Studies show that owning a home not only instills a sense of comfort and pride, but it also brings higher academic achievement, more cohesive communities, better connected families, improved health and safety, and a stronger economy.  Home owners: are 15% more likely to vote live 4 times longer in a community are 16% more likely to belong to parent-teacher organizations, book clubs, etc. are 1.3 times more likely to read the newspaper are 10% more likely to attend church have a net worth 45.9 times that of a renter's For more information, check out the National Association of Realtors' Field Guide to the Benefits of Home Ownership. When you are ready to buy or sell your next home, please give us a call.  No matter the need, Pickett Property Group can help! 03/11/2011

If you're considering a move to Johnson County in Kansas and were wondering about the education system, here is one more source to help you out. Students participate in the Kansas Assessments Program each year to measure academic progress.  Those interested in USD 232 should take special note:  Both High Schools (DeSoto and Mill Valley) scored at 95% or higher in all 3 categories.  Below is a chart highlighting the Kansas Assessments for Johnson County High Schools:     How do high schools compare in Johnson County?   2009-10 Kansas Assessments: Johnson County High Schools   Percentage of students meeting or exceeding state standards.     Reading   High School / Ranking %   1 De Soto - De Soto H.S.(3rd year in a row) 98.7   2 Blue Valley North 98.4   3 St. James 97.6   4 Spring Hill 97.... 10/28/2010