Making the Move within Kansas City

Looking for a change without leaving your favorite spots behind? 

A local move within the Kansas City metro offers the chance to upgrade your life while staying close to familiar comforts. Neighborhoods like Lee’s Summit, Martin City, Belton, Raymore, Peculiar, Olathe, Overland Park, and Lenexa offer a mix of affordability, family-friendly amenities, and convenient access to the city. 

Whether you’re seeking a quieter suburban lifestyle, more space, or a growing community with investment potential, each area has unique features—from parks and lakes to cultural events and top-rated schools—that make them ideal for families, first-time buyers, and those looking for a fresh start close to home.

Read the Full Article
Kansas: Johnson and Miami Counties
Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Shawnee, Leawood, Prairie Village, Merriam, Mission Hills, Paola, Osawatomie, Louisburg, Hillsdale, Bucyrus
Missouri: Jackson and Cass Counties
Belton, Raymore, Pleasant Hill, Peculiar, Archie, East Lynne, Lake Winnebago, Loch Lloyd, Kansas City, Independence, Blue Springs, Grandview, Raytown, Grain Valley, Lake Lotawana, Buckner

As part of the ReeceNichols relocation team, our agents at The Gresham Group specialize in finding homes for relocations. Learning your preferences and educating you on the area will help finalize your home purchase. Let’s start the  relocation process.

Welcome to the Team

We’re excited to welcome Amanda McIntyre and McCartney Payton! The team is looking forward to their fresh eyes and market expertise. Please join us in welcoming them!

Amanda’s approach to real estate is rooted in authenticity, because she believes that finding the right home goes beyond just the transaction – it’s about building a relationship based on trust, transparency, and genuine understanding.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, her commitment is to provide a seamless experience with integrity at every stage, ensuring you feel informed, confident, and truly supported throughout the process.

Passionate, hardworking, and client-focused, McCartney specializes in luxury homes, residential sales, and investment properties throughout Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, and the greater Kansas City area.

McCartney works tirelessly to help buyers find their dream home and sellers maximize their property’s value.

Whether you’re a local buyer or relocating to Kansas City, McCartney makes the transition seamless by providing expert guidance on neighborhoods, market trends, and the home-buying process.

Tips of the Trade

Winter is a great time to declutter your home by organizing seasonal items, deep cleaning, and focusing on high-traffic areas like entryways and kitchens.

Especially with the long days and nights with this bitterly cold weather in Kansas City, now is great time to get the whole family on-board with a little winter cleaning.

What should I do with winter gear (coats, boots, scarves) to avoid overcrowding my entryways or closets?

To avoid overcrowding your entryways or closets, store winter gear like coats, boots, and scarves in bins or storage containers when not in use, especially if you’re preparing to sell. You can also rotate seasonal items by keeping only a few essential pieces easily accessible, while the rest can be packed away or stored under beds or in attic space to keep your home feeling spacious and organized.

Any specific organizational products that are especially useful for winter home staging?

For winter home staging, we recommend:

  • Storage Bins and Baskets 
  • Shoe Racks or Boot Trays
  • Over-the-Door Hooks 
  • Closet Organizers
  • Under-Bed Storage
Are there any common winter-specific staging mistakes I should avoid when selling my home?

Common winter-specific staging mistakes to avoid include overcrowding with seasonal decor, leaving entryways cluttered with snow and winter gear, and overheating the home. Also, don’t forget to maximize natural light by opening curtains to prevent a dark, uninviting feel.

What are the most important areas of my home to declutter and organize before putting it on the market in winter?

The entryway is key to making a great first impression. A tidy, welcoming space sets the tone for the rest of the home, making it feel inviting and spacious.

Picturesque Nightmare

Winter weather, like snow, ice, and freezing rain can transform your home from a picturesque scene to a nightmare very quickly. While the winter wonderland outside might be beautiful, it can have serious repercussions for your roof and gutters. Understanding the potential impact of winter weather on these essential components of your home can help you prepare and mitigate damage.

  • Check for ice dams or signs of leaks. Clogged gutters can affect the foundation, if not tended to quickly. Freezing water in downspouts can cause cracks or burst pipes. If possible, remove ice buildup from gutters to prevent further damage. 
  • Wet, heavy snow accumulation can significantly affect your roof. This weight can strain your roof or lead to sagging or collapsing. Regular roof inspections will help alleviate this issue. One major tip is to ensure your attic is properly insulated and ventilated. This helps maintain an even temperature across the roof, preventing the snow from melting unevenly. 

Even though winter might keep you indoors, inspecting your home’s exterior for issues needs to be addressed before spring. If you notice any damage contact our trusted vendor: Integrity Above All Roofing, Gutters, Siding 816-726-0220

We LOVE Kansas City

Grab your coat and explore Kansas City—there’s always something exciting happening, from cozy spots to vibrant events!

KC Brew Festival

  • Saturday, February 22, 2025
  • 12:00 – 8:00 P.M.
  • Union Station

Purchase tickets here

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

  • Stewarding One of America’s Most Meaningful Stories

Learn more here

KC Home and Flower Show

  •  Friday, February 28 | 12:00 – 7:00 P.M.
  • Saturday, March 1 | 10:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.
  • Sunday, March 2 | 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
  • Bartle Hall

Purchase tickets here

Highlighting Energy Efficiency to Buyers

There are many ways to save energy in your home so you will not only enjoy lower energy bills but also increased comfort with fewer drafts.

Highlighting energy-efficient features like updated windows, HVAC systems, insulation, and smart appliances can attract buyers by showcasing long-term cost savings and eco-friendliness. 

Learn how you can upgrade to energy efficient products and make other home improvements that can deliver significant energy and cost savings.

Upgraded Windows – Did you know that Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use? Replacing old, drafty windows with certified efficient windows lowers household energy bills by an average of 12 percent.
Modern HVAC System – Upgrading your HVAC system is always a smart decision. Although a substantial investment upfront, it could save you a significant amount of money in the long run. Plus, to potential buyers, this is one less massive project to tackle when they move in.
Good Insulation: Good insulation is essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature year-round. Proper insulation helps reduce energy bills by preventing heat from escaping in winter and keeping it out during summer. It also contributes to a quieter living environment by minimizing noise from outside and between rooms.
Smart Appliances: Enhance both your convenience and energy efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homes with smart appliances can save up to 30% on energy costs annually. These devices, such as smart thermostats and refrigerators, not only help reduce utility bills but also increase your home’s modern appeal and potential resale value.
Sealing Drafts: Addressing drafts is a key step in improving energy efficiency and comfort. Properly sealing gaps around windows, doors, and other openings can prevent heat loss in the winter and keep cool air inside during the summer. This simple improvement can significantly lower energy bills while creating a more consistent indoor temperature throughout the year.

Energy-efficient features can attract buyers seeking to reduce long-term costs and be more eco-conscious, offering comfort, savings, and sustainability, especially during colder months. Plus, don’t forget to take advantage of tax credits with these upgrades.

Close Before the Spring Rush

Winter can still be a good time to sell your home, but you may have to work a little harder to make the space appear cozy, warm, and inviting against the dreariness of the season. 

  1. Remember to remove snow and ice or the hazardous winter weather conditions. Taking the time to ensure buyers and agents make it in your home safely is part of the sale too!
  2. Illuminate rooms and cozy nooks during the dark winter months. With natural light at a minimum, accent lighting and led-bulbs will help brighten the space.
  3. Create an environment that’s inviting. Soft blankets, a set dining table, and intentionally designed coffee tables or shelves can create a welcoming look. 

With fewer buyers in the winter months, the closing process might be quicker and less stressful. Lenders, title companies, and inspectors are often able to process everything faster, which means buyers could be moved into their new homes before the spring rush begins.

Listing and closing in late winter allows you to settle into your new home early and take advantage of warmer weather for home improvements, landscaping, or simply enjoying your new space.

Celebrating Mardi Gras at Home

Whether you’ve just moved into your new home or have always dreamed of visiting, this is the perfect year to bring the fun to your own living room.

Mardi Gras season is the perfect excuse to indulge in traditional New Orleans cuisine. And the good news is that these specialty foods can be easily made and shared with the whole family. Get your Mardi Gras menu started with the following dishes and treats.

Don’t forget to pair these with a little jazz music and vibrant decorations!

Shrimp Gumbo

Savory gumbo with all the flavors is a Lousiana staple.

View Recipe
New Orleans-style Beignets

It wouldn’t be a party without these sweet French doughnuts.

View Recipe
Red Beans and Rice

A simple one-pot meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

View Recipe

Questions of the Month

This month, we asked our realtors for their advice. With expert knowledge at your fingertips, agents want you to enjoy the selling, buying, and homeowning process. Here’s what our agents had to say:

Should you be more focused on a home’s curb appeal or interior layout?

Tani: Interior buyers can look past the outside, as landscaping can be remedied pretty quick but a layout that is impressive regardless of the outside will ultimately sway their opinions of the home. 

Amanda M: I’ve noticed my buyers are more focused on the kitchen’s layout and updates.

Julie: I believe it’s a personal preference. If you’re not planning to sell your home, maybe the interior layout. If you’re selling your home, definitely curb appeal should be the focus. I personally focus on curb appeal even though I’m not selling my home. I want people driving by to assume the interior is as nice as the exterior. It improves the look and feel of the neighborhood. 

What type of maintenance or repairs should you prioritize when moving into a new home?

Tani: Clean duct work, service HVAC, fortify the outside to make sure water is properly being diverted away from your home.

Amanda M: Floors, Plumbing, and Electrical has been my buyers focus.

Julie: Focus on safety and comfortability of your home and after those are addressed, look at efficiency.

Real Estate Market Update

We’re on the pulse of the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS®. Although Average Days on the Market are up, so are Average Sales Prices. If you’re selling or planning to sell, the best thing you can do is stay patient and focused knowing The Gresham Group is committed to an stress-free selling process!

Looking to buy a home? You’re in luck! Inventory is still on the rise!

Sold on Love

It’s the perfect playlist to set your heart (and home) in the right place!

Head to Spotify and search The Gresham Group.

Listen Now

WORK WITH US

Buying and selling a house is an emotional process. Our agents are here to be your trusted advisor and lifelong friend. We’re dedicated to the people of Kansas and Missouri and believe everyone should be able to find home.
Get In Touch