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Selling a Home, VA & Military Homeownership Katie Payne Homes Selling a Home, VA & Military Homeownership Katie Payne Homes

Ready! Set! Photograph!

If you’re selling a home in the Kansas City area or near Fort Leavenworth, getting professional real estate photos is one of the fastest ways to attract buyers and sell your home quickly. In this guide, Kansas City REALTOR® and listing expert Katie Payne shares top home staging tips to help sellers prepare every room for stunning, scroll-stopping photos. From decluttering and lighting to staging and curb appeal, this checklist will ensure your home shines in every shot.

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VA & Military Homeownership Katie Payne Homes VA & Military Homeownership Katie Payne Homes

PCS to Fort Leavenworth: What Military Families Can Expect

Thinking about a PCS to Fort Leavenworth? This guide for military families introduces everything you need to know before your move - from on-post housing and nearby communities like Leavenworth, Lansing, and Platte City, to schools, childcare, and things to do in the Fort Leavenworth–Kansas City area. As a local REALTOR® and military relocation expert, I help incoming families navigate their move with confidence.

Learn what to expect from life at Fort Leavenworth and how to make your military move easier.

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VA & Military Homeownership, Buying a Home Katie Payne Homes VA & Military Homeownership, Buying a Home Katie Payne Homes

Should I Buy or Rent When PCSing to Fort Leavenworth, KS?

Should military members rent or buy a home? This blog breaks down everything service members need to know before deciding - whether you’re facing a PCS, considering a VA loan, or weighing the pros and cons of homeownership during active duty. Learn when renting makes sense, when buying is smarter, and how to make the most of your military benefits. Perfect for service members relocating to or from Fort Leavenworth and beyond. Download your free PCS relocation guide inside.

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Katie Payne Homes Katie Payne Homes

Should You Choose On-Post Housing or Off-Post Housing?

Wondering if you should live on-post or off-base near Fort Leavenworth or Kansas City? This guide breaks down the pros and cons of military housing, including how to stay within your BAH whether you rent or buy. Discover smart options for service members and military families in Kansas and Missouri.

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Selling a Home Katie Payne Homes Selling a Home Katie Payne Homes

Why Home Staging Matters, the Benefits You’ll See, and How the Process Works

Thinking about selling your home in Kansas City, KS? Discover why home staging is one of the smartest ways to make your property stand out in today’s market. From boosting your home’s online appeal to helping buyers emotionally connect with your space, staging can lead to faster sales and stronger offers. As a local Realtor, I provide complementary staging services—including consultations, furniture arrangement, and access to professional staging pieces—to help you get the best possible results.

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Buying a Home Katie Payne Homes Buying a Home Katie Payne Homes

VA Loan Appraisal Issues: What Can Go Wrong and How to Handle It

Using a VA loan to buy a home? Here’s what happens if the appraiser finds issues that don’t meet VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). Learn what can go wrong during a VA appraisal, how it affects your loan approval, and what steps to take next — especially if you’re just starting your homebuying journey in the Fort Leavenworth or Kansas City area.

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Home Ownership Katie Payne Homes Home Ownership Katie Payne Homes

Prep Your Home for the Winter Months

Question: What should you do now to get your home ready for the colder months and show up strong when the market calls?

Quick answer: A timely round of fall/winter maintenance will keep your home cozy, efficient, and market-ready—and help you avoid costly surprises down the road.

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Selling a Home Katie Payne Homes Selling a Home Katie Payne Homes

5 Things to Do Before You Sell Your House

By starting early with strategic planning and home‑preparation—decluttering, deep cleaning, boosting curb appeal, doing minor repairs and getting the right professional by your side—you position your home to attract buyers, sell more quickly and command a stronger offer.

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Buying a Home, VA & Military Homeownership Katie Payne Homes Buying a Home, VA & Military Homeownership Katie Payne Homes

Military Relocation Help in Kansas City

This blog is a must-read for veterans and active-duty military relocating to the Kansas City area. Learn how a certified Military Relocation Professional can guide you through VA loans, local neighborhoods, and the homebuying process with confidence. Whether you’re PCS’ing to Fort Leavenworth or settling down post-service, discover why working with a top-rated REALTOR® makes all the difference.

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Buying a Home, Selling a Home Katie Payne Homes Buying a Home, Selling a Home Katie Payne Homes

How to Choose the Best Realtor in Kansas City

If you’re planning a move to or from the Kansas City area, this blog is your complete guide to choosing the right real estate professional. From key questions to ask, to what credentials matter—especially for military relocations—you’ll learn how to confidently select a local expert who understands your needs and your market. Perfect for buyers, sellers, and relocating families in Leavenworth, Platte, Wyandotte, and Johnson counties.

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