Lina Robertson's Blog

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a sucker for a love story.  I'm also addicted to "The X Factor."  Just give me some french onion chip dip, my favorite pajamas, a quiet room, a boxes of Kleenex, turn on "The X Factor," and I'm in heaven.  I don't know what it is about that show, but I get so emotional watching people overcome their fears, go out on stage and really just blow everyone away....including themselves.

I was even more excited when I saw MaKenna and Brock, and learned they are natives of Springfield, MO.  MaKenna is 22 and attends Drury University, and Brock is 18 and a graduate of Willard High School.  They met while singing together in a musical four years ago.  How sweet was it when Brock told the cameras that he was secretly in love with MaKenna!  He said she was a little stuck up at first, but when he thinks of her, his heart just jumps out of his chest.  Swoon!  I'll tell you what....if that girl is smart, she'll latch on to that guy...he's a keeper.

Lina Robertson Jones Owner/Agent RE/MAX Solutions 1715 James River Road Ozark, MO, 65721	Mobile: (417) 844-7265 linarobertson@remax.net http://www.ozarks-realestate.com
RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

About the author:  I am full-time REALTOR® with RE/MAX Solutions in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®.  I have helped hundreds of families in the Springfield, Nixa, Republic and Ozark real estate markets, whether buying a home, or selling a home.  Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings.  Want to know what our market is like?  My website is also an excellent resource for current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports, as well as current market reports for Ozark, Nixa, Republic, and Rogersville.

 

 

Offered at $179,900

Not a cookie cutter! This beautiful home is located in a great established neighborhood and features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, two living areas, stunning contemporary floorplan, spacious kitchen with center island and tons of cabinets, gorgeous laminate hardwood flooring, formal dining room, large master and master bath with double vanities, walk-in shower, jetted tub, wet bar in basement, privacy fenced yard with basketball pad, and storage building.

Lina Robertson Jones Owner/Agent RE/MAX Solutions 1715 James River Road Ozark, MO, 65721	Mobile: (417) 844-7265 linarobertson@remax.net http://www.ozarks-realestate.com
RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

About the author:  I am full-time REALTOR® with RE/MAX Solutions in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®.  I have helped hundreds of families in the Springfield, Nixa, Republic and Ozark real estate markets, whether buying a home, or selling a home.  Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings.  Want to know what our market is like?  My website is also an excellent resource for current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports, as well as current market reports for Ozark, Nixa, Republic, and Rogersville.

 

 

A couple of years ago I joined a local BNI group in Ozark, MO, The Buck Starts Here.  If you're not familiar with BNI, it's a group of local business owners who meet once a week with the sole purpose of referring business to each other.  It operates under the "giver's gain" philosophy.  It provides us an opportunity to get to know each other and how we work in our respective professions, so when the opportunity arises, we have someone that already know and trust to refer our friends, relatives and clients to.  It has been a really great experience for me.

About a year ago, Janice Markley joined our group.  There really is no way for me to describe Janice....you'd have to meet her in person to really understand how truly unique and amazing she is.  Janice is one of those rare people who truly care about others more than herself, but it's her enthusiasm and excitement for her work that sets her apart from others.  Sometimes I wonder if we're going to have to strap her down to her chair.  As excited as she is about her business, she's even more excited about everyone else's.  She embodies the ideal of "giver's gain."

Janice is a representative for Noevir Skin Care products.  Not just "a representative," she happens to be the top representative in all of North America!  Right here....in Clever, MO.  Noevir is a company founded in Japan, that uses all natural ingredients for their products.  They have mastered their formula to be as close to our own skin as possible.  I think I've tried every skin care product known to man, but I agreed to take a sample kit home and try it.  Now...you know I absolutely fell in love, or I wouldn't even be writing this.  Not only did I love it, I called Janice and asked for two more sample kits for my Mom and an agent in my office to try as well.  They're addicted to it now, too.   I can't explain it, but my skin has never felt better, or looked better or healthier.

I wondered if Janice would be very successful in our group since more than half of our members are male.  I mean, come on....how many men are going to use her skin care products?  Do men even care about their skin?  Don't laugh, but it's actually the construction guys, work-outside-all-day, most masculine members of the group who have become Janice's biggest fans.  Evidently, her hand moisturizer is so powerful that it can heal even the most calloused, cracked construction worker's hands.  Her lip moisturizer is another big hit with the men, as well as the sunscreen....you know, for those "follicle-challenged" men who don't have any hair to shield their heads from the sun.

At first, I had to take a deep breath when I saw the pricing.  It seemed a little higher than I was use to paying.  But what I found is that when you use this product that is so natural to the skin, it doesn't take much at all.  My first purchased lasted SIX months!  Not kidding.  I wouldn't kid about something like that.  When I went back and averaged what I was paying for Lancome, or even the Oil of Olay, I realized that I was saving money using Noevir.  I ran out of facial cleanser once and grabbed some Oil of Olay while I was at the pharmacy, and was almost mad when it didn't even last me much more than a month.  It took me a while, but I did finally realize I am money ahead with Noevir.

And there's never an excuse for running out.  The best part of Noevir is that all I ever have to do is call Janice, and I have whatever I need practically in the blink of an eye.  She doesn't forget your order, she always follows up to be sure you're happy with the product, and always has a solution for whatever skin care problem you have.  Janice takes care of everything for me.  I won't betray Janice and tell her age, but let me tell you....if I even had a fraction of her energy, enthusiasm, drive and determination at my current age...I'd be setting this world on fire! 

If you're looking for a great skin care line, you don't have to commit to host a party, or sell anything to your friends.....just call Janice and ask for a sample pack.  I guarantee you'll be calling her within 48 hours and asking to purchase your first skin care line from Noevir.  And you'll never go back. 

Fair warning...Janice's awesome customer service may spoil you. 

Lina Robertson Jones Owner/Agent RE/MAX Solutions 1715 James River Road Ozark, MO, 65721	Mobile: (417) 844-7265 linarobertson@remax.net http://www.ozarks-realestate.com
RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

About the author:  I am full-time REALTOR® with RE/MAX Solutions in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®.  I have helped hundreds of families in the Springfield, Nixa, Republic and Ozark real estate markets, whether buying a home, or selling a home.  Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings.  Want to know what our market is like?  My website is also an excellent resource for current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports, as well as current market reports for Ozark, Nixa, Republic, and Rogersville.

 

 

Someone asked me today if the average sales price has gone down this year over last year.  I wasn't sure, so I pulled the data from the MLS and prepared the chart below.

Basically, there is no rhyme or reason to the average sales prices over the past couple of years.  If you factor in the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit of last year, you can see that the average sales price naturally dropped during that period of time, which is undoubtedly due to the average sales price of that particular buyer.  However, that correlation doesn't explain this year's drop in sales price during the same period of time.  So, I don't think that we can attribute much to the tax credit.  It appears that the average sales price naturally drops during that time of year.

Overall, it looks as if the highest average sales price occurs in June, due to contracts written in May.  I am encouraged by the rising average that has occurred in the sale prices over the past three months.  The activity in our market is definitely on the upswing, and that is evident in this data.

Whether you're in the market to buy a home, or sell a home, in the Springfield, MO, area, it is important to be educated on the local real estate market trends.  Let me and my team analyze the data, and provide you with the knowledge you need to be able to make an educated and informed decision on your next real estate transaction.

Lina Robertson Jones Owner/Agent RE/MAX Solutions 1715 James River Road Ozark, MO, 65721	Mobile: (417) 844-7265 linarobertson@remax.net http://www.ozarks-realestate.com
RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

About the author:  I am full-time REALTOR® with RE/MAX Solutions in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®.  I have helped hundreds of families in the Springfield, Nixa, Republic and Ozark real estate markets, whether buying a home, or selling a home.  Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings.  Want to know what our market is like?  My website is also an excellent resource for current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports, as well as current market reports for Ozark, Nixa, Republic, and Rogersville.

 

 

What a week!  Selling real estate hasn't been easy for a few years now, but lately it seems to be getting even worse.  Financing isn't easy, emotions are high, and more and more hoops are added every time I turn around.  Buyers are lighting up the phones, but afraid to make a move for fear of missing out on a better deal somewhere down the road.  Sellers have cut prices so low, they literally don't have any room to negotiate.  Trying to come to a "meeting of the minds" is no easy feat when the starting positions are growing so far apart.

It's one of those weeks when I actually wonder if I'm going to find out how high my stress level can climb before I actually crack, and then I stumbled across this audition of a little girl named Rachel from "X Factor" last night.  This little bundle of happiness had me smiling before she even began singing.  Watching her happy face, her enthusiasm and bubbly personality was so contagious....and such a welcome relief from all the high stress.  She lifted my spirits and has kept me smiling all night.  I'm so glad God put people like her in the world.  She was just the ray of sunshine I needed.

I know one thing:  the REALTOR® who is lucky enough to help Rachel and her family find a new home....of course, with a private bathroom for Rachel....will have one unforgettable experience!

I'll bet you can't watch it without smiling either.

Lina Robertson Jones Owner/Agent RE/MAX Solutions 1715 James River Road Ozark, MO, 65721	Mobile: (417) 844-7265 linarobertson@remax.net http://www.ozarks-realestate.com
RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

About the author:  I am full-time REALTOR® with RE/MAX Solutions in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®.  I have helped hundreds of families in the Springfield, Nixa, Republic and Ozark real estate markets, whether buying a home, or selling a home.  Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings.  Want to know what our market is like?  My website is also an excellent resource for current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports, as well as current market reports for Ozark, Nixa, Republic, and Rogersville.

 

 

Greater Springfield MO New Construction Home Sales

The Greater Springfield, MO, area has been the fastest growing area in the State of Missouri for the past 10 years.  With the downturn of the real estate market, new construction was the first segment of the market to be affected.  Most builders stopped completely.  Others tried to continue on, but were caught in the continued downturn and eventually went bankrupt. 

Those builders that survived continue to build, but not at the rapid pace of the real estate boom from 2003 to 2006.  It is becoming increasingly more difficult to find a new construction home, or even a home less than 5 years old for that matter.

The chart below details the number of home sales for 2010 v. 2011. 

You can see the reduction in the number of new construction homes sold.  The inventory has decreased as well because it is difficult for a builder to be able to compete with the prices of the existing homes and foreclosures.

But there are still buyers in the market that are not finding what they want....even with the large inventory available.  For those buyers, a new construction home is still a desirable option, especially with today's fantastic interest rates.

If you are considering building a new home, be sure to check with a local REALTOR® who is familiar with the business practices and reputations of the builders in the area, and can help guide you through the construction process and ensure that your rights are protected.

Lina Robertson Jones Owner/Agent RE/MAX Solutions 1715 James River Road Ozark, MO, 65721	Mobile: (417) 844-7265 linarobertson@remax.net http://www.ozarks-realestate.com
RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

About the author:  I am full-time REALTOR® with RE/MAX Solutions in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®.  I have helped hundreds of families in the Springfield, Nixa, Republic and Ozark real estate markets, whether buying a home, or selling a home.  Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings.  Want to know what our market is like?  My website is also an excellent resource for current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports, as well as current market reports for Ozark, Nixa, Republic, and Rogersville.

 

 

Karpet KO Carpet Cleaning
Professional Carpet Cleaner in the Springfield, MO, Area

So often, I'm contacted by a homeowner to list their home for sale, and arrive only to have the homeowner say, "I know, I need to clean the carpets."  Yep....you do.  Dirty or smelly carpeting can not only send a signal to a potential buyer that the home has not been maintained properly, it can have a direct impact on the value of your home. 

The condition and cleanliness of your carpet is one aspect of your home that buyers pay close attention to.  If your carpet is a living memorial to your new puppy, your toddler's first experiment with an open cup, residue from your latest shop project, or your teenager's most recent mud football adventure, many buyers will choose to skip any attempt at cleaning the carpet, and may immediately begin tallying the cost of new carpeting throughout. You can bet, the cost of replacing the carpet will be deducted from the amount the buyer was willing to offer on your home.

I have tried many carpet cleaning companies in my 11 years in the business, but none have done a better job for my home sellers than Karpet KO Carpet Cleaning.  Owned and operated by Chase Winslow, Karpet KO has performed what I felt would be impossible tasks.  Many carpet cleaners will tell you that they can remove pet odors, stains and other damage from your carpet, but oftentimes it is only a temporary solution....and the stains and odor return within a week or two.

Karpet KO Carpet Cleaning uses a state-of-the-art cleaner with enzymes that literally break down the bacteria until it's gone, it smells wonderful, and it truly knocks out your stains....for good!  Pet odors?  Yep, I've seen them knock those out!

Karpet KO's prices are surprisingly affordable, too!  Senior citizens get a 10% discount off of all services.  They also have a special of $23.99 per room for unlimited rooms (with dimensions of 20 x 15 or smaller). 

Lina Robertson Jones Owner/Agent RE/MAX Solutions 1715 James River Road Ozark, MO, 65721	Mobile: (417) 844-7265 linarobertson@remax.net http://www.ozarks-realestate.com
RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

About the author:  I am full-time REALTOR® with RE/MAX Solutions in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®.  I have helped hundreds of families in the Springfield, Nixa, Republic and Ozark real estate markets, whether buying a home, or selling a home.  Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings.  Want to know what our market is like?  My website is also an excellent resource for current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports, as well as current market reports for Ozark, Nixa, Republic, and Rogersville.

 

 

Copper Mill is located on the east side of Springfield, MO.  Tucked away amongst mature trees, and sitting high on the hill, this regal neighborhood boasts of beautiful all-brick homes originally developed and built in the 1990's.

 
Residents of Copper Mill have the option of enjoying the community's amenities, including a swimming pool, tennis courts and basketball court.  Homeowners dues are $362 per year and include trash service.  Children of Copper Mill attend Sequiota Elementary School, Pershing Middle School and Glendale High School.

 
Home prices typically average $250,000 to $350,000.  There are currently several homes for sale in Copper Mill.  Based on the past year's sales, the average sales price is typically around $226,031 for a 3,785 square foot home, making the average price per square foot around $60 psf.  However, these numbers are skewed by the recent sales of a couple of foreclosures.  When these two homes are removed, the numbers increase to $257,770 for a 3,367 sf home, which brings the average price per square foot up to $76 psf.

Children will love the neighborhood festivities on Halloween.  Because there is only one access road into the neighborhood, and most residents decorate their homes for the holiday, Copper Mill is a popular place for trick-or-treating.

 
Although no neighborhood can claim to be crime-free, Copper Mill has fewer crime reports than many Springfield, MO, neighborhoods. 

If you're searching for a home in Springfield, MO with great access to shopping, and highway access, yet strive for that country feel, this is a neighborhood you should add to your list.

Lina Robertson Jones Owner/Agent RE/MAX Solutions 1715 James River Road Ozark, MO, 65721	Mobile: (417) 844-7265 linarobertson@remax.net http://www.ozarks-realestate.com
RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

About the author:  I am full-time REALTOR® with RE/MAX Solutions in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®.  I have helped hundreds of families in the Springfield, Nixa, Republic and Ozark real estate markets, whether buying a home, or selling a home.  Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings.  Want to know what our market is like?  My website is also an excellent resource for current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports, as well as current market reports for Ozark, Nixa, Republic, and Rogersville.

 

 

Eaglesgate

Eaglesgate is located on the south side of Springfield, just south of James River Expressway off of National Avenue.  Until the early 2000's, it was a small golf course.  Because of its desirable location, when the golf course closed, developers scrambled to buy the land.  What evolved is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Springfield, MO. 

Residents of Eaglesgate have the option of enjoying the community's amenities, including a swimming pool, tennis court and basketball court.  Additionally, the clubhouse is available to residents for a charge.  Children of Eaglesgate attend Disney Elementary School, Cherokee Middle School and Kickapoo High School.

There are currently several homes for sale in Eaglesgate, with prices ranging from $239,900 to over $1,300,000.  Based on the past year's sales, the average sales price is typically around $363,917 for a 3,542 square foot home, making the average price per square foot around $102.75 psf.

The neighborhood has its own website, where can get answers to frequently asked questions, have access to the covenants & restrictions, and have access to their events calendar.

 

Although no neighborhood can claim to be crime-free, Eaglesgate has fewer crime reports than many Springfield, MO, neighborhoods. 

If you're searching for a home in Springfield, MO with great access to the Medical Mile, shopping, and highway access, yet strive for that country feel, this is a neighborhood you should add to your list.

Lina Robertson Jones Owner/Agent RE/MAX Solutions 1715 James River Road Ozark, MO, 65721	Mobile: (417) 844-7265 linarobertson@remax.net http://www.ozarks-realestate.com
RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!

About the author:  I am full-time REALTOR® with RE/MAX Solutions in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®.  I have helped hundreds of families in the Springfield, Nixa, Republic and Ozark real estate markets, whether buying a home, or selling a home.  Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings.  Want to know what our market is like?  My website is also an excellent resource for current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports, as well as current market reports for Ozark, Nixa, Republic, and Rogersville.