one of your favorite rooms in this house. The generous space offers room for your furniture and open floor space to play. Cozy up to the fireplace on chilly nights. The door leads to the patio in the fenced backyard. The floor-to-ceiling windows lets in lots of natural light.  
Family Room The lower level includes this family room with built-in bookcase and entertainment center. There is plenty of storage space tucked away too. Newer frieze carpet! 
Computer/Craft Nook Shhh! This is a perfect spot for a grown-up to hide away for some peace and quiet. You can get computer work done, write the novel you've always dreamed of or craft to your hearts' content. There is plenty of light for this built-in workspace. Tile floors too! 
  Master Bedroom Suite Enjoy your own private retreat in the roomy master bedroom and "spa" bathroom. There is a skylight in the bathroom for additional natural light. The bathroom is appointed with tile floors, corner, jetted tub, double vanity, separate shower and walk-in closet. Smithville, Missouri is a smaller community located in the Kansas Metropolitan area within 25 minutes of downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Smithville is served by an award-winning school system. Located within 15 minutes of this home is Smithville Lake which is a man-made Corp. of Engineers run lake. As such, no homes are built on the shore. This lake has wonderful opportunities for fishing, boating and other water sports, paved and earthen trails for walking, biking and horseback riding. There are two marinas on the lake and swim beaches. There are campsites for tents and sites for RV. This is a jewel for the community. 
 
Shown above are photos of some the features at Smithville Lake. One of the many annual events includes Eagle Days in early January. The eagles normally nest in the area until the end of February. They are truly a site to see. I saw an eagle standing on the ice as the lake was frozen over. The bald eagles' white head really stood out against the blue of the ice. You can view more photos and get more information on my website at: www.kcmoves.com . View the virtual tour at: http://www.visualtour.com/applets/flashviewer2/viewer.asp?t=1377670&sk=23&dm=visualtour.com Mary Richards Reece & Nichols Realtors 260 NE Barry Road Kansas City, Missouri 64155 816-853-9698 cell 816-420-5060 direct line
It's Time For Your Insurance Check-up! This picturesque farmhouse is set in Ashe County, North Carolina. It is located at the edge of Three Top Mountain and the New River. It is on the edge of a National Park. The view from the back of the house is of 3 Top Mountain. The story below is an prime example of why it is so important to review your homeowners insurance coverage. FYI...This farmhouse will be going on the market April 1st, 2008.  Some of the homes I am marketing are vacant. The cost of insuring a vacant house can become an issue if the insurance company finds out the house has been vacant over six months. The policy cost can increase greatly. I was recently talking to my assistant, Barbara, about this issue. She then told me what happened to her father-in-law.
He had owned his home for 25 years(see photo), kept the house insured with the same company and agent during all of that time. After an electrical house fire and working with the insurance company to repair the damages, they were told that the policy value was $100,000 under the value of the home. The replacement value for the structure and contents used by the insurance company was based on an old value. The policy hadn't been adjusted in 10 years and didn't account for rising home values, increase in construction materials, and in addition his home in the mountains of North Carolina had become a popular retirement spot for Floridians in the summer. Her father-in-law received payment from the insurance company for a portion of the damages but ended up having a lot of extensive repairs. Due to the county inspectors investigating the cause of the fire, this homeowner was required to meet the current electrical and plumbing codes. This owner had to replace all plumbing, rewire the entire home, replace the bath fixtures, water heater, kitchen cabinets, counters and appliances. Because the owner loved and cared for his home, he had previously put on a new roof, siding and replacement windows. With the exception of the furnace and front porch, this home has been completely remodeled. Because his policy did not match the value of his home the amount of money the insurance company was able to give hime was inadequate. Unforutnately, this fire cost him tens of thousands of dollars out of his own pocket. This is money he had set aside for retirement, money he will need for his care as he ages. Though some companies, such as State Farm adjust this replacement value annually based on inflation and construction material costs, not all companies do. So if you haven't had an "insurance check-up" lately, you owe it to yourself and your family to make sure your policy is up to date. Mary Richards Reece & Nichols Realtors maryrichards@reeceandnichols.com www.kcmoves.com 816-853-9698 (cell)
Call 911 First Before You Call Your Family I just heard about a Realtor that passed away at home on February 17, 2008. Though I don't have all of the facts, I read that she awoke during the night with a severe asthma attack. She called her son who then called 911. By the time EMT's arrived, she was unresponsive and could not be resuscitated. Our community lost a long-time Realtor that had been a contributor to our profession. Someone lost a mother, a sister. It made me wonder if she would have had a better chance if she had called 911 first. I have heard many instances of seniors calling a family member instead of 911. I wonder: Are they afraid to call? Do they worry that they will "bother" someone? Do they question their judgment as to whether it is a true emergency? Are they concerned about a charge for the ambulance ride? Do they fear they are overreacting to their current illness or situation? As responsible children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews we need to educate our loved ones on the importance of contacting emergency personnel before calling on us. My assistant, Barbara, asked her parents why they would call loved ones before calling emergency personnel; they stated that they are worried that if they become incapacitated before help arrives that their loved ones wouldn't know where they are or what had happened to them. They also were concerned that they would be able to give the proper information to those attending to their needs. Education is essential.  There is a program called "Vial of Life" (http://www.vialoflife.com/). The Alameda County California Fire Department describes it as follows: "The Vial of Life is designed to speak for you when you can't speak for yourself. The vial contains important medical information that can assist emergency personnel in administering the proper medical treatment." This information includes a list of current meds, who to call in case of an emergency, DNR, and living will. I hope that you will take the time to visit the website and educate your loved ones about this important service.
 Don't Let the Grinch Steal the Joy Out of Your Christmas! A lot of us are feeling the crunch this year. Not just because of the market, but just in general. Scaling back on what you are spending doesn't have to spoil your spirit of giving this Christmas season. There are many gifts you can give that cost little or no money. This is a quick list of a few ideas: Free (Okay, so it will cost you some of your time, but you will be well rewarded for it): Help an older person put up their Christmas tree and decorations Clean or run the vacuum for them Go to their house and bake with them Watch a movie with them Wrap their gifts Watch a Christmas movie with them See my blog post with movie recommendations. http://activerain.com/blogsview/304344/Christmas-Movie-Classics-Recommended Ask an older person if you can pick something up for them at the store during inclement weather You're going out anyway, this will only take a few extra minutes. Bring their mail and paper to the door during snowy and icy weather Shovel their walk Help them organize a closet Offer free computer help - More and more seniors are getting computers. The connections are often on the back of the tower and it is hard for seniors to get down on the floor if something comes unplugged. This is something that would take you or me a minute to do. Also, they may have a computer problem that is something you can fix. It is admirable that many seniors are willing to learn what a lot are too intimidated to try. Help them with yard work Volunteer to serve food at a Mission or other shelter Low cost options: Drop off some baked goods to their home- muffins, pumpkin bread, loaf of bread from Panera. You can get that for under $3. Cook some meals, eat with them, put the leftovers in the freezer Invite your neighbor over for a meal Bring them some magazines to read - Seniors in care centers welcome the reading material. Often, you can drop off your  magazines when you are finished with them. Well, I came up with more free ideas than low cost ones. That is a good sign. What are some of your ideas for low cost or free gifts for Christmas? I'd love to hear them. Many of the items listed are things you can do as a family. What a great way to show the kids that they can make a difference at any age. You will be rich and have a full heart if you only do one thing on this list. God Bless and Merry Christmas! Mary Richards 816-853-9698 mary@kcmoves.com www.kcmoves.com Reece & Nichols Realtors |
Christmas Movie Classics So it is that time of year again. You know, where you can find a Christmas movie on almost every day. For some, it brings back memories of Christmas past - memories of shows they watched that they can now share with their kids. These movies are a great way to bring families together. They can even bridge generation gaps. I remember watching many of the older shows and movies with my Grandmother on our small black and white tv set. Though she's no longer here with me, watching them today brings back warm memories. Some favorites include: Animated: 
Charlie Brown Christmas Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer Frosty, the Snowman Santa Clause is Comin' to Town Little Drummer Boy How the Grinch Stole Christmas  Polar Express Non-Animated: Classics:  It's a Wonderful Life - Jimmy Stewart. Who hasn't seen this? This is a favorite that has stood the test of time.
 White Christmas - Classic with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney. This is a movie about war buddies that step-up to help their retired General. There are great songs, scenery. Heart-warming story! Holiday Inn - Classic with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. This is a black & white film about a writer who opens an Inn. He has a singer that performs there who captures his heart. His old pal, played by Fred Astaire is looking for a new dance partner and sees Bing Crosby's love interest. The fun begins as Bing Crosby tries to keep them apart. You'll hear some wonderful holiday songs sung by Bing Crosby. Christmas in Connecticut - Barbara Stanwick and Dennis Morgan. Barbara Stanwick plays a spunky, independent woman writer for a magazine. The publisher believes that her stories are based on her life. Imagine the antics that take place when the publisher invites a war hero to spend Christmas at her farm in Connecticut. Stanwick must quickly come up with a farm, a family complete with a child. Great movie!  Meet Me in St. Louis - Judy Garland This musical film was shot in 1944. Great story, songs and beautiful costumes and scenery. This si a film I try to watch each year.
 Christmas Story - Darren McGavin - Who can forget the leg lamp and the Red Ryder BB gun? Ralphie might put his eye out with that. I have said that to my kids even when it didn't make sense. It is fun to say and as a mother, we're supposed to say it, right? Christmas Carol - There are many versions of this film. Animated and non-aminimated. Modern-Day Classics: Elf Santa Clause Home Alone Walton Christmas 
I asked my husband what movies came to mind for Christmas. He named several of those listed above and added: Die Hard (they play Christmas music during the movie so it qualifies as a Christmas movie) I had never considered that one - must be a guy thing. :-) What are some of your favorite Christmas movies? Let me know what you think and I'll tally up the votes. You can check back for some recommendations. Grab your blanket, hot chocolate and popcorn and get ready to settle in for a movie. You may just find a movie that will become part of your Christmas family tradition. Merry Christmas to You! Mary Richards |
2217 NE 48th Street Kansas City, Missouri 64118 Priced at $105,000 
2 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 car garage Welcome Home! You'll be proud to call this updated home yours. This home has had many updates including the retaining wall to the right. There is ample parking with additional parking in front of the retaining wall. There is plenty of space in the garage for a full-sized truck. The basement has lots of storage space and room for a hobby/work area. The furnace and a/c unit have recently been replaced. 
The front deck with iron spindles has recently been added. There are pave stone steps with a path that will lead you and your guests to the front door. 
The living room is a generous room that is filled with natural light. As you can see, there are a lot of windows. The front door and storm door were recently updated. The windows have been updated with thermal, tilt-in windows. Look at the pretty wood floors. 
Look at this cozy eating area. There is a pantry for extra storage space. The door to the right leads to a mud room and storage area. 
Ahh! The heart of the home. This kitchen has been completely remodeled with new cabinets, counters, floors and appliances.  There is more cabinet space here along with the smooth-top stove - and more windows! 
This generous bedroom has a ceiling fan, large closet and wood floors. 
This bedroom is the same size as the Master. This room would also work well as an office. 
The backyard is level and treed with a patio for outdoor living space. Stop paying rent! It's time for you to own a home! Start building your equity in this move-in ready home. View the virtual tour on my website at:  |
I was in McDonald's for lunch the other day. I don't eat there that often, but this was just one of those days. I was sitting in a newly remodeled store eating my lunch when I noticed they had redone what used to be the play area. In its place was a small kiosk with game controllers with individual screens. No longer were there slides, balls or play structures. Now, some parents may say that the ball pit is not a big loss as it isn't always the most sanitary place but as far as I'm concerned the benefits outweigh those concerns. As I was looking at this new area, I noticed something else that was missing. The opportunity for kids to run off some steam, the chance to make new friends, to get off of their bottoms and get some exercise! Also MIA, Mom's chance for a break, her chance to make new friends or visit for lunch, even a minute to read something she wants to read. 
 It's sad that the kids have yet another opportunity to do something that encourages them to interact with a square screen instead of a living person. The kids probably sat and watched TV at home; sat in the car for the ride there and then sat some more while they ate and played a computer game by themselves. I'm not blaming McDonalds's for this as it is probably easier to maintain that kind of an area, less liability for them, maybe that's what the consumer wanted. I guess we don't always want what is good for us. Still, it is a sad, sad day at McDonald Land! |
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Mary Richards
Kansas City, MO
More about me…
Reece & Nichols Realtors
Office Phone: (816) 420-5060
Cell Phone: (816) 853-9698
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I provide helpful and entertaining information about Real Estate, home information, maintenance and helpful tips for everyday life.
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