Johnson County, KS Real Estate, Homes For Sale, School & Area Information

If you're considering buying a home and wondering if you should hire a buyer's agent to represent you, here are some benefits such professionals can provide you with and what's in it for them.

Benefits for the Buyer:

1- Expertise: A buyer's agent has extensive knowledge of the local market trends, neighborhoods and property values, which can help you make informed decisions. Relying on AI property valuation tools may be used as a general guide, but it doesn't take away the risk associated with overpaying for a property if relied upon solely.

2- Negotiation Skills: Buyer's agent can strongly negotiate on your behalf to secure the best possible price and terms for the acquisition of your dream property. Why would you go to the negotiation table without such resource when you know the seller is represented by a professional real estate negotiator?

3- Access to Listings: Sometimes a property is not marketed online. Buyer's agents have access to a wide range of listings, including those not publicly available, increasing your chances of finding the perfect home.

4- Guidance Trough the Buying Process: They guide you through the entire home-buying process, from house hunting to closing, ensuring a smooth transaction.

5- Advocacy and Fiduciary Duty: The buyer's agent works exclusively for you, representing your best interests throughout the home-buying journey. You get an ally by your side at every steps of the way!

What's in it for the Buyer's Agent:

1- Sharing the Commission while Sharing the Parties' Interests: Real estate agents are typically paid 100% on commission base, whether they represent the seller or the buyer. If they are committed full-time to the industry, this commission is their only wage. It's customarily based on a percentage of the sale price of the property. Left without a buyer's agent during the negotiation phase, one could think the seller's agent may have "the higher the sale price, the higher the commission" approach, more so if serving the seller's best interest only. However, the buyer's agent must provide a fiduciary duty to the buyer's interest first and will assure they don't pay over the market price.

2- Client Satisfaction: Real estate agents thrives on client satisfaction. It's the backbone of their professional growth. A satisfied client is more likely to refer friends and family or use the same agent again in the future, building up the agent's reputation and business.

3- Expertise Showcase: Also serving as a marketing tool, once successfully servicing you during your transaction, they can advertise their effectiveness when helping other buyers find their dream home and enhance their value and credibility in the industry.

4- Long-term Relationship: We're talking about experts in community involvement here! If you are new to an area, your buyer's agent may be your first and only regional contact for a while. After closing on the sale of your property, the relationship continues. They can provide you with professional referrals for your new home projects, they can give you information on how to find groups with similar interests or just check up on you from time to time!

By working with a buyer's agent, you can benefit from their expertise and guidance knowing they are motivated professionals in helping you find the right home and ensure a successful transaction. It's a win-win situation for both of you!

Are you considering a move to Johnson County, KS? As your trusted real estate expert, I'm here to guide you through the exciting journey of finding your perfect home in this flourishing community. Johnson County is more than just a location. It's a lifestyle, offering a myriad of reasons why it stands out as an exceptional place to live.

Award-Winning Schools
Johnson County boasts top-notch educational institutions, making it an ideal destination for families seeking excellent schooling options for their children. With nationally recognized schools and a commitment to academic excellence, this county ensures a bright future for your loved ones.

Safe and Welcoming Communities
Safety is a priority in Johnson County, making it a haven for those who value a secure and friendly environment. The sense of community here is palpable, with neighborhoods that embrace diversity and foster a welcoming atmosphere for all residents.

Thriving Job Market
Home to a robust economy and a diverse range of industries, Johnson County provides ample opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. The flourishing job market is a magnet for individuals and families looking to build a prosperous future.

Parks and Recreation
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of parks and green spaces throughout Johnson County. From expansive parks with walking trails to recreational facilities, there's always an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and stay active.

Cultural Attractions
Experience the vibrant cultural scene with museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the rich heritage of Johnson County. Whether you're a history buff, art aficionado, or theater lover, there's always something captivating happening in the community.

Convenient Access to Amenities
Johnson County is strategically located, providing easy access to shopping centers, dining establishments, and entertainment hubs. Enjoy the convenience of having everything you need right at your fingertips.

Quality Healthcare
Access to world-class healthcare facilities is a crucial factor and Johnson County delivers. With top-rated hospitals and healthcare providers, residents can rest assured that their well-being is in capable hands.

As the vibrant hues of autumn begin to paint our surroundings, I'm excited to bring you the latest news that's in perfect harmony with the season. The Powell Gardens' upcoming fall event: The Scarecrow Trail and Pumpkin Village, will be taking place from October 4th to October 15. Conveniently located in Johnson County, just on the other side of the Jackson County line in Kingsville, MO, the landscapes create a serene atmosphere for residents. Mark your calendars for this enchanting fall event from October 4th through October 15th.

Johnson County, Kansas is a thriving suburban county located in the northeastern part of the state. With a population of over 600,000 people, it is the most populous county in Kansas and one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States.

The county is known for its excellent quality of life, strong economy, and highly-ranked schools. It is home to several major employers, including Sprint, Garmin, and the University of Kansas Medical Center. The county also has a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

There are many things to look forward to when moving to Johnson County, KS! Here are just a few:

Quality of life: Johnson County consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the United States due to its excellent schools, low crime rate, high-quality healthcare, and abundance of parks and green spaces.

Employment opportunities: Johnson County is home to many major corporations and industries, including T-Mobile, Garmin, and the University of Kansas Medical Center. The unemployment rate is also consistently low, making it a great place to find work.

Arts and culture: Johnson County has a thriving arts scene, with numerous theaters, museums, and galleries. The Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center, in particular, is a great place to explore local history and culture.

Shopping and dining: There are many great shopping and dining options in Johnson County, from high-end boutiques to local eateries. The Country Club Plaza popular.

When choosing a location to raise a family or settle down, it is important to know what higher education options are available in your area. For yourself, your spouse, or your kids, higher education can be life changing. Here are a few higher education options located in Johnson County:

Johnson County Community College
Average cost after aid: 13k
In-state tuition: $3,360

University of Kansas
Average cost after aid: 19k
Graduation rate: 63%
Acceptance rate: 93%

Avila University
Average cost after aid: 19k
Graduation rate: 66%
Acceptance rate: 41%

Kansas City Kansas Community College
Average cost after aid: 15k
In-state tuition: 3,330

Baker University
Average cost after aid: 22k
Graduation rate: 63%
Acceptance rate: 88%

Kansas Christian College
Average cost after aid: $9,128
In-state tuition: $8,780

Ottawa University
Average cost after aid: 25k
Graduation rate: 30%
Acceptance rate: 15%

MidAmerica Nazarene University
Average cost after aid: 20k
Graduation rate: 55%
Acceptance rate: 55%

University of Saint Mary
Average cost after aid: 21k
Graduation rate: 34%
Acceptance rate: 84%

Rasmussen University
Average cost after aid: 19k
In-state tuition: 11k

Johnson County Community College ranked #2 of 24 as the best community college in Kansas for 2022. In 2021, Kansas University ranked #60 as the Top Public School in the Nation! Overall, there are some great options for higher education in Johnson County, which can make it an ideal place to settle down.

Having lived in Johnson County most of my life, I have learned to love the family-friendly atmosphere. Shopping in different areas, as well as, casual or fine dining makes it a perfect place to live, eat, and play. The government operations operate the transportation system, libraries, multi-service centers, parks and recreation, mental health and developmental support centers, corrections program, and countywide wastewater system. Additionally, there is a mass communication system that keeps the residents safe and informed. Visit the website below for more information.

Get an early start for your fireworks fix on July 3rd, 2019. Fairway, Mission Woods, Roeland Park, Westwood, and Westwood Hills are showcasing their fireworks display on the grounds of Bishop Miege and St. Agnes School. Fireworks will begin just after dusk. Parking is limited, so plan to arrive early or plan to walk a few blocks.

Prairie Village will have it's Village Fest from 7:30 a.m to 1:00 p.m. at 77th and Mission Road. Breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. Kid's activities start a 9:00 a.m. with a kid's parade at 11:00 a.m.

Overland Park has its fireworks at Corporate Woods Founders Park. Park opens at 5:00 p.m. Food, drink and live entertainment. Fireworks start around 9:45 p.m.

Lenexa's Community Days Parade begins at 10:00 a.m. The starting point is the north side of Santa Fe Trail and Park St. This is a large parade. Be sure to hydrate.

A major attraction for families to Johnson County, Kansas are the strong school systems. There are six districts: Blue Valley School District, De Soto School District, Gardner Edgerton School District, Olathe School District, Shawnee Mission School District, and Spring Hill School District. All of them are highly rated! Additionally, Olathe is home to the Kansas School for the Deaf. The Kansas State School for the Blind is in Wyandotte County. Most of these districts are continuing to expand as Johnson County grows larger towards the south and west. Some JoCo KS cities are in four school districts! For example, Overland Park is now served by: Blue Valley, Olathe, Shawnee Mission, and Spring Hill. Johnson County Community College is an absolute jewel and boasts the county's only professional performing arts center. Nearly everyone in my family graduated from JCCC first before continuing on to higher education. I've graduated twice from JCCC and still attend classes from time to time; there is such a wide variety of continuing education and greatly discounted credit classes for seniors. The greater Kansas City area has a wide variety of schools, but JoCo KS schools can't be beat!

I've been here a couple times. I thought the all electric house was a very interesting snapshot of that period in Johnson County, reflecting the values placed on modernity. I thought it was an interesting development of a former bowling alley into a museum. The old King Louie building had some distinctive architectural features, so I'm glad it wasn't torn down. The museum is also a good place to hold small events. I spoke at an event last fall there and thought the facilities were good.

The link below has interesting information about the history of Johnson County, Kansas. It was created in 1855, when Kansas was still a Territory. The area remained largely agricultural until World War II, when the Olathe Naval Air Station and Sunflower Ordnance Works brought many workers to the county. In the decades after the war, the population continued to expand greatly, with projected number of 630,000 residents by 2020. Business development within Johnson County has also increased and that growth will continue as well.

Multi family property in Johnson County is a hot commodity. Did you know that Johnson County ranks #4 nationally for number of college graduates for a county of its size? Let's take a look at just how hot the market is:

-Sales averaged $121,021/unit in 2016 compared to a 5-year average of only $91,311/unit.
-Vacancy rates ended 2016 at 6.2%
- With 2,739 units under construction
- Cap rates have been driven down to a county average of 5.4%

This is a show that starts off the year, just like your New Year's resolutions. The Home and Garden Show sports everything you can imagine: renovations, decorating and improvements to suit the inside and outside your home. Everyone will enjoy the inspirational tips for all homeowners. Outdoor living spaces are the trend and everything outdoors is provided to compare and contrast.

What would be great for your personal spaces? There are many working displays for your consideration. Hundreds of vendors are on hand for questions and with information specific to what you may want to consider for your home. This event is a must for anyone with home improvement on their to-do list! Friday, January 6th and Saturday, January 7th from 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., and Sunday, January 8th from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Enjoy! If you can't make it this year, visit the link below for next year's event!

KC Restaurant Week is an event that many people look forward to. Have you been wanting to visit certain restaurants in the Kansas City area? The annual KC Restaurant Week is the perfect time to do it! This year the event occurred the week of January 15-24, 2016.

This is always your chance to enjoy multi-course lunch menus for $15 and dinner menus for $33. Johnson County (Kansas) also has its share of restaurants participating during the week, including Coco Bolo's in Overland Park, Barley's Brewhaus in Lenexa, and Tavern at Mission Farms in Prairie Village, just to name a few. Go to the website to see the full list of participating restaurants. Plan to take part next year! Bon Appétit!

Is incorporating a regular workout regimen into your lifestyle one of your resolutions for 2016? There are many gyms and fitness centers across Johnson County that can help you reach that goal. Here are a few places in the area to consider:

Solutions 1 CrossFit, located at 8245 Cole Parkway in Shawnee, offers high-intensity workout classes with varied core strength and conditioning movements including running, weight lifting, kettle bells and more. Their CrossFit workouts are great for getting you into shape!

Wilder Pilates, located at 10101 Woodland Road, Suite 210 in Lenexa, is a fully equipped Pilates studio with six reformer machines. Pilates is a system of exercises that focus on core strength, flexibility, and balancing the body, which leads to other benefits such as better posture, decreased stress, and mind and body awareness. If you're looking for a safe and gentle workout, give Pilates a try!

Orangetheory Fitness has science-based workout sessions made for people of all fitness levels, from beginner to pro athlete, ages 16 and up. Their Orange 60 workout is comprised of treadmill training, indoor rowing, and weight training blocks while monitoring your heart rate. They are located at 11614 Ash Street in Leawood and at 14995 W 119th St in Olathe.

If you're looking for ways to get your children into fitness, check out My Gym Children's Fitness Center, located at 8532 W. 133rd Street in Overland Park. They make fitness fun for children age six weeks to ten years. Programs incorporate dance, games, gymnastics, and sports, helping children develop physically, cognitively, and emotionally. Children also gain coordination, balance, confidence, self-esteem and more through these programs.

Searching for exciting Christmas light displays in Johnson County? Check out this active list of displays in De Soto, Edgerton, Gardner, Leawood, Lenexa, Olathe, Overland Park, Prairie Village, Shawnee and areas of Wyandotte County. Some of the most popular home displays include Candy Cane Lane, located at 79th and Outlook Lane in Prairie Village; The Fisch Family Santa Claus Airport at 12708 Pawnee Lane in Leawood; and Paulie's Penguin Playhouse at 16617 Indian Creek Parkway in Olathe. There are dozens more to enjoy, so load the family in the car and take a look at the many awesome light displays!

Come visit Lake LaCygne and Linn County Park just 40 minutes south of Overland Park. This warm water lake is widely know for great fishing among other things. Large mouth bass, crappie, wipers and catfish populate the waters and are available for fishers of all ages. Two ramps are available for your boats but please remember that boating is reserved for fishing only. A full service marina is also available while you are at the lake.

Linn County Park is a great place for a trail ride. Over twenty miles of trails are found on the grounds. Camping facilities, cabins, picnic shelters and a basketball court are available as are showers, electric, sewer and water hookups. Nature watchers can travel through wooded areas while on the lookout for deer, squirrels, rabbits, turkeys, geese, ducks and occasionally even swans. Surrounding homes and acreage are currently available.

Linn County Park and Lake LaCygne are located in the northeastern corner of Linn County just east of the junction of the U.S. 69 and K-152 highways.

Prairie Fire Museum of Natural History and Shopping District is Johnson County's newest museum with shopping, restaurants, Cinetopia Movie Theatre and apartments.
The Museum will have traveling exhibits from the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The location is on 135th Street between Nall and Lamar. Close to everything!
What a fantastic addition to Johnson County and a wonderful brand new Kansas City Attraction!
Check out more cinema information at http://cinetopia.com/

Looking for something to do on Christmas eve with the family?
Here is a map of lights in Johnson county.

http://kansastravel.org/kansascitychristmasdisplays.htm

Johnson County Library System aims to serve people of all ages with its high quality collections, services, and programs. It is an award-winning resource that services the greater community through 12 neighborhood libraries and a central resource library, offering a collection of over one-million items and 400 computers available for pubic use. Johnson County libraries promote growth and discovery for the greater metro area.

Recently, I showed homes all over JOCO between 250-300 and they are selling like hotcakes! For the homes that are priced right, you can expect FULL PRICE & above and multiple offers.

I began my real estate career while living in Overland Park. Originally a Northlander, this was a switch, but let me tell you what I loved about my 10+ years in Johnson County. I love that new amazing restaurants are always popping up. I love the variety of shops. I love the World Market!

Home values seem to climb higher, faster in Johnson County. Being a sports competitor, I love all of the sports complexes available to you in Johnson County as well as the extensive bike and running paths. Johnson County always seems to get new things first. Johnson County is a vital contributor to the greater KC area and I love that too.

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) properties often receive a bad wrap, especially by those who don't understand what the designation means. HUD properties are loans that have a federal guarantee, and IF defaulted on by the borrower, the Department of Housing and Urban Development repays the lender and becomes the owner of said property. The properties available through HUD are listed at www.hudhomestore.com. There are many opportunities for owner/occupants, as well as potential investors.
Today, (07/08/13) there are 13 properties available in Johnson County, ranging in price from $37,525 to $270,000. Spring Hill, Gardner, Olathe, Leawood, Shawnee, Mission, Lenexa and Overland Park are some of the cities represented on the list. There are deals to be had and many diamonds in the rough to be found. I encourage you to check it out.

NotifyJoCo.org is a FREE and informative system that has been created to keep Johnson County residents and businesses informed. It communicates emergency and non-emergency information to those registered by phone, text, and email. Anyone who lives, works, or spends time in Johnson County can register to receive important information through a customizable alert system. By registering, individuals can be notified with emergency notifications, such as: tornado warnings, evacuation notices, and public health alerts. Also, it allows residents the ability to receive non-emergency notifications, such as: change or delay in trash pick-up specific to your neighborhood, road closures that will affect your drive, and special events and offerings in your area.