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Posts Tagged ‘Columbia Missouri real estate’

The PetPeek window can easily allow every dog to have a point of view.

Dogs are curious, they want to know what’s happening “out there”!  Your kiddos would even enjoy it!

This is NOT an advertisement for PetPeek.  We simply found it very amusing!

If you would like to contact a Prudential Real Estate agent today, please call 573.449.6200 or email Info@PrudentialVision.com.  Prudential Vision Properties is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Prepare Your Car for Winter Driving.

With our first snow happening RIGHT NOW, we want to make sure you arrive to your destination safely.

Holiday Events

Here are many activities going on in Columbia, Missouri this December that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy!

The best part……many of them are FREE!

• Bass Pro Winter Wonderland (Free Picture with Santa):  Starting December 1st (10am – 8pm)

• Columbia Mall (Photos with Santa):  Starting December 1st (During Mall Hours)
• St. Nick’s Pet Picks@ The Columbia Mall: December 5th and 12th (6pm- close)
• The Magic Tree: Starting December 1^st  (5 pm nightly)
• Holiday Lighting Festival @ Cherry Hill: December 1st (5pm)  The Holiday Lighting Festival is in honor of the Magic Tree.  At the festival, you will find a ceremonial lighting of the Magic Tree, Santa, Carriage Rides, Ornament Decorating, Face painting, holiday shopping in the Event Center, and much more. All activities are free to the public. The event is December 1st 5-8 pm. The tree lighting ceremony is at 5:30.
  

  The Magic Tree

• Living Windows:  Dec 2 (6-8pm)  As the weather turns colder, shopkeepers throughout The District begin planning for the annual Living Windows Festival. On the first Friday in December, from 6 to 8 p.m., shopkeepers move all the merchandise, out of their front windows and stage live holiday performances for onlookers. As the rest of us begin our holiday shopping, they’re concentrating on sewing costumes, building sets, writing scripts and baking cookies for customers. Merchants go to great lengths to outdo one another–making each year’s displays even more impressive than before. The night itself is a celebration of the holidays. The District features open houses, strolling carolers, holiday treats, and visits with Santa–all against a backdrop of holiday lights. The District is your place for unique and stylish shopping. It’s the place to go for exciting nightlife or to meet friends for dinner. It’s a lively mix of historic architecture, sidewalk cafes and street musicians. Discover the holidays. Discover The District. For more information, call (573)442-6816.
• Santa Hotline:  Dec 3 (9am – 3pm)  Children between the ages of 3-10 can call the North Pole from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, December 3 to speak with Santa or Mrs. Claus (or one their many elves) and personally give them their Christmas lists! CALL 874-7473 or 874-6335 ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 ONLY.
• University Concert Series presents St. Louis Ballet’s The Nutcracker:  Dec 3 (2-3pm & 7-8pm)
• All Aboard The Children’s Christmas Express:  December 10th (12 Noon to 1:30 PM), December 18th (12 Noon to 1:30 PM), December 18th (5 PM to 6:30 PM)  Children (age 2-12) $28.00 & Adults (age 12 and up) $52.00;  Come and ride with Santa’s elves as we make our way to the North Pole where Santa Clause is awaiting our arrival. Children are welcome to dress in their pajamas in the spirit of the holiday season. As we make our way to the North Pole Santa’s elves will read stories and sing Christmas carols with the children. To make sure everyone is in the Christmas spirit snacks of cookies and hot chocolate will be served. Once we arrive at the North Pole Santa will come aboard the train and will be ready to hear all about what you want for Christmas. There will be photo opportunities with Santa and he will have a small gift for each child to hold them over until the big day! * Please Note: The Children’s Christmas Express is an extremely popular event and tickets sell out weeks in advance so make your reservations early. Phone: (573)-474-2223

If you are looking to join the Columbia Real Estate market, please feel free to call us.  Prudential Vision Properties can be reached at 573.449.6200. Prudential Vision Properties is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Find Out How Much You Are Spending To Keep Your Appliances Plugged In.

Betsy Sabel, Realtor

Turn on any financial news program and at some point you’ll hear the experts extolling the virtues of diversification. Real estate, even through the market downturn, has long been considered a conservative, long-term strategy to growing wealth.

In fact, that very downturn has created a historic buying opportunity for potential homebuyers and investors alike. The combination of lower home prices across American and historically low mortgage rates, two essential factors that usually don’t trend in the same direction, have triggered a buyer’s market in many areas of the country. For real estate investors who want to rent their properties, this can make the difference in achieving positive cash flow sooner or right off the bat.

While some seasoned real estate investors make it look easy, to be successful, beginners should follow some basic principles.

• Learn all you can. Before committing your cash, you should have a fundamental understanding of real estate. For example, be aware that, in general, investment properties are not liquid investments. Barring exceptional circumstances, real estate does not sell at a moment’s notice. It could take days or months to sell a property, depending on the strength of the market in a particular region.
• Consider cash flow. You’ll need to have enough capital on hand to cover any short-term losses due to vacancies between tenants.
• Start small. Look into buying a condominium, single-family home or a duplex. Leave large apartment buildings and commercial properties to the pros.
• Inquire at the local Chamber of Commerce about companies relocating into or out of the area. Company movement is one indicator of demand for rental and/or office space.
• Find a property that will be in demand. Look for a moderately priced home with three or four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a garage that sits on a quiet street.
• Research the property. The most common way first-time investors lose is by failing to investigate a property thoroughly. Look beyond the front door. Investigate the reputation of the school district, the crime rate, and plans for expanding a nearby highway or developing vacant land. Ask a local real estate professional about the area, its history, and how fast (or slow) properties are moving.
• Inspect the home you’re considering for signs of water damage, such as stains on the ceiling and crinkling or gathering wallpaper; open and close every door and window; and check all electrical sockets by plugging in an appliance. Get an independent home inspection, roof inspection and termite inspection. Unexpected repair costs can eat away your cash flow. Because even the best inspection can’t always predict problems, try to set aside some of the rental income for unexpected repairs.
• Spend time driving the streets of the neighborhood noting the condition of other properties. Are lawns maintained? Are roofs in good shape? Are homes kept up?
• Be ready to make fixes quickly and respond to the renter’s needs. If you’re not prepared to be a hands-on landlord, consider hiring a property management firm.
• See your tax advisor for related planning and laws that can affect your investment decisions.

Remember, investing in a property is much different than living in one, and while emotion and attachment can be prime motivators when it comes to homes, it is return on investment that counts when investing in real estate.

Betsy Sabel can be reached at 573.489.6958. Prudential Vision Properties is an independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity.