Travis Evans - Self-proclaimed Blogger

There are a few key topics that really strike my attention these days, and I found an article in the paper this morning that appealed to two of them...raising my kids and saving the earth.  It was an article titled "Global View" in the Lawrence Journal World written by Christy Little.  The article describes a local group that is making a start to educate parents in making their family earth-friendly. 

Lawrence is a great community, and you don't have to hang around here too long to realize that there are a lot of people in this town that care about the environment.  Sometimes that overshadows the fact that there are even more people in Lawrence that are just starting to think about going green and have no clue where to start.  This group seems like a great place to learn.

The green parenting interest group "Eco Parents" is having an initial meeting Thursday August 28th 7p.m. at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont.  The group is connected to the Lawrence Sustainability Network and is open to even the newest beginners in earth-friendly living.

We certainly have responsibilities to take care of what we've been given, and I think that making those decisions as a family will have a positive impact on the character of our kids.  I think I'll be heading out to the Eco Parents meeting this Thursday to see what it's all about...maybe I'll see you there!!

Travis

This is a great opportunity for an easily managed rental investment.  All of these townhomes are located within a block of eachother on two streets.  There is management and maintenance on site that can be carried over to new ownership if needed.  All of these units were built between 2001 and 2003 so they are in great shape.  The roofs were just replaced in 2007.  All units are currently rented out, and they are in a great location for commuters, just north of the country club and 1.5 miles from I-35.  For more information and rental info, please contact Travis at 785-766-4608 or send me an e-mail at travis@cbrowngroup.com

It's funny how kids turn your whole world upside down in so many ways.  For me, though, one of the most critical changes parenthood has made in my life is perspective.  Kids help you remember what's most important in life, and as I think about the years to come in raising my two boys I realize...LIFE IS REALLY SHORT. 

What does this have to do with real estate?

Sometimes we get so caught up in providing for our family, we forget what our family really needs us to provide...OURSELVES.  I think everyone would agree that family time is important, but we still overlook it week after week with appointment after appointment.  Schedule it if you have to, whatever it takes.  I'm working hard to develop family habits and personal habits that will ensure I'm providing ME to my family for years to come. 

I'm pretty new to blogging, but early on I was somewhat surprised to find that my most popular entry was about a 3 day vacation I took to Colorado.  I've been thinking about that, and my theory is that real estate agents are looking for a break.  Vacations are great for recharging, but I'm following up with this to remind anyone interested that there are other ways to stay fresh and find joy.  Make time for the things that are most important.

Life is short, but if we take good care of ourselves...we'll be living it well for the long haul.

This is a wonderful new home available in north part of Baldwin City, KS.  The location is very convenient, right across the road from the high school and a quick drive into Lawrence.  There are lots of custom features in the home, and the landscaping is great.  If you're looking for a great value in Baldwin City, this is a must see. 

To make an appointment for your personal tour, please call me at 785-766-4608.

For information on our other listings, or to search all properties in the area, visit our website at www.cbrowngroup.com!!

There could be a number of different circumstances that lead you to sell your home, but usually the main goal is to sell quickly for the top price.

The successful sale of your home depends on four conditions:

1.  A solid marketing plan

2.  A properly priced property

3.  A home that shows well

4.  An effectively managed process with great communication

Our Listing Services:

-Proven marketing plan tailored to your selling needs

-Expert guidance in staging your home for optimal showing condition

-Comparative Market Analysis and thorough pricing advice

-Frequent updates on marketing progress

-Professional management of the entire process by a whole team...listing to closing

For more information or general advice in selling your property, call us at 785-766-4608 or visit us at ww.cbrowngroup.com

I'm always amazed at how little people know and understand about buyer agency.  I think many real estate agents make too many assumptions about what people know early on in their relationships with clientele.  Buyer agency is not rocket science, but if you're not around it every day, it can be a little hazy. 

In simple terms, a buyer would want to hire a buyer's agent to guide them through the home buying process, and to look out for THEIR best interests throughout the transaction...from offer to closing. 

It's important to find someone who can lead you through each step, listen carefully, and enable you to enjoy the journey.

With the C. Brown Group...our FREE Buyer Services include:

-Reliable guidance through financing and the buying process

-A thorough search of ALL available properties according to your specific criteria

-Real-time information on homes that may interest you...a convenient and easy way to shop the market

-A Comparative Market Analysis to ensure you pay a fair price for your new home

-Firm negotiation for your best interests

-Direct coordination of inspections and closing to assure satisfaction and minimize your stress

Your buying experience should be a good one, and we do everything possible to create that comfort for each client.  Don't go it alone and leave your home purchase to chance.  Find a good Buyer's Agent that you are comfortable with and can trust.

Contact us anytime...785-766-4608

www.cbrowngroup.com

I just recently took a few days to zip out to Colorado with my wife.  Having two little boys, it's needless to say that we were long overdue for some sort of vacation.  It can be tough to find getaway time in the middle of summer if you're in the real estate biz, but boy is it necessary.

A vacation doesn't need to be 2 weeks long to serve its purpose.  It's all in how you use the few days you get.  I think the key is carefully planning for activities that you know are going to recharge your batteries.

For us it was camping, hiking, and fishing.  We dropped the boys off with my parents and headed to Ft. Collins for a work commitment that my wife had arranged.  Outside of those few hours it was all free time.  We headed up Poudre Canyon in search of a campsite.  We landed at a great little state campground, setting our tent about 20 yards from the Poudre River.  Three days of wading the river with a flyrod in hand was just enough to make me feel like a new man!  We had a great time, and even though we both agreed that we would have been HAPPY to spend 2 weeks at that campsite...three days was fine.

So my ten cents, for what it's worth...get out of the grind for a few days.  Do what you love and you'll hit the ground running even harder when you get back. 

Tight lines,

Travis

The days of driving all over Douglas County and burning tank after tank of overpriced gas to look at houses are past.  At the C. Brown Group, we offer a free service called Link to Listings with no strings attached.  It will most certainly save you a bundle of time and money when you start to look for your next home. 

Here's how it works.  You contact us to discuss your needs and desires in a future home.  We plug that criteria into the system, and it searches the Lawrence MLS for matches.  We e-mail those matches to you so that you can go through them and narrow down the results according to your taste.  If you don't find the property that's just right, we activate notifications for you so that as soon as a new property comes on the market...you get an immediate message with all the info. 

The system is easy to use, and it keeps you up to date on what the market is doing.  As soon as you see a home that strikes your interest, we set an appointment to go see it in person.  If you are searching for a home, or will be in the near future, you owe it to yourself to give this system a try. 

To check it out or get signed up, give me a call at 785-766-4608.

Or, visit our website at www.cbrowngroup.com and click on the Link to Listings tab.

As we've been spending more and more time thinking about how to make our homes more energy efficient and going green in all aspects of life, I've started to take note of how many little things can make a big difference.  I was on the City of Lawrence website and noticed that they are offering FREE MONEY to make efficiency upgrades to qualifying homeowners here in Lawrence.  What a great opportunity!!  No out of pocket expense, and you could start saving money on your monthly utilities immmediately! 

Of course, there are some limitations and the program targets only attic insulation, storm windows, and weather-stripping of entry doors. 

For more details on the City of Lawrence Weatherization Program, visit their website at www.lawrenceks.org. 

We're always thinkin' green at the C. Brown Group, so frequent our website at www.cbrowngroup.com to learn with us about making the most of what we have!!

Quiet comfort in a great neighborhood.  This 3 bedroom, 3 bath home is a nice spacious floorplan on a beautifully landscaped corner lot.  Large master suite, 2 living areas, eat-in kitchen, and an unfinished basement.  Lots of nice features with nearly 2500 sq. ft.  Just a short walk away from Dad Perry Park.  This is a great home, and the price has recently been reduced making it a great value.  Please contact me with any questions or to set up your personal tour of the property.

 Lots of other great properties are available...Just give me a call at 785-766-4608 or visit

www.cbrowngroup.com