Category Archives: Kansas City

July 17, 2007 · 1:35 pm

Kansas City’s New Sprint Center

This morning at the weekly Kansas City Breakfast Club meeting we had a guest speaker by the name of David Pulford. David is the Director of Operations for Kansas City’s new Sprint Center, the key component to the new Power & Light District.

Being both informative and fun, here were a few of the nuggets David shared with us…

There are 2,204 windows (that’s a lot of cleaning!).
There are 11,000 parking places in close proximity to the Sprint Center, or so he says…
The Sprint Center opens October 13, 2007.
There are 36 events planned between October 13th and December 31, 2007.
The Sprint Center will be open for public tours from October 10-12th.
Man hours to build the Center are approaching 1,000,000.
For basketball, the Sprint Center will seat about 18,000.

Now, because David is sworn to secrecy upon penalty of death he could not share with us all the events that are currently scheduled. He did say that information should be made public in the next week or two. David also brought up that Disney’s High School Musical would be coming as an ice production. (Sounds like a nightmare to me…though my 9 year old would love it.)

Regarding a permanent tenant David promised we would have both the NBA and NHL locked in by January.

Okay, the previous sentence is patently false. I just wanted to upset David. Although I’m sure he is working hard to do his part to make it happen.

On a personal note, and as a college basketball junkie, I am happy the Sprint Center is coming. The more Big XII basketball we can get here the better my life will be. Oh, and “Rock Chalk.”

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Filed under Kansas City, Kansas City entertainment, Kansas City Sports

June 22, 2007 · 3:16 pm

Kansas City, Missouri Rental Licensing

I received this email from KCRAR. That’s Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS. I am in full agreement that we do not want, nor do we need rental licensing in Kansas City, MO for investment property owners and/or their rental properties.

Now, I’m not for slum lords, either. So as you read this be sure to understand that most of my clients keep clean and relatively updated units in operation and available to their tenants. There are already measures that could be put in force to make sure tenant living quarters are safe and clean. Use those.

And before KCMO decides to go after the landlords, why don’t they first go after themselves. I’ve never seen a more disorganized and incompetent housing authority in all my life as the experiences I’ve had with the Kansas City Housing Authority. I guess they want landlords to do what they cannot. Hmmmmm.

The Kansas City, Missouri City Council is considering a proposal to create a rental licensing program for landlords in KCMO, including registration fees, inspection requirements, and other costly and cumbersome regulations. KCRAR opposes such programs, as we believe they unfairly target investment property owners, do very little to address the problem of blight in neighborhoods, discourage investment in rental properties, and increase the cost of housing to lower income tenants who are most at risk of losing their shelter.

Please help us fight this proposal by contacting members of the Kansas City MO Public Safety and Neighborhood Committee and adding your voice to our opposition.

Thank you.

Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):

Council Member Cathy Jolly

Council Member Cindy Circo

Council Member John Sharp

Council Member Melba Curls

Council Member Sharon Sanders Brooks

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Filed under Kansas City, Personal Real Estate Opinions, Real Estate Investing

June 15, 2007 · 7:02 am

News You Can Use

Midwest Airlines is being taken over by Air-Tran. As a Kansas Citian, this isn’t good news. Midwest has been a good civic partner for Kansas City. Air-Tran? Can you say Southwest Airlines without any of the status?

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The foreclosure market is at historic levels, on the high side. And look which states are causing the problem. We have quite a few here, but we are in much better shape in the Greater Kansas City area.

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Hey St. Louis, I thought your baseball team was supposed to be better than ours. Kind of reminds me of 1985. 🙂

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Congratulations to Jacque Vaughn of the San Antonio Spurs. Another Jayhawk gets a ring. I know Kansas has had Clyde Lovellette,Wilt Chamberlin, JoJo White, Darnell Valentine, Danny Manning, Paul Pierce, Kirk Hinrich and so many more. But Jacque Vaughn will always be my favorite point guard. A pure point guard and a perfect NBA backup. Plays 10-11 minutes a game without turnovers but with assists. What else could a coach ask for?

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Kansas City commercial real estate values inching upwards. Buyers from the east, of course.

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Newsflash. Slower sales mean higher commissions to your real estate agent. Why is this a surprise? When all you had to do to sell a home was put out a sign and wait 72 hours of course commission rates for real estate agents was going to drop. But now, when sales are slower and it takes a professional to get the word out about your home, of course commission rates are going to rise.

Why do people not think economic theory applies also to real estate? Same with the whole rising prices thing. Didn’t we see this story a few years ago with the stock market? Learn people. Learn.

Kansas City Events and Other Miscellaneous Thoughts

Kansas City’s Rhythm & Ribs is happening this weekend. If you like the Blues, Jazz and BBQ, you might want to think about visiting Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine district. Pat Matheny, George Benson & Al Jarreau. Need I say more? See you there.

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My son went down this really cool luge ride yesterday in New Zealand. Check it out.

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I have a closing today. That’s always an exciting day for everyone. My investor gets a sharp new property that will help them have a retirement worth having. (Especially these. Brand new townhouses for $108,900 that rent for $925-$950/mo. Eat your heart out California.) The builder sells another property which frees up money to build more. A tenant will get a quality home. And I get paid for my efforts. Everybody wins.

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Just so you’ll keep up to date: It’s only 120 more days until Midnight Madness. What’s Midnight Madness? It’s when the NCAA allows college basketball teams to begin practicing. Ahh. Soon my beloved Jayhawks will be taking the floor again!

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Filed under Kansas City, Kansas City BBQ, Kansas City Sports

May 25, 2007 · 1:33 pm

BBQ Heaven: The Great American BBQ Fesitval

I almost forgot to mention! Jeez. This weekend is The Great American Barbeque Festival. Click the link to learn more about this great BBQ, Blues and social event. Hope to see you there.

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Filed under Kansas City, Kansas City BBQ

May 18, 2007 · 6:52 am

Nothing To Do With Real Estate

Taco John’s is now open in Olathe! I can taste the Tato-lays.
I have my Dad in town for a few days so this blog probably won’t have anything earth shaking until Sunday.
My kids get out of school next Thursday for the summer. After that, when you call don’t be suprised if you hear kids yelling in the background!
Did you know the City of Olathe will haul away just about anything for a bulk pick up fee of $20? It’s a great service.
Sheridan’s Frozen Custard is fantastic on a warm Friday night.
Anybody else notice the Royals are 5-5 in their last 10? Is that a World Series I’m smelling?