Jackson County, MO Real Estate, Homes For Sale, School & Area Information

If you're searching for homes for sale in Kansas City, MO, you've likely heard the outdated belief that buyers need a 20% down payment to purchase a home. This common misconception holds many would-be homeowners back, but the truth is, you can often buy a home with much less down, and waiting could cost you more in the long run.

Do You Really Need 20% Down to Buy a House in Kansas City?
The short answer is no. In fact, many first-time buyers in areas like Lee’s Summit, Raymore, and Overland Park are putting down as little as 3% to 5%. There are even zero-down mortgage options available through VA and USDA loan programs. According to the National Association of Realtors, 38% of first-time buyers put down less than 10%. So, if you’ve been holding out for a full 20%, you may already be in a position to make your move.

What About Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)?

The 20% rule is largely tied to avoiding PMI, an added cost that kicks in when buyers put down less than 20%. But in most cases, PMI is manageable and even temporary, and the benefit of building equity in a growing market often outweighs the cost. Kansas City home prices continue to appreciate, especially in sought-after neighborhoods like Brookside, Waldo, and Prairie Village.

The Real Cost of Waiting to Buy a Home
If you’re currently renting or sitting on the sidelines, waiting to hit 20% could mean missing out on:
Equity growth in your home as property values rise
Lower interest rates, which fluctuate quickly
Affordable homes in Kansas City neighborhoods with high demand
Each year you wait may result in higher home prices and increased competition. If you’re considering buying, now’s the time to explore your options.

Local Loan Programs and Assistance Options
There are local down payment assistance programs in Missouri and Kansas designed to help buyers get into homes sooner. Working with an experienced Kansas City real estate agent means you’ll get connected with trusted lenders who can walk you through the process and help identify what programs you're eligible for.

As the U.S. economy shows signs of slowing down, many are wondering how this will impact the housing market, particularly in regions like Kansas City. While economic downturns often bring uncertainty, they can also present unique opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Let's delve into what an economic slowdown could mean for the Kansas City housing market.

Understanding the Economic Slowdown:
Recent reports indicate that the U.S. economy contracted by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025, marking the first decline since early 2022. Factors such as increased imports ahead of new tariffs and decreased government spending have contributed to this downturn. This economic contraction has led to a decrease in consumer confidence, with many potential homebuyers adopting a wait-and-see approach. Mortgage applications have dropped to their lowest level in two months, despite slightly lower interest rates.

Impact on the Kansas City Housing Market:
Despite national economic challenges, the Kansas City housing market has shown resilience. In fact, Kansas City ranks among the top 10 housing hot spots for 2025, with home prices expected to continue rising, albeit at a slower pace.

Key Factors:
Home Prices: The average sales price for new and existing homes in Kansas City increased by 5.9% from February 2024 to February 2025.
Inventory Levels: Housing inventory has seen a modest increase, providing more options for buyers and potentially easing upward pressure on prices.
Mortgage Rates: While mortgage rates remain above 6%, they have stabilized, offering some predictability for prospective buyers.

Opportunities for Buyers and Sellers:
For Buyers:
Negotiation Power: With increased inventory and cautious sellers, buyers may find more room to negotiate on price and terms.
Less Competition: Economic uncertainty has sidelined some buyers, reducing competition and potentially leading to better deals.

For Sellers:
Serious Buyers: While there may be fewer buyers in the market, those who are actively looking are often more serious and financially prepared.
Strategic Pricing: Accurate pricing becomes crucial. Homes priced appropriately are still selling, while overpriced listings may linger.

Looking Ahead:
While the national economy faces headwinds, the Kansas City housing market remains relatively strong. Economic slowdowns can lead to shifts in buyer and seller behavior, but with careful planning and strategic decision-making, opportunities abound. Whether you're considering buying or selling in the Kansas City area, staying informed and working with knowledgeable real estate professionals can help navigate the evolving market landscape.

Kansas City is More Than a Moment — It’s a Movement

From the “Taylor Swift effect” to billion-dollar business investments, Kansas City is booming. Whether you’re relocating, investing, or dreaming of a vibrant new community, here’s why KC is a homebuyer’s dream:

1. Affordable Homes with Big Value
More space, more land, more bang for your buck—KC home prices are stable and significantly lower than coastal markets.

2. Investor-Friendly Market
Strong rental demand fueled by job growth, population increase, and global events (hello, World Cup 2026!) make KC a prime spot for real estate investors.

3. Thriving Economy & Job Opportunities
With booming industries in tech, healthcare, logistics, and the arts, Kansas City’s job market continues to thrive.

4. Unmatched Sports & Entertainment
Home to the Chiefs, Royals, Sporting KC & the KC Current (who play in the world’s first stadium built for a women’s sports team), our sports scene is legendary—and so are our tailgates.

5. Creative, Cultural Energy
From First Fridays in the Crossroads to local fests and vibrant art scenes, KC is a playground for creatives and entrepreneurs.

6. Unbeatable Quality of Life
Midwest charm, top-tier schools, award-winning BBQ, and iconic gems like the Country Club Plaza make KC impossible not to love.

Ready to make Kansas City home? Let’s find your place in this incredible city.

Jackson County, MO continues to have several communities with boom

Lee's Summit
Lee's Summit has experienced significant growth, with a 5.57% increase in population over the past five years, reaching approximately 104,336 residents.

Blue Springs
Blue Springs has seen substantial growth, with its population increasing by approximately 8% from 2017, bringing the total to around 59,450 residents.

Grain Valley
Grain Valley has seen significant growth, with its population increasing by approximately 10% from 2017, reaching around 15,627 residents.

Independence
Independence has experienced notable growth, with a 4.07% increase in population over the past five years, reaching approximately 121,211 residents.

These cities exemplify the dynamic growth occurring within Jackson County, driven by factors such as economic opportunities, quality of life, and community development.

As we navigate through the evolving landscape of the real estate market, our latest data reveals some noteworthy trends between 2023 and 2024. Closed Sales have seen a decrease of 5.7%, reflecting a shift in market dynamics. Furthermore, Inventory has tightened, showing a significant reduction of 14.5%. What does this mean for buyers and sellers? For sellers, it's an opportunity to leverage the lower inventory to their advantage. For buyers, the market demands a strategic approach to navigate the limited availability. Stay informed, stay ahead. For more insights and personalized advice, reach out to us or visit www.SoldByFelicia.com. Let's make informed decisions together in this changing market.

Buying or selling land in Jackson County is a little more complex than we think. The state of Missouri requires a three-acre minimum with septic. This is for county zoning only, not city lots. They will connect with the city sewer. Just because you have acreage does not mean that the county will agree to split it off. There are different scenarios in each case. It depends on how the land lays, what is around it, and the easements through it. Be very careful when it comes to land.

A soil test will need to be done to see if the land will perk for proper drainage of the septic system. The three-acre lot must conform to the lots around it also. Lots of things go into this. Before you put any money down, get the facts from the county. The land will perk better in the summer, spring, or fall more than in winter. You will also want to ensure that there are no restrictions or that restrictions have been recorded. This could prevent you from building your dream home. I'm not trying to scare you; I want you to know before you have buyer's remorse. Building your dream home can be very rewarding, and we do it daily!

Have you been to Union Station lately? I am sure you were among the people that flooded it when our boys won the Super Bowl. However, there are so many things to do down there. For instance, did you know that there is a theater?

I homeschool my kiddo and it is a great opportunity on a Friday afternoon to take a trip down there and see a movie! The tickets for matinees are only $5. If you have an opportunity check it out and enjoy some family time!!

Today is our official kick-out to spring here in the Kansas City area. It's the KC Royals Home Opener!! The spring weather is here at 70 degrees with just a little wind but the BBQ is in the air around the stadium with all the tailgating going on! KC loves their BBQ!!! We are wishing for a great season! GO Royals!

Have you taken a drive out east down I-70? Wow, things are growing as you far as the county line, starting with Arrowhead stadium - rebuilding with the up-and-coming is wonderful to see. The
Mid-West is where people want to bring their families. Little Blue Parkway is growing with lots of businesses and homes with developments along the way.

Blue Springs has grown on all sides, all the way to Lee's Summit and Independence. Award-winning schools with locations perfect for commuters. Grain Valley has more than doubled in size to include commercial and homes. The small town feeling with the location and convenience is highly sought after.

Oak Grove is on the move as well. Oak Grove is expected to see over 400 new homes in the next few years. Eastern Jackson County has lots to offer; you should check us out!

The market is definitely feeling a little bit of an upswing! In Jackson County, the supply is up significantly from last year. I have a feeling that it won't last. I would get in on the spring market before it really starts heating up!

Don't forget to set your clocks back an hour this November on the 5th! You will get an extra hour of sleep and it will start to get darker earlier outside. Don't end up showing up to work an hour earlier than everyone else because you forgot. That has happened before to me.

November 11th is Veteran's Day. For all military service members, veterans, and spouses of military or veteran personnel, Starbucks is giving a free hot or iced coffee to you. Thank you to everyone who has or is currently serving our country. Go out and get that coffee!

Knob Noster is located in Johnson County Missouri about 10 miles away from Warrensburg. It is a smaller town of around 3,000 people and was established in 1856. In Knob Noster you can find the Knob Noster State Park and Whiteman Air Force Base. As of October 24, 2022, there are 12 listings active in the area. If you are looking to get away from the city and become a part of a smaller town, I would look into Knob Noster as an option.

It has been a tough year so far for buyers. Well, that seems to be changing. The days on market keep increasing. This means buyers have more inventory to choose from and have a fighting chance to find the home of their dreams!

Let's be honest, it has not been the best year as a buyer. Homes have been going under contract so very quickly. It may have been frustrating to make offer after offer on a home you love, but perseverance has been key. Need to keep pushing through. Still looking for a home? Homes are still selling quickly, however, we noticed that Days on Market is rising. It may be easier to find the home you like out there. If you took a break, it may be a good time to pop back in and find that dream home you have always wanted.

It's about that time, are you ready for some Sunday football games? I know this is the best part of the year as our fearless leader, Andy Reid, heads to training camp. Going through the roster to see who is going to stay and who is going, looking for that needle in the haystack. I'm a super fan as you can tell! I love how the entire KC metro lights up with excitement for our Kansas City Chiefs! Let's go Chiefs!

Is your child a nature fanatic or wants to learn more about nature? X-Stream Green is an educational program for 1st-5th graders to explore more about the outdoors. In this program, you will get to choose three activities/field trips from a long list that you want to know more about. Examples include archery, pond life, Missouri mammals, plants, habitats, etc. To join the program, will cost a fee but you can look up more information on the Jackson County Missouri website under outdoor education.

Want to be up close to some wildlife in the comfort of your own city? Fleming Park in Lake Jacomo has a 110-acre fenced enclosure that holds bison, elk, and buffalo. It is not permitted to feed the animals but if you are ever trying to get away from big city living and have a picnic by the buffalo or enjoy some wildlife, this is the place to do it.

I spy with my little eye......hearts. A little over 150 to be exact. If you happen to be driving around the Jackson area, you might have seen a heart on display at your local grocery store, a school, or even your community park. Each one is done with love and with a powerful message that goes along with it. This surely signifies the support and unification from each Jackson County community. All hearts will be on display until the end of May. The hearts will then be auctioned off to raise funds and stay within the Kansas City region to support communities. Take a moment to see one, snap a photo, and take in the "heart-filled" artistic masterpieces.

Get Air Trampoline Park in Independence is a great place to bring your kids to burn off excess energy and get rid of the dreaded cabin fever that sets in every winter. Jumpers can take their pick from wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball, slam ball, ninja obstacles, and more. What a great place to have your birthday parties, team parties, and family events. Come out and get your jump on today.

Let's go Chiefs! Following KC's victory in Denver on Sunday, the Chiefs are heading to their seventh straight playoff appearance! The entire city is covered in red! After two back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, Kansas City is gearing up for a third. We will play the Steelers in the AFC Wild Card Round on Sunday at 7:15 pm. Everyone is getting excited about another awesome post-season.

The Chiefs have officially won the AFC West Division six years straight! Last nights game also continued our win streak to eight in a row. With only two games left in the regular season, we remain the first seed for the upcoming playoffs. We are on our way to a third Super Bowl appearance! Let's go Chiefs!!

Let's go Chiefs!!! Kansas City once again received an awesome show during Thursday night's game against the LA Chargers. Thanks to amazing plays from Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, the Chiefs have won their seventh game in a row! Kansas City is first in the entire AFC and on the way to another stellar playoff season. The entire town is buzzing with excitement! Kansas City has thebest football team in the world!

You can't come to Kansas City without getting your BBQ fix! Some of the local favorites are Jack Stack, Gates, and Arthur Bryants. My personal favorite is Oklahoma Joe's, an inconspicuous BBQ joint that also serves as a gas station. Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain named Joe's as one of the "13 Places You Must Eat Before You Die". Here you can try a KC classic, the Z-Man. Piled high with brisket, provolone, onion rings, and BBQ sauce, this sandwich will have you coming back for more!