Updated February 2008

The real estate market in our area is best described as "good," despite reports from the East and West Coasts. Demand continues to come from new families desiring rural and small town environments with access to smaller schools & Wichita employment. This demand has been fueled by low unemployment, favorable interest rates and a growing local economy.

Interest rates for 30 year home loans continue to be in the 6.5% to 7% depending on discount points, loan origination fees, buydowns, and downpayments. There a wide variety of loan programs available, from a wide variety of lenders. We can help you navigate the differences and get the best loan for your needs.

In our market we have noticed an increase in the number of homes on the market, but homes that are clean and priced appropriately continue to sell in a reasonable time period.

In our opinion a number of homes are "For Sale By Owners" and offered by inexperienced agents not relying on good market data. We are seeing a very limited number of sales occurring that are well "above the market". These are generally overpriced "For Sale By Owners" where a naive Buyer with a good downpayment, acting emotionally without an Agent, was involved. These may well come back to "haunt" when these Buyers become Sellers.

We can help you differentiate between "hearsay coffee shop talk" and reliable market data to properly price your home for sale, or buy with confidence.

We have seen a good deal of new home construction, both in small towns and on small acreages. Local quality Builders continue to have strong work loads. We work with several builders in this area. Through our long-standing, good working relationships we continue to secure "top quality" homes for Buyers in reasonable time periods at fair prices.

Call Peggy or Pam for the most recent "$ cost to build per sqft", projected potential completion dates, and available homesites.

John Hillman, our land specialist, continues to see a strong demand for rural homesites - particularly those with amenities such as trees, rolling terrain, creeks or ponds. Demand has increased significantly for recreational properties.

The past few years have seen a significant increase in the governmental requirements for developing farmland into homesites in this area. The result has been higher developing cost, longer time requirements, and likely higher prices. We continue to be involved in successful land development projects. If you have land physically capable of development give John or Roger a call and discuss your options.