Date Archives: November 2021

The holidays will soon be here, and the Wichita area will come alive with lights. Driving around to see decorative holiday lights is a wonderful pastime. You can sing your favorite holiday songs on the way and maybe even stop for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Here are some of the top spots our real estate agents recommend seeing holiday lights this year.

• Illuminations at Botanica Wichita: 701 N. Amidon St., Wichita, KA 67203
  Illuminations is an annual holiday light celebration that takes place at Botanica Wichita. This year, it's scheduled through January 1. From 5:30 - 8:30 each evening, you can drive through the Botanical Gardens and admire various light displays. There's a second set of walk-through displays, too. 
  
  The cost is $20 per carload Sunday - Thursday and $25 Friday and Saturday. There's an additional per-person fee for the walk-through displays.

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Giving Tuesday is coming up on November 30, and there's an amazing, diverse collection of non-profits located around Wichita that would value your support this year. These organizations provide so many services for the community, offering help for people in need, medical support for children and families, educational support to help youth thrive, and so much more. Our real estate agents have all of the details on how you can give back to local non-profits around Wichita on Giving Tuesday.

• Big Brothers Big Sisters – 310 E. 2nd St. N., Wichita, KS 67202
  Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters (KSBBBS) matches youth facing adversity with caring, adult mentors outside of their home. They believe that all youth - regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or family background - can achieve success in life, especially with the guidance and support of a caring adult mentor. A few hours a month can make a world of difference for a youth who comes to understand that your investment of time in them means that there is someone outside of their home who believes they are worthwhile and possess potential.
  
  
• Family Promise of Greater Wichita – 401 N. Emporia, Wichita, KS 76202
  Family Promise of Greater Wichita unites hearts and hands to provide compassionate hospitality and empower homeless families with children to achieve sustainable independence. There are many ways you can give to empower families; from making a one-time or monthly donation or donating items to help a family who has graduated from their program get started in a new home.
  
  
• ICT Food Rescue – 1650 N. Fairview Ave., Wichita, KS 67203
  The ICT Food Rescue non-profit has a mission of distributing surplus food to the people around Wichita who need it the most. They "rescue" surplus food from restaurants and grocery stores that would otherwise be destined for landfills and use it to provide ingredients for healthy, nutritious meals for people who are food insecure. You can contribute by becoming a food rescuer or by donating funds to support the cause.

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Homeowners are often faced with decisions about which investments they should make in their homes, particularly if they're considering putting them on the market. If you've been watching the prices of Wichita homes for sale, you may be tempted to sell "as is." But what if some relatively inexpensive upgrades can increase the sale price dramatically? Our real estate agents will be happy to consult with you before you make a final decision. Here are a few appliances to consider replacing.

• Worn, unsightly, or malfunctioning appliances
  If you're selling the first home you ever owned, you may have started on a shoestring with second-hand appliances. Maybe they have worked fine for you but are less attractive than shiny and new. It's important to remember that buyers often make emotional purchases. If an appliance stands out as old, it's going to detract from a potential buyer's confidence in the state of the entire house, whether or not their concerns have merit.

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In honor of Veterans Day, we would like to thank all military veterans for their service. Additionally, our real estate agents would like to share some important information about VA loans — or Veterans Affairs loans — for homebuyers. These mortgages are available to qualified U.S. veterans, active-duty military members, and some surviving military spouses. Here is some crucial information to consider when deciding whether a VA loan is right for you.

• How VA Loans Work
  Banks and credit unions issue VA loans. However, they are insured by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This means that if you, the buyer, stop making your mortgage payments, the VA will step in and reimburse the bank. This lowers the risk for the bank, which makes them willing to lend money to buyers who may not otherwise qualify for a conventional mortgage.

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