Saint Joseph Missouri Home Loan Pre-Approval If you currently live near Saint Joseph, or St. Joe as we locals call it, it's time to buy a house.  CNN Money tells us that it is currently 68% cheaper to purchase a home rather than renting!  The housing market is back in full swing, especially since we are into the summer months, and that means it's time to get moving; LITERALLY!  So what does that mean for you? It means that more houses are coming on the market and interest rates are still low.  You should always begin your housing search by getting pre-approved for a your Home Loan.  Getting pre-approved is a great first step for many reasons; 1. Most realtors won't look at homes without knowing that you're approved for a home loan. This actually is really important to Realtors because ... 06/23/2014

St. Joseph Missouri VA Loan Eligibility Right now, VA loans are becoming more and more popular than ever. Especially since many of our troops are coming home from the last 10 years of war. A VA Loan is a home loan designed to help soldiers (or those who have an honorable discharge) buy a home. VA loans require ZERO down-payment, and NO PMI insurance. The loan offers 100% financing.  If any real estate agents out there have a client who is a current or former soldier, encourage them to look into a VA loan. If they're not sure how to get started, here are some tips on your St. Joseph Missouri VA Loan Eligibility requirements:  1. Obtain a certificate of eligibility (COE) for a VA Loan (or a DD214)  Each applicant must show proof that they are either current or retired military. A veteran... 06/23/2014

VA Loan Eligibility Saint Joseph MO Right now, VA loans are becoming more and more popular than ever. Especially since many of our troops are coming home from the last 10 years of war. A VA Loan is a home loan designed to help soldiers (or those who have an honorable discharge) buy a home. VA loans require ZERO down-payment, and NO PMI insurance. The loan offers 100% financing.  If any real estate agents out there have a client who is a current or former soldier, encourage them to look into a VA loan. If they're not sure how to get started, here are some tips on your VA Loan Eligibility Saint Joseph MO requirements:  1. Obtain a certificate of eligibility (COE) for a VA Loan (or a DD214)  Each applicant must show proof that they are either current or retired military. A veteran can req... 06/03/2014

FHA Home Loan St. Joseph, MissouriLet's discuss FHA loans since you're probably wanting to learn more about them. You probably already know that FHA home loans are extremely popular because they've got plenty of advantages designed for the home buyer!You may apply here for anFHA Home Loan St. Joseph, Missouri The FHA home loan is a great program since it really can help the buyer with incredible benefits when you are approved for the loan.  The advantages  start the ball rolling with guidelines on the application & approval process that are not as difficult as a traditional loan and the down payment fees are less than a conventional loan. This program is backed up by the Federal Housing Authority, what that means that buyers that have had credit problems or simply do not have the money... 06/03/2014

06/28/2013

Recently while driving around I have noticed more trendy, fun looking businesses with their doors open and people wondering in and.  The curiosity was killing me - so I took a little time and shopped around.  Oh, what fun it was.  You have to check out these quant shops, unlike any other around town!    Recent addition to the downtown area has been buzzing!    The Lucky Tiger, vintage clothing and accessories, vinyl record and whatever great items we find kind of store. Always playing great tunes and a fun atmosphere, providing a fun and unique shopping experience.  But that isn't all --- they also host fun parties!  Friday, August 10th, they came dressed in their finest 80's apparel enjoyed the Blue Oyster Club Band and cold beverages!  Those in costumes got 20% off purchases and the b... 08/15/2012

New coach, new players, new year…the KC Chiefs are off to a great start this year!! If you haven’t made it out to camp, this week is your last chance to watch them gear up for the upcoming football season here in St. Joe.  Crowds have been great this year, even with some days of extreme heat.  The players, coaches & staff have been wonderful in talking with their fans, giving autographs and making it well worth making the trip out.  They enjoy having you there to root them on, just as much as you enjoy going out to watch them!  It has been a great experience for the St. Joseph community  to have the Chiefs back here for year 3 of training camp.  The Chiefs have 2 more guaranteed years here in St. Joseph – and the possibility of renewing for another 5 years.  We hope that agreement exten... 08/14/2012

Air National Guard Softball teams from all over the United States will start rolling into town this week.  Around 45 teams have registered to participate in the 47th Annual Tournament, bringing approximately 750 players to the area.  St. Joseph has previously hosted ANG Softball tournaments in 2004 & 2005.  The tournament will kick off on Wednesday with registration, opening party and a home run derby.  Opening ceremonies will take place at Heritage Park Softball Complex at 7:45 AM on Thursday.  Games will be played Thursday from 8:30 AM to 10 PM and Friday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 8 PM. Brackets include men’s, women’s & coed teams.  The tournament is being hosted by the Missouri 139th Airlift Wing in conjunction with the City of St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Department and the lo... 08/14/2012

The current One-half cent CIP Sales Tax that is the only source of funding for major public infrastructure in the City of St. Joseph was passed unanimously by local voters! The tax has been in place since 1989, giving one-half cent sales tax funds to the Capital Improvements Program (CIP).  This money is used to keep our community growing, maintain streets, safety and improve or build buildings and facilities to keep our city up-to-date. To date, every project that has ever been promised has been or is scheduled to be completed. Just to name a few of the current improvements this tax has provided: Renovations of Phil Welch Stadium, City Hall, Missouri Theater, Hike and Bike Trail, New Fire Station on St. Joseph Avenue, New REC Facility - to replace Munchenburger and the St. Joseph Aquat... 08/10/2012

It is hard to believe that August is already here.  Which means…it won’t be long until schools are back in session here in St. Joe.  Both a dreadful and happy thought!  It is always nice to get the kiddos back in the classroom, but the prep can empty your wallets quickly.  New clothes, backpacks, supplies, tennis shoes, hair cut, the list is on-going.  With less than a few weeks to go, it is time to gear up for the 2012-2013 school year.  St. Joseph Public Schools begin August 16 and Parochial Schools begin August 20. Are you ready for summer to be over?  How are you gearing up for the school year?  Here are a few ways to save and help out locally! Back to School Tax Free WeekendThis weekend, August 3-5, you can take advantage of ‘tax free weekend’, in St. Joseph and the entire state of... 08/01/2012

‘I love you, You’re Perfect, Now Change’ presented by Western Playhouse is a production that is hilarious and heartfelt.  The play consists of 20 unrelated vignettes that are both awesome and awful relating to dating, marriage, and all the things between.  Starring two women and two men, ironically two of the stars are actually newlyweds.  It is quite the experience – fun and challenging.  Some scenes they are partners and some not, so they have had to learn how to adapt in many ways.  Stars Jessica Elder Agnew and Shaun Agnew both say they have enjoyed the experience and they would definitely do it again, it has been a joyous few months and a wonderful learning experience.  The other stars include a women from Kansas City and a male from the MWSU Arts Department. Western Playhouse is a... 07/27/2012

The sarcastic comment is often made that our city, as well as many others, have a Walgreens or Wal-Mart located at every corner.  When plans for the city’s new REC Center were announced similar statements were made about St. Joseph having too many work out facilities.  With many years of planning and building underway, this impressive facility will ‘awe’ those that ever had that thought cross their minds.   This town definitely doesn’t have anything compared to this that is available for everyone to use, owned by the city, with this variety of equipment and space.  If you haven’t seen the new facility...you really need t go check it out.  Once again...WAY TO GO ST. JOE!!! St. Joseph has another state-of-the art facility to add to their inventory.  The St. Joseph Recreation, Exercise and... 07/11/2012

The Ground Round restaurant has moved from its long time home at the corner of the Belt Highway and Frederick Avenue to Downtown St. Joseph.  The move took place earlier this month.  They are now located at 6th and Edmond, the building formerly occupied by Em Chamas Brazilian Grill.  The locally owned and operated family friendly bar and grill has been a hot spot for years.   The hours and menu remain the same as well as providing free popcorn, weekly specials, happy hours and more. In the beginning questions were brought to the table regarding City’s TIF money investments and MD Management (East Hills Mall), but after many discussions everyone agreed it was a great move.  It allowed East Hills to the opportunity to capture additional revenue from the existing site and the Ground Round ... 07/09/2012

This company introduced the ‘Candy Cop’ and makes what is known as ‘America’s Favorite Cherry Candy Bar’.  Chase Candy Company, located in St. Joseph, Missouri has been making candy since 1876.  Known for using only the best ingredients and making small batches at a time, the old fashioned way, to maintain consistency and great taste, the company is still in business today.  In the first 50 years of business, Chase Candy produced over 500 different types of candy.  Not all were hits, but the Cherry Mash Candy bar created in 1918 sure was and still remains their best seller. A Cherry Mash is a candy bar is a mound of chopped peanuts blended with a chocolate coating over a smooth cherry fondant.  The Cherry Mash is well known around St. Joseph and the Midwest.  It is often given to visito... 07/06/2012

The 4th of July is most known for family gatherings, barbeques and big  booming fireworks.  I do love fireworks…and great food but what is Independence Day really about?  Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.  On July 3rd the St. Joseph Mustangs hosted the U.S. Military All Stars Game, a part of the Red, White & Blue Tour here in St. Joseph, Missouri.  The historic tour delivers patriotic events designed to honor America.  The tour will visit 45 states and 3 countries and compete in 100 games at all levels each year.  “Passing the Flag” and “Walk of Honor” ceremonies  take place prior to the g... 07/05/2012

July is here, the prep has begun, Missouri Western State University and the St. Joseph community are ready for some football!   The Kansas City Chiefs will return in late July for their 3rd Training Camp in StJoMo!  And………………..as if that isn’t exciting enough, it is official the Arizona Cardinals will be joining them for a few days during the second week of camp to practice along side of them.  Two NFL teams here in St. Joe…WOW! Although attendance wasn’t as large in 2011 as in 2010, due to the flooding and the late announcement of camp dates because of the NFL lock out, it still had a great impact on the community.  Each year the camp brings in hundreds of players, coaches, trainers and other staff.  And we all know, Chiefs fans are diehards, they love nothing more than to come and ro... 07/05/2012

Candlewood Suites opens in St. Joseph… St. Joseph's newest hotel, Candlewood Suites is open for business!!  A ribbon cutting took place on Friday, June 29th and tours were provided to the public.    The extended stay property is furnished for comfort and daily living.  Each room has a full kitchen, also available an outdoor gazebo and grilling area.  The Fitness Center and Business Center are both available 24-hours a day.  Each suite includes free Wi-Fi, free parking and free laundry facilities.    Guests were amazed as they toured the NEW facility.  The rooms are so spacious; comfy beds, full size refrigerators and dishwashers in every room.  In room television, CD players and cable/satellite.  And the best ooh and ah came when they saw the large selection of movies available for all... 07/05/2012

Today, I collected my 3rd trading card!  So art really is not my thing, at least which is what I thought.  After my adventure this afternoon, I have once again proven myself wrong.  Wow, what a beautiful collection and great experience.  Off of Frederick Avenue between Noyes Blvd. and 36th Street sit many huge, extravagant homes.  I have always adored them while driving past.  Today I stepped inside one of them, a Georgian style mansion that was built around 1933 as the home of William and Lean Albrecht.  William Albrecht founded the Western Tablet Company, later known as Westab and is known today as Mead Products.  The mansion was given to the St. Joseph Art League in 1965 after Mr. & Mrs. Albrecht’s passing,  and today houses one of Midwest’s finest collections of 18th, 19th & 20th Ce... 07/02/2012

    Lake Contrary Development Association is hosting a craft and flea market festival on Saturday, June 23, 2012 from 8 AM to 4 PM at Lake Contrary. All proceeds will go towards the purchase of a new pump for the lake.   Local Historian, Clyde Weeks will be featured with a presentation of his book ‘Lake Contrary Glory Days’.         Many remember or have heard stories of the long gone glory days of Lake Contrary, the development which was one of Midwest’s first resorts.  From its opening in the 1880’s by the light and power company as a means to selling more electricity, to its closing as an amusement park in the early 1960’s, Lake Contrary was quiet the place to be for decades.  It had summer homes, traveling acts, yacht and horse races, rides, a river- boat, and more.        Enough ti... 06/21/2012

The American Public Transportation Association has declared June 21st ‘National Dump the Pump Day’!  Dump the pump day started in 2006 when gas prices were over $3 per gallon.  A day created to encourage people to use public transportation and save money. Are high gas prices breaking you?  Sick of the rising prices?  Although gas prices aren’t as high as they were a few years ago, it is still depressing to drop over fifty dollars each time I need to fill up.  I remember when gas was less than fifty cents a gallon.  During this economic hardship it seems we are all trying to pinch pennies any way we can.  When I stumbled across information on Dump the Pump day it got me thinking. I hate to pay the high prices, but I haven’t drastically made any changes to my daily transportation schedule... 06/20/2012