LOCAL NEWS & ADVICE
The areas best source for up to date news and real estate information.
2026 VA Loan Update: What’s Changed and What It Means for Veterans
The VA Home Loan is a zero-down-payment mortgage benefit backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, Reservists, and qualifying surviving spouses. In 2026, the standard loan limit rose to $832,750, the VA funding fee became tax deductible for the first time, and appraisers are now required to specify exact repairs rather than vague conditions. Veterans with full VA entitlement pay no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance, making this one of the most powerful homebuying benefits available to those who have served.
Is It Too Late to Sell Your Home in Fort Leavenworth or Kansas City This Spring?
Is mid-March too late to sell your home in Fort Leavenworth or Kansas City? Not at all—this is actually one of the best times to list. As the spring market begins, buyer demand is rising, inventory remains relatively low, and well-prepared homes are attracting strong attention. If you’re thinking about selling your home in Kansas City this spring, timing is on your side—and the right strategy can help you maximize your results.
Why Homeowner’s Insurance Is Becoming One of the Biggest Challenges for Home Buyers
Homeowner’s insurance costs are rising due to higher rebuilding expenses, increased weather-related claims, and growing reinsurance costs. These changes are affecting home affordability and can even delay closings if buyers cannot secure coverage. Understanding insurance costs early in the home-buying process can help you avoid surprises and plan for the true cost of homeownership.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.