Mizzou Arena

 Last week I attended the Rascal Flatts concert at Mizzou Arena here in Columbia, Missouri.  What a fantastic venue for everthing from concerts to watching the Mizzou Basketball team climb higher in the national rankings!  The concert was phenomenal with Hunter Hayes (apparently the newest teenage heart throb on the rise) opening then Sara Evans (a hometown girl who made it big) and finally the featured group - Rascal Flatts.  These guys are a class act.  Each of them made a point to personally thank their fans for coming out to see them.  They pulled a young girl from the crowd and sang God Blessed the Broken Road to her and that was a HUGE hit with the fans as they cheered her on as she high fived the crowd in the pit area.  The encore was enough to bring tears to anyone's eyes as they sang I Will Stand by You and the U.S. Marines took the stage with them - that got a standing ovation!  

What a joy to hear the teens behind us singing every word to every song.  It was a wonderful family friendly event and a nice crowd mixed of all generations and colors.  Columbia is indeed a wonderful city that feels like a small town!

Top 10 Reasons to Christmas Shop Downtown Columbia MO

Being a small business owner in Columbia, MO, I like to support local businesses as well, so I began my shopping for the Christmas season this year in downtown Columbia - better known as The District!   "What?", you ask.  "But what about the parking, and going from store to store outside?"  Check out my list below and you'll find the answers to all your questions!

1. Parking is a breeze! Have you seen how crowded the streets are around the mall - not to mention the crazies in the parking lots there?!  In case you are parallel parking impaired or simply can't find a spot on the street - downtown now has 5 parking garages conveniently spaced throughout the downtown or "The District" area.  That's right - there are over 6000 parking spots to choose from!
2. To wear a coat or not wear a coat - that is the question! When you are at the mall - once you are inside - it is HOT.  So, you remove your coat and carry it around along with all of your bags.  In The District - you get fresh air between every store, so wearing your coat is still comfortable while shopping - and it is one less thing to carry!
3. Variety of stores to choose from - there are 110 unique stores in The District.  Many of these stores carry local artists' crafts - from clothing and accessories to music to artwork.  When choosing your gifts - why not give something with some local flare? 
4. Shopping a little for yourself? I have to admit it - I like wearing something a little unique when I attend or host holiday parties.  I hate walking in and seeing someone else with the exact same outfit on!  When I shop downtown, I get assistance from the sales staff and good suggestions on how to pair items.  When I shop at the mall I never get any assistance - even when I am trying to PAY for my items!
5. Do you have a sweet tooth? The Candy Factory has beautiful and tasty displays of candy they make right there on site!  They also have a small gift and card section so you can do one stop shopping for those little gifts for teachers or staff - and it will show you care by choosing something special!  There are also several ice cream and yogurt shops to satisfy that sweet tooth.
6. No fast food!! Shopping actually requires energy - so I always get hungry when on a shopping spree.  I would much prefer to sit down and have a healthy lunch over standing in line at the food court for fast food.  The District has several resaurants - from casual to formal - but they are all healthy and many use local farmers for their meat and produce.
7. Fun atmosphere - The District has beautiful window displays and lights, and most weekends there are at least a couple of musicians to entertain you for a few coins in their cup.  The variety of stores and proximity to campus ensure all age ranges of clientele.  Last Friday they had a wonderful living window display with many stores participating by hiring people to be "live" manikins!
8. Entertainment - with a variety of art galleries, movie theaters, comedy clubs, and music venues, you can end your day with an evening of fun and entertainment.  The Blue Note specializes in live music of all genres--from jazz to blues, from reggae to rock.
9. Shipping your gifts - the post office is conveniently located downtown so you can shop and ship at the same time!
10. In the end it's always about the wine.  OK - I love to sit and have appetizers and a good bottle of wine among friends - especially after an afternoon of shopping.  The District has plenty of cozy venues to choose from and they all guarantee good food, good service, and great wine!

 http://www.discoverthedistrict.com/

New Hot Spot in Columbia MO

 Well, last night I was introduced to a new hot spot in Columbia MO!  Kampai shushi restaurant 

is located along a new venue we have in town called Alley A.  Kampai's really does have the best sushi I have found in Columbia and the atmosphere is very nice.  It has a modern Asian theme and two levels plus outdoor seating to accomodate several folks comfortably.  They have large screen televisions with everything from sports to reality shows playing.  

There was also a store called Good Nature

in Alley A.  Although they were already closed last night, from window browsing, it appears to be a new all natural store selling clothing, books, wines, hand drums, music, pottery, jewelry - quite a variety!  

Six upscale loft apartments

also find their entrance along Alley A.  Since being completed last year, Alley A has found itself as the newest hot spot in Columbia.  It is the brainchild of John Ott, and the name was suggested by former mayor, Darwin Hindman.  It is an excellent example of how Columbia continues to thrive even during economically challenging times!

Nutrition Bargains Access in Columbia

Okay, I am really trying to eat healthier, more whole and natural~ one day at a time!  I found these tips helpful!  We have so many great providers to find  your choice in Columbia Missouri!  I so appreciate that our options are just a short drive away for Columbia residents!  Disclaimer~ I am not in the medical field, but have gone through a medical life change this past year and want to explore nutritional options!

Stop buying junk. Processed entrees, snacks, soda and juices often are expensive and do nothing for your body.

Look beyond meat. Beans, lentils, chickpeas and eggs are generally cheap and rich in protein. If you buy canned beans, rinse them to cut down on salt.

Take advantage of chicken… Dollar for pound, it’s often a bargain compared to other meats. To save even more, buy chicken whole and separate it into parts for meals, soups and sandwiches. Chicken liver also is low-priced for the protein and iron it provides.

… and canned fish. Tuna in water (not oil) is a good alternative to fresh fish; rinse before use. Frozen seafood is often expensive, but the fresh catch-of-the-day may not be—ask the seafood department.

Go for frozen produce. Fruits and vegetables are pricey out of season, but frozen options tend to be nutrient-rich thanks to “flash freezing” done just after picking. You also can load up on cheap in-season produce, especially at farmers’ markets, and freeze it.

Buy nuts in bulk. A handful a day is an excellent protein source, but small containers at grocery stores are too costly. Get nuts from wholesale stores and keep them in air-tight containers.

Choose “whole” foods whenever possible. Buy a full cabbage and shred it yourself, for example, rather than a pre-packaged bag.

Tween Talk Columiba MO

 Last night I attended a delightfully refreshing event to educate moms and their tween daughters about healthy communication, bodies, nutrition, and more!  Melody Parry, of Outfront Communications, was coordinator of this Speaking of Women's Health Event, and brought in a phenomenal speaker for the moms.  Evelyn Resh has a Master of Public Health degree and undergraduate degrees in nursing, psychology and medical anthropology.  She has a humorous delivery about a very tense subject - talking with your tween about her friends, herself, and - yes - even sex.  The evening started out with both moms and daughters getting wonderful bags of free goodies, browsing a healthy snack bar, and enjoying a photo booth.  Then the event began with some upbeat singing, and some humorous "how well do you know your daughter" questions.  

The girls were split up by age groups (ages 8-12 attended) and left with their friends to have fun while the moms cozied up and listened to Evelyn Resh and her experiences both as a mid-wife and a mom.  While the moms learned how to deal wtih their hormonal daughters in a loving and respectful manner, the girls were learning about how Seventeen Magazine's models are not what they seem to be.  They went through photos of the girls before and after hair, makeup and airbrushing!  Then they learned about healthy eating habits and even had some Zumba fun!  

At the conclusion, the girls returned to the moms and some fabulous prizes were handed out to several lucky moms and kids.  

A positive event for the women and young girls who attended and another reason I am glad to live in Columbia, MO!

Culinary Art in Columbia MO

 I had the pleasure of attending a cooking class at Inside Columbia's new location on Broadway - right here in downtwon Columbia.  My daughter, Katie, and I enjoyed mingling with the people who share our interest in cooking.  The chef on hand for this class was Adam Wells-Morgan, currently the head chef at Old Hawthorne Country Club just off Hwy 63 and East Broadway.  He walked us through preparing yummy bruscetta appetizers, an easy tomato based pasta dish, and delectible dessert of lady fingers soaked in Ameretto! 

Each person is issued an apron and handed a glass of champagne upon entering.  You then proceed to appetizers which consisted of 3 distinct cheeses, crackers and salami and grapes.  The class began promptly and I took several notes about Adam's secret tips for great sauces, cooking pasta, and his slicing/dicing tips with the knife!  

Then each person has a table number on their nametag and you go to that table and begin preparing a portion of that night's meal.  Our table was in charge of the pasta.  We made some new friends and laughed together as we began creating our own Italian dish just as if we had been cooking together forever!  

Once you are finished with your food prep, you enter a small dining area with tables already set for you.  More wine is served and the Missouri Wine Association President was there to give us a few lessons on wine and the chef discussed how he chose certain wines to pair with different courses.  It was very interesting and informative!  We learned how the type of glass you drink your wine from can impact the taste of the wine.  

Finally, the time comes for you to enjoy the fruits of your labor and everyone is served each course by the staff members.  Fred & Melody Parry, publishers of Inside Columbia Magazine as well as purveyors of the Culinary Adventures, were on hand to greet and mingle with guests.  Each client left with a sample of the dessert to take home (or eat on the way home) to other friends and family.  It was a night to remember and a fun event right here in downtown Columbia!

  Adam Wells-Morgan 

Visit their website to get the latest list of classes available!

http://comoculinaryadventures.com/

Why it's not cool to be busy

 I am just as guilty as anyone when I get asked - "How have you been?".  I typically respond, "I've been busy!".  In today's culture that is greeted with a tone of respect and admiration.  I've recently tried to alter my schedule so it is no longer an "altar" to busy.  I plan time away from the office to be outside - either exercising, reading a book, or just relaxing.  I plan open space in my days so I can actually meet those friends who call for coffee or to walk on the trail.  I am tired of being busy and still being stressed at the end of the day.  Being busy all day does not mean I have gotten anything off my plate - in fact, I seem to add even more to my plate when I am busy.  

Our bodies and minds were not created to function well when active and busy so many hours every day.  Our health suffers because we are too busy to exercise or eat right.  Our emotional health suffers because we don't get enough sleep or we don't deal with our stress in a healthy manner.  Our mental health even suffers from trying to store so much information and keep our multitude of schedules straight.  

In today's world, you have to schedule time for yourself and loved ones.  Make time for your own health and for relationships.  Remember - next time someone asks you what you've been up to - really knock their socks off and say - absolutely nothing!  Then ramble on about how much you enjoyed spending time with your spouse last week sneaking off for an afternoon movie or reading a new novel.  Try it - and see how much better life can be when you are not "busy"!

Seller Disclosure

Time and time again, another real estate transaction will reinforce that notion that Sellers must disclose, disclose, disclose!...and do it right up front with backup!

Our brokerage company requires, within the listing packet, that our Sellers complete a 7 page document called a Seller Disclosure Form.  The form asks for information about the home's major systems e.g. plumbing, electrical, foundation, HVAC, etc.  It also has questions regarding environmental issues such as radon and mold.  This form can be a daunting task for Sellers as most times the form is not filled out in entirety.  When a Buyer sees a Seller Disclosure that is not completely filled out, it can create negative vibes right off the bat.  It is for this very reason that we review every disclosure that our Sellers prepare and make sure that our Sellers have not left any blanks blank. 

Invoices on previous work that may have been completed on the home....great idea!  Warrany information on the roof, fireplace, foundation can make a home stand out against the competition.  When Sellers treat their home like a child they have nurtured i.e. kept all of the shot records, first haircut (get the idea?) that Seller is showing the Buyer that the care and maintenance on the home is important.  Buyers LIKE that!

What besides the house draws in your home's buyer?

So your home is listed, and you have de-cluttered, tidied, painted, replaced worn carpets, and even updated your kitchen and baths.  Let's face it - your home sparkles and would be a dream for any buyer to own!  Why haven't you had any offers?  Why isn't it even being shown?  

If your home sparkles, is priced well, and still isn't getting showings, there are a few external factors outside your control (and your agent's control) that can impact buyers.  School districts are usually very important to buyers with children of any age range.  Here in Columbia, that is a huge issue right now.  We are in the process of building a new high school.  Of course everyone is glad to get a new state of the art high school and reduce the overcrowding at the two existing schools - but many people are putting off their decisions to move because they are waiting for the new district boundaries to be revealed. 

Amenities are now becoming more of an issue for buyers looking for ways to save costs or reduce hassle by providing a pool or clubhouse for entertaining friends or large groups of people.  They can save on pool membership fees by sharing their pool with a few neighbors rather than a larger members only pool where they may or may not know other people.  Other perceived amenities would be proximity to downtown areas, local parks or walking trails.

At Columbia Mo Real Estate Group, we continue to stay informed on local issues affecting our clients' interests, and we promote amenities that showing agents may overlook when buyers view your home.  In summary, if your home is not getting shown, point out your favorite things about living in your home and neighborhood to your agent so she can begin promoting them for you! 

Foundation of Life and Home

Fall has arrived in Columbia, Missouri!  The air is crisp in the morning the leaves are falling!  The word foundation comes to mind today!  Everyone needs different types of foundation!  Foundation is the body or ground on which other parts rest or are overlaid!  This can be relative to our relationships with family, friends, our faith, and our home.!  It is important to have a solid foundation  in work relationships too!   You can also feel a foundation in the community you live in! Yes, Columbia, Missouri is a great place to have a foundation! I am so thankful I have a good foundation with all of the above! Even though life throws you curves sometimes, with  a solid foundation,  you can always get back to rock steady! 

Staying focused and balanced

Being busy and not accomplishing anything is a problem most people face in life.  There will always be something to fill your time each day.  By listing your priorities and planning your year, month, week and day, you can be sure to capture more of your time for those things that will result in accomplishments in your life!  

Life is not all about work.  Life is about relationships - with yourself, your family, your friends, and of course, your co-workers.  Let's start with yourself.  You may want to improve yourself physically through diet or exercise.  You may want to improve your mental ability by taking new courses.  You may want to improve your emotional health by taking time off or by taking time each day to spend with God.  Whatever your goals are - write them down and break them into bite-sized pieces, ultimately taking a look at your weekly goals and then dividing them among the days of the current week.  Block off time each day to work on each one.  If you work an 8 hour day, then you have limited time each day and all the more reason to be diligent with it!

What to do when getting your home ready to sell in Columbia MO

 Before we ever list a home, our team goes out to take a look at the property.  We meet the owners, and carefully look at the home, the yard, and any outbuildings or special features they may have such as elaborate gardens or pools.  We familiarize ourselves with amenities surrounding their home such as schools, parks, trails, transit systems, etc. 

While we are walking around the home and property, one team member is taking detailed notes while other team members point special features out and talk with the owners.  The notes we take will help us when we process the listing to be sure we include all upgrades or renovations the owner has done as well as call attention to special energy saving features or other special amenities.  The notes also provide us with a detailed checklist for the owners of items we suggest be repaired or replaced prior to listing the home.  Sometimes it is just a suggestion to give the baseboards or windows a good cleaning.  Other times it is a suggestion to have the connections to the hot water tank inspected because we noticed some small rust spots surrounding the tank.  

As agents, we are out showing buyers homes every day.  We know the level of scrutiny they put each home through before making an offer.  Our suggestions are not always followed, but those sellers who follow and even exceed our list ALWAYS sell their home quickly and for more money than those who don't.