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Monday, December 13, 2010

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Rick Burgess' Article

My friend and colleague Rick Burgess wrote a great article titled "Everyone is in Sales." It focuses on the opportunities and challenges in bringing a sales-driven culture to companies' non-selling but customer-facing employees. Please take a moment and check out the story that appeared in the December issue of KC Small Business Monthly: Everyone is in Sales

Monday, December 6, 2010

Kansas City Freelance Photographers Wanted!




The Koehler Bortnick Team is now accepting photography portfolios! If you are a freelance photographer located in the Kansas City area and have experience with real estate photography, we want to see your work! Please submit your online portfolios with a cover letter to: kbmarketing@kbsells.com. You may also mail in your work to our Leawood office, 4811 W. 136th Street, Leawood, KS 66224 attention: Kate Van Gorden.

Friday, December 3, 2010

The Koehler Bortnick Team is proud to announce that one of our exceptional properties, located at 1010 Brentwood Circle in Sunset Hill has been featured in KCH&G's December 2010 issue!

This breath-taking estate is also Kansas City's 2010 Boulevard of Dreams Green Living Show Home. You can also find out more information about this stunning property by calling our 24-hour information line at 1-800-895-7167, ext 1019.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Sales Manager Needed

We are the number one Residential Real Estate Team in the Kansas City Metropolitan area based on an average of $150 million in volume and have been for the last 17 years.



SUMMARY: The Sales Manager is needed to strategically grow the production of our agents, our team, and our business. Primary functions include goal setting, establishing training programs for our sales agents. Support through advice for the sales representatives on ways to improve their sales performance, achieve goals and obtain expected quotas.
Work with Sales agents to set goals, determine what training needs they have, and fulfilling these need. Developing methods to hold them accountable and measure their performance. Responsible for hiring and firming members of the sales team with the objection of maximum profitability and growth in line with company vision and values.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:



  • Develops a comprehensive marketing and sales strategy that continually increases commission generated.


  • Coaches agents to prepare their own action plan and then hold them accountable to the execution of their action plan.


  • Conducts one-on-one review with all Agents to build more effective communications, to understand training and development needs, and to provide insight for the improvement of sales performance.


  • Provides timely feedback to managing members regarding agent performance.


  • Sales and activity reports submitted to Manager Members with recommendations for any adjustments necessary in the program or team members.


  • Work with COO to prepare presentations for Managing Members for sales initiatives and recombination of agents to increase commission values.


  • Adheres to all company policies, procedures and business ethics codes and ensures that they are communicated and implemented within the team.


  • Recruits, tests, hires, and fires Agents based on criteria agreed upon by managing members.


  • Work in tandem with COO regarding the ownership of revenue and keeping inline with the set budget to create a cost effective sales management plan.


  • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
    Understand and Embrace Process Oriented Environment
    Experience in managing 15-20 sales people
    Proficient Computer based programs, Microsoft office products, Adobe, Publisher, and Excel
    Creative Sales Management methods and tactics
    Demonstrate how to build strong lasting relationships
    Ability to create strategic incentive and in natives


  • General Company Requirements:
    5-7 years of experience in sales management.
    Strong understanding of customer and market dynamics and requirements.
    Proven leadership and ability to drive sales teams


  • Please submit your resume to Kathy Koehler kathyk@kbsells.com; please provide cover letter, resume, portfolio and references. Click Here for more information

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Monday, October 18, 2010

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

KC Small Business October Issue


We are proud to be recognized in the
KC Small Business October Issue!

Friday, October 8, 2010

KBTeam Newsletter


Wednesday, September 22, 2010

KC FOUNTAINS GO PINK OCTOBER 2ND


Please join Kathy Koehler, October 2, 2010 at 10 a.m. at the J.C. Nichols Fountain (47th Street between J.C. Nichols Prkwy & Main) for the pinking of the fountains! For more information, click here.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Super Shopping Event - Trade in Your Old Gold, and Go On A Shopping Spree with The Proceeds! All to Benefit Breast Cancer!

In addition to The Gold Stash Vendors, we will have five women's clothing and accessory vendors set up selling away! All vendors will donate 15% of thier profits to The Areola Angels Team! Come enjoy good company and great shopping! This Wednesday, September 16th from 7-10 pm!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

KBTeam Newsletter


Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Cystic Fibrosis Event in Kansas City

Please join us and support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at the Union Station Thursday, September 2, 2010 from 6:30pm-9:00pm for fantastic food from 25 KC restaurants with wine pairings! Regular tickets $60.00 VIP tickets $90.00.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Auction Items




Beautiful pair of sterling silver earrings designed by David Yurman. Earrings are on post back with round, brillant cut diamonds, each with a citrine briolette drop dangle. $775 value.


Fabulous Dean and Deluca Italian themed basket contains Rosemary Grissini bread sticks, Marinara Sauce, Cheese, Artichoke and Capers, Espresso, Tiramisu Caramels, Bruschetta, and Olives. $100 value.


Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Private Reserve Dinner for Trezo Mare: Value of $500


Private Reserve Dinner with Kyle and Gina Danner at Trexo Mare located in the Briarcliff Village! Dinner includes raiding Gina's Private wine cellar! Hurry bidding closes in 2 days!!!
Click Here to bid today! Current Bid: $105.00

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Private Wine Tasting for You and 10 of Your Closest Friends!

Bid on this fabulous wine tasting for 10 at Somerset Ridge Winery! Relaxing wine tasting is valued at $1,000 and has a current bid of $250.00! What a steal of a deal, and remember all the money goes to charity!!!

Click here to make your bid! Hurry Auction ends FRIDAY!!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Watch The Chiefs Battle The Titans from the best seats in Arrowhead!

Bid on 4 tickets to see The Kansas City Chiefs battle it out against The Tennesse Titans, December 26, 2010 from Section 132 Row 37 Seats 13-16! Hurry and Bid today!

Click here to place your bid!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Private Suite at The Sprint Center for "The Greatest Show on Earth"



What are great opportunity for families to enjoy 'The Greatest Show on Earth' from thier own private suite! Sprint Center suite for the Ringling Bros & Barnum & Bailey Circus on Saturday, September 11, 2010. Includes 10 tickets and 1 parking pass for the best seats in the house. Let your kids enjoy the show from the best seats in the house!


Click here to bid today!

Monday, August 16, 2010

Areola Angels Silent Auction: Item of the Day: Private Cabo San Lucas Villa Vacation


Look no further than this beautiful Villa Calibri in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for your next 6 day/5 night tropical getaway! A breathtaking, 4,000 square foot ocean front villa! Villa Calibri overlooks the award winning Jack Nicklaus Golf Course and the beach. Villa features include: three master suites, a formal living room, formal dining room, two kitchens, 2-car garage, and a private pool. No need to fight traffic to hit the green or catch som rays as the beach and golf course are meerly steps away from the villa. A multitude of on-site amenities include a clubhouse, work-out room, and all the amenities of the Sheraton directly next door. What else could you possibly ask for? The winning bidder can redeem their prize, good for one year, anytime with the exception of Spring Break, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

To bid on this fabulous tropical get-away click here.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Things to do for The Fourth


On this wonderful Independence day both Dallas and Chicago canceled thier large displays of fireworks for budget cuts and 'public-safety' but in Kansas City fireworks remain a big part of our Fourth of July celebration! I am so excited to have a fun-filled fourth and with multitudes of celebrations going on through-out the city you can be sure to watch some spectacular firework shows! Check out my list below to help you and yours have the perfect Fourth of July watching spectacular pyrotechnic displays!
Johnson County
  1. Overland Park Rotary Star Spangled Spectacular: July 4, 4:00: help honor veterans and thier victories in conflict at Corporate Woods Office Park. Events begin Sunday at 4 pm and includes a live broadcast from 104.3 FM and performances from soul revue band Atlantic Express, the 35th Infantry Division Band of The Kansas National Guard, with fireworks starting at 9:30 pm. Food, beverages, and a children's area will be available. Admission is FREE!
  2. City of Leawood Fireworks: July 4 Fireworks set to begin at 9:45 pm at Leawood City Park! Admission is FREE!
  3. Village Fest: Prairie Village: July 4 Prairie Village Festival beginning at 9 am and ending at 2pm. Festival offers concerts, a pancake breakfast ($5/plate), Child ID program, Kiddie Ridges, Face Painting, and more!
  4. Roeland Park Fireworks: July 4 Fireworks begin at Dusk at Bishop-Miege High School
  5. City of Gardner Fireworks: July 4 Fireworks begin at dusk at Gardner-Edgerton Highschool. Free Admission.
  6. City of Olathe Fireworks: July 4 Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm at The Great Mall of The Great Plains. Free Admission!

Kansas City

  1. KC RiverFest: July 3-4 Held at Berkley Riverfront Park organized by Friends of the River-KC offers 2 live music stages, a kids stage, beer, barbecue, a kids zone, a marketplace, and a Zambelli fireworks show Friday and Sunday. Also, catch the first annual Canoe & Kayak Invitational Championship at 3 pm sunday. Tickets are $6 at the gate and children under 5 get in free.

Northland

  1. City of Independence Fireworks: July 4 Fireworks at Mormon Visitors Center beginning at dusk
  2. City of Gladstone Fireworks: July 4 Fireworks at Oak Grove Park beginning around 9:30-9:45
  3. Platte City Fireworks: July 4th Fireworks at Platte County Highschool Football Field fireworks begin around 9-9:30 pm
  4. Smithville Fireworks: July 4th: Fireworks at Smithville Lake beginning at dusk
  5. Weatherby Lake Fireworks: July 4th: Fireworks at Weatherby Lake Dam beginning after 9 pm
  6. Liberty 4thFest: July 4th: Fountain Bluff Sports Complex. Festivities begin at 6 pm with children's activities, and live music. Fireworks begin at 9:45 pm
  7. Elms Missouri Wine Festival and Fireworks: July 4th: Spend your Fourth at The Elms resort. Family fun even with music by The Dave Stephens Band, Food, lawn games and fireworks. Bring your lawn chair. Gates open at 5:30 pm with fireworks at 9:30 pm

Have a great and safe Fourth of July!

-The Koehler Bortnick Team



Thursday, July 1, 2010

STEMS event

Fabulous Photo-Op at the STEMS event benefitting breast cancer at the Overland Park Arboretum! The setting was beautiful and the guests were amazing! I had such a wonderful time!

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Add a little Oomph to Your Outdoor Space

Curb Appeal and Outdoor Staging Tips
Adding some furniture to your outdoor space gives your home some extra oomph
  1. Curb appeal is vital to attracting buyers! Stop traffic using color: first, with two tones of paint add a faux finish to any corner keystones. Next, bring out the color of walkway pavers using a stone sealer. Plant flower in bloom and you'll always have buyers swarming like bees to your front door.
  2. A nice outdoor deck can be a huge selling feature! Give your outdoor space new life, first sand the wood. Then cover with a light-colored stain instead of paint to give it a rustic, grainy look. Furnish it for entertaining and watch as your open house turns into a party!
For more tips and tricks on staging your home or getting it ready for sale go to
Reeceandnichols.com
HGTV.com

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Bring Your Home Office from Cluttered to Functional with a few easy steps

Bonus Room and Office Staging Tips
Like most people, you probably have an extra room with a hodgepodge of uses, clear out the clutter and stage it for ONE purpose, like a home office!
  1. Stage rooms with one purpose so buyers will know what it is. Clear away all clutter and excess furniture. Paint the walls a neutral tone and furnish the room with a desk to stage as a home office. Or try staging with a comfortable arm chair, a small table, and a lamp to transform a loft or stairwell nook into a cozy reading spot.
  2. Don't forget your storage space! Resist the urge to shove clutter into closets- buyers will be opening all your closet doors during showings. Clear out all unnecessary clustter, and organize your shelves to show off how much storage you really have!

Finally.... don't miss out on our fantastic tips to maximize your outdoor space!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Tips to Making Your Bedrooms More Inviting...

Bedroom Staging Tips:
Luxurious fabrics and warm colors will make your bedroom feel inviting for potential buyers.
  1. Remove distracting, unnecessary furniture from the bedroom. Bedrooms should send a signal of relaxation and comfort, if you have multiple purposes in one room, people will think there aren't enough rooms in the house for you and there won't be for them. When in doubt, take it out!
  2. Headboards draw attention to the bed and make the room feel fancy! When buyers enter into a master bedroom, they are expecting to see luxury, comfort, and elegance. Make sure your master suite exudes all three!
  3. Coordinate your bedding and window treatments to add instant style and class!

Don't miss out on our Bonus Room and Office Staging Tricks...

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Bring Your Bathroom from Dingy to Dazzling in a Flash

To continue with June's "Staging to Sell" topic we will focus on Bathroom staging tips! Bringing your bathroom from dingy to dazzling in a flash!

Bathrooms
  1. Grimy bathroom walls = a major red flag for buyers! Get rid of surface mold by mixing a spray bottle with one part water and one part bleach. Then spray it on the wall and watch as the mold disappears! Then give your bathroom a fresh coat of paint and watch your bathroom go from red-flag to red-hot!
  2. Avoid dated tile by painting. Bathrooms sell houses, but dated tile in a bathroom does not! A low-cost alternative to replacing tile is to use paint. First coast the tiles with a high-adhesion primer, next brush on a special ceramic expoxy covering. For a fraction of the cost of new tile you will have an up-to-date bathroom that brings in big bucks.
  3. Pedestal sinks are a huge hit with buyers! This fashionable sink type shows off square footage in small bathrooms beautifully and gives your bathroom a dramatic appeal that will bring in the big bucks!

Next up... Bedroom Staging making your bedrooms feel inviting for potential buyers.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Staging for Your Kitchen

Kitchen Staging Tips
New kitchen appliances - especially stainless steel ones - are always a major selling point!
  1. You don't have to replace your dated kitchen cabinets stain them! Dated kitchen cabinets are a big turnoff to potential buyers! Just apply the stain in even strokes, going with the grain, then add some stylish hardware and your kitchen will have an up-to-date look that buyers will love, for less than $200!!
  2. Stainless-steel appliances are definitely "in" with buyers.
  3. Save some money on granite counter tops! Granite is a huge selling feature in home, but it can get a little pricey. Here are a few ways to save on this investment: first do the demo yourself. Also, ask the vendor for remnants from previous projects. Remember any money you spend will definitely be returned in the value these beautiful counters add to your kitchen.

Stay tuned for Bathroom staging tips...

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

June's Home Selling Strategy- Increase Your Home's Value with Some Simple Staging

Staging your home is proven to increase your sale price up to seven percent, so it is definitly worth your time to evaluate your home room-by-room! Here are some quick tips to help play up your home's assests and downplay it's faults.

Living Rooms
Remember to look at your rooms through the buyers eyes, replace clutter and personal items with simple, neutral accessories to bring out the best in your living room!
  1. Add interest to old hardwood flooring - replace any damaged boards by cutting them out and replacing with new. Then rent a sander from your local hardware store like Home Depot, and give the floor a good sanding. Then stain the floors with a rich color and watch your floor go from drab to fab in no time!
  2. Built-ins- buyers love built-in bookshelves, however there is a fine line between filling them with clutter and staging to sell! To stage: arrange neutral items in clustes, make sure that no single accessory stand out too much so as to show off your attractive built-ins, not your personal belongings!

Next Room..... Kitchens....

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

8 Kitchen Cleaning Tricks that will Amaze You!

Do-It-Yourself Tips & Tricks to Make Your Kitchen Sparkle!!

1. Mix Hydrogen Peroxide + Water+ a few drops of ammonia
and you get an awesome you have created a fantastic do-it-yourself home cleaner perfect for removing stone countertops stains like coffee or juice!!

2. 1/2 Cup of Baking Soda + 2 Gallons of Water = Sparkling Tile floors.
Use a string mop or sponge with this do-it-yourself mixture and you will have sparkling clean tile floors!

3. 2 Tablespoons of Oil + 3 Tablespoons of Salt cleans up your hard to clean cast iron pots!
To clean add 2 Tablespoons of oil to a cast iron pan and heat on medium heat, once oil is heated add 3 tablespoons of salt. Next use tongs to hold a paper towel and scour pan until clean. Then rinse and coat with vegetable oil to cure.
4. 9 Parts warm water + 1 Part White Vinegar = Gleaming, like new hardwoods
This super cheap trick keeps your floors shining for days!

5. Wipe away wall splatters with warm water & a paper towel for stubborn stains use a little dishwashing detergent
6. Steel Wool
Got a few scratches on your beautiful stainless steel appliances? Never fear, steel wool will minimize that scratch in no time! Rub it gently in line with the grain until marks disappear, then try spraying a wax based aerosol spray like Ball's Stainless Steel Cleaner/Polish.

7. Alka Seltzer +Water:
To clean your pesky narrow vases, let Alka Seltzer do your work. Fill half way with water, drop in a few Alka Seltzers and call your cleaning done!

8. Ketchup!
To remove tarnish from copper and brass fixtures, pots, or pans give ketchup a shot! Gently dab some onto a soft cloth and gently rub. Finish by rinsing with warm water!





Tuesday, May 4, 2010

KBTeam May Newsletter


Friday, April 30, 2010

Congratulations to The Koehler Bortnick Team

I want to take a few minutes to congratulate my team for a RECORD BREAKING April!
I absolutely have the best agents, the best staff, and the best partners anybody could ask for!

  • For April of 2010 The Koehler Bortnick Team did an amazing $19.5 Million in volume, that is $1 Million more than we have ever done!!
  • Compared to April of 2009 with $15.6 Million in volume, that is $3.9 Million less than 2010!
  • So far for 2010 The Koehler Bortnick Team is at $53.9 Million in volume!! That is more year to date volume than the past 4 years!!

Down Market? Not for the Koehler Bortnick Team!

Thanks to my very hardworking team!! I know we have all been incredibly busy but look how all of our hardwork paid off!

*KK

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Top 10 Ways to "Green" Your Home

In honor of Earth day I thought I would prepare a list of the top ten easiest ways to make your home more earth-friendly. Remember every little bit helps; recycling just one glass bottle saves enough electricity to light a 100-watt bulb for four hours! Now, on to the list:

1. Green up your appliances. Appliance use comprises about 18% of a typical home's total energy bill, with a refrigerator being one of the biggest energy hogs! If any of your appliances are more than 10 years old, you should replace them with energy-efficient models that bear the "Energy Star" logo. These appliances use 10-15% less energy and water than standard models.

2. Watch the temp. Almost half a home's energy consumption is due to heating and cooling.
*Turn down your thermostat in cold weather and keep it higher in warm weather.
*Clean your furnace's air filter monthly during heavy usage.
*Consider a new furnace
*Keep cool in warmer weather, shade your east and west windows and delay heat-generating activities such as dishwashing until evening.
*Use ceiling fans instead of air conditioners.

3.Save Water. Check out the website www.wateruseitwisely.com! This amazing website lists 100 simple ways to save water. For instance:
*Install a low-flow toilet which uses only 1.6 gallons per flush, compared to 3.5 gallons per flush for pre-1994 models.
*Put an aerator on all household faucets and cut your annual water consumption by 50%!

4.Clean Green. Stop buying household cleaners that are potentially toxic to both you and the environment.

5.Let there be "energy-efficient" light. Compact Fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use 66% less energy than standard bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. Replacing a 100-watt incandescent bulb with a 32-watt CFL can save $30 in energy costs over the life of the bulb.

6. Save a tree, use less paper. Buy "tree-free" 100% post-consumer recycled paper for everything from greeting cards to toilet paper!

7. Want hardwood floors? Opt for bamboo. Not only are bamboo floors "exotic" they are considered environmentally friendly due to its high yield and the relatively fast rate at which it replinishes itself.

8. Reduce plastics, reduce global warming. Every year Americans throw away some 100 billion polyethylene plastic bags - grocery, trash, and sandwhich bags - considered one of the main contributors to global warming. Reduce, re-use and recycle your plastics for one of the best ways to combat global warming.

9. Use healthier paint. Convential paints contain solvents, toxic metals, and volatile organic compounds that can cause smog, ozone pollution and indoor air quality problems with negative health effects, according to the EPA. Opt instead for zero- or low-VOC paint, made by most major paint manufacturers today.

10. Garden green. Use compost instead of synthetic fertilizers. Compost provides a full complement of soil organizims and the balance of nutrients needed to maintain the soil's well-being without the chemicals of synthetic fertilizers. Healthy soil also minimizes weeds and is key to producing healthy plants, which can in turn prevent many pest problems from developing!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

4 tips to get your home sold! FAST!

1. PRICE: The bottom line is there is A LOT of competition on the market today and you absolutely must price your home right!

2. Staging: Your home needs to look better than the competition! Make your home so appealing that buyers absolutely can't live without it!

3. Professional Photos: Photos entice buyers to come out and view your home in person! People will tour homes based on how they look on the internet.

4. Internet Marketing: People spend almost all their time online now, great internet exposure gets buyers in the door!

*KK

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

25 Under 25 Award Dinner Video

A snippet of the 25 Under 25 Award Winners, if you fast forward to 3 minutes, 11 seconds you will see the Koehler Bortnick Team Video! We were so proud to be honored with such a prestigious award, we wanted to be able to share a tiny bit of the awards ceremony with you! Hope you enjoy it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_qJljKnmhQ

*KK

Monday, April 5, 2010

The KBTeam Newsletter

To see full size image please click the newsletter!

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Flurry of activity in the Real Estate Market

The extension of the first time home buyer tax credit, the creation of the tax credit for existing homeowners, low interest rates, and low home prices are all converging to make the real estate market ripe for buyers, but what will happen once the tax credits expire?

Check out
http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2010/03/29/focus3.html
for more information on the blossoming Kansas City Real Estate Market and predictions on what is in store for the remainder of 2010!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Get Your Home Ready To Sell!

With the spring market in full swing I have some advice for the future sellers out there, some tips and tricks on preparing your home for the market!

De-clutter! Divide your items into 4 categories: Trash, Return, Donate, and Might Need.

For the Trash Pile: Be ruthless! Get rid of it as soon as possible! Some things to get rid of: dated phone books, sale catalogues, newspapers, magazines, broken things that you haven't gotten around to fixitng, projects you started but haven't finished, and obsolete electronics.

Return Pile: Return anything that doesn't belong to you. Don't add to your quantity of stuff by moving someone else's belongings.

Donate Pile: You will find things that are still in good condition but they're of no use to you. Give them to friends, family, charitable organizations, or advertise in the free section of the classified ads in the newspaper or on craigslist!

Might Need: Ask your self the following questions:
  • Would you go out and buy one today?
  • Do you even remember what it does?
  • Did you even remember you have it?
  • Have you used it since your last move?
If you answered no to any of the following questions than YOU DON'T NEED IT!!

Decluttering your home is the first step, and an important one. Make a checklist for each room in your home with the above four categories and get everything out you no longer use, need, or want! This will help you restore rooms to their core functions and increase the saleability of your home!

For more tips and tricks visit: www.prepareyourhouseforsale.com

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

10 Great Ways to Add Curb Appeal

Some tips and tricks to creating a great first impression on potential buyers:

1. Create Symmetry: Symmetrical compositions of light fixtures or front door accents are easiest to arrange and most pleasing to the eye. For spring try potted plants on either side using flowers or plants that best match your existing landscaping.

2. Replace Old Hardware: House numbers, the front door lockset, a wall mounted mailbox, and overhead light fixture are all elements that can add style and interest to your home. Try oil-bronzed units for traditional homes and brushed nickel on more contemporary homes.

3. Dress Up Your Front Door: Give your home a burst of color by painting your front door a coordinating color, or swap out your normal front door for a custom wood door! Your entry should also match your home's interior so add a wreath or swag that reflects your decor.

4. Outdoor Lighting: Landscaping lighting can make a huge impact on your home's curb appeal. Accent trees, or illuminate a walking path to the home. You can even use solar lighting as a quick way to gain a little extra light, and not mess with wires and fixtures!

5. Add Shutters or an Accent Trim: both shutters and trim add a welcoming element of beauty to your home.

6. Replace Gutters and Downspouts: Replace older gutter systems that might have peeling paint, rust spots, or worse with newer snap-fit vinyl systems that go together with few tools and require no painting! Looking for an even better quality gutter system? Copper systems convey an unmistakable look of quality.

7. Dress Up Your Driveway: Upgrade your driveway without completely redoing it! Repair any cracks or stains, then dress it up by staining the concrete or affixing flagstones. Or widen with flare by adding brick or pavers to the sides!

8. Upgrade Your Railings: Porch railings can deteriorate rapidly, if your railings are past their prime be sure to replace them with something that fits in with the rest of your exterior decor.

9. Renew Paint, Siding, or Trim: This exterior facelift automatically transforms the look of your home! Make sure your home's paint or siding is in tip top shape!

10. Create a New Planting Bed: Add contrast and color by adding a new planting bed! Good locations for this would be the front corners of your yard, along driveways or walkways, and immediately in front of your home. Be sure to choose features that will complement your homes exterior!

For more tips and tricks visit www.betterhomesandgardens.com for home improvement ideas and more ways to enhance your homes curb appeal!

Friday, March 5, 2010

Sneak Peek from the 25 Under 25 Awards Gala



Waiting on a few more to come later in the week! We had such a blast and were so honored to be a part of the event!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Motivation

According to dictionary.com motivate means to "provide an incentive, move to action, impel" I was indeed shown the true meaning of this word yesterday when I was given the amazing opportunity and honor to speak as a Snow West Cancer Ambassador, to over 900 Genetech employees. This event proved to be one of the most motivating and awe-inspiring moments of my life. Early Sunday morning I flew out to San Francisco to prepare for my Monday afternoon speech, I was excited and a little nervous to speak in front of so many important people! These people go to work everyday to fight cancer, they are responsible for not just saving my life but THOUSANDS of lives! I started out the speech thanking each and everyone of them for their part in saving lives, and then went on to tell my story. After I was finished, the most astonishing thing occured, those amazing doctors, scientists, and engineers gave me a 3 minute standing ovation! Yesterday was one of the most overwhelming, yet motivational days of my entire life! Without those fabulous Genetech employees, thousands of women would lose their lives to breast cancer, and they were applauding me! I am even more motivated for my 2010 Avon Walk and hope to go above and beyond my goal of $50,000 raised for breast cancer! I know I can do it, with my wonderful support system and those wonderful Genetech employees motivating me to keep going, keep pushing, keep trying!

**KK

Saturday, February 27, 2010

GO U.S.A.

I am so proud to be an American!
It's day 16 of the Olympics and I am proud to say we are still on top of the medal counts! I've seen some awe-inspiring competitors, and I am so proud that despite everything that is going on in the world today, we all stop and 'play' with one another for the Olympics! This Olympics especially has been one of the most thrilling, Shaun White and his endless tricks on his snowboard are absolutely mesmerizing, Apolo Ohno and his amazing races, and how about that skier Jeret "Speedy" Peterson landing his "hurricane" aerial to win silver! Good luck to the rest of the American athletes, I can't wait to see what will be next!
*KK

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Accelerant Reception


Our team recently joined a networking group called Accelerant where we get to meet and network with others in the top of their fields! Last Thursday I was able to attend a fabulous reception at the Mission Hills Country Club where we were able to meet Willie Aames! I had so much fun at this event and wanted to share a few pictures that I thought were best!Kimberly Esposito, Willie Aames, and Me!
Willie Aames, Olanda Nicholas, and Me!

I saved the best for last Willie Aames and I have a serious business conversation! I love it!

**KK








Monday, February 22, 2010

2009 Koehler Bortnick Team Awards Ceremony

I had an absolutely wonderful time today at our awards banquet! Thanks so much to all of our fabulous team members for making 2009 such a great year, and so happy for 2010! I know we will break all our records!

**KK

Friday, February 19, 2010

The Kansas City Urban Core Presents...

THE UNION CARBIDE CONDOMINIUMS and THE KANSAS CITY CLUB
-PROUDLY SERVING SINCE 1882-
The Urban Core Group's February event will commence at the Kansas City Club. Tour this charming and beautiful urban treasure that connects to the newly renovated Union Carbide Condominiums. Our evening will also include tours of the condominiums and tales of these two historic structures.
The 1212 Pub in the Kansas City Club is opening its door to our members after our event ends at 7:00pm.
PLACE: The Kansas City Club 918 Baltimore
PARK: On the street
DATE: Wednesday February 24, 2010
TIME: 5:30PM-7:00PM
RSVP BY NOON ON FRIDAY, FEB 19, 2010
or call 816-820-4889
$10.00 Guest Fee
Payable at Door
Volunteers
Would you like to help with Urban Core events? We'd love to have you, just write to us at volunteers@kcurbancoregroup.org
Give us your name, number & email. We'll be calling!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Happy Mardi Gras--Laissez le bon temps rouler!


Let the good times roll! Down in the "Big Easy" the beads start flying as the parades stroll down the streets in New Orleans. The people of the city definitely have something to celebrate with the Saints big win in the Super Bowl! Once the trumpets start blaring I know the "Who Dat" chant will be heard throughout!
Wishing everyone a Happy Mardi Gras!
The Koehler Bortnick Team

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Valentine's Day


Wishing You and Yours a Very Happy Valentine's Day!

From Everyone at The Koehler Bortnick Team

Saturday, February 13, 2010

25 Under 25 Pre-Gala Dinner

Heather and I attended the 25 Under 25 Pre-Gala Dinner last Tuesday evening at the Missouri Bank & Trust Building Downtown. It was a very inspirational and enlightening experience. I was surrounded by KC business men and women that had the common goal of supporting the metro area and wanting to help it thrive. The speaker was the President of the Boulevard Brewery Company and was just superb and the food was the best I have ever eaten. It was a good time had by all.

*KK





Thursday, February 11, 2010

Kathy Koehler on Hot Talk 1510AM


FRIDAY, FEB. 12TH @ 9:00AM on 1510 KCTE. Tune in to hear Kathy Koehler talk about how she achieved success in her real estate business.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

The KBTeam Newsletter


Spring Market, Coming in Like a Lion


The Spring Market is officially here! This has been by far the craziest January I have seen yet, so far in January of 2010 The Koehler Bortnick Team has taken 63 new listings and had 1,0005 ! On top of that we have already sold 39 homes! And to top that we have had 1,005 showings on our listings! I am so excited to see what to 2010 will bring, I hope it will go out the same way it came in!!!


*KK


Monday, February 8, 2010

And the Saints Go Marching In...

What a wonderful finish to a fantastic super bowl game! It was one of those nail biting games until the very end! So proud of the Saints for winning for the first time in franchise history and really bringing New Orleans back! Wish I could've been on Bourbon Street after the win, I am sure it was truly an event to remember!

On a lighter note, how about those hysterical commercials, my favorite was by far the Dorito's kid telling his dad.. "2 things, hands off my momma and hands of my Doritos!" What was your favorite? I would love to hear!!!

*KK

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Whirlwind Weekend

Hello from sunny Daytona Beach!! I am here with some fellow Avon Breast Cancer walkers and we are getting the personalized tour of Daytona Speedway by Mr. Patrick Dempsey himself. I took a tour of the track from inside a car speeding around at 130mph! Patrick signed my Avon Breast Cancer walk tshirt and I will be auctioning that off to help support my walk this year. And last, but certainly not least, I got kissed by Patrick!!! It was only on the cheek, but who is counting. This has already been an amazing day!!! Thank you to all those who helped me get here!!

*KK

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Originality, Risk, Virtuosity

Three Buzz Words
that Peter Vidmar Applied to his life everyday to be #1
  1. Original - Are you being original?
  2. Risk - Are you taking a risk?
  3. Virtuosity - Are you doing it with gusto?

Are you the best you can be?

Monday, January 25, 2010

Peter Vidmar's Tips to Being the Best You Can Be



I had the opportunity to attend a breakfast with Peter Vidmar, the highest scoring American Gymnast in Olympic History, I learned so much from him I can't wait to share it all:


Take Chances, Take a Risk, and Get Outside Your Box


You have three choices: Average, Above Average, and Excellent -

Which one do you want to be?


  • If you don't take the chance you won't become the best you want to be!

  • Do you want to play it safe and be mediocre - or take the risk and be excellent?

I choose excellence!


The Extra things we do make a difference



  1. Change your behavior to be the best

  2. Work twice as hard as everyone else and you will be a winner

  3. The first person to work and the last person to leave are usually #1

  4. Stop watching "the other guy", don't be a copy-cat - Don't look at what other people do, be your own person, own your own scripts, and honor your skills.

  5. Becoming the best does not happen overnight!

  6. Separate yourself from the ppack

  7. Make your repetitious tasks fun and exciting

  8. To be focused and diligent = SUCCESS!

Are you doing extra?



More to come from this very inspirational speaker later this week!





Saturday, January 23, 2010

SNEAK A PEEK....





Join Us
Thursday, January 28th from 4pm - 6pm at
The Kansas City Club (second floor)
for drinks and light hors d' oeuvres,
then sneak a peek at the newly renovated,
fresh on the market Union Carbide Condos!!!

This amazing condo project features 27 Boutique living spaces located at 912 Baltimore
centered in the heart of Downtown's Urban Culture,
Union Carbide Condominiums place the city at your doorstep!
Dining, Shopping, Art, and Recreation;
Entertainment, Sporting, Educational, and Cultural Events
all within your neighborhood!

Friday, January 22, 2010

The Lowdown on Costs

Important information for today's buyers:

When you apply for a loan, your lender should give you a good faith estimate of closing cost. It is important to understand which costs can change when you go to settlement:

Costs that can't change:
  • Origination Fees
  • Points (after you've locked in an interest rate)
  • Adjusted origination fees after you've locked in an interest rate
  • Transfer taxes

Charges that can increase up to 10% in aggregate

  • Required services selected by the lender
  • Title services, lender's title insurance and owner's title insurance, if selected by the lender
  • Government recording charges

No limit on increases

  • Required services selected by the borrower
  • Title services, lender's title insurance and owner's title insurance, if selected by the borrower
  • Daily interest changes
  • Homeowner's insurance
  • Initial deposit for escrow

For more information on this subject visit

http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2010-01-17-closing-cost-rules_N.htm

Friday, January 15, 2010

Haiti Relief

On Tuesday, January 12, 2010 a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near the capital of Haiti, Port-au-Prince. In the past few days several countries and organizations have come together to help bring aid to the peoples of Haiti. The Koehler Bortnick Team has decided to join the Heart to Heart International organization in providing Care Kits to be shipped to those in need. Please get together with friends, family, and co-workers and help bring relief to those in Haiti. Click on the highlighted link for more instructions on assembling and shipping the Care Kits.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

KBTeam Newsletter

Please click here to read more about the 10 Things to know about Real Estate in 2010
by Luke Mullins

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Get On The Bus!

If you have not yet read "The Energy Bus" by Jon Gordon you better run out and buy it!!! This was one of the most inspirational and motivational books I have ever read! I was so motivated after reading this book, I am making my entire team read the book and jump on my bus! Everyone is supposed to be reading the book this weekend and then we are having an entire meeting dedicated to this book! I can't wait to see what Monday has in store for us! 2010 is going to be a great year!

Visit: www.theenergybus.com to get yours today!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

New Year, New Agents

I would like to take a minute to recognize the amazing new agents who joined the team this year:

New Leawood Agents:


Austin Speer, Tim Jacobsen, JoLynn Tarantino, Dan Hague, Sarah Crooks, Olanda Nicholas, Pamela Castans, Andrew Winfrey, and Kathleen Markham.


New Liberty Agents:


Nickole Walton, Felicia Irons, Stephanie Brown, and David Driskill.


New Southgate Agents:


Rebekah Buchanan and Veronica Jaster.


We are so excited for our new additions to the team and are looking forward to an even better 2010!

Monday, January 4, 2010

Number #1 in KC for 17 years running...

The Kansas City Business Journal came out with their 2009 Stats and The Koehler Bortnick Team was number 1 again! Thanks to all the hardwork from all the agents on the team! We couldn't have done it without you guys!

Visit: http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansascity/ to check out the rest of the agents and teams that made the list!

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THE K|B TEAM
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 #15 IN THE NATION!

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