Leaky Roof leads to Room Remodel?!

My daughter, Heather, found her self victim to a leaky roof at the beginning of this winter season. She had her roofer all lined up and ready to go, unfortunately the weather was very uncooperative. She was really feeling for everyone with roof troubles, nothing is as annoying as a leaky roof with no end in sight!

Now that the weather has been agreeable, the roof has finally been fixed. Now she has a new battle to wage. Her daughter, Elinor, is currently lobbying for a room remodel since the leaky roof took place in her room. I wonder who will win this battle?!

My bet is on Elinor.

-KK

A slow November in Real Estate.....or is it?

Historically November is a very slow month in the world of real estate, but this November I am extremely pleased to report that The Koehler-Bortnick Team has sold 11 properties for $2.4 million!! What are we doing to attribute that to?? We just started telling EVERYONE about the $8,oo0 and $6,500 tax credit and it got them excited!!

Tax Advantage of the Tax Credit

To anyone with questions on the tax credit, I particpated in an agent roundtable with 4 other top agents around Kansas City to discuss our plans and strategies to make the most of the Tax Credit extension and expansion. Go to:
http://news.reeceandnichols.com/index.php/2009/10/14/webinar-archive/ for many creative and resourceful ideas to make the most of the tax credit incentives!

Can't Miss Events in KC

Here are some of my "Can't Miss Events" going on this beautiful holiday weekend, I hope you get the time to enjoy at least one!

1. The Country Club Plaza Lighting Ceremony: Don't miss KC native and "Saturday Night Live" cast member Jason Sudeikis flip the switch on the Plaza lights Thanksgiving night!

2. Santa's Arrival: Santa Claus arrives in Crown Center on a horse drawn carriage to kick off the holiday season. Don't miss Sluggerr, KC Wolf, Perry Penguin, Casey the Bear, and other costumed characters Friday, November 27 starting at 10 am.

3. "Wicked" Presented by Broadway Across America: Be sure to catch this spectacular play now showing at the Music Hall! I can't wait to see this with my whole family!!

4.Christmas in The Park: Three hundred thousand lights and 175 animated figures and Christmas cheer transform Longview Lake Park into a winter wonderland!

5. Mizzou vs. KU: Catch the 2009 Border Showdown this Saturday at Arrowhead!

I hope everyone enjoys this fabulous holiday weekend and remember to give thanks for all the great in your life! I know I will!

- KK

10 Important Life Lessons

Some food for thought:

A friend emailed me this list it is a portion of a column written by Regina Brett of The Plain Dealer out of Cleveland titled: "The 45 Lessons Life Taught Me".

Here are just 10 to think about today:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

More lessons to come in the future. In the meantime, let me know what you think of these...

*KK

Met my goal for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer! $8,000 and counting...

Current Total: $8,372 towards the fight against Breast Cancer

New Goal: $10,000...

As many of you know, I am lucky to be a breast cancer survivor. With one sentence from my doctor 2 years ago, I learned just how vital early detection is in the fight against this disease that affects 1 in 8 women in our country --mothers, sisters, friends. In 2008, the American Cancer Society estimated that 182,460 women and 1,990 men were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Most sobering of all, breast cancer is the third leading cause of death among all women.

My cancer was a specific tumor described as HER2 positive. HER2 positive tumors tend to grow and spread quickly. They require aggressive treatment, which takes an emotional and physical toll and can be expensive. That's where my goal and all my fabulous supporters come in! This fall, I will be participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, walking for 39 MILES in Charlotte, NC on October 24-25. I'm excited to be a part of team HER2, the first-ever national walk dedicated to the patients and caregivers affected by HER2-positive breast cancer. My walk raises money for local, regional and national breast cancer organizations to support five areas of the breast cancer cause, including: awareness and education; screening and diagnosis; access to treatment; support services; and, scientific research. Support for the medically underserved is a key priority!

This event is a BIG commitment for me, but one that I feel is absolutely vital. I have spent weekdays working out, and weekends walking countless miles in Tomahawk Creek Trails to prepare for this walk!

Thanks to all my supporters I have currently raised close to $8,500 and have now increased my goal to $10,000, leaving me just $1,500 away and still two months out! I know times are tough, but it seems as though I have tremendous support, and I would love to make it all the way to $10,000! Anything you can give would be much appreciated, and your support would mean the world for me! There are two ways to donate:

1. Make a donation online at http://www.avonwalk.org/. Click on the "Make a Donation" tab and search for Team HER2 in Charlotte, NC. Then find my name and follow the lins for you donations to count for me.



2. Send me a check made out to "Avon Walk for Breast Cancer" at 4811 W. 136th St, Leawood, KS 66224.

By participating in the Avon Walk, you'll allow medically under-insured women and men to recieve the screening, support, and treatment they require. Leading-edge research teams will be provided with the funds they need to fuel thier quest for a cure! Thanks again to all my supporters this cause means the world to me, as does all of your support!

Me with the Money Tree my fantastic team mad for me!

Add Some Sizzle and Spark to Your 4th of July Weekend

Things to Do in Kansas City on this Spectacular Weekend:

Friday:

Booms and Blooms Festival: Powell Gardens hosts a spectacular festival beginning at 9 a.m. and ending with a spectacular fireworks display at dusk!

Admission is $5 -$10. Visit http://www.powellgardens.org/ for more information.

Kansas City Royals: Cheer on the Royals as they take on the Chicago White Sox tonight a 7:10, be sure to catch the firework spectacular at the end! The game starts at 7:10 p.m. visit http://www.royals.mlb.com/ for more information.

Jesse James Park: The historic Jesse James park, just two miles north of downtown Kearney on Missouri 33, will host a fantastic firework display with music, inflatables, bands, concessions, and FREE watermelon!

Friday & Saturday:

KC Riverfest: Celebrate the 4th at Kansas City's Riverfest downtown! Party starts at 3 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday, complete with ongoing events and live entertainment! The spectacular firework display will be reflected on the water with choreographed music beginning at 10 p.m. both evenings. The festival is a held at Berkley Riverfront Park, on Riverfront Drive, the south side of the Missouri River between Grand and Front Street. Get your discounted tickets online at http://www.kcriverfest.com/.

Saturday:

Kansas City Wizards: Watch Kansas City's own soccer team take on the Houston Dynamo, with fireworks immediately following! Game begins at 8:30 p.m. at the Community America Ballpark!

Fairway/Westwood Fireworks: Catch a beautiful firework display sponsored by the FairwayParks and Recreation Department and the City of Westwood. Show begins at 9:30 p.m. at Bishop Miege High School.

City of Leawood: Celebrate America's birthday in style at Leawood City Park! Complete with games, music, and vendors from 5 - 9:30 p.m. and firework spectacular at 9:45 p.m.

Olathe Fireworks: Spectacular firework display begins at 9:30 p.m. at The Great Mall of the Great Plains!

Celebrate America: Firework display and celebration at World's of Fun. Regular admission charges apply, visit http://www.worldsoffun.com/ for more information!

Celebrate Independence Day in Independence: Come to hear the Spirit of Independence concert band at 8:30 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Festivities will be held at Mormon Visitors Center. Free Admission.

Freedom Fest: Festival begins at 6:30 p.m. at Lewis & Young Park in Louisburg, KS. Family friendly celebration offers food, music, games, and contests followed by fireworks at dusk!

Lee's Summit: Legacy Park's south entrance will open at 6 p.m. and will close at 9 p.m. fireworks are set to begin at 9:30 p.m.

Liberty4th Fest: Children's activities and bands begin at 6 p.m., with fireworks at 9:45 p.m., Fountain Bluff Sports Complex.

Parkville Celebration: Parade at 10 a.m. ending in downtown Parkville. Bands begin at 7:30 p.m. on the lawn of Park University's Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel. Carnival and fireworks over the Missouri River, 9:45 p.m.

Star Spangled Spectacular: Music, games, and food from 4 - 11 p.m. fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at Corporate Woods. Visit http://www.starspangledspectacular.org/.

Hope you all have a fun and fabulous 4th!