Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency and Kansas State Univ. partnered to create this new venture in campus accessibility and safety.

Blessings on your journey.

http://youtu.be/f7XAJ_zENFw

E-mail from Manhattan Association of REALTORS

Last night, a seller experienced something odd that you should be aware of.  A REALTOR had a scheduled showing at a listing and the seller came back home after the showing.  As the seller was getting home, a couple driving a champagne colored Tahoe with Michigan plates got out and told the seller their REALTOR was running late but they'd like to go in and see the house.  The seller left the property after letting the couple into his house. The sellers later called the listing agent to verify a second showing and there was nothing scheduled.  When the seller got back to the house, the couple was gone.

It appears that they were posing as buyers and didn't have a REALTOR but gained access to the home.  No word if anything is missing or not from the house.  If you recognize the description of the vehicle and you've worked with these "buyers", please contact the MAR office at 776-1203.  This listing is in Pottawatomie County 4 miles north of Wamego.

The main event begins at 6:45 P.M., but plenty of activities will be available through the afternoon and evening. For more information, go to www.symphonyintheflinthills.org.

Nearby communities also have plenty of weekend activities, such as art shows, food vendors, tour, a street dance (in Alta Vista) and a cowboy poetry contest (in Alma). Go to www.wabaunsee.com for more information.

Daily Real Estate News  |   February 14, 2011  

Bye-Bye Fannie, Freddie? What It Could Mean

The Obama administration announced on Friday plans to reform the housing finance market, including winding down government-controlled mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and turning most of the market over to the private sector, as well as requiring larger down payments. The White House proposed three approaches to replacing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rather than offering up one final plan.

The administration’s proposal is expected to reshape the way Americans buy and own homes.
Among the plans outlined in the administration’s “white paper”:

▪ Shrinking the size of the portfolio of mortgages held by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by at least 10 percent a year.
▪ Creating an insurance fund for mortgages, supported by premiums paid by lenders.
▪ Winding down government subsidies of mortgages by raising the fees charged to cover the risk of default.
▪ Raising fees for borrowers and requiring larger down payments for home loans.

The administration also recommended measures to make government-backed mortgages more expensive in order to allow the private-sector to better compete in the mortgage market. For example, it called for reducing by this fall the size of mortgages Fannie and Freddie may purchase from $729,750 to $625,500.

Raising Rates?

Some critics of the proposal are concerned that the administration’s overall plan would raise mortgage rates.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said that mortgage costs likely will rise in the coming years, as government support is withdrawn and the private sector takes on a bigger role. Credit Suisse has estimated that rates on a 30-year fixed mortgage may rise as much as 2 percentage points if the government withdraws its backing of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Higher borrowing costs could be a thorn for a recovering housing market, since interest rates greatly affect how much buyers can afford, experts say.

“Reducing the government’s involvement in the mortgage finance market is necessary for a healthy market, but should not be done at the expense of the economy or home buyers,” NAR President Ron Phipps said in a public statement in response to the Obama administration's plan. “Any proposal for increasing fees and borrowing costs beyond actuarially sound levels will only make it harder for working, middle-class individuals to achieve home ownership, and only the wealthy will be able to achieve the American dream.”

NAR’s economists estimate that a retreat of capital from the housing market will negatively impact the economy too. For every 1,000 home sales, 500 jobs are created for the country, NAR notes.

Geithner estimates that reducing the government’s role in the mortgage market may take five to seven years for the transition.

“Most people in Congress understand that this is a very political, contentious issue,” says David Berson, a former Fannie Mae chief economist. “It’s going to be a very volatile ride as we move toward what ultimately will be the future of Fannie and Freddie. It’s hard to know what that’s going to be.”

Source: “NAR: Secondary Mortgage Market Needs Improvement," National Association of REALTORS® (Feb. 11, 2011); “Winners and Losers in the Obama Housing Plan,” Reuters News (Feb. 11, 2011); “White House Wants Fannie, Freddie to Go,” MSNBC (Feb. 11, 2011); and “Obama Report on Fannie, Freddie Plan May Boost Mortgage Rates,” Washington Post (Feb. 11, 2011)

Read more on NAR's position on GSE Reform and Banks, MID, and GSE Reform Covered in NAR’s First Virtual Town Hall

Having 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:

  Lifehack March 12, 2009

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

            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.

WASHINGTON, December 02, 2008

For the second year in a row, Realtors^® report that exterior remodeling projects return the most money as a percentage of cost, as detailed in the 2008 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report.

On a national level, wood deck additions and all types of siding replacements – upscale fiber cement, midrange vinyl, and upscale foam-backed vinyl – returned more than 80 percent of project costs upon resale. Of these, the most profitable project was upscale fiber cement siding, which recouped 86.7 percent of costs, followed by wood decks at 81.8 percent, midrange vinyl siding at 80.7 percent, and upscale foam-backed vinyl siding at 80.4 percent.

“Because today’s buyers have much more to choose from in the way of inventory, any home for sale must make a positive first impression,” said National Association of Realtors^® President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth. “As a trusted source for real estate information, Realtors^® understand what attracts and motivates their buyer clients, which is why the results of this year’s Cost vs. Value report underscore the importance of curb appeal in the buyer’s eye.”

The 2008 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report compares construction costs with resale values for 30 midrange and upscale remodeling projects comprising additions, remodels and replacements in 79 markets across the country, expanding from 60 markets last year. Data are grouped into nine U.S. regions, following the divisions established by the U.S. Census Bureau. This is the 11th consecutive year that the report, which is produced by Hanley Wood, LLC, was completed in cooperation with REALTOR Magazine, as Realtors^® provided their insight into local markets and buyer home preferences within those markets.

In addition to wood decks and siding, window replacements and kitchen remodels also returned a relatively high percentage of remodeling costs on a national basis. All types of window replacements – upscale and midrange wood and upscale and midscale vinyl – returned more than 76 percent of costs. A major midrange kitchen remodel returned 76.0 percent of project costs, while a minor midrange kitchen remodel returned 79.5 percent of costs.

On a national level, bathroom remodels, while still a relatively good investment, do not return as high a percentage as in previous years. A midrange bathroom remodel was estimated to return 74.4 percent on resale, comparable to a midrange attic-to-bedroom conversion, at 73.6 percent of costs recouped, and a midrange basement remodel, at 72.7 percent of costs recouped.

As in last year’s report, the least profitable remodeling projects in terms of resale value were home office remodels, sunroom additions, and back-up power generators, returning only 54.4 percent, 56.6 percent, and 57.1 percent, respectively, of project costs.

Although most regions followed national trends, the regions that consistently were estimated to return a higher percentage of remodeling costs upon resale were the Pacific region of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington; the West South Central region of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas; the East South Central region of Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee; and the South Atlantic region of the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.

The regions that generally returned the lowest percentage of costs were New England (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont), East North Central (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin), West North Central (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota), and Middle Atlantic (New York and Pennsylvania).

McMillan explained that the resale value of any given remodeling project depends on a variety of factors. “A home’s overall condition, availability and condition of surrounding properties, location, and regional economic climate are all factors that will influence the value of any remodeling project,” he said. “That’s why it’s important to consult with professionals like Realtors^® in your area when you want to enhance the value of your home. Realtors^® see hundreds, if not thousands, of homes every year with their buyer clients and can provide valuable insight into what projects and improvements will make a difference with buyers in your area.”

Results of the report are summarized in the December 2008 issue of REALTOR^® Magazine. The issue also includes examples of actual remodeling projects that were less expensive than many of the report’s cost estimates. Full project descriptions, as well as national, regional and local project data for the 79 cities covered by the report will be posted at www.costvsvalue.com by December 5. “Cost vs. Value” is a registered trademark of Hanley Wood, LLC.

Hanley Wood, LLC, is the premier media company serving housing and construction. Through four operating divisions, the company produces award-winning magazines and Web sites, marquee trade shows and events, rich data, and custom marketing solutions. The company also is North America’s leading provider of home plans. Founded in 1976, Hanley Wood is a $240 million company owned by JPMorgan Partners, LLC, a private equity affiliate of JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Outlook for the city is upbeat

Economic trends 'holding strong'

Kathryn Waller
kwaller@themercury.com

Citing a steady increase in sales tax revenue and property tax valuations over the past few years, city finance director Bernie Hayen said that he is "optimistic" about Manhattan's economic future.

Despite an announcement that the city may have to temporarily withhold $120,000 from the Riley County Police Department's allocation due to a rise in delinquent property taxes in 2008, Hayen said the small increase of delinquencies is not indicative of a poor local economy.  "I have no reason to believe that this portends serious trouble," Hayen said, adding that the main problem with the RCPD fund stemmed simply from the fact that no delinquency rate was factored into the 2008 budget.

"Clearly, if both of our main revenue sources (sales taxes and property taxes) showed a consistent decline for three or four months in a row, that would be worrisome," he said. But he added that the city "constantly monitors the economic trends" and the numbers seem to be holding strong. "I think we try to be real good stewards of where we let our finances go," he said.

Although Hayen admitted that there has been a steep rise in special assessment delinquencies in Manhattan during recently (up to nearly 5 percent in fiscal year 2008), the finance director said the issue lies in the personal financial problems of a few individuals only and is not reflective of the city's economic stability.  "We understand that the problem is with one or two developers, not with everyone," he said.

On a larger scale, Hayen said Manhattan's relationship to K-State and Fort Riley may help shield the city against the struggles of a failing global economy.  "Economists always say that communities who have a diverse economy — especially those near large universities and military bases — tend to be better insulated from times of economic severity. And we are fortunate to have both," Hayen explained. "It could very well be that we weather the storm better than most places."

However, even though Manhattan may be naturally positioned to withstand a slowing market, Hayen said that the prospect of a  financial shortfall is "always a concern." He said the city has a three-tiered plan to ensure financial stability during a recession or shortfall period.

The plan, which was devised a few years ago after the city was shorted nearly $1 million in state sales tax revenue, focuses on cutting travel expenses, lowering capital improvement spending and (if necessary) establishing a hiring freeze.  "During a time like that, you have to keep the tax burdens low," Hayen said. "You cut out all the frills and the fluff. If there are things that we can go without, then we will."

While global headlines portray a rather dismal picture of the long-term financial future, for now at least, Hayen said he has not seen an impact in Manhattan's numbers — something he believes is a good sign.  "I will really be interested to see if the sales figures from September and October mirror the national trends and go down," said Hayen of the sales reports that should be released shortly after Thanksgiving and Christmas respectively. "But so far, we've seen nothing that indicates a decline."

By Congressman Jerry Moran

November 10, 2008

www.jerrymoran.house.gov

Dear Friend,

            Welcome to “This Week in Congress.” Congress remains out of session, which allows me to travel extensively across our state and visit with many Kansans. This week, our country turned out to vote in a historic election. Thank you for participating in the elections and making your vote count. Now that the election is through, I am calling on all my colleagues, both those new and those returning to make an effort to end political gamesmanship and focus on going back to work for the good of the country. I hope you find this newsletter useful.

Honoring Veterans on Veterans Day

            Tomorrow, our county celebrates Veterans Day. In cities and towns across America, we dedicate this day to honoring veterans of all generations who have given so much and who continue to give on our behalf so that we may live in the greatest country in the world. If you have a veteran in your life - whether it is a family member, neighbor, or coworker - make sure to tell them thank you for their service to our country.

Touring Construction of Fort Riley State Veterans Cemetery in Junction City

            This week, I toured the progress of the construction of the Fort Riley State Veterans Cemetery, which began last fall. The VA provided an initial grant in November 2007 and a final grant in March 2008 to provide funding for the construction of the cemetery. The cemetery is located west of the Manhattan Regional Airport on 90 acres that were donated by Fort Riley. It includes space for approximately 10,000 burial sites. It will open next year and will serve as an honorable burial space for Kansas veterans.

            There are four state veterans cemetery in Kansas. These state-operated veterans cemeteries provide space for burial for those who have served a term of active duty and been honorably discharged from the military, reserves or National Guard, as well as their dependents.

            Thanks to Kafer Peele III, cemetery program director for Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs (KCVA), for inviting me on the tour. I was joined on the tour by state House Representatives Sydney Carlin and Barbara Craft. Also on the tour were Lana Oleen; Kile Morrison; Ed Wiegers, KCVA Board Chairman; and Ken Kallenbach. Click here to view a photo from my visit.

Visiting VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Salina

            It is important to make sure veterans have access to health care services in their communities. On Monday, I toured the VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Salina. Opened in 2001, this CBOC allows veterans in north central Kansas to receive primary care services closer to home rather than having to drive to a VA hospital in Wichita or Topeka. CBOC’s play an important role in delivering quality VA health care in rural areas.

Visiting Kansas Communities

            I continued my efforts to remain informed about issues important to Kansans by visiting with folks in several Kansas communities this week. The conversations I have while I travel across our state give me direction in our nation’s capital.

            Luray: While in Luray this week, I spoke with area residents at Luray Grocery, the post office, UMB Bank and Midway Co-Op. I got an update from several farmers on the fall harvest and discussed the economy and the presidential election with others.

            Lucas: I stopped in Lucas on Monday and talked with community members at Lucas Motor Company, Brant’s Meat Market, Troy’s Grocery, Pony Express Community Bank, the post office, Leach & Naegele hardware store, the civic center and the Conoco service station. During my visit, I learned that Golden Living Center Nursing Home in Lucas closed in October. My staff has been in contact with Russell County Economic Development to learn more about the situation and offer support.

            Solomon: On Monday, I was in Solomon to visit with folks in Dickinson County. I spoke with members of the community at DS & O Rural Electric Co-op, Solomon State Bank, Solomon Corporation, Solomon Senior Center and the post office.

Speaking to Kansas Students

            Visiting Fort Hays Sate University: On Tuesday evening, I went to Forsyth Library at Fort Hays State University to visit with students about the national elections. More than 200 students who were affiliated with the American Democracy Project (ADP) were there to watch the national election results. During my visit, I thanked them for their interest in national issues and the voting process.

            Speaking to Ellis High School: On Tuesday, I visited John Kohl’s government classes at Ellis High School. I talked with students and listened to their comments and concerns on current political and government issues. I discussed the current state of the economy and the presidential election. I was very encouraged to see the students involved and interested in the political process.

            Delivering Agriculture Lecture at Kansas State University: On Friday, I made a surprise visit to Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh's Agriculture Policy class at Kansas State University. Dr. Flinchbaugh has taught Agriculture Policy at Kansas State for 38 years and influenced many Kansas farmers, agribusiness managers and political leaders. I spoke with students about my role as a member of Congress and my experiences serving on the House Agriculture Committee in Congress. I also discussed with the students what the recent election results mean for the future of agriculture.

Attending USD 475 School Board Meeting

            On Monday, I attended the USD 475 School Board meeting in Junction City to discuss the education priorities for the district. I visited with the board about the need to fully fund special education programs, the importance of Congress making reforms to No Child Left Behind and the unique challenges of educating students from a military base. I appreciate the leadership shown by school board members Russ Boland, Bob Henderson, Daphne Maxwell, Becky Bramlage, Dr. Anwar Koury, Mark Rosen, and Rep. LTC David Chase and by superintendent of schools, Dr. Ron Walker.

Visiting with the Kansas Farm Bureau in Manhattan

            On Friday evening, I joined nearly 800 members of the Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) at their annual meeting in Manhattan. This year the group honored me with their “Friend of Farm Bureau” award. It has been an honor to work with the KFB. I will continue to work hard to represent Kansas producers so that we can provide the next generation of farmers an opportunity to experience the way of life we enjoy. Thanks to President of Kansas Farm Bureau Steve Baccus. Also in attendance was Congresswoman-elect Lynn Jenkins.

Attending Jayhawk Roundup

            On Saturday, I joined University of Kansas alumni and supporters in Wichita to raise money for Jayhawk Roundup Scholarships. These scholarships provide funds for KU students that include undergraduate students in Lawrence and a third-year medical student at the KU School of Medicine-Wichita. A special thank you to Dave and Janet Murfin for hosting the event and the KU Endowment Association for the invitation.

Touring Bombardier Learjet in Wichita

            On Wednesday I toured the Bombardier Learjet facility in Wichita to learn more about the facility. I serve on the House Transportation Subcommittee on Aviation, so it was interesting for me to learn that the site will take on assembly of the new Learjet 85 and expand production of the Learjet 60, which will produce hundreds of additional jobs in Wichita. The company will now have four aircrafts that will be either in design or production on the site. The Wichita facility currently employs approximately 2,700 people. Thanks to Stephanie Allen for setting up my visit. Also thanks to the vice president of Learjet, John Dieker and to vice president and general manager, David Coleal  for inviting me on the tour.

Attending the Welcome Reception for the 2008 BASS Federation National Championship

            On Monday, I spoke at the welcome reception for the 2008 BASS Federation National Championship in Junction City. The three-day event was held at Milford Lake on November 6 to the 8.  It featured the best amateur anglers from 47 states and six countries including Zimbabwe, Italy, Japan, South Africa, Canada and Mexico, as well as the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

            These individuals were competing for a spot to compete in the 2009 Bassmaster Classic that will be in Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana in February. It is a wonderful opportunity for our state to be able to host such an event and to highlight our state’s fishing and wildlife areas. Thank you to the organizers of the event for inviting me and to the members of the Junction City community for hosting the event. Also thanks to the executive director, Connie Hall and assistant director, Rick Dykstra, of the Geary County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

In the Office

            Several Kansans visited my office in Washington, D.C., this week to receive tours of the United States Capitol, including Julian and Norma Huser of Victoria, Mel and Darnell Holopirek of Great Bend and Dennis and Yvonne Schneider and their daughter Janell of Tribune.

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