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Karen Westover, Associate Broker
RE/MAX Manhattan, REALTORS
2304 Sky-Vue Lane
Manhattan KS 66502
785-532-9333

Kansas Real Estate Blog

Karen Westover

Blog

Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 32

Robinson Building Corporation

2900 NW BUTTON RD.

Topeka, KS  66618

 

PROUD TO BE A WESTAR ENERGY SAVER BUILDER

ABOUT US

Robinson Building Corp. is a Kansas Corporation established in December of 1995 and specializes in commercial and residential construction. Terry Robinson, president and founder, has worked in the construction industry for over thirty years in Topeka and the surrounding areas. He presently holds licenses in Johnson County, Topeka and Manhattan, Kansas.  Terry presently serves on the board of directors of the Topeka Home Builders Association and is a member of the National Home Builder Association and the International Code Council.

Robinson Building Corp. is a builder of fine single family homes in the Topeka and Manhattan area. We also specialize in interior commercial remodeling projects for office and retail clients. Past and current clients include Hills Pet Nutrition, Maximus, and Ferguson Enterprises. Past and current regional clients include Papa John’s franchises, Associated Commercial Brokers, Berlin Wheeler and The Kansas Corporation Commission.

Quality craftsmanship and attention to detail by our staff and sub contractors is the emphasis of every project and we are fully insured and licensed for your protection and peace of mind.

OUR ENERGY POLICY

We believe the best way to help the environment is to conserve the energy and materials we already have. Robinson Building’s commitment to protecting the environment and reducing the carbon footprint of each home has led us to use the following materials and products:

  • Energy efficient vinyl casement windows with Low-E glass
  • R-13 Ultra-Fit, pressure applied fiberglass insulation
  • R-38 blown in attic insulation
  • Wind barrier house wrap
  • 13-SEER Heat Pump with electric backup furnace including a two stage fan   
  • Programmable thermostats
  • Electric hot water heater   
  • Electric fireplaces
  • Energy efficient appliances

Future plans include:

·        Certification as an Energy Star Builder

·        NAHBA green builder certification

·        Development of a comprehensive material recycling program

Our commitment to our environment and community will always be a priority for us at Robinson Building Corp.

Terry Robinson, President

 

Human Trafficing Congressional Caucus

Congressional Caucus on Human Trafficking

 

            I recently became a member of the Congressional Caucus on Human Trafficking after meeting with a group of students from the McPherson Church of the Brethren who were concerned about victims of modern-day slavery. The U.S. Department of State estimates that about 800,000 people are trafficked across borders each year, with even more people trafficked within countries. Most of these victims are women and children. The Congressional Caucus on Human Trafficking works to raise awareness about the issue and advance legislation to end this human rights violation.

 

Memorial Day and Honoring Veterans by Jerry Moran

This Week in Congress

By Congressman Jerry Moran

May 26, 2009

www.jerrymoran.house.gov

 

 

Dear Friend,

 

            Welcome to “This Week in Congress.” Memorial Day is a time to pay a special tribute to the brave military men and women who died while serving and fighting for our country. I was in Seneca this Memorial Day weekend speaking at the dedication of the Nemaha County Veterans Memorial Park. I hope all Kansans enjoyed this special holiday and took time to thank a veteran for their service. I also hope you find this newsletter useful.

 

Introducing Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act

 

            This week, I introduced legislation to protect veterans’ Second Amendment rights. My legislation, H.R. 2547, the Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act, prevents veterans from being unfairly denied their right to purchase firearms. It will reform the Department of Veterans Affairs process that prevents veterans, and their family members, from owning a gun if they receive assistance managing their financial affairs.

 

            On Memorial Day, we honor veterans who have sacrificed to preserve our freedoms. We must make sure that they are afforded the rights they have fought for. The legislation will put a better process in place so that an appropriate judicial authority makes the decision about the veterans’ gun ownership rights. Click here to read more.

 

Hosting a Meeting with Military and Veterans Advisory Committee

 

            On Sunday, I hosted a meeting of my Military & Veterans Advisory Committee at the Kansas State Alumni Center in Manhattan. Earlier this year, I announced the formation of a Military and Veterans Advisory Committee to assist me with issues that affect service members, veterans, Kansas military installations and communities. The committee is made of Kansas leaders with expertise in military and veteran issues.

 

            During the meeting, the members of the committee and I discussed the Department of Defense budget, the importance of professional military schools, the possible transfer of terrorist prisoners to Fort Leavenworth, the growth at Fort Riley, the Great Plains Joint Regional Training Center near Salina, veterans’ benefits and health care, refueling tankers and National Guard enlistment. This committee provides me with advice and insight to make sure that our state’s military and veterans have a strong voice in Washington. Thanks to all the members who could attend: Roger Aeschliman, Robert Arter, Jim AuBuchon, Rhonda Edens, Mark Edwards, Tom Fryer, Gene Heiman, Richard F. Keller, Chaplain Orris E. Kelly, Gary LaGrange, Richard B. Myers, Robert R. Ulin and Dave Warnken.

 

Dedicating the Nemaha County Veterans Memorial

 

            I joined Kansans in Seneca this Memorial Day weekend to speak at the dedication of the Nemaha County Veterans Memorial Park. The memorial features a long wall lined with granite plaques engraved with the names of Nemaha County veterans going back to the Civil War. This beautiful memorial will forever stand as a tribute to the veterans of Nemaha County who sacrificed so much in service to our nation. Special thanks to the memorial’s designer and VFW Post Commander Ray Rottinghaus for the invitation to speak, and to the other members of the Veteran’s Memorial Park Committee, including Jerry Boden, Gordon Grimm, Jack Kuenzi, Alan Mueting, Francis Schraad, Jerry Schultejans, Jim Sudbeck, and Leonard Tanking. Click here to view photos from the event.

 

Supporting Disaster Declaration for Kansas

 

            This week I, along with the other Members of the Kansas delegation, asked that President Obama grant Governor Mark Parkinson’s request for federal disaster assistance for the state of Kansas. A number of Kansas counties suffered damage from storms that occurred March 26 to 29, 2009. The storms that hit the areas of southwest, northwest and south-central Kansas caused an estimated $18.6 million worth of damage. Governor Parkinson requested federal Public Assistance for 14 counties, snow removal assistance for 19 counties and Hazard Mitigation for the entire state. Public Assistance refers to money that is used to restore public infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and utilities, and for associated recovery costs, such as debris removal from public roads. The Hazard Mitigation Program funds projects that are designed to eliminate or reduce the impact of disasters to a community, such as flood control measures.

 

            Public Assistance was requested for Butler, Chase, Chautauqua, Coffey, Cowley, Dickinson, Elk, Grant, Greenwood, Harvey, Lyon, Marion, Sumner and Woodson counties. Assistance for snow removal under the Public Assistance program was requested for: Barber, Barton, Clark, Comanche, Edwards, Grant, Haskell, Kearney, Kingman, Kiowa, McPherson, Meade, Pratt, Reno, Rice, Seward, Stafford, Stanton and Stevens counties. Funding for the Hazard Mitigation Program was requested statewide.

 

            Kansas communities affected by the March storms need assistance with the cost of cleanup and recovery efforts. I am hopeful the President grants a disaster declaration to provide funding to these areas so that the affected communities can quickly rebuild and repair. Click here to read the letter sent to President Obama.

 

Opposing Energy Tax Legislation

 

            This week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee debated and approved the National Energy Tax Legislation. I am opposed to this legislation because it would place a massive new energy tax on Kansas families and will raise energy rates on industry, small businesses, agriculture producers and consumers. Certain studies show that electric bills alone could increase between $200 to over $1,000 per year for the average Kansas household. The legislation will also result in increased prices for all manufactured goods - including automobiles and processed food items - along with everyday products - including shoes and plastics.

 

            Rural communities will bear the heaviest burden. Families living in rural communities who drive long distances for school, work or for medical care will see an increase in their transportation costs. The tax will also make agriculture production more expensive for our farmers - eventually leading to higher food prices.

 

            Americans are already facing economic challenges. Now is not the time to place additional economic stress on families, farmers, business and consumers with this energy tax.

 

Accepting American Conservative Union Award

 

            This week, I received recognition from the American Conservative Union for my record in 2008 of standing up for conservative ideals. Like the ACU, I believe in personal freedom, limited government and individual responsibility. Government should create the conditions for citizens to prosper. I am one of only 17 of the 435 Members of House of Representatives to vote against every stimulus and bailout plan. These plans have led to massive government spending and intrusion in private business that, with a rising national debt, threatens our return to prosperity. Click here to view photos.

 

Agriculture Committee Hearing on Biofuel Regulations

 

            On Thursday, the House Agriculture Committee continued its oversight hearings on a recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule to place unfair greenhouse gas emission requirements on renewable fuels. EPA has proposed to include indirect greenhouse gas emissions from land use changes in foreign countries, like Brazil, when determining the domestic biofuel industry’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Under the 2007 Renewable Fuel Standard, biofuels must meet a minimum greenhouse gas emission test to qualify. The committee also reviewed a low carbon fuel standard adopted by California, which will take into account international land use changes when determining total greenhouse gas emissions for biofuels. The California rule threatens to cut off sales of ethanol from Kansas ethanol plants that sell in California.

 

            Witnesses at the hearing explained that current information and models used to determine greenhouse gas emissions from indirect land use change is too uncertain to allow an accurate calculation. The Committee was also presented with a letter signed by over 110 scientists disputing the validity of using emissions from international land use changes to calculate domestic biofuel emissions. Last week, I introduced legislation to prohibit EPA and states like California from using this flawed analysis and unfairly harming the renewable fuels industry.

 

Speaking at the National Crop Insurance Services Annual Conference

 

            En route to Washington, D.C., I spoke at the National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) annual conference in Kansas City. NCIS, headquartered in Overland Park, is an international organization comprised of more than 60 crop insurance companies. Its activities include member education and training, as well as statistical compilation and analysis. I spoke to the group about the importance of maintaining a healthy crop insurance program by eliminating fraud and abuse in the system. I also discussed recent efforts by the Obama Administration to cut over $5 billion from the crop insurance program. The President’s proposal, if enacted, would follow $6 billion that was already cut from the program in the 2008 Farm Bill. This succession of cuts, simply for the purpose of spending money elsewhere, could have a damaging impact on the effectiveness of the federal crop insurance program. Thanks to NCIS president, Bob Parkerson.

 

Speaking at Central Christian College Graduation

 

            I delivered the commencement address Saturday to the 2009 graduating class at Central Christian College (CCC) of Kansas in McPherson. I encouraged the 62 seniors, who graduated from the 125-year-old college, to make service a part of their life - no matter what path they take. We change the world one person at a time. The talents, skills and individual passions each graduate possesses are needed now more than ever to make a positive impact in our country.

 

            I was honored to join faculty, family members and friends to celebrate the achievements of the graduates. Special thanks to Dr. Jerry Alexander, who is serving as interim president of CCC. Click here to read my speech.

 

Visiting Office Headquarters in Kansas City

 

            Dairy Farmers of America: On Friday, I visited the headquarters of the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) in Kansas City. DFA is a cooperative, owned and operated by the 18,000 dairy farmers, in 48 states, who are members of DFA. During my visit, I talked about topics important to the dairy industry including immigration and ethanol issues and about how difficult economic times are for dairy producers. As usual, I raised the desire to have a cheese processing plant in Kansas. Thanks to Sam Stone, vice president of government relations, and John Wilson, senior vice president of marketing industry affairs, for taking the time to talk to me about their offices.

 

            Midwest HIDTA: Also on Friday, I visited the headquarters for Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program in Kansas City. Midwest HIDTA is a multi-agency coalition that enhances and coordinates drug control efforts among local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies from six states that include Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota. Kansas law enforcement officers work in partnership with Federal agents to proactively fight against illegal drug trafficking. I've seen the value of this program that provides agencies with coordination, equipment, technology, and additional resources as we've worked with Kansas law enforcement to battle methamphetamine in our state. Thanks to David Barton, executive director, and to Larry Tongate, deputy director, for inviting me to visit.

 

New Videos on YouTube

 

            I have uploaded two new videos to my YouTube page. Click here to view my most recent remarks on legislation Congress is considering that would harm businesses and slow economic recovery. Click here to view my speech where I called on my colleagues this week to take action to protect the helpless in Uganda.

 

In the Office

 

            Alan MacDonald and Jason Lanning of Overland Park; Joe Wininger, Cindi Bodine and Melissa Chavez of Olathe; and Connie Presley of Wichita came into the office with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association to urge passage of legislation to help modernize the Federal Aviation Administration. Bob Totter and Mike Crow of Topeka, Terry Beachner and Mike Keal of St. Paul and Kip Spray of Great Bend, with the Kansas Contractors Association, visited the office to discuss the upcoming highway construction bill that may be considered later this year. Greensburg Mayor Bob Dixson stopped by to give me an update on the reconstruction effort occurring in Greensburg and Kiowa County.

 

            David Sanderson of Salina and Carolyn Bloom of Topeka, with the Kansas Physical Therapy Association, visited the office to discuss the benefits and cost-effectiveness of physical therapy and other rehabilitation services. Charlie and Henry Newell of Kansas City and Bruce Breckenridge of Leawood were in with CT Systems, LLC to provide me an update of their company and discuss the current state of the aviation industry. Sandy and Beverly Borne of El Dorado and Steve Barnhart of Wichita came into office with the Rural Letter Carriers’ Association to talk about legislation important to postal service employees.

 

            Keith Miller of Great Bend was in with the United States Meat Export Federation to discuss strategies to expand U.S. beef exports. Dr. James Gardner of Manhattan and Dr. Kathleen Sanders of Pittsburgh, with the American College of Physicians, visited the office to talk with me about the important role primary care providers’ play in the delivery of health care to Kansans living in both cities and rural communities. Dr. Joshua Freeman of Kansas City, Dr. John Delzell of Mission, Dr. Bryce Loder of Lindsborg, Dr. Bob Moser of Tribune, Dr. Rick Kellerman and Dr. Michael Oller of Wichita, Dr. Michael Munger of Overland Park and Dr. Marty Turner of Derby, with the Academy of Family Physicians, stopped in to discuss the effectiveness of physician primary care and support for primary care education programs.

 

            Several Kansans visited my Washington, D.C., office this week to receive a tour of the United States Capitol, including Linda Fox and Natalie, Blake and Katie Reed of Shawnee; Lisa Westlin and Yvonne Wilkerson of Prairie Village; Jones and Sarah Kithuka of Great Bend; Henry, Marietta and Courtney Nightengale of Sublette; George, Connie and Mack Rosel of Liberal; and Luke Berblinger of Hutchinson. In from Emporia were Gene, Carolyn, Brian, Steven and Kristin Nomura; Larry and Candace Blomenkamp; and Clifford and Linda Hacker.

 

Contact Me

 

            It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Please let me know how I can be of assistance. To send me an email, click here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.

 

Very truly yours,

 

Jerry

 

This Week in Congress

By Congressman Jerry Moran

March 2, 2009

www.jerrymoran.house.gov

 

 

Dear Friend,

 

            Welcome to “This Week in Congress.” I hope you find this newsletter useful.

 

Visiting with a Kansas Military Hero

 

            This week, I attended the President’s State of the Budget speech. President Obama delivered his speech to a Joint Session of Congress on Tuesday night. During his address, the President laid out his economic priorities for the year, which included a focus on energy, education and heath care.

 

            I was honored to have Army Sgt. Ryan Newell as my guest. Sgt. Newell grew up in Goddard, Kansas and has served tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Last year in Afghanistan, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded beneath his armored Humvee. The attack caused Sgt. Newell to lose both legs. For the past 12 months he has been recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and has learned to walk again on prosthetic legs.

 

            Sgt. Newell expects to leave Walter Reed in the coming months for Marion County, Kansas to live with his wife and children. I was honored to be able to talk with him and am grateful for his service to our country. His actions and his attitude are an inspiration. I wish him and his family the best of luck as they return to Kansas. Click here to view a photo.

 

Announcing a Military and Veterans Advisory Committee

 

            This week, I announced the formation of a Military and Veterans Advisory Committee that is made of Kansas leaders with expertise in military and veteran issues. The members of the Committee will assist me with issues that affect service members, veterans, Kansas military installations and communities. This Committee will provide me with advice and insight to make sure that our state’s military and veterans have a strong voice in Washington. As we approach the next few years, Kansas will face many challenges and opportunities, such as the possible transfer of Guantanamo detainees to Ft. Leavenworth and the continued growth at Ft. Riley. Having this Committee will ensure that these important issues are addressed properly.

 

            The Committee includes the following:

 

            • Robert Arter, Lansing. Lieutenant General, U.S. Army (retired). Arter served as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army.

 

            • Rhonda Edens, Benton. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (retired). Edens supported veterans for over 30 years at the Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita.

 

            • Mark Edwards, Junction City. Edwards served as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army.

 

            • Tom Fryer, Manhattan. Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force (retired).

 

            • Gene Heiman, Garden City.  Korean War Veteran, U.S. Army. Heiman served as a past State Commander of the American Legion.

 

            • Richard F. Keller, Leavenworth. Lieutenant General, U.S. Army (retired). Keller is the outgoing President of the Military Officers Association for Kansas (MOAA).

 

            • Gary LaGrange, Manhattan. Colonel, U.S. Army (retired). LaGrange is the President of the Military Officers Association for Kansas (MOAA) and Coordinator for Help us Learn...Give us Hope.

 

            • Richard B. Myers. General, U.S. Air Force (retired). Prior to his retirement, General Myers was our nation’s highest-ranking military officer serving as the 15th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Myers joined the Air Force in 1965 through the ROTC program at Kansas State University.

 

            • Robert R. Ulin, Lansing. Colonel, U.S. Army (retired). Ulin is the Co-Founder and CEO of the Command and General Staff College Foundation, Inc.

 

            • Dave Warnken, Hutchinson. Navy Seabees. Warnken is currently serving on the Kansas Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Committee and as a National Executive Committeeman of Kansas for the American Legion. He is a Past State Commander of the American Legion and is also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

 

Fiscal Responsibility Working Group

 

            This week, I joined with members of the House and Senate in a press conference to announce the House-Senate Fiscal Responsibility Working Group. The group was developed in order to examine how the President and his administration will spend the massive $787 billion spending package passed by the Congress. During current economic conditions, as families and businesses are experiencing financial challenges, the government cannot afford to spend taxpayers’ dollars irresponsibly. Fiscal responsibility needs to be an important component of the spending package. I am glad to be participating in the effort that will monitor how American taxpayers’ dollars are spent. Click here for photos of the press conference.

 

            The Members of Congress who attended the press conference to announce their participation with the Working Group included: Senator John Thune (SD), Senator John Cornyn (TX), Senator Johnny Isakson (GA), Congressman Eric Cantor (VA), Congressman Paul Ryan (WI), Congressman Jeb Hensarling (TX), Congressman Darrell Issa (CA) and Congressman Kevin Brady (TX).

TIPS For Building a Good Credit Score by Lifehack (2009)

5 Tips for Building A Good Credit Score

credit score, credit cardHaving a solid credit score has been important for quite a while now, and it’s becoming more important as lending tightens up. Even someone who is confident their credit score is good should be making sure it stays that way. There are some relatively simple steps you can take to help yourself build up and maintain your credit score.

1. Get a Copy of Your Credit Report

Although you can’t get your exact credit score for free, you can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) once each year. To do so, visit AnnualCreditReport.com and request a report.

This is actually the only way to get your reports for free; the site was created in response to federal legislation requiring that the three national credit reporting companies inform consumers about their status. Companies like FreeCreditReport.com actually charge you for expenses related to obtaining your credit report.

2. Make Sure You’re Aware of Any Existing Accounts

Typically, your credit report will show any accounts you have open. It’s easy to forget about credit accounts that you don’t actually use, like credit cards you stopped using but chose not to close the account ‘just in case.’

These credit accounts can easily represent the most likely upcoming dings to your credit: card companies and other lenders have started closing inactive accounts in order to limit their liability. As the amount of credit a person has goes down, so does their credit score. Be aware of this so that if your accounts do close, you won’t be taken by surprise.

3. Set Up Automatic Payments

One of the easiest credit score factors you can control is how good you are about making payments on your current balances. Even if you don’t usually carry a balance, making a payment or two late can cause a preventable dip in your credit score. Automatic payments can be a simple way of avoiding even one late payment.

4. Get Serious About Your Balances

One of the factors in a good credit score is how much credit you have available. That means that reducing your current balances has a direct connection to helping your credit score. Even adding a few dollars to your minimum monthly payment is enough to at least get you started on an upwards trend. Moving around debt, say to a zero-interest credit card, doesn’t actually help with your overall credit score.

5. Keep Your Number of Cards Constant

While your available credit is a key factor in your credit score, opening a bunch of new credit cards just to increase the amount of credit you have available won’t really help. Instead, the system used to determine credit scores reads such a move as a need for more credit: if you open several cards in a short time span, credit reporting agencies assume that you plan to use that credit and might even be planning to get yourself into some trouble with it.

Since closing unused credit cards can also have a negative impact on your credit, keeping your number of cards constant is usually the best compromise between getting the best credit card options and maintaining your good credit score.

Sources:

Jerry Moran sponsored New Legislation April 6, 2009

Sponsoring Legislation to Protect the Rights of Parents

 

            sponsored legislation this week to protect the rights of parents regarding the upbringing and education of their children. Parents should have the authority to make decisions best suited for their children and should have the power to make judgment calls about whether children should be home schooled or enrolled in public schools. The legislation, the Parental Rights Amendment, would protect parents’ rights from government infringement. I do not believe that the government should make decisions for the interest of children - this is the right of their parents.

This Week in Congress

By Congressman Jerry Moran

April 6, 2009

www.jerrymoran.house.gov

 

 I

 

            The legislation has been introduced as the United Nation’s prepares to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Convention established an 18-member panel in Geneva to review the rights of children in nations that are a part of the convention. The United Nations threatens to interfere with the ability of parents to raise their children as they see fit, so I support this legislation to rightfully retain this responsibility with parents.

 

First - Time Home Buyers Tax Credit 2009

  Second Chance for First-Time Buyers

You've already filed your 2008 tax returns and maybe you've already received your refund. That means it's too late to obtain the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers enacted by President Obama's Stimulus Plan, right? Wrong. The great thing about this tax credit is that you can still get the cash this year, even if you've already filed your taxes for 2008 – and the money is yours to keep. You don't ever have to pay it back, as long as you stay in the home for at least 36 months.

There's a lot of confusion in the media surrounding this tax credit, but it's actually pretty simple. Qualified first-time home buyers (anyone who hasn't owned a home in the three years prior to the purchase) can receive a tax credit of 10% of the purchase price up to $8,000. All you have to do is purchase a primary home (that means a home you'll actually live in, not an investment home) any time between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 1, 2009. If you make a qualified purchase after April 15, or after having already filed your 2008 taxes, you and your tax professional can submit an amendment to your return and receive the credit on your 2008 taxes – you don't have to wait until next April.


NEW GI BILL effective August 2009

  Uncle Sam's New G.I. Bill

In August 2009, the Post- 9/11 Veterans' Educational Assistance Act (signed by President Bush in 2008) kicks in for qualifying members of the military on active duty since September 11, 2001. The most comprehensive education program since 1944, this law is designed to provide veterans with a similar level of educational benefits provided to service members at the end of World War II.

Under the new law, qualifying veterans could receive payment up to the full cost of tuition and fees at the most expensive public school in the state in which you enroll. This basically guarantees a free education if you attend your state institution and qualify for the full amount. Under the new law, the current $1,200 program enrollment fee will also be waived.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the maximum basic benefit is earned after serving an aggregate of 36 months of active duty service or after 30 days of continuous service for those individuals who were discharged for a service-connected disability. Individuals serving between 90 days and 36 months of aggregate active duty service will be eligible for a percentage of the maximum benefit.

Unlike previous bills, the new law extends equal benefits to activated members of the National Guard and the Reserves. The Veterans' Administration has advised that clarification and possibly revision may occur until the law takes effect. To learn more about this important bill, visit http://www.gibill.va.gov.

 

The FHA has a New Leader

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2009
The following is a statement by National Association of Realtors® President Charles McMillan:
“NAR is pleased that David Stevens, an experienced, successful real estate and mortgage professional and president and chief operating officer of Long & Foster Cos., has been nominated by President Obama to lead the Federal Housing Administration.
“Dave’s background in single-family home mortgages makes him uniquely qualified to fill this important position especially during this very trying time. He brings a broad understanding of the importance of housing to the overall economy and the importance of the role FHA plays in bringing stability and growth to the housing market.
“We as Realtors® are very proud, and we look forward to working with Dave and his team at FHA to support and sustain the American dream of homeownership.”
The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.2 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
###
Information about NAR is available at www.REALTOR.org. This and other news releases are posted in the Web site’s “News Media” section in the NAR Media Center.
NAR at a Glance

Westar Energy and Robinson Building Corp.

Robinson Building Corporation

2900 NW BUTTON RD.

Topeka, KS  66618

 

PROUD TO BE A WESTAR ENERGY SAVER BUILDER

ABOUT US

Robinson Building Corp. is a Kansas Corporation established in December of 1995 and specializes in commercial and residential construction. Terry Robinson, president and founder, has worked in the construction industry for over thirty years in Topeka and the surrounding areas. He presently holds licenses in Johnson County, Topeka and Manhattan, Kansas.  Terry presently serves on the board of directors of the Topeka Home Builders Association and is a member of the National Home Builder Association and the International Code Council.

Robinson Building Corp. is a builder of fine single family homes in the Topeka and Manhattan area. We also specialize in interior commercial remodeling projects for office and retail clients. Past and current clients include Hills Pet Nutrition, Maximus, and Ferguson Enterprises. Past and current regional clients include Papa John’s franchises, Associated Commercial Brokers, Berlin Wheeler and The Kansas Corporation Commission.

Quality craftsmanship and attention to detail by our staff and sub contractors is the emphasis of every project and we are fully insured and licensed for your protection and peace of mind.

    OUR ENERGY POLICY

We believe the best way to help the environment is to conserve the energy and materials we already have. Robinson Building’s commitment to protecting the environment and reducing the carbon footprint of each home has led us to use the following materials and products:

  • Energy efficient vinyl casement windows with Low-E glass
  • R-13 Ultra-Fit, pressure applied fiberglass insulation
  • R-38 blown in attic insulation
  • Wind barrier house wrap
  • 13-SEER Heat Pump with electric backup furnace including a two stage fan   
  • Programmable thermostats
  • Electric hot water heater   
  • Electric fireplaces
  • Energy efficient appliances

Future plans include:

·        Certification as an Energy Star Builder

·        NAHBA green builder certification

·        Development of a comprehensive material recycling program

Our commitment to our environment and community will always be a priority for us at Robinson Building Corp.                               Terry Robinson, President

 www.robinsonbuildingcorp.com/

Karen Westover, Associate Broker
RE/MAX Manhattan, REALTORS
2304 Sky-Vue Lane
Manhattan KS 66502
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Last modified 3/18/2010